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bookish_afrolatina's reviews
370 reviews
A Broken Blade by Melissa Blair
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Self harm, Violence, Blood, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
The Witchery by S. Isabelle
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I had high hopes for this book. The cover is gorgeous and I was hype for a witchy book with BIPOC leads taking place in Florida? I rarely see my home state featured in cool stuff like this.
Unfortunately, I had a hard time connecting with this novel because there were too many POVs. Or maybe it just felt that way when I listened to the audiobook. The plot had so many directions that adding the multiple POVs made me feel lost sometimes. The narrator for the audiobook also didn’t do a good job with the Southern and British accents. That made me even less into the book.
As I’ve seen many other folks say, Logan annoyed me multiple times, but the ending was meant to explain that.
At any rate, it was a good book.
Unfortunately, I had a hard time connecting with this novel because there were too many POVs. Or maybe it just felt that way when I listened to the audiobook. The plot had so many directions that adding the multiple POVs made me feel lost sometimes. The narrator for the audiobook also didn’t do a good job with the Southern and British accents. That made me even less into the book.
As I’ve seen many other folks say, Logan annoyed me multiple times, but the ending was meant to explain that.
At any rate, it was a good book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Blood, Car accident, and Death of parent
Minor: Alcohol
When No One Is Watching by Alyssa Cole
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I had a hard time getting through this book at first because of how accurate many of the scenes of Sydney encountering racism were. A lot of it was triggering.
The pacing definitely picked up 2/3 of the way into the book. Then it speeds up as evidence clicks into place. This could have started halfway in if the author really wanted to go with the kind of gothic horror vibe. I know it was meant to be one of those things that kind of sneaks up on you but the ending should have been longer.
I feel conflicted about the author’s choice to make the second POV from a white straight cis guy and to have that romantic element. Many of Cole’s books have interracial couples as the MCs, so it shouldn’t be surprising, but this time it rubbed me the wrong way. Having this white character comes across as the author trying to appeal to a white audience and almost like a way to make Sidney seem more believable. Like, if this white guy is seeing this scary stuff, then it must not be all in Sidney’s head! Seeking validation from that connection to whiteness.
The story was thrilling in the end because it didn’t seem super far fetched to me.
The pacing definitely picked up 2/3 of the way into the book. Then it speeds up as evidence clicks into place. This could have started halfway in if the author really wanted to go with the kind of gothic horror vibe. I know it was meant to be one of those things that kind of sneaks up on you but the ending should have been longer.
I feel conflicted about the author’s choice to make the second POV from a white straight cis guy and to have that romantic element. Many of Cole’s books have interracial couples as the MCs, so it shouldn’t be surprising, but this time it rubbed me the wrong way. Having this white character comes across as the author trying to appeal to a white audience and almost like a way to make Sidney seem more believable. Like, if this white guy is seeing this scary stuff, then it must not be all in Sidney’s head! Seeking validation from that connection to whiteness.
The story was thrilling in the end because it didn’t seem super far fetched to me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Violence, Police brutality, and Death of parent
Moderate: Confinement, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Forced institutionalization, and Gaslighting
On the Hustle by Adriana Herrera
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
Adriana did it again!
I’m obsessed with this book!! Alba’s feelings about being there for her mom and grandma really got home for me. Her work ethic was also familiar 😂 going so hard on projects that she gets sick. Same, friend. The idea of your partner being a person who makes you feel like you can rest didn’t enter my mind until I met Allen. So I knew that Theo was exactly who she needed.
Alba’s business sounds amazing and I need access to it immediately, by the way. Where’s my bookish office?!
The sex scenes 🥵🔥🔥
I’m obsessed with this book!! Alba’s feelings about being there for her mom and grandma really got home for me. Her work ethic was also familiar 😂 going so hard on projects that she gets sick. Same, friend. The idea of your partner being a person who makes you feel like you can rest didn’t enter my mind until I met Allen. So I knew that Theo was exactly who she needed.
Alba’s business sounds amazing and I need access to it immediately, by the way. Where’s my bookish office?!
The sex scenes 🥵🔥🔥
The Daughter of Doctor Moreau by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
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
4.5
Real rating: 4.5 stars
The Daughter of Doctor Moreau is such an intricate novel! It’s inspired by The Island of Dr. Moreau by H. G. Wells, so if you want to know the connections, definitely read an overview of that book.
Silvia Moreno-Garcia seamlessly included the historical context of life in Mexico during the late 19th century; exploitation of Mayans and immigrant laborers, conflict between the white Mexicans and Indigenous peoples, and the racism.
