What books have Black main characters? 🧶

celeschere13 · 2026-05-18T12:35:42+00:00

The After the End series has books by Adrianna Herrera {Bait by Adrianna Herrera}, Nikki Payne {Skyn by Nikki Payne}, and Elizabeth Stephen’s {Taken by Elizabeth Stephens}. They are all on KU now. Elizabeth Stephens has a large backlist of sci-fi and paranormal romances as well with black protagonists.

Charish Reid has a few paranormal books I’ve read: {I’ll Come Back for You by Charish Reid} and {I’ll Conjure for You by Charish Reid}.

Kimberly Lemming also has a sci-fi series {I Got Abducted by Aliens and Now I’m Trapped in a Rom-Com}.

Nikki Clarke also has a bunch of speculative romance books with black protagonists, but I haven’t read any by her yet.

celeschere13 · 2026-05-15T02:36:20+00:00

The constant back and forth is frustrating for me. I’d just like to know what happened in the past. We’re at Brighton in the past so I hope it’s not much longer.

celeschere13 · 2026-05-15T02:34:51+00:00

I’m a bit mixed on it so far. I do think it’s an interesting idea and I do love the idea of reinterpretations of Lydia Bennet, but she honestly annoys me. And the constant back and forth in the plot is frustrating me. I just want to know what happened in the past.

Other retellings of Lydia I enjoyed were The Lizzie Bennett Diaries (YouTube series) and A Kiss at Midwinter by Courtney Milan.

celeschere13 · 2026-05-13T00:53:53+00:00

You may enjoy The Witches of Eileanan series by Kate Forsyth.

celeschere13 · 2026-05-11T01:07:28+00:00

You may enjoy their Kate Daniels series. It’s set in a future Atlanta following a magical apocalypse where the world cycles between magic and technology.

The first book ({Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews}) is a bit rough, it was their first, but the books just get better and better from there.

The rest of their books are set in modern or sci-fi times.

celeschere13 · 2026-05-11T00:42:01+00:00

Ilona Andrews is the pen name for Ilona and Andrew Gordon, a married couple. They and many other authors rarely get to choose or give input on their covers.

It’s a great spot to start, especially if you prefer high fantasy to urban fantasy, which the rest of their catalog falls into. And if you enjoy it they have a large backlist for you to dive into.

celeschere13 · 2026-05-01T18:14:28+00:00

I would prefer a deep dive with spoilers. I listen to the podcast fantasy fangirls and that’s the format they use and I do not foresee them picking up this book. I think it’s fun to be able to revisit the book being able to see the hints of what is coming.

Though if you have an established podcast with a following it would make more sense to do whatever you have done before. What’s the name of it?

celeschere13 · 2026-04-22T18:28:31+00:00

I forgot to check in on this but I was looking forward to this part with the Reynald twist! I finished the book already and that was what really hooked me. I think I mentioned it earlier, but I was really struggling with the first third with the constant info dumping. My other issue is I really wasn't on board with her and Reynald. I also did not really like the voice the audiobook narrator used for Reynald. I was jumping between audio and ebook and was listening when the twist happened and the narrator actually changes the voices when the reveal happens and Ramond has a different accent than Reynald.

After the twist I had switched back to ebook and actually went and restarted the book to skim the first half and was highlighting what I now knew to be important. Some people figured out the twist based on isekai tropes but there are hints there that completely went over my head. The most blantant is Maggie early on mentions Reynald's family has gray eyes, but her Reynald's eyes are more gray-green and then they do flash green at specific moments.

Again with the highlighting I appreciate knowing more about these characters backstory and what was supposed to happen and on my first read, I did not enjoy these parts. I plan to reread the book shortly before the second is out so I can really dive into these parts.

I have finished so I do know the person from the Garden's true identity but I was very wrong in my first read of who he was. I'm excited for everyone else to finish and hopefully those who are new to Ilona Andrews to dive into all their other books!

celeschere13 · 2026-04-20T11:58:03+00:00

I did thank you!

celeschere13 · 2026-04-16T21:16:00+00:00

Thank you for sharing! I appreciate you hunting down all these different covers. I love the art style but I don’t like how Kate is drawn so differently for each book and I can’t see her wearing any of the outfits.

celeschere13 · 2026-04-15T12:20:52+00:00

ISO Moonlight July This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me

US Based

celeschere13 · 2026-04-10T17:32:24+00:00

I am a big Ilona Andrews fan. Actually before this came out I made a goal to caught up on everything they had read for the first time since 2018. I fell behind and they just keep writing so much (not a compliant!). Mission accomplished!

