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callme_tippy's reviews
180 reviews
Magic in the Melanin: A Black Fantasy Anthology by The Melanin Library
Ash Of Cinders - L. Penelope: A gender bent retelling of Cinderella that reads like a YA romance novel. Cute, reads like a novel written for the younger end of YA which makes sense considering that is a fairytale retelling, this was exactly what it should have been. 3.75 stars
Keeper Of The Spirit Gates - Celeste Harte: This one might be one of my favorites in this collection for the plot. I found this to be very heartwarming and sweet despite the turmoil happening around the main character. I loved this one for it's simplicity and sweetness. Adding this author to my "to read" list! 5 stars
The Promised Road - Omari Richards: Great world and character building. This felt more like and excerpt from a longer novella than a short story, but it was very well written. I would love to read a full version of this one! 4 stars
To Kill A Living Nightmare - D.L. Howard: Not one of my favorites in this collection, the writing seemed a bit juvenile. The plot was pretty predictable and a bit confusing as well. 2.75 stars
True Nature - Shakir Rashaan: I did not enjoy this one. The writing was not up to par with the rest of the collection. The characters were extremely flat, the plot was predicable and over done, the "romance" portion was non-believable and badly written. :( 1 star (this one did not need to be a part of this anthology).
We're Going On A God Hunt - C.M. Lockhart: One of my favorites! Beautifully written, rich, full characters, wonderful world building and imagery. This too felt like an excerpt and I want to read the full version if it exists! This was original and exciting to read. This author is definitely on my "to read" list now! 5 stars
Mama Cactus Sky - Moses Ose Utomi: I want start out by saying the overall message of this I do not stand with. Definitely very misogynistic, even if it was done very poetically, however it was written so very beautifully that I have to give it high ratings lol. Utomi knows how to write, no doubt about it. With such a short story I was able to really connect with the storyline and characters. 4 stars
I Think I Wanna Kiss His Sister - La Purvis: Cute story line, however there are parts that don't make sense. I do not understand why the apple was a part of this at all.Coal would have been forbidden from marrying her whether he touched the apple that made him a bumbling idiot or not. Emperor Yuval already knew about Coal's infidelity and his children/mistress. The apple was not well explained and, honestly, was not needed at all. I think without that part this would have been better. 3.75 stars
Sickle Cell - Joel Anthony Hamilton: This one reads like a folktale, which I enjoyed, but the lore needed to be better explained in order for it to make the impact it needed to. Enjoyable but could have been more fleshed out for a better understanding of the protagonist. 3.75 stars
Of Celestial Flame - Doyin Aderele: A very well written and exciting read! This one was well done and had a plot that grabbed my attention right away. I loved the world building and characters. I would love to know more about this world that blends mythology, folklore, religion, and sci-fi! An author to add to my "to read" list for sure~ 5 stars
The Bane Of The Damned - Shelby N. Rose: This was a lovely tale of family bonds, found family, freedom, trust, and betrayal and I loved every minute of it! I would love to find out more about our main character and his journey, I want to know what happens next and follow him on his next adventure. This is a great short story, I love when they keep me wanting more. Definitely and author to keep an eye on! 5 stars
Lost In Thought - James Gettys: Tied for my least favorite in this collection. The only reason this is getting anything more than a 1 star is because I am a maladaptive daydreamer and I liked the day dreaming fantasy portion of this. Other than that, the characters are flat, the storyline is flat, predictable, and lack luster, and there is not enough explanation into what is actually going on. To top it off the main character is a misogynistic piece of garbage who learns very little in the end and uses the phrase "daddy express", gross. :( 1.75 stars (this one should have been cut from the lineup also honestly)
To Shape The Night - Tonja K. Johnson: I find this one hard to rate because romance is not my thing. This read like a YA romantacy. I loved the imagery of the cottage, it was both gross and intriguing, which tells me that this writer know how to set a scene. Overall, this would be a great read for anyone that likes romance YA novels. 3.75 stars
Today We Are Generals - Tatian Obey: This was such a sweet ending to this anthology~ I really liked the characters, the plot, the imagery, and the writing. This was sweet, funny, sad, and wholesome. 5 stars.
Overall, I really liked this anthology and what it offers. I think this a book all Black reader should read and have on their shelf. I enjoyed the journey even if for me personally there were some stories that weren't my cup of tea. This is definitely worth the read!
Once again thank you Melanin Library for the ARC, I greatly enjoyed this one and am so happy I got the chance to experience and review it.
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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? Yes
4.75
This book promised to be the Blackest book I've ever read and it did not disappoint!
Thank you Melanin Library for the gifted digital arc of this~ :)
As with every anthology there are some hits and misses for me, but overall I really enjoyed this book~
Ash Of Cinders - L. Penelope: A gender bent retelling of Cinderella that reads like a YA romance novel. Cute, reads like a novel written for the younger end of YA which makes sense considering that is a fairytale retelling, this was exactly what it should have been. 3.75 stars
Keeper Of The Spirit Gates - Celeste Harte: This one might be one of my favorites in this collection for the plot. I found this to be very heartwarming and sweet despite the turmoil happening around the main character. I loved this one for it's simplicity and sweetness. Adding this author to my "to read" list! 5 stars
The Promised Road - Omari Richards: Great world and character building. This felt more like and excerpt from a longer novella than a short story, but it was very well written. I would love to read a full version of this one! 4 stars
To Kill A Living Nightmare - D.L. Howard: Not one of my favorites in this collection, the writing seemed a bit juvenile. The plot was pretty predictable and a bit confusing as well. 2.75 stars
True Nature - Shakir Rashaan: I did not enjoy this one. The writing was not up to par with the rest of the collection. The characters were extremely flat, the plot was predicable and over done, the "romance" portion was non-believable and badly written. :( 1 star (this one did not need to be a part of this anthology).
We're Going On A God Hunt - C.M. Lockhart: One of my favorites! Beautifully written, rich, full characters, wonderful world building and imagery. This too felt like an excerpt and I want to read the full version if it exists! This was original and exciting to read. This author is definitely on my "to read" list now! 5 stars
Mama Cactus Sky - Moses Ose Utomi: I want start out by saying the overall message of this I do not stand with. Definitely very misogynistic, even if it was done very poetically, however it was written so very beautifully that I have to give it high ratings lol. Utomi knows how to write, no doubt about it. With such a short story I was able to really connect with the storyline and characters. 4 stars
I Think I Wanna Kiss His Sister - La Purvis: Cute story line, however there are parts that don't make sense. I do not understand why the apple was a part of this at all.
Sickle Cell - Joel Anthony Hamilton: This one reads like a folktale, which I enjoyed, but the lore needed to be better explained in order for it to make the impact it needed to. Enjoyable but could have been more fleshed out for a better understanding of the protagonist. 3.75 stars
Of Celestial Flame - Doyin Aderele: A very well written and exciting read! This one was well done and had a plot that grabbed my attention right away. I loved the world building and characters. I would love to know more about this world that blends mythology, folklore, religion, and sci-fi! An author to add to my "to read" list for sure~ 5 stars
The Bane Of The Damned - Shelby N. Rose: This was a lovely tale of family bonds, found family, freedom, trust, and betrayal and I loved every minute of it! I would love to find out more about our main character and his journey, I want to know what happens next and follow him on his next adventure. This is a great short story, I love when they keep me wanting more. Definitely and author to keep an eye on! 5 stars
Lost In Thought - James Gettys: Tied for my least favorite in this collection. The only reason this is getting anything more than a 1 star is because I am a maladaptive daydreamer and I liked the day dreaming fantasy portion of this. Other than that, the characters are flat, the storyline is flat, predictable, and lack luster, and there is not enough explanation into what is actually going on. To top it off the main character is a misogynistic piece of garbage who learns very little in the end and uses the phrase "daddy express", gross. :( 1.75 stars (this one should have been cut from the lineup also honestly)
To Shape The Night - Tonja K. Johnson: I find this one hard to rate because romance is not my thing. This read like a YA romantacy. I loved the imagery of the cottage, it was both gross and intriguing, which tells me that this writer know how to set a scene. Overall, this would be a great read for anyone that likes romance YA novels. 3.75 stars
Today We Are Generals - Tatian Obey: This was such a sweet ending to this anthology~ I really liked the characters, the plot, the imagery, and the writing. This was sweet, funny, sad, and wholesome. 5 stars.
Overall, I really liked this anthology and what it offers. I think this a book all Black reader should read and have on their shelf. I enjoyed the journey even if for me personally there were some stories that weren't my cup of tea. This is definitely worth the read!
Once again thank you Melanin Library for the ARC, I greatly enjoyed this one and am so happy I got the chance to experience and review it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Infidelity, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Violence, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Classism
12:01 by Bella Jay
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
4.0
I enjoyed the banter between Thyme and Midnight and I'm so happy the Midnight was good male character since they are so hard to find, I enjoyed reading about them and their dynamic together.
I do, however, wish she did not include the epilogue, or made the epilogue different.Two children, back to back, like girl what?? lmao.
Also I am not a spicy romance reader, barely a romance reader at all, but I I just skimmed the sex scenes 😅 .
There was enough banter and comedy for me to be able to just skip those scenes and still enjoy the rest of the book~
I want Bella Jay to write a romantic comedy, I think it would be everything I want!
I do, however, wish she did not include the epilogue, or made the epilogue different.
Also I am not a spicy romance reader, barely a romance reader at all, but I I just skimmed the sex scenes 😅 .
There was enough banter and comedy for me to be able to just skip those scenes and still enjoy the rest of the book~
I want Bella Jay to write a romantic comedy, I think it would be everything I want!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Sexual content, Alcohol
Moderate: Miscarriage
Our Gen by Diane McKinney-Whetstone
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This was a quick enjoyable read!
I really liked reading a book with characters over the age of 50 and their life stories.
I did not love any of the characters but I still liked reading their point of views and diving into their pasts.
I think the little bit of mystery was perfect. Would recommend!
I really liked reading a book with characters over the age of 50 and their life stories.
I did not love any of the characters but I still liked reading their point of views and diving into their pasts.
I think the little bit of mystery was perfect. Would recommend!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual content
Moderate: Pedophilia
We Need New Names by NoViolet Bulawayo
adventurous
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
This book was bizarre.
I am unsure what the point was to be completely honest, like I get the overall message, but not the way it was presented to us.
The first half takes place in Zimbabwe from Darlings point of view as a child and seemed to just bop all over the place with no direction in mind. I struggled to figure why the beginning was so long and aimless when not a whole lot was given. It's hard to explain.
The second half of the story taking place in America was also disjointed but at least felt more like a coming of age story than the beginning which felt "wandering aimlessly". I still did not exactly enjoy the second half because it gave very little actual information.
I would have liked this better had it been written in 3rd person and we were able to get more information and nuance.
I don't know, I was not feeling this style of writing or story telling, and the ending was...a choice.
I wish I had dnf'd this one, bc I'm left feeling empty and like I wasted my time at the end, unfortunately.
Also I pushed through the more inappropriate portions with the hope that it would come together or be explained or something by the end, but nope, no such thing happens.
There is a portion where the Chinese people are said to be "ching chonging" (again this would have been better from 3rd person to give nuance),Chipo has the child that was conceived via rape from her grandfather (we get no info beyond Chipo saying he raped her to Darling) , Fatphobia runs rampant in this book, and child abuse is excused for just being "culturally different". This was not it.
I am unsure what the point was to be completely honest, like I get the overall message, but not the way it was presented to us.
The first half takes place in Zimbabwe from Darlings point of view as a child and seemed to just bop all over the place with no direction in mind. I struggled to figure why the beginning was so long and aimless when not a whole lot was given. It's hard to explain.
The second half of the story taking place in America was also disjointed but at least felt more like a coming of age story than the beginning which felt "wandering aimlessly". I still did not exactly enjoy the second half because it gave very little actual information.
I would have liked this better had it been written in 3rd person and we were able to get more information and nuance.
I don't know, I was not feeling this style of writing or story telling, and the ending was...a choice.
I wish I had dnf'd this one, bc I'm left feeling empty and like I wasted my time at the end, unfortunately.
Also I pushed through the more inappropriate portions with the hope that it would come together or be explained or something by the end, but nope, no such thing happens.
There is a portion where the Chinese people are said to be "ching chonging" (again this would have been better from 3rd person to give nuance),
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Chronic illness, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Police brutality, Abortion, Death of parent, Murder, Abandonment, Colonisation, War, Classism, Deportation
Moderate: Eating disorder, Incest, Rape
House Gone Quiet: Stories by Kelsey Norris
Did not finish book. Stopped at 12%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 12%.
I am not connecting with this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Genocide, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Murder, Pregnancy
Skye Falling by Mia McKenzie
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
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
4.75
Skye is the most likeable terrible character ever lol!
This was a lovey look at real relationships with all the up's, downs, and in-betweens that real life offers.
Skye is a mess and I loved every minute of her messy journey.
