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Heart of a Slave
A warrior’s daughter should never show weakness even when the earth falls apart under her feet...
Siwhetta, an African girl, is captured and sold into the slave trade in 1814 and shipped to the West Indies. Despite her initial resistance, she is ensnared in a steamy love affair with the young, noble aristocrat, Dimitri. However, as the daughter of a chieftain warrior, Siwhetta is defiant, passionate, and determined to return to her homeland.
Dimitri, on the other hand, enamored of this nubile, ebony beauty is possessive and takes what he wants, and thus far, his eyes are set on Siwhetta. Intent on possessing her, he will stop at nothing to get her into his arms even if it meant breaking every rule in the book.
Disclaimer: Please note that this book includes information that may be upsetting to some persons.
Excerpt
Siwhetta inhaled and looked into his cobalt eyes and pointed out calmly, “I am a slave and you are the slave master’s grandson.” Siwhetta repeated then began to sob. “This is not what I want. I would like to experience true love like my parents did. One day, I would like to live a normal life again. I don’t want this!” She began pushing at him again. Defeated, Dimitri rolled on his back next to her on the ground. He looked at the canopy of trees hanging over their heads. There was no doubt that he cared for her. He wished he knew how he could make her trust him. “I will take you home with me.”Horrified, Siwhetta gasped then turned to look at him. She searched his eyes curiously.
As if he knew that she doubted him, he repeated: “I will take you home with me.”Siwhetta sat up with relief, heart palpitating. She finally felt like there was hope; that she could finally have a life of freedom again; a chance to fall in love; a chance to have a family; to start a new life somewhere new. Tears of joy finally ran down her cheeks. “I can finally be free again?” she placed her hand on her chest in disbelief. “Maybe,” she paused, biting on her lower lip then whispered in awe, “maybe someday go back home?”
Dimitri tensed, he scowled. “You will remain with me.”As if wounded, Siwhetta grimaced then lowered her head in confusion. She lifted her chin proudly and with blazing eyes yelled, “I would never!”Dimitri said, firmly, “You will remain with me.”
Siwhetta, an African girl, is captured and sold into the slave trade in 1814 and shipped to the West Indies. Despite her initial resistance, she is ensnared in a steamy love affair with the young, noble aristocrat, Dimitri. However, as the daughter of a chieftain warrior, Siwhetta is defiant, passionate, and determined to return to her homeland.
Dimitri, on the other hand, enamored of this nubile, ebony beauty is possessive and takes what he wants, and thus far, his eyes are set on Siwhetta. Intent on possessing her, he will stop at nothing to get her into his arms even if it meant breaking every rule in the book.
Disclaimer: Please note that this book includes information that may be upsetting to some persons.
Excerpt
Siwhetta inhaled and looked into his cobalt eyes and pointed out calmly, “I am a slave and you are the slave master’s grandson.” Siwhetta repeated then began to sob. “This is not what I want. I would like to experience true love like my parents did. One day, I would like to live a normal life again. I don’t want this!” She began pushing at him again. Defeated, Dimitri rolled on his back next to her on the ground. He looked at the canopy of trees hanging over their heads. There was no doubt that he cared for her. He wished he knew how he could make her trust him. “I will take you home with me.”Horrified, Siwhetta gasped then turned to look at him. She searched his eyes curiously.
As if he knew that she doubted him, he repeated: “I will take you home with me.”Siwhetta sat up with relief, heart palpitating. She finally felt like there was hope; that she could finally have a life of freedom again; a chance to fall in love; a chance to have a family; to start a new life somewhere new. Tears of joy finally ran down her cheeks. “I can finally be free again?” she placed her hand on her chest in disbelief. “Maybe,” she paused, biting on her lower lip then whispered in awe, “maybe someday go back home?”
Dimitri tensed, he scowled. “You will remain with me.”As if wounded, Siwhetta grimaced then lowered her head in confusion. She lifted her chin proudly and with blazing eyes yelled, “I would never!”Dimitri said, firmly, “You will remain with me.”
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 10, 2020
75 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
Verna Cyril
9 books37 followersHi everyone, my name is Verna Cyril. I am a wife and a mother of two beautiful children. I am fascinated by nature and history. Also, in my quiet time, I enjoy listening to my favorite genre of music which, funnily, happens to be 80’s music. Along the way, I make time to write.
Please don’t hesitate to share with me your thoughts on any of my books.
Please don’t hesitate to share with me your thoughts on any of my books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 22, 2020
To all the romantic readers out there. Heart of a Slave, by Verna Cyril is the book worth adding to your to be read pile. Wow! And I mean wow! Verna’s writing is hot.
First of all she gives me a strong story plot that catches my attention, leaving me intrigued to read the story. Then her writing skills are off the charts. She writes just as as well as an experienced writer. Her details and descriptions of scenes was magnificent. How she was able to have the reader feel the characters rage, and emotions by selected wording is phenomenal.
The introductions of the characters and their background story was explained very well. Verna brings you the passion, the blood, the sweat, the tears, the hatred, the anger and the romance. Two people divided by the color of their skin, fight this thing that draws them to one another. Siwhetta, is shackled and taken from her homeland to be sold to a tobacco plantation. There she is not use to being a slave.
Of all her eighteen years she was always free. She was never anyone’s property. Working on the plantation is certainly a new world to her. Siwhetta catches Dimitri’s eye. He tries to deny his attraction to her.
He also doesn’t condone his grandmother owning slaves. So, he’s at a battle of wills while he helps settle his grandmother estate finances. While doing this Dimitri can’t get Siwhetta out of his mind. He has to have her. He tells her that she is his and there ensues the battle of wills, passion and romance that plays out between Dimitri and Siwhetta.
Readers keep an eye out for Verna Chryril. There may be some good books coming from her in the future. I recommend this book with two snaps and a hot daum! And a, oh so steamy bedroom department scenes. Until next time my fellow readers... read on! Note: there are some scenes in the book that may be offensive to some readers. I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy.
First of all she gives me a strong story plot that catches my attention, leaving me intrigued to read the story. Then her writing skills are off the charts. She writes just as as well as an experienced writer. Her details and descriptions of scenes was magnificent. How she was able to have the reader feel the characters rage, and emotions by selected wording is phenomenal.
The introductions of the characters and their background story was explained very well. Verna brings you the passion, the blood, the sweat, the tears, the hatred, the anger and the romance. Two people divided by the color of their skin, fight this thing that draws them to one another. Siwhetta, is shackled and taken from her homeland to be sold to a tobacco plantation. There she is not use to being a slave.
Of all her eighteen years she was always free. She was never anyone’s property. Working on the plantation is certainly a new world to her. Siwhetta catches Dimitri’s eye. He tries to deny his attraction to her.
He also doesn’t condone his grandmother owning slaves. So, he’s at a battle of wills while he helps settle his grandmother estate finances. While doing this Dimitri can’t get Siwhetta out of his mind. He has to have her. He tells her that she is his and there ensues the battle of wills, passion and romance that plays out between Dimitri and Siwhetta.
Readers keep an eye out for Verna Chryril. There may be some good books coming from her in the future. I recommend this book with two snaps and a hot daum! And a, oh so steamy bedroom department scenes. Until next time my fellow readers... read on! Note: there are some scenes in the book that may be offensive to some readers. I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy.
April 20, 2020
Siwetta is taken from her African homeland and sold into slavery. She arrives on a plantation in the West Indies where she is doing her best to survive each day and stay strong for the people around her. As she tries to learn her new life as a slave, she catches the eye of Dimitri. What happens next is whirlwind of action, pain, loss, and love.
Major safety issues with this book.
I think people who adore the old school romances of the day that gave 'bodice ripper' the name they deserve should give this book a try. Stories that are heartbreaking, saga-like in all the characters endure. If you were a fan of Stormfire by Christine Monson, this might be your thing.
While the consent issues aren't a make or break it in a story for me, I need a lot of groveling from the hero to forgive those actions. I felt like there wasn't enough regret and turn around in the hero from his beginning behavior to the end of the book and that is ultimately why I give 3 stars.
Major safety issues with this book.
I think people who adore the old school romances of the day that gave 'bodice ripper' the name they deserve should give this book a try. Stories that are heartbreaking, saga-like in all the characters endure. If you were a fan of Stormfire by Christine Monson, this might be your thing.
While the consent issues aren't a make or break it in a story for me, I need a lot of groveling from the hero to forgive those actions. I felt like there wasn't enough regret and turn around in the hero from his beginning behavior to the end of the book and that is ultimately why I give 3 stars.
March 4, 2021
Absolutely awful.
