Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Warrior Slave #1

Black Borne

Rate this book
An Immortal Demon Hunter.

Born into slavery in New York City, Neema has fought demons for nearly 300 years. So she thinks she knows everything about the demon world.

Until a gathering of demons leads her to a recent murder. And the murder points her to a fifty-year-old missing persons case.

As Neema races to uncover the truth, she soon learns that what she doesn't know might not kill her. But there are some fates worse than death.

356 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 5, 2017

464 people are currently reading
742 people want to read

About the author

L.L. Farmer

14 books83 followers
L. L. Farmer, a native Floridian, attended the University of Florida where she earned a Bachelor's degree in English. After teaching in her hometown of Orlando for nine years, she relocated to New York City where she taught and lived for nearly a decade. In 2014, while raising a small child and teaching high school, she earned a Master's degree in Creative Writing. The next two years were spent on researching and writing two novels. The second of the novels is the recently published Slave Ship Rising (2017). She is currently preparing to publish the first book in her butt-kicking heroine series.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
266 (57%)
4 stars
140 (30%)
3 stars
45 (9%)
2 stars
11 (2%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
Profile Image for K.J. Charles.
Author 65 books12.2k followers
Read
April 20, 2018
This was a fascinating one. It's on one level a pretty standard urban fantasy--18yo girl is unwillingly turned into an immortal demon hunter, must fight for humanity against dark forces. But the girl in question is originally enslaved, she first dies amid the horror and grotesque injustice of the 1741 Manhattan Slave Conspiracy trials; she learns her demon hunting skills in a Maroon encampment; the mystery she has to solve in the present relates back to the Freedom Summer of 1964. The entire story is steeped in the vile and bloody history of American racism. And, let it be noted, although a lot of the evildoers in this story are accompanied by demons and demons are stoking up the racial hatred and violence of bigoted white Americans, the book's mythology makes it clear they can't act on what's not already there.

So. Yes. Wow. That underpinning of blistering fury and injustice and cruelty gives the book far more heft than a standard fantasy, and drives a plot that isn't in itself particularly complex.

The editing, sadly, is a bit shonky--nothing massive, but enough minor errors and repetition to make my red pen hand twitch because I think this could have really sung with a better edit. Something completely different in an urban fantasy landscape that is too often homogenous. Will definitely be getting the next.
Profile Image for Monica **can't read fast enough**.
1,033 reviews374 followers
February 2, 2021
I enjoyed this story and will get the next book.The plot is a good one, the characters interesting, and the cover of this book is beautiful. However, there were several editing issues that could be distracting. In the hands of a good editor this could have been a higher rated book.

You can find me at:
•(♥).•*Monlatable Book Reviews*•.(♥)•
Instagram: @readermonica
Facebook: Monica Reeds
Goodreads Group: The Black Bookcase
Profile Image for Denise.
121 reviews4 followers
June 20, 2018
I give it 5 stars just for the cover. Black Girl Magic.
Profile Image for Kim Walton.
Author 5 books36 followers
August 16, 2018
Neema and the name fits this character. I loved the storyline , from slavery, to present day fighter for justice, and lost souls. I like how the author added in the missing civil rights fighters, and linked their deaths, and disappearances to demons and devils. I felt for Neema, becoming an immortal at such a young age, and having to write the wrongs of others. So much was placed on her young shoulders.

I know people complained about errors. any errors I saw, did not get in my way of reading this good book.
Profile Image for Meagan.
334 reviews212 followers
dnf
May 18, 2018
DNF @ 20%

THE COVER IS G O R G E O U S.

It was not bad. It just did not hold my attention. There were a few typos, but overall the premise was interesting. It just wasn't for me. I may try again later.
Profile Image for Sumayyah.
Author 10 books56 followers
February 15, 2021
Immortals Can Hold Grudges, Too

Manhattan in 1741 experienced a series of fires, allegedly a part of a so-called "slave plot". Neema, an enslaved young woman, finds herself hunted as a collaborator. Almost 300 years later, she is The Demon Hunter, feared and respected. An old enemy appears to be involving the death of a woman, and Neema goes to investigate, uncovering a connection with a case from 50 years earlier, and possibly a plot that reaches deep into her past.
Profile Image for Kim Walton.
Author 5 books36 followers
February 17, 2019
I read this book back in 2018. i wonder why my review took so long to show up?

