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4.29 AVERAGE
4.29 AVERAGE
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Thank you to Hear Our Voices Tours and Harper Muse Books for my ARC copy! This review contains my personal thoughts and opinions.
Untethered is easily the heaviest book I’ve read this year, but it’s also one of the most profound. Angela Jackson-Brown weaves an emotionally charged tale set in the 1960s, centered around Katia, a character whose journey is as heartbreaking as it is relatable.
Katia’s story highlights the immense emotional labor carried by Black women, a weight that remains all too familiar even today. Her struggles to shoulder everyone else's burdens while trying to keep herself afloat are both poignant and eye-opening. This book serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of rest, healing, and learning to lean on others for support.
Chad and Pee Wee’s stories were equally compelling, their heartbreak adding depth to the narrative. I found myself fully invested in their arcs, rooting for them even as their challenges unfolded.
That said, I did grow a bit frustrated with Katia's relationship with Seth. Her tendency to push him away felt understandable but also maddening at times, and the abruptness of how their story wrapped up left me wanting more closure.
Despite this, Untethered is a beautifully written and impactful novel that I won’t soon forget. Angela Jackson-Brown has a way of capturing both the resilience and vulnerability of her characters, making this book an unforgettable read.
Rating: 4.25/5
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
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:
Complicated
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Untethered by Angela Jackson-Brown is a deeply emotional and moving story centered on Ms. Katia, a kind, giving, and sweet woman who serves as the executive director of a group home for boys. Ms. Katia's life begins to unravel as she navigates the heartbreak of learning her brothers are missing in Vietnam, chaos at the group home, and the sudden reappearance of her high school crush, Seth. These elements weave together a story that is both heart-wrenching and hopeful.
Angela Jackson-Brown proves once again why she is a queen of historical fiction. While this novel focuses more on the personal lives of its characters than on historical events, the emotional depth is unmatched. I cried through the final chapters and found myself completely invested in every character. The romance was a delightful addition, and I saw pieces of myself in so many moments throughout the book.
The audiobook narration was another highlight, bringing each character to life and making the story feel incredibly intimate. I cannot recommend Untethered enough—it’s a stunning work that will stay with you long after you finish.
Thank you to Angela Jackson-Brown, Hear Our Voices Tours, and NetGalley for providing the ARC and ALC.
CAWPILE Ratings:
Characters: 10
Atmosphere: 8
Writing: 9
Plot: 9
Intrigue: 8
Logic: 9
Enjoyment: 10
Overall, Untethered is a must-read for fans of heartfelt, character-driven stories with a touch of romance and historical depth.
Angela Jackson-Brown proves once again why she is a queen of historical fiction. While this novel focuses more on the personal lives of its characters than on historical events, the emotional depth is unmatched. I cried through the final chapters and found myself completely invested in every character. The romance was a delightful addition, and I saw pieces of myself in so many moments throughout the book.
The audiobook narration was another highlight, bringing each character to life and making the story feel incredibly intimate. I cannot recommend Untethered enough—it’s a stunning work that will stay with you long after you finish.
Thank you to Angela Jackson-Brown, Hear Our Voices Tours, and NetGalley for providing the ARC and ALC.
CAWPILE Ratings:
Characters: 10
Atmosphere: 8
Writing: 9
Plot: 9
Intrigue: 8
Logic: 9
Enjoyment: 10
Overall, Untethered is a must-read for fans of heartfelt, character-driven stories with a touch of romance and historical depth.
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
As soon I read the synopsis, I knew I had to read this book. The book is set in Troy, Alabama, which happens to be the birthplace of one of my favorite Civil Rights Legends, Representative John Lewis. It’s also not too far from my hometown so you know I was locked in! (Plus, Me 🔑 + Southern Fiction🔒 = 🔐) This was my third Angela Jackson-Brown book in just a few months. She’s definitely one of the reasons why I’ve been stuck in my historical fiction reading streak. This was different from the others and I think this might be my favorite of hers. Katia runs a group home for boys and she’s very protective of them, as she should be. She is also burdened with a load of professional and personal problems. I know that life all too well, especially working with children myself. Those problems can be particularly hard to leave at work. I loved seeing her take a few moments to herself to enjoy a few pages of her favorite books, a few spins of her treasured albums, or a quiet, calming bath. We have to find joy and peace whenever and however can. Although this story takes place in 1967, it still rings true today and it’s more important than ever now. Black women it’s our time to rest! You should pick this one up if you if need that reminder in historical fiction form.
Rating: 4.5/ 5 ⭐️
Thanks to Hear Our Voices Tours, Harper Muse Books, and Angela Jackson-Brown for my gifted ARCs and ALC!
Rating: 4.5/ 5 ⭐️
Thanks to Hear Our Voices Tours, Harper Muse Books, and Angela Jackson-Brown for my gifted ARCs and ALC!
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
The dictionary gives the meaning of untethered as not physically connected to fasted to something to restricted by a tether. However, Untethered is anything but that because you could not tell me that these characters were not linked. I think the author named this book untethered to show us that we are all connected in some way because I definitely connected with Katia. Katia made me face somethings I feel about myself so much that I had to grab for a tissue or two. I love when a book reaches in and touches your soul unexpectedly. I loved this read and will remember Katia and her family by blood and the family made.
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
How does someone who's always taken on the responsibility of caring for others begin to carve out a life where she can finally be cared for? This is a question our main character, Katia, grapples with, and it’s clear that her journey is just beginning. An unexpected event soon propels her toward someone she never anticipated needing—opening the door to a new chapter in her life that promises growth and discovery.
As I look ahead to my reading goals for 2025, I decided to delve deeper into Black historical fiction, and "Untethered" was a great opener into the genre, showcasing Katia's superwoman mentality and hinting at her transformation throughout the narrative. For anyone curious about getting more into this genre, Untethered is a great starting point.
As I look ahead to my reading goals for 2025, I decided to delve deeper into Black historical fiction, and "Untethered" was a great opener into the genre, showcasing Katia's superwoman mentality and hinting at her transformation throughout the narrative. For anyone curious about getting more into this genre, Untethered is a great starting point.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Wow!! What a precious and beautiful story of care, love, hope, and resilience. This is the second novel I've read by this author, and she continues to excel beyond an expectation I could have had. In this story, we meet Ms Katia who has a heart of gold which she has invested into running a home for negro boys, in 1967 Alabama. Amisdt all the challenges that come along withhaving a leadership role in an environment that is heavily dominated by men, she also has to content with the Child Services department and the lack of concern shown towards the overall well being of these boys. Here we meet two very precious boys in her care, Chad and Pee Wee, who see her as the mother they never hard. The story of these two boys werw very emotionally touching, and literally had me fighting back tears on sevearl occasion.
Katia is also burdened by her own personal problems in her dating life, the question about her likelyhood to get married and having kids, as well as the trauma of having her twin brothers leave for war. Overall, this was a beautiful and heart-wrenching series, and I have since purchased another book by the author to enjoy even more of her storytelling skills. This was a very memorable read, and I can't wait to see what she does next.
Thanks to Harper Muse, HearOurVoicesTours, and Netgalley for gifting me a copy of this novel
Katia is also burdened by her own personal problems in her dating life, the question about her likelyhood to get married and having kids, as well as the trauma of having her twin brothers leave for war. Overall, this was a beautiful and heart-wrenching series, and I have since purchased another book by the author to enjoy even more of her storytelling skills. This was a very memorable read, and I can't wait to see what she does next.
Thanks to Harper Muse, HearOurVoicesTours, and Netgalley for gifting me a copy of this novel
emotional
sad
slow-paced
A heartbreaking story about family, love and self discovery set in Alabama during 1967 and the height of the Vietnam War.
Kate serves as the director at the Pike County Group Home for Negro Boys when she learns her twin brother are MIA. As she grapples with the uncertainty of her brother's safety, she also struggles to care for and protect the boys in her care, especially Chad and Pewee.
My heart broke often while reading this novel but I think this is a powerful and moving reminder of the power of love and community.
Trigger Warnings: racism, child abuse, death, grief and loss, PTSD
Thank you Harper Muse for the ARC
Kate serves as the director at the Pike County Group Home for Negro Boys when she learns her twin brother are MIA. As she grapples with the uncertainty of her brother's safety, she also struggles to care for and protect the boys in her care, especially Chad and Pewee.
My heart broke often while reading this novel but I think this is a powerful and moving reminder of the power of love and community.
Trigger Warnings: racism, child abuse, death, grief and loss, PTSD
Thank you Harper Muse for the ARC
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Racism
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Passionate for the care of others and determined to make a difference, Untethered is the story of Katia, executive director of a negro boys group home set in deep south of the 60’s. With war raging in the background with results that hit too close to home, Katia is determined to keep operations at the group home as normal as possible. But Katia’s plans go awry when love, racism, and death create havoc and turmoil that sends her on a path of self-discovery where she learns to let go and let God.
The complexities of mid-life womanhood and discovering the true meaning of family are themes that envelope Katia as she navigates all the trials and tribulations she faces. From her poor self-esteem, due to her size and medical history she learns to love herself by the end of the novel. Katia is like a ticking tomb - with the pressures of the group home and trying to save two young boys, a boundary busting mother, and an ever-present love interest her mental health is seriously in question wither being on the verge of an emotional breakdown. But as she questions God’s plan for her life, she embarks on a journey of understanding and self-love.
For lovers of historical fiction books where self-love, finding happiness, and the importance of family are central themes, Untethered by Angela Jackson-Brown is a must-read. If you love this novel, you love Jackson-Brown’s other novels Homeward and House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson.
challenging
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix