chakgilbert's reviews
266 reviews

When I Think of You by Myah Ariel

challenging emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• 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

This is a quick read. I enjoyed the writing and would definitely read more from this author. I really like the FMC and following her growth at the end. However, I did not really care for the MMC. Some of his actions rubbed me the wrong way. Overall, solid second chance romance but not one I can see myself grabbing and rereading. 

How to Catch a Queen by Alyssa Cole

emotional 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

3.25

This book started off slow but picks up in the middle. The exploration of family trauma and how it affects not only your outlook on life but also your relationships are a big component of this book. I liked that the female lead was focused on what she wanted and was not dejected about the way the marriage was going but took action. Not an all time favorite romance but a quick read for a rainy day. 

She Who Knows by Nnedi Okorafor

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

The writing was beautiful. I always enjoy reading the world building that the author weaves. This short story is a prequel to another book. While you don’t have to read the other book, I feel like my experience would be enhanced by understanding where the story eventually goes. The themes about trauma, impacting your community, and embracing being different is powerful. What kept it from being a 5⭐️ is the ending felt rushed to me, however, I am intrigued enough to read book 2. 

10,000 Hours With A Rich Menace by Jahquel J.

funny 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

3.0

Enjoyed the story but Felt like I missed some of the context of the side characters. 

The De Santis Cartel: The Inc by K.C. Mills

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? No

3.75

Quick read. Enjoyed the tropes of the book but didn’t feel like the characters were fleshed out as much as some of the authors other books. Would recommend 

The Message by Ta-Nehisi Coates

challenging informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor
Did not finish book. Stopped at 23%.

I didn’t have the right expectations for this book. It is marketed as science fiction but I think it is more literary fiction. The writing as always is great but I didn’t feel compelled to pick up the book and keep reading. 

Reel by Kennedy Ryan

challenging emotional inspiring 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

5.0

2nd time reading this book and I enjoyed it more this time around. I liked the slow build of the romance. I liked the story within a story. I like that I got to know each character. 

The Accidental Queen by L R Jackson, L R Jackson

hopeful mysterious fast-paced

3.25

This was a quick and easy read. I’m glad the book was on the shorter side. Dafari and Eboni were pretty fleshed out even if the world around them wasn’t. The timeline in the book seemed a little off as well. Even with the negatives in this book, it was a good book to read in between my larger fantasy novels. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Child abuse and Rape

Caliban's War by James S.A. Corey

dark emotional mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

One thing the authors do well is utilizing the prologue in setting up the tone of the story. This prologue, just like the prologue in the first book, grabbed my attention very well. The book has 4 POVs which can be jarring at points but the story converges in a compelling way. There are some slow parts but the authors do a good job of building tension. I also like the addition of more of the political aspect of what has been going on. I also like the new characters and what they added to the story.