Reviews tagging 'Sexual content'

The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb

4 reviews

mariposa517's review against another edition

challenging emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Cursing, Emotional abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, Toxic relationship, Police brutality, and Death of parent

Moderate: Bullying, Torture, Blood, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail

Minor: Cancer, Drug use, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Medical content, Dementia, and Alcohol

alisonfaith426's review against another edition

mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot

3.25

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Cursing, Death, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual content, Slavery, Police brutality, and Classism

Moderate: Bullying, Grief, and Alcohol

Minor: Infidelity, Rape, and Sexual assault

pershie13's review against another edition

adventurous dark hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective 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? Yes

5.0

It took me a long time to finally finish this book while completing my last semester of undergrad, but this book turned out fantastic! The book follows the story of violinist Ray McMillan, who received no formal training on his instrument until he reached college. Mentored by his violin professor Dr. Janice Stevens, Ray becomes one of the best at his craft. Along with following his journey as a violinist, the story also places an emphasis on the instrument he plays, a Stradivarius violin passed down to him by his grandmother. The story turns into a sort of mystery/thriller as we find out in the opening pages that this violin has been stolen and requires a multi-million dollar ransom for its return. This story covers many of the issues that Black people often face in the field of classical music, as well as the themes of hard work, family, and mentorship. The story definitely took unexpected turns, and I questioned to the very end what was going to happen to Ray, his violin, and his musical career. The book was fantastic, and I enjoyed every twist and turn!

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Gore, Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, Torture, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail

Moderate: Cursing, Hate crime, Toxic relationship, Police brutality, and Gaslighting

Minor: Emotional abuse, Rape, Sexual content, Grief, and Classism

momsmagicreads's review against another edition

emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

I enjoyed this peek into the world of professional musicians, and I've never been so concerned about a violin! It is impossible to keep Ray's story from touching your heart: his gift, his persistence in spite of the racism he is subjected to (and you'll get angry about it, too), the inspiration he gets from the memory of his grandmother, and the opportunities that lead to his success. Although Ray generously provides support to his extended family, they continue to want more. Then the descendants of the family who had enslaved Ray's great-great-grandfather thought they were entitled to a (big) piece of the pie. And then twist - there's always a twist! I am eager to read Slocumb's next novel.

---

Content Warnings

Moderate: Emotional abuse, Racial slurs, and Racism

Minor: Death, Sexual content, Slavery, Toxic relationship, and Police brutality