Lionheart Girl

African myth and magic beat in the dark 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 is deadly dangerous. 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.Praise for Lionheart Girl: 'A dark and dazzling coming-of-age novel, rich in atmosphere and magic realism' Guardian Best Books of 2021'Lionheart Girl is deeply atmospheric, stunningly original, and sizzling with ancient myth and magic. Utterly unmissable' Sophie Anderson, The Castle of Tangled Magic'Loved it! Yaba's best so far – a wonderful tale of magic and family' Catherine Johnson, author of Queen of Freedom: Defending Jamaica

Written with lushness and lyricism, this is a complex tale of friendships, community and family conflict expressed in fantastical metaphors, A stirring fantasy, rich in west African legend, investigates the bonds of blood, love and friendship, and what it takes to grow into your power, 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, Fierce and thrilling, Lionheart Girl delivers on the promise of Badoe's debut, and then some. I loved this original, lyrical, dark fable, 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'

Yaba Badoe is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and writer. Yaba was born in Ghana but now lives in England with her husband. She has been nominated for the Distinguished Woman of African Cinema award. Her debut children's novel A Jigsaw of Fire and Stars and Wolf Light are both published by Zephyr. @yababadoe

Book Partnerships

For the Fans