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schaebutta's reviews
25 reviews
Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
5.0
This book was absolutely incredible start to finish!
I love it because it ignites my imagination so fiercely. It made me pick up drawing and painting again because I HAD to find a way to put what was in my head into a physical form.
While following the POV of Zelie, Amari, and Inan I definitely loved and hated everybody equally in their journey. They blossomed and disappointed me in ways I never could’ve expected which is what drew me to learn more about them throughout the book.
This is one of the longest books I’ve read in a while, and I’ve never actually gotten into fantasy books with their own worlds quite like this one so I look forward to reading the second book (which I will probably start very soon) and pre-ordering the third!
Now Tomi… if there isn’t some Idris Elba, Viola Davis, Zendaya acting going on in this movie I’m not too sure I can tune in effectively!!!
I love it because it ignites my imagination so fiercely. It made me pick up drawing and painting again because I HAD to find a way to put what was in my head into a physical form.
While following the POV of Zelie, Amari, and Inan I definitely loved and hated everybody equally in their journey. They blossomed and disappointed me in ways I never could’ve expected which is what drew me to learn more about them throughout the book.
This is one of the longest books I’ve read in a while, and I’ve never actually gotten into fantasy books with their own worlds quite like this one so I look forward to reading the second book (which I will probably start very soon) and pre-ordering the third!
Now Tomi… if there isn’t some Idris Elba, Viola Davis, Zendaya acting going on in this movie I’m not too sure I can tune in effectively!!!
It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
3.0
I know that this book is becoming a movie and I don't like the actor choices.
I read through the book within three days because I spent my plane ride across the country invested in it!
I think my biggest issue is that there is not a trigger warning. I was not prepared to read some of these detailed SA experiences. The romance was not my favorite version of romance and from what I've noticed in reviews is that Hoover is well-known for digging into the abuse. Not a fan and will not be reading the second book.
I read through the book within three days because I spent my plane ride across the country invested in it!
I think my biggest issue is that there is not a trigger warning. I was not prepared to read some of these detailed SA experiences. The romance was not my favorite version of romance and from what I've noticed in reviews is that Hoover is well-known for digging into the abuse. Not a fan and will not be reading the second book.
The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose
2.0
Damn, I was thoroughly unimpressed with how this ended. I was hanging on because by the time it was about 50% through I knew the plot was gonna have to really find a way to get me to be more than 3 stars, and instead the ending was not a cohesive and interesting resolution for me. It didn’t seem right that the previous details were just *poof* gone? Or that the only way it made sense was for it to be told only from first person view?
Clearly I’m trying not to spoil too much, but really I just… I’m glad I didn’t buy this book and have it in my physical library. I would’ve loved to witness the back and forth of the trial! I would’ve loved to experience some “Who Done It?” moments. I would have also appreciated a third POV chapter in rotation, literally from any one of the characters! Adam was an idiot, and Sarah was aggressively too well-put together the entire time…
Speaking of Sarah, wtf was that random ass sex scene where some obtuse figure came in her house in the middle of the night??? WHAT WAS THAT FOR????
What was the point of making these random mini relationships with the characters? It was so cringe. I’m stressed even after reading LMAO
I am eager to read some Freida McFadden after this! SHEESH
Clearly I’m trying not to spoil too much, but really I just… I’m glad I didn’t buy this book and have it in my physical library. I would’ve loved to witness the back and forth of the trial! I would’ve loved to experience some “Who Done It?” moments. I would have also appreciated a third POV chapter in rotation, literally from any one of the characters! Adam was an idiot, and Sarah was aggressively too well-put together the entire time…
Speaking of Sarah, wtf was that random ass sex scene where some obtuse figure came in her house in the middle of the night??? WHAT WAS THAT FOR????
What was the point of making these random mini relationships with the characters? It was so cringe. I’m stressed even after reading LMAO
I am eager to read some Freida McFadden after this! SHEESH
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
4.0
UPDATE: Full review with quotes, reflections, and answers to the book club questions!