August 22, 2020
Slavery era romance is hard to tackle because of issues regarding consent. Romantic relationships in fiction between masters and their slaves can work, but must be done in a way that is true to the time period and also tastefully executed. The rape scene between Dimitri and Siwhetta was problematic, and I was wondering how their relationship could possibly grow from this? His love for her felt more like an obsessive fetish than romantic. Which is actually on brand with how those relationships were back then. (Reminds me of Octavia Butler's Kindred) There were times that he redeemed himself, and he showed remorse towards Siwhetta and saw the error in his ways. I was glad that he could acknowledge that.
There were also scenes and language that were pretty erotic, which was fine. I think that could be an advantage for this book. Certian explicit scenes would maybe work better under an erotica label where that kinda thing is more expected.
With all being said, congrats to this author on her debut. And i hope to see more from her in the future as her writing progresses. I am a fan of historical fiction and stories like this are somewhat of a guilty pleasure for me.
There were also scenes and language that were pretty erotic, which was fine. I think that could be an advantage for this book. Certian explicit scenes would maybe work better under an erotica label where that kinda thing is more expected.
With all being said, congrats to this author on her debut. And i hope to see more from her in the future as her writing progresses. I am a fan of historical fiction and stories like this are somewhat of a guilty pleasure for me.
April 20, 2020
I am not an American but from what I know is that the era this book took place in was horrible and controversial,especially for African-Americans.So I was curious as to how the author would deal with such a difficult setting and develop the romance.I think the author did a good job staying historically accurate to the times that the story took place in and showed successfully the rampant sexism and abuse that existed back in those days(in my opinion and from what I know about this period).As well as the terrible life and attitude the slaves had to endure everyday.Also,I was surprised to see that the author didn't shy away from placing the main characters(especially Siwhetta) in difficult and life-threatening situations that actually take place,which is something that you rarely see in fiction(as usually the main characters get scot-free).As you can see from the aforementioned this makes the story a pretty heavy and dark read so I would advice anyone who cannot handle sensitive material(and graphic descriptions of punishments as well as other stuff) to not pick this up.In case you are someone like me who likes dark reads(but not very,very dark reads),this book was a treat.The writing was very good.Even though most of the characters were unlikable yet engaging(except my dear Siwhetta and Edgar-those two were so sweet and I loved them).The story was so interesting and full of drama,I couldn't tear my eyes from the page.Unfortunately however I had a big issue with the romance between the two main characters,Siwhetta and Dimitri.I loved Siwhetta as a character,she is the definition of a strong,clever,brave and compassionate heroine(and she has more brain than older heroines for a 19-year-old).I really liked her attitude and how she stood up for herself and others even if she would get in trouble for it.So you have this beautiful character,inside and out,paired with Dimitri,who to be frank is not who he seems...I do not want to spoil anything if you want to read it,but even though he appears the first time you meet him to be nice to slaves and you think "That's a nice guy right there"(and till the end of the book he remains nice to the slaves of his grandma's estate and back in his house has African workers who he legally employed and pays and they are not his slaves by any means).His real face soon gets revealed when he meets Siwhetta;he gets legit obsessed,possessive and super jealous of her.Their dynamic felt kind of toxic to me while reading and honestly after some certain events I immensely disliked him and even him expressing that he genuinely cares about her and getting sort of redeemed by the end did not change my mind about him a lot.From a certain point of view,this couple matches perfectly the era that they live in.Dimitri is a product of a terrible enviroment that condoned such behavior(men being possessive and all),but still the intensity of his feelings towards Siwhetta really put me off as they did take sometimes a dark turn.The reason as to why I am talking about the society Dimitri grew up in is because most of the men in this book are very problematic in their behavior.
Overall,for a first book the author did a good job and I cannot wait to read more of her stories!
Overall,for a first book the author did a good job and I cannot wait to read more of her stories!
March 19, 2020
I love this book. The descriptions, character development and most especially the setting of the story and timeline (1814) are very intriguing and top notch.
I love how the Author has created something beautiful out of a common topic of SLAVE TRADE.
This book is excellent and is a must read for all those who haven't.
Keep up the amazing work, author.
I love how the Author has created something beautiful out of a common topic of SLAVE TRADE.
This book is excellent and is a must read for all those who haven't.
Keep up the amazing work, author.
