While there is still an underlining examination of privilege, race, social media and the experience of black women in America, I didn't feel that coming through quite as strongly in this volume as in the first. We really get to deep dive into her world.

The bulk of the story focuses on Naema coming into her own. It makes the overall story feel more realistic in my opinion. This one does incorporate a lot of mixed media, however, and I always enjoy that. We only get Naema's perspective in this book, whereas the first book followed both Tavia and Effie. I really had to consider it once I was done. This story was interesting and is a tough one to rate. It is once she is separated from all the noise in Portland, that Naema is finally able to channel the connection to her ancestors and discover the true power of her voice. She'll be treated just like everyone else loved and cherished, but for herself, not for her Elokoness. Her family couldn't care less about her Eloko status. Greeted at the airport by her cousin Courtney, Naema can tell immediately from his reaction to her, that life is going to be very different outside of Portland. This trip is actually her first time leaving Portland and the bubble she has created for herself there. Heading South, Naema goes to stay with extended family that she never sees. Growing more and more frustrated with her current situation and the fact that no one seems to understand her side, Naema decides to leave town. Once a movie releases purporting to tell the true story behind Tavia, her sister, Effie, and the event now known as The Awakening, Naema only sees hostility towards her increase. Now pegged as the mean girl who outed classmate, Tavia, as a Siren, Naema is getting dragged in social media where she has previously only been respected and adored.

Morrow's, A Song Below Water, teen influencer, Naema Bradshaw finds herself vilified in the public eye.Īs an Eloko, a beloved magical being, Naema has been treated as a quasi-celebrity in her hometown of Portland, Oregon, for her entire life. After the explosive conclusion to Bethany C.

A chorus rises