Scan barcode
A review by ashylibrarian
The Black Queen by Jumata Emill
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-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
4.0
Was this book perfect? No. Is it a book young adult readers will eat up? I believe so.
There was a lot happening in this book. The plot starts really strong in the beginning with the rivalry between Nova and Tinsley. Jumata Emill does a good job setting up the characters...well, characters. Nova is strong, determined, and confident while Tinsley is over-privileged, expectant, and crass.
The killer was "easy" to assume and some of the events were predictable, however, I think Emill added so many subplots and twists and turns to the story that it kept things interesting and definitely made me think, more than once, "am I wrong about who I think did it?"
Though this book does come with its flaws and imperfections, I think young adult readers will enjoy the high-speed murder mystery and the conversations, lessons, and themes throughout.
There was a lot happening in this book. The plot starts really strong in the beginning with the rivalry between Nova and Tinsley. Jumata Emill does a good job setting up the characters...well, characters. Nova is strong, determined, and confident while Tinsley is over-privileged, expectant, and crass.
The killer was "easy" to assume and some of the events were predictable, however, I think Emill added so many subplots and twists and turns to the story that it kept things interesting and definitely made me think, more than once, "am I wrong about who I think did it?"
Though this book does come with its flaws and imperfections, I think young adult readers will enjoy the high-speed murder mystery and the conversations, lessons, and themes throughout.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Child death, Bullying, Death, and Racism
Moderate: Classism