frozel's reviews
351 reviews

emotional reflective medium-paced

4.0

Charmaine Wilkerson’s debut, Black Cake had been on my reading list for quite some time before I finally picked it up. It’s a pleasure to say that I’m happy that I did.

Black Cake explores themes of identity, perseverance, forgiveness and legacy. To elaborate further, Wilkerson explores the impacts of protecting one’s identity to ensure the fortitude of not only their future, but the lives of their loved ones.

Estranged siblings Benny and Byron are called together after their mother, Eleanor, leaves them a mysterious parting gift: a black cake & a series of voice recordings revealing a hidden past. Eleanor's story, set in Jamaica, unfolds as a tale of a rebellious young woman accused of murder and forced to flee her home. As the siblings unravel more of their mother's past, they uncover secrets, betrayals, and a potential long-lost family member. Their journey takes them into uncharted territory, forcing them to confront their fractured relationship and confront everything they thought they knew about their lineage and most importantly, themselves.

Although tragic, I appreciated the exploration of the complicated and complex life of Eleanor (aka Coventina). It’s always fascinating and a learning lesson to hear another’s story, especially those riddled with strife and larger than life obstacles, that at once, seemed impossible to overcome. In the end, what’s central to this story is survival, compromise, forgiveness, legacy and love.

Black Cake was certainly worth the read and I highly recommend others to read it too. 4/5

Extra Notes: Byron infuriated me to no end and even though Benny had her faults, I related to her deeply. I felt protective of and very much in agreement with her. No one, and I mean no one should ever feel rejected and unappreciated by the ones they love just for being who they are.

Heaven Official's Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu, Vol. 4 by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu

Go to review page

adventurous dark funny mysterious medium-paced

4.0

The Deep Sky by Yume Kitasei

Go to review page

3.5

…okay.

How to Say I Do by Tal Bauer

Go to review page

slow-paced

Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? N/A

3.0

I couldn’t fully get around to the idea of Noël and Wyatt falling in love so quickly. There were quite a few other things that didn’t feel believable or felt very convenient. I wish I could’ve gotten on board with everything, but unfortunately that’s not the case.

Lacuna by N.R. Walker

Go to review page

adventurous fast-paced

Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.0

Ooof. Lacuna didn’t turn out to be what I expected at all and for that, I am fairly disappointed. There was so much potential for more with the story’s premise, but it fell flat.

This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens

Go to review page

3.0

This was pretty mid, but the following quote is definitely something I’ll take with me.

“Life is change—if nothing's changing, you aren't living.“

More to Love by Georgina Kiersten

Go to review page

3.0

This was cute until it wasn't. The manner in which Jamir and Emmy (Emerson) begin dating operates only if the reader has a willing suspension of belief. I really wanted to love this. There were some cute parts, but it overall feels unbaked. The plot needs to be fleshed out more and perhaps even revised.

Solo Leveling, Vol. 1 by Chugong

Go to review page

fast-paced

4.5

I'll Be Home For Christmas by Mason Deaver

Go to review page

3.5

As the great Selena Gomez once said, the heart wants what it wants.

I Wish You All the Best by Mason Deaver

Go to review page

emotional inspiring sad medium-paced