Neema and the name fits this character. I loved the storyline , from slavery, to present day fighter for justice, and lost souls. I like how the author added in the missing civil rights fighters, and linked their deaths, and disappearances to demons and devils. I felt for Neema, becoming an immortal at such a young age, and having to write the wrongs of others. So much was placed on her young shoulders.
I know people complained about errors. any errors I saw, did not get in my way of reading this good book.
Profile Image for Jamilla.
364 reviews31 followers
March 16, 2018
This was awesome! Definitely recommend!
Fantasy/Voodoo/Angels/Demons/Mystery/Suspense
Profile Image for Debbie Green.
241 reviews2 followers
February 27, 2024
"Nessa's Journey: Growth and History

"Black Borne" by L.L. Farmer is an exceptional read that masterfully intertwines real historical events within its narrative. Nessa, the protagonist, captured my heart despite her tendency to place her trust too readily in others. Witnessing her transformation, both as a person and as a warrior, was a captivating journey. The development of such a strong female main character (FMC) was brilliantly executed, making her evolution throughout the book a highlight of the reading experience. I am eagerly looking forward to continuing with the next installment in the series.
Profile Image for Donnakay'sBookWorld.
372 reviews10 followers
October 9, 2022
Intriguing plot to the very end

This was such a wonderful joy to read. The story kept me on the edge with its twists and turns. Everytime I thought we were close to figuring things out, another layer was revealed. There were a few minor editing errors but they did not distract me from the story. Can't wait to read the next book and continue this journey with Neema and friends.
Profile Image for Stef.
141 reviews10 followers
September 17, 2018
I love the opportunity to learn stuff from my fiction reading, and frequently consulted Wikipedia as I read this book and encountered historical settings I didn't know about. The character of Neema was well drawn and I especially liked how the author described the poignancy of her immortality and her dangerous calling, which limited her ability to have connections to people. There were some editing and consistency problems toward the end, but I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Vicky Ball.
Author 2 books74 followers
November 27, 2021
A well written fantasy with elements of black history. I loved the main character, Neema. You really felt for her in the difficulties she faced. I loved learning about different parts of black history. It taught me a lot I didn't know. Great suspense. I couldn't guess what would happen next.
19 reviews
April 6, 2018
This is an outstanding read!

Wow! I was truly amazed by this book, and the cover is beautiful. The historical aspects had me searching Google to find out more about Harlem. This book kept me on my toes, an I was completely engrossed in this plot. Neema is astounding. She went from a scared girl to a fearsome warrior. I made my speculations as to what would happen and who was involved. I could not put the book down. I anxiously await the next book. I want to know more about Priest!
29 reviews
Read
April 5, 2018
Riveting in its entirety!!!

Just finished reading Black Borne. Oh boy was this book good. I could not put it down. It was just that good of a read. The story of Neema coupled with all the history of blacks in America during Slavery and the 60's, made this book a joy to read. My first book by LL Farmer and it certainly was not a disappointment.
Profile Image for Emma Zucati.
671 reviews17 followers
April 10, 2021
I really enjoyed this story! I haven't read a lot of the paranormal genre but this was really fun so I wouldn't let that stop you if you're in the same boat!!!
I loved all of the characters for various reasons, but I really want to take a second and applaud how thoughtful and well executed the various character's ages are done. You never see older side kicks, ever. Maybe your library side kick but never someone who's willing to put themselves in danger repeatedly and is integral to the ass kicking portion of the story. And age was addressed but never really a barrier in doing anything. I also liked how the younger characters did dumb teenager things and also worked hard to help. All ages were treated like real people and not 2d stereotypes!! Woot woot!!!
I also can't say enough about Farmer's comments on living as a Black person during US slavery, Civil Rights Movement, and today. Having an immortal main character who is cursed in the 1700s provided a huge opportunity to comment on what has and HASN'T changed for Black folx and Farmer really did well with that opening.
I enjoyed the set up to the action and walking through the preparation, too. As, again, someone not super familiar with this genre, I appreciated it and didn't feel like it was too slow. I got a little confused during some action scenes but nothing too bad.
Maybe most important, this was the first book I've read where I was conscious of the fact that I was reading an independently published novel. Shoutout to book club for having conversations about it before and after we read it. As other reviews mentioned, there were small errors and a bit of redundancy throughout. However, an independent book means there aren't 10 English degree interns and entry level workers paid to proof read your book. (That might be an over exaggeration. I know very little about how writing a book with a publishing house works.) In general, this experience has made me want to give more grace to writers in general, but especially to indie authors. So, where a past Emma might have pushed this down to 2 stars for very minor grammar and redundancy, present Emma is giving it the 4 stars it deserves and emailing KCLS (King County Library Service, my one true love) requesting they purchase the series for their shelves.
Profile Image for Jessica.
124 reviews15 followers
February 1, 2021
I really liked this! But I can’t give it 4 stars because it’s in need of editing. I reported many errors on my Kindle. The errors won’t stop me from reading the rest of the series!

