Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fantacy, Fiction, Science Fiction, Thriller

Mother of Machines: Sanaa (Mother of Machines, #1) by Tishaun Dawson| Review

When long-range telescopes spot intelligent machine structures on an intercept course with Earth, world governments are thrown into a panic. Drafting hundreds of thousands of humanity’s best and brightest, they assemble an army to combat the impending invasion before it reaches earth. Enlisted on this interplanetary mission is Sanaa, a female mechanic who reluctantly leaves her husband Ade to fight to save their world.

But when the ship is torn apart by the machines on approach, and her escape pod crash-lands on a neighboring planet, Sanaa soon discovers that she’s on her own. Guided by nothing more than the encouraging thoughts of her husband, Sanaa searches for a way off the hostile world to rejoin the fight. With time running out, she comes to a terrible realization – one which could change the course of the entire war.

Armed with the truth about the machines and their alien commanders, Sanaa takes matters into her own hands to try and stop the invasion… if she can stay alive long enough.

Title:Mother of Machines: Sanaa (Mother of Machines, #1)

Author: Tishaun Dawson

Pages: 66

My review

Mother of Machines: Sanaa (Book 1) is a perfectly crafted sci-fi thriller. The story captured my attention instantly and kept me at the edge of my seat until the end. It is a wonderful mixture of technology, science fiction, and thriller. But I must say this is not a typical sci-fi story. Because I thought that this story will be a predictable one with the usual pattern in the beginning. But it completely blew away my preconception at the end.

One of the unique features of this thriller is its strong female protagonist. She transforms throughout the story. Her weak points gradually fade away and she rises to become the “mother of machines” at the end. She finds her courage and voice. That heroism deserves huge praise.

Another strong point of this book is its narration. The author doesn’t reveal too much background details on any of the characters. Thus creates lots of room for imagination. This also invites sudden twists and turns which lands us in a whole new another level of story. Also, the fast-paced narration was quite satisfying for me because it helped me to explore the story much faster.

Book 1 of the Mother of Machines series ends in a cliffhanger. I loved the climax and looking forward to reading the next one.

Purchase links

Paperback https://www.amazon.com/Mother-Machines-Sanaa-Tishaun-Dawson/dp/
B08N1GN627
Apple Books https://books.apple.com/us/book/mother-of-machines-sanaa/id1540134900
Kindle https://www.amazon.com/Mother-Machines-Sanaa-Tishaun-Dawson-ebook/
dp/B08MZ6HDSC

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fantacy, Fiction, Thriller

The Quest for Asian Sin by Monty Lemley | Review

In life, even daily decisions can result in unintended consequences. Sara Jones, a single mother of two and owner of a luxurious estate, left for a routine run along her beachfront property. When she didn’t return, her daughter contacted the Wayfarer Police. A mysterious phone call to the police during the course of their investigation stated that Sara had decided to join a friend on his yacht. Case closed.

When Jack Conner, retired sheriff’s lieutenant from Colorado vacationing in San Diego, picks up a week-old newspaper, he reads a simple two-paragraph story about a retired porn star named Asian Sin who disappeared. With time on his hands and a secret in his past, Jack decides to start his own investigation into the case of the missing Asian Sin. Thus begins the quest for a woman who is more than what she appears by a man who is haunted by an event that occurred more than thirty years earlier.

Title: The Quest for Asian Sin

Author: Monty Lemley

Pages: 322

My review

The Quest for Asian Sin is a perfectly written crime thriller. Crime thrillers always attracted my gaze. They offer mysteries, action, and often larger insights. This novel falls into this category. Not a typical drama but more like a spiritual life insight journey. I really liked this twist which makes this thriller stand out.

The story follows Jack Conner, a retired Sheriff and now a private investigator. A local news about a missing porn star, named Asian Sin caught his attention while he was on a vacation in San Diego. With no apparent reason for taking this investigation, Jack was rather driven into this because of his strange past. But when he dives deep into this crime, it unfolded beyond his expectations. The missing incident has appeared to us a small cover-up story in the beginning but it has more layers than it seems to be. This long journey with many unbelievable twists ultimately bought him a new life. Thus closing a circle.

This is a very well written and structured investigation drama. The author often dragged us to deadends which frequently arise one question-what’s next? Then a new dimension of the story is introduced which directed us to a new set of characters and behaviours. From the beginning of the investigation, suspicion is looming over every character Jack meets. They all have an arc of deception and mystery. This makes the story even more interesting. I was on the edge of my seat while reading. The story was very captivating and engaging. It easily grabbed my attention and never let it go.

The smooth flowing narration is a plus point. The protagonist is introduced with a good background. The author stays with him until his life changed for good. It turns to be a feel-good story at the end. I really liked this change and climax.

In a nutshell this is undoubtedly a must-read for all crime thriller fans.

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fantacy, Fiction, historical fiction, Thriller

Oath: A Black Diamond Novel by Poppy Kuroki | Review

“Only through death may I leave the Black Diamond’s side…”

Tired of scraping for food in her war-torn homeland, Colette sneaks aboard a ship to Ranigh, the prosperous Empire capital, to seek her fortune. When she’s caught stealing, she is forced to pledge an Oath to a life of assassinhood.

When she’s bid to kill someone she cares for, what will Colette choose?

Obedience or love?

Title: Oath: A Black Diamond Novel

Author: Poppy Kuroki

Pages:

My review

Oath: A Black diamond novel by Poppy Kuroki is a dark fantasy-themed story. The plot is revolving around the strong female protagonist, Colette. This is her journey for survival and a better life. The whole story is narrated in a very unique manner. Whenever Colette’s journey hit a dead end, the plot is twisted and she unwillingly lands on entirely different circumstances. Her helplessness in these situations was heartbreaking. Hope is the only thing that gives her the strength to overcome these situations. She undergoes many transformations throughout the story. They all are for survival. But she remains true to her character. The climax underlines her character and it was satisfying from a reader’s point of view.

Strong female characters are one of the unique features of Ms Kuroki’s book. Another recurring theme I found was the sisterhood. The depth of human relationships is tested in her novels. She delves into the deepest human emotions and mold her characters with a touch of charisma. These characters are relatable and realistic. The portrayal of hunger was raw and convincing. No matter how the world progress, greed, and war remain so is poverty.

These strong themes are projected with clarity in the story. The female protagonist in the world ruled by females is a strong perspective. People bend rules for their advantages. Surviving in this world is difficult. But one must overcome every difficulty to realize our true character and destiny.

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fantacy, Fiction, historical fiction, supernatural, Thriller, Young-Adult

TIMESTAMPED: Book One- Postmarked Yesteryear by B. Patrick Bruce | Review

TO PROTECT THE FUTURE, WE MUST FIRST CORRECT THE PAST…

With the passing of her grandmother, and the inheritance of an antique holiday postcard collection, fourteen-year-old Rebecca Renford discovers she is a time corrector. Guided by interdimensional overseers and aided by a handsome, humanized computer historian (called a Continuant), with the selection of each vintage postcard from her album, Rebecca must travel back in time to help rewrite historical wrongs. Battling the omnipotent void and its never-ending roster of evil time disruptors (aka the Clan Gryves), Becca, as she is known by all who love her, is determined to seek vengeance for the deaths of her father and grandmother, Penelope Renford—the most recent time corrector. Smart, feisty and fearless, endowed with magical gifts she has yet to fully comprehend, Becca will stop at nothing until every last member of the Clan Gryves has been banished forever…back into the void, where all evil begins…and all evil belongs!

Title: TIMESTAMPED: Book One- Postmarked Yesteryear 

Author: B. Patrick Bruce

Pages: 294

My review

Timestamped: Book 1 of Postmarked yesteryear is a surprisingly original blend of supernatural and fantasy themes. The plot is fresh and captivating. I can guarantee that this strong female protagonist has the potential to go above and beyond in upcoming books. The plot is twisted to create a parallel world that is acting as a channel in time traveling. But the brilliance of this story lies in, how well the fantasy elements are woven with them.

A new world is created by blending past and present. The ability to travel back and forth in time does not come without responsibility. Becca is gifted and she must fulfill her destiny. She is fearless and determined. But she has to find everything on her own. Even the ability for time correction comes at her without any clue. This creates a sense of mystery and thriller. Becca’s journey is through an unknown path with awaiting dangers that can possibly threaten her life. The only thing that helps her in this journey is her intelligence and attitude.

One of the striking features of this book other than this unique plot is the prologue. A horrible crime is introduced right away on the first page itself. Because of that unusual beginning, I was so eager to connect this incident with the plot. But the author carefully delayed it and that incident is re-introduced only after the time was ripe.

The story is slow-paced at the beginning because the author took the time to introduce the background and characters. But once the main theme is uncovered, it quickly regains its pace. Then the whole story is like an unending maze, opening new doors one after another and giving new dimensions to the story.

