African myth and magic beat in the dark heart of this fable about witchcraft; superstition; the bonds we choose and those we cannot. Born into a family of West African witches; Sheba's terrified of her mother who is deadly dangerous. But like mother; like daughter - magic runs through her blood and Sheba discovers powers of her own. Her touch can unravel people's innermost thoughts; their hopes; their fears - their secrets. Sheba too can shape-shift. Through the communion of ancient magic; blood and friendship; she slowly uncovers the murderous truth about her stolen childhood and steels herself for the future. She must protect the hunted from the hunter - her mother. Praise for Lionheart Girl: 'A dark and dazzling coming-of-age novel; rich in atmosphere and magic realism' Guardian Best Books of 2021 'Lionheart Girl is deeply atmospheric; stunningly original; and sizzling with ancient myth and magic. Utterly unmissable' Sophie Anderson; The Castle of Tangled Magic 'Loved it! Yaba's best so far - a wonderful tale of magic and family' Catherine Johnson; author of Queen of Freedom: Defending Jamaica