Tomi Adeyemi

Biography

Tomi Adeyemi is a Nigerian-American novelist, creative director, and writing coach best known for her debut fantasy novel Children of Blood and Bone. Born on August 1, 1993, in the United States to Nigerian parents, she was raised in Chicago and later studied English literature at Harvard University. She also spent time in Brazil studying West African mythology, religion, and culture, an experience that deeply influenced her storytelling. She rose to global fame with Children of Blood and Bone (2018), the first book in the Legacy of Orïsha trilogy, which debuted at No. 1 on the New York Times Best Sellers list and won multiple awards, including the Andre Norton Award and the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize. Adeyemi has since expanded the series with sequels and continues to work in storytelling, creative development, and writing education. Her work is widely recognized for blending West African-inspired mythology with themes of power, identity, and resistance, making her one of the most influential voices in modern YA fantasy.

Known For

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