I really liked the world building in this story. Glory Brown lives in the Seam, at the Light Inn. Which has been in the Brown family for generations aI really liked the world building in this story. Glory Brown lives in the Seam, at the Light Inn. Which has been in the Brown family for generations as a sanctuary for travelers of the Seam. The Inn is important and provides a much needed public service but Glory yearns for more. She ultimately finds the adventure she is seeking when Marcus enters her life through a hedge.
This has magic, monsters, smart kids and supportive adults. Sometimes in middle grade novels it feels like parents are creatively removed from the action. I know this is so the kid can carry the story but it often leaves the adults absent or in some cases negligent. I liked that this story managed to focus on the kids but also included the parents actively supporting the kids. I don't want to spoil the story but I truly enjoyed how this played out. I think the basic premise of children having Moxie helped to support this adult involved structure. I'm an adult so my preferences don't matter in this genre. I'm just sharing what I liked.
Though this story is written at a middle grade level, I think it would appeal to grade schoolers as well. This is also a good book for parents to read with or to grade school age children who may not yet have the skills to read this on their own yet. Parents, teachers, and librarians build a love of reading in children by introducing kids to books they can all love.
This is delightfully narrated by Tyla Collier. Tyla has a rich and melodic voice which enhances this story beautifully. This is a perfect audiobook for immersion reading. The narration truly adds to the experience of this novel and I highly recommend consuming this on audio.
Thank you to Alby C. Williams, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own....more
This is fast paced and action packed, much more than the first novel in this series. I was surprised and delighted with how quickly this story moved. This is fast paced and action packed, much more than the first novel in this series. I was surprised and delighted with how quickly this story moved. Abeni is in a new environment and I found the world building a treat. Much like with the first novel in this series, this felt like well established mythology. This novel was darker with violence that felt more real world than fantasy. This featured Abeni and her support crew in a more mature situation. This sophomore installment in the series felt leaner but in a positive way. I truly adore the world of Abeni and look forward to her next escapade. This audiobook is narrated by Nneka Okoye. Nneka was a delightful improvement over the narrator of the first novel in this series. Her narration enhanced the story by leaps and bounds
Thank you to P. Djèlí Clark, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own....more
This picks up pretty much where Infinity Alchemist left off. I felt that IA was truly a complete story and wondered what direction this might take. ThThis picks up pretty much where Infinity Alchemist left off. I felt that IA was truly a complete story and wondered what direction this might take. This sequel is very much able to stand on its own. In some ways I think reading the first book AFTER this sequel might make both books work even better.
This novel focuses on power dynamics. All other relationships take a backseat to the theme of power and politics. This wasn't a bad novel but it ruins the peaceful conclusion the first novel ends on. Honestly, I feel like Infinity Alchemist didn't need a sequel and nothing this book offers negates that feeling.
Again this novel on its own, without its status as a sequel isn't a bad novel. It's not compelling and feels bogged down in morality that I don't dismiss as important. I think it's hard to not share politics or morals with your partners. I would not chose a romantic relationship with someone who did not hold my values. This just felt more like a romance in that relationship struggles somewhat dominant the narrative. Only to be ultimately dealt with in a realistic and commonsense manner that creates just an extremely unsatisfying ending.
This audiobook is narrated by Wes Haas. Wes does an excellent job keeping every character unique. I think in many ways the narration kept me invested in the story.
Thank you to Kacen Callender, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own....more
This audiobook is masterfully narrated by Sasha Frost. This novel is the story of a Jamaican woman, and so often, the accent of the narrator reflects This audiobook is masterfully narrated by Sasha Frost. This novel is the story of a Jamaican woman, and so often, the accent of the narrator reflects that. Her accent is authentic, and her narration breathes life into Miss Pauline. At the same time, this novel also has American characters and the narrators. The US accent is also perfect. I highly recommend consuming this on audio.
I loved this novel and Miss Pauline. I have family members from the Caribbean and a favorite neighbor from Jamaica. This inside look into life on the island was beautifully done.
This has a theme of making peace with your past before your life ends. I'm 50, which means statistically more than half of my life is over. So, in ways I can relate to the idea of making peace with life choices, those I've wronged and wanting a death that honors my life.
This is more than that, though. As it touches on chattel slavery on the island. To those unaware, chattel slavery was considerably more brutal in the Caribbean. The life expectancy of Enslaved folks was dismal and the violence they experienced more than the average Enslaved folks in the US. All slavery is bad. Chattel slavery being the worst form of slavery known to history, was literally brutal and horrifying. Also, the end of chattel slavery did not bring true freedom. In fact, even today, Jamaican wealth is mostly in the hands of white Westerners.
