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March 25, 2024

Novel Lives

Book Publicity, Book Reviews, And Author Interviews

Five Star Review: A Blade So Black by L.L. McKinney

I really wanted to write a review of A Blade so Black. Mainly because I'm a huge Slayer fan (Angel before Buffy but that's neither here nor there) but not a huge Alice in Wonderland fan. Needless curiosity got me.  Verdict? 

Thank you to NetGalley and Imprint Publishing for an Arc of A Blade so Black in exchange for an honest review

I really wanted to write a review of A Blade so Black. Mainly because I’m a huge Slayer fan (Angel before Buffy but that’s neither here nor there) but not a huge Alice in Wonderland fan. Needless curiosity got me.
Verdict?
This is a brilliant novel. The combination of the two set in an urban setting with a teenage girl with teenage problems is definitely connected to Buffy with the best parts of Alice in Wonderland weaved most intricately into the story.
There was one part that sent me back to one of the best lines of the show Fraiser where he snaps at his brother Niles… Why not just set a place for the March Hare and the Mad Hatter?? However, that would be more Sunnydale than the setting of A Spade so Black, which ultimately gives it the flare needed to make it an #ownvoice #poc story.
This is most definitely not set in Sunnydale with characters like Cordelia Chase. The problems faced are more realistic to the urban plight faced by those who live it everyday, but with characters that aren’t the typical two dimensional stereotype.
Nope. They are empowered. They are deep and richly portrayed. Harking back to Wakanda and Black Panther they don’t need anyone to come save them, they are the ones saving.
Alice is empowered. She is the protagonist that is strong from the start, ready to fight and unyielding in her ability to do so. She is not in need of rescuing but will rescue others in need. She will slay the evil, fight for the eradication of it, rather than need others to do it for her. This is what the world needs and this is what L.L Mckinney gives the world. Young Adult novels are known for their sequels and I, for one, am drooling for one to Blade so Black.
PS To whoever ruined the Six of Crows duology? I will hunt you down and slay you. Ask Tiffany Jackson. I’m not playing.
Also, this is my first review in quite a while and I apologize. I don’t want to take away from the review to explain why… but it has been a tough road. Thank you for your love, support and patience.

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