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Dark Chains

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Dark Chains is an inspirational and spiritual autobiography about a misguided young girl who struggles to survive mental, emotional, and physical abuse. Plagued by decades of pain, mental illness and generational curses. She enters a life without God at a young age, and finds herself infatuated with the idea of escaping and never returning to the abusive life she once was subjected, manipulated and conditioned to living in. This book was created to help young girls and boys who are going down a dark path, it is meant to open minds and change their perspectives for the greater. It was created to help overcome the pain and anger endured from a dysfunctional family and lifestyle in order to become who God initially wanted them to be. This book will heal the wounds of mentally and emotionally hurt families who aren't aware that they've been conditioned to live immorally due to the pains that plagued them and the many generations that came before them. It is a read from an author who can easily relate to those who inhabit a lost soul and a broken heart. It is inspiring and will create understanding and hope to many and create a positive pattern for many more to come.

252 pages, Paperback

First published March 27, 2018

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About the author

LaTasha Tacha B. Braxton

1 book6 followers
Author of "Dark Chains" LaTasha “Tacha B.” Braxton is quite a complex and beautiful mystery. An intricately woven entity made up of everything right about creation. Her mind is a cavern of creativity. Her heart is big, but the love encapsulated within it is a buried treasure. The kind one wouldn’t readily discover the significance of unless they were extremely determined and intentional about finding. Then there’s her soul. Vibrant as a moonlight glow, but it’s constantly at war. She’s suffered a lot. Has been disappointed by most and naturally carries her skepticism openly of everyone who tries to get close. Her force field is not easily penetrable, but it’s not impossible to. Her greatest joy is the life of her baby boy. A young inquisitive genius that has taught her much about life and challenges her to grow each day. If she was literally a flower. He would most undoubtedly be her water. This is her reason to live above all, and it’s this unconditional love that causes her to flourish. LaTasha “Tacha B.” Braxton’s gift is her writing. This is how she communicates to the world. Whether it comes out in the form of music, poetry or in a novel. If you want to know exactly who she is, these are the chambers you can go to.

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5 stars
19 (47%)
4 stars
14 (35%)
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3 (7%)
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1 (2%)
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3 (7%)
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Chandra Claypool (WhereTheHorrorsGrow).
1,866 reviews372 followers
February 28, 2019
How does one properly review a memoir that is this poignant about the abuse and mistreatment of youth and the author's own experiences? I'm grateful to the author for putting her words out there and honoring me with a copy. As painful as it was for her to write, I am certain this will help those that are going through the same things and to know that hope is out there and that you can overcome your past.

The things she went through as a child - the horrors that seemed to culminate chapter by chapter were sometimes hard to read. Her honesty in how she dealt with these, the people that helped to ease some of the painful moments, the actions she took to herself as a way of dealing and escaping and how she found a way to become better despite this being an undercurrent for the rest of her life.

I'm not a religious person but I commend that she found God and that has made all the difference in her life. While I think SHE made all the difference in her life, having that faith is admirable. This will surely help those that are going through the same type of experiences. Unfortunately, this is all too real in the world that we live in.

Thank you for sharing your story.
Profile Image for Wanderingg__soul.
406 reviews45 followers
October 5, 2018
One of the best memoirs I have ever read. The story of Dark Chains is so very touching, you get to experience pain and the fear of the author and at the same time pray for the people who go through such situations in life.
This book literally made me cry and touched my soul. Witnessing the story of a dysfunctional family and relationships, it depicts the undying spirit of the author.
Through this book I feel like I have lived the author's life, I have cried with her, felt her pain, felt her strength, her spirit, survived her struggles and still had courage to develop into a beautiful soul.
The writing is so captivating and addictive that I finished this book in 2 sittings.
I would recommend this book to each and every reader out there.
Definitely a MUST MUST READ!
Profile Image for Kathleen Garber.
683 reviews30 followers
June 13, 2018
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve read other memoirs of those raised in terrible conditions but LaTasha’s story was just appalling. Reading her story made me pray for those who have been or are still living in similar conditions. That’s how much it moved me.

While her story is horrible, her writing is wonderful. I could see her going on to write novels in later years because her writing is just that captivating. I fully think a publisher should take her in and have this published again. Not that she needs any help with writing, just that books tend to get more notice when not self published and her book needs notice. Others out there who are or have gone through similar things need to know they aren’t alone and they need to see how she managed to come out of it all with a positive outlook on life. They need to see it can get better.

I read her book in little spurts because while it was very interesting and well written it was also an upsetting subject so I could only take so much negative material in one sitting without affecting my mental health. Of course taking a break from reading also made me feel bad because the author couldn’t take a break from her life, not even once. But I still don’t recommend reading this all in one sitting for that reason. If you struggle with an abusive past or mental health disorders take care of yourself first and stop reading if it triggers you.

I seriously can’t believe how much she went through and that she is thriving now and has broken the abuse chains makes me feel hopeful for my life. If she can go through something that terrible and make it, so can I. (I suffer from mental illness and I’ve felt hopelessness.)
Profile Image for Olga.
595 reviews55 followers
October 12, 2018
"Dark Chains" by LaTasha "Tacha B." Braxton is a young girl to woman's journey as she endures trauma and how she tries to heal from it. Throughout the course of the book, you can really feel the emotion on the pages, the honest, authentic reflection. Her writing is wonderful and really keeps you engaged. There's quite a bit of abuse in the novel, some of which can be difficult to read. It's important to power through because what she experienced is much more difficult.That's not to say there wasn't uplifting passages in the novel. One was her reflection on her love of nature halfway through the book. I was glad to read that the writer had a breath of fresh air in her life, pun intended. There's a significant focus on spirituality and the role it plays in her life and family's lives. Her relationship with God is essential to her survival in many respects.

I received a complimentary edition from the writer in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sarah Brousseau.
458 reviews22 followers
February 1, 2019
Book 10/55: Dark Chains by LaTasha Tacha B. Braxton. A heartfelt read of the story of a woman that conquered so much. Strong and resilient, thank you for sharing your story with us LaTasha. I apologize in advance it took this long to read it all, life has been hectic but I was feeling every bit with you. I had to read this one on my phone as well and 300 pages on an Android is not ideal for my eyes. Keep shining! A strong story for anyone needing to find some light of positivity at the end of the darkness tunnel.
Profile Image for Andreas Michaelides.
Author 86 books23 followers
May 24, 2018
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Dark Chains by LaTasha "Tacha B." Braxton is a beautiful autobiography drown in pain and tears but with a happy end.

The author tells her story, and it’s captivating and addictive. I remember forcing myself to stop reading because I had to cook or do something else. The descriptive tone of the book talks directly to your mind and heart.

The author manages to evoke powerful emotional images with her troubled and painful life.

The writer managed successfully to break a “sick” and ignorant cycle that was in existence from mother to daughter generations before her birth.

The lack of motherly love turned the author into the best mother for her son and enabled her to be better than her mother, gave her the chance to see that she can become a better woman and a better mother.

This book will make you cry and will make you angry at the same time. If you really want to understand dysfunctional families and relationships, then this book will help you have a better understanding and will have a cathartic application of the way you are thinking and on your emotional world as well.

I really enjoyed this book because it showed to me that the human spirit is enormous and able to copy anything that we will come in our way as long we allow to ourselves to believe in ourselves and educate yourself and escape the ignorance that like a dark fog is on the heads of so many people on this planet.

This book is a light of hope, it’s positive results and guidelines are a real gift to mankind, and everybody should read it.

Highly recommend it. 
Profile Image for Jéssica.
Author 1 book70 followers
January 20, 2020
I read this book a while back and I'm still emotional when I think about every chapter that describes the author's life, and she went through a lot. Like it says in the synopsis this novel is an "inspirational and spiritual autobiography", and knowing that makes the reading even more powerful.

I haven't read many books that have a autobiography element, so I was very emotional while reading this story. So, reviewing it is a hard task, how can we review a novel that is a memoir about someones life? That was one of the reason I took so long to write this review.

The author put in paper her experiences with mental, emotional, and physical abuse, opening door for us, and I'm hoping that everyone that does read this novel will have moment of contemplation and can reflect on many subjects that are expressed in this story, as well as maybe, it can give reads some sense of connection, because we are not alone and there are a lot of people around the world that have experienced the same things.

I didn't went through the same as the author and other women have, and just went through my own experiences that were in no way as harsh as the ones described in the book, but they shaped me. It took me ten years to finally talk about what I felt and about my past, and it was all thanks to a class in college. So I can imagine how emotional the journey must have been to LaTasha "Tacha B" Braxton to write this book. I could see it in each page because I could connect to her, sometimes I just wanted to hug her and cry with her, others I just wanted to go back in time and maybe help out.

I went on the journey as well, and although the realization that this was real and that some people are going through it right now, the author wrote it in such a way that grabbed my attention. That's the power of words.

I loved the message, how she found her strength and faith... Even if you aren't a religious person, that's okay, because the important thing (for me of course) is that you have faith in yourself and love who you are, as well as never giving up and breaking the cycle. If you are religious and God is who you focus on, good for you, if having faith in Him is what helps you have the courage you need to deal with all the obstacles that's all that matters.

Overall, it was a strong and thought provoking book that I recommend, but I have to say that it because of the topics discussed, it can have some triggers, so just have that in mind. I don't want anyone to feel uncomfortable while reading a book, and in this case it's supposed to be a start of conversation and a way to help others. Also, if while reading you feel the need to stop and reflect, or just need some time to take a deep breath, that's totally okay, I did that.

[I received a complimentary copy of this book thanks to LaTasha "Tacha B." Braxton. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]
Profile Image for Damien Black.
Author 1 book31 followers
October 14, 2018
5 Stars: Breaking the Chains of Bondage

Exploring the concept of being born into bondage, not in the sense of slavery although the legacy of slavery is ingrained in Black people or Black America, the bondage is coming into this world to exist under a household of dysfunctionality, and the cycle of abuse. There's a conspiracy of silence for survivors of child abuse especially in the Black community, the root causes of some of our downfalls are often blamed on systematic racism. While everyday racism hinders us at times, the harsh circumstance in our childhood does shape our foundation crushing us early. If this isn't your experience, great I am generalizing on purpose perhaps to have a dialogue, maybe to say that there is this book I read that made think of my travels where am I spirituality, "Dark Chains" by LaTasha "Tacha B." Braxton is a book of astounding abuse, demonstrating the human will to keep going seeking to break the cycle.

I am not a fan of putting trigger warnings in reviews the above paragraph is enough for you to make that determination, know that if your life was series of abuse, adult mistakes that as a child you ended up paying for, LaTasha wants you to know that you are not alone. Journey with her and see how she rose above, even if we fall short or dwell in the cycle of our parents or our community with enough self-reflection and honesty that one day we can control our destiny as much as one can manage. I recommend a break or two when you are reading "Dark Chains," to grasp LaTasha's writings fully and not to overload yourself with some of the themes, but the completion of reading will be rewarding, self-help hidden in an autobiography.

"Dark Chains" is deserving of more exposure it's a book that I will share with some of my friends, LaTasha "Tacha B." Braxton is a good writer, down to earth writing, the best way to convey that we can break the chains of bondage.
Profile Image for B..
131 reviews13 followers
July 4, 2018
{Obligatory statement: I received this complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. What follows is entirely my own opinion.}

Devastating. That's what trauma from abuse and neglect is: devastating. Braxton's narrative of her life filled with emotional and physical neglect and abuse is heart-wrenching. You want to reach into the pages and pull out that sad, lonely girl and just hug her.

Her descriptions of the generational abuse, addictions, and mental health issues that exists within those around her are a personification of the Adverse Childhood Experiences study (learn more about ACEs at https://acestoohigh.com/aces-101/). Unfortunately, stories like this are far too common. Braxton has, perhaps unknowingly, given voice to the suffering of millions of children who are abused and neglected every year.

However, there is hope to overcome the overwhelming statistics. This account shows how there is a chance to rise above and learn from the mistakes of others. It is possible to break the cycle and discover true, unconditional love; love from others, as well as self-love.

Braxton found her strength in God. While I am not a religious individual myself, I was glad that she was able to discover her path in life through this source. Although, I felt like she should have taken more credit for her accomplishments and not put the commendation to God. It takes a lot of strength, courage, and resilience to press forward and succeed as she did. Braxton is a strong, courageous woman.