I laughed when she laughed, cried when she cried, and was both angry for and at her.
This was not a perfect romance, a perfect character redemption, or a perfect ending, but it was a real relationship, and a real exploration of a character that had a hard life and wants to be and do better.
Definitely would recommend!
This was a lovey look at real relationships with all the up's, downs, and in-betweens that real life offers.
Skye is a mess and I loved every minute of her messy journey.
I laughed when she laughed, cried when she cried, and was both angry for and at her.
This was not a perfect romance, a perfect character redemption, or a perfect ending, but it was a real relationship, and a real exploration of a character that had a hard life and wants to be and do better.
Definitely would recommend!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Hate crime, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Death of parent, Toxic friendship, Abandonment
Moderate: Cursing, Drug abuse, Drug use, Sexual content, Transphobia, Police brutality, Pregnancy
Tender Beasts by Liselle Sambury
This book was way too long!
(Keep in mind that I am writing this as someone that loves horror, but doesn't like YA all that much.)
With 400+ pages you would think the book would make more sense. Honestly we could have done without 200 of those 400 pages.
Things I did not like:
I so wish the author would have heavily leaned one way or the other. Either make it that her whole family is delusional and they don't want to accept the fact that they are actually not good people and enjoy killing small animals, or make it heavy on the occult.
I would have preferred the occult version I think. It could have been so creepy.
Imagine if Sunny was a regular level of annoying but still likeable and always noticed something weird about her family.
Imagine she wanted to build a relationship with Dom, but her family always deterred and stopped her. Imagine she'd see creepy stuff over the years but always explained it away, or wondered what was up with family.
Imagine the lore actually made sense and was creepy.
Imagine she found her mothers diary and was super confused and creeped out by it, but we only got it in bits and pieces because she had to sneak to read it.
Imagine all of this going on while all the stuff with Dom was still going on.
How great would that have been?!
I so wanted to like this book, I'm giving 2 stars because at around 200 pages it stared to pick up and it kept me guessing, but that ending was lack luster and flat. A magic book? Really? Give me break.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
.
***Below review contains unhidden spoilers!***
This book was way too long!
(Keep in mind that I am writing this as someone that loves horror, but doesn't like YA all that much.)
With 400+ pages you would think the book would make more sense. Honestly we could have done without 200 of those 400 pages.
Things I did not like:
- Sunny's overall attitude, like are we supposed to like her at all, because she's pretty annoying. How are we meant to like a character that is fake 100% of the time with literally everyone??
- Are we meant to believe that Sunny is that good of an actor all of her life that her siblings are surprised at her just saying she's not okay? far fetched!
- Besides Sunny, all of the rest of the siblings are super flat and very "character 101" (not to mention also unlikeable).
- The only person I kind of liked was Dom and that's mostly because I felt bad for him for how his family treated him since we don't get to learn much about him.
- Every scene with Sunny interacting with her boyfriend and "friends" was useless, added nothing to the story, and could have been taken out of the book completely.
- The lore, don't even get me started, not only is lore confusing, it also doesn't make any sense! Am I supposed to believe this whole Milk Man thing started with a little girls "game". Where did she learn this game? Why did her parents and all the adults follow along? Were they all maidens? If so who were the calves? I'm still so very confused!
- 200 of those pages could have been used to flesh out the Milk Man lore and actually make a storyline that actually made sense. Instead we get useless interactions with people that the main character hates and adds nothing to the book.
- We're supposed to believe that a grown, smart, business savvy women, wanted her 18 year old daughter to run the family with the instructions in a diary she left behind? A diary that's convoluted and confusing at that!
- So the whole family was okay with one child being treated like a non-member and sub-human for his whole life and no one questioned this? Okay.
- I'm annoyed that we got the diary info before Sunny got it, in fact Sunny didn't know what was in the diary until after the book was practically over!
- What exactly does this Milk Man do?? Like can we have more back story on this lore please? Maybe it would come together more if so.
- Those stupid nursey rhymes drove me up a wall!
- All the bear imagery and literal bear memorabilia only for it be because her father gave her mother bear keychain when they were children? what? I get that it's a play on their last name but they made it seem like it meant more only for it to fall flat.
- The father didn't want to mercy kill his brother in jail in order to have this Milk Man stop cursing/helping their family or whatever. But instead he is okay with his son being a Milk Man calf that does his bidding and he would treat his son as sub-human and exclude him from the family. That doesn't make any sense! Especially because the father has killed other people too!
