Last year, Nigerian-American author, Tomi Adeyemi was inspired to write her bestselling debut, Children of Blood and Bone.
Here’s the synopsis of the novel for those who haven’t read it:
With magic, Zélie’s family could stand against the royal guard. Her people wouldn’t live in fear. Her mom wouldn’t have hanged from that tree. Years after the king wiped magic out of Orïsha, Zélie has one chance to bring it back. To do so, she’ll have to outwit/outrun the crown prince, who’s hell-bent on erasing magic for good.
The book was picked up by Fox 2000 before it was even published.
It’s recently been announced that Nigerian-American director Rick Famuyiwa, known for his films “Dope” and “Brown Sugar,” is set to bring Adeyemi’s groundbreaking debut to the big screen. Rick Famuyiwawas originally meant to direct DCEU’s The Flash, but he dropped out due to creative differences.
Famuyiwa is set to also produce under the newly launched company Verse with Scott Falconer, Hollywood Reporter adds. Temple Hill, the production company with film credits including the Maze Runner series, is producing along with Sunswept Entertainment.
The adaptation was written by Life of Pi and Mary Poppins Returns‘ David Magee. The logline reads:
“Zélie Adebola remembers when the soil of Orïsha hummed with magic. Burners ignited flames, Tiders beckoned waves, and Zélie’s Reaper mother summoned forth souls. Everything changed the night magic disappeared. Under the orders of a ruthless king, maji were killed, leaving Zélie without a mother and her people without hope.
Now Zélie has one chance to bring back magic and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, Zélie must outwit and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good. Danger lurks in Orïsha, where snow leoponaires prowl and vengeful spirits wait in the waters. Yet the greatest danger may be Zélie herself as she struggles to control her powers—and her growing feelings for an enemy.”
Tomi’s follow-up book, Children of Virtue and Vengeance is slated to hit shelves on June 4, 2019.