Believe it or not, this is actually my first Victor LaValle, even though I've had The Ballad of Black Tom in my physical library for years. LONE WOMEN immediately pulled me in from the very first page and didn't let me go. It's quickly paced and has an overall ominous feeling with great jump scares. Adelaide, our main protagonist, has a hilarious inner voice that is well balanced with her overall conflict. Adelaide's burden is so symbolic of the burden of women of color, specifically Black women, to take care of business without asking for help or investigatin what ails us too closely because of the fear that it'll consume us. I also appreciated the variety of supplemental perspectives; they helped add a certain level of tension because we, as readers, end up knowing just a little bit more than Adelaide, yet LaValle still managed to find ways to keep us surprised.

Whew, this book right here. Firstly, I listened to the audiobook of this and highly recommend it; both narrators did a spectacular job. THE BLACK QUEEN by Jumata Emill digs deep into the inherited mental segregation our country has passed on to the younger generations. It examines how forced "diversity" does not promote inclusion or harmony. I LOVED the two warring perspectives of Duchess and Tinsley; their voices are so distinct and the discord of their partnership adds a nice layer of tautness to the atmosphere. Also, I did not see the twist coming AT ALL, and I was heavily engrossed in finding out who the hell killed Nova. I finished listening to this book and wanted to sob and scream all at once; it packs one helluva punch. I'll remember this book and be recommending it for a very long time.

Another sequel, another hit! THE OLEANDER SWORD, the sequel to The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri, emerges with a beautiful opening that gently places us right back into the world. Suri's wiritng is impeccable and breathtaking, like being bathed in warm milk and rising with wings. The plot is slow-going but not in a bad way and with tons of political intrigue and unexpected moments. Plus, the intricate character work makes you savor the journey. THE OLEANDER SWORD nicely expands the magic system and introduces a new and scarier conflict. While The Jasmine Throne was unarguably Priya's book, THE OLEANDER SWORD is most definitely Malini's and I loved it! I also appreciated that Priya and Malini are not irrational in their pining for one another; they have clear goals separate from one another and they weigh these goals with equal gravity to their feelings towards one another.