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Blackheart Man

Audiobook
1 of 1 copy available
1 of 1 copy available
The magical island of Chynchin is facing conquerors from abroad and something sinister from within in this entrancing fantasy from the Grand Master Award–winning author Nalo Hopkinson.
Veycosi, in training as a griot (an historian and musician), hopes to sail off to examine the rare Alamat Book of Light and thus secure a spot for himself on Chynchin's Colloquium of scholars. However, unexpected events prevent that from happening. Fifteen Ymisen galleons arrive in the harbor to force a trade agreement on Chynchin. Veycosi tries to help, hoping to prove himself with a bold move, but quickly finds himself in way over his head.

Bad turns to worse when malign forces start stirring. Pickens (children) are disappearing and an ancient invading army, long frozen into piche (tar) statues by island witches is stirring to life—led by the fearsome demon known as the Blackheart Man. Veycosi has problems in his polyamorous personal life, too. How much trouble can a poor student take? Or cause all by himself as the line between myth and history blends in this delightfully sly tale by one of greatest novelists.
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    • Publisher's Weekly

      June 17, 2024
      SFWA Grand Master Hopkinson (Falling in Love with Hominids) serves up a rich stew of folklore and history in this delightfully delirious fairy tale of a magical island resisting reconquest. The enslaved peoples of Chynchin banished the ruling Ymisen two centuries ago—but now the Ymisen are returning in force, ostensibly to discuss trade. Young scholar Veycosi is charged with collecting tales of how Chynchin won its freedom, a legend that involves three witches casting a spell to sink the enemy troops into a tar pit. When the boogeyman of that tar pit, Blackheart Man, appears in town, Veycosi fears a deal he made years before may be the reason for the monster’s resurrection. As a rationalist, Veycosi initially discounts magic, but as a budding folklorist, he learns how and why words create worlds. Hopkinson’s worldbuilding astonishes: the isle of Chynchin features its own patron twin caiman goddesses who watch over a culture that freely mixes words and foods from around the world, even as its own social order clings to vestiges of class and caste distinctions. This is a triumph. Agent: Donald Maass, Donald Maass Literary.

    • AudioFile Magazine
      Ron Butler narrates a fantasy novel set on a magical Caribbean island. Residents of Chynchin have lived undisturbed by the greedy Ymisen for two hundred years, but that is about to change. After a water pipe repair goes awry, Veycosi finds himself embroiled in endless drama. Butler's laidback narration style suits Veycosi's meandering travails: He has lost standing in his professional colloquium; he needs to sort out his messy personal life before marriage; and his desire to make a bold political move was a failure. Butler smoothly delivers the patois spoken by the residents of Chynchin, clearly distinguishing them from the Ymisen forces. When the inevitable confrontation finally takes place, Butler performs the ensuing battle scenes with appropriate grimness. K.M.P. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine
    • Library Journal

      December 1, 2024

      In Hopkinson's (Brown Girl in the Ring) first novel in 10 years, protagonist Veycosi is equal parts charming and trouble. His effort to prove himself as a noteworthy scholar during the arrival of the historically hostile Ymisen people sets him on a path that jeopardizes not only his reputation--which is the sole currency on his home island of Chynchin--but also the people he holds most dear. Hopkinson excels at building a compelling and detailed environment without derailing the plot to explain the facets of that world, making for a continually entertaining pace. Readers will relish lush descriptions of food, fresh and intriguing magic, and a culture that feels fully believable. However, the multiple threads of the plot do begin to stretch thin as the novel progresses; some readers may feel this as a lack of focus or of satisfying resolution. That said, Ron Butler's narration is an absolute delight; with his voice, it feels as if the story was meant to be heard rather than read. VERDICT A fresh and original Caribbean-inspired fantasy that succeeds despite a nearly overcrowded plot.--Collin Stephenson

      Copyright 2024 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

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