“No One Will Save Us” by Julie L. Brown 

 

Julie L. Brown's No One Will Save Us is a thought-provoking exploration of a society ruled by women, whose lives are turned upside down when members of their community are abducted by another country to be sold into slavery. At the heart of the story is Chibuike, who must navigate her growing responsibilities and fight to save those she loves—or risk losing them forever. 

 

This book captivated me with its exploration of themes such as gender roles, the value of family and friendship, cultural identity, religious extremism, becoming an adult and finding your place, and colonization. While the story feels rooted in Africa, its universal relevance shines through; this could easily represent how various cultures experienced colonization across the globe. The setting’s ambiguity reflects shared histories of oppression and resilience throughout all of history. 

 

One of the standout elements of the book is its a queendom, which adds depth and complexity to the plot. It was refreshing to read a story centered on societal issues and moral dilemmas, without  romance being the focus. This absence of romance amplifies the weight of the characters’ decisions and the societal challenges they face. 

 

I think for me reading an alternative history to the slave trade with very little to no romance was a great change of pace from the other books being published lately. Plus, I think the cover looks so good and fits perfectly on my bookshelf. 

 

It’s a solid 4 out of 5 stars, and I can’t wait for Julie L. Brown’s future books. Definitely a book I will be rereading again. 

 

-Colonization 

-Alternative History 

-Race and Gender Issues 

-Queendom 

-Slavery 

-Coming-of-age 

Thank you, Julie L. Brown, for providing me with a complimentary copy of your book to read and review.