LIONHEART GIRL

African myth and magic beat at the heart of this fable about witchcraft, superstition, the bonds we choose and those we cannot.

Born into a family of West African witches, Sheba’s terrified of her mother who can turn into a crow. But like mother, like daughter – magic runs through her blood and Sheba discovers powers of her own.

Her touch can unravel people’s innermost thoughts; their hopes, their fears – their secrets. Sheba too can shape-shift. Through the communion of ancient magic, blood and friendship, she slowly uncovers the murderous truth about her stolen childhood and steels herself for the future. She must protect the hunted from the hunter – her mother.

‘Lionheart Girl is deeply atmospheric, stunningly original, and sizzling with ancient myth and magic. Utterly unmissable’ 

Sophie Anderson, author of The Castle of Tangled Magic

‘Unlike anything I’ve ever read. Mythical, vivid, unsettling and utterly page-turning, Lionheart Girl explores bonds of blood, friendship and the power of being true to yourself. Both unique and brilliant’ 

Ele Fountain, author of Melt

‘Fierce and thrilling, Lionheart Girl delivers on the promise of Badoe’s debut, and then some. I loved this original, lyrical, dark fable’ 

Kiran Millwood Hargrave, author of A Secret of Birds and Bone

‘This is a magical tale, one that I loved … Yaba’s writing is a rich feast to be savoured. Filled with unforgettable images that leave you breathless, it is about the strength of love’ 

Sally Gardner, author of Invisible in a Bright Light

‘Vividly imaginative, brave, passionate and original heroine. A different kind of magical adventure that draws on West African myth for a story of universal interest’ 

Amanda Craig, author of The Golden Rule

‘Loved it! Yaba’s best so far – a wonderful tale of magic and family’

Cat Johnson

‘Myth, magic and superstition course through this dark and mesmerising novel of witchcraft, family and coming of age. I loved both A Jigsaw of Fire and Stars and Wolf Light, but this is Badoe’s best YA novel yet’ 

Fiona Noble, The Bookseller