January 17, 2021
The title tells you volumes. If you can not stomach forced sexual encounters, physical abuse, and mental mistreatment. Then this story is not for you. It has all those things. Siwhetta has to endure being removed from her tribe as a member of royalty to slavery. She takes on the role of healer to other slaves on the plantation. Her beauty catches the eye of some undesirable men. It also catches the eye of Dimitri, the rebellious grandson of the plantation owner. Despite Dimitri's love for Siwhetta, he can not control his urges and treats her no better than the other men that wanted her. Dimitri is possessive, controlling, and does not think he is doing Siwhetta worse than other's would.
I downloaded this book through my kindle unlimited subscription. It sat in my library for a while. I thought about returning it unread. I am so glad I did not. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It did not paint a unicorn and rainbow version of slavery. It was as realistic as it could get.
I think anyone that likes historical fiction romance will enjoy reading this book. Again, it does not sugarcoat slavery. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Happy reading and happy writing! :)
I downloaded this book through my kindle unlimited subscription. It sat in my library for a while. I thought about returning it unread. I am so glad I did not. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It did not paint a unicorn and rainbow version of slavery. It was as realistic as it could get.
I think anyone that likes historical fiction romance will enjoy reading this book. Again, it does not sugarcoat slavery. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Happy reading and happy writing! :)
May 3, 2020
Very well written book
Dimitri is a symbol of what true love really means. This book was not what I anticipated. It is most definitely not the typical slave/master story. I enjoyed the history, and expressions of the characters. Beautiful ending but leaves me wanting more.
Dimitri is a symbol of what true love really means. This book was not what I anticipated. It is most definitely not the typical slave/master story. I enjoyed the history, and expressions of the characters. Beautiful ending but leaves me wanting more.
March 23, 2020
Heart of a Slave is a story about a beautiful woman who has been kidnapped from her home and taken to be sold as a slave. In her land she is a Yoruba, a strong and courageous fighter-the daughter of a warrior chief. In her new circumstances she must adjust to the horrible treatment she receives from the men who want to possess her. An impossible journey, she survives to prove that she is no slave, but a woman with the strength and heart to find her happiness.
Read
May 26, 2020As an admirer of historical romances, I’m always intrigued at how during some of the darkest times in history, love still manages to find a way. In Verna Cyril's book the same thing holds true. That spark… that connection between the characters, not just Dimitri and Siwhetta, but every character really resonated with this reader. Excellent Read!
March 19, 2020
This book was really interesting . I read it all in two days. It was definitely a page-turner. I loved the characters and the settings. I enjoyed it thoroughly and I would highly recommend it to anyone.
May 16, 2020
Her words
I really enjoyed this book. The authors words painted a picture that makes you feel Like you are in the story. It is a historical romance with an interesting plot. There are some dark moments but it is a great read. Very entertaining. Can’t wait for a sequel!
I really enjoyed this book. The authors words painted a picture that makes you feel Like you are in the story. It is a historical romance with an interesting plot. There are some dark moments but it is a great read. Very entertaining. Can’t wait for a sequel!
June 24, 2020
Emotionally Beautiful!
I enjoyed this book! A lot of emotion but beautifully crafted! This author made a new fan! Looking forward to more of her work!
I enjoyed this book! A lot of emotion but beautifully crafted! This author made a new fan! Looking forward to more of her work!
July 9, 2020
Great Read
I absolutely enjoy your book and I am definitely looking forward to reading more of your work. Blessings to you and your family.
I absolutely enjoy your book and I am definitely looking forward to reading more of your work. Blessings to you and your family.
September 22, 2020
Good historical
I loved that this was a quick read but I would’ve loved an epilogue to see what the sex of their baby was, how the adjusted to life her being a slave and him a white man. I’m sure they had other issues that came up and it would’ve been great to see what the future holds for these two. I still enjoyed the story, the drama and their coming together. I am glad that things weren’t more difficult for them as we know it usually is when slaves and their masters fall in love. Good quick read! Would love to read some more.
I loved that this was a quick read but I would’ve loved an epilogue to see what the sex of their baby was, how the adjusted to life her being a slave and him a white man. I’m sure they had other issues that came up and it would’ve been great to see what the future holds for these two. I still enjoyed the story, the drama and their coming together. I am glad that things weren’t more difficult for them as we know it usually is when slaves and their masters fall in love. Good quick read! Would love to read some more.
April 13, 2020
Okay Read
I enjoyed it, Dimitri loved his lady and defied the odds. I recommend this book for a lazy rainy day kind of read. If you know what I mean?
