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queer_bookwyrm's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
"Moms raised a diamond. And diamonds don't crack."
I was gifted an arc copy of Wings of Ebony by J. Elle. Wow. Just wow. This book is the perfect blend of urban fantasy and social justice novel. I devoured this book in two days.
We follow Rue in East Row, where we see the desolation that gang and drug activity can reduce a hood to. Rue is trying to see her younger sister Tasha from a distance on the anniversary of their mother's death. Rue isn't supposed to touch any human now that she lives and Ghazan and has magic. Tasha is almost in a car accident until Rue intervenes, touching Tasha.
A whole bunch of problems ensue for the sisters, but we get to see Rue grow and learn about her abilities and her true history in Ghazan. It was so nice that romance was a main piece of the plot! There were hints of maybe romance to come, but this story was about getting justice.
This book was also about the importance of family; sticking together. And just blood family. "The whole block fam." I loved the way Elle depicted Bri struggling with her privilege, and the nuance she brought to the conversation without apologizing for it. We also see the ill effects of colonialism depicted in Ghazan along with an oppressive caste system.
It was also refreshing to have a book that ends with the racist getting exactly what he deserves. I loved this book so much, but I don't want to say much more for fear of spoilers. Just read this book! I seriously hope there is a second book coming!
The only thing I didn't like was the way the author made everyone stutter all the time. It took me out of it every time. Such a minor issue that it didn't impact my rating. I would have liked to see more of the world building, but maybe that happens in a later book?
I was gifted an arc copy of Wings of Ebony by J. Elle. Wow. Just wow. This book is the perfect blend of urban fantasy and social justice novel. I devoured this book in two days.
We follow Rue in East Row, where we see the desolation that gang and drug activity can reduce a hood to. Rue is trying to see her younger sister Tasha from a distance on the anniversary of their mother's death. Rue isn't supposed to touch any human now that she lives and Ghazan and has magic. Tasha is almost in a car accident until Rue intervenes, touching Tasha.
A whole bunch of problems ensue for the sisters, but we get to see Rue grow and learn about her abilities and her true history in Ghazan. It was so nice that romance was a main piece of the plot! There were hints of maybe romance to come, but this story was about getting justice.
This book was also about the importance of family; sticking together. And just blood family. "The whole block fam." I loved the way Elle depicted Bri struggling with her privilege, and the nuance she brought to the conversation without apologizing for it. We also see the ill effects of colonialism depicted in Ghazan along with an oppressive caste system.
It was also refreshing to have a book that ends with the racist getting exactly what he deserves. I loved this book so much, but I don't want to say much more for fear of spoilers. Just read this book! I seriously hope there is a second book coming!
The only thing I didn't like was the way the author made everyone stutter all the time. It took me out of it every time. Such a minor issue that it didn't impact my rating. I would have liked to see more of the world building, but maybe that happens in a later book?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Death of parent, Drug abuse, Genocide, Grief, Gun violence, Hate crime, Murder, Racial slurs, Racism, and Violence
stormywolf's review
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I believe I found this one through Facebook and/or new release emails from my library. Since reading Legendborn last year I'm really interested in reading fantasy woven into and around Black traditions and experiences. Other than reading the summary blurb, I really had no idea what I was getting into, or just how much this book would dig its claws into me.
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, I highly recommend this book. This was the first book about the Black experience and systemic racism that had me legitimately questioning my own views and prejudices by offering some conflicts in shades of gray. As a debut novel, there are some rough edges still to be worked out, but I'm trusting details (like with magic and the title of the book) will be further addressed in the upcoming sequel(s). If you're interested in or looking to get into YA fantasy, social justice reform, Afrofuturism, or other subjects concerning Black experiences, this one is definitely worth a read. I, for one, am definitely going to be returning to this series as soon as I can.
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, I highly recommend this book. This was the first book about the Black experience and systemic racism that had me legitimately questioning my own views and prejudices by offering some conflicts in shades of gray. As a debut novel, there are some rough edges still to be worked out, but I'm trusting details (like with magic and the title of the book) will be further addressed in the upcoming sequel(s). If you're interested in or looking to get into YA fantasy, social justice reform, Afrofuturism, or other subjects concerning Black experiences, this one is definitely worth a read. I, for one, am definitely going to be returning to this series as soon as I can.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Racism, Racial slurs, Death, Death of parent, Gun violence, and Murder
Moderate: Blood and Genocide
Minor: Bullying, Child death, and Grief
daniellestarredpages's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I think this book could've shone better if it was longer. Which would've given more time for the story to develop. The beginning of the story was rushed and the pacing was off for the entire book. Towards the middle of the book when the story began to get intriguing, that's when they pacing issues became really prominent. The setting kept switching from one place to another and there was no cool of time between one action scene that ended in disaster for the characters to another scene. The resolution was also very rushed and unbelievable. The way Rue just handed out Ghizon technology to the people on her row and used that to solve the problem was one of the most unbelievable things. And I don't think the casual way that Rue exposed the magic at the end to the entire world was a good idea, considering the fact that her people at Ghizon worked so hard to hide themselves originally. However, Rue's dedication to her family was very admirable and her drive was really easy to root for. The other characters while not fleshed out entirely was enjoyable for the time they were on the page. The themes of racism, and white people making themselves the victim in the Ghizoni setting were well handled.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death of parent, Grief, Gun violence, Hate crime, Death, Blood, Murder, Racism, and Racial slurs
effy's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
It took me longer than I would have liked to settle into this book although that was possibly because I was only able to listen to an hour or so at a time initially. I found Rue difficult to love but I also understood the way that she was acting.
The latter half of this book was much, much stronger and I really enjoyed the reveal of this book.I found the reveal that the magic was stolen from the black tribes to be very clever and also really confronting to read. This was an exceptional revelation and made me feel exactly as it should have made me feel. I really enjoyed this author's perspective and hope that there will be further books to continue the story but I will gladly read more books from the author regardless.
The latter half of this book was much, much stronger and I really enjoyed the reveal of this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical trauma, Murder, Racism, Violence, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Hate crime
Minor: Blood, Gun violence, and Racial slurs
books_and_mags's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Cursing, Death, Death of parent, Genocide, Grief, Gun violence, Kidnapping, Murder, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Violence, and Vomit
ronniereadsbooks's review
challenging
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I don’t think I’ve related so much to a book in a long time. It reminded me of home in so many ways. The description of East Row felt like my neighborhood growing up. The whole block is family. The girls playing double Dutch. Eating kool-cups (or icebergs as we call them in New Orleans). The neighborhood grandma in Ms. Leola. The teenage boys that helped everybody out for either a plate of food or some cash. The block looked out for each other.
Then we get to Rue. I knew her. I grew up with her. She lost her mother and is now in a world that she never wanted away from everything she knew. She just wanted to protect her sister. Her world was turned upside down by a father she never knew and moving to a place she never wanted to be. Her refusal of her Ghizoni heritage is a huge part of the story. But shows how often we as Black people are forced to compartmentalize ourselves based on our environments. When she finally accepts her Ghizoni heritage that is when she truly taps into her potential. I will admit that there were times when I felt like Rue was being a brat. But I get it. I understand her motivations because again I grew up with plenty of people like Rue. She had to harden herself.
Another thing I enjoyed was the commentary on the real world experiences of Black people.The colonization of Ghizon and the erasure of the Black Ghizoni people by the Grays. The appropriation and bastardization of what makes the Black Ghizoni people special. The reality of racism and drugs being pumped into the poor neighborhood of East Row. The overlooking of Black trauma by the police and media. These themes got me in such a real way. The scene where Rue tells her Gray Ghizoni friend Bri about the plight of the Black Ghizoni people and Bri made the whole situation about her got me good! Not to mention how I lived for Rue calling Bri out especially after she tried to whitesplain a solution that did nothing to help the Black Ghizoni people because she was uncomfortable.</spoiler.
