Deadline described Tomi Adeyemi's seven figure contract as one of the biggest movie deals in the history of adapted literature, let alone an tremendous accomplishment for any writer with one manuscript to his or her credit. Fox 2000 made the preemptive purchase of her fantasy novel Children of Blood and Bone before setting their sights on the entire trilogy. Legacy of Orïsha will span three publications, and is aimed for younger audiences. Fox 2000 is banking on the interest Children of Blood and Bone has generated among young readers. All three books slated for publication will be condensed into films, one after the other.
At the tender age of 24, Tomi has already cemented herself as a valued writing coach in academic circles, having graduated Harvard with an honors designation. Her writing portfolio alone is no single measure of her talent. Fox 2000 saw enough in her debut manuscript to gamble on a screenplay. Children of Blood and Bone debuted in book form on March 6 at the very top of The New York Times best-seller list. The phenomenon the book has incited is oddly similar to the early buzz generated by Harry Potter. Adeyemi describes her narrative world as a cross between Yoruba mythology, black magic and issues of identity, all made accessible to young readers.
