Hey my lovebugs,

Wooo... it has been a long couple of weeks for me, and that is just in my personal life. I got into a car accident, if you didn't know, and it's been stressful picking up the pieces together. I am okay physically, it just has been rough.

I also went to Book Harvest in Chicago this past weekend. I had a blast meeting author friends as well as making some new ones. I was fortunate to be a PA for my friend Rae Douglas! (If you haven't read a book by them and you like soft mafia dark romance, then you absolutely should). I also bought SOOO MANY BOOKS that I plan to do a video about soon!

I also got a new job as a Elementary School Librarian Assistant! So I am constantly around books and loving it!

Also, on Thursdays I am hosting movie nights 6CST/7EST PM! We will be watching on watch2gether. I have provided the link in my Discord (Which you should absolutely join if you have not already!)

I think that is all the updates for now. Thank you for being so patient with me. I know my posting schedule has been a bit hectic, but I am grateful for each and every one of you!

"To every Black reader who grew up looking for themselves on the fantasy shelves, this one's for you"
-Analeigh Sbrana

The moment Lore of the Wilds entered my life, I knew that I was in for something special. An unapologetically Black fantasy where we would delve into the importance of literature, history, as well as embracing your power. It changed my life and I was grateful when Analeigh reached out to gift me an arc copy of Lore of the Tides.

The moment I read that quote, I felt tears in my eyes.

It is no secret that Black creatives and readers have faced backlash within the fantasy space, often placed within narratives where they are delegated to the best friend, or the disposable Black girlfriend trope, or are written off in the space entirely by saying that we do not belong. Around 6% of traditionally published authors are Black and the number is even smaller within the fantasy space.

And so, I will always advocate for Black books as well as my fellow Black fantasy creatives.

Summary

Lore Alemeyu wakes up to discover she’s on a ship in the middle of the ocean. Held prisoner and with no way to escape, she’s faced with a dire set of circumstances…

A crew that’s distrustful of Lore’s magic capabilities…

Her betrayal by a Fae she thought she could trust…

A dangerous quest for the sun book, which, if placed in the wrong hands, will make the Alytherian Fae even more powerful.

Lore must navigate threats on the ship and beyond, into the ocean’s magical and mysterious depths, in order to find the sun book herself and help free the humans. All the while, Lore can’t help but feel the intense pull of one Fae male who has been helping her all along. But is she willing to risk her human heart for creatures that have burned her in the past, and jeopardize her people’s future?

Oppression and Disenfranchisment

This book, just like the first, speaks about disenfranchisement and oppression in a way that is a mirror of the current state of affairs. Lore act as a foil for the fae being a human that both wields and has a powerful bond with magic, she is a danger that must be wrought out. Of course, she is also the only one who wields Auroradel, the book of sunbeams, as she was the only one who could enter into the library in the first novel. Because of this, she is being used as a pawn in the search for the sister book, Deeping Lune.

At every turn, Lore is being used by those in power for what she can do to benefit them. This is not unlike the many ways POC and specifically Black women are used by those in power. The backbone of society, the planner, the one that consoles, this is a role that has been placed on Black women and it truly became prevalent during slavery and only enhanced after. Given the tools to succeed and further their community but are constantly disenfranchised by both those who make the rules but also those who would be seen as an ally, Lore's struggles perfectly mirrors the experience of a Black woman in today's society.

Witch. It's what the guards and sailors had begun to call her. That or abomination. Desecration, Evil. They knew she was a human with magic, something that, in their opinions, shouldn't exist. It was just another fallacious reason for the fae to despise her, not for her deeds but for what she was. To them, she [Lore] wasn't just a lowly human; but a criminal. One who had committed the most heinous crimes: discovered a way to pull herself above her "station" by pilfering magic, a resource that should only belong to, well anyone else, they didn't care3 who, as long as it wasn't her kind that benefited from it.

Whenever I think of the Black women and magic, I will always think of the Legendborn series by Tracy Deonn. Stay with me here.

Bree is a Black woman who, although has an innate sense of magic within her, root, the moment she is given the magic of the oppressors, she is then seen as a tool and a body rather than a person with her own magic. And it is with that innate knowledge that she possess as well as her sense of community is the thing that keeps her grounded and makes her powerful. This is the same for Lore.

This is also the Black woman experience.

Seen as a problem solver for all and the backbone but also hyper-sexualized, demonized, and suffer at the hands of a brutal nation that sees for only what we can contribute to the system even at the risk of losing ourselves in the process. So long as it keeps the wheel of oppression turning.