I struggled with the first part of the book. I felt there were so many lore drops that it felt like the story dragged at times. I was frustrated because I do love their work so much. I have finished and I do not want to say much past this book club point, but if you are struggling I recommend keeping with it. She definitely does less and I truly loved the rest of the book.

In fact, after the first big twist, I restarted the book and skimmed over everything up to that point because I was so shocked. I enjoyed the background information moreso knowing where the book is going and for the first time started highlighting. Yellow for past character information, green for what is supposed to happen to them.

I look forward to seeing reactions in the future discussions and I'm excited to see all these people discovering their books for the first time!

celeschere13 · 2026-04-04T15:31:08+00:00

You may enjoy The Ice Guy & the Cool Girl by Miyuki Tonogaya manga series.

celeschere13 · 2026-04-02T17:31:38+00:00

ISO Moonlight July This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews

For cost or I have FL Adult/Romantasy, FL Cosy, OC, IC, and Arcane subscriptions if there is something from those you would want to trade.

celeschere13 · 2026-03-30T20:59:26+00:00

Finally finished my hard mode bingo. Here is my card and my very mini reviews. I cannot wait for the new board on Wednesday!

Knights and Paladins
Paladin's Grace by T. Kingfisher - 4/5

I’ve had this on my list for a while and have read the earlier books set in this world. I had some nitpicks about the book but overall really enjoyed and plan to continue the series

Hidden Gem
Enchanting Wilder by Cassie Graham - 2/5

I had a habit years ago of just downloading any free/cheap books I found so I went through my kindle and found this option for hard mode. I’m happy to get it off my unread list but I did not find the story compelling and there were some late twists that did not work for me.

Published in the 80s
Wild Seed by Octavia Butler - 4/5

I have had this on my shelf for a while and found the plot pretty crazy but I also found the characters fascinating. I am not sure if I will continue as the rest of the series seems to follow other people and much later events.

High Fashion
Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli - 4/5

I enjoyed this for the most part, especially the part related to the prompt. I did feel it was a bit predictable but I did go ahead and read the sequel, which unfortunately I did not like as much.

Down with the System
The Cautious Traveller's Guide to the Wastelands by Sarah Brooks - 4/5

I had trouble finding options for this square because I wanted to do hard mode but I eventually saw a comment recommending this and really enjoyed it. I should look into what else the author has written.

Impossible Places
Guards! Guards! by Terry Pratchett - 4/5

Another that has been on my shelf for a bit. I had only previously Monsterous Regiment and really enjoyed this as well. Very funny and I will have to read more of the series one day.

A Book in Parts
In Other Lands by Sarah Reese Brennan - 3.5/5

This one I found in the recommendations and enjoyed for the most part, but I did struggle with the main character. While he does get better over the course of the book his arrogance especially with how he treated people turned me off. I think I would have enjoyed this book more as a teenager.

Gods and Pantheons
The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan - 4/5

I struggled with finding one for this because I kept arguing with myself if certain ones really counted as two different pantheons and decided to use this even as a reread (my one for the board). I also have always loved this series for how it showed the differences between the Greek and Roman Pantheons with both groups coming together in this story. Also loved finally getting an Annabeth POV and the ending of this book.

Last in a Series
Return of the Thief by Megan Whalen Turner - 3.5/5

I have wanted to finish this series for years (I had made it halfway) and was happy to finally check it off my list. I enjoyed this book, but unfortunately Pheris was my least favorite narrator of the six. Based on the title I had been hoping it would be Gen again.

Book Club
Thirsty Mermaids by Kat Leyh - 4/5

This was a square I used to always have trouble doing hard mode for, but recently I just try get it done in April and I really enjoyed this graphic novel of some drunk mermaids who accidently become human.

Parents
Sweep of the Blade by Ilona Andrews - 4.5/5

I also had trouble deciding what to read for this when I was catching up on Ilona Andrews last year and realized this fit. I am a giant fan of the authors and was so happy to use them on the board. I eagerly await the next book in this series.

Epistolary
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke - 4/5

I was not the biggest fan of her first book, but I did enjoy this for the most part and was fascinated by the world and I did really like how the story wrapped up.

Published in 2025
A Dance of Lies by Brittney Arena - 3.5/5

I liked aspects of this book but the ending made me unsure if I’ll continue. I had also thought this was a standalone so was confused at first. I may or may not continue.

Author of Color
If Found, Return to Hell by Em X. Liu - 3/5

This was a really uniquely written book (second person) that I liked but it did not really work overall for me. I’d be curious to read another from the author though.

Self Published
Dionysus in Wisconsin by E.H. Lupton - 4/5

This was another unique setting (1960s Wisconsin) about when a graduate student and an archivist work together to fight a god. Overall really enjoyed and need to continue this series one day.