I really loved how Farmer wove so much history into her tale! It was awesome. This story could’ve been amazing with some editing.

I saw a YouTube video review of this series and I was intrigued. Then Amazon recommended this book to me after I finished the Dread Nation a couple of weeks after saw the video. So it’s like it was meant to be.
Profile Image for Tonya Johnson.
745 reviews23 followers
December 11, 2023
Great

The cover gets 5 stars by itself!!!First book from this series, and it was a free read. I enjoyed it so much that I purchased the next 2 in the series. There are five(correction) books altogether. Can't wait to see what Neema gets into next!! There are several errors, though.
Profile Image for T.B..
Author 28 books149 followers
October 22, 2017
Love blend of history and fantasy

For those who love history, mystery, fantasy, and suspense look no further. This story kept it real without letting too much emotional investment shine through to scare those who do not share a similar background. I enjoyed it. Well done, L.L.
Profile Image for Lindaisa.
545 reviews61 followers
June 5, 2022
I'm not going to lie...I struggled quite a bit to get through this book. Not because it was bad, and not because I hated it. But I definitely didn't love it and don't even know if I can reach and say that I enjoyed it. I mostly just wanted to see the book through more than anything.

LL did a good job of introducing the characters and starting the process of building out this world that Neema lives in. But unfortunately, the story fell flat in getting me invested. Beyond the interest in her life and the curse of being a Demon Hunter, there isn't much about Neema that interests me or makes me feel anything other than a surface level of care for her. And that goes for all the other characters and the overall storyline in the book as well.

When all is said in done, I really didn't or don't care. I didn't care about Allison and why or how she died. I didn't care about Jasen and his history with Neema. I didn't care about Raina and her impending retirement. The only thing that kept me coming back to this book, was a sense of obligation to finish what I started because I'm on a quest this year (and I'm sure it will bleed into the coming years) to find Black authors who release well put together and well written urban fantasy and paranormal stories.

I do appreciate the unique premise of the story and will honestly read the next book in the story because there is definitely potential. I'm just hoping that the next book gives a bit more for me to grab onto in terms of enjoyment and investment in the story and characters. Two of my favorite urban fantasy/paranormal series' have high stakes, overarching story arcs, but most of all, characters that I feel for DEEPLY and am heavily invested in. And honestly...that is all i'm looking for and all I need. If I care about the characters and whats happening to them and those that they love, the rest typically comes easy. My enjoyment and investment will typically follow. But we have to start somewhere.

So...I say all that to say, I will probably continue to go against my own promise to myself years ago, to read what I want to read, when I want to read it -- the upshot being that I will only read books that I actually feel a PULL and desire to read -- and read the next book in this series. But it is with the hope that the next books in the series will do a better job in accomplishing the things I've mentioned before...

So we shall see!
5 reviews
May 19, 2020
Great fast, easy and interesting read!

Man....what a book! I can't believe that I devoured this book in 2 days. The flow of the story was so smooth and addictive. As a mother of 4, full time healthcare clinician who works nights, I can't believe the universe conspired to assist my attention to this book. I just could not get enough. When I should've been sleeping, I was reading. I'm so not into vampire stories, which this is not, by the way. However, I couldn't stay away.

What made me choose this book? Historical fiction always grabbed my attention. From the cover, to the first few sentences of the sample I downloaded. I was hooked. I was familiar with a lot of the historical references, Ft. Mose, N.Y. slave revolt/ murders. However the ease and flow of this entirely me curious. I am a tangible learner. So, sit my busy life, you have maybe 3 minutes to grab and keep my attention. If not, I can't commit.this story kept me wanting more. I identified with Neema. Her power, charisma
, Reluctance but need to answer her calling to serve a greater purpose other than herself.

I recommend this book because of who this stories represents. In this crazy day of the Dumpster, theres a group of people who need to be reminded of this world's overall messy, violent but rich history.I'm headed to book 2 of this series now. I hope the continuation of Neema's story is as salivating as the beginning. I hope it continues to play out like a movie on the big screen. This book is definitely worth a Netflix or Hollywood theater deal. Tyler Perry Studios, get at this girl. L.L.'s story would make a great addition to our peop!e cinematic resume.

And now on to book 2. Deep breathe.......... Here goes.
14 reviews
January 11, 2021
The perfect blend of paranormal and black history

I typically don't like too much world history in a sci-fi fantasy book because it's so off from reality it's annoying to get through (even though it's fiction) but this told the historical background of the african burial in NY to Medgar Evers, emitt til, the four girls killed in the church bombing, the three terns murdered in the freedom summer program. She doesn't hold any punches in discussing the racism (subtle and blatant) and the lost or whitewashed black history of America. I loves how people good and evil (angels and demons) were diverse! I know Neema is essentially an immortal but I hope even in sci-fi novels black women can have and experience the love they deserve. Looking forward to reading the next few novels.
Profile Image for Lindsey.
125 reviews
February 25, 2022
a black history mortal instruments 3.6

I really wanted to give this book a better rating. As far as the historical aspect and plot. I loved it. I think I learned more about black history from this book than I ever did in school ( not surprised ).

However this book is a slow burner. It took me almost a month to get through this when it should have only taken me two weeks at most (taking my schedule into account.)

That doesn’t mean it’s a bad story. It’s great. The time jumps can get a little frustrating as they pop in when the each even begins to pick up - slowing the story back down. But they are rightly placed for information. And the book would be even slower if it were in chronological order.
202 reviews2 followers
March 22, 2023
Geez!

About the 69% point I was beginning to bore of this story. Now don’t get me wrong as a black American Christian I absolutely believe in demons heck if Jesus wasn’t teaching and healing he was removing them from people but geez it just became boring. Throw in the Race factor and it became stupid and racist. You see Jesus warned we not fighting against flesh and blood but spiritual powers (you can find that in the book of Ephesians) so what happened in history had more to do with the spiritual realm than Race( just like slavery, just like with the Indians). However the author made sure to turn it to Race instead of explaining the spiritual reason. I was so glad this book ended and yes I gave it 3 stars because it wasn’t all bad (and boring).
247 reviews
September 3, 2018
Great paranormal murder/mystery!!!

When I first seen this book a few months back I thought it would be boring but this book is everything but boring. This is paranormal murder/ mystery and I loved every bit of it. I don't see how people seen this book being about romance. Never got that from this book. It touched in romance but it is more about her journey of being the Demon Hunter. I love how she put real events that happened and how Neema was a part of it. Now I want to know who Neema's father was, why did the Vodu choose her, and is Priest still alive, and what is Priest???? So many questions that I hope are answered in the next book or at some questions are answered.
2 reviews
December 23, 2023
I was told to read this book by a fellow reader. I had not read any of L.L. Farmer’s books before so was eager to dive in. All I can say is that I enjoyed the book so much I immediately purchased Black Ghost and followed on with Black Saint, the third book in the series. The story was fascinating and meeting and following Neema, the immortal demon hunter, and her enjoying the history and escapades of the characters was wonderful. The stories cross time and history as well as the different worlds keeping this reader mesmerized and enthralled. All of Farmer’s books are page turners that will give you hours of reading pleasure and allow your imagination and sometimes your heart, run wild.
Profile Image for Bethany Kok.
292 reviews9 followers
June 12, 2018
A paranormal rooted in African American history. The story reminded me a lot of Buffy: The unwilling but committed heroine who alone stands against the darkness, a set of Scoobies, and a real sense of embeddedness in a larger community (and history) that is sometimes helpful and sometimes harmful. That last is often missing from paranormal stories. Black Borne lacks the lightheartedness and wit of Buffy, though, so don't go in expecting quippage.

The book badly needs copy-editing-- it's a shame it hasn't been picked up by a publishing house and given the royal treatment it deserves.
44 reviews
August 30, 2019
Best African American Female Warrior Novel

I couldn't out this book down. It is long but very captivating. I am going to pick up a copy of book 2 now. I love the strength of Neema and her mother. Neema has been through so much in her long life and it was refreshing to see that she wasn't perfect and she hadn't experienced everything. I can't wait to find out more. My real question is what is Baal's interest in her? He could have killed her the first time they met but I have a feeling he didn't really want to.
Profile Image for Corrine.
15 reviews
May 26, 2020
Read this book!

This book is amazing. I was captivated from beginning to end. The rich history mixed with the science fiction elements made this a very interesting read. I didn’t want to put it down. The main character was very well developed and I connected with her. I hope future books fill in more of the back story. Honestly, I only have it a four because there were enough typos to be a bit distracting to someone like me. But honestly, I recommend this book. It’s exciting, fast paced and informative.
16 reviews
December 27, 2020
10 star from me

I loved this book! This was a fantastic supernatural story with an African American female lead. I also appreciated the American black history and some African history and a lil Native history that was quite accurate from what I could see.I was a little upset I'm just now coming across this book, but quickly became excited that there are three other books in the series I can dive right into and avoid the wait. There were a few grammar errors, but who cares with a story this good. I hope the other books are just as intriguing and full of more history.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.