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thekhw's reviews
84 reviews
Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
5.0
There’s a lot that I could say about this book but I will try to keep it as brief as possible. To sum it up, I loved this book and it kept me so engaged. I don’t think I’ve ever been so excited to fly through 500+ pages. Despite its size, the writing and pacing are well done.
This story centers around the land of Orïsha, a kingdom that was full of magic wielders (Maji) with powers that could summon the dead, ignite flames, and more… until the night they were wiped out on the orders of a ruthless king. As a result, Zélie Adebola was left without a mother.
Now Zélie has the chance to bring magic back and take down the kingdom with the help of a rogue princess, Amari. This read was truly exhilarating from start to finish and packed with so much action. It’s also written from multiple points of view, including that of Amari and Zélie.
Finally, I am super excited that the awesomeness of this book has been widely recognized and a film adaption is on the way!
This story centers around the land of Orïsha, a kingdom that was full of magic wielders (Maji) with powers that could summon the dead, ignite flames, and more… until the night they were wiped out on the orders of a ruthless king. As a result, Zélie Adebola was left without a mother.
Now Zélie has the chance to bring magic back and take down the kingdom with the help of a rogue princess, Amari. This read was truly exhilarating from start to finish and packed with so much action. It’s also written from multiple points of view, including that of Amari and Zélie.
Finally, I am super excited that the awesomeness of this book has been widely recognized and a film adaption is on the way!
Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi
4.0
Where do I even start? Children of Virtue and Vengeance is the second book in the Children of Blood and Bone series and answers a lot of questions that the ending of the first book left us with.
***SPOILERS BELOW***
After the previous book, Zélie and Amari were successful in bringing magic back to Orïsha. Amazing right? However, the ritual was stronger than they intended and magic was also granted to the nobility and a new type of magic wielders was created, the Tîtans. With both sides now wielding magic, another action-packed adventure to restore peace to Orïsha ensued.
What was supposed to be a great victory presented more challengers. This leads to Zélie questioning herself and her decision to bring magic back. It also leads to complications in her relationship with Amari.
Though this book provided more answers, it also left me with more questions. Especially after the ending. however, it doesn’t live up to the excitement of the first book *for me.* The writing of the characters, the plot, and the ending are what kept me from giving this one five stars.
Also, can we just end the monarchy entirely instead of making Amari a Queen?
***SPOILERS BELOW***
After the previous book, Zélie and Amari were successful in bringing magic back to Orïsha. Amazing right? However, the ritual was stronger than they intended and magic was also granted to the nobility and a new type of magic wielders was created, the Tîtans. With both sides now wielding magic, another action-packed adventure to restore peace to Orïsha ensued.
What was supposed to be a great victory presented more challengers. This leads to Zélie questioning herself and her decision to bring magic back. It also leads to complications in her relationship with Amari.
Though this book provided more answers, it also left me with more questions. Especially after the ending. however, it doesn’t live up to the excitement of the first book *for me.* The writing of the characters, the plot, and the ending are what kept me from giving this one five stars.
Also, can we just end the monarchy entirely instead of making Amari a Queen?
State of Terror by Louise Penny, Hillary Rodham Clinton
4.0
State of Terror, where do I even begin? Admittedly, I was not 100% sure what to expect from a political thriller co-written by Hillary Clinton, and I was unsure if the book was worth the read, but I can tell you now that it was.
State of Terror follows a newly appointed United States Secretary of State who now has to deal with several terrorist attacks and a threat to the government. She has to assemble a team to unravel a conspiracy and save the country from doom, for lack of a better word.
Now that the brief synopsis is covered let’s get into the review. First, suppose you are in tune with politics in the U.S. (like myself). In that case, you will be able to quickly pick up on the fact that Hillary Clinton draws from her own experience as a former Secretary of State and gives us an idea of what exactly she thought of Number 45 and his administration and the president who appointed her. The Secretary of State in this novel serves under her party rival, whom she lost the bid for the party presidential nomination; I wonder where that idea originated.
The novel also discusses a former president who left the country in shambles after being able to tap a dangerous group of Americans who wanted to rewind time; again, I wonder what inspired this idea. Said president also paved the way for the chaos that ensues.
Outside of the obvious references to recent politics, this book was quite thrilling, and I enjoyed reading to see what would happen next. The plot was great. If politics isn’t your thing, there’s a good chance you may DNF this one.
State of Terror follows a newly appointed United States Secretary of State who now has to deal with several terrorist attacks and a threat to the government. She has to assemble a team to unravel a conspiracy and save the country from doom, for lack of a better word.
Now that the brief synopsis is covered let’s get into the review. First, suppose you are in tune with politics in the U.S. (like myself). In that case, you will be able to quickly pick up on the fact that Hillary Clinton draws from her own experience as a former Secretary of State and gives us an idea of what exactly she thought of Number 45 and his administration and the president who appointed her. The Secretary of State in this novel serves under her party rival, whom she lost the bid for the party presidential nomination; I wonder where that idea originated.
The novel also discusses a former president who left the country in shambles after being able to tap a dangerous group of Americans who wanted to rewind time; again, I wonder what inspired this idea. Said president also paved the way for the chaos that ensues.
Outside of the obvious references to recent politics, this book was quite thrilling, and I enjoyed reading to see what would happen next. The plot was great. If politics isn’t your thing, there’s a good chance you may DNF this one.
All About Love: New Visions by bell hooks
4.0
I read All About Love by Bell Hooks a year ago and can honestly say it was life-changing. This book was gifted to me by a friend when I needed it the most.
Bell Hooks discusses everything about love. From discussing how love and abuse cannot coexist to parenting to how to love in an almost loveless society. This book is essential reading. However, it’s not perfect.
My main critique for this book would be how God-heavy the last few chapters get and are almost redundant. This book has a solid and fantastic start, and the end just started to lose me a tad.
Bell Hooks discusses everything about love. From discussing how love and abuse cannot coexist to parenting to how to love in an almost loveless society. This book is essential reading. However, it’s not perfect.
My main critique for this book would be how God-heavy the last few chapters get and are almost redundant. This book has a solid and fantastic start, and the end just started to lose me a tad.
The Deep by Rivers Solomon
4.0
The Deep— I do not know how to describe this book. This novella is unique, and I remember exactly how I felt while reading it and after the fact. I have never read anything like this, and I don’t mean that in a negative sense. This small book comes with a pretty significant impact.
This book centers on water-dwelling creatures descended from pregnant enslaved people thrown onboard. It’s a reimagining of the future from the scars of the past—an incredible story about collective memory, trauma, and community. I won’t say much about the plot because I genuinely feel like this is something to experience firsthand.
I highly recommend this book.
This book centers on water-dwelling creatures descended from pregnant enslaved people thrown onboard. It’s a reimagining of the future from the scars of the past—an incredible story about collective memory, trauma, and community. I won’t say much about the plot because I genuinely feel like this is something to experience firsthand.
I highly recommend this book.