- We're supposed to believe that as a child her sister was able to kill a woman and somehow did this with out the police seeing anything wrong with that or discovering it was her???
I so wish the author would have heavily leaned one way or the other. Either make it that her whole family is delusional and they don't want to accept the fact that they are actually not good people and enjoy killing small animals, or make it heavy on the occult.
I would have preferred the occult version I think. It could have been so creepy.
Imagine if Sunny was a regular level of annoying but still likeable and always noticed something weird about her family.
Imagine she wanted to build a relationship with Dom, but her family always deterred and stopped her. Imagine she'd see creepy stuff over the years but always explained it away, or wondered what was up with family.
Imagine the lore actually made sense and was creepy.
Imagine she found her mothers diary and was super confused and creeped out by it, but we only got it in bits and pieces because she had to sneak to read it.
Imagine all of this going on while all the stuff with Dom was still going on.
How great would that have been?!
I so wanted to like this book, I'm giving 2 stars because at around 200 pages it stared to pick up and it kept me guessing, but that ending was lack luster and flat. A magic book? Really? Give me break.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Murder, Toxic friendship
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Cursing, Cultural appropriation
The Eyes Are the Best Part by Monika Kim
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-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
5.0
This book was disgusting in all the best ways.
I enjoy books with unhinged women so I had high hopes for this one and it did not disappoint.
This was a light exploration of misogyny, anger, hatred, responsibility, and family dynamics.
Does this book have some cliches that I normally roll my eyes at? Yes.
Is it the most amazing writing ever? No.
Did I still every second of this weird ride? Absolutely!
Would recommend!
I enjoy books with unhinged women so I had high hopes for this one and it did not disappoint.
This was a light exploration of misogyny, anger, hatred, responsibility, and family dynamics.
Does this book have some cliches that I normally roll my eyes at? Yes.
Is it the most amazing writing ever? No.
Did I still every second of this weird ride? Absolutely!
Would recommend!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Misogyny, Racism, Toxic relationship, Xenophobia, Blood, Vomit, Stalking, Murder, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Pedophilia
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
Krik? Krak! by Edwidge Danticat
Did not finish book. Stopped at 7%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 7%.
This is not written in a way that I enjoy.
This Cursed House by Del Sandeen
The theme of forgiveness completely ruined this book. I want my horror in this specific genre to be horror. Give me revenge, give me anger, give me actual horror! Don't give "forgiveness heals all" garbage! Especially when the forgiveness is given to racist, classist, colorist, anti-Black, "white passing" (due to the time period, otherwise they'd just be white) people.
This was such a let down. It could have been so good, and the constant lies, secrets, and reveals were great, but like I said, the forgiveness theme is so enraging. Like, eff all that "forgiving my oppressor to set me free" garbage, give me revenge served hot and horrific! I hated this theme and will be very hesitant to read more from this author.
I'd advise to skip this one, it was not it.
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.5
While I enjoyed the mystery of this one the overall theme is a no for me.
The fact that the main plot point of this book is to forgive, drives me absolutely crazy!
The author wants us to root for the main character to forgive her estranged long lost family for:
The fact that the main plot point of this book is to forgive, drives me absolutely crazy!
The author wants us to root for the main character to forgive her estranged long lost family for:
killing her father because he was too Black and dark skinned. Sending her away from her family/mother because she looked too Black and they would have killed her otherwise. Cutting out her mothers tongue and forcing her to work for her own family as the maid Lying to her, not telling her mother is alive and is in fact the maid. Putting her down for being too Black. Lying about who her brother is. Other micro aggressions.
The theme of forgiveness completely ruined this book. I want my horror in this specific genre to be horror. Give me revenge, give me anger, give me actual horror! Don't give "forgiveness heals all" garbage! Especially when the forgiveness is given to racist, classist, colorist, anti-Black, "white passing" (due to the time period, otherwise they'd just be white) people.
This was such a let down. It could have been so good, and the constant lies, secrets, and reveals were great, but like I said, the forgiveness theme is so enraging. Like, eff all that "forgiving my oppressor to set me free" garbage, give me revenge served hot and horrific! I hated this theme and will be very hesitant to read more from this author.
I'd advise to skip this one, it was not it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Cursing, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Self harm, Slavery, Toxic relationship, Murder, Classism
Moderate: Incest, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Gore