tangiblereads's reviews
541 reviews

Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom by Ilyon Woo

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 53%.
While topics are important, there are too many characters and details. It is a really good history lesson, but I keep tuning out.  I expected something different.  
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The Gems by M. C. Jeter

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.75

The Gems is a unique newer adult fantasy involving African ancestry, gems, magical abilities, family bonds, and the threat of world domination.  I love the plot, concept, diverse characters and their different abilities. Everyone was so different, showing the range of black people.  The romance component annoyed me too.  Come on now, so obvious.  I felt I was being strung along. While I do think the book was fleshed out well, I am still confused on how everyone can be siblings. Also I thought the entire middle of the book dragged.  It was more finding all the siblings and presentation of their abilities.  While interesting, it was definitely a slower pace.  Overall, a decent start to the trilogy.  It is a complete standalone, no cliffhanger.  
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Divine Mortals by Amanda M. Helander

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challenging dark emotional funny sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

Divine Mortals was definitely not what I expected but was still a good time.  I expected something more lighthearted than this book provided.  The main character was young and immature and it showed, but she was still a strong character that I enjoyed.  I loved all the magic system, the communication with the gods, and the friendship between Bernadette and Mona.  This book definitely brings up good question of whether you can trust the gods you have spent your life worshiping if their idea of mercy is to destroy you without a second thought. 
The Refrigerator Monologues by Catherynne M. Valente

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challenging dark emotional informative reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I enjoyed The Refrigerator Monologues, but didn't love it.  I think my enjoyment is skewed because I am not  aware of most of the superheroes referenced.  I did enjoy the unique stance from the women in comics you don't normally hear much about and I like the support group.  I wouldn't mind one of those myself.  I like the women were all so different so many different perspectives.  My favorite story was Paulie's and my least was the last one because it got so political and I got lost.  But overall a fun time. 
So Thirsty by Rachel Harrison

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adventurous emotional funny mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

So Thirsty is a more a psychological thriller than a horror novel.  You spend half the in insecure, overthinking Sloane (the MC) head. And her friend Naomi is annoying and a bad friend.  And while I am trying to figure out the violence and vampire orgies, I am still asking myself who are these vampires, where did they come from and how exactly do they all connect.  I was disappointed I didn't love this book, because I expected too.  The cover is stunning and then you get into it, the am like this was so not what I thought.   But decent premise, but I was not wowed by execution.  Missed opportunity for a wow book. 
Slave of Froize by Emera Rose

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adventurous dark emotional sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

3.0

I enjoyed Slave of Froize. Good plot, interesting characters, and lots of violence. So much violence it seemed forced. I found the Prince Jett to be weak and not worth swooning over. So luckily while the book does have a small romance component, it is not the main focus. It seems to head that way though and you are waiting for it.  I found Laramie to be like a mama and common sense advisor to him. And in this world of cut throat vampires, I don't see how she could have survived so long with her smart mouth and the violent beatings. Also how is vampire spit so acidic but they can kiss and bed humans. So while I enjoyed the story, there was some issues for me. Anyway glad it ends all wrapped up for the most part because I will not be continuing the trilogy.
The Oath by T.M. Richardson

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adventurous dark emotional informative lighthearted sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

Baby.,,The Oath was black, mature, successful, sexy, raunchy, classy, wild, and sentimental.  So so good.  I enjoyed all of it and finished relatively quickly.  I must say Tatum got over her reservations over the arrangement very quickly, but I appreciate she put up a fight.  I like the maturity of the characters.  Grown people doing grown folk things.  Although I had to clutch my pearls because for all the insecurities Tatum expressed about her 40+ year old body (very relatable by the way), she definitely ain't afraid to open wide and get freaky.  I won't be able to relate to some of her kinks.  You do you boo boo.  And the guys twist was unexpected, but I'm down.  Book was amazing, hot, well written and fun.  Go 'head Tati with your bad self. 
Tread of Angels by Rebecca Roanhorse

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adventurous dark emotional sad tense medium-paced
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

Tread of Angels was so intricate in building this world  of post angel/demons war set in a western frontier settlement that I could see a whole full length longer format novel from it.  Very unique.  The story itself is an emotional one of the lengths you would go to for family.  It ended, at least for the main character, as it should have. Very fitting, and I didn't expect it.  The writing is excellent, paced well, emotional, and interesting.  I will have to check out more by this author.
The Darkness Within Us by Tricia Levenseller

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adventurous dark emotional funny inspiring mysterious reflective tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

First look at the beautiful cover.  I really enjoyed The Darkness Within Us even though I did not read The Shadows Between Us or normally read YA.  This may be a bit beyond YA into newer adult if you want a label; however, while there is graphic violence, there is technically no "relations" on page.  This story was fun, snarky, sassy, female centered, revenge driven, emotional, relatable, and suspenseful while at the same time keeping me on my toes.  I had a hard time putting it down to go to sleep.  I do think at times the banter between Eryx and Chrysantha was juvenile when it should have been more serious and the ending resolution was more simple than I think it should have been. However, it was an awesome story that kept me engaged and excited to read it from the first to the last page.  Story well done.  I may consider going back to the first in the series, although this book kinda spoils it for me though.
Piñata by Leopoldo Gout

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adventurous challenging dark informative mysterious reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

Pinata scared me at times.  Descriptive, bloody and informative.  I enjoyed the Mexican culture and historical references to colonialism and the rage of the ancestors.  All very relevant.  Book was a good time. although slow at times.  Lots of descriptions.  Great plot would make a good movie. 
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