lit_vibrations's Reviews (365)

Special thanks to the author & @littlebrown for my gifted copy‼️ 

It took me a minute to really gather my thoughts on this one. While the book had an interesting premise the writing was very complex, multi-layered and often drawn out at times. 

Spanning across eight generations Fayne delivers a novel that delves deep into familial roots, the complexity of relationships, how the past affects the present, struggles with self, poverty, slavery, bargaining with the devil, weakness, spirituality and seeking atonement.

When I started reading this book I was hoping for more of a supernatural magical realism type of experience with the characters being visited by the devil. But whenever his presence was mentioned he was more like a person than an entity. It was also very different how Fayne chose to portray the devil his book. Most times we see themes of trickery which we do in a sense or the devil swindling people out of their souls. But in the book we see him offering help and protection to descendants of the Laurent family because he has a goal to free Black people in exchange for redemption to get back into heaven. 

Overall, the book was okay but very different and I wasn’t really invested until I was 60% in. My biggest complaints are the long chapters, the stories across timelines not connecting, the need for so many characters, and how there wasn’t a clear resolution for healing aside from the devils offerings for many of them. I wouldn’t say this book is for everyone but if you’re into deep introspective type literary fiction you’ll enjoy this book.

Rating: 3.75/5⭐️

Special thanks to the author & @scholastic for my gifted copy‼️

Debuting her latest book Blood in the Water targeting middle-grade readers Tiffany D. Jackson crafts a thrilling murder mystery that may just capture the attention of all readers.

The novel follows twelve-year-old Kaylani McKinnon as she leaves her beloved city of Brooklyn to head to Martha’s Vineyard for the summer with some family friends. You’d think this would be an exciting time for Kaylani but no she had much bigger things on her plate like her father and waiting by the phone for him to call. Not to mention it’s been years since she’s been around the Watson’s and their snooty granddaughters Cassie and London. Nonetheless she planned to make the best of the trip but what should’ve been a fun experience will soon turn deadly. 

Jackson always does a great job creating memorable characters and crafting a setting that always feels realistic. I’ve never seen or been to Martha’s Vineyard yet I could easily picture everything. I enjoyed seeing Kaylani deal with the challenges of her situation and how she wasn’t pressed to fit into her new environment. She was a very attentive and confident character and I loved the fact she wasn’t afraid to speak up for herself. 

I was definitely rooting for her friendship with Miles.  Their connection and determination to uncover the truth was perfectly portrayed. And having both lost someone in different situations the burden of responsibility they were carrying was so heavy yet they understood each other. Cassie and London on the other hand were such mean girls but I felt their personalities and behavior added to the story. 

Overall, I enjoyed the book it was adventurous and had an even blend of mystery, suspense and drama. It’s a short read yet it’s thoroughly engaging and the pacing was well-balanced. As the story develops it gets a little twisty on who or what’s behind the murder. But if you pay attention to a few things mentioned you can predict the ending. If you’re thinking about reading this book I recommend it‼️

Rating: 4.5/5⭐️

Special thanks to the author & @flatiron_books for my gifted copy and @macmillan.audio for my gifted ALC‼️

Talk about a plot within a plot within a plot twist. Yet again Cosby gave it with King of Ashes. This was like The Godfather meets New Jack City with the high-stake crime, brutal violence, dark themes, the gripping suspense, unpredictable plot, and the undeniable truth that danger could be lurking around any corner. 

From start to finish this book will have you hooked. Things get intense from the moment Roman arrives in town ready to risk it all to protect his family. Even if it means he has to repay a debt he doesn’t owe and could be killed in the process. I felt like every chapter and situation added an edge to the storyline. 

You got the BBB wreaking havoc on the streets, Roman being the neighborhood hero striking a deal with the cruelest OG of them all Torrent, major things going down in the crematorium, Dante continuing to make one bad decision after another, and Neveah’s driven curiosity will leave relationships broken. There’s so much to take in and unpack with this we need a movie already‼️

Overall, I loved the book it’s so worth reading. Every turn of events will leave you wanting more as the stakes continue to rise. The way Cosby portrayed and developed each of the characters it’s so easy to envision and relate to them all. And the narrator as always did a phenomenal job with the audio. If you’re a fan of action-packed gritty Southern crime fiction I highly recommend this book.

Special thanks to the author, @amistadbooks, & @hearourvoicestours for my gifted copy‼️

Delivering a mind-bending speculative fiction novel that ventures into faith, religion, love, loss, and grief. Giddings presents readers with a rare premise that’s both intriguing and thought provoking but feels just a little bit off.

The heart of the novel surrounds the appearance of seven mysterious doors that lead to other worlds. These dimensions appear welcoming with its unique beauty and magical resources but what truly lies beyond the unknown is danger. Twin sisters Ayanna and Olivia would soon find out what’s on the other side of those doors. Leaving one sister lost forever and the other drowning in grief. 

Olivia and Ayanna were very different to be twins. With each of them growing up in different households their complex traits and upbringing make it hard for them to connect. Olivia was only present briefly and of the twins she seemed the most normal. Ayanna’s upbringing resulted in her having this weird mysterious personality just think of Carrie. And with her being a central figure in the plot the book has this strange uncanny feeling the entire time. 

But the book posed two questions for me: Why was there a culture of door worshippers? What causes people to be so drawn to the unknown?

Once Olivia disappears Ayanna is driven by faith that her sister will return yet she struggles the entire time holding on to that belief. It’s also evident that them entering the portal attached something spiritually to Ayanna when she returned. The relationship with her parents is practically nonexistent. It’s evident in her mother’s behavior that she wished it was her instead. 

Overall, the book was like nothing I’ve ever read before. Giddings has a unique writing style that’s very detailed but also leaves something to ponder on if that makes sense. Delving deep into the fate of family, the consequences of curiosity, the struggle to find meaning, human nature, accepting faith, and self-identity if you’re a fan of Megan Giddings prior work you’ll enjoy this book‼️

Who knew a historical horror would be so good. Book 1 in The Blood Saga series was literally EVERYTHING I hoped it would be‼️

Black vampires ✅

Seeking vengeance ✅

Ancient bloodline ✅

Extensive world-building ✅

Blood-soaked battle ✅

Edge of your seat page-turner ✅

Taking readers through a mind blowing supernatural experience where a slave rebellion uprising gets super bloody in the best way. Redmond reimagines the origin story of vampires setting Blood Slaves at the backdrop of American slavery in the Province of Carolina during 1710.

Being under a mean and hateful master like James “Big Jim” Barrow death was the next best thing to freedom because there was no escaping the Barrow plantation. That is until Willie stumbled across someone who could change his life forever. Rafazi was the last survivor of the Ramangan vampire tribe and together he and Willie would lead an army of the enslaved in an epic battle for their freedom. 

From the moment I knew of Rafazi I was ready for EVERYBODY to be turned. In my mind none of them should’ve been against it!!! But there’s always gonna be someone hard to convince. Irene was my girl cause no questions asked she was down and ready for whatever. Gertie, Gertie, Gertie is all I can say cause she stressed me out. And I couldn’t wait for a few characters to FAFO‼️ 

The pacing starts out slow but the second half will have you on edge. The world-building was absolute perfection I could easily envision everything and the premise is literally golden. Although the book is fictional, Redmond blends history and the supernatural elements together so flawlessly. Slavery itself was a horrific experience but making them vampires was next level. Things in this one get gruesome, gory, and a little graphic so proceed with caution. But I highly recommend this book‼️

Special thanks to @hannahmorrisseywriter for the gifted copy‼️

This is book 1 in the Black Harbor series and while the pacing starts off a bit slow it gradually picks up as a web of lies, crime, secrets, corruption, and a forbidden workplace affair is spun into the plot. 

Morrissey pulls readers in with every twist and suspicious decision each character makes. Sam’s not so subliminal confession pops off the chaos. Then Hazel’s curiosity about the death of a child overdosing, an ongoing investigation surrounding a known drug dealer, and her mere lack of professionalism throws her in the mix of something with lead detective Nik that she wasn’t really prepared for.  Obviously she has a thing for bad boys considering she has an eye for him knowing his background and she’s married to a gun happy abusive  psychopath. 

I thought it was odd how Nikolai was so cool with including Hazel in his investigation of the Candy Man. But as you get deeper into their mess you realize the plot thickens and nothing happens by chance. I was actually shocked once everything unfolded and the truth was revealed. This book gives off a be careful who you trust because someone is always watching you type of vibe. 

Overall, this was a decent read it’s not everyday a police transcriber gets to solve or be apart of a criminal investigation. Morrissey’s premise was very interesting and filled with gritty psychological suspense to the point you literally don’t know who or what to believe. Featuring characters from this book I’m looking forward to diving into book 4 The Unlucky Ones next.

Have you heard of the world’s most notorious jewel thief Doris Payne? Neither did I until I read her memoir and let me just say I was not ready for this at all. I kept thinking there’s no way this is real. And even as she got up in age Doris was still out here wildin’ out lol.

Smooth criminal ain’t the word for Doris “Smooth Talking” Payne. She been that girl all her life and let’s not get it twisted auntie wasn’t a petty thief it was always go big or go home for her. What started out as a thrill stealing from local jewelers. Later turned into a lavish lifestyle of jewel stealing across the world to support her and her family. Everything she did from the way she walked, talked, and moved was all done in style.  

It took years before her crimes caught up to her because nobody wanted to admit they were swindled by a black woman. Not to mention as soon as she swiped her jewels she was on the next flight out before anyone knew something was missing. Eventually things crumble and Doris is caught off her A-game and it leads to her arrest. But guess what that didn’t stop NOTHING! Putting her in jail would be pointless because she’d get out and be right back at it. I wouldn’t be surprised if she was still out here swiping small stuff just to see if she still got it lmao. 

Overall, this was a fun read shoutout to my buddy read favs the group chat was lit as always. There were parts that were repetitive to me but it’s so engaging you can’t help but stay invested in her story. What she did may have been wrong and risky to some. But she started out with a purpose and to prove a point. And a couple hundred diamonds later I think she made it very clear. If you’re looking for a fun nonfiction read I highly recommend this one‼️

Special thanks to the authors & @macmillanusa for my gifted copy & @macmillan.audio #MacAudio2024 for my gifted ALC‼️

They ate the rich! Inspired by their mother’s lived experience and Haitian zombie lore Maika and Marita Moulite deliver an interesting story about a Haitian American girl struggling with poverty, who’s secretly a zombie, and is out to seek revenge on the wealthy for the mistreatment of her family. 

The cover for this book  is such an attention grabber and the title really got me. I was looking for a horror type vibe and I just knew that’s what I was getting with such a bold cover and title! But this was nothing but that and I could’ve DNF’d but my curiosity got the best of me and I had to know why and how Brielle became a zombie. Which I never really found out and in the end I was left confused and with too many unanswered questions.

The only thing I can say is she did what she had to do to take care of her mother! She wanted revenge and she used her “zombie powers” which we barely see and her talent with cooking to do just that. Brielle could’ve just been a normal girl honestly lol you literally don’t remember she’s a zombie until she mentions it. I think what ruined this for me was the authors trying to cover so many themes and not providing enough backstory on the important aspects of the book. I don’t recommend personally because the book was all over the place for me. But if you’ve read this and enjoyed it I would love to hear your thoughts. 

Special thanks to the author @authordanielleallen & @brambleromance for my gifted copy and @macmillian.audio #MacAudio2024 for my gifted ALC‼️

Now gather around book friends gather around . . . I’ll be the first to tell you sister Allen was in her BAG with this series‼️ She had me sold with book 1 Curvy Girl but booooook 2 lawd she ATE down no lies all facts. When I say this book had me stuck in my seat from beginning to end I devoured it. 

Book 2 follows my girl Nina Ford a confident baddie with many talents. She’s currently dating multiple men because well she hasn’t found the perfect man who’s the total package. Sis really had a man for every day of the week but when Russell Long aka her “Fun Guy” steals the show Nina doesn’t know if she’s ready to give up the player life for just one baller. 

Ya’ll the spice in this book was spicing 🥵 and Allen knew exactly what she was doing allowing Wesleigh Siobhan to narrate this book. I came for the book vibes but I stayed for Wesleigh cause when she turns into WESLEY I lose all common sense. Ommmg and when she say Nina, Nina, Nina and adds in the laugh 😩 like girl are you trying to be my man or what 👀 cause I don’t wanna be a player no more. I’m 👏🏽 NOT 👏🏽 a 👏🏽 PLAYER 👏🏽 I 👏🏽 just 👏🏽 CRUSH 👏🏽 ALOT! 

Overall, I have nothing bad to say about this book because it was pure perfection. The character development 👩🏾‍🍳💋, getting to see characters from book 1 was everything I truly loved the friendship dynamics, and I can’t forget Russ my man, my man, my man! If this isn’t on your TBR add it and yes you need both the physical and audio to ride this romance rollercoaster. You’ve officially been influenced‼️

Special thanks to the author & @akashicbooks for my gifted copy‼️

When I first heard the term Rastafari (Rasta) it was always associated with Bob Marley. I honestly wouldn’t have known there was more to the Rasta movement or that it was an actual community to be apart of because the way it’s been portrayed.

Throughout the book Bill “Blade” Howell goes in depth on how his father Leonard Percival Howell created an organization that would soon be referred to as “Ras Tafarites,” or “Rastas.” After continuous harassment from police and being thrown into jail Howell and his followers moved onto an old estate they’d call Pinnacle and lived as an egalitarian community. 

I loved learning firsthand what it was like for Bill Howell growing up in a Rasta environment. From previous books I’ve read that mention the Rasta experience it always seemed like a strict culture to be apart of. If you didn’t live or behave a certain way you were going against their beliefs. But his father was different and was often viewed by many as a noble man . He didn’t believe in his people needing to be a certain way. Or the women being separate from the men as with present day Rastas. He felt whatever men could do so could women. Pinnacle was truly a place where people could be free and live as one and even outsiders were welcomed. They weren’t a materialistic culture and all lived comfortably together regardless of one person having more than another because they were all equal. I also love how he mentions religion and where the concept of Babylon derived from within their culture and why the Europeans despised  his father so much.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this book I thought it was very informative. The author thoroughly breaks down in four parts what his father stood for, his influence and reasoning for creating the Rasta movement, what destroyed their community, and provided clarity by answering questions for those who did not understand the culture or their beliefs. I’d recommend to anyone interested in learning the true history of Rastafarian culture.