Review: Beyond Chains by Mark Anthony NZE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

Michael Nnaji is a dedicated cleric, and an exceptionally, brilliant young man that bluntly, refuses to perpetrate sinister acts, his superior in their ministry orchestrates.

His refusal puts him in chains and he’s faced with a choice, accept the proposition, and become a multi millionaire or refuse to compromise his faith, and continue suffering behind bars.

He prays ardently, for divine intervention, and hopes to be let off the hook some day.

Out of the unconditional love, Sandra has for him, she assures him that she will see to his freedom but the allegation against him is so grievious, and only a miracle – a quick one can save him from a damnable incarceration.

An expository of the ills that prominent personalities commit in the African society.

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

Beyond Chains by Mark Anthony NZE is entertaining African urban fiction read. There were more urban fiction elements to this novel than Christian ones. The main protagonist, Michael Nnaji, is stuck in a bad position when his superior uses his power to control Michael. Michael is a likable character with many flaws. Giving a more realistic appeal to readers. I found his position to be intriguing. There were many ways it could escalate out of control. But he does have a choice to do what is right…making a tough choice is harder especially when the readers like myself is driven into Michael’s society. His society operates differently than most. This gives way to action, suspense, and evil versus good. I enjoyed how the author showed me what it was like being behind bars as a black men and how one’s hope can quickly diminish. Overall, Mark Anthony NZE has created a great plot that pulls readers in fast and leaves their hearts racing.

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Author Interview: MarkAnthony NZE

Meet Author MarkAnthony NZE

Interview with MarkAnthony NZE 

ULM: When did you first decide to become an author? Why?

NZE: The decision came, over two decades when I was in high school and, it was due to my voracious reading of novels.

ULM: How would you describe your character, Michael Nnaji?

NZE: My main character, Michael Nnaji is affable, brilliant, and honest with an unwavering faith.

ULM: What inspired you to create your book, Beyond Chains?

NZE: The inspiration to create Beyond Chains came as a result of some of the malpractices I witnessed in churches, and contemporary African societies generally, and Nigeria particularly.

ULM: What themes will readers find within your book?

NZE: They’re basically; perseverance, uprightness, and the absolute belief in good always triumphing over evil irrespective of how long the latter must have gone before the former.

ULM: Describe Beyond Chains, using only three words.

NZE: Beyond Chains is iconoclastic, classic, and interesting.

ULM: What boundaries are pushed and tested inside of your book, Beyond Chains?

NZE: Faith and integrity.

ULM: What was it like creating your antagonist for this story?

NZE: It was challenging as well as fascinating.

ULM: What other projects are you planning to write, if any?

NZE: Currently, I am at work on another phenomenal novel which is directed towards helping the young generation discover exactly what they’re called on earth to do and not stepping into areas that they will struggle till the rest of their lives without making any impact.

ULM: Where can readers find you and your work online?

NZE: They can simply visit me at my website; www.markanthonynze.com

Review: Love in the Deep South

Synopsis:

Meet the young and beautiful Laydii Mitchell from Memphis TN. An 18-year-old high school senior on her way to college, and seems to think she is on top of the world. She’s dating the up and coming hustler, John Jackson; who is loved by the ladies, and hated by most guys. The two seem to think that their bond is unbreakable, that is; until something happens that rocks the both of their worlds. Will they be able to remain that “forever it” couple, and continue to stand above all, or will life’s hard knocks finally bring them to their knees? 
— Keya Harris, is Laydii’s best friend, who can’t seem to stop her cheating boyfriend Samuel White, from sticking his penis in places it doesn’t belong. She fights with any and everybody to remain that number one lady in his life, only for him to disregard her efforts; by hitting a little too close to home with his cheating ways. Will this couple be able to rise above all obstacles and come out on top, or will Keya finally get fed up with the bull, and decide to leave. 
—- Aaron Thomas is the man to see. He started out hustling at the tender age of 15, and is now headed on his way to the top at just 24. In his young life, he’s seen more money than he knows what to do with; which makes him a hot commodity for the ladies. However, he isn’t checking for the local “gold diggers,” as he is well aware of their intentions of getting with him for his money. His focus lies elsewhere; on one particular female that is seemingly “unavailable. Will Aaron finally be able to get the woman he has been “vying” for, and finally have his happily ever after? 
—- Toni Simpson is Laydii’s younger fifteen-year-old sister. She is young and carefree, as most girls are at that age. However, she’s more than just your typical teenager, as she so badly wants to be grown and take on the world way before her time. Unaware of the ill intentions of those surrounding her; she goes and gets herself into a situation that even she’s not so sure she can get out of. Will Toni be able to return to that once carefree teen, or will fatal circumstances force her to grow up before she is really ready. 
With drugs, lies, sex, murder and betrayal; many will be left devastated, and trying to find their way out of this twisted web of chaos. Ride along with these characters, as they take you on a journey around the dirty south city of “Memphis.” 

