What do you think?
Rate this book
Ebony the Beloved
Book by Hannah, Spivey
306 pages, Paperback
First published July 8, 2011
16 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 20, 2012
Omg! What a wonderful book!!! Suspenseful because you don't know what to expect! 2 thumbs up Hannah!
November 17, 2012
Ebony is a fifteen-year-old girl who must endure verbal and physical abuse from her parents and classmates alike. It seems that no one in her immediate circle has anything positive to say to or about her, except her younger sister Naja. After a brutal attack and a shocking revelation, Ebony finally meets the one person who cares and will hopefully help her turn her world around. Norma Lue is the school’s secretary, and immediately steps in as Ebony’s protector. Just as Ebony’s life looks like it will take a turn for the better, she is introduced to an entertainer who is also a strong advocate against domestic violence, Desmond Waltz.
What Ebony doesn’t know is that Desmond has a dark side, and his penchant for abuse is worst than anything she has ever encountered. When Ebony finds herself in a life or death situation, she finally reaches her breaking point and makes a disturbing decision that will change her life forever.
Ebony The Beloved is a good book that shows the damaging affects of abuse. The storyline is also good, but with better story and character development it could be great. Hannah Spivey has to learn the art of being descriptive by giving characteristics and details and not just references. Many passages were repetitive and the timelines were inconsistent.
Last thing, please put down the thesaurus. Sometimes, less is more. I understand Hannah wanting to use profanity-laden and vituperative language (her word, not mine – but means harsh and abusive) to emphasize the ill treatment, but at times it’s overkill and seems like everyone in the world has a potty mouth—even those who have no reason to be nasty towards Ebony. The over usage of big words also breaks up the story’s momentum and needs to be dumbed down so that the book reads more fluently and genuinely.
All in all, Ebony The Beloved was an entertaining read. I was intrigued and wanted to know what was going to become of this battered girl and would she ever find happiness. I think that Hannah Spivey has promise and with some more seasoning and guidance will definitely make a name for herself in this genre.
Michelle Cuttino
AAMBC Reviewer
What Ebony doesn’t know is that Desmond has a dark side, and his penchant for abuse is worst than anything she has ever encountered. When Ebony finds herself in a life or death situation, she finally reaches her breaking point and makes a disturbing decision that will change her life forever.
Ebony The Beloved is a good book that shows the damaging affects of abuse. The storyline is also good, but with better story and character development it could be great. Hannah Spivey has to learn the art of being descriptive by giving characteristics and details and not just references. Many passages were repetitive and the timelines were inconsistent.
Last thing, please put down the thesaurus. Sometimes, less is more. I understand Hannah wanting to use profanity-laden and vituperative language (her word, not mine – but means harsh and abusive) to emphasize the ill treatment, but at times it’s overkill and seems like everyone in the world has a potty mouth—even those who have no reason to be nasty towards Ebony. The over usage of big words also breaks up the story’s momentum and needs to be dumbed down so that the book reads more fluently and genuinely.
All in all, Ebony The Beloved was an entertaining read. I was intrigued and wanted to know what was going to become of this battered girl and would she ever find happiness. I think that Hannah Spivey has promise and with some more seasoning and guidance will definitely make a name for herself in this genre.
Michelle Cuttino
AAMBC Reviewer
September 27, 2011
This is a tale of Ebony Sparks, a young teenage girl searching to find a bit of solace in her life. Being belittled by her parents, classmates she was in a cruel world and she knew it. Feeling as a outcast was a familiar place for Ebony. As any little girl feeling awkward about their looks, then to have your parents to tell you that your, dumb,and ugly, nappy headed,and stupid and will never amount to nothing. It was the way of life for her, she knew nothing different. Ebony had been through so much abuse form sexually, emotionally, physically, mentally, the list could go on and maybe she even considered that love, because that was all she had come accustom to.
That was until she came in touch with an International Mega Entertainer that she meet at benefit concert that had all types of connections to other celebrities like her favorite singer Trey Songz, Ebony thought she was well on her way to some peace of happiness, she meet the gorgeous Mr. Desmond Waltz she thought was going to be her Knight and shining armor, being the young naive teenager girl she was, she had no clue what being with a man like that would be like, Ebony was indeed mesmerized by the glits, glam and fame, nice gifts that he had given her the lifestyle had her wanting to be his girl, in Ebony's mind she would be the girl everyone would envy when they found out she was with him.
But he's mother wasn't going to allow the likes of this girl to come in a take what she had away from her. Desmond and his mother got a real kick out of cause her a great deal of torment to her, broken spirit, battered body having Ebony to cry out in agony, which only cause the punishment to be even more excruciating to her.
Honestly will Ebony be able to make it out alive, can she find the love that she so desires, or will she be able to end this vicious cycle of mistreatment? What would be the ultimate price she would pay to be set free from all the past hurt and demons she's endured?
That was until she came in touch with an International Mega Entertainer that she meet at benefit concert that had all types of connections to other celebrities like her favorite singer Trey Songz, Ebony thought she was well on her way to some peace of happiness, she meet the gorgeous Mr. Desmond Waltz she thought was going to be her Knight and shining armor, being the young naive teenager girl she was, she had no clue what being with a man like that would be like, Ebony was indeed mesmerized by the glits, glam and fame, nice gifts that he had given her the lifestyle had her wanting to be his girl, in Ebony's mind she would be the girl everyone would envy when they found out she was with him.
But he's mother wasn't going to allow the likes of this girl to come in a take what she had away from her. Desmond and his mother got a real kick out of cause her a great deal of torment to her, broken spirit, battered body having Ebony to cry out in agony, which only cause the punishment to be even more excruciating to her.
Honestly will Ebony be able to make it out alive, can she find the love that she so desires, or will she be able to end this vicious cycle of mistreatment? What would be the ultimate price she would pay to be set free from all the past hurt and demons she's endured?
September 2, 2012
Can a Girl Get a Break?
In the book “Ebony the Beloved,” Ebony was a 15-year-old girl who was pretty much mistreated all of her life. She was an outcast in school and had verbally, emotionally and mentally abusive parents at home. Her father was a ‘my way or no way’ kind of parent and her mother wasn’t much better. But she did have the love of her younger sister. Because of her upbringing, Ebony did not have any self-esteem.
Moving forward, Ebony finds herself in a hardship situation where she is homeless and finds shelter with the school's secretary as well as unconditional love that she never had. She forms a close relationship with a niece of the secretary and through this relationship Ebony meets a superstar named Desmond. Ebony is very smitten that this grown man likes her and he is a world famous entertainer and she has big dreams in her head for the two of them and the life she thought she would lead with him.
Desmond goes from being the so-called loving boyfriend that buys Ebony everything to the man that wants to control her every move. She does what she has to do to survive and she is pushed beyond her limit and finds herself in a life or death situation.
Hanah Spivey’s “Ebony the Beloved” was written pretty well except there were some instances where things were repeated. Like when we are introduced to Ebony’s family there are a couple of times where the author basically said the same thing from earlier in the page. Otherwise this book does a good job drawing you into the story and it does have a great plot and storyline. I would recommend it to others as a good read.
Reviewed by: KaTina
3.5 stars
In the book “Ebony the Beloved,” Ebony was a 15-year-old girl who was pretty much mistreated all of her life. She was an outcast in school and had verbally, emotionally and mentally abusive parents at home. Her father was a ‘my way or no way’ kind of parent and her mother wasn’t much better. But she did have the love of her younger sister. Because of her upbringing, Ebony did not have any self-esteem.
Moving forward, Ebony finds herself in a hardship situation where she is homeless and finds shelter with the school's secretary as well as unconditional love that she never had. She forms a close relationship with a niece of the secretary and through this relationship Ebony meets a superstar named Desmond. Ebony is very smitten that this grown man likes her and he is a world famous entertainer and she has big dreams in her head for the two of them and the life she thought she would lead with him.
Desmond goes from being the so-called loving boyfriend that buys Ebony everything to the man that wants to control her every move. She does what she has to do to survive and she is pushed beyond her limit and finds herself in a life or death situation.
Hanah Spivey’s “Ebony the Beloved” was written pretty well except there were some instances where things were repeated. Like when we are introduced to Ebony’s family there are a couple of times where the author basically said the same thing from earlier in the page. Otherwise this book does a good job drawing you into the story and it does have a great plot and storyline. I would recommend it to others as a good read.
Reviewed by: KaTina
3.5 stars
December 13, 2012
How much can one girl go through? How much misfortune can a girl experience in her young lifetime? How many kicks can a girl take when she's already down? Ebony grew up in a dysfunctional household and suffered from abuse in school. As a teen, she meets a handsome entertainer, Desmond, and is charmed off her feet. It isn't long before Desmond shows his true self. It turns out, he is like all the others in her life. Ebony really was dealt the worst hand.
Ebony The Beloved is a raw depiction. Some passages made me cringe or shudder because of the brutal, dehumanized acts. In fact, the story begins with a very descriptive scene that made me question whether I could continue reading. I'm glad that I did finish.
Ebony The Beloved is not your average urban novel. There is a lesson to learn within its pages. This book raises awareness about abuse, self confidence and survival. Spivey did a wonderful writing job with descriptive words and emotions that jump through the pages. Ebony The Beloved will cause you to react. While reading, I just kept saying aloud "Oh, Ebony. Know your worth!"
You may know someone in an abusive relationship or may have experienced it yourself. Know your worth! Know there is hope and a way to a better life. I recommend reading Ebony The Beloved. It raises awareness and just might encourage you or a loved one to realize you too are beloved.
