Zahara

  Soul of the Deep is the sequel novel to Skin of the Sea in Natasha Bowen's Orisha Mermaid series. I really enjoyed the first novel, and I couldn't wait to read the sequel, and while I did overall enjoy this novel, it wasn't as good as the first one. I felt like most of the plot twists were fairly obvious and not really all too surprising. The cat-and-mouse and will they or won't they romance between Simi and Adekola was starting to wear thin. However, I'm glad that they did get together as it was possible for them to do so now that Kola was an orisha and not human.  I think that this novel served as a good juxtaposition to the first one and it was good to see familiar faces once again. In the end, I did like this novel it was a good read. I just preferred the action/adventure elements of the first novel more over the second's warring kingdoms scenario.  I do recommend this novel because it nicely ties up leftover plot threads from the first novel and presented...

  I've had this novel on my want-to-read list for a while, and now that I've had the chance to read it, it's time to share my thoughts. The story is set during the mid-1400s in West Africa during the Portuguese slave trade which predates the Atlantic Slave Trade. The author did a fantastic job of weaving West African mythology and culture i.e. the Orishas and Yoruba influences with African spirituality. The main heroine of this story is Simidele a Mami Wata (mermaid) who goes on a journey to right a wrong that she's caused, and along the way, she's joined by others, and she slowly recovers her past memories of when she was human.   This is the first book in a long time that I was engrossed in and did not want to put down. I was even able to correctly guess some of the things that would happen which was rewarding. The beginning of the novel started out slow and was a bit of an information dump, but after getting through the beginning rough patch of the first few chap...

  As I've mentioned before, I like the Star Trek Kelvin Timeline, and the premise of this particular novel interested me enough to check it out. Oh boy, where do I even begin with this one...to keep it simple the novel didn't live up to expectations.  This novel had to be reworked because, for the longest time, it was shelved. I think the novel started out strong however, it ultimately ended up meandering in the middle. Uhura is one of my favorite characters and she unfortunately was sidelined in the story and it was frustrating. Nextly, I felt the novel skewed into soap-opera territory.  Honestly, I don't recommend this novel. I did not feel satisfied after I finished reading it.

  Uhura is my favorite character from the Original Star Trek series and as I was searching for novels and other media where she was the central core focus, I came upon this novel. I thought the premise was interesting a deadly plague called ADF Syndrome is wreaking havoc on the planet of Eeiauo and a song that Uhura learned from one of the planet's inhabitants who's also her friend was the key to mediating the disease. However, don't let the title fool you this novel is a classic example of a bait and switch. Uhura is not the main focus of this novel she's a supporting character who ultimately ends up taking a backseat to Dr. Evan Wilson. Needless to say, I was disappointed. The book became a chore for me to read through and I didn't like the characterization of Uhura in this novel compared to the other pocket novel in this series that I've read. The twist towards the end was meh overall to me and it left a bad taste in my mouth.  I personally would not recommen...

  The Original Star Trek series is one of my favorites and Nyota Uhura is my favorite character in the original series cast, so naturally, I was eager to read a novel that centered around her. This novel in particular, I found to be a mixed bag there were things that I liked and disliked. I enjoyed how Uhura got to showcase more of her singing abilities and musicality because unfortunately, with the show being a product of its time Uhura's parts were constantly cut, and she didn't get to show her true full potential as a character. Next, up, I know the book is only 15 chapters long, but I felt that Uhura's and Guy Maslin's romance was rushed, and not so surprising he has a deadly illness that he ends up succumbing to in the end.  I must admit some of the writing did not age well. I think the initial dilemma presented within the novel was interesting and I liked how music and singing were at the heart and center of the story.  Overall, I would recommend this novel becaus...

  Michael Jackson is truly a once-in-a-lifetime talent and entertainer who's in a league of his own. Man in the Music: The Creative Life and Work of Michael Jackson provides great insight into the King of Pop's artistry, musicality, and creative process. Michael was a pioneer, visionary, master of his craft, and a perfectionist. The book was well-researched and had great tidbits of information that only enhanced the reading experience. I personally learned quite a few things that I didn't know. It was amazing to go on a journey to read about how Michael Jackson's artistry evolved over the years within his illustrious career.  I do recommend this book it's a page-turner.

  It's Veganuary, and I would like to keep this review short and sweet. In May 2021, I decided to make a lifestyle change and I started transitioning to a more vegan/plant-based diet to improve my health. So naturally, when you have to cook for yourself, you need new recipes that you can add to your repertoire, and that's exactly what this book does. I'm a simple girl and I like recipes that are simple and easy to do. I don't mind that most of the recipes in the book don't contain exact measures because I like to season my foods to taste anyways. I also liked how the book was organized into different sections. Mrs. Tabitha Brown is truly an inspiration and she has a great personality.  I would highly recommend getting this book. It's a true delight.