#the declaration

Me watching this scene for the millionth time 🙈

I can provide summaries if need be

Ever since the well-deserved success of The Hunger Games books that was skyrocketed by the movies, we have been inundated by so-called YA Dystopian books. Unfortunately, it seems that a disproportionate amount of them are hollow copy and pasted versions that get paler and paler with each incarnation.

This post is brought to you by my love of dystopia from books published before or around such books as the Divergent series.

(no hate to those who enjoy the ya dystopian books that have been coming out in droves in the past decade) (if you love the book then you love it, that’s the point of literature)

I bring these to you in the hopes that I can entice those who are sick of the YA dystopian genre into seeing how they should be written. YA dystopia is what revolutionized teenagers into thinking that they could change the world, they could go head-to-head against corrupt governments. Now that we’ve grown up, it’s time to inspire the next generation.

disclaimer that this is by no means meant to be a comprehensive list, just what i have read over the years

The Declaration By Gemma Malley

Finished Reading October 2023

Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Favourite Quote: page 58 ‘make it think you love it before abusing its trust so completely that it could never trust another human being again’

Anna is a surplus, an illegal child in a dystopian future in which living forever is made possible with medication and surgery. She lives in Grange Hall, a prison/training camp where illegal children are held and trained to be slaves for the wealthy legals who have been living on decades past what they should have.

Anna is trying her best to become a ‘valuable asset’, someone worthy of a life outside the walls of the surplus halls, someone who can pay back the debt her parents made her owe to mother nature.

When a new surplus arrives, a child the same age as Anna, he comes telling stories of Anna’s parents and of life outside the grey walls she had known all her life. Peter, the new surplus, is doing everything in his power to try help Anna realise she has a chance in the real world, with her parents, a chance where she can get out from under the evil claws of Mrs Pincent, the house matron.

Review: Gemma Malley is a brilliant writer who has created a powerful young adult science fiction novel that can be enjoyed by teenagers and adults alike. This was one of the first books I read that I loved, back when I was around eleven years of age, and returning to it as an adult not only reminded me of how truly gripping the storyline is and the world that has been created, but also how well written this story is. I will return to it again and I cannot wait to read the other two stories in this series. I can’t wait to see what is next in store for Anna and Peter.

I can definitely say that to anyone who loves YA Dystopian novels, this is one for you.

~

~

~

#bookreview #book #review #thedeclaration #gemmamalley #gemmamalleybook #5star #5starbook #5starbookreview #reading #reader #bookworm #booklover #bookstagram #nostalgia #firstreview #declaration #annacovey #honest #opinion #bookrecommendations #bookrecommendation

Photo courtesy of JP Designs Art | Brand Agency.

         It is with deep sadness that we join the family of Kevin Lemons in announcing his transition January 7, 2023. Kevin Lemons was not only an extraordinary, highly respected songwriter, artist and choir director, he was a devoted and loving husband, a trusted leader of his music ministry and a pillar of gospel music’s vital choir scene.

     Details about memorial services will be announced soon.

      Bishop Hezekiah Walker is heartbroken, saying “Kevin Lemons was one of the kindest, most humble artists that I know, even though his gift and talents were enormous. His love for God seasoned everything that he did, and his palpable love for people was an extension of that. Kevin Lemons was just a beautiful human being and he will be sorely missed.”

          Kevin Lemons. Media image.

     Lemons’ HezHouse Entertainment labelmates are also devastated by his sudden passing:

       Vincent Bohanan says: “I am in total disbelief concerning the untimely transition of my labelmate Kevin Lemons. Kevin has been a light in the gospel community for many years. His stance, leadership and command over the choir was like none other. There are many things in life we may not understand, but we trust the sovereignty of God. My prayers are with the family and Higher Calling. The Gospel Choir community will forever remember the life and legacy of Kevin Lemons.”

        Mark Hubbard says: “My heart is broken! You were more than just my labelmate. You considered me to be your uncle, and one of the mentors that you grew up listening to in the industry. I (we) will miss you in the physical, but your impact, legacy, and spirit will live on forever in our hearts. My Prayers are with Lady T, the family, and Higher Calling. Rest Well Nephew.”

       Patrick Riddick says: “My heart is heavy and full of sadness. From the moment the phone call came in, until now, I have been speechless. Maestro Kevin was our Thomas Whitfield and made up a third of OUR generation's Brat Pack. Our friendship was so genuine, we would challenge one another musically and share our unfiltered thoughts/critiques of each other in a way that only we could. The brotherhood went beyond music; we held each other accountable and integral. I am going to miss my brother. I am praying for Lady T, Higher Calling and every friend, artist, and colleague who will feel the impact of this loss.”

   Kevin Lemons. Media Image.

                 Kevin Lemons was the founder and director of the extraordinary chorale Higher Calling, who will have been together 27 years this year. Their most recent recording, Third Round, garnered Dove and Stellar Gospel Music Award nominations as well as robust acclaim at radio and on social media. Their breakout single, "For Your Good," accumulated over 100,000 streams and reached #3 on the Billboard Gospel Digital Sales Chart. Additionally, Lemons served as the vocal director for the celebrated Netflix film Come Sunday.

       “Lemons’ passing is a huge loss for the gospel music industry,” says Bishop Hezekiah Walker. “We are keeping Kevin’s wife of 15 years, Tiunna Lemons, in our heartfelt prayers, along with his family, extended family, members of Higher Calling and all those who knew and loved Kevin Lemons.” 

      Kevin Lemons & Higher Calling was founded when Kevin and a group of young singers came together for a special music event created by Kevin’s father, Wilbert Lemons. Kevin’s father was the director of the historic Atlanta Masonic Choir, which was founded by Kevin’s grandmother Annie Ruth Lemons. The group enjoyed singing together so much that they decided to stay together. Kevin Lemons & Higher Calling became a 100-member ensemble with 50 Atlanta-based singers and 50 additional singers from California, Virginia, the DMV area, New York, New Orleans, Texas, North Carolina, Florida and Alabama.

    Kevin Lemons & Higher Calling have taken their mesmerizing vocals and energetic performances to stages around the world. They have recorded three albums:  Their first album, Destined for Greatness, was released to critical acclaim; its title track caught the attention of choir maestro Ricky Dillard, who later recorded it with his ensemble New Generation.

        Their second album, The Declaration, peaked at #10 on Billboard’s Gospel Albums Chart. Their third album, Third Round, was released in 2021 and featured the breakout single “For Your Good.” Kevin Lemons & Higher Calling is a staple in Gospel music, and have performed with Gospel greats including Kirk Franklin, Bebe Winans, Donald Lawrence and Hezekiah Walker.

        Lemons was vocal director for the celebrated film Come Sunday, and has been the choir director for How Sweet the Sound and BET’s Sunday Best.