There were many notable phrases and quotes that I could easily hear my mother or grandmother saying. Like "make a way out of no way" or "mama raised diamonds". The entirety of this book felt real and authentic. The use of AAVE. The descriptions of locations. The realities of what it's like to be a Black person and deal with racism and the repercussions of colonialism. The belief that you can be nothing more than where you grow up. I personally felt that one. I felt so seen and heard.
I can go on and on about this book. I highly recommend. If you haven’t read it, read it! If it’s not on your TBR, add it. My sole gripe is that it ended with one plot point unresolved. But that means a sequel is hopefully on the way.I will also say that I am still a bit unclear about Rue's relationships with both Julius and Jhamal. </spoiler.
J. Elle has made a fan out of me and I can't wait to read whatever comes next.
Then we get to Rue. I knew her. I grew up with her. She lost her mother and is now in a world that she never wanted away from everything she knew. She just wanted to protect her sister. Her world was turned upside down by a father she never knew and moving to a place she never wanted to be. Her refusal of her Ghizoni heritage is a huge part of the story. But shows how often we as Black people are forced to compartmentalize ourselves based on our environments. When she finally accepts her Ghizoni heritage that is when she truly taps into her potential. I will admit that there were times when I felt like Rue was being a brat. But I get it. I understand her motivations because again I grew up with plenty of people like Rue. She had to harden herself.
Another thing I enjoyed was the commentary on the real world experiences of Black people.
There were many notable phrases and quotes that I could easily hear my mother or grandmother saying. Like "make a way out of no way" or "mama raised diamonds". The entirety of this book felt real and authentic. The use of AAVE. The descriptions of locations. The realities of what it's like to be a Black person and deal with racism and the repercussions of colonialism. The belief that you can be nothing more than where you grow up. I personally felt that one. I felt so seen and heard.
I can go on and on about this book. I highly recommend. If you haven’t read it, read it! If it’s not on your TBR, add it. My sole gripe is that it ended with one plot point unresolved. But that means a sequel is hopefully on the way.
J. Elle has made a fan out of me and I can't wait to read whatever comes next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Racial slurs
Moderate: Blood, Murder, Gun violence, and Drug use
destdest's review
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
What a ride! Make this a movie (either animated or live action is fine)! I loved the strong sense of community Rue’s (neighbor)hood had and all the soul food references. Collard greens and neckbones and thick, lemony slices of pound cake? Yum!
I enjoyed Rue’s narrative. Girl got some spunk. She’s not just this magical brick wall of a girl who pushes everything down inside; she had vulnerability too. It was a great and needed balance.
Wings of Ebony was a breeze to read. The chapters passed by quickly and kept my interest. Shoutout to Ms. Leola you the real MVP!
I’ll read a book two for sure! we’re going to get that Jhamal vs. Julius love triangle, right? I don’t care if it’s a YA cliché. I WANT IT!
4.5
Ending thoughts:
the dad dying was a lil’ cliché. Yeah, Jhamal and Rue has those insta-lovey teas, but crushes don’t have rhyme or reason. I’m not like Rue I don’t need any explanations or apologies from racists. I just need their power taken away from them. But in the context of the story, yeah, the full confession was needed to help throw the book at him.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Gun violence, Racial slurs, Racism, Genocide, Death of parent, Cursing, and Blood
kaseybereading's review against another edition
DNF at 46%. I’m just not into this. Serious lack of world building! I really wanted to like it but I didn’t want to pick it back up after the (many) times I put it down.
Content Warnings
Minor: Racial slurs, Racism, Blood, and Death of parent
marissasbooks's review
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
TW // death, blood, shooting, violence, racism, genocide (discussed)
I don't think I've ever read a book like this one. And that was part of its appeal because while it had certain elements that made it feel familiar, I never quite knew what to expect or what would happen next and I like stories that keep me guessing!
I will say it wasn't quite what I expected in many ways and I think that affected some of my enjoyment (not to mention the arc wasn't fully formatted), BUT if anything it makes me more excited to read it again because now that I know what to expect I'm curious to see how I feel a second time around. Not to mention I'm just curious to see the final version with it fully formatted and see what may or may not have changed!