Literary Marie of Precision Reviews
Ebony The Beloved is a raw depiction. Some passages made me cringe or shudder because of the brutal, dehumanized acts. In fact, the story begins with a very descriptive scene that made me question whether I could continue reading. I'm glad that I did finish.
Ebony The Beloved is not your average urban novel. There is a lesson to learn within its pages. This book raises awareness about abuse, self confidence and survival. Spivey did a wonderful writing job with descriptive words and emotions that jump through the pages. Ebony The Beloved will cause you to react. While reading, I just kept saying aloud "Oh, Ebony. Know your worth!"
You may know someone in an abusive relationship or may have experienced it yourself. Know your worth! Know there is hope and a way to a better life. I recommend reading Ebony The Beloved. It raises awareness and just might encourage you or a loved one to realize you too are beloved.
Literary Marie of Precision Reviews
April 2, 2012
Parents have a responsibility to love, care, guide and protect their child. Ebony does not receive these qualities in Ebony the Beloved by Hannah Spivey. Ebony is a teenage girl who has been dealt the worst hand anyone has had to deal with in one lifetime. Ebony's dysfunctional environment pushes her out into the world blindsided with nothing. All that she endures does not detour her from wanting a normal life. When she is rescued by a familiar face, Ebony believes dreams do come true until...
Desmond is an entertainer with an array of women at his beck and call. When he meets Ebony at a concert, he immediately wants her for himself. Desmond convinces Ebony to find a way to meet him and once that meeting occurs, Ebony's life will never be the same. Desmond is used to getting his way and may have bitten off more than he bargained for.
Ebony the Beloved is about surviving in the worst situation. The author does a wonderful job with descriptions, which provides a realistic visual of the main characters plight throughout the book. This book had me angry and frustrated at times but I was not able to put it down. My heart went out to the main character. Hannah Spivey has a unique writing style and I look forward to reading more from this author. I recommend this book to others.
This was provided by the author for review purposes.
Teresa Beasley
APOOO BookClub
Desmond is an entertainer with an array of women at his beck and call. When he meets Ebony at a concert, he immediately wants her for himself. Desmond convinces Ebony to find a way to meet him and once that meeting occurs, Ebony's life will never be the same. Desmond is used to getting his way and may have bitten off more than he bargained for.
Ebony the Beloved is about surviving in the worst situation. The author does a wonderful job with descriptions, which provides a realistic visual of the main characters plight throughout the book. This book had me angry and frustrated at times but I was not able to put it down. My heart went out to the main character. Hannah Spivey has a unique writing style and I look forward to reading more from this author. I recommend this book to others.
This was provided by the author for review purposes.
Teresa Beasley
APOOO BookClub
Read
January 18, 2012Ebony has been condemned and rejected by her parents and peers all of her life. Like many other black girls who grew up weary to face life, she struggles with the adversities of being impoverished and accepted for who she is. After being mentally, emotionally and sexually abused, Ebony still struggles to fight her way to the top, never fully realizing what her worth is until she finds love and acceptance from one of the faculty members at her school. From that point on, things began to blossom for her until she meets a smooth operator named, Desmond Waltz.
Desmond is a world renowned entertainer who takes a sudden romantic interest in Ebony. His hidden sadistic and sexually devious desires for her erupt into rage, abuse, and imprisonment. Not only is Ebony’s world turned upside down, but she has to deal with Desmond’s desire to see her suffer under his thumb, but she is also subjected to his domineering mother, who hates her and abuses her every time she gets, leaving Ebony beaten and bloody and begging for the pain to stop.
Will Ebony be able to break the perpetual cycle of abuse, self-hatred, and anguish? To what end is Ebony willing to go to finally be happy? What happens next in this riveting novel has twists and turns that will have your jaw dropping.
Desmond is a world renowned entertainer who takes a sudden romantic interest in Ebony. His hidden sadistic and sexually devious desires for her erupt into rage, abuse, and imprisonment. Not only is Ebony’s world turned upside down, but she has to deal with Desmond’s desire to see her suffer under his thumb, but she is also subjected to his domineering mother, who hates her and abuses her every time she gets, leaving Ebony beaten and bloody and begging for the pain to stop.
Will Ebony be able to break the perpetual cycle of abuse, self-hatred, and anguish? To what end is Ebony willing to go to finally be happy? What happens next in this riveting novel has twists and turns that will have your jaw dropping.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2013
Domestic violence has many faces and can cause a victim to do the unthinkable. Ebony's truth reminds us of how fragile and precious our children are. Spivey did a good job painting a picture of the effects of mental and physical abuse.
May 16, 2012
This was such a sad story but I liked it.
July 12, 2013
This was so sad! It really touched me! I felt so bad for Ebony! But in the end she came out on top!!!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews