Stop mistreating women for plot: a controversial opinion (somehow) | Blood at the Root Review

0:00 Introduction 4:17 Spoiler-free summary 6:16 Analysis (non spoiler) 24:47 Objectification of women 28:03 Katya spoiler and warning 31:06 Safe to come back 33:24 Malik is homophobic? 38:37 Misrepresenting deaf culture (simcomming) 43:37 End of book spoilers 48:17 Final thoughts 52:32 Wrap up I didn’t even say everything I wanted to but I want to see what everyone else thinks before I keep yapping… Blood at the Root by Ladarrion Williams did not meet the expectations that were set by the marketing campaign. This book was meant to be for black boys but perpetuates patriarchal ideas of women, gay relationships, and general ignorance about the world. Malik Barron is supposed to be our hero in this story but, as a woman, I saw him as the villain. I never rooted for him and part of the reason was because he HEAVILY sexualized and objectified his love interest, Alexis, and any other woman in the story. This book managed to disrespect women, the gay community, and the deaf community by misrepresenting simcomming (talking and signing). ON TOP OF THE FACT that the overall worldbuilding was lackluster, with no clear magic system, rules, laws, social order, or anything that would otherwise ground a reader. And I hate to say this because normally I don’t have a problem with books having social commentary, in fact, I LOVE social commentary. But this book is overkill. Overall, I still suggest you read the book and make your own conclusions. And if you have read it, please let me know what you think. Follow me on my socials ➡️ Instagram: @Listen2Kristen_ TikTok: @Listen2Kristen