Passion's Furies

Charleston, South Carolina, 1821, is the setting for Altonya Washington' novel Passion's Furies. The McIver family were freed blacks, who were able to do many things that blacks only dreamed of doing at that time. Jacinta McIver wanted to see all blacks free and she wanted them to be able to do the same things that she was accustomed to doing. Jacinta was also very involved in the teachings of Denmark Vesey and the discussion of an upcoming slave rebellion. Her father, Jason, tried everything to keep Jacinta away from the secret meetings and her plan to be apart of the revolt. Solomon Dikembe, who was also a freed black, traveled to Charleston to meet Jason McIver to discuss business dealings. He did not know that he would meet a dark beauty that he had previously met. The problem - Solomon was a mulatto and no blacks wanted to trust him. Washington's story raised some issues for this reviewer. I did not like the length of this book (it was 403 pages long). For me, at times, the story dragged in sections and I had to push myself to continue reading. However, the positives outweighed the books weaknesses. I liked the historical background. Washington gave a wonderful account of Denmark Vesey's teaching, his planning and his death. I also loved how Washington discussed the ways in which blacks discriminated against each other. Slaves were distrustful of freed blacks, freed blacks looked down on slaves and both groups did not trust mulattos or half -whites. There was also discussion of entitlement and class between the blacks. I really loved the way that Jacinta, as a freed black, took an interest in the stories of the slaves and began to record their stories. Solomon also discussed the manner in which he was mistreated and the hatred he had to overcome. In between all of that, Washington put together a wonderful love story where the characters had to overcome their prejudices in order to embrace the love they had for each other. Wow!! Being a devoted fan of Beverly Jenkins, I was very skeptical of reading this book, but I genuinely wanted to read and embrace it. Well, I can honestly say that Ms. Jenkins will be very pleased to know that someone has stepped up and has joined the ranks of historical romance writing. Reviewed by: Priscilla C. Johnson APOOO BookClub

I loved the book. I bought this book becuase I am a fan of Ms. Washington and I love the historical african american romance that Beverly Jenkins has made so popular. I was not disappointed. I read this book in one day; I could not put the book down. It was so well written and the book flowed like a sheet of music. This book has chemistry, history and great secondary characters. I laughed (a lot), held my breath and cried. The love between Jacinta and Solomon is one I will not forget for a very long time. This book will certainly make my list of all-time favorites.

As African-Americans, we have a rich history of which the half has never been told. PASSION'S FURIES by AlTonya Washington, a work of fiction on the manipulations of blacks, the class system, slavery, romance, and mulatto's vs. "real" blacks touched my soul and brought tears to my eyes. Spoiled, rich and the only child of a free black man, Jacinta McIver, has a wonderful life in Charleston, South Carolina the core of slavery in the 1800's. Defying her father at every turn, nineteen-year-old Jacinta, wants to change the way blacks are treated, not to mention her distrust of men, especially mulatto men. Solomon Dikembe, a handsome mulatto who embraces his black heritage, only want what's best for both sides of his heritage. Hated by all, Solomon has an astute business sense, owning land from Michigan to South Carolina. PASSION'S FURIES embodied, in 304 pages, the achievements, conflicts, love, happiness and passion we as African-Americans continually disseminate toward one another some 200 years later. Fear, romance, and history will keep you turning the pages. If this is your first read by AlTonya, please, check out her website and read her other works. You will not be disappointed. Reviewed by Toni Bonita For RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

I love how well this book was written!! A wonderfully romantic historical novel, that makes you want to laugh, cry and sigh all at once. The main characters are opposites that finally figure it all out, that love sometimes does conquer all. Interwoven in this wonderful love story is a remarkable historical novel of African Americans in Charleston in the 1820's and the sad events of the Denmark Vesey Rebellion. Considering how well this book was written on the historical side, I certainly hope Ms. Washington will produce more novels of this scope.

Ms. Washington has done it again. Jacinta McIver's devotion to helping others is so heart touching and so were her writings about the struggles of others. Solomon Dikembe is the perfect man for her. This story will touch your heart and mind. Washington has done an outstanding job!!