Overall, this book pained me a lot as it reminded me of my own and others' stories, but it is a topic that is so often swept under the rug. Thank you LaTasha "Tacha B." Braxton for using your voice.
Profile Image for Joana  Almeida.
293 reviews12 followers
September 22, 2019
In her book, LaTacha opens up honestly about her upbringing, her family and the ordeals she had to go through while growing up, even as an adult.
The way she talks about her family, specially about her mother is something beyond amazing, after everything the had to endure, LaTasha is still able to say incredible and inspiring things to those also battling inside, not knowing to whom to turn to.
As she wrote in her book “Don’t you know you’re good enough and beautiful enough to find someone who will treat you like the queen you are?”. Stepping out of an abusive relationship with her mother to one with a boyfriend is a vicious circle. As they said, we seek partners similar to our parents. I know that for experience myself...
It’s not easy going through a depression, bullying and low-self imagine, specially when we don’t feel comfortable sharing those feelings with anyone!
In this book we get a glimpse of LaTacha’s life, her ups and downs, the way she lived through them all while receiving this great advices she gives us so openly and lovingly!
This book is an incredible and touching reading, even more so when you can relate and sympathize with what’s going on to some extend. Every one of us, as their on past and pains, their on way of dealing with them, but what LaTacha wants us to comprehend is: you are gorgeous, you should be loved and respected and if you feel something is wrong, you should speak up! Talk to someone and share your feelings, cause they matter! You matter!
A 5⭐️ book that I totally recommend reading!
Profile Image for Claire Self.
273 reviews22 followers
March 18, 2019
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I have given Dark Chains by LaTasha "Tacha B." Braxton five out of five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
One of the most heartfelt, saddening yet strong memoirs I have ever read. This book follows a young girl to becoming a woman. Along her journey we find out about her dark and terrible growing up conditions to abusive relationships which may need to be seen as trigger warnings towards readers. This is a very deep and emotional book however there is power and strength seen within the pages too.
I had to put this book down every so often because there was only so much I could take in due to the painful moments which unraveled throughout the story. Although the book is full of upsetting and horrific scenes, the authors writing is simply wonderful, down to earth and engaging. Through an through this book is uplifting and inspiring to read over the events this strong woman went through and to see her come out in a positive light.
I'd definitely recommend reading this book with breaks in between as per the gruelling events which take place throughout. I enjoyed following Braxton's journey from girlhood to womanhood and am so happy to see that she is now helping to better the lives of younger children who are experiencing similar situations.
Stories like these definitely put life into perspective and make you take a step back to realise and appreciate all of the good you have in your life.
Profile Image for Lori.
529 reviews15 followers
October 12, 2018
I enjoy exploring family history as I have a better sense of the trials and tribulations my ancestors went through and that helps explain how I came to be.

As I began this book, I felt there was much opportunity for things to be extraordinary for this family, but, deceit, addictions, betrayal, abuse caused the destruction of lives, and all the while the children witnessed their parent's relationship deteriorating.

I felt such empathy towards the author and her sister as they watched things spiral out of control. I’m actually amazed at how self-aware Braxton is considering the overwhelming sense of pain and loss she must have felt. Instead, she shows us that she dealt with this hardship realizing it was only temporary, and she shielded herself with His word, leaping out in faith.

This well-written autobiography teaches all that if there is ever a dark time, a moment of doubt or confusion, or difficult circumstance that you are going through - that negative familial patterns do not have to persist, they can be temporary. You can step out and make a change. Dark Chains can be broken.

I received this book through the generosity of the author for an honest review.
Profile Image for Courtney.
48 reviews8 followers
October 12, 2018
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

When I was contracted about receiving a copy of this book I looked up the synopsis and thought it sounded like something I would enjoy, deep & emotional. Upon finishing it I realize I was so very unprepared for just how dark and troubling this woman's life was! Her story was beyond heartbreaking, in the beginning I found myself wanting to comfort the author, to wrap my arms around her and let her know these feelings and pain she was subjected to were not her own fault as she believed at the time. Now after finishing it I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes feeling like I need this strong, amazing woman to comfort me. Her incredible talented way with words is so beautiful and her story is one that evokes hope in such a way I can't begin to describe.
I think this book is so so powerful, girls and women especially will find this especially helpful and important in understanding themselves and how to be the person they are meant to be.
Definitely a 5 star read for me, one that I encourage any and everyone to check out!
Profile Image for Hawa Jalloh.
2 reviews12 followers
December 4, 2018
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

In Dark Chains, LaTasha “Tacha B.” Braxton shares her life story including the mental, emotional, and physical abuse she had to deal with starting when she was a young girl. This book isn’t your typical memoir. In telling how she overcame the pain and abuse she endured, this book also plays a role as a spiritual self-help guide.

I went back and forth between whether or not I wanted to give this book 3.5 stars or 4 stars. Part of the reason being that while reading, I struggled with figuring out how much time took place between all the events mentioned in the book. When the book ended, I did still have a couple of questions in regards to what she has been up to. I decided on 3.5 but because of the way the Goodreads scale works, I have it marked as 4 stars.

In this past year, memoirs have become my favorite genre to read. I would absolutely recommend Dark Chains, especially if you’re like me and really into memoirs. I enjoyed following Braxton’s journey and I love that she’s now working to help better the lives of young girls and boys.

Dark Chains is available for purchase on Amazon.
Profile Image for S. Jeyran  Main.
1,665 reviews143 followers
July 23, 2018
Dark Chains is an autobiography self-help book. LaTasha has a moving story to tell. Being abused from a young age she endures some harsh circumstances. The words are strong, real and the abuse is hard to even read but one has to face the truth that these things do happen and how it can affect a human being.
The difference this book had with many other autobiographies was the way the author portrayed her feelings, experience, and her relationships. Speaking of dysfunctional family, unresolved affairs is not easy to express and this book truly touches your heart and may even make you shed some tears.
This autobiography also touches on spirituality, God, and religion. It demonstrates how the human spirit can break a cycle of abuse, in order to save themselves from terrible misuse.

Sometimes in life what we lose or do not achieve does not necessarily set us back. We strive forward and if in fact, we fail in receiving love, given the situation, we love back more.

I recommend this book to people that enjoy reading self-help books and believe in spirituality.

Profile Image for Coco Harris.
726 reviews8 followers
January 26, 2019
A heart wrenching but optimistic memoir about a young woman trapped in a cycle of abuse and poor choices stemming from the ripples of previous generations. Sometimes I was so frustrated with her choices and logic. I wanted to scream at her for seeking men to solve her problems or for returning to abusers instead of fighting back. My heart broke for her. I thought LaTasha Braxton’s writing style was enchanting. She has a gift with storytelling. I thought the title was absolutely fitting to the story and the cover art is gorgeous as well. My personally upbringing was vastly different from Braxton’s but she told her story in a way that all people can relate. I highlighted several passages that resonated with me, and I can also see how this book could be transformative when it ends up in the hands of someone striving to break their own chains within their lives.

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. These are my unbiased thoughts and reflections.*
Profile Image for Maryann Larucci-Troche.
419 reviews50 followers
September 19, 2018
Awareness and Awakening

This book, this story, successfully touched my soul. I'm so proud to read this story and to read how the author prevailed throughout her life. It took me awhile to finish this book because I could read only so much pain and abuse myself. I felt her pain. I cried her tears. I yelled for her strength. I wanted to grab her and protect her with love. Unfortunately, I related to this person in too many ways.. However, although I felt all that was written, I also felt my own courage resurface, my eyes reopened allowing me to once again see how I have progressed into a beautiful soul that can help so many out there as well. Something I forget too often. Thank you for this story. Thank you for reminding me through you, how great I still am and will always be.
Profile Image for Jen.
582 reviews132 followers
August 28, 2018
Dark Chains touches on subject matter some of us can’t even imagine. Born into a family of disdain, alcohol, and drugs, LaTasha tells her story about what it was like and how she rose above. She is a spiritual person and writes about finding her way through Him, telling us how she came through it all a better person. Stronger, braver, with faith.

As the title says, the subject matter is dark and Braxton broke through her chains. This book is an eye opening account of a girl who broke the trend. Who didn’t become a subject of her upbringing. Who, at the fork in the road, chose the Light. This is a book of hope. To say she is flourishing now would be an understatement.

I received a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Emmanuel.
382 reviews42 followers
May 13, 2019
Dark Chains is a very personal autobiography that I had the privilege to receive a copy of. The author recalls her abusive childhood and upbringing and all the repercussions that had affected her life as she got older. From an unloving mother, to a toxic relationship, and everything in between, Braxton shares what she had to go through and how it kept on affecting her life until she found God in her life. Braxton conveys through her story that there is a light at the end of a tunnel, and that's what I love most about this book. I love the message that the author expresses and the good that she wants to do by sharing her story. It must have been hard to write, but also very healing. I respect the authors honesty and for speaking her truth. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Profile Image for Marissa Michael.
195 reviews6 followers
January 4, 2019
This is such a traumatic read which had made me cried sorrowful tears for what this author been through. What will you do when you are neglected and abused physically, emotionally, and spiritually? This is beyond what one (especially me) can imagine.

I would like to congratulate the author for her experience and the Divine intervention in her life. I want to write more about this book but I will do that later on my blog. Link in bio!

My takeaway from this book is pain can either make you stronger or weakened you. The question is which option will you embrace?

*DISCLAIMER
I RECEIVED THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.
Profile Image for Mocha Books.
15 reviews
April 8, 2019
This memoir is HEAVY. Mentally it's a lot to take in. I read this book off and on for a few months. It will take you through every emotion/feeling that you could possibly think of. I commend the author for being able to release so much of herself for others to judge...because we all do it. I related to this story more than I wanted to. Mental health, and toxic environments are serious and REAL. In the end, the author was able to let her past be the past for what it was and find the strength to persevere.

I would definitely recommend this book but read with caution.
114 reviews1 follower
July 29, 2019
I was gifted this memoir from the author. While I found her writing beautiful and descriptive, the content of her struggles brought up memories of my own as a child. While they weren't the same the level of description brought those memories to the surface for me. I feel her story is sad but beautiful because she overcame and wants to help those who have experienced the same. I do recommend her book available on Amazon.
Profile Image for Davu Zulu.
5 reviews
February 24, 2020
A very good book. Very sad, clearly shows how resilient the Black Woman is. A must-read!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews