Zane is well written, has a good plot, and a nice touching love story.  PSA ladies: if a man won’t commit to you and that’s what you want…leave.  Do you and find someone else.  If he thinks enough of you, he will find you, then make him deserve you. If he don’t find you, then he’s not worth it.  Anyway, the story was fun and I enjoyed it.  There were some annoyances like miscommunication and fake dating that could have been handled better to amp up the drama that fell flat for me, but overall a good time. Spice level is on point.  Graphic without going over the top.

The Blonde Dies First is a mix of slasher, sibling drama, friendship bonding, and demon chasing.  Besides the killing, definitely reads YA.  First I sussed out the "demon" about halfway through.  Very obvious.  While I enjoyed the plot, I felt the friends made critical decisions based on non solid clues and some actions didn't make sense when it came to the initial handling of the demon.  I was annoyed with all the flimsy references the movie they kept talking about.  The twin relationship and how it changed was discussed well, as well as, the bond between the friends.  Very goals. Overall, I enjoyed the book, but did not love it and was happy to finally finish to move on.  I very much enjoyed Joelle's other book Their Viscous Games, so this book paled in comparison. 

Tender Beasts is a wild ride through a toxic family, murder, monsters, racism, and elitism.  I enjoyed it very much.  Especially the whole cult vibes.  I think the ending could have been more of a wow factor though.  Lots of opportunity to wow me, but it was a bit meh, but still good and complete.

Lone Women is a great fantastical horror story, but also a welcome history lesson into how black, chinese and single women played a role in settling the west as homesteaders.  It was suspenseful, gorey, emotional, and a bit funny at times. I enjoyed the story, but was left with many questions at the end.  Wouldn’t mind some plot holes being filled, but satisfied nonetheless.

Touched has a great plot, is well written, and so interesting..The beginning of this book starts with a bang and keeps you on your toes. It explores many relevant themes of racism and humans behaving badly that are downright pitiful, but true. I loved this beautiful black family and how they work together, which is something we as blacks need to do better for our very survival.  Book was well done. There needs to be more eyes on this book. 

I enjoyed Vampires of El Norte, but felt the pacing was off.  Very slow, then very quick.  I story overall I did like it.  I like the incorporation of Mexican culture, language, food, folklore and customs.  The historical colonialism attempts was a great addition.  The love story was a very slow burn, but I loved the connection between Nestor and Nena.  Can I get a Nestor on my side please?  Very level headed and takes the time to think and admit mistakes.  The vampires were odd and I'm still left with questions.  But overall, a good story.  I liked, but didn't love, and some things just didn't make sense. 

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: The Graphic Novel is a unique reimagining of this classic novel.   I like how it did not deter much from the original storyline.  If anything it enhanced my understanding of the story (I have only ever seen the movies).  It was gorey, heartfelt, scandalous and well illustrated.  I like how it kept with the original classical writing also.  Keeping the characters straight at times (physically) was somewhat challenging, but you push through.  Good book that I enjoyed very much.

Persopolis 2 was a better time than the first book, but both were OK for me.  Historical, some comedy, real life emotions, and a quest for freedom.  I appreciate how Marjane speaks her mind and her family's acceptance of it.  Love grandma.  Overall, an informative enjoyable book series.  Glad to have read the books, even though I had no idea who author was prior to. Hope everyone gets to experience freedom to be their true authentic self.

Persepolis contains lots of historical facts about the Islamic revolution so you get a history lesson.  I was confused with all the political terminologies and kept having to look them up.  I enjoyed the Marjane's young child innocent perspective on life and her parents embracing of her free spirit to speak her mind.  She is definitely a character.  Her family are quite the rebels as well, every piece counts.  Her family's privilege threw me off from the story a bit.  I appreciate the suffering of her family, but I was expecting more hardship as I know there were people far worse.  

River Mumma was a wild ride through Toronto and Jamaican culture. The incorporation of language, folklore, history, and food was brilliant,fun, and authentic.  The message about cultural appropriation and people not properly honoring the spirits they love to speak about was poignant. The comedic dialogue throughout was also fun and not over the top.  I loved Mama Gail and the fact that River Mumma loves to pamper herself.  A diety gotta look good too right.   Great plot and writing; wonderful debut.  Well done.