> https://schaesplace.com/blogs/all-about-books/the-silent-patient-by-alex-michaelides-book-review
SOOOO GOOD. I love the way the characters develop and have a resolution at the end!!! Sometimes I get frustrated when characters are introduced and then just disappear... This book does a great job of planting seeds of destruction, and making you think deeper about well...a lot of things. The plot twist was not extremely shocking and way left-field, which can be good or bad, but in this case, I found it very good.
This book has inspired me to write a much more in-depth review, as it included many quotes I related to regarding music, family, and grief.
> https://schaesplace.com/blogs/all-about-books/the-silent-patient-by-alex-michaelides-book-review
SOOOO GOOD. I love the way the characters develop and have a resolution at the end!!! Sometimes I get frustrated when characters are introduced and then just disappear... This book does a great job of planting seeds of destruction, and making you think deeper about well...a lot of things. The plot twist was not extremely shocking and way left-field, which can be good or bad, but in this case, I found it very good.
This book has inspired me to write a much more in-depth review, as it included many quotes I related to regarding music, family, and grief.
The Locked Door by Freida McFadden
5.0
Full review here: https://schaesplace.com/blogs/books/book-review-the-locked-door-by-freida-mcfadden
This gave me all the elements of mystery and thriller that I yearn for! I love McFadden books because every time I think I know what is going to happen or who did it - I'M ABSOLUTELY WRONG and I love that for me. She plants seeds of destruction and doubt in perfect points of the plot. I can't help but put this one at #2 (after The Housemaid) for my favorites by her.
Can we get some justice for Marjorie?!?
There is one question that continues to linger in my mind though...what was Brady's landlord hearing at night??!
I would recommend for a "I need to get out of my reading slump" vibe. We love a plot twist that makes sense with the story line. I can't stand a plot twist that is just grasping at straws constantly with no real resolution - it feels like I was lied to, idk.
This gave me all the elements of mystery and thriller that I yearn for! I love McFadden books because every time I think I know what is going to happen or who did it - I'M ABSOLUTELY WRONG and I love that for me. She plants seeds of destruction and doubt in perfect points of the plot. I can't help but put this one at #2 (after The Housemaid) for my favorites by her.
Can we get some justice for Marjorie?!?
There is one question that continues to linger in my mind though...what was Brady's landlord hearing at night??!
I would recommend for a "I need to get out of my reading slump" vibe. We love a plot twist that makes sense with the story line. I can't stand a plot twist that is just grasping at straws constantly with no real resolution - it feels like I was lied to, idk.
Trust by Daines L. Reed
5.0
UPDATE: Full review with quotes, reflections, and vulnerability: https://schaesplace.com/blogs/books/bookreviewtrust
This… was absolutely incredible. It was a short read! I’m so surprised there isn’t more praise and acknowledgment for a book like this - it covers so many themes that would be great topics for book clubs (especially black women)
I wanted to find something that I could relate to, because I was having a really bad day and I needed something I could escape into but come out on the other side feeling better. This took the cake.
It makes me extremely grateful for the book club I’m a part of, bc we may be new to each other but it has potential to be something that brings black women together to uplift and inspire each other constantly. In this book the women mostly all work together, but they changed their cute little romance/fantasy book club into something much more transformative and beneficial to each of them AND their generations to come after them.
They trusted each other and themselves to hold one another accountable.
They trusted God and what He has in store for them.
They trust that things will work in their favor.
I could read this over and over again… looking forward to the other two in the series. Thank you for inspiring me to continue striving to be a better version of myself because I deserve that. <3
This… was absolutely incredible. It was a short read! I’m so surprised there isn’t more praise and acknowledgment for a book like this - it covers so many themes that would be great topics for book clubs (especially black women)
I wanted to find something that I could relate to, because I was having a really bad day and I needed something I could escape into but come out on the other side feeling better. This took the cake.
It makes me extremely grateful for the book club I’m a part of, bc we may be new to each other but it has potential to be something that brings black women together to uplift and inspire each other constantly. In this book the women mostly all work together, but they changed their cute little romance/fantasy book club into something much more transformative and beneficial to each of them AND their generations to come after them.