I enjoyed it, Dimitri loved his lady and defied the odds. I recommend this book for a lazy rainy day kind of read. If you know what I mean?
May 24, 2021
Dimitri is a terrible, horrible love interest. I cannot fathom how anyone can write such a despicable character.
To Verna Cyril, I understand the whole rape fantasy, but Dimitri is absolutely horrid character. His actions and behavior does not justify the whitewashing in the novel.
To Verna Cyril, I understand the whole rape fantasy, but Dimitri is absolutely horrid character. His actions and behavior does not justify the whitewashing in the novel.
June 12, 2020
Siwhetta and Dimitri- at first I was thinking slavery, she’s gonna die. And why does he care about her so much? I did get lost a few times in the story.
Mind you I finished this book in one night and I generally don’t read historical romance novels.
In the beginning, she’s 18 and by the time it ends she’s in her early to mid-20s. Dimitri is 21 when it begins and by the time it ends the mid to late 20s maybe he’s even 30.
So she gets kidnapped from Africa and is brought to St. Kits.
She has a very fiery spirit that won’t die-which is good. A small but mighty force to reckon with.
And Edgar is such a good character- she seemed like a more developed character than Siwhetta.
And Siwhetta cries a lot!!! 😭😭
Like, stop 🛑 crying 😭.
Some of the parts seem to jump around a bit but it seems to come full circle.
His brother is a big jerk.
I’d like to know what happens to Dimitri’s friend Nathan when they get back to England.
The whole Dimitri is a spy kinda threw me for a loop.

Maybe we get to know more about their life in England and their babies and what other craziness Dimitri has up his sleeve
Mind you I finished this book in one night and I generally don’t read historical romance novels.
In the beginning, she’s 18 and by the time it ends she’s in her early to mid-20s. Dimitri is 21 when it begins and by the time it ends the mid to late 20s maybe he’s even 30.
So she gets kidnapped from Africa and is brought to St. Kits.
She has a very fiery spirit that won’t die-which is good. A small but mighty force to reckon with.
And Edgar is such a good character- she seemed like a more developed character than Siwhetta.
And Siwhetta cries a lot!!! 😭😭
Like, stop 🛑 crying 😭.
Some of the parts seem to jump around a bit but it seems to come full circle.
His brother is a big jerk.
I’d like to know what happens to Dimitri’s friend Nathan when they get back to England.
The whole Dimitri is a spy kinda threw me for a loop.

Maybe we get to know more about their life in England and their babies and what other craziness Dimitri has up his sleeve
May 28, 2020
Interesting read
I enjoy how the author vividly told this story, never a dull moment. It was difficult reading about the cruelty the main character and the other slaves experienced. I appreciated the main character was a first generation slave, proud of her heritage, and never letting go of thoughts of freedom.
I enjoy how the author vividly told this story, never a dull moment. It was difficult reading about the cruelty the main character and the other slaves experienced. I appreciated the main character was a first generation slave, proud of her heritage, and never letting go of thoughts of freedom.
September 14, 2021
Heart of a Slave
Wonderfully written. The characters very believable especially for the time line of the story. Just wished there was an epilogue to know what she had. Their life together. Continued happiness
Wonderfully written. The characters very believable especially for the time line of the story. Just wished there was an epilogue to know what she had. Their life together. Continued happiness
November 15, 2024
omgggg this book!!!
this book. this freaking book. it broke my heart. it turned me on. it made me think. i cheered. I cried. I felt so much pain. I was so wrapped up in this story. It's been years since I've read anything I've enjoyed this much. when I started it I was like eh is this going to be an interesting story? well then the plot takes off and it is simply irresistible. it's delicious. it's dark. it's sad. and it's SATISFYING.
the mc is a beautiful darkskin girl named Siwhetta. she's kidnapped from West Africa (Igbo tribe I believe) as part of the slave trade. and then she ends up in the Caribbean, St. Kitts. And there she meets Dimitri, who is her owner. and things go from there.
Siwhetta is such a well drawn, amazing character. she's brave, cool, and loving and a healer. Dimitri is extremely flawed, madly obsessed with her - he has to have her, and as benevolent as he is dangerous. The characterization is excellent. The side characters are also done so well, including Siwhetta's older female friend Edgar, who is also a slave and motherly to her. The push and pull between Dimitri and Siwhetta had me riveted. I also appreciated the historical accuracy and I don't think this story could've been told by a better person.
I will be reading more by this author. My only suggestions is that she take more care with the layout/formatting of the book. And add more visual details in minor transitory scenes. These are all minor things. The plot and characters are flawless storytelling. I love this book so bad. It's everything I could ask for in a story. Just scratches something and pulls at something in me emotionally. Idk. It's definitely my new favorite dark romance. took me on a swing from every emotion to the next. I'm only sad that I can never experience reading this book again for the very first time
this book. this freaking book. it broke my heart. it turned me on. it made me think. i cheered. I cried. I felt so much pain. I was so wrapped up in this story. It's been years since I've read anything I've enjoyed this much. when I started it I was like eh is this going to be an interesting story? well then the plot takes off and it is simply irresistible. it's delicious. it's dark. it's sad. and it's SATISFYING.
the mc is a beautiful darkskin girl named Siwhetta. she's kidnapped from West Africa (Igbo tribe I believe) as part of the slave trade. and then she ends up in the Caribbean, St. Kitts. And there she meets Dimitri, who is her owner. and things go from there.
Siwhetta is such a well drawn, amazing character. she's brave, cool, and loving and a healer. Dimitri is extremely flawed, madly obsessed with her - he has to have her, and as benevolent as he is dangerous. The characterization is excellent. The side characters are also done so well, including Siwhetta's older female friend Edgar, who is also a slave and motherly to her. The push and pull between Dimitri and Siwhetta had me riveted. I also appreciated the historical accuracy and I don't think this story could've been told by a better person.
I will be reading more by this author. My only suggestions is that she take more care with the layout/formatting of the book. And add more visual details in minor transitory scenes. These are all minor things. The plot and characters are flawless storytelling. I love this book so bad. It's everything I could ask for in a story. Just scratches something and pulls at something in me emotionally. Idk. It's definitely my new favorite dark romance. took me on a swing from every emotion to the next. I'm only sad that I can never experience reading this book again for the very first time
October 31, 2020
Unfortunate Heart Indeed
I don’t know what I just read...firstly, I think the author was trying to make this a love/hate relationship during the peak of slavery in the islands, and it came off as a really BAD joke. Unfortunately, all I saw throughout their love/hate relationship was how Siwhetta kept getting the short end of the stick and her crying ALL the time. Moreover, Swihetta boasted early on she was the daughter of a chief and I thought she would have been more resolute than what she was. Secondly, I wanted to like Dimitri’s character more, but I really couldn’t for some reason. I was finally happy when he took her back home, but the story ended so abruptly once he did. Thirdly, (I think) the story ends on a cliffhanger because Dimitri finally puts a ring on it and that’s it! The final pictures the readers are left with-him putting a ring on Swihetta’s finger (maybe to shut her up, maybe not) and taking her to bed, the end! That was Dimitri’s pattern throughout the whole story-upset her, make a promise to her, bed her, repeat.... Swihetta could have accepted a promise ring for the rest of her life and her child be illegitimate, but we will never know. Even an impromptu/rushed/forced wedding (and it’s not like Dimitri forcing something on Swihetta again would have been anything new, but at least she would now be his wife and not his sex slave) would have been better than the ending that was written.
I don’t know what I just read...firstly, I think the author was trying to make this a love/hate relationship during the peak of slavery in the islands, and it came off as a really BAD joke. Unfortunately, all I saw throughout their love/hate relationship was how Siwhetta kept getting the short end of the stick and her crying ALL the time. Moreover, Swihetta boasted early on she was the daughter of a chief and I thought she would have been more resolute than what she was. Secondly, I wanted to like Dimitri’s character more, but I really couldn’t for some reason. I was finally happy when he took her back home, but the story ended so abruptly once he did. Thirdly, (I think) the story ends on a cliffhanger because Dimitri finally puts a ring on it and that’s it! The final pictures the readers are left with-him putting a ring on Swihetta’s finger (maybe to shut her up, maybe not) and taking her to bed, the end! That was Dimitri’s pattern throughout the whole story-upset her, make a promise to her, bed her, repeat.... Swihetta could have accepted a promise ring for the rest of her life and her child be illegitimate, but we will never know. Even an impromptu/rushed/forced wedding (and it’s not like Dimitri forcing something on Swihetta again would have been anything new, but at least she would now be his wife and not his sex slave) would have been better than the ending that was written.
May 7, 2020
I believe Verna put her heart and soul into this book. It aptly portrays the horrors of slavery and of man's inhumanity to man. The suffering, humiliation, and degradation of the slaves caused by their white owners as they strove to rob the slaves of their humanity and their dignity is evident from the very beginning of the book. But mixed in with all this cruelty is a love story. Two cultures clash, but the two lovers learn their differences are minor, it is their similarities, the bond of kindness and caring that can unite all races and cultures that will unite them in love. And love triumphs!
Celia Martin
Celia Martin
July 5, 2020
"Heart of a Slave" is a horrific tale of a young, Black female, Siwhetta's experience of being captured by assilants and sold into slavery.
The author gives an evocative description of the horrendous and gruesome treatment Siwhetta endured during her journey on the slave ship.
What I liked most about the story was how vividly Cyril was able to bring to life the deprivation and afflications Siwhetta faced as a slave.
"Heart of a Slave," was a fast paced story filled with twist and turns and it left me wanting to read more.
The author gives an evocative description of the horrendous and gruesome treatment Siwhetta endured during her journey on the slave ship.
What I liked most about the story was how vividly Cyril was able to bring to life the deprivation and afflications Siwhetta faced as a slave.
"Heart of a Slave," was a fast paced story filled with twist and turns and it left me wanting to read more.
December 23, 2020
My first historical read
I enjoyed this book. Dimitri was actually my favorite character. Although I liked Siw's tenacity and her strong bursts of persistence, I feel that Dimitri's character was more concrete and consistent. He first saw Siw as a piece, as I would expect for a man living in that time, to gawk over something appearing more exotic than traditional. But as the story developed this wanton thirst for her turned into something deeper. Which displayed more of a character development on his side.
I enjoyed the happy ending, and the plot twist. A lovely paced historical fiction with troubled romantic doses. Definitely not for the faint at heart with some of those scenes, but a book without tragedy is boring anyway! A must read.
I enjoyed this book. Dimitri was actually my favorite character. Although I liked Siw's tenacity and her strong bursts of persistence, I feel that Dimitri's character was more concrete and consistent. He first saw Siw as a piece, as I would expect for a man living in that time, to gawk over something appearing more exotic than traditional. But as the story developed this wanton thirst for her turned into something deeper. Which displayed more of a character development on his side.
I enjoyed the happy ending, and the plot twist. A lovely paced historical fiction with troubled romantic doses. Definitely not for the faint at heart with some of those scenes, but a book without tragedy is boring anyway! A must read.
November 28, 2022
Shame Shame
I'm very surprised this book was written by a Black Women. Even In Fiction to suggest a slave would enjoy being raped by her captor is disgusting and ludicrous . I was pissed off the while time I was reading it. I just knew this book was written by some misguided white man . imagine my disgust to find out a Black women wrote this story. Smh
I'm very surprised this book was written by a Black Women. Even In Fiction to suggest a slave would enjoy being raped by her captor is disgusting and ludicrous . I was pissed off the while time I was reading it. I just knew this book was written by some misguided white man . imagine my disgust to find out a Black women wrote this story. Smh
August 17, 2020
Enjoyed the spicy but
Four stars instead of 5 because the main female is from Africa..she used verbiage that didn't match e.g. bastard. Also, how did she and up eating in the middle of an argument?
Four stars instead of 5 because the main female is from Africa..she used verbiage that didn't match e.g. bastard. Also, how did she and up eating in the middle of an argument?
November 3, 2020
Strange Story
Ordinarily a book like this I would expect it to be much longer. It ended rather abruptly with no more to the story! I felt as if I had just begun to get into the story when it was over.
Ordinarily a book like this I would expect it to be much longer. It ended rather abruptly with no more to the story! I felt as if I had just begun to get into the story when it was over.
October 17, 2021
Very Predictable!
Quick read. Son of slaveholder falls for African princess. She falls for him saved fro a life of slavery in a time when you know she will still pay the ultimate price
Quick read. Son of slaveholder falls for African princess. She falls for him saved fro a life of slavery in a time when you know she will still pay the ultimate price
December 16, 2022
This book needs so many content warnings. Enslavement, racism, violence, miscarriage, and so, so, so much rape. Not only is it terribly written, but contains damaging depictions of slavery and romanticization of blatant sexual violence. Do not read this book.
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