lahendricks's review
3.0
Interesting read
Having already read coal, it's was good to see some of his backstory laid out in Black Beauty. It also left open more questions than it answered to I look forward to future installments in this series.
Having already read coal, it's was good to see some of his backstory laid out in Black Beauty. It also left open more questions than it answered to I look forward to future installments in this series.
crtsjffrsn's review
4.0
The youth of the Vista Apartments haven't exactly had perfect childhoods--it's not the best of neighborhoods--but they do the best they can for themselves. And all of them have been warned to avoid their neighbor, "Crazy" Jade. Voodoo priestess? Witch doctor? Witch? Depends on which person you ask. But there is definitely something about her that makes that warning one that everyone should heed for there are dire consequences for any to stumble too far into her path.
What an interesting read! The intersecting lives of everyone involved in this story make for a very interesting introduction to the world in which this all takes place--lots of background on everyone comes organically from learning how they connect together. And even though the main plot of the story builds to where a reader might think it would go, there are some unexpected twists at the end that definitely surprised me.
For those how have read [b:Coal: Book One of the Everleaf Series|25798596|Coal Book One of the Everleaf Series|Constance Burris|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1435312633s/25798596.jpg|45416240] (which I definitely recommend), this also serves as a nice prequel. While it's not set in the same place and time, it provides some important backstory...and I'll just leave it at that. Personally, I would like to know what happens to some of the characters that we leave here...maybe they will show up again in the Everleaf series...
[Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.]
What an interesting read! The intersecting lives of everyone involved in this story make for a very interesting introduction to the world in which this all takes place--lots of background on everyone comes organically from learning how they connect together. And even though the main plot of the story builds to where a reader might think it would go, there are some unexpected twists at the end that definitely surprised me.
For those how have read [b:Coal: Book One of the Everleaf Series|25798596|Coal Book One of the Everleaf Series|Constance Burris|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1435312633s/25798596.jpg|45416240] (which I definitely recommend), this also serves as a nice prequel. While it's not set in the same place and time, it provides some important backstory...and I'll just leave it at that. Personally, I would like to know what happens to some of the characters that we leave here...maybe they will show up again in the Everleaf series...
[Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.]
miss617's review
3.0
Interesting concept, but too many typos. I'm interested in the next book in the series from the preview.
nerdgirllin's review
3.0
I'm rating this book a 2.5, as it was just okay. I didn't even become interested in the book until the end. In fact, this book wasn't even needed. If the intention of the author was to write about Coal then she should have started there. The plot is repetitive and underdeveloped and the writing is just mediocre. Things do get interesting when the story begins to focus on Coal, but all the other stuff just sucks.
I also take issue with how the author leaves so many things unresolved. I won't say what, because you know....spoilers....but damn girl, try answering just a few of my questions before the book ends. Cliff hangers are one thing, not developing your plot properly is another thing altogether.
Now, for the positive thing. I want to know more about Coal, getting me interested and invested in the characters is one way to get me to buy the second book. In this case, I'm on the fence about getting the second book...
I also take issue with how the author leaves so many things unresolved. I won't say what, because you know....spoilers....but damn girl, try answering just a few of my questions before the book ends. Cliff hangers are one thing, not developing your plot properly is another thing altogether.
Now, for the positive thing. I want to know more about Coal, getting me interested and invested in the characters is one way to get me to buy the second book. In this case, I'm on the fence about getting the second book...
ninni1821's review
4.0
There are many things I really enjoyed about this book. A lot of it really spoke to the experiences of black girls growing up and I think every black girl needs this book on her shelves.
hosborneauthor's review
5.0
Having read Coal, Black Beauty was an excellent prequel to the Everleaf series. Burris has a way of drawing the reader in with captivating prose, as well as engaging storylines. I particularly enjoyed how each character had a flaw they wanted to change, but ended up falling victim to that flaw. If you've read Coal, this is a prequel you do not want to miss.
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