Kwame Mbalia

Seventh-grader Tristan must return to Alke and enlist the help of African gods and black folktale heroes when Nana is abducted from the Strong family farm in Alabama.

Tristan Strong Destroys the World (a Tristan Strong Novel, Book 2)

Renee Delcourt

I was so excited for this book and was equally nervous since I loved the first book so much. Starting out the book was much slower paced and I panicked that it was going to fall into second book syndrome. Thankfully the book picked up really fast and had the same rhythm and feel as the first.

I love meeting new characters and revisiting old ones. The writing is so vivid and tangible that everything seems real. 

The ending is everything and I can not wait to continue the series when the next book comes out.

Paige Green

Disclaimer: I received the e-arc for this book from the publisher and then bought my own copy. Thanks! All opinions are my own and support your authors!

Book: Tristan Strong Destroys the World

Author: Kwame Mbalia

Book Series: Tristan Strong Book 2

Diversity: Black MC and side characters

Rating: 5/5

Recommended For...: Middle grade, fantasy, mythology, African mythology and lore

Genre: MG Fantasy

Publication Date: October 6, 2020

Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents

Pages: 390

Recommended Age: 10+ (Violence, Grief, Trauma)

Explanation of CWs: Punching and there are some weapons used. There are very scary moments and the subject of trauma is brought up literally and in an allegorical sense.

Synopsis: Tristan Strong, just back from a victorious but exhausting adventure in Alke, the land of African American folk heroes and African gods, is suffering from PTSD. But there's no rest for the weary when his grandmother is abducted by a mysterious villain out for revenge. Tristan must return to Alke--and reunite with his loud-mouthed sidekick, Gum Baby--in order to rescue Nana and stop the culprit from creating further devastation. Anansi, now a "web developer" in Tristan's phone, is close at hand to offer advice, and several new folk heroes will aid Tristan in his quest, but he will only succeed if he can figure out a way to sew broken souls back together.

Review: I really liked this sequel. While the first book felt like it could stand alone this book picked up well from the first and the ending led me to want more of it. The characters are all well developed, the world building is well done, and I loved the African mythology and lore. I love the stories and I love how the author condenses these stories for this book.

The only thing I had issue with is that the book was very fast paced. There's a lot going on in the book and you gotta pay attention or you'll be lost. 

Verdict: Highly recommend!

Kelsey Holtaway

Whew. This one got deep into my gut. 

In this second installment, we're following Tristan as he confronts his PTSD from the happenings in the first book, and is sent into action yet again to rescue his abducted grandmother, and to stop a new mysterious villain wrecking havoc in Alke. 

The depth at which Mbalia went to discuss trauma, anxiety, and healing within an adventure story is something I've never really read before. I think this book will help so many kids going through the type of trauma Tristan went through, and be able to spot, name, and digest it in a way they might not have otherwise. 

I loved being reunited with characters from the first installment (who knew I'd miss Gum Baby???!?!?!) and meeting new characters and important players from African and African American folklore. I also appreciated how this book's villain was written-another form of trauma response- and how Tristan was able to grow more in his confidence and abilities in the final battle. Also the scene where he has his lightbulb moment in realizing what his role is as a storyteller, and encouraging the group to tell their own stories? Freaking chills. 

I would say my favorite part of this book, and the last book, is Mbalia's use of symbolism. I know as a white person there's a lot I miss, but sometimes I just have to pause my reading and stare off into the distance because the connections and use of symbolism is so clever, even when the subject matter is heavy, there's a certain excitement I get from seeing how Mbalia draws inspiration and crafts a story. 

The only reason I'm rating it a little lower is because for me, the pacing was a little off, but I recommend these books to everyone and anyone.

Tristan Strong Destroys the World (a Tristan Strong Novel, Book 2)

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