They trusted each other and themselves to hold one another accountable.
They trusted God and what He has in store for them.
They trust that things will work in their favor.
I could read this over and over again… looking forward to the other two in the series. Thank you for inspiring me to continue striving to be a better version of myself because I deserve that. <3
Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi
4.0
Full review - character analysis: https://schaesplace.com/blogs/books/book-review-children-of-virtue-vengeance-by-tomi-adeyemi
Whew chile … this one sent me all over the place! as a mood reader, I had to keep putting it down bc Amari and Zélie had me STRESSED!!!!!
In comparison to the first one, I didn’t like it as much. But that doesn’t mean it’s a bad book! I hope it is a set up for the final book (which i’ll probably open today bc that cliff hanger?!?)
It doesn’t have as much action packed imagery, but it does provide a lot of character development that COULD be crucial to the plot that continues in the final book of the series.
I look forward to doing something a little different than the direct quote reflections i have on my personal blog- a
character evolution reflection! I’m ready to complain about Amari. heavy. she’s finna get ripped a new one by me honey
Whew chile … this one sent me all over the place! as a mood reader, I had to keep putting it down bc Amari and Zélie had me STRESSED!!!!!
In comparison to the first one, I didn’t like it as much. But that doesn’t mean it’s a bad book! I hope it is a set up for the final book (which i’ll probably open today bc that cliff hanger?!?)
It doesn’t have as much action packed imagery, but it does provide a lot of character development that COULD be crucial to the plot that continues in the final book of the series.
I look forward to doing something a little different than the direct quote reflections i have on my personal blog- a
character evolution reflection! I’m ready to complain about Amari. heavy. she’s finna get ripped a new one by me honey
The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah
5.0
Book club read! Full Blog Review: https://schaesplace.com/blogs/books/thecoldestwinterever
I thoroughly enjoyed this from start to finish. It had all the elements of a ghetto love story that reminded me of my favorite classics like Boys in the Hood, Set it Off, Menace to Society...and probably any Madea movie ever that kept me interested.
Winter is reckless, childish, and a hot friggin mess...but a life like hers is one many can relate to whether with experience in Brooklyn or some of the elements of mom trauma, relationship abuse or addiction. If those topics trigger you, you might want to sit this one out.
This selection made me realize that I love urban fiction! It seals the deal that it's one of the genres I lean towards - something about the drama, ratchetness, and ghetto behaviors that keep me turning the pages LOL. I'm eager to start reading Midnight's series by Souljah and maybe even stepping into the rest of Winter's series (once I'm done being mad at her...)
I look forward to the great discussions I'll have in our book club meeting! <3
I thoroughly enjoyed this from start to finish. It had all the elements of a ghetto love story that reminded me of my favorite classics like Boys in the Hood, Set it Off, Menace to Society...and probably any Madea movie ever that kept me interested.
Winter is reckless, childish, and a hot friggin mess...but a life like hers is one many can relate to whether with experience in Brooklyn or some of the elements of mom trauma, relationship abuse or addiction. If those topics trigger you, you might want to sit this one out.
This selection made me realize that I love urban fiction! It seals the deal that it's one of the genres I lean towards - something about the drama, ratchetness, and ghetto behaviors that keep me turning the pages LOL. I'm eager to start reading Midnight's series by Souljah and maybe even stepping into the rest of Winter's series (once I'm done being mad at her...)
I look forward to the great discussions I'll have in our book club meeting! <3
Trick by Shae Sanders
5.0
Short, Sweet and spicy!
Denard reminds me of those nerdy looking anime lovers that be throwing DOWN in the bedroom. Never judge a ‘comic’ book by its cover lmaoooo
Very cute and clever. I wanna know what happened after the perfect date ?!!
Denard reminds me of those nerdy looking anime lovers that be throwing DOWN in the bedroom. Never judge a ‘comic’ book by its cover lmaoooo
Very cute and clever. I wanna know what happened after the perfect date ?!!