Customer Reviews

Paradise: Chocolate Love

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I enjoyed Paradise: Chocolate Love very much. It is at one and the same time socially exotic, erotically balanced and provides an historically relevant view of the near future.

First of all it is one of the most positive representations of Black/African people I have ever seen. The family dynasty portrayed in the story consists of a group of hard working honest people who want the best for themselves and Black people everywhere. The fact that the story begins in the year 2030 speaks to the author's faith in Black people, that not only can we change the course of history; working together we can do it practically overnight.

Second, the author constantly, though very subtly, provides a contrast between good and evil, as well as right and wrong. The orgies and general life of debauchery led by one of the antagonist in the story provides a clear picture of the sordid world the Abydos family is working to eradicate. This life style is contrasted with the love scenes between all the true lovers in the story. The Abydos characters all encourage family as well as national unity. The author also provides a clear distinction between evil and wrong. The evils of the debauched lifestyle are contrasted with the wrong headedness of the player mentality. The fact that this character grows into a real man right in front of your eyes was one of the highlights for me.

Third, although this book is called Paradise, it does not provide a pollyannaish view of the world. The author leaves no doubt that he believes there is always a snake in the garden, eradication of which requires a systemic approach. The author provides conspiracy as a backdrop involving geopolitical intrigue, international financial capital and superpower conflict.

This is truly an epic work.

I loved this book. It has an intricate and well developed story line as well as a vibrant and exciting romance. Actually, there are several romances weaved into this adventure. Each romance is unique and adds depth to the overall story. In the book, you follow the main couple and learn about the family they create and the trials and tribulations they face in an African/Black world that has been turned upside down. In this world, Africa has united and become a major power in the world. Because of this, the lives of Black people everywhere have been altered for the better. It is an intriguing glimple at a possible future.

Starting in the not-too-distant future of 2030, PARADISE: CHOCOLATE
LOVE chronicles eighty-seven years of trials and tribulations
experienced by four generations of the Abydos family. Horus Abydos,
a top executive in one of the largest companies in the world,
discovers his father has been kidnapped and must enlist the aid of
Amandla Wright to win his freedom. As the two work to stop Horus's
uncle (the kidnapper), they quickly fall in love and marry. Even if
they rescue his father, there are other perils that await the
couple.

Shaka Wright, Amandla's brother, has loved Linda since they were
teens. Somehow he knew she'd always be ready and waiting for him if
he ever decided to settle down. For the past twenty years he has
enjoyed sowing his wild oats, while making sure to give Linda a little
attention every now and again. This time when he visits her after two
years of no contact, something has changed. Linda has a new man in her
life who treats her as she wants and deserves to be treated. Shaka then
realizes that he is truly in love with her and must win her heart.

Hetshepsut Abydos, Horus and Amandla's oldest daughter, is having
difficulty adjusting to life after her fiancé died unexpectedly.
Worried, her parents arrange for a fine young man, Arthur Akombo, to
enter her life. Arthur, a counter-espionage agent, has news that
Hetshepsut's fiancé was actually murdered. As Arthur works to solve
the murder, he also works through Hetshepsut's protective shields.

I liked the concept behind PARADISE: CHOCOLATE LOVE. In the future
Walker created, Africa and people of African descent are world
leaders. The Abydos family is a key player in the world's economy,
yet they have struggles with love and loss just as the rest of us.
Unfortunately, there were too many holes and inconsistencies in the
plot for me to truly enjoy PARADISE: CHOCOLATE LOVE. There was also
a tense issue and some of the plots rushed to their endings.
Walker's plots were interesting, and could have each been a novel of
their own. I will pick up future works by Roy Walker to see how he
grows as an author. FYI: The sex scenes are graphic and though the
majority of the time they do involve a male and a female, this is
not always the case.

Reviewed by Deatri King-Bey
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers