Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fiction, Young-Adult

Courage Caroline: A Romance Novel by Heather Nadine Lenz | Review

One act of courage can begin to change your life in more ways than you can imagine.

Caroline is determined to live her dream of building a profitable branding business, even if it means still living with her Grandma. But investing all her time into building her business means she’s lost contact with the outside world- except the owners of the local cafe where she picks up her morning coffee.

In exchange for a branding package, Caroline agrees to accept a lifetime of free coffee and pastries from Annie and Dan. So what if she doesn’t need the extra padding to her hips? Never in a million years did she think helping Annie would lead her to Jolan. When Jolan invites Caroline to yoga class, she can’t say no. So what if she’s shy, feels she looks terrible in yoga pants, and has never done yoga before?

She can figure this out, right?

Jolan is everything Caroline doesn’t think she deserves, but his unexpected insecurities, sweet nature, and warm laugh only make her want to get closer. Then comes the chance of a lifetime: Jolan invites her to go to New York City with him.

New York City. Perfect guy. A growing business. With everything beginning to go so right, what could go wrong? Caroline is about to find out.

Title: Courage Caroline: A Romance Novel

Author: Heather Nadine Lenz

Pages: 266

My review

Courage Caroline is a well-crafted romance novel. This is a very interesting story narrated in an exceptional style. The whole story is focused on the journey of Caroline. She runs a successful personal branding business and determined to expand it beyond heights. Her quiet life is quickly changed by the introduction of Jolan. Her life is changing. But she can’t escape the problems that bought along with these new relationships.

What I really loved about this story is its deep essay on strength of relationships. We meet many people in our life. Some may stay, some may leave. But those who stay will carve a deep bond in our hearts. The emotions developed in these relationships have the potential to change our lives forever. This depth is captured without losing its rawness or intensity. It is portrayed in a very realistic manner. You can spot these characters in your own life.

Though this is primarily a romance novel, it also touches on many contemporary issues, especially regarding women. The 21st century has bought changes in the thoughts and encouraged women to be independent not only financially but also emotionally. Their aspirations only come true if they dare to face them. Caroline is a role model in this world. She faces her fears with determination and confidence. She spoke the language of independence. We can witness her transformation throughout the story. Her life comes into a full circle at the end.

Overall, the author has narrated a beautiful slice of story filled with emotions and inspiration.

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fiction, Young-Adult

Anticipation by J.N. Eagles | Review

Anticipation is a novelette length story that follows the ups and downs of Briana and Dillon’s relationship. When Dillon plans a special night together on his boat, he’s actually planning to ask her to take the next step in their relationship. The evening doesn’t go as smoothly as he hoped, and his question isn’t exactly what Briana had expected.

Title: Anticipation

Author: J.N. Eagles

Pages:55

My review

A slowly unwinding romance that feels like a cool breeze from the scenic secluded beach.

This story touched the bottom of my heart and lingered there reluctant to leave for so much time. I could not turn the last page without dissolving into tears. It was that much filled with emotion. True to the title, anticipation is a beautiful slice of romance. With each taste, it will cover you in the eternal feeling of love.

I could not emphasize more on the beauty of writing in this novelette. It is accurate, structured without dragging any emotions too much and progressing at a steady pace. The author has poured her magic through very few words. It is hard to believe that she had weaved a beautiful tale without losing the intensity inside this novelette. This is a perfect example of craft and talent.

Dillon and Briana lives among us. Their love is true and deep. They hit few dead ends, but eventually their love prevails amidst all odds. It bonds two hearts into one. Their relationship has ups and downs. They have their indifference. But both of them know one thing beyond any doubt- they are meant to be together. This is the heart of this story. I loved the characters and how the story was framed.

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fiction, short story

Crooked Creek: A Comedy about Writer’s Block and a Neurotic Home Owners Association by Fredrick Robertson | Review

Billy’s first novel launched him into literary stardom. Now all he has to do is write a second book. His decision to move back to his home town might not have been in his best interest. His Neurotic home owner’s association has different plans to manipulate and distract him.
This novella was created to make you laugh. If you have ever been part of a Home Owner’s Association than you know what I am talking about. The length of this novella was done on purpose so you could enjoy so many laughs by the pool, beach, or playground and then move on with your busy life. You will laugh out loud. Be prepared. This is the new Second Edition that has been professionally edited.

Title: Crooked Creek: A Comedy about Writer’s Block and a Neurotic Home Owners Association

Author: Fredrick Robertson

Pages: 73

My review

Crooked Creek is a perfect getaway from our hectic work life. The author is serving you a series of laughs with a pinch of satire.

Billy is an author who landed in literary stardom after publishing his first book. His agent and publishers are pushing him for another work. But he is struggling with writers’s block. He decided to move out to a condo in the quiet suburb to overcome this issue. All his plans get quickly derailed as the Home Owners Association decided to indulge and make his stay even more painful. Billy has to fight hard to cut himself loose from the strangling rules and sadistic people who determined to make his life miserable.

Although this is a hilarious account of the deceptive nature of people who pledged to make others life miserable, it offers more than that. Billy lands on a series of problems. All his attempts to boost his creativity are mercilessly crushed by these people. They are deliberately targeting him. People are squeezing others for their profits. They are eagerly waiting for new owners to hook their claws on. At some point, I felt sorry for Billy. He was helpless in some situations. I was pretty satisfied at the end because finally he turned around and used this circumstance for advantage. It was the befitting reply.

The author has done a fascinating job with narration and characterization. This novella might be tagged as end-to-end humor, but I can clearly see how he created empathy with very few words. That is the magic this book offers. It is a survival story but a hilarious one!

Check out the book here: Amazon.com Amazon.IN
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, Fiction, Thriller

Winston Churchill’s Renegade Spy by Steve Haberman | Review

Mid-1940, the darkest of the nights for Britain during WWII. Adolf Hitler’s unstoppable military has conquered most of Europe, including France, only twenty miles from the English coast. It is now set to conquer the island-nation itself. Plotting to aid this onslaught, a German spy lurks somewhere within Winston Churchill’s government.

​Such is the dire news an emissary of the prime minister secretly brings to disgraced Churchill bodyguard, Jonas Shaw, an ex-New York City detective, along with a plea: help discover the agent before the Nazis invade. Shaw has faced many challenges in his eventful life, but none as dangerous and fateful as this one, helping save Western civilization. First in a series.

Title: Winston Churchill’s Renegade Spy

Author: Steve Haberman

Pages: 265

My review

Winston Churchill’s Renegade Spy is a blend of action, politics, mystery, and conspiracy, all set in the background of WWII. Britain is on the verge of invasion and the prime minister suspects the presence of a German Spy within his government. Jonas Shaw, who was previously worked as Churchill’s bodyguard is bought back to find out the identity of this spy. This is his journey through conspiracy filled ditches of politics where greed is a prestigious possession. As he dives deep into this, the plot slowly unwinds. His suspicion changes with the introduction of new characters and twists. With the time running out, this grueling investigation is taking a toll on everyone’s life.

This is undoubtedly a well-written story. The deceptive nature of humans and how it frames the face of a generation is the crux of this story. The author transports us back to the exact scenario of WWII from the first page. The fear and misery bought by an imminent invasion is convincingly portrayed in the story. The economical and social challenges and how it has affected the lives of civilians are also mentioned. Although this is a very fast-paced thriller, the author has tactically introduced a vivid portrait of the war-wrecked society inside it.

A must-read for every thriller lovers.

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

The Pyr: Book 1: The Fated Pyr series by Lorena Wood| Review

Shay doesn’t even know what she is when she is thrown helpless to the human world. Finding her power, and her self-control has been so overwhelming she doesn’t plan to survive. Her attack on the powerful leaders of the Fated is just one of many attempts to end it all.

Aiden knows as soon as he sees the beautiful woman drop into the middle of the Sacred Forest. She has to live, and it is up to him to make it happen. The only way to protect the traumatized young Pyr is to use brutal honesty, and all his alpha wolf skills. Stirring up a race war may not be ideal, but it’s the only way to save the woman who will be his mate.

The engaging new fantasy read from Lorena Wood, Paranormal Romance Author. This time, the worlds of shifters, elves, and vampires collide with a new race unknown to most humans. The Pyr are mysterious and powerful, yet only a few remain.

Title: The Pyr: Book 1: The Fated Pyr series

Author: Lorena Wood

Pages: 222

My review

The Pyr Book 1 of The Fated Pyr series by Lorena Wood is a beautifully written paranormal fantasy thriller. Fated are the races who are not purely homo sapiens. They consist of powerful elves, shifters, witches and vampires. Humans are coexisting with fated but with little knowledge about their existence and capabilities. Shay belongs to one of the rare fated species which was believed to be extinct for a long time. She lived all her life among humans trying to blend in, unsuccessfully. Realizing that this effort is vain, she is now trying to end her life. To make it happen she has to wage a war among fated. Aiden, a powerful Alpha shifter was magically drawn into Shay from the very first moment they met. Being an insider, he is well aware of the conspiracies looming inside the elite ruling class. Along with this, he is unable to convince Shay to change her mind. Torn between conspiracies and love, this is his battle for survival and love which in turn determines the fate of all the species.

This is a beautifully woven paranormal romance. The author has blended mythical paranormal beings with the ordinary lives of human beings. They have very similar traits and behaviours. Their hunger for power, domination, greed, love…everything is poured through words. The outcome is not less than a perfect thriller.

We are witnessing most of the story through the eyes of Shay or Aiden. This alone makes a perfect plot for a thriller by building curiosity after each page. Shay has little knowledge about her races and wars, whereas Aiden is fully aware of the hidden agendas and conspiracies. This is an impossible plot for romance. But the author carefully unravelled an unlikely romance in this situation.

All the main characters are portrayed very well throughout the story. The depth of their emotions is unveiled at specific points not only to make it interesting but also to give another dimension to the story. This momentum is carried until the climax.

Overall, this is a must-read for every paranormal lover.

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fiction, Thriller

Brooklyn’s Song by Sydney Arrison| Book review

Brooklyn Pierce has just witnessed an attempted assassination, and Detective Song Kai and his partner, Detective Mattice Blake, are on the case.

But as the story progresses, sparks begin to develop between Brooklyn and Song, providing the reader with a storyline overflowing with sensuality, compassion and romance amidst the onset of drama, tension, suspicion, deception and murder and an explosive ending, which you will never see coming.

Title: Brooklyn’s Song

Author: Sydney Arrison

Pages:272

My review

Brooklyn’s song is carefully woven, beautifully crafted crime thriller. The story opens with the introduction lead character, Brooklyn Pierce, a teacher and philanthropist. Her father Sage Pierce, a self-made billionaire is the first elected African American Governor of New York. Brooklyn witnessed the attempted assassination of her father and his fiancé in the announcement ceremony for seeking next term. A gruelling investigation leading by detective Song Kai is underway. With the culprit freely roaming in public, can Brooklyn go back to her normal life? What will be the outcome of the investigation?

Crime thrillers always hold high interest in my reading list. We are following the detective and the whole story is seeing through his perspective. How he analyses and put each piece of the puzzle to solve a larger mystery determines the course of the story. This single point of view itself creates suspense. In this crime drama, we can experience everything, a heartwarming romance, love, family bond, betrayal, heartbreak and greed. Every little piece of emotion is carefully included and woven together with perfect moments in the story. The story quickly gets its pace from the second chapter itself. The author takes just enough time to introduce the lead characters. The mysteries are suddenly unveiled and the plot gets twists and turns at regular intervals. The narration is simple and free-flowing. We can easily follow the narratives of Brooklyn and Song. What makes this thriller a perfect one is there are no loose ends left at the end. Every mystery is solved and the puzzle is cracked in the climax. Even the author included a beautiful epilogue too to bring completeness to the 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, Fiction, Poems, poetry, Quotes, Self-Help

Star Dust: From Heaven to Earth We Fall by J.M. Pozon | Review

Star Dust is a intricately written collection of poetry, prose and short quotes centered around up lifting women of color as well as all our sisters around the globe. With the use of powerful words the author explores and navigates the themes of self love, healing, loss , and femininity. This is women’s empowerment at its finest.

Title: Star Dust: From heaven to Earth We Fall

Author: J.M. Pozon

Pages: 116

My review

Star Dust: From Heaven to Earth We Fall is a collection of poetry, prose and quotes that carries very deep underlying meaning. They are not easy to comprehend. Because it reflects the depth of pain. They hurl through the levels of misery and completes a full circle in the end, just like the stars in their orbits. This is the true voice of women, a compassionate, deeply hurt, uplifted and empowered women. These powerful poems can evoke a sense of pride in every woman’s heart.

The collection is divided into four sections. Each section has its unique theme that fits its place in the circle. I felt that the poems in the first section are more like rejecting the pain by remembering our worth. These poems bear the pain of lost love. Second section is all about realizing that worth. Accept that unique superpowers. Third section includes most empowering poems. They not only encourage to embrace our power but also counsel to use them most diligently. The final section is all about walking through that newly drawn path proudly. Be the woman you always wanted to be.

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.