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anarchasemiyah's reviews
156 reviews
Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse
adventurous
dark
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Trail of Lighting is an adventurous supernatural tale that will keep the reader entertained while also beautifully highlighting Navajo history and culture.
This is not my first book by Roanhorse, so going back further into her catalogue to watch her growth to the mastery of the Between Earth and Sky series was an interesting one. I do not feel as connected to Kai and Maggie as I do Rebecca’s other MCs, but I still appreciate watching these characters and supporting cast lean on each of other as they faced hard truths and future scary possibilities.
Overall, the world building was a breath of fresh air with it being rooted in Native American culture and history. A small glossary in the back would have been perfect to help readers be reminded of clan powers and terms. Full of blood pumping moments, Trail of Lightning is sure to grab the attention of anyone who loves action-packed supernatural mysteries.
This is not my first book by Roanhorse, so going back further into her catalogue to watch her growth to the mastery of the Between Earth and Sky series was an interesting one. I do not feel as connected to Kai and Maggie as I do Rebecca’s other MCs, but I still appreciate watching these characters and supporting cast lean on each of other as they faced hard truths and future scary possibilities.
Overall, the world building was a breath of fresh air with it being rooted in Native American culture and history. A small glossary in the back would have been perfect to help readers be reminded of clan powers and terms. Full of blood pumping moments, Trail of Lightning is sure to grab the attention of anyone who loves action-packed supernatural mysteries.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore and Blood
D'Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding by Chencia C. Higgins
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Love has no timetable or formula and Chencia Higgins made sure for love to shine through in this unorthodox love story. Kris and D’Vaughn were pleasant characters to watch fall in love and overcome obstacles together.
While this novel is undoubtedly entertaining and will keep you invested, D’Vaughns internal dialogue about Kris feelings mixed in with the lack of communication became a bit annoying. I completely understand that her past experience made it difficult to accept love that was being given to her and the need for confirmation, but it was clear from Kris actions and words about her intentions. On one hand, self-sabotage in the face of something you never experience is real and valid, but I would’ve love to see that fleshed out more in her character development.
Kris was charming and lovable, but seemed to lack the level of character depth that D’Vaughn contained. I think this led to their separate storylines not feeling as equally compelling. The guidelines for the show in regards to no family members being aware of it yet they are cameras constantly around so it’s hard to believe loved ones wouldn’t probe deeper, but that’s a minor critique that doesn’t make the plot any less entertaining and unique.
Overall, this is an engaging read with heartwarming and emotional moments that will tug on your heart strings. Chencia C. Higgins has crafted a touching queer love story between two black women in a world where more of that representation is much needed.
While this novel is undoubtedly entertaining and will keep you invested, D’Vaughns internal dialogue about Kris feelings mixed in with the lack of communication became a bit annoying. I completely understand that her past experience made it difficult to accept love that was being given to her and the need for confirmation, but it was clear from Kris actions and words about her intentions. On one hand, self-sabotage in the face of something you never experience is real and valid, but I would’ve love to see that fleshed out more in her character development.
Kris was charming and lovable, but seemed to lack the level of character depth that D’Vaughn contained. I think this led to their separate storylines not feeling as equally compelling. The guidelines for the show in regards to no family members being aware of it yet they are cameras constantly around so it’s hard to believe loved ones wouldn’t probe deeper, but that’s a minor critique that doesn’t make the plot any less entertaining and unique.
Overall, this is an engaging read with heartwarming and emotional moments that will tug on your heart strings. Chencia C. Higgins has crafted a touching queer love story between two black women in a world where more of that representation is much needed.
Those Beyond the Wall by Micaiah Johnson
Did not finish book. Stopped at 14%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 14%.
Plot is dufficult to follow, MC’s internal dialogue seems to be taking away from the plot instead of adding to it, lack of solid world building.
