More Praise for Song of Redemption
I need this to be a movie!
Excellent! This has quickly become one of my favorite books! So much imagery! Excellent story! Great character development. The author takes the reader through a range of emotions!
― Gina L.
"This was perfect from beginning to end, even the foreword. Song of Redemption is a well-crafted work of historical fiction filled with rich characters and world-building.
With every turn of the page, my hope grew despite knowing how Danielle died. I’m devastated, but I would read this again."
― V, Goodreads
"A tragedy in the most tumultuous time in black history....
While we still wait for science to one day discover time travel, we can rejoice in the fact that there are certain books that transports us subconsciously back to a certain period in history where we reminisce upon what took place, grieve during moments of sorrow, and learn about people and behaviors of that time in order to change the future. Song of Redemption by Malika J. Stevely is a novel that quenched my thirst for knowledge about how the African American race was brutalized, mistreated, and abandoned, in the case of the beautiful enslaved songstress Danielle, who suffered a fate that young black women in the era of slavery suffered: the inability to spread her wings and fly beyond her conditions at Demetre Soileau's farm, even after she found love in the young, handsome Alphonse Santee. The more I continued reading, the more intrigued I was with each chapter as I longed to find out how each chapter would conclude. I've never read another historical book that sent me on a myriad of emotions as Song of Redemption did. I encourage all readers to read this amazing book, but beware: you may not want to put it down!"
― Marc A. Beausejour, Author of The BlackCyrano Series
Song of Redemption: A southern historical saga inspired by true events is the perfect blend of beauty hope and tragedy. This book touched me deeply. I stopped and started several times to let everything sink in. Can't wait to listen to the audio version.
― Kathy, Goodreads
"Song of Redemption is a great book! The plot is consistently engaging and the author paints a painfully accurate image of American life during the late Antebellum period. This may be one of the best historical fiction novels I've ever read! The storyline never lets you down. The character development is rich and obedient to the setting and historical period. Malika played with my heartstrings for the entire ride. By the end of the journey, I was emotionally exhausted. I was mad, happy, disgusted, surprised, inspired, disappointed, but thoroughly enlightened. I recommend this book to any history buff who needs a satisfying novel in his/her life. Great work Ms. Stevely! Great work!!!"
― Kevin Gantt, author of Inflections: A Journey of Self-Discovery
"My book club made me aware of Song of Redemption, by Malika Stevely. I am thankful for that. Stevely's book excels at using history to frame a suspenseful romance. Stevely’s outstanding writing transports readers to the decade preceding the American Civil War, allowing them to experience life through Danielle, a pregnant enslaved teenager on a Louisiana sugar plantation. Danielle, who is cherished by the master but loathed by the master's wife, lives a risky life filled with extraordinary love, intrigue, and deceit. Stevely's rich characters come alive, educating me on history and making me experience Danielle's hardships as if she was my own daughter; I was hooked until the last page. Stevely’s Song of Redemption comes highly recommended."
― Bob Rogers, Author of Two Rivers: De Trouble I Be See
― CC Miller, author of Also, Hi
"I suggest Song of Redemption to history buffs seeking a good book...the plot never loses its intrigue. As I read it, the subject grabbed my curiosity, but I didn’t expect to feel as moved as I did. Malika J. Stevely piqued my interest in a variety of previously unconsidered concerns affecting black Americans. Character development is rich and genuine to the setting. Because of the information I have learned, I tip my hat to Malika J. Stevely for her amazing effort. The author made me feel enlightened all the time."
― Trevor Otieno for Readers' Favorite
"I read this book recently, as a part of my book club. We have read some great books. However, this book is ABSOLUTELY brilliant. The story is so well developed. You can barely stop reading it. It leaves you a bit wiser after reading it, with the vast amount of accurate historical data, coupled with a really good story. I look forward to reading more from this incredible author. I will be gifting this piece of work to many!!!! I’ve already requested it to be added to the libraries in my area. Bravo!"
― Bridgette A., Book Club Member
"Song of Redemption is a powerfully written saga of a young enslaved girl who experienced the dehumanizing world of slavery. The writer’s style and use of vividly written images provided me a glimpse of the main character’s soul and the desperation to survive one of the cruelest periods in American history."
― Naomi M., The VOOK Group Book Club Member.
"We experienced every human emotion while reading this book. We, the SSS Book Club truly recommend you add it to your reading list...Malika, can't wait to see what's in store for the future. We are ready."
― The Sassy Sophisticated Sistahs Book Club
"I felt genuine anger, fear, disgust, grief, angst, love, relief, and joy. Every chapter brought a twist to the story that I was not expecting. My hats off to the writer for an absolutely stunning debut book. I couldn't recommend it more highly. I hope there will be another soon."
― Lisa S., Amazon Reviewer
"Song of Redemption is the very reason I began reading again. Song of Redemption is what inspired me to start my own book club, where we read primarily historical fiction. I first met the author almost a year ago, when she did a speaking engagement at my place of employment. Stevely did an amazing job in describing the characters so much that you either liked or hated them as if we were in real-time. Song of Redemption is one of many stories that, unfortunately, happen but never get shared. I am currently reading this book for the second time, and I look forward to future books Ms. Malika decides to put out."
― Princess, Amazon Reviewer
"This was truly a deeply written story of how a young girl becomes a woman when all of the odds are stacked against her. A girl who learned what true love is and should feel like. There were moments of happiness, anger, suspense and disappointment. Truly a remarkable read."
― Whitney F., Amazon Reviewer
"Song of Redemption should be more than a book that you just pick up and read. It needs to be discussed. There were so many themes and issues throughout the book that would serve as excellent topics for fruitful discussion and dialogue (something that we need to do more of)."
― A.J. Bryant, Amazon Reviewer