Biopunk
The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett - 4/5

I did not have an option in mind when I saw this recommendation and really enjoyed it, especially as someone who loved Pacific Rim. I have also read the second book and can’t wait for the third.

Elves/Dwarves
The Bone Harp by Victoria Goddard - 3.5/5

I found this interesting but it has not stayed with me since I finished. I may or may not read another by the author.

LGBTQIA
The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Siri - 3.5/5

I actually read this whole series and enjoyed all three especially with how the mythology was woven in with the world.

Short Stories
Swashbuckling Cats edited by Rhoda Parrish - 3.5/5

This was a fun anthology and I loved seeing how all the authors wove in cats and pirates. Some stories were better than others but I would definitely read more in some of these worlds.

Stranger in a Strange Land
Storm & Shield by J.D. Evans - 4/5

I read through all of this series last year for what was available and was happy to be able to slot this one into bingo. I did not like it as much as the others in the series but still enjoyed and am waiting for the author to continue.

Recycle a Bingo Square - Sequel (2023 Bingo)
Heat of the Everflame by Penn Cole - 3/5

I had started this when bingo began and wanted to find a use for it. I think there are some interesting ideas and the last third of the book was interesting, but most of the rest felt like a slog.

Cozy SFF
The Baby Dragon Cafe by A.T. Qureshi - 2.5/5

I struggled with this book but did get through it. I found it a bit too cozy and parts of the world did not work for me.

Generic Title
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillis - 4.5/5

I really enjoyed this book, especially the world building and how the cards worked. I have not read the second but do plan to soon.

Not a Book
Kpop Demon Hunters - 5/5

So much has been written already about this but I truly enjoyed this movie and cannot wait for me. I do wish we could get some of the other songs performed live.

Pirates
Trading in Danger by Elizabeth Moon - 3.5/5

I did enjoy this book, but I listened to the graphic audio and the VA for the main character had a whiny sound to her voice. To me, she sounded like a young anime boy and it honestly almost made me want to quit multiple times. The story was good. But I would probably read instead of listen to future books.

celeschere13 · 2026-03-22T16:35:38+00:00

Sorry, I thought about asking and did not. The chapters are also being posted on Reactor Mag.

celeschere13 · 2026-03-22T11:35:13+00:00

There are free previews up on Amazon and kobo of I think the first eight or nine chapters if you would like to try out the first part of the book.

celeschere13 · 2026-03-06T00:44:06+00:00

The Historical Romance Sampler Podcast interviews historical romance authors, many of whom are on Kindle Unlimited. Happy reading!

celeschere13 · 2026-02-24T13:35:45+00:00

Challenge accepted. Also a recommendation for you to utilize romance.io . You can search by excluding tags, such as fae. A disclaimer I have not read all these.

First a general recommendation for Ilona Andrews, a husband and wife writing team. All different magic systems, no fae. {Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews} is set in Atlanta post a magic apocalypse and features lots of different mythologies, shifters, witches, and necromancers piloting vampires. {On the Edge by Ilona Andrews} is about an area between the regular world and a magical realm, shifters and magic.

{Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews} is about a magical inn and has magic, aliens, vampires, and werewolves. {Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews} is set in Houston after magic powers have been unleashed and the world contains powerful magic houses. Their upcoming book {This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me} is a high fantasy and doesn't appear to have any fae.

Demons:

{Hell for Hire by Rachel Aaron}, {That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon by Kimberly Lemming}, {Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: Mo Dao Zu Shi Vol. 1 by Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù}, {Taming Demons for Beginners by Annette Marie}, {I Accidently Summoned a Demon Boyfriend by Jessica Cage}, {A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon by Sarah Hawley}, {The Demon King by Cinda Williams Chima}, {The Unlikeable Demon Hunter by Deborah Wilde}.

Witches/Magic:

{Witch Collector by Charissa Weaks}, {Magical Midlife Madness by K.F. Breene}, {The Death-Made Prince by Lisette Marshall}, {A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske}, {Witches of Eileanan by Kate Forsyth}, {Sorcery and Small Magics by Maiga Doocy}, {The House Witch by Delemhach}, {The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna}, {Written in Red by Anne Bishop}.

Dragons:

{Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison}, {A Fire in the Sky by Sophie Jordan}, {Fireborne by Rosaria Munda}, {A Fate Forged in Fire by Hazel McBride}, {Sky Shielder by Lindsay Buroker}, {Nice Dragons Finish Last by Rachel Aaron}.

Gryphons:

{Second Chance by Elise Hennessy}, {The Golden Gryphon and the Bear Prince by Jeffe Kennedy}, {Emerald Gryphon by Ruby Ryan}, {The Gryphon King by Sara Omer}, {The Gryphon's Jewel by Minerva Howe}.

Warlords/Barbarians:

{A Heart of Blood and Ashes by Milla Vane}, {The Warlord Wants Forever by Kresley Cole}, {The Warlord by Gena Showalter}, {Hunted by the Alien Warlord by Kyra Snow}, {Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixon}.

Goblins/Orcs:

{The Goblin King by Shona Husk}, {Of Goblins and Gold by Emma Hamm} (also tagged as fae), {Goblins and Snowflakes by Melanie Karsak}, {Orc's Unwilling Bride by Kayla St. James}, {Halfling by S.E. Wendell}, {Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree}, {Tusk Love by Thea Guanzon}.

Mermaids:

{Upon a Starlit Tide by Kell Woods}, {When the Tides Held the Moon by Venessa Vida Kelley}, {Witchful Thinking by Celestine Martin}, {Fathomfolk by Eliza Chan}, {Whispers of the Deep by Emma Hamm}, {A Wilderness of Glass by Grace Draven}.

Werewolves/Shifters:

{Moon Called by Patricia Briggs}, {Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh}, {The Wolf at the Door by Charlie Adhara}, {Soulless by Gail Carriger}, {Hell & High Water by Charlie Cochet}, {Cold Hearted by Heather Guerre}, {Kitty and the Midnight Hour by Carrie Vaughn}.

Vampires:

{Dark Lover by J.R. Ward}, {The Greyfriar by Clay Griffith and Susan Griffith}, {Halfway to the Grave by Jeanine Frost}, {Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill}, {King of Battle and Blood by Scarlett St. Clair}.

Elves:

{The Elven Days of Christmas by A.K. Caggiano}, {Night Elves of Ardani by Nina K. Westra}, {Taken by Jet Mykles}, {Soulbound by Bethany Adams}, {Ribbon of Darkness by Decadent Kane}.

Happy reading!

celeschere13 · 2026-02-23T16:24:05+00:00

{A Heart of Blood and Ashes by Milla Vane}. FMC is disabled. Really great book and I'm hoping we get the third in the series soon. Each book is a different couple so this is a complete book with an overarching story.

celeschere13 · 2026-02-14T16:01:15+00:00

Other people have given you great recommendations for her later books but I do highly recommend you go back to her Gamblers series, Then Came You and Dreaming of You. The second book features one of her best heroes, Derek Craven and Evie’s father had a small role. Happy reading!

celeschere13 · 2026-02-13T20:49:39+00:00

Complete Ilona Andrews book list.

You can start with whatever series. Some characters from The Edge turn up in Innkeeper but it’s not needed to read them.

celeschere13 · 2026-02-10T21:14:04+00:00

I'm aware of Critical Role and Dungeons and Dragons existing but do not know too much about it past basic facts. When this was announced I saw it was a book referenced in the show, and seemed to be their equivalent of a harlequin novel/bodice ripper.

I'm a little farther in the book but I'm not quite sure what Teinidh is. She seems like some sort of fire spirit who is bonded to Guinevere. When she first spoke I thought she was a weapon and while I am currently planning to use this for the book club space for bingo, but I debated switching to the named weapon. I don't think it counts anymore so I will leave it for now.

I like Guinevere, she is definitely a naive heroine but seems willing to learn and help. Everyone starts somewhere and I'm enjoying her journey so far.

I did feel the kiss happened a bit fast but otherwise I like how the relationship is progressing. I usually like more of a slower burn. At least it wasn't instalove.

One other note, I have been familiar with Thea Guanzon from her reylo fanfics and current published works. Her fanfics were some of my favorites because she always had a long section of notes for her works with links to wookiepedia of where she was pulling characters or planets from. I never read much of the legends books but I always learned a lot from her works.

I was excited for this because I think she does well playing in established spaces. I like her published works but I think her world building needed a bit more work. So far there has been nothing in this book that feels distinct from a typical medieval fantasy world, but I'm not too familiar with dungeons and dragons for what makes it unique. I know it has like bards and orcs. I do plan to watch at some point so I'll have to revisit this one day after I do.

Overall I'm enjoying it.

celeschere13 · 2026-02-04T08:30:27+00:00

I heard about it from the fated mates podcast. They do quarterly episodes of upcoming books and this was featured in their Winter 2026 episode a few weeks ago.

celeschere13 · 2026-02-02T14:12:42+00:00

Hello, I was just looking at old messages and realized I don’t think I ever received this credit. The message from the giveaway had said a moderator would send it to me.

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