Vengeance

Lore while on the Lavender Lark experiences hardships that fully cement her rage as well as fueling her need for vengeance. Truthfully, if she was to burn the world to the ground, she would be well within her right to do so, and I know Finn would help burn it down with her.

The betrayal from Asher (Syrelle), being treated as lesser than by the guards, and nearly being thrown over the ship by the crew as they cut her body and label herself as a witch, we watch the devolving of Lore. Someone who cared for humanity in general, even found delight within the sunlight and hearing the sailor's song and stories, was now ready to drown everyone as they blamed her for a death that she did not cause. She realized in that moment that no matter what she did, she would never be seen as equal, just a pawn and a scapegoat.

She wishes to right the wrongs done to her and her people by her own terms and means, seeking the power to protect and enact justice in order to move forward.

Books

Books and the seeking of knowledge was always a theme that was prevalent within the first novel, carved as we the reader learn that Lore loves books more than anything. It is important that she more than anyone had come to the power of Auroradel and it's knowledge because she saw the book not as a weapon first, but a tool that would aid in her and her people's journey to safety. Lore furthers this within this book by deepening the connection with Auroradel, further discovering her power as well as studying to learn more about the world around her and allow it to shape her, not the other way around. It is what makes Lore so adaptable and smart. She studies as well as never shys away from knowledge as she understands its importance. She finds reverence within the written word when so many would rather choose the sword. Even when she thinks herself as weak, she never stops trying and learning, and this will forever be her strength.

Final Thoughts

his book duology will always be my favorite, so I was coming into this second book with high expectations.

This book, right out of the gate prepared me for magic.

Last year, my world was encompassed by the world of Lore and this year, we are brought a duology that matched the first. We dive deeper within the magic of words and the power that they bring within speaking life and death into existence. We see Lore grow and thrive within hardships as well as exist within the resilience and joy that was between the margins.

Reuniting with characters as well as being introduced to new ones that push the narrative forward and raises the stakes that were introduced within the predecessor. It was a sister book, a twin.

This book was one that I never wanted to put down. This was one that I will never forget and will forever be imprinted in my heart, especially the themes and messages that are present within this current climate. Let it resonate within you and start a conversation.

And, as a closer, I adore Finn.

That is all!

As I work through the books that I have on my shelf, I decided to listen to Barbarian's Prize via hoopla on my venture to the faire. I have had the physical copy for quite a while and as I was already working through the Barbarian series, I knew that this had to be next.

It’s hard being the most popular girl on the ice planet. The alien men are falling all over themselves to impress me in the hopes that I’ll take them to my furs. But they don’t know my secrets – none of them do. And they don’t realize that behind my smile, I just wish they’d go away.

I don’t want any of them. I want someone else – someone with a gorgeous blue body, big horns, and the most intense gaze ever. He’s the only one that knows the truth. Maybe with him, I can work through my fears of the past…. but I’m pretty sure he wants more than just friendship.

He wants forever, and I’m not sure I can give it.

Tiffany is our protagonist in this novel, and she starts the book off with heavy trauma. She was SA'd while on the alien ship and due to that trauma, the idea of her resonating with any of the blue aliens is frightening to her.

Of course, they all want her.

Salukh is our other protagonist, and he adores Tiffany. (And I adore him). He is kind, patient, and allows for their relationship to grow. His only issue is that he has not resonated with Tiffany and that is the only thing that will call the other males off. So Josie, one of the other females that are not mated and Tiffany's friend, thinks of a competition in which Tiffany's favor is the prize.

This goes about as well as it can...

Healing Journey

Each of the girls goes through their own trauma with what happened to them on the alien ship and the assault that they faced. One of the girls died early on in the series due to her guilt making her go insane, Josie redirects it into positivity in her search for her happily ever after. For Tiffany, she closes herself off. Unable to be touched without it devolving into a panic, she is also haunted by nightmares that make her lose sleep. She throws herself into work to keep herself occupied, trying to be helpful, but this also brings the attraction of the other men who long to resonate with her.

Salukh feels it in his bones that Tiffany is his mate. He meets her where she is at and allows her to make her healing journey, supporting her and giving his care and adoration. It is this patience as well as Tiffany finding the strength within herself that helps her cope, and grow more brave within herself.

Final Thoughts

This is the fifth book within the barbarian series, and I can honestly say it is probably one of my favorites. The dynamic between Tiffany and Salukh is so endearing as they both discover more about the other, maneuvering their growing relationship. I also want to RAVE about how much I love Salukh. A cinnamon roll who is strong and fierce and will do what it takes for his mate. Smart enough to adapt in the ways that aide her into finding the strength to love her, he is a GEM. And the chemistry when the spicy scenes did happen, I can say that Salukh had me blushing!

Dixon also does a great job of showing how different people deal with trauma. She created characters grow with grief and how it affects them in such a real and powerful way. This book was funny, heartfelt, and powerful and I loved every minute of it.

We are coming to you Friday night for another Fantasy Friday to talk about a book that has been on my mind since reading it last weekend. Blood and Brujas by Mikayla D. Hornedo.

This is a book that has been on my TBR for quite a while, I am talking I got an arc copy and completely spaced about reading it. (Shame on me!!) But, when I saw that Hoopla carried it on audiobook, I added it to my reading to the renfaire playlist. What I listened to and experienced, was something amazing.

Synopsis

From the moment Dayanara could wield a blade, she's been used as a weapon for Caldera, a kingdom of fierce brujas. Whenever her mother, the all-powerful Acna, points her in the direction to kill, Dayanara follows.

After centuries of war against the vampire kingdom at their border, her mother offers their king Dayanara's hand in marriage as a truce. Their agreement is bound by magic, and Dayanara must decide if she wants to kill the king, seduce the king, or embrace the union.

On the bright side, the marriage is set to make her the next Acna, granting her all the power that comes with the role. Depending on how much the Goddess Naom gifts her, it could be enough to regain control of her life. Or maybe everything will crumble beyond repair.

This book starts off in battle, with a bang we know exactly who Dayanara is and her personality. She is a take charge woman in all facets, raised to be the sword and ruthless by her mother. It is only when she is attacked and fading out, is she then arranged by her mother to marry Prince Kaizer, the head of one of the vampire kingdoms. This alliance was brought out to stop the war, one that Dayanara is not particularly fond of, especially with the kingdoms views on witches and tradition that contradict everything that she wanted for herself. It is interesting, as the reader, to explore the divers world alongside Daya, watching as she grows and adapts to her new environment and amongst the differing clans and kingdoms.

Identity and Self-Reflection

• One of the things that Daya often struggles with is her identity. While we know, as well as those in Caldera, she is a proud bisexual who never truly had to hide her identity, due to Caldera being a very open place. I feel as if that also makes sense with being a witch, there is a fluidity within the elements as well as the magic that rolls through witches, and Caldera being portrayed as a very free place.
  This is contradictory to Prince Kaizer's, which is very traditional and rigid. He tries to play devil's advocate with Daya, but ultimately creates choices and actions that have her questioning herself and what she truly wants for her life.

• Her mother also plays a huge role within the creation of the weapon that Daya becomes. One moment, a more doting mother and the next cold and cruel, forcing Daya to also become cold and detached within the ways of love and relationships. So this assertion of power through abuse and control is what further adds to the identity conflict that Daya has within the narrative.

Final Thoughts

A why choose with a chaotic bisexual witch that is mean to everyone but those she loves, who has to balance a world that abhors her but also needs her to save it? If I had a nickel! No, I absolutely adored this book, gobbled it up.

Hornedo weaves fantasy with cultural and historical elements, creating a beautiful world that is, in turn, narrated wonderfully by Ruthie Bowles. Captivating and engaging, this book had me on the edge of my seat, delivering book crushes, heartbreak, and joy. I cannot wait to start the next one.

Happy wellness Wednesday!

Today has been a busy day for me, getting things together for my new job that I start tomorrow as well as prepping for the school year! So, updates!

I finished reading Blood and Brujas this past weekend and am bringing it to Fantasy Friday! Let's see if I finish the sequel as well!

I have been slowly easing back into writing so, mushies, be prepared for more updates!

I plan to put my next fantasy friday read to a vote as well as plotting to roll out bookish giveaways to add as a thank you to all who have subscribed!

I have been working on bringing my fantasy into more of my content when it comes to clothing and fashion. Pending and hopefully I can also craft a cozy space to do more fantasy characters book recs!

That seems like a speed round, but the main thing I have been doing it taking it easy. Learing that rest is important as to not burn out again, which is so easy to do during the summer. Fall is where I thrive, so I am looking forward to the cooler nights, warm cozy drinks, hozier, and more bookish things!

What is something you are looking forward to this weekend and what is your current read?

There is something about an enthralling African epic fantasy that bring me great joy. On the levels of South of Midnight and Sinners with African magic and folklore woven in with the world building of The Priory of the Orange Tree and Game of Thrones, Birth of a Dynasty by Chinaza Bado is the first book within a magical trilogy that will not disappoint.

Summary

After witnessing the massacre of everyone he’s ever known and loved, M’Kuru Mukundi, the sole surviving member of the High Noble House Mukundi of Madada, vows revenge. M’kuru flees to a small village where he hides under the guise of farm boy Khalil Rausi… unaware that the real Khalil’s father is the bloodthirsty General of Zenzele army, and under the direction of the King’s scheming son, Prince Effiom, was responsible for the murder of M’kuru’s people. When an imposter claiming to be M’kuru shows up in the village, the real M’kuru—now Khalil—must bide his time amongst his enemies, pretending to be everything that he hates in order to get vengeance.

In another part of the country where giants roam free, young Zikora Nnamani, the only daughter of Lord Nnamani, knows nothing of political intrigue—she wants little more than to be a fierce Seh Llinga warrior. But a well-known prophecy places too much potential power on her small shoulders, and—as far as Prince Effiom and the King know—she is the only living threat to their dynasty ruling forever. However, when a messenger arrives to “invite” Zikora to stay at the palace, her family is not in a position to refuse. Before she is taken away, she begins The Rite of Blessing, a magical inheritance that she will need to learn how to use, but that may also bring the world one step closer to the completion of the prophecy that Prince Effiom so fears.

Between scheming ladies at court, backstabbing princes on the prowl, and paranoid kings, M’kuru and Zikora must do what they can, no matter how terrible, to save their people and claim vengeance for their families. But they are just two young people against an entire kingdom—and a prophecy destined to thwart their dreams—and the last thing they can do is trust anyone…even each other

Vengeance And Magic

We shall not forgive. We shall not forget. We will have our vengeance.

The connection between M'kuru and Zikora is written before the two even meet. They are bonded by vengeance, the death of their siblings within the first chapter of the book, and by prophecy. In the prologue, we are introduced to a world that has fractured by the destruction of magic and unified by beneath the Zenzele dynasty. Each family swearing fealty and hoping to continue this "world of peace", until one is betrayed, the Mukundi family.

We see within the first part of the narrative, M'kuru's journey to vengeance is a slow and calculated one, 3 years after his family's slaughter and him assuming the identity of Khalil. His desire to be bold and brash tests him constantly, but it is his sister's words that repeat in his head that stop him from making rash decisions.

Not yet, Six, but soon. Soon you'll fight too, but for now you need to hide.

M'kuru learns that vengeance is not one thing, done through brutality, but something that can be done through small actions, being in the right place at the right time, and remembering that hiding is sometimes the best way forward.

For Zikora, she also wants to be seen as strong as well. She wants to be the best, defeating her brothers in archery and combat, hoping to train with the Seh Llinga Amazons. She is noticeably better with a bow than with a needle, or any of the things that young ladies are usually associated with. Her way of the world is now crushed at the learning of the death of her brother. She learns that proclamations in the public do not align with secret loyalties, and it is with her journey to the palace, she learns that not all plots are boisterous and she is not helpless despite the boundaries of her gender. Some are quiet and calculating and their is power in seeming helpless.

Identity and Family

...That is who you are and that is who you will always be. They can never take that from you because it is in your blood!

As within the diaspora of blackness, remembering who you are as well as your family line is of great importance, because it ties back to slavery. Names and the family ties are rooted as a cultural anchor and a name is never just a name. It is history, it is the narrative of a culture, it all is interwoven within the DNA of the black experience. Blackness is synonymous with resilience and power, and it is done through community and bonds.

This hammering of "who are you" into M'kuru is prevalent from the beginning. From the first chapter, and it is a question that he is constantly asked from various people. Some to as a reminder, and others a test. It is a shame that he must be tested, as the fates of prophecy and the impending downfall for the oppressors play into his fate, but he adopts this personal to stay alive and in turn keep his family alive.

On another note, speaking of family, there is a prophecy that surrounds his and Zikora's family, that they will raise a new dynasty upon coming together, and a war will swallow the world. While the prophecy is not at the forefront of their minds, it also sets the stage for these two characters to come together beyond the shared death and rise up to stake claim to what has been foretold.

Final Thoughts

From the moment I turned on this audiobook, I knew I was in for something epic. I usually shy away from epic fantasies, often settling into the more niche categories because the world building can get so vast to the point of losing myself into the story.

It did not happen here.

From the beginning, we are thrown into the fray of political war, rivaling Game of Thrones levels of deception. Bado does not shy away from the cruelties of war and the wrath of its oppressors, allowing us brief moments where we are inside of their heads. The one thing I loved was the way each individual storyline converged, bringing the narrative together and presenting a beautiful stepping stone into an epic fantasy series.

I adore the weaving of African folklore and that we were able to grow with each of the characters and seeing how the world shapes them to be wise as well as strong in the wake of what is to come.