The Fifth Season was fantastic. NKJ has serious talent. Thoroughly (there’s an appendix) fleshed out history, unique landscapes, diverse race and sexual orientation of characters. The orogene energy magic was cool and powerful, but difficult to understand. Can't say I am vested in trying to  understand that, but I like what it does. The orogenes and stone eaters had enough details for understand, but still mysterious. The story slowly unfolds, but at an appropriate pace that left nothing lacking. Just wait and absorb. The oppression and control of the orogenes, yet the exploitation of their power? The Guardians, their control, and what exactly are they hiding? People’s disrespect of Earth that it suffers earthquakes? What are these obelisks? This is an amazing book and I look forward to reading her other works.

Unprotected was a bold, sassy read. In all honesty, my only knowledge of Billy Porter prior to this memoir is his fire gender bender fashion on the red carpet. Love it! This book gave me a greater knowledge of him. He knows his worth and is not afraid to tell people stuff it if they don’t appreciate it. And he is completely unapologetic for it. He has the education background, talent, experience, and attitude for as much success as he has motivation for. This book made me want to go to a Broadway musical and see what I have been missing.  It also makes me want to give him a hug for enduring feeling like a second class citizen. I appreciate his positivity, vulnerability and ability to put himself out there. And for the record, God loves all people, gay, straight, black, asian, white, whatever political affiliation. If you are using your god to oppress others and make them out to be less than, then you need to look in the mirror at the real monster. 

Remote Control is sad, beautifully told, and made me wonder about our reliance on technology.  Is it good or bad, because it is not going away. We as people need to consider how much we allow government and private corporations to exploit/manipulate us due to that reliance. People’s lack of connection with nature also stood out for me. The scene in the street with Robocop was very eye opening. The end left me confused because I can see how it can be interpreted in different ways. 

Binti Home picks up a year after that last book and Binti has learned a lot at Oozma and is ready to return home. She is a spitfire, even though she doubts herself. I wanted to punch her sister. I enjoyed the small snippet of queer rep, but wouldn’t have minded a bit more. It seemed like an afterthought to add more diversity. The tech and harmony descriptions are a bit much for me. I was left confused a lot. The inclusion of African folklore spirit stuff was cool, even if I didn’t completely understand that either. Interesting story. Looking forward to the last 

I think Binti is a cute title for such a tiny little book. I think Binti is a brave smart girl that has a bright, yet challenging future ahead of her. It was sad at times and pissed me off too (scene with the ladies touching her hair). This book is written well, tackles prejudice, identity and war. A bit technical at times, but I moved passed it. Excited to continue the series.

Binti Masquerade is an amazing conclusion to the series.  I love Binti and she has changed so much from the beginning of the book. She is such a diverse character and is still discovering who she is. It is heartbreaking at times, and funny at others. The action was great and the symbolism was profound. I could definitely see there being more books.

Ikenga is a middle grade story. Big meets Black Panther meets the Hulk. As an adult I enjoyed the story and was rooting for the kid to kick some butt. While there is violence, it is not explicit and there is no killing. The reveal of Nnamdi’s father’s killer was unexpected. The idea of criminal activity also being used for good made me question just how bad some communities have it. Also, I loved the Nigerian culture references of the ikenga and all the food. Yum. I think Nnamdi’s family needing money once his father died was a great humbling experience because he seemed a bit snooty. I enjoyed this book.

Lagoon was a great book. I was enthralled the whole time. I kept thinking I could see this happening if aliens landed. Everyone is out for their own interest.  However, the whole LGBTQ coming out parade in response to aliens landing was ridiculous, but fun at the same time. I loved how the book spoke about even though Lagos has so many bad things going on, it is still a home that people cherish and always go back too. And the animals in the ocean are a trip. They need respect too. This book definitely shows that it would take a huge catalyst for change to occur. We as people are not ready. 

Black Panther was a fun diverse ride.  3 different stories to show you what Black Panther can do.  Although I did find the stories a bit too simple for my tastes and also the crimes were not completely solved.  I enjoyed the disability and female representation.  Quick action, bright photos, and cool plots.  

Who Fears Death was amazing. Fantastical, magical, and sad.  The cultural traditions that harm women due to sexism really upset me.  Unfortunately some of these antiquated traditions are still being practiced today in many cultures. My heart broke for Onye’s mother and all the women in this book. I did not like Mwita: he was selfish, jealous, and embodies the machismo that perpetrates the sexism.  Onye and Luyu were strong characters that embraced change and took charge.  I can appreciate that. Book speaks a lot about sex and accountability of it. I liked the magic and the shapeshifting. Very well done and fleshed out.  Nnnedi Okorafor has a fantastic imagination and storytelling ability. I was invested the entire time.