Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fiction, short story, Young-Adult

Judgmental: Serenade Short Reads Book One by Riley Manning| Review

PARKER:

After being away from home for nearly a decade, my mother summons me back to Serenade to celebrate my father’s sixtieth birthday. I don’t want to go back and I have good reason, too. But when I return home and run into the former quarterback, it’s like I’m in high school all over again. My memories are still haunted by the football team’s efforts to humiliate me and I can’t seem to let go of the past.

COOPER:

My quarterback days lay way behind me, as I find myself struggling to make ends meet. After my father has died, and my mother’s gone to travel the world, I’m left dreaming of starting my own family. I also have a dream of opening my own pastry shop, but that may be too big of dream for me. When I meet Parker, I’m starting to wonder if I might get both after all…

Title: Judgmental: Serenade Short Reads Book One

Author: Riley Manning

Pages: 100

My review

A slowly blossoming romance in the background of beautiful Serenade.

Parker and Cooper are two entirely different characters. There is no similarity between them. Above all, Cooper is the same person that made Parker’s life hell at once. But love knows no barriers. It will blossom in very unlikely situations. This beautiful story underlines that. Moreover, we can witness, sometimes love can be so powerful that it will unite two souls regardless of their struggles.

The author has adopted a dual narrative style. We can look into the situation through both protagonists perspective. This made the whole story somewhat like a thriller. We will be anxious to know what will happen next.

I was curious about the title of this short read from the beginning. But I realized that this whole story is about being judgemental. The contrasting perspective of both leads makes the core of the story. Being judgemental means, being deeply prejudiced. Here we can see this mindset is slowly dissolved as another strong emotion takes over their feelings, which is love. Love is the cure for all the hate. It can unite people magically.

A beautifully penned, romance story indeed.

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fiction, Self-Help, Young-Adult

I Don’t Like Racism by Tymeka Coney | Book review

This book tells the story of racism through the eyes of a young African-American girl, DaNyla, and her experiences with racism as she witnesses her cousin involved in police brutality and she tries to understand why racism exists. She talks to her Mom, and her History Teacher about racism to better understand where it evolved, then she prays about it and decides to continue to dream and hope for change for a better tomorrow as she still continues to fight for what’s right peacefully all while still loving her family and her multicultural friends.

This story will teach all ages, genders and nationalities about racism and it seeks to inspire us all to unite and love one another despite the color of our skin.

Title: I Don’t Like Racism

Author: Tymeka Coney

Pages: 30

My review

“No one is free until we all are free” – Martin Luther King Jr.

The modern-day history of America is filled with police brutality and racial injustice. Although, the status has been changed a bit in recent times but not in the case of unjust murders of people of color by the hand of police officers. Amidst the height of protests, the killing continues. This book serves as an educational as well as an inspirational guide for children. We have to teach them the history of racism and how it has been evolved. Our children are the first victim of racism. Because they may face bullying and peer pressure in school due to their color. This will in turn deeply affect their emotional development. Insecurities will develop in their mind which will affect their career and education in the following years. The solution to all these problems is proper education on racism and its history.

Through this book, the author has attempted not only to give a proper education on racism but also to encourage the children to embrace their heritage proudly. Our skin color is not a measure of our abilities. Rather, it is a sign of rich cultural heritage. This knowledge will light up a sense of confidence in their mind. Only an unwavering confidence can help our children to achieve their dreams.

In the end, the book propels one message: hate is temporary, but love is eternal. Only love can unite everyone.

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

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, Fiction, Self-Help, Young-Adult

Little helper by Natalie P. Gump | Book review

In this story, our young boy wakes-up each day with sincere motivation to want to be of assistance, so much so that he considers it a very important position in life – as though it were his mission. In the delightful rhyming tale with colourful and inspiring illustrations, he sets out to be of service to each and every being that comes his way, including the worms! After all, being helpful gives his purpose and keeps him inspired to do the same each day.

Written for kids aged three to eight, the story makes a great early-reader’s book as well as a warm bedtime story to be read to them by a parent or caretaker.

Title: Little helper

Author: Natalie P. Gump

Pages: 21

My review

The worth of a human being is measured by how many lives he touched, not by the amount of money he made. The helping mindset is hard to create. Because it is the confession of our overall character. To inculcate this mindset in our children, we have to take steps from their early years. Little helper is one of those rare books that will help a parent immensely in this challenge. To help millions in our life, first, we have to start small, one step at a time. This book teaches that first step.

Our child’s education starts at home. This story follows a boy and his efforts to help his mom, dad, and little sister in their day-to-day activities. he illustrations are so captivating. This will help my child to think creatively. The story not only teaches us the importance of offering help to others, but also the qualities such as love, obedience, discipline, and fulfillment. Indeed a great addition to my collection.

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, Fiction, Thriller

Medical Executioner : A Killer In Disguise by Rashawn K. Campbell | Book review

In a small town, all hell breaks loose. A serial killer is on the loose. Gruesome murder becomes the reality. An unknown past secret to all except one. Luke must race against time to unlock the reason for the senseless killing in the town of Aldershot. Four people, one identity. Luke must find a way…

Title: Medical Executioner : A Killer In Disguise

Author: Rashawn K. Campbell

Pages: 77

My review

A gruesome murder wrecks havoc in the otherwise quiet Aldershot town. A serial killer is on the loose. People are afraid to go out in the night. A constant fear is looming over their lives. Luke Gay, the smart intelligent detective is transferred to Aldershot to investigate this case. Before he arrives at the town, the serial killer strikes again at the same spot, in the same manner. Luke was warmly welcomed to his new office by colleagues, especially by the Chief Coroner Mrs.Ferguson. But the atmosphere changed quickly by the next blow of serial killer. This time the victim was the only son of Mayor Summer, a dear friend of Luke. Luke was determined to solve this case because things are getting personal from here. But this mystery was not easy to solve. His investigation hits dead ends as he came to four suspects but unable to find a connection between them. Will he able to solve this mystery?

The plot is unique and strong. The author has narrated this thriller by keeping the suspense till the end. What makes this story an engaging read is, the multi-faceted personality of the killer. This leaves the protagonist confused all the time. Often we are unable to find the missing pieces of this puzzle. The intelligence of the cold-hearted killer sometimes outsmarts the protagonist. All these mysteries are solved only in the end. The story lacks conversations and narration is monotonous at some points. Apart from that, this is a very captivating read.

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.