Miss Pauline is the descendant of Enslaved Jamaicans, and her story is one of triumph and resilience. She emodies the very definition of the word formidable with her very home being built from the rubble of the ruins of enslaver homes. She does what she must to survive and raise her family. This is incredibly engrossing with heartfelt reveals. Miss Pauline is all I hope to be as I grow older. I don't want to give too much away in the review, but I highly encourage anyone interested in this review to add this to their to read list. I ended up purchasing this on audio from Libro.fm because I already can feel that this is a novel I'll return to again and again. Just beautifully written in every way.
Thank you to Diana McCaulay, Hachette Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own....more
This is a really unique story that encompasses multiple genres. This story has cozy story elements with the mystery, mythological elements with the OrThis is a really unique story that encompasses multiple genres. This story has cozy story elements with the mystery, mythological elements with the Orisha, horror elements with some of the handling of ghosts or spirits, elements of a coming of age or purpose story for both Gwendolyn and Fonsi.
Each POV is vastly different with Gwendolyn a publicist rep for a powerful firm. While Fonsi runs a magic store where he offers psychic guidance. The supporting characters were hilarious and enraging by turns, this was a wild ride.
The reveals are surprising and engaging. Each time I thought I could predict where the story was going, the narrative surprised me. This is action packed after a slowish start. I loved the focus on Afro-Latine culture, the representation of Afro-Latine & Caribbean versions of Ifa style religion with a pantheon of Orisha.
This was fun, representative and engaging. Other than a few minor pacing issues the story grabbed me and would not let me go. Please excuse this tardy review, I did not bring my laptop with and had to wait until I returned to post this. The tardiness of my review isn't in relation to the novel but to my own failure to bring my laptop. I look forward to more novels from this author.
This audiobook is narrated by Brittany Bradford and Andre Santana. This has 2 narrators for the POV of Gwendolyn & Fonsi. This has many supernatural elements and the narration really bolsters the storyline.
Thank you to Clarence A. Haynes, Hachette Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own....more
Wow, this was simply amazing! I've binged this series over the last week, starting with book 1 in anticipation of reviewing this 3rd novel in the seriWow, this was simply amazing! I've binged this series over the last week, starting with book 1 in anticipation of reviewing this 3rd novel in the series. This book is phenomenal. Much like in the 2nd book, the reader gets time with the family in the Conjure world. I am invested in the mystery at the Marvellers school but also want to go through a year of Conjure school as well. This pretty much picks up where book 2 left off. This installment offers many reveals, introduces new characters, has a bit more serious theme, and deals with growing pains between friends. More magic is revealed, more history is revealed, and there is a serious bit at the end that I won't reveal for spoilers sake.
The relationship between the Marvellers and the Conjurors feels so relevant to current times that it's almost eery. The author couldn't have known we'd be living through these perilous times when this was written, but it feels like she did. Marvellers have their own MAGA element. This ends on both a cliffhanger and a bang.
This audiobook is beautifully narrated by Joniece Abbott-Pratt. Her voices for each character are distinct and impressive. The accents are superb, as is the pronunciation of non-English words with comfort, ease, and a great accent. All of that, plus her ability to hold so much emotion in her voice, just brings this novel and these characters to life. Joniece was the narrator for the first 2 books as well. Definitely do yourself a favor and consume this on audiobook. It's an experience not to be missed.
Thank you to Dhonielle Clayton, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own....more
Review from 2021: Easily the best book of the series. This is definitely rounded up but I left the 4 star rating. Review from 2017: My favorite installReview from 2021: Easily the best book of the series. This is definitely rounded up but I left the 4 star rating. Review from 2017: My favorite installment so far. Lots of action and the cooling down period after battle felt rushed
Merged review:
Review from 2021: Easily the best book of the series. This is definitely rounded up but I left the 4 star rating. Review from 2017: My favorite installment so far. Lots of action and the cooling down period after battle felt rushed...more
Same horrid narrator but I'm getting used to him I guess. 2.5 stars rounded up
Review from 2017: Almost too much action in this one. Still the Black KingSame horrid narrator but I'm getting used to him I guess. 2.5 stars rounded up
Review from 2017: Almost too much action in this one. Still the Black King is quite a character.
Merged review:
Same horrid narrator but I'm getting used to him I guess. 2.5 stars rounded up
Review from 2017: Almost too much action in this one. Still the Black King is quite a character....more
This was fantastic! Sariyah can detect what others around her need and want. Her character reminds me in way of Sookie Stackhouse of True Blood fame, This was fantastic! Sariyah can detect what others around her need and want. Her character reminds me in way of Sookie Stackhouse of True Blood fame, but not really. Sookie heard thoughts while Sariyah detects needs for tangible items like a pen. It's an interesting manifestation of a telepathy adjacent 'superpower'. I like how it's managed in the novel.
The story also covers the differences in how missing children are handled by government authorities if they are Black. As in, no one cares about the missing kids, and only their community looks for them. This is intensely hard as the parent and now grandparent of Black children. The fear that your child will go missing and never be found is overwhelming. This does a good job explaining this phenomenon in a YA appropriate manner.
Events escalate as Sariyah looks for her friend Deja. Deja isn't the first friend of Sariyah's to be missing. The stakes are higher this time, as is Sariyah's determination. To assist the search and due to well life, lifing, Sariyah needs to use her superpowers for financial compensation. Which definitely creates its own set of problems.
Alaska Jackson does a phenomenal job with her narration of this story. Her voice truly brings Sariyah to life. I found myself pausing the story to respond to Ms. Jackson's narration. Exceptionally well done.
I honestly truly enjoyed this story. The world building was interesting, and the characters felt fully realized. I look forward to reading more by this author in the future.
Thank you to Channelle Desamours, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own....more
I liked this overall. It's a first novel, and that could be felt in places as a bit of awkwardness. The first half of this story felt like royal histoI liked this overall. It's a first novel, and that could be felt in places as a bit of awkwardness. The first half of this story felt like royal historical fiction. I quite enjoyed the court politics and background. The second half of the book was full of fantastical magical situations and solutions. This is clearly a retelling of fairytale or a modern take on a fairytale.
This is set in pre-colonial Imperial Mail in 1359. The main character is Amie. Who was disinherited by her family, which resulted in her working as a servant. She's assigned as a kind of ladies maid to Princess Mariama, the daughter of Emporer Suleyman. This has clear mythological elements, stunning reveals, and the story is wrapped up nicely, but there's also a cliffhanger of sorts.
One of the best aspects of this audiobook is the narrator, Sandra Okuboyejo. Sandra does a phenomenal job of both keeping the historical aspects imbued with realistic feelings while at the same time adding to the magical and fantastical elements of the story.
My only complaint would be that this suffers from pacing issues. I was invested in the world building, but pacing can kill the flow for slower readers. This is a first novel, and the result is clunky in places. I deeply look forward to another novel by this author.
Thank you to Mina Fears, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own....more
I have read this author's previous 2 novels, Lakewood & The Women Could Fly, and loved both. I was very excited to be approved for this, her 3rd novelI have read this author's previous 2 novels, Lakewood & The Women Could Fly, and loved both. I was very excited to be approved for this, her 3rd novel, as an advance reader. This wasn't at all what I was expecting and I was pleasantly surprised with what was explored.
This functions primarily as a coming of age story. This is about how we are shaped by our community & our parents and how they were in turn shaped by their own community & parents. This has shades of Toni Morrison's Beloved and explores grief in depth. This is only peripherally about the doors. Much like Beloved is only peripherally about a haunted house or a ghost. In many ways Ayanna's journey reminds me of Denver in Beloved. I would say Beloved also crosses genres; it's historical fiction and horror with gothic notes. It's primarily about the generational trauma and pain from slavery still lived out in the descendants of the formerly enslaved. It's a scathing indictment of chattel slavery. It's literature and so it is all of these elements and more. Meet Me at the Crossroads has that same feel, almost literature. This straddles that genre as it does the other genres.
While this could be triggering for a person who is struggling with grief and loss, it is decidedly not trauma or pain 'porn'. Each element of the story, no matter how odd or disjointed it might feel, ultimately figures into the overall narrative. The beginning of this is fascinating and I found myself deeply engrossed in the mystery of the doors. I was a little frustrated when the story begins to focus on the family of Ayanna & Olivia. As the story begin to shift to an exploration of the family, adulthood, grief, and other themes, the tone and pacing shift. It's almost like an extremely long prologue and I found the shift jarring at first. However, I soon settled into Ayanna's coming of age story and I understood the necessity of the long introduction. So if you as a reader are finding the pacing shift confusing, hold on because it picks back up and the story will address your concerns. I am still processing the ending. What a glorious journey though!
This audiobook is narrated by Brittany Bradford. This was as much literature as it was speculative fiction. It's not easy to narrate novels that have subtle elements in them, like this does. Brittany manages to add so much depth to this story. I honestly think it enhances the experience. I also think this novel is an excellent candidate for immersion reading. I think with literature, that immersion reading provides the best experience.
Thank you to Megan Giddings, HarperAudio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own....more
I have been looking forward to this book since I first saw the cover and title more than 6 months ago. I didn't even know what it was about but loved I have been looking forward to this book since I first saw the cover and title more than 6 months ago. I didn't even know what it was about but loved the title and cover enough to add this to my to be read list. I was unbelievably excited when I was approved through NetGalley for an advance copy on audio. This did not disappoint at all.
This is horror, as the main character, Brielle, is a zombie, Haitian mythology, not Hollywood horror movie style. In many ways this feels almost like a cozy horror. I'm totally not sure if that's a thing or not but it should be. The characters are mostly likable and the setting is often lush. Brielle lives with her mother who is a home health aide for the elder patriarch of an extremely wealthy family. Brielle has sisters living back in Haiti with other family while she and her mother live in Miami, Florida. Brielle is a talented amateur chef and for a variety of reasons begins to give in to her zombie instincts.
This audiobook is narrated by Ashley De La Rosa, Fedna Jacquet, Khaya Fraites, Melinda Sewak, Mieko Gavia, and Zuri Washington. Brielle is voiced by one narrator and the other narrators cover other characters in the story. The narration was top tier. I don't want to give spoilers but the reason this has so many narrators is handled in a very unique way, which kinda reminded me of BBC Radio Plays.
In addition to the obvious horror elements, this has gothic elements added to the mix for a more seasoned story line. In many ways, Brielle's need to hide her zombie instincts mirrored elements of the pressure on Black folks in Western societies who work or attend school in primarily white spaces. The story does highlight the Black woman immigrant experience in the US with a morally gray tone and a pinch of romance. Overall this was fun and engaging. I was unsure where the story would end up but like how the author finished this tale. This had shades of the British TV shows In The Flesh & Being Human combined with minor elements in tone of the movie The Skeleton Key. I rather enjoyed this and look forward to more novels from these authors.
Thank you to authors Maika Moulite & Maritza Moulite, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own....more
I find that I don't read a whole lot of horror as I get older. In middle school, Stephen King style horror was amongst my favorite genres. At my curreI find that I don't read a whole lot of horror as I get older. In middle school, Stephen King style horror was amongst my favorite genres. At my current big age, I find that horror has to be grounded in real world aspect for me to fully invest and enjoy a novel. In my opinion, this novels horror was grounded in an exploration of real-world oppression, and so I found myself deeply invested in the outcome.
I did read the first novel in this series before I read this sequel to review. Laure and Acheron are back for more ballet themed adventures. This picks up right where the first novel left off. It could be read as a stand-alone novel, but much of the richness of Laure's growth as a character would be lost without the first novel as a reference. I don't want to give spoilers away for either novel because I think this duology unfolds better if the reader has less knowledge of the story flow.
This does have blood, gore, and other horror elements. I didn't find the violent scenes gratuitous. Everything felt like it was there to explore the characters' journey. This second installment was just as fast-paced as the first novel and every bit as engrossing. I love a well written, morally grey character who embodies the 'by any means necessary' mantra. I also enjoy the fierceness and unapologetic badassery of Laure.
This audiobook is narrated by Kristolyn Lloyd, who also narrated the first book in this series. I love love love when the same narrator returns for the sequel. This is a unique story, and I appreciate Kristolyn's treatment of the fantastical and horror elements. The narration in this instance adds another layer to the story, and I highly recommend the audiobook for this story.
Thank you to Jamison Shea, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own....more
This audiobook was made available for me to listen to and review by Tigest Girma, Hachette Audio, and NetGalley.
This was rich, dark, bloody and actionThis audiobook was made available for me to listen to and review by Tigest Girma, Hachette Audio, and NetGalley.
This was rich, dark, bloody and action packed. The worldbuilding is phenomenal and complicated. The reveals were exceptionally well played and enlightening. This works as a mystery as well as horror. This has many dark elements and is perfect for the teenage horror fan!
Kidan is thrust into the academia at an elite university, Uxlay. This has to do with her being the oldest living member of her house/family. I don't want to get into too many specifics because I don't want to spoil this for readers.
This is delightfully long which is truly needed for the worldbuilding elements to completely make sense. I adored the Ethiopian cultural references and associating history that made its way into novel. Honestly, I am not sure exactly what the category of 'dark academia' means in novels and I hadn't read either Cruel Prince or Ninth House. I had zero frame of reference for this novel. It was a delightful surprise.
This novel tells a complete story but also leaves you on the edge with that ending. I demand a sequel!
This audiobook is narrated by Jordan Cobb. Jordan was the perfect narrator for this story. Her voice conveyed emotion beautifully and she mastered the Ethiopian names without fumbling. Perfection!
Thank you to Tigest Girma, Hachette Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own. ...more