Blessings is a coming of age story that explores self-discovery, acceptance and self hatred. In this story, you see what it means to grow up and live in a society where your identity is criminalized and you have to hide parts of yourself.

This story follows Obiefuna whose father discovers him in an intimate situation with a boy and essentially alienates him from the family by sending him away to a Catholic boarding school. This journey begins when Obiefuna is 15 years old and we see him navigate life in secondary school all the way to University. Along the way, he finds love, friendship and community.

We also see his mother’s perspective which I truly loved. It was interesting to read.

One of my favorite quotes came from her:

“It's one thing to love a child, but it's an entirely different thing for the same child to feel loved.”

The ending of this story is both sad and hopeful and I have a keen appreciation for this kind of storytelling.

Chukwuebuka Ibeh’s writing is captivating and beautiful. The way he renders the characters’ complexities and context is quite remarkable and it will stay with me for a while.

Content Warnings

Sweet Surrender by Viano Oniomoh

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emotional lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-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

4.0

Work: Strictly Professional by Jesse H Reign

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-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? It's complicated

5.0

This was such a beautiful, cute story. I cried happy tears at different intervals.
Oh and it’s apicy too.

The Orc and Her Bride by Lila Gwynn

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adventurous funny lighthearted relaxing 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

3.5

This is a 3.5⭐️
It was a cute, fun read. It’s perfect if you just want something to relax and wind down. No heavy or dark themes. It’s a sapphic orc/elf love story. I enjoyed it.
In the beginning, there’s a literal content warning that says one of the main characters is unlikable and I have to agree. The FMC, Elketh (the elf) is quite annoying and bratty while Ruga the Orc is very good natured and nice. I truly loved her. Elketh’s character got better towards the end though. Elketh was quite inconsiderate to Ruga earlier in the book but I forgave her at the end.
Overall it’s a good book.

The Governor's Wife by Amaka Azie

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emotional hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This was cute and short second chance romance.
I loved that it was very fast paced. The author did not drag anything out. Issues were resolved quickly.
I loved the sensual tension as well.

The FMC, Ogonna is a survivor of domestic and I love how the topic was handled.

Philip, our FMC is a sweet man and i love how he was part of a great support system for Ogonna. I like that he was still pining for her after so many years of being apart. My guy was down baddd.

I really really love how they got back together.

I also love Ogonna’s friendship with Lara. It truly highlights the importance of friendship and community and how it provides a soft landing for survivors. Their relationship was heartwarming to see. It was free of judgment and full of support.

Overall, this was a really lovely story and I’ll be reading more of this author’s work.

Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi

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adventurous challenging dark emotional 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? Yes

4.0

Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious 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? It's complicated

5.0

This is a brilliant and phenomenal read. It’s a YA fantasy that draws deeply from west African mythology and it features Yoruba gods, language and culture. It is a layered story of oppression, marginalization and the journey to freedom. The world building and the magic system is really great and easy to understand. The world is loosely parallel to Nigeria in the sense that majority of the states were incorporated into this world.

I quite like the characters(except one person). I truly loved reading the different POVs. Each one added something to the story.

Zélie is a young girl who has gone through so much trauma and she really just wants to protect herself and her family but ends up having a greater responsibility of protecting and liberating her people. She doesn’t have everything figured out. She struggles and pushes her limits and learns. I love her so much. She’s my favorite.

Tzain, her brother is also one of my favorites. He’s loving and caring and protective.

Amari, the princess is a character whose development I also really enjoyed. She went from a cowering, people pleaser to a more brave, bolder, self assured person. She’s still growing and I’m looking forward to seeing her grow even more.

Inan is one of the most complex characters in this book. I have a love-hate relationship with him. He has a lot of inner struggles. His POVs were actually quite interesting to read. He’s been conditioned to believe so many things and unlearning is hard for him. He also craves his father’s approval so he wrestles a lot between right and wrong.
He hardly stands on business, changes his mind too easily, he’s fickle and not as brave as his sister. And by the end of this book, I hated his guts.
Overrall, most of these characters struggle with a lot of things. Their beliefs are challenged and you pretty much understand each person’s perspective.

I’m really excited to read the sequel and seeing the characters continue their journey.

Notes:
-Re: Worldbuilding: I do wish there was more language/tribe diversity. But I’ll allow it and excuse because it is fantasy.

-The romance was slightly rushed but I consider it necessary so it’s okay.

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anjoureadsbooks's reviews 76 reviews

anjoureadsbooks's reviews
76 reviews