Definitely, this is a masterpiece and I’m eagerly waiting to read the next installment in this series.

Rating: 5/5

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fantacy, supernatural

Wild Hearts (Mermaids of Cornwall Book 1): A heartwarming romance set in Cornwall by Amaya Hart|Review

A lonely cottage sits peacefully by a secluded beach. Serenaded by the sea, and the beauty of the surrounding hillside. Home to two sisters – Olivia and Rosie – with mystical abilities.One day, the unconscious body of a man washes up on the beach. Rosie discovers, while tending to him, that there is more to him than meets the eye.The interjection of this stranger in the sisters’ lives leads them down a road latent with discovery. Not only of their shocking identities. But also of love.Olivia took a step forward. A tentative one. Then more steps followed.

“Oly”, Rosie warned, refusing to follow her sister.

The closer Olivia got, the more the unknown form grew into clarity, until she was staring at a young man, faced down in the sand, wet, and naked, with the waves lapping at his feet.He was still. Lost to the clinginess of the sand in which he lay, or any feeling at all, except for that of oblivion.

“Go get some clothing, Rosie.” Olivia called.Rosie was hesitant. She didn’t want to leave her sister behind with a stranger, even though he appeared dead.

“Rosie.” Olivia called again. And she ran off. In no time, she returned with a huge towel, which she flung towards Olivia. Olivia picked it up, spread it open, and draped it over the lower half of the man’s body. Then she turned him over, slowly, covering him up in the process.Olivia then noticed movement, the quiet up-and-down of the man’s chest. It was so faint, she hadn’t noticed it at first. He was alive. Olivia felt the cold flush of relief. And she didn’t know why.Like as if a veil lifted off her eyes, the young man became more prominent, his beauty coming into focus. He had a swimmer’s body, lean, strong toned muscles, long dark lashes, shoulder-length black hair glossy with wetness…Then Olivia saw other things. A trail of red running down his forehead. Cuts, like little lips, all over his arms.

“Everything okay?” Rosie called out.

“Go get the doctor, Rosie.” Olivia replied.

“Is he…”

“Just get the doctor.” Olivia said, cutting her off.

Rosie turned, and sprinted towards the cottage. Soon, a brown truck pulled out the backyard, and took the dirt track leading to the village some miles away.

Title: Wild Hearts (Mermaids of Cornwall Book 1): A heartwarming romance set in Cornwall

Author: Amaya Hart

Pages: 124

My review

Wild Hearts is a perfect blend of mystery and romance. The slowly unwinding mystery builds curiosity from the beginning itself. It has a perfect beginning. The author structured this book without losing the suspense. The characters and plot are introduced right away without any introduction or background narration. Their past is slowly introduced at specific points. The mystery is looming at every corner of their cottage in that secluded beach. Many questions are left unanswered at the end. The mystery is yet to resolve. This way the author sets a plot for the other books in the series.

This story has the potential to go above and beyond our imagination. The characters have the depth to carry the story. What I really liked about the plot is the strength of sisterhood. The bond between Olivia and Rosie is very special. They are not only connected with blood but also through mystery. By introducing a stranger to their peaceful life, the author has disrupted their routines. This will let them to explore the unknown. Their journey to finding themselves only began now.

A must-read for all romance lovers.

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fantacy, Science Fiction, Thriller

The Next Step by Adrian Siska | Review

The story revolves around Adam Moore, the son of groundbreaking innovators and founders of the leading company in the android industry based in San Francisco. It’s the second half of the 21st century and androids have become a part of the every day’s routine in all aspects of life.

Take on an epic journey throughout Adam’s life from his childhood to his adult years to find out what will be the next step in the evolution of androids. You will witness a fascinating story about love and the ultimate fight for happiness.

Title: The Next Step

Author: Adrian Siska

Pages: 241

My review

The Next Step by Adrian Siska is a beautifully written sci-fi thriller. The premise of android technology and artificial intelligence is not a distant idea now. But I was curious to find out what will be the next step. What will be our immediate future?

I am always looking forward to this kind of stories. I’m curious to explore the extent of imagination and innovation that an author can create through their sci-fi books. For me getting lost in this new world is very easy. Every impossible idea becomes possible because of our imagination. The extend of control over our brain determines the height of craziness in the idea. The modern world is built on this capability. We are already familiar with the power of artificial intelligence and its possibilities. But what will be the next step in this field? What will be the next impossible?

I must say the author has created a very good answer for this question. It is not a mind-blowing idea because it is only “the next step”, the next possibility. The story is more realistic in this sense. It is believable. The characters are developed very well over time. Almost ninety percent of the story revolves around Adam Moore. His emotions, pain, friendship, love, intelligence are explored throughout the story. It was heartwarming to see how Adam has picked up the pieces of his broken life and create another beautiful family amidst conspiracy and deception. The bond he has with Kim is so special. This relationship has been grown beyond limits over the years. We can witness how she becomes an integral part of his identity. That’s why he was determined to surpass his limits. He is a true warrior.

The brilliance of this story lies in the attention to details. The author has included every problem that may arise with the spread of automation. It was scary to know these. But it is the future.

A brilliant work indeed.

Rating:5/5

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Children's books, Fantacy, Thriller

Bubba in Phantom Weenie : A fun Halloween mystery adventure with our Dachshund friends! by Greg LeFrancis

This spooktacular story follows our three weenie dog friends, Bubba, Hannah, and Amber, and their bird buddy, Yellow Boy through a fantastic Halloween night full of tall tales and trickery which in turn teaches one dog a lesson about stealing. A book for children ages 5 and up.

Title: Bubba in Phantom Weenie : A fun Halloween mystery adventure with our Dachshund friends! (Bubba and Friends Book Series 1)

Author: Greg LeFrancis

Pages:

My review

A perfect story for this Halloween!

Bubba in Phantom weenie is the celebration of this Halloween season. Written in the background of Halloween celebrations, this story is about three friends, Bubba, Hannah and Yellow boy. Their enthusiasm to celebrate the most awaited season is quickly intervened by another pirate dog, Amber. She tricks them for her selfishness. The three friends, together recover from the pitfall and celebrate the season happily at the end.

The beautiful story is accompanied with colourful illustration. The vibrant illustrations can strike a chord of imagination for sure. The author has made a small mystery thriller through very less pages and words. The story is written in a way to create curiosity to know what will happen next. In the climax, a valuable message of honesty and sincerity is also delivered. Loved the illustrations and story!

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fantacy, Fiction, Science Fiction, Thriller, Young-Adult

Before the Origin by F.S. Bala | Book review

Much has changed. Climate change has inspired a new generation of discrimination – one where the mutation of a hereditary gene has become the greatest crime. The others – a minority kept silent for years are now up to something sinister.

Agent Amy Taff has moved through the world unnoticed until the recent disturbances in an otherwise perfect utopia require her expertise. Desperate to make her mark, Amy is hurled into a world of mystery and magic, deeply rooted in ancient African folklore. Discoveries that threaten her life and could not only change her reality but hold far-reaching implications for everyone on the face of a lone continent. Follow her into an epic tale that begins with accepting a new job at Scythe. Where it ends could swing the scales of balance toward life or death.

Title: Before the Origin

Author: F.S. Bala

Pages: 124

My review

Have you ever been in a maze that keeps shifting again and again when you tried to escape? No? This story will give you the same experience. It will give you a feeling of unending mysteries.
All sci-fi thrillers have the same beginning. They will transport us to a new world. A world which that can only build through our creative capabilities. Then we start to solve the puzzles. The puzzles are twisted, to keep it interesting to play. In the end, the puzzle is solved. But this is not that typical sci-fi thriller.

The story keeps twisting again and again. There is no end in this maze. We will keep traveling back and forth, future and past. In the end, an entirely new dimension of the story is uncovered.
I’m truly mesmerized by the beautiful writing style. How easily the author has carried a complex story without creating any loopholes but creating suspense and confusion at times. It was so exciting for me to turn each page. Because I was eager to know what happens next.

At first, I thought that the author is narrating some parallel storylines, just like others. But it was not parallel storylines. It is all a part of one story. It was quite thrilling for me to come across each piece of that story and how it is connected to each other. The climax gave me a feeling that the best part is yet to be released. The cliffhanger is enough to keep the curiosity high till the next part.  A must-read for all sci-fi lovers.

Rating:5/5

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fantacy, Fiction, Thriller, Young-Adult

Kat Doggers: Superspy: Book 1 of the Kat Doggers Series by Austin Stack

Kat Doggers is more than an ordinary house cat. She’s also a secret agent of F.U.R., the feline spy team that protects the world from evil genius snails, master criminal fish, and the red dot of doom. Kat is ready for her first day on the job, but instead of an easy assignment, she chooses to go on a super-important special mission with two of F.U.R.’s best agents.

When the mission goes terribly wrong and her team gets captured, will Kat be able to save the day all on her own?

Title: Kat Doggers: Superspy: Book 1 of the Kat Doggers Series

Author: Austin Stack

Pages:54

My review

Kat Doggers is living a dual identity. She is an ordinary house cat by day and a high-tech superspy by night. She is the rookie agent in the elite Feline Undercover Regiment (F.U.R) and awaiting her first mission. An unforeseen incident lands her in an unexpected mission with two other top agents, one is her cousin and the other is her idol. But this high-risk operation goes wrong and it is up to Kat to solve the mystery and rescue her fellow agents. Will she able to rise to the occasion?

Kat Doggers: Superspy is a well-written mystery thriller. The author never attempts to drag the story to unnecessary details. The story sticks to the crime and investigation. Over the course of the investigation, this story teaches us many lessons. One of such important lesson is believing in our abilities. If we believe in ourselves, we can defy all odds. We have to earn the stripes. No one will respect you until and unless we show them what we can do. It also points down to the importance of knowledge and analytical skills. This quirky, hilarious blend of characters creates a full-fledged entertainment throughout the story.

Amina Thajudeen Author Interview, Book Tour, Fantacy, Fiction, Thriller, Young-Adult

An Interview with Blair James Steward| Author of “Miracle Uprising”

Today I’ll be hosting  author Blair James Steward on my blog. His book “Miracle Uprising” is available on Amazon.com

Me: What inspired you to start writing Miracle Uprising?

Blair: I was given a lot of pain with the life I was given. I needed an outlet to vent this agony and to escape my reality. Miracle Uprising was the world I created to make sense of everything in my mind. It was a free therapy tool.

Me: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

Blair: I was very young, I would write down elaborate stories as a kid. I did not know that it was my escape at the time, but it was. I was probably about 10 years old when I chose writing as a source of expression.

Me: How long have you been writing?

Blair: Well, 20 years if you want to pair it with the last response. I published my first book almost 4 years ago. I worked as a freelance writer before that, but they were more informative than creative.

Me: What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?

Blair: Editing is such a struggle for me. I’m good at it, I just hate it. Any writers that are reading this and love editing should consider themselves lucky.

Me: What is the most surprising thing you discovered while writing your book?

Blair: It really is a freeing process. I was homeless, and the only thing that kept me alive was the ability to write in a public library. I’ve been blessed tenfold since then, but I still find freedom in creative writing.

Me: Who is your favourite author, and why?

Blair: J.R.R. Tolkien and Mitch Albom are tied. Tolkien can create depth and reality with his own vision. Albom can explain feelings that nobody else can find words for.

Me: What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

Blair: To be perfectly honest with you, I have found this influence in lyrics. Pink Floyd has explained my agony back to me in three separate albums. The Beatles turn words in emotion like nobody else can. Led Zeppelin is a quenching taste of both of these elements. If I had to put them in order, I would say The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd.

Me: Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?

Blair: Do not hesitate to write your thoughts down. Write everything you want to express and don’t look back. That’s what editing is for, and perhaps why I hate it.

Me: If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Father, Husband, Anomaly

Me: Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with your readers about?

Blair: I am working on the sequel to Miracle Uprising. Fans, please be patient with me. I have two children in diapers, and I am a full-time student. Thank you so much for the overwhelming support!

About the Book

The book is originally published independently in 2017 but it received an update in 2020. The story is about a boy that has to face multiple battles in his teenage life. Forbidden love and facing actual warfare is just part of his life, but his biggest challenge he needs to face is the internal battle. A mental battle defines his everyday life. This book is the biography of the protagonist, a boy who is just seeking understanding and relief. The author wrote this book during the worst years of his life and this story helped him to cope with depression and the traumatic past, it was his escape from the real world. The book uses a lot of characteristics of high fantasy books. If you want to dig into the rabbit hole, this psychological thriller is definitely a unique choice.

Purchase here: Amazon.com Amazon.in

About the Author

Blair James Steward is an avid fan of psychological thrillers and enjoys writing books that’ll keep people guessing until the very last page. As a father, he also hopes to instill a love of reading in his children. After telling them stories, he finally decided to write out the stories he tells them into children’s books so other families can enjoy them.

With five books written, he’s always focused on the next story he wants to tell. Blair lives in Montgomery, Pennsylvania, with his wife and children. When he’s not writing, he’s making music, being a family man, and searching for inspiration for his next stories.

Reach out to Blair Facebook Instagram