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

Love in the Deep South (A Memphis Hood Tale) is a wonderful novel detailing the lives of those who live in Memphis. The language was beautifully done. The charcaters were believable. I felt as though the writer, N.L. Hudson, transported me from my seat straight into her book. Once inside, the drama was thick, entertaining, and well-told. However, the content is graphic and recommended for those 18 and above. Sex, drugs, and murder inside….overall, I recommend this African American novel to readers everywhere. 

Review: My Soul Looks Black

Synopsis:

In this captivating new memoir, award-winning writer Jessica B. Harris recalls a lost era—the vibrant New York City of her youth, where her social circle included Maya Angelou, James Baldwin, and other members of the Black intelligentsia.
In the Technicolor glow of the early seventies, Jessica B. Harris debated, celebrated, and danced her way from the jazz clubs of the Manhattan’s West Side to the restaurants of the Village, living out her buoyant youth alongside the great minds of the day—luminaries like Maya Angelou, James Baldwin, and Toni Morrison. My Soul Looks Back is her paean to that fascinating social circle and the depth of their shared commitment to activism, intellectual engagement, and each other.
Harris paints evocative portraits of her illustrious friends: Baldwin as he read aloud an early draft of If Beale Street Could Talk, Angelou cooking in her California kitchen, and Morrison relaxing at Baldwin’s house in Provence. Harris describes her role as theater critic for the New York Amsterdam News and editor at then burgeoning Essence magazine; star-studded parties in the South of France; drinks at Mikell’s, a hip West Side club; and the simple joy these extraordinary people took in each other’s company. The book is framed by Harris’s relationship with Sam Floyd, a fellow professor at Queens College, who introduced her to Baldwin.
More than a memoir of friendship and first love My Soul Looks Back is a carefully crafted, intimately understood homage to a bygone era and the people that made it so remarkable.

Rating: 3.5-stars

Review:

My Soul Looks Black by Jessica B. Harris is a great memoir. Her book is about famous African Americans featured in New York. Yet, I felt this Read fell flat. She spoke about the people but didn’t give more details about them that would have made this more of a fascinating read. It seemed like she mostly talked about those around her and not about having direct contact with these people mentioned. When she mentions a little bit about herself, it was okay. Still Jessica B. Harris could have done more for this memoir. I was interested in the title of this book and was curious as to what it held. After reading it, I’d say it’s okay but not exceptional. 

Review: Seduction (A Money, Power, & Sex Story)

Synopsis: 

Kendra Daniels had all she’s ever desired; a great job in Houston and an even better relationship. But after losing out on a promotion to her rival, turned friend; and being transferred back to her hometown of Richmond, both her career and her love life are in doubt. Frustrated with work and growing increasingly suspicious about her lover Marcus, she decides to take a vacation to the isle of St. Martin where she meets Desmond, an attractive, mysterious man, with an even more curious profession. But temptation is only the beginning of this story, one which will certainly change Kendra forever. Picking up directly following the events of Money, Power & Sex this engaging, enticing, and erotic tale will reveal an indisputable argument: If love is king, then seduction is power!

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Norian Love has once more brought another African Amaerican novel, Seduction, to life. The drama quickly excelerates as the pages are turned. Fast-paced, exciting, and full of action. The reality of relationships is seen clearly within this urban fiction piece. Never a boring moment where these characters are. Balancing careers, friendships, enemies, and love is a tough job. Some make it and some are left broken. Attraction, money, and sex are constant themes found here. I enjoyed watching as each character struggled with the weight of what life brought them. Readers can easily connect with the characters. Oh, the drama…is pretty intense and crazy. I would highly recommend this for those who love an endless amount of the drama life. Both the highs and lows of it. Seduction is a juicy yet entertaining piece of literature. Suited only for adults due to the content inside of it. 

Review: Harlem Heroine

 

Synopsis:

Tonia Taylor’s life changed forever on the night that her friend and brother
Jermaine “Baby Jay” was murdered. But Jermaine was actually the last of a
long line of real, smart, and handsome street dudes she encountered growing
up in Harlem. In the early 80’s she became intrigued by the fast life despite growing up in a strict and disciplined household. That curiosity eventually led her, to becoming, one of the popular girls in Harlem who obtained luxury cars, money, diamonds, and furs. In this tell-all memoir, she takes us on a journey back to her life on the streets of Harlem, a journey that intertwines the stories of many Street legends.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Harlem Heroine by Ms. Tee is a deep memoir that sends readers on a journey into what a street life was really about and like for many. Heartbreaking and courageous tale in sharing the past of hurt, pain, regret, and the violence that came with it all. It was enchanting to read about the bad life and what comes with it from someone who has gone through each stage of that particular lifestyle. We all make choices. Sometimes for the best and sometimes for the worst. The drama felt like I was there actually experiencing first-hand.The events take place in Harlem around the 80’s and 90’s time era. It was quite an interesting and educational experience. The fact that this was real and not one’s everyday urban fiction novel, made the connection to the story being told that much more important. Ms. Tee is a talented writer and whose story will stick forever in the minds of every reader. One has to be a strong person inside and out to survive the street life or else risking it swallowing one whole. Overall, I recommend this novel to readers everywhere.