Carlotta and Laughton’s narratives overlap one another which I found creative. There were a few parts that dragged a bit, mostly with Laughton, but I enjoyed the story overall.
Note: The audiobook is awesome because there are so many different accents we encounter!
⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
‼️Spoilers ahead‼️
Moreau’s motives for his experimentation were pretty ableist, which was normal for that time. However, Carlotta’s increasing resistance to treatment for her “illness” or disability gave a message of embracing herself. The content’s connection to ableism is complicated because, on one hand, the disabilities were Moreau’s creations, but on the other hand, the “hybrids” have their own lives, wants, dreams, and beliefs. They have names and agency.
The Daughter of Doctor Moreau is such an intricate novel! It’s inspired by The Island of Dr. Moreau by H. G. Wells, so if you want to know the connections, definitely read an overview of that book.
Silvia Moreno-Garcia seamlessly included the historical context of life in Mexico during the late 19th century; exploitation of Mayans and immigrant laborers, conflict between the white Mexicans and Indigenous peoples, and the racism.
Carlotta and Laughton’s narratives overlap one another which I found creative. There were a few parts that dragged a bit, mostly with Laughton, but I enjoyed the story overall.
Note: The audiobook is awesome because there are so many different accents we encounter!
⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
‼️Spoilers ahead‼️
Moreau’s motives for his experimentation were pretty ableist, which was normal for that time. However, Carlotta’s increasing resistance to treatment for her “illness” or disability gave a message of embracing herself. The content’s connection to ableism is complicated because, on one hand, the disabilities were Moreau’s creations, but on the other hand, the “hybrids” have their own lives, wants, dreams, and beliefs. They have names and agency.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Misogyny, Medical content, Medical trauma, Gaslighting, and Colonisation
Moderate: Alcoholism, Chronic illness, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Only on the Weekends by Dean Atta
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Only on the Weekends by Dean Atta is about gay Black teen boy named Mack going through some of the typical feelings one might in high school. He has crushes and acts silly with his crew. Mack befriends a classmate named Maz who happens to be the cousin of Mack’s crush, “K” (Karim). Mack and K grow closer and admit their feelings for one another but their bond is put to the test when Mack’s dad insists that his son join him in Scotland as he directs his latest film. On top of these usual challenges, Mack is immediately attracted to the star of the project, an actor named Fin (Finlay). Fin is generous and open with his affection towards Mack, unlike K. Mack is unsure of how to handle this new development after he thought he was happy with K.
Review:
I gave this book 3 stars because I can see how the representation on the page may positively impact queer teens today. Unfortunately, the plot dragged quite a bit and couldn’t keep my attention. It took me quite some time to finish this book despite it being in verse. While I can remember making dumb mistakes like Mack as a teen, reading about it was a bit annoying because I couldn’t connect with Mack. It seemed like his entire personality was focused on crushes, his dad/parents, and his friends. He didn’t have anything he really liked aside from wearing make up from time to time. It would have been nice to see him have something he’s passionate about. If that was make-up, maybe writing about Mack watching tutorials online a lot or doing his own. It just seemed like everyone else had a hobby or passion aside from him.
This book was just okay.
Review:
I gave this book 3 stars because I can see how the representation on the page may positively impact queer teens today. Unfortunately, the plot dragged quite a bit and couldn’t keep my attention. It took me quite some time to finish this book despite it being in verse. While I can remember making dumb mistakes like Mack as a teen, reading about it was a bit annoying because I couldn’t connect with Mack. It seemed like his entire personality was focused on crushes, his dad/parents, and his friends. He didn’t have anything he really liked aside from wearing make up from time to time. It would have been nice to see him have something he’s passionate about. If that was make-up, maybe writing about Mack watching tutorials online a lot or doing his own. It just seemed like everyone else had a hobby or passion aside from him.
This book was just okay.
Content Warnings
Minor: Homophobia, Infidelity, and Death of parent
American Royalty by Tracey Livesay
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
When I first heard about this book, I was excited to read it because I love Prince Harry and the Duchess Meghan Markle together. However, I made the mistake of not reading the full synopsis before diving in. This is the story of a Black female rapper and skin care entrepreneur name Danielle "Duchess" Nelson and her whirlwind romance with the introverted prince who works as a philosophy professor. In the U.S., Duchess has been dealing with her management constantly making decisions for her without her consent and a pop star who won't stop trying to ride the rapper's coattails through social media and the press. She just wants to control her own life and move more into the skin care realm with a company interested in striking a deal. Thankfully, she gets the perfect opportunity to escape the madness for a while AND drum up good press through a surprising opportunity.
