Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fantacy, Fiction, Thriller

Criminally Crocheted: Book Four of the Fiber Mavens Series by J. Traveler Pelton| Book review

Welcome to Lyonsville, a serene village where English and Amish shops draw tourists by the busload for the atmosphere, food, and handmade crafts. Brad’s been promoted, Casey is expecting, and the Yarn Sisters are yarn-bombing the town. The new pastor’s little boys have a tendency to go streaking. When the yarn-bombing gets out of hand and half the Yarn sisters go missing, Casey and Brad have to find the culprit before someone gets hurt or she has this baby in the squad car. You are going to enjoy book four.

Title: Criminally Crocheted: Book Four of the Fiber Mavens Series

Author: J. Traveler Pelton

Pages: 124

My review

Criminally Crocheted is the fourth installment of the Fiber Mavens mystery thriller series. Lyonsville is a small settlement of English and Amish groups. The closely-knit families are leading a quiet life with mutual love and respect. Brad is a young, intelligent detective, who is recently promoted. His wife Casey is expecting. Their quiet life is suddenly disturbed by a new crimewave. The crime rate of the town starts going upwards. Brad has to solve this mystery very soon because things are getting too personal and complicated.

Criminally Crocheted is not a typical mystery thriller. Although this plot is too built upon crime and investigations, the background is very pleasant and colorful. The people are very cheerful. They are mostly engaged in their businesses. The mutual bond between families is so strong. All of them are dependent on each other. The helping mindset provides peace in this community. There is no room for any kind of crime in this town. Because of this nature, if something horrible happens, the entire town will fall into jeopardy. This makes the story even more interesting.

This thriller is written in a way that, the mysteries will add up, once you delve deep into the story. You need patience to unwind the whole mystery. The author keeps the suspense till the last chapters.

Altogether, this was a very enjoyable read.

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fantacy, Fiction, Thriller

Craving Alaska, how to savor the last frontier by Day Pesh Melba | Book review

Daphne G. Forest is bold, brisk, and as barbed as the 1940s movie star she resembles. Mother Miriam Bliss is a flamboyant figment of her imagination, a sort of whimsical vindication for an editor who confused Daphne with facts, which she knows (for a fact) only tend to exist. When Daphne’s fictitious commune of blasphemous gourmet wilderness nuns unexpectedly create a national stir, Daphne goes on the lam in Alaska, a frontier big enough for Italy and France to hide in. She meets Jason, a gold seeker, who introduces her to the native Gwich’in tribe in the Far North. Tribal leader Rachel King, who is fighting an uphill battle against Big Oil, stirs Daphne’s dormant sense of right and wrong and lands her on a whole new trajectory. That trajectory is about to collide with that of a gay commune in San Francisco, who have fallen hard and fast for Mother Miriam. They decide she and her wild sisters must materialize. What is real, what is magical, what is realistic magic and magical realism? The answers and more questions are found in the mythic and monumental proportions of the Great Land, Alyeska.

Title: Craving Alaska, how to savor the last frontier

Author: Day Pesh Melba

Pages: 320

My review

A brilliant, bold, unusual story immersed in magical realism. This is a rare combination of art that will take you to the next level of confusion and self-awareness. The writing style is unique. The author never attempts to create an empathy between the characters and the readers. Rather, the story is narrated from an outsider’s perspective, often slipping into satirical moments.

The story is very distinctive and it is presented without losing its innate charmingness. Daphne was indeed seeking a refuge in Alaska. Because she is someone who is torn between her natural rebellious nature and calm, principled outside demeanor. Her true expressions are behind this mask. In Alaska, the eternal wilderness evokes her spirit. She understands her true aspirations. The dilemma of choosing right and wrong is vested in one’s mind. This confusion brings out our true character. But the true craft of this story begins after that. How the author has connected this course to the life of gay commune in San Fransisco is the crux of this novel. This is like a non-ending dilemma that keeps unwinding.

I know why the author has chosen Alaska to tell this story. Only the wilderness of Alaska can match the magical realism in this story. The background supplements the thread in every way.

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fantacy, Fiction, Thriller

Perdition: Book one The Devil Wore a Brown Suit Series by Amanda Arndt | Review

Perdition and her Brother Damnation were born to serve the garden of Eden. As babies they are hidden in the underworld. When Daniel finds out his mother is still alive he escapes from the underworld to destroy the garden. Perdition follows after escaping her own personal hell. She is lost. She has no memories of how she got out or her personal hell. Book one of the devil wore a brown suit series is a look inside Perdition as she navigates topside trying to find out who she is.

Title: Perdition: Book one The Devil Wore a Brown Suit Series

Author: Amanda Arndt

Pages: 113

My review

Perdition: Book one The Devil Wore a Brown Suit series is a fantasy thriller crafted between the worlds above and below. Perdition and Damnation, the twin children of Venus and Lucifer are destined to serve the garden of Eden. But their parents wasn’t ready to give up their children to a life with no free will. Lucifer fled to the Underworld with the twins. Venus was trapped in the Garden after losing the fight with mighty Gabriel. Everyone in the underworld believed that Venus was dead. After many years, Damnation came to know that his mother is alive. He escaped the Underworld leaving behind his sister, perdition in the void. Perdition eventually got out of her personal hell but came to know that she is now in the topside. She has no memory of how she got out. She is approached by some unholy descendants. But soon she came to know that a war is imminent. What will be her destiny? Does she able to save the world?

The story is all about the transformation of Perdition. She was unaware of her capabilities. When she was tossed to the topside without any aid, she started to uncover her unique abilities. She was clueless in the beginning. But by the end of this book, we can witness a powerful celestial being, with mighty powers and determination. Her life is not bound to the darkness of the underworld. She belongs to the topside. This is her journey to self-discovery.

The story is fast-paced, leaving little space for any emotional attachments. New characters and situations are introduced in every chapter, which drastically changes the course of the entire story. Overall, this was a unique fantasy thriller read.

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fantacy, Fiction, Thriller

The Amazon Legacy: Gods & Queens by Zenay Bekele Ben-Yochanan | Book review

An embittered wager between Zeus and Hera results in the banishment of the most powerful Amazon leader, Queen Elektra. Sent to Hades, she leaves behind the Golden Girdle, holder of mysteries and granter of the gift of immortality to its rightful owner. In Elektra’s absence, two fierce warriors rise. Teigra-a lone wolf who has suffered a life of unspeakable brutality as a slave. Forced to earn her living as a cage fighter, she endures by way of her cunning wit, quick reflexes, and lethal strikes. As a hired assassin, loyal only to the highest bidder, a chance encounter with the Girdle reframes her entire destiny. Thea-raised and trained as a Sondra. The elite warriors of the Amazon tribe and held in the highest esteem among their people, the Sondra’s’ mission is to eliminate any outside threat. But a new directive takes shape for Thea when a seer repositions her path toward finding the legendary Golden Girdle. The battle to recover the Girdle pits warrior against warrior, both unaware of each other’s existence until they are sent on a perilous quest with impossibly high stakes. In this cruel and bloody journey set deep in an ancient world of slavery, torture, and clashing kingdoms, our fated warriors fight for their core beliefs and survival. On opposite sides of a grand, savage battle, each woman is driven to dominate the other by a shared prophecy and an instinctual force to outlive and outlast.

Title: The Amazon Legacy: Gods & Queens

Author: Zenay Bekele Ben-Yochanan

Pages: 362

My review

The Amazon Legacy: Gods & Queens is a mystery thriller inspired by Greek mythology. The Greek gods are no stranger to the self-consuming ego and waging war for domination over another. But what will happen if they decide to extend their wagers by involving mortal humans? Can they live up to the expectations of God? What will be the price to pay if they couldn’t? This story is crafted around this curiosity.

From the beginning itself, I was curious to learn three things, what caused the downfall of Elektra, what is the relation between Thea and Teigra, and who will get the Golden girdle. One after another, these questions kept me hooked to the story from beginning to the end. The story is narrated smoothly, connecting the answers to the raising questions. It is one of the best thrillers I have ever read, in this sense. Even at the end, the author has opened another dimension of this fascinating story to keep the readers guessing. The idea left behind in the end has immense potential to develop into an outstanding sequel.

Throughout the story, I felt a bag of emotions. It was a rollercoaster ride through emotions like ego, domination, courage, helplessness, revenge, greed, love, independence, and freedom.

Overall, this was a beautiful story indeed.

Rating:5/5

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

The Barkuu: Dawn of a species by Lauren Wright | Book review

A mysterious cloud appears in space and then envelopes the planet for a day; to avoid cataclysm, humanity digs in. When they emerge, they find the air scrubbed clean, and massive metallic objects strategically placed throughout the world.

A new society forms from the ashes, will humankind survive?

Title: The Barkuu: Dawn of a species

Author: Lauren Wright

Pages: 377

My review

What makes the sci-fi thrillers exceptional in the world of literature is its height of creativity. It is an expression of ones own imagination through words. When we are reading them, we are floating inside their creativity. The Barkuu: Dawn of a species is one of its kind story, that not only keeps you at the edge of the seat all the time but also keeps you thinking about the story over and over.

Many sci-fi thrillers are written on the concept of human invasion on other planets. They are very interesting to read because we love the feeling of exploration and expanding to unknown planets. But what if the roles are reversed. What if a superior species came to Earth and started to wipe out our population in billions? This is a horrific thought even to imagine. Through this story, we can experience this fear, competition for survival, and gradual vanishing of humanity. The aliens are so powerful and advanced which leaves you only one choice-RUN. Is this the apocalypse? Will humanity can survive this unforeseen catastrophe?

Overall, the plot is an excellent creation. There are too many characters in the story. Each of them is created to play a specific part. Initially, it was too difficult for me to connect the characters with the storyline. But this will ease when the story progresses. Throughout the story, the author reminds us of the destruction we have done to this planet, our very own home. There will be a payback time. This story is a reminder for it.

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fantacy, Fiction, Thriller

I Was Called Barabbas by M.D. House | Book review

We know precious little of the man called Barabbas, a contemporary of Jesus of Nazareth. He is variously described in the historical record as thief, murderer, rebel, and notable Roman prisoner. His release by the Roman Prefect Pontius Pilate was part of the supernal plan for the Christ to offer himself as the ultimate blood sacrifice, but it’s doubtful Barabbas understood any of that at the time.

Many have wondered what became of him, or rather, who he became after that fateful day. Someday we will know the answer, but in the meantime we can imagine that, like all of us, he too sought a path of personal redemption, imperfectly. 

Title: I Was Called Barabbas by

Author: M.D. House

Pages: 222

My review

This is the story of Barabbas, the prisoner who was released by Roman Prefect Pontius Pilate. It was him that Prefect was decided to sacrifice instead of Jesus of Nazareth. But this decision was not accepted and eventually Barabbas was released. The story took a brief turn here. We then came to know the past of Barabbas and how he ended up as a prisoner. The ferocious child who once wanted to be a Roman soldier and ran away from his family for his existence. He came back and became an apprentice to a tentmaker. But fate has better decisions for him. From a meager worker, he was transitioned to a Jewish rebel. He was not intended to do anything like this but he was bought into the war by destiny. But his real story begins after his release and crucifixion of The Christ.

He came back home to start a new life. With some surprise, he gets married to his love of life and started a family together. But what came after that is truly changed him. He was a damaged soul who believed that he is not worth saving. But the Lord has greater plans for him. His mercy has bestowed upon him and he finds his path eventually. Just like before, he wants a quite low life, but he was called into this war. He was needed on this journey. Moreover, he needed this new path for his salvation.

The story digs deep into the emotional account of Barabbas. His transformation from a common man to a leader was astounding. He was always immersed in self-doubt. But his courage and love saved him. They help him to rise beyond every obstructions. Although he was a deeply damaged soul, his path to salvation began in the moment he put his life before others. He was ready to sacrifice his life. This was his redemption.

The author has narrated a heart-wrenching tale of Barabbas rather beautifully. We are walking beside him throughout the story. His life was unpredictable. But it is what keeps him moving. I’m eagerly waiting for the next part.

Rating:5/5

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

Clan-X : Purple Slurp (Vol. Book 11) by Raphael Jones | Book review

Clan-X is a comic line that showcases the future in an advanced utopian-style society millions of years into it. In this particular issue, Xen and Julie Coolmaster travel to planet Galaxia only to run into Sherla Maximus, who is getting ready to begin her mission of traveling to a tribal planet for a shot at diplomacy with them.

Title: Clan-X : Purple Slurp (Vol. Book 11)

Author: Raphael Jones

Pages: 15

My review

Clan-X: Purple Slurp introduces us to a utopian style, ultra-modern, technologically advanced civilization. Xen and Julie Coolmaster are in Galaxia, a free state with plenty of options for entertainment. They are trying to get into the live performance of Sole Sonic, the extraordinary singer. But this is an impossible feat for them. In an attempt to get into the show and explore other fun options, they ran into Sherla Maximus, the warrior princess. She is enjoying her time in Galaxia before going to another mission as a world messenger.-

Just like all the other books in the Clan-X series, this one also features a fun story accompanied by good illustrations. A world were aliens, humans and all other living beings co-exist in peace. This world is filled with fun. You can enjoy and explore as much as you like!

This story brings us a hint of hope. An undivided world which is thriving through technological advancement. The illustrations are so colorful and add a vibrant effect to the story.

A must-read for every comic fan!

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Erotic fiction, Fantacy, Fiction, Young-Adult

Wanton Desires: Overcoming Sexual Inhibitions by Misty Musette| Book review

What happens when pure carnal instinct overrides deep-seated inhibitions?

The ‘Wanton Desires’ series narrates the real life experiences of women who came forward to share confidential stories of their spontaneous pursuit of the most secret and forbidden desires of their hearts – all in a quest for deliverance.

Whether it’s a romp with the pool boy while the husband is away on yet another business trip, finally giving in to a lustful maid’s advances, or sweetening a business deal with a journey into uncharted sexual territory, our participants lay bare every detail of their exploits and delve deeper into the innate hunger that made them break free from their natural inhibitions. 

Title: Wanton Desires: Overcoming Sexual Inhibitions

Author: Misty Musette

Pages: 39

My review

Wanton Desires is a bundle of adult romance tales that slowly ascends to the forbidden sexual encounters. Justifying the title of the book, this is a saga of overcoming sexual inhibitions. All the stories are centering on the deep sexual desires of women. The stories broke every barrier you can ever imagine. They go overboard when comes to the matter of desire and fulfillment.

All the stories are different from one another. This gives a much-needed freshness to each story. You can even feel it in the first story itself. The intensity and extremeness of the sexual desires are unimaginable whether they are for keeping a marriage together to random pleasures.

Unlike in the “Secret Confessions of Naughty housewives” by the same author, these stories not necessarily revolves around bored housewives. They range from career-driven successful women to experimental college teens. This is the unique feature of these tales.

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fantacy, Fiction, Thriller

Shaerlyn: Guardian of Eden Book 1 Angels of Zion saga by Yaakov C Lui-Hyden | Book review

A story of self- doubt to faith in a power greater than oneself. A story of an Angel, tired of the destruction and wars on Earth, leaves for a life of solitude after the Napoleonic Wars. Now, the forces of evil have grown and the Angels have dwindled and every Angel is needed in the battles ahead. So she is called back to service, she who once guarded Eden, now to guard a small Australian boy. 

Angels with flaming swords.
Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel and a full cast of the Angelic Host.
Lucifer and his minions doing their best to do their worst.
Flashbacks to a variety of biblical and historical events.

It has it all!

Title: Shaerlyn: Guardian of Eden Book 1 Angels of Zion saga

Author: Yaakov C Lui-Hyden

Pages: 141

My review

A true slice of creativity!

This is the story of Shaerlyn, a guardian angel wielding, flaming sword. She is tired of the war waging-destructive mindset of humankind and living her life in solitude for more than two hundred years. The immortal angel who was once guarded Eden is summoned once again by her King, for a new mission. A child will be born on the Earth, but his very own existence is threatened by demons. Shaerlyn is consumed by self-doubt because its been years that she touched her own sword. But she will do anything for HIM. She is determined to save this newborn. The path awaiting for Shaerlyn is not at all what she expected. The demons grew stronger than ever in her absence and she must find her courage and devotion to win over them.

The story presents an iconic protagonist Shaerlyn, the guardian angel in her astounding character. Although the author crafted all main characters as divine godly angels, they all have elements of human nature in their minds. They all are fighting because they want to prove their worthiness. They are fearing their impending fall if they lose a battle. So all battles are a do or die for them. The narration of fierce battles between angels and demons along with the wars in the Earth are breathtaking. The story kept me on the edge of the seat all the time. This is a perfectly crafted thriller in that sense.

The one idea that remains beyond this story is the catastrophic nature of wars. The history of mankind is inseparable from the history of wars. But these wars will ultimately lead humanity into the impending doom.

Rating:5/5

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

Diary of a Time Travelling Alien by Yaakov C Lui-Hyden | Book review

Written with a lively pace, plenty of action without being bogged down. A deliciously fun read of adventure, insights into the human condition, full of sarcasm and wit. Have a look inside and come on this journey with a reluctant alien time traveller, imprisoned on Earth.

Title:Diary of a Time Travelling Alien

Author: Yaakov C Lui-Hyden

Pages: 132

My review

This is a hilarious unique story of an Alien who is trapped in Earth. As the title suggests, the story is told through the several diary entries of this Alien. The uniqueness of this story lies in its perspective about mankind. It presents an outsider’s view on all the things in the Earth. His sarcastic approach extends beyond subjects such as our religions, customs, and the whole way of life. He presents an alternative lifestyle that he practiced back in his homeland. This lifestyle has everything that we lack. He compares both lives throughout the story. But the one thing that drives his life is his unending curiosity. He likes to explore and experience. What will happen if he decides to take things forward by taking over an actual human body?

What I liked most about this story is this gave me an alternative perspective about love and soulmate. The alien’s hatred towards wars and meat is quite hilarious and thought-provoking at the same time. I really liked the storytelling technique. Because it is one-sided and it is enough to bring sarcasm from beginning to end. The story is indeed gripping and enthralling.

Rating: 5/5