I would say this is a fantastic summer read, but I’m telling you about it too late. Instead, I’ll say this is a perfect read for autumn. As the daylight hours shorten, what’s better than sinking into a comfy chair (or lying in bed) with a good book, featuring mutants … pumpkin spice candles optional. I read Soni and the Life Drinkers mid-spring and loved it. It’s Book 3 in The Intasimi Warriors Series by Shiko Nguru. I would say it’s suitable for children aged 11 or older, or those with a reading capability of 11+. Set in Nairobi, it’s an action-packed story. Soni and the Life Drinker is a true page-turner with family secrets, intrigue, duality (dark /light, good/evil) and more.
The Plot Soni and The Life Drinkers
The Intasimi Warriors are about to embark on their third and most challenging adventure to date – saving their beloved mentor from dying at the hands of the Life Drinkers. And when Soni discovers that her mum has a twin sister with a dark secret, she might just have found the key to discovering the Life Drinkers’ identity. As she delves deeper into Nairobi’s dark underbelly, Soni must learn to see the world for what it is – with all its beauty and ugliness. What price will she have to pay to stop the Life Drinkers from draining Mr Lemayian’s life, and will saving his life come at the expense of her own?
A heart-stopping, thrill-a-minute journey into the heart of an alternative Kenya where monsters roam the streets and one brave 12-year-old, with the help of her closest friends, will learn a lesson in self-sacrifice that she will never forget.
My Thoughts
Mutants and community heroes will always interest me, especially if they are black. Representation matters. We need more black superheroes. I also value themes of friendship and family, especially for the age demographic that this book targets. It can only be a good thing for ‘tweens’ to see positive representations of authentic, relatable friend and familial relationships.
Soni and the Life Drinkers’ story develops quickly, but we get to know the characters enough to be invested in the outcome. It’s a triumph by Nuguru.
About Shiko Nguru
Shiko Nguru is a Kenyan author and content creator, sharing her motherhood journey most genuinely and beautifully can @ShikoNguru.
Mwikali and the Forbidden Mask is her debut novel, inspired by her love of East African mythology.
Where To Buy Soni and the Life Drinker
Soni and the Life Drinkers can be purchased directly from their publisher, Lantana Books . You can also find Lantana Books on Instagram to see their latest book.
I hope you enjoyed this review. Click here for more book reviews. Please follow me on Instagram @MsXpat