After Rue's mom is shot to death, the father she never knew shows up and whisks her away from her sister to Ghizon, a hidden island of magic wielders. Rue is the only half-human there as well as the only Black person besides her father so when she gets the chance to return to Houston she jumps at it even if it means breaking Ghizon's most sacred law not to leave the island. When she finds her sister in danger she breaks another law and touches a human to save her sister from a deadly accident. Soon Rue discovers that her neighborhood is under attack and evidence is mounting that the forces at work are connected back to Ghizon. Rue must learn to embrace her true identity and accept her history in order to wield the full strength of her powers to save her neighborhood and her family.
I loved the characters and the family/friend dynamics which is one of the main reasons I'm excited to read the finished copy of this book and to check out what comes next because the characters are left in a bit of limbo at the end of this book and I need to know what happens to them next!
Additionally, I enjoyed the magic system because I'm a big fan of systems that have rules/structure but are also flexible and ever-changing whether that be because the characters learn more or because the magic system itself is constantly evolving, and this book and its magic falls into this category. I always had this feeling that there was more to the system and the world that was just waiting to be discovered and I have a strong feeling we will learn more in the next book as Rue uncovers more secrets.
Finally, I loved the way the author tacked racism, colonization, and the long-lasting effects of both as well as reparations. It was nuanced but also direct while still fitting in seamlessly with the fantasy worldbuilding and it was amazing to see Rue come into her own and do what was necessary without losing herself in the process and I can't wait to see her develop further.
Thank you to Denene Millner Books/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (and NetGalley) for sharing this arc in exchange for an honest review!
Check out my blog for my full review!
I don't think I've ever read a book like this one. And that was part of its appeal because while it had certain elements that made it feel familiar, I never quite knew what to expect or what would happen next and I like stories that keep me guessing!
I will say it wasn't quite what I expected in many ways and I think that affected some of my enjoyment (not to mention the arc wasn't fully formatted), BUT if anything it makes me more excited to read it again because now that I know what to expect I'm curious to see how I feel a second time around. Not to mention I'm just curious to see the final version with it fully formatted and see what may or may not have changed!
After Rue's mom is shot to death, the father she never knew shows up and whisks her away from her sister to Ghizon, a hidden island of magic wielders. Rue is the only half-human there as well as the only Black person besides her father so when she gets the chance to return to Houston she jumps at it even if it means breaking Ghizon's most sacred law not to leave the island. When she finds her sister in danger she breaks another law and touches a human to save her sister from a deadly accident. Soon Rue discovers that her neighborhood is under attack and evidence is mounting that the forces at work are connected back to Ghizon. Rue must learn to embrace her true identity and accept her history in order to wield the full strength of her powers to save her neighborhood and her family.
I loved the characters and the family/friend dynamics which is one of the main reasons I'm excited to read the finished copy of this book and to check out what comes next because the characters are left in a bit of limbo at the end of this book and I need to know what happens to them next!
Additionally, I enjoyed the magic system because I'm a big fan of systems that have rules/structure but are also flexible and ever-changing whether that be because the characters learn more or because the magic system itself is constantly evolving, and this book and its magic falls into this category. I always had this feeling that there was more to the system and the world that was just waiting to be discovered and I have a strong feeling we will learn more in the next book as Rue uncovers more secrets.
Finally, I loved the way the author tacked racism, colonization, and the long-lasting effects of both as well as reparations. It was nuanced but also direct while still fitting in seamlessly with the fantasy worldbuilding and it was amazing to see Rue come into her own and do what was necessary without losing herself in the process and I can't wait to see her develop further.
Thank you to Denene Millner Books/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (and NetGalley) for sharing this arc in exchange for an honest review!
Check out my blog for my full review!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Grief, Racial slurs, Racism, and Violence
bookcaptivated's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, Gore, Physical abuse, Racism, Torture, and Violence
Moderate: Vomit, Racial slurs, Grief, and Gun violence
Minor: Cursing, Kidnapping, and Genocide
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