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chioma_a's reviews
20 reviews

Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki

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adventurous funny hopeful 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? Yes

4.5

My favorite part of this book is that Aoki writes with the confidence and trust that their reader will keep up with the many moving pieces theyve brought to play. there's such a joy in an author saying "are you along for the ride?" and setting the conventional deliniations of genre and form to the side to bring about something unique, poignant, and true. I absolutely loved reading this book!
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The Stone Sky by N.K. Jemisin

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense slow-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 entire series is (and pls excuse my pun) as earth-shattering, as groundbreaking as everyone has said it is. Jemisin's world is not a kind one, and her characters have been made hard because of that. But Essun and Nassun's epic rivals that of any classical or moder hero. Add to that the sharp eye with which Jemisin connects the endlessly imaginative lore of her world to our own, and her insistent belief that—no matter how drastic—the wrongs of the past can still be set right, and you have a damn good trilogy on your hands.
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You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi

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adventurous emotional 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

4.5

This book is about grief and living and second chances, and it is phenomenal. Amezi brings you right into the mess and I wouldn't want it any other way. 
Heir's Game by suspu

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adventurous emotional 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? No

4.5

I've been reading this story for years but went back for a full reread in anticipation of the finale, and it remains such a lovingly crafted world and a beautiful cast of characters. Everything about this story has heart and charm, it knows how to build tension and chaos while keeping love and friendship always at the forefront. Definitely a story worth returning to.
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Conjure Women by Afia Atakora

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adventurous challenging slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • 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 one of the best books I've read all year. Akotara creates a stunningly vivid landscape and cast of characters and i can feel the love and level of care that went into ever detail. Witnessing the changes in the town, and in Rue, as we travel between the pre and post war timelines kept me engaged for every minute. And the way Akotara captured the heart of this community trying to claim freedom in the wake of loss and pain and suffering, I absolutely loved this story and will be thinking about it for a very long time. 
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The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

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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

3.75

Aristotle and Dante Dive Into the Waters of the World by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

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emotional hopeful reflective slow-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

3.25

I didn't realize that this book was almost 600 pages long (im an ebook gal) and I think that honestly explains a lot about the experience of reading it. Saénzs has created this beautiful, vibrant cast of characters that are a joy to read about, but there's not much holding the story together besides them. It's beautiful to watch Ari grow and see his relationship with Dante develop. But 600 pages of Ari's observations can start to drag, even when you love him as much as I do. There are still some absolutely beautiful moments in this book. And if you want to see the characters living and healing and preparing to face the future, then I'd reccomend.
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid

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funny reflective tense fast-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

4.25

This book made me physically, viscerally cringe many many times as I was reading, which is honestly a testament to how effective Reid is at getting her point across. As a 20 something Black woman, Amira felt like me or like a friend who's regaling you with the stories of her fucked up day at work. And the relationship between Amira, Kelly, and Alix was spot on. Briar and Zara really sealed the deal for me because as side characters they were hilarious, fleshed out, and engaging all through the story. The way Reid presented issues of race and class never felt forced, which is no easy feat, and she handled the scenes of confrontation deftly. I definitely reccomend!
Seven Days in June by Tia Williams

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emotional 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

3.75

This book had a lot of beautiful moments and the characters really shined throughout. The connection between Eva and Shane is captured in a way that felt dynamic yet natural, like what they found with each other was truly as easy as breathing. My only complaint about this book is that at times the writers voice slipped into a very commercial, poppy - almost magazine-y tone that pulled me out of the story a bit. Overall, though, I think its a beautifully told love story that is deserving of its flowers.
The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris

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adventurous 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? Yes

4.0

This book did not go at all how I expected (I basically went in blind, which I'd recommend) but I was 100% along for the ride. The writing is really skillful at pulling together some pretty out there plot points and making it make sense. I think at some time the social critique that the author attempts fell flat to me, but Nella's challenges rang very true and her character felt incredibly real. Would reccomend!