Mirrored Heavens by Rebecca Roanhorse
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
We are all beings caught between the heavens and earth. In that gap some will wage war, some will feed ambition, some will seek revenge, and some will let love lead them to defiance. A type of defiance that goes against oppressive forces and against whatever gods we submit ourselves to. If we must be caught between that which is below and above, we should never be subjugated to anyone else. May our will be like Serapio’s in which we will defy gods or whatever authority claims they are over us, even if it means we love everything in the process.
May we harbor love for another even if blood does not bind us together like it didn’t with Serapio and Okoa, but it connects in ways that blood wishes it could. May we find love that beseeches us to free ourselves from our oppressors like Xiala and the Teek, even if that resistance comes with a cost. Rather we die in our attempts to be free than to not act and make “cowards of the brave”. Rather we lose our life then be silent in subjugation and shame our ancestors that jumped before colonizers claimed them in mind, body, and spirit. May we know a love like Iktan and Naranpa’s where protection does not resemble smothering. May we be as fortunate to find a love like Serapio’s and Xiala’s that is freely given. A love “steadfast as the sea, kisses the shore eternal and never tires of the sand”.
Mirrored Heavens is an epic fantasy that explores the cost of ambition, power, the price of revenge, and defying gods/the will of anyone or anything that is not your own. Roanhorse’s words will inspire the reader to not only decolonize love, but to seek comfort in all the ways it may manifest itself. May we take heed to this fictional tale’s warning to prioritize love over power because power eventually becomes a task to disentangle from our desires. May we save space for that which we love as we live in the between. A space that is quiet, soft, and free much like “the quiet spaces between the stars.”
Anarchism and The Black Revolution by Lorenzo Kom'boa Ervin
informative
5.0
As someone who became a student of the black radical tradition over three years ago, it is somewhat disheartening that a few months ago was the first time I was introduced to black anarchism. I think that inevitably I would’ve eventually stumbled upon the rich works, theory, and practice of black anarchists, but it found me at the perfect time as it was exactly what I had been searching for all this time. Lorenzo Komboa Ervin’s necessary and thorough critique of classical anarchism, hierarchy, plus an astute analysis of the oppressive state we live under, has become a core tenet of black anarchism.
Ervin is one of many black anarchists that began their revolutionary journey during the black liberation movement of the 60s and 70s. Lorenzo reflects on his time in various organizations such as the Black Panther Party. Most of us are aware of COINTELPRO’s hand in the party’s split, however it’s important to recognize how BPP’s top-down organization strategy was ultimately its downfall. When people are in subjugation to authority this leads to an abuse of power by the authority. Anarchism advocates for bottom-up/horizontal organizing where the people decide for themselves what would best meet their needs.
To keep this brief, anarchism has been misrepresented to the masses for far too long, hence why it is rarely mentioned when radical/leftist politics are discussed. Anarchism is not exclusively for white folks although for years it has been a majority white movement. Anarchism and the Black Revolution provides the critique of European anarchism that is essential for those of us that seek to be free not only of the violent state, but of hierarchy in all forms. To be an anarchist is to be ungovernable, autonomous, and to recognize those same attributes in others. Anarchism seeks to dismantle all hierarchy that harms us, thus leading us to see the humanity in all of us. We have never needed leaders, we have always just needed us because it’s only us who will take care of one another.
Anarchy of Colored Girls Assembled in a Riotous Manner by Saidiya Hartman
informative
reflective
5.0
Parable of the Talents by Octavia E. Butler
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Imagining a better world while enduring and bearing witness to the afflictions of the current one is not easy. However, how could we ever be free if we do not first allows ourselves to imagine a world where we are? Our imagination is necessary, community is necessary, analyzing and criticizing the politics we uphold and liberatory methods which could free us is necessary. Octavia Butler crafted a world that is a reflection of our past, present, and possibly, our future.
Acorn was a community for anybody that needed or wanted it. It was an opportunity to have what the world has robbed so many of us of. I believe Lauren being perceived as a leader by her people, played a role in the pressure she felt to fulfill her purpose (spreading Earthseed) by any means necessary. Lauren’s daughter, Asha, provides a necessary critique of her mother that emphasize how imperative it is to not evade critiquing who and/or what we believe in, love, or respect
Octavia Butler’s Parable of The Sower exemplifies how the mind, body, and spirit will continually stretch as it strives towards liberation.
Acorn was a community for anybody that needed or wanted it. It was an opportunity to have what the world has robbed so many of us of. I believe Lauren being perceived as a leader by her people, played a role in the pressure she felt to fulfill her purpose (spreading Earthseed) by any means necessary. Lauren’s daughter, Asha, provides a necessary critique of her mother that emphasize how imperative it is to not evade critiquing who and/or what we believe in, love, or respect
Octavia Butler’s Parable of The Sower exemplifies how the mind, body, and spirit will continually stretch as it strives towards liberation.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault and Sexual violence
You Can't Know This: A short story by Dwayne Alexander Smith
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
2.75
A typical mystery where female mc meets man that is too good to be true, but ignores every common sense she has in order for the plot to move. The twist at the end was unique and relatively interesting but the somewhat obtuse FMC lumps this short story in with others that follow a similar formula. However, I would give another book by this author a chance due to the writing style being pretty engaging despite the two dimensional characters.
Wyatt: The Barlowe Mafia by Asia Monique
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Analia and Wyatt marriage was an alliance that led to a love neither of them expected. The fast pacing of the romance and overall building of their connection could have been better executed. Similar to the last three installments of the mafia misfits series, I struggled to fall in love with the couple. Ironically enough, it was the mystery subplots and action sequences that made this novel come together.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching Analia and Wyatt uncover secrets about the past to ultimately make a clear route to their future together. Parents truly can be the ones to either build or break you—no one understands that better than our MCs. The tension as more secrets were revealed felt palpable, the action sequences exceptionally written, and the overall dialogue made for an engaging, page turn of a read.
Although, I struggled to really connect with the couple I still enjoyed witnessing their journey to love. Watching them learn to trust one another and create space for them to be vulnerable was heartwarming. This is a decent start to the Barlowe Mafia series and I’m intrigued to see how Monique would build a world around these characters.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching Analia and Wyatt uncover secrets about the past to ultimately make a clear route to their future together. Parents truly can be the ones to either build or break you—no one understands that better than our MCs. The tension as more secrets were revealed felt palpable, the action sequences exceptionally written, and the overall dialogue made for an engaging, page turn of a read.
Although, I struggled to really connect with the couple I still enjoyed witnessing their journey to love. Watching them learn to trust one another and create space for them to be vulnerable was heartwarming. This is a decent start to the Barlowe Mafia series and I’m intrigued to see how Monique would build a world around these characters.
Laz and Znia: Intimate Affair by ML Bash
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Finding a love that heals something in us is always worth fighting for. Laz and Znia embodied this statement to a T making Intimate Affair a heart- warming experience from start to finish.
There is no time limit on when love can find you and/ or when it starts to lay it’s foundation. Laz and Znia learned that you have two options: ride out the good feeling until it’s gone or run scared and never experience it at all. These two were a beautiful lesson in learning to lean into the softer part of ourselves, being vulnerable, and be willing to learn.
ML Bash’s gifts as a storyteller clearly knows no limits. Her ability to consistently craft stories and characters that will tug at your heartstrings is a sight to behold. Transparent, fast-paced, and deeply endearing, Intimate Affair is the love story that you didn’t know you needed, but once you get a taste, you’ll find it hard to let these two go.
There is no time limit on when love can find you and/ or when it starts to lay it’s foundation. Laz and Znia learned that you have two options: ride out the good feeling until it’s gone or run scared and never experience it at all. These two were a beautiful lesson in learning to lean into the softer part of ourselves, being vulnerable, and be willing to learn.
ML Bash’s gifts as a storyteller clearly knows no limits. Her ability to consistently craft stories and characters that will tug at your heartstrings is a sight to behold. Transparent, fast-paced, and deeply endearing, Intimate Affair is the love story that you didn’t know you needed, but once you get a taste, you’ll find it hard to let these two go.