In the U.K., the Queen is at her wits end with her children and the negative attention they've brought on the royal family. Seeking to convince the public of the royal family's importance and celebrate her beloved late husband, she tasks Prince Jameson with organizing a week long celebration complete with a tribute concert. There are just a few problems...Jameson hates public attention, he doesn't listen to popular music, and he can't back out. On a whim, Jameson asks a student for musicians to recommend, which leads to his decision to invite Duchess to perform without looking into her or her music.
This book was very steamy and full of sexy scenes. I also loved the Great British Baking Show references. However, there wasn't much else I loved about this story. Aside from Prince Jameson being described as extremely attractive and the sexual tension between him and Duchess, I didn't see any real reason the two could fall in love. They barely opened up to one another and when they did, it was only with partial explanations. Most of the time, they were having sex, thinking about it, or trying to act normal in public. So Their love connection didn't feel believable. I also had a hard time with this book because I felt like there were way too many instances of things not quite making sense...
One example: If Jameson grew up as a royal with their need to appear proper at all times, why is he so ignorant of how obvious he and Duchess are in front of his staff and others? They both seemed to lack common sense throughout the book.
If you like instalove and smut and don't care as much about these things, I think you'll enjoy this book!
In the U.K., the Queen is at her wits end with her children and the negative attention they've brought on the royal family. Seeking to convince the public of the royal family's importance and celebrate her beloved late husband, she tasks Prince Jameson with organizing a week long celebration complete with a tribute concert. There are just a few problems...Jameson hates public attention, he doesn't listen to popular music, and he can't back out. On a whim, Jameson asks a student for musicians to recommend, which leads to his decision to invite Duchess to perform without looking into her or her music.
This book was very steamy and full of sexy scenes. I also loved the Great British Baking Show references. However, there wasn't much else I loved about this story. Aside from Prince Jameson being described as extremely attractive and the sexual tension between him and Duchess, I didn't see any real reason the two could fall in love. They barely opened up to one another and when they did, it was only with partial explanations. Most of the time, they were having sex, thinking about it, or trying to act normal in public. So Their love connection didn't feel believable. I also had a hard time with this book because I felt like there were way too many instances of things not quite making sense...
One example: If Jameson grew up as a royal with their need to appear proper at all times, why is he so ignorant of how obvious he and Duchess are in front of his staff and others? They both seemed to lack common sense throughout the book.
If you like instalove and smut and don't care as much about these things, I think you'll enjoy this book!
Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortega
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I’m so grateful to see books like this, Wash Day Diaries by Jamila Rowser and Robyn Smith, and Inheritance by Elizabeth Acevedo this year. As an AfroLatina, I feel seen by these books. In a way, it feels like they are helping me heal from the anti-blackness I’ve faced my whole life, especially when it comes to my hair.
Ortega did a wonderful job of bringing this to life through Marlene’s story. Marlene just wants to be herself. She’s hurt and confused by the messages her peers and family send her with their jokes and comments about her looks and her hair. After so many saying, “it’s just a joke,” and “respect your elders,” it’s no surprise that Marlene begins to crumble under the pressure.
This book is perfect for everyone, especially Black and Latinx families coming to terms with Eurocentric beauty standards. I will be buying copies for my family members when it is released in October.
Ortega did a wonderful job of bringing this to life through Marlene’s story. Marlene just wants to be herself. She’s hurt and confused by the messages her peers and family send her with their jokes and comments about her looks and her hair. After so many saying, “it’s just a joke,” and “respect your elders,” it’s no surprise that Marlene begins to crumble under the pressure.
This book is perfect for everyone, especially Black and Latinx families coming to terms with Eurocentric beauty standards. I will be buying copies for my family members when it is released in October.
A Magic Steeped in Poison by Judy I. Lin
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
I really love how creative the author got with this magic. I still don’t fully understand how it works but I was really invested in the political intrigue of the palace and getting to know the backstory for Ning’s parents. Cliffhanger has me ready for the next book.
Alsooooo I love a good glossary! This book has an elaborate one in the back so don’t miss it.
Alsooooo I love a good glossary! This book has an elaborate one in the back so don’t miss it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism
Moderate: Violence, Medical trauma, and Death of parent
Minor: Torture and Sexual harassment
A Thousand Beginnings and Endings by Elsie Chapman, Ellen Oh
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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