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Juneteenth: The Key to Freedom is Revenge
What happens when fear is no longer enough to hold us back?
When the justice system fails to hold his son’s killer accountable, a grieving father is pushed to the brink. Faced with an impossible choice, he must accept the system’s failure—or unleash the beast the world has created.
In this gripping, heart-stopping thriller, “JUNETEENTH” explores the devastating cost of justice denied. As the line between vengeance and justice blurs, one man’s actions will challenge everything we think we know about right, wrong, and the price of fighting back.
When the justice system fails to hold his son’s killer accountable, a grieving father is pushed to the brink. Faced with an impossible choice, he must accept the system’s failure—or unleash the beast the world has created.
In this gripping, heart-stopping thriller, “JUNETEENTH” explores the devastating cost of justice denied. As the line between vengeance and justice blurs, one man’s actions will challenge everything we think we know about right, wrong, and the price of fighting back.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 16, 2025
20 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 10, 2025
Toni Larue definitely delivered a powerful story in this book. An emotionally charged, thought provoking read that dives into the depthness of racism, and the fight for justice in a system built on corruption. This story’s dive into racial injustice, and political manipulation is raw and uncut, yet amazingly written. Toni doesn’t shy away from hard truths, instead she crafted this addictive story that one could say has eerie similarities to everyday life.
What I loved… Other than the whole book?
⁃ The undying loyalty between Marcus & Eric. They took the term “I am my brother’s keeper” to new heights!
⁃ Mrs. Carlita : I smiled every scene that she was in! True epitome of the “neighborhood grandma”.
⁃ Theo 🗣️ this man was down like 4 flat tires!!
Absolutely, positively, definitely recommend! This unforgettable story will stick with you for a minute well after the turn of the last page!
Publication 🗓️ 6.16.25
What I loved… Other than the whole book?
⁃ The undying loyalty between Marcus & Eric. They took the term “I am my brother’s keeper” to new heights!
⁃ Mrs. Carlita : I smiled every scene that she was in! True epitome of the “neighborhood grandma”.
⁃ Theo 🗣️ this man was down like 4 flat tires!!
Absolutely, positively, definitely recommend! This unforgettable story will stick with you for a minute well after the turn of the last page!
Publication 🗓️ 6.16.25
June 18, 2025
10/10
This book sent me on a wave of emotions. I shed serious tears with this. As a mother of a black son, I stand behind every decision Marcus made.
This book sent me on a wave of emotions. I shed serious tears with this. As a mother of a black son, I stand behind every decision Marcus made.
June 10, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is the book our world needs!
I was completely captivated from the first page. The way the author tells this story through the eyes of the victim is both powerful and necessary. Every emotion—every ounce of pain, fear, anger, and grief—was so vividly and honestly portrayed that I felt it DEEP in my soul.
This isn’t just a story—it’s a truth that too many people live through, AND THE WORLD NEEDS TO HEAR OR! It demands attention, reflection, and compassion. Say their names! Trayvon Martin! Mike Brown! Breonna Taylor! Philando Castile! George Floyd! Jazmir Tucker! Jamal Cooper! A call for justice and humanity rings through every chapter. ✊🏾
I couldn’t put this book down. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s unforgettable. A must-read for everyone!
This is the book our world needs!
I was completely captivated from the first page. The way the author tells this story through the eyes of the victim is both powerful and necessary. Every emotion—every ounce of pain, fear, anger, and grief—was so vividly and honestly portrayed that I felt it DEEP in my soul.
This isn’t just a story—it’s a truth that too many people live through, AND THE WORLD NEEDS TO HEAR OR! It demands attention, reflection, and compassion. Say their names! Trayvon Martin! Mike Brown! Breonna Taylor! Philando Castile! George Floyd! Jazmir Tucker! Jamal Cooper! A call for justice and humanity rings through every chapter. ✊🏾
I couldn’t put this book down. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s unforgettable. A must-read for everyone!
June 19, 2025
Worthy!
This novel delves into topics related to social injustices, racial tensions, grief, revenge, freedom, and more. It would be a wonderful read to discuss injustice.
This novel delves into topics related to social injustices, racial tensions, grief, revenge, freedom, and more. It would be a wonderful read to discuss injustice.
June 21, 2025
Marcus and his 12 year son, Jamal, suffer a terrible tragedy that will shake their small town to the core.
However, the person responsible is free and a father allows his grief to take over.
Soon he discovers there is a larger threat planned. He doesn’t know who he can trust. What will happen Juneteenth?
I highly recommend you dive into this and see how it plays out!
This is an action packed, edge of your seat ride filled with tragedy, grief and revenge!
However, the person responsible is free and a father allows his grief to take over.
Soon he discovers there is a larger threat planned. He doesn’t know who he can trust. What will happen Juneteenth?
I highly recommend you dive into this and see how it plays out!
This is an action packed, edge of your seat ride filled with tragedy, grief and revenge!
July 4, 2025
Wow! This was so real and raw. As a mother to two sons, I stand firmly behind everything Marcus did.
I loved the relationship between him and his brother. Theo’s character = a true rider
Thoroughly enjoyed this one.
I loved the relationship between him and his brother. Theo’s character = a true rider
Thoroughly enjoyed this one.
June 18, 2025
I had the honor (yes, honor) of reading an ARC of Juneteenth by Toni Larue, which released on June 16th. And let me just say… whew. Buckle up, because this one will have your heart in a headlock.
The story centers around Marcus a grieving father, a widower, and a man who’s just lost his 12-year-old son, Jamal Cooper, to a senseless act of violence. Brent Waller, a white man, accuses Jamal of stealing his wallet at a park and fatally shoots him. Despite Jamal being unarmed and twelve years old, Brent is found not guilty under the Stand Your Ground Law. Sound familiar? Yeah. This book hits way too close to home.
What follows is Marcus’s journey through the depths of grief, rage, and the unbearable weight of injustice. With his wife and child gone, Marcus is a man unraveling and eventually, he decides that if justice won’t be served by the system, he’ll serve it himself. And all of this is unfolding while a white supremacist group is secretly plotting a terrorist attack at the upcoming Juneteenth event where Jamal’s memorial is set to be revealed.
Let me just say this-Toni Larue did not come to play. The storytelling? Sharp. The pacing? Wild. The emotion? Heavy but necessary. I felt every ounce of Marcus’s pain, every drop of his rage. And honestly? I don’t blame him for what he did. Matter of fact…I would've turned the other way and acted like I didn’t see a damn thing.
I loved how Larue' gave us multiple perspectives—judges, detectives, journalists, even Brent Waller. (And yes, I wanted to throw my book across the room during his chapter.) But it was the betrayal for me. The way some of these characters switched up so quick? My jaw was open. The brotherhood between Marcus and Eric gave this story depth. And Theo, the journalist? A whole fave. Also, I just know Eric is fine.
This book reads like a movie—raw, heartbreaking, and all too real. A courtroom drama meets emotional thriller meets modern-day social commentary. It's bold, unapologetic, and powerful. Juneteenth isn’t just a story it’s a reflection of the pain, injustice, and rage that too many Black families still endure.
Please take care of yourself while reading this one. It’s intense, but it’s also necessary. And when you’re done, sit with it. Let it marinate.
Happy Reading. And Happy Juneteenth.
Favorite Quotes:
🖤 “Jamal hadn’t been a part of the fight at all, he was just a kid, standing at an ice cream booth, waiting for his turn at the counter.”
🖤 “Brent Waller was dead, and it should have felt like justice, but it didn’t.”
🖤 “Let me find out you out here in these mothafuckin’ streets, playing superhero.”
The story centers around Marcus a grieving father, a widower, and a man who’s just lost his 12-year-old son, Jamal Cooper, to a senseless act of violence. Brent Waller, a white man, accuses Jamal of stealing his wallet at a park and fatally shoots him. Despite Jamal being unarmed and twelve years old, Brent is found not guilty under the Stand Your Ground Law. Sound familiar? Yeah. This book hits way too close to home.
What follows is Marcus’s journey through the depths of grief, rage, and the unbearable weight of injustice. With his wife and child gone, Marcus is a man unraveling and eventually, he decides that if justice won’t be served by the system, he’ll serve it himself. And all of this is unfolding while a white supremacist group is secretly plotting a terrorist attack at the upcoming Juneteenth event where Jamal’s memorial is set to be revealed.
Let me just say this-Toni Larue did not come to play. The storytelling? Sharp. The pacing? Wild. The emotion? Heavy but necessary. I felt every ounce of Marcus’s pain, every drop of his rage. And honestly? I don’t blame him for what he did. Matter of fact…I would've turned the other way and acted like I didn’t see a damn thing.
I loved how Larue' gave us multiple perspectives—judges, detectives, journalists, even Brent Waller. (And yes, I wanted to throw my book across the room during his chapter.) But it was the betrayal for me. The way some of these characters switched up so quick? My jaw was open. The brotherhood between Marcus and Eric gave this story depth. And Theo, the journalist? A whole fave. Also, I just know Eric is fine.
This book reads like a movie—raw, heartbreaking, and all too real. A courtroom drama meets emotional thriller meets modern-day social commentary. It's bold, unapologetic, and powerful. Juneteenth isn’t just a story it’s a reflection of the pain, injustice, and rage that too many Black families still endure.
Please take care of yourself while reading this one. It’s intense, but it’s also necessary. And when you’re done, sit with it. Let it marinate.
Happy Reading. And Happy Juneteenth.
Favorite Quotes:
🖤 “Jamal hadn’t been a part of the fight at all, he was just a kid, standing at an ice cream booth, waiting for his turn at the counter.”
🖤 “Brent Waller was dead, and it should have felt like justice, but it didn’t.”
🖤 “Let me find out you out here in these mothafuckin’ streets, playing superhero.”
June 22, 2025
Wow! What A Book🔥
This book had me captivated from the very first page. My heart ached for Marcus, a character whose story mirrors the painful realities I've seen highlighted in the news over the past decade. It's a haunting reflection of the tragic violence faced by Black individuals, often at the hands of those who escape justice unscathed. The weight of this injustice is heartbreaking.
Marcus, Theo, and Alecia passionately sought to do what was right in a world intent on silencing their voices. They tried to stand up against systemic racism and the injustices surrounding them, but their journey came at a devastating cost. Ultimately, two of the three friends paid the ultimate price for their courage, sacrificing their lives in the fight for justice and equality.
Yet, their tragic deaths were not in vain; they were able to stop what would have been a horrific mass murder plot and maybe set back the Iron Order a few years from attempting something like that again. Overall, the author did a great job highlighting real-world issues in a cloud of fiction. However, I did not care for that ending. I think Imani shouldn't have been left off so easily.
This book had me captivated from the very first page. My heart ached for Marcus, a character whose story mirrors the painful realities I've seen highlighted in the news over the past decade. It's a haunting reflection of the tragic violence faced by Black individuals, often at the hands of those who escape justice unscathed. The weight of this injustice is heartbreaking.
Marcus, Theo, and Alecia passionately sought to do what was right in a world intent on silencing their voices. They tried to stand up against systemic racism and the injustices surrounding them, but their journey came at a devastating cost. Ultimately, two of the three friends paid the ultimate price for their courage, sacrificing their lives in the fight for justice and equality.
Yet, their tragic deaths were not in vain; they were able to stop what would have been a horrific mass murder plot and maybe set back the Iron Order a few years from attempting something like that again. Overall, the author did a great job highlighting real-world issues in a cloud of fiction. However, I did not care for that ending. I think Imani shouldn't have been left off so easily.
June 20, 2025
Juneteenth is a raw, powerful, and deeply emotional read that gripped me from beginning to end. Toni Larue delivers a story that feels painfully real, shedding light on the injustices and trauma that Black communities face—both past and present. The characters are so well-developed that you can’t help but feel their pain and understand their decisions, even when they step into the role of a “vigilante.”
What stood out to me most was the balance—this book wasn’t too short or too long. Every scene, every emotion, and every revelation felt intentional and perfectly timed. Larue doesn’t just tell a story—she brings you into the experience.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a compelling, thought-provoking read. And if you’re unfamiliar with the Black American experience, approach this story with an open heart. It has the power to educate, challenge, and inspire all at once.
What stood out to me most was the balance—this book wasn’t too short or too long. Every scene, every emotion, and every revelation felt intentional and perfectly timed. Larue doesn’t just tell a story—she brings you into the experience.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a compelling, thought-provoking read. And if you’re unfamiliar with the Black American experience, approach this story with an open heart. It has the power to educate, challenge, and inspire all at once.
June 10, 2025
Thank you to author for this ARC copy of this book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
JUNETEENTH is a heart-pounding thriller that digs deep into the emotional wreckage left when justice is denied. After the system fails to hold his son’s killer accountable, a grieving father is forced to choose between acceptance and vengeance. What follows is a gripping, morally complex journey that blurs the line between justice and revenge. This book is not just suspenseful—it’s powerful, timely, and unforgettable. I would like to see many awards for this book, as well as have this on Oprah’s book club list. The raw emotions you feel while reading this is indescribable. I’m a mother and would want that same revenge if the system did my family like they did. But… the system is bigger than us…. Please enjoy this read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
JUNETEENTH is a heart-pounding thriller that digs deep into the emotional wreckage left when justice is denied. After the system fails to hold his son’s killer accountable, a grieving father is forced to choose between acceptance and vengeance. What follows is a gripping, morally complex journey that blurs the line between justice and revenge. This book is not just suspenseful—it’s powerful, timely, and unforgettable. I would like to see many awards for this book, as well as have this on Oprah’s book club list. The raw emotions you feel while reading this is indescribable. I’m a mother and would want that same revenge if the system did my family like they did. But… the system is bigger than us…. Please enjoy this read.
July 3, 2025
Gosh… this was such an emotional read! The way I felt for Marcus still has me upset for him. The way the system played in his face… he did EXACTLY. What he was supposed to do when get back is required.
Even after reading this, I could never imagine how the feeling of barely breathing and not being able to catch your breath could feel after losing someone.
Mannnn this thing made me ugly cry.
But when you have to take justice into your owns hands 🤷🏾♀️. It is what it is.
Toni Larue you showed out with this one my dear. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and I will definitely be reading it again. Like you said, this is NOT a holiday book. I had no clue what I was walking into, and by the time I got done I felt like they were family.
Well done, young grasshopper ❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Even after reading this, I could never imagine how the feeling of barely breathing and not being able to catch your breath could feel after losing someone.
Mannnn this thing made me ugly cry.
But when you have to take justice into your owns hands 🤷🏾♀️. It is what it is.
Toni Larue you showed out with this one my dear. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and I will definitely be reading it again. Like you said, this is NOT a holiday book. I had no clue what I was walking into, and by the time I got done I felt like they were family.
Well done, young grasshopper ❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 23, 2025
I'm ready for the sequel!
This story brings forth many deep emotions. Fears of what could happen and what has already happened. This is a deep look into the current-social political climate and how hate can find it's way into destroying joy on any level. The characters are very well crafted and some are so relatable. Others are hard to gauge and trust while others are just evil. The heartbreak of the main character, Marcus is real and raw, he is the ultimate protagonist, surrounded by death and danger, I was rooting for him the entire time. I won't spoil it, but the ending was satisfying. Gripping story telling, Toni Larue.
This story brings forth many deep emotions. Fears of what could happen and what has already happened. This is a deep look into the current-social political climate and how hate can find it's way into destroying joy on any level. The characters are very well crafted and some are so relatable. Others are hard to gauge and trust while others are just evil. The heartbreak of the main character, Marcus is real and raw, he is the ultimate protagonist, surrounded by death and danger, I was rooting for him the entire time. I won't spoil it, but the ending was satisfying. Gripping story telling, Toni Larue.
June 29, 2025
Explosive
Marcus had my heart from the word go. There's no greater testimony to your level of parental guidance and love than how your children love you. Jamal was a hero in his own right. The love between Eric and Marcus is remarkable, but I'm not so sure I would have been able to forgive Imani. Hers was quite the betrayal on more than one level. Still, I enjoyed the book and was able to give this favorable review without giving up the plot. So do yourself a favor and read it. You won't be disappointed.
Marcus had my heart from the word go. There's no greater testimony to your level of parental guidance and love than how your children love you. Jamal was a hero in his own right. The love between Eric and Marcus is remarkable, but I'm not so sure I would have been able to forgive Imani. Hers was quite the betrayal on more than one level. Still, I enjoyed the book and was able to give this favorable review without giving up the plot. So do yourself a favor and read it. You won't be disappointed.
July 30, 2025
To begin it took me 8 days to finish this book. Here is the reason why. I could have finished it in 4 days easily. However It was so good I didn't want it to end. There have been very few books I've read that are that high on my pedestal. I was enthralled with this entire book. I felt fear,pain,triumph, and elation while reading. I'm not sure a book has touched me as much as this book has. I can list every word in the dictionary in this review and it still wouldn't do this book the justice it deserves. READ THIS BOOK. And don't forget to hold peace within your heart while reading.
June 27, 2025
This is one of the most powerful books I’ve ever read. Emotionally charged and deeply thought-provoking, it dives headfirst into the fight for justice in a world still plagued by corruption. The author doesn’t shy away from the raw, honest, and often painful realities of the situation. Their unflinching truth-telling makes this book unforgettable—it’s one that will stay with me for a very long time.
June 13, 2025
The story is a about revenge against a system that failed to provide justice where it was due. It’s definitely relatable and I loved the character development within the main character! It had a lot of twists and turns, definitely a wild ride.
If you are wanting to get into the Juneteenth spirit and looking for a passionate, raw, and relatable thriller, this is for you.
If you are wanting to get into the Juneteenth spirit and looking for a passionate, raw, and relatable thriller, this is for you.
June 21, 2025
A book worthy of praise
This book had my emotions everywhere. It’s well written, the characters were well developed, and the plot unfolded perfectly. I was drawn in, feeling what the characters felt, and often asked myself what would I do in their situations. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes stories about injustice, justice, and revenge.
This book had my emotions everywhere. It’s well written, the characters were well developed, and the plot unfolded perfectly. I was drawn in, feeling what the characters felt, and often asked myself what would I do in their situations. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes stories about injustice, justice, and revenge.
June 22, 2025
very good read
This was a great book that came with perfect timing. The was the story unfolded kept my attention the entire time. The story follows Marcus who has suffered a lot of loss and grief consumes him which leads him to take matters into his own hands….. but there’s more please read to find out
This was a great book that came with perfect timing. The was the story unfolded kept my attention the entire time. The story follows Marcus who has suffered a lot of loss and grief consumes him which leads him to take matters into his own hands….. but there’s more please read to find out
June 30, 2025
definitely a lot to unpack
I loved the storyline and plot of this book. It was written very well and was intriguing and full of action. I did feel like the ending could’ve had a little more to it. I definitely didn’t see one of the plot twist coming! You could feel the pain Marcus was enduring.
I loved the storyline and plot of this book. It was written very well and was intriguing and full of action. I did feel like the ending could’ve had a little more to it. I definitely didn’t see one of the plot twist coming! You could feel the pain Marcus was enduring.
July 19, 2025
This conspiracy thriller will have you on the edge of your seat. It is a HEAVY topic. One we see play out allll the time on tv/social media. Young boy is unalived the white man gets a slap on the wrist and let go. Because he “feared for his life”.
Marcus cooper a former boxer and a journalist with a career that has flopped more times than he can count. Come Together and go up against the towns “underground” hate group, “The iron order”. The closer they get to revealing their secrets as well as exposing them. The more obstacles they face.
I wouldn’t typically choose to read this kind of book. But, I’ll tell you I’d recommend it to anyone. So well written you won’t be able to put it down. The suspense, the plot twist, the scandals! Mannnnn!
Thank you again Toni for my ARC copy! 🖤❤️💚
Marcus cooper a former boxer and a journalist with a career that has flopped more times than he can count. Come Together and go up against the towns “underground” hate group, “The iron order”. The closer they get to revealing their secrets as well as exposing them. The more obstacles they face.
I wouldn’t typically choose to read this kind of book. But, I’ll tell you I’d recommend it to anyone. So well written you won’t be able to put it down. The suspense, the plot twist, the scandals! Mannnnn!
Thank you again Toni for my ARC copy! 🖤❤️💚
June 13, 2025
ARC reader.
Thank you Toni!
Standing ovation for Juneteenth. Bravo!
This needs to be on everyone’s TBR list, a must read. This book will have you feeling all the emotions. A very powerful story.
It was excellent!
Thank you Toni!
Standing ovation for Juneteenth. Bravo!
This needs to be on everyone’s TBR list, a must read. This book will have you feeling all the emotions. A very powerful story.
It was excellent!
July 13, 2025
This was definitely a historic moment in a book! Action and suspense all throughout it, racism at its best and a man trying to avenge his son’s death, and seek revenge for those that were responsible, rage, anger and grief in the world today..who’s to blame! Great ending too!
August 4, 2025
“The only thing that’s changed about the
Klan is that without the white hoods, they look just like you.”
This one right here? Whew. It hit me right in the chest. A raw reminder that racism didn’t disappear, it just took off the hood. Great read.
Klan is that without the white hoods, they look just like you.”
This one right here? Whew. It hit me right in the chest. A raw reminder that racism didn’t disappear, it just took off the hood. Great read.
June 18, 2025
Captivating!
I couldn’t put this book down! It grabbed and kept my attention from beginning to end. Definitely unexpected twists that made it even better!
I couldn’t put this book down! It grabbed and kept my attention from beginning to end. Definitely unexpected twists that made it even better!
June 19, 2025
4 stars
This was a page-turner from beginning to end.
Review: https://www.instagram.com/p/DK_Ka_Yx1M8/
This was a page-turner from beginning to end.
Review: https://www.instagram.com/p/DK_Ka_Yx1M8/
August 12, 2025
4.5; this was heartbreaking, but so good at the same time. Truly a must read.
September 2, 2025
I so enjoyed this book. I completed this book so fast because I had to see what happens next. I went into this book thinking one thing and left rooting for Marcus. He had to overcome so much. Overall I enjoyed this book.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews