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, Science Fiction, supernatural, Thriller

Nightmare Crouton (Nova Socio Book 1) by Todd Hallbauer

The events of September 11, 2001 changed the course of history. When the smoke cleared and the American people realized the scale of the threat facing their country, they demanded action. The government’s answer was to create an organization that could protect Americans from violent actors and prevent future massacres; an organization that is nimble, quiet, and deadly. The Central Intelligence and Defense Force was born. For twenty years, Americans slept soundly knowing that the skilled agents of the CIDF were deployed around the globe.

Suddenly, in the spring of 2023, the charismatic leader of a network of environmental extremists orders his followers to launch a bloody campaign. The series of devastating attacks in Seattle shakes the public’s faith in the CIDF. Following the government’s failures, a private security firm known as Red Star decides to confront the extremists themselves. They recruit Liam Kromer, a decorated soldier and disgraced law enforcement officer, to help hunt down those responsible for the carnage. When Liam goes undercover for his new employer, he learns that the recent attacks were part of a larger plan. His mysterious foes have a bold vision for the future, and they’ve spent decades preparing for war.

Title: Nightmare Crouton (Nova Socio Book 1)

Author: Todd Hallbauer

Pages: 414

My review

A perfectly written thriller

Nightmare Crouton is the first installment of the Nova Socio series. The story revolves around Liam Kromer, a disgraced law enforcement officer. The stage is set for Liam to unwind the mysteries rooted in terrorism. I find the theme of this book quite different. This story is a blend of contemporary political affairs, the threat of terrorism, environmental activism, future technologies, etc. It is so rare to find all these themes in a book.

Liam’s character is explored to a certain extent in this book. But he still has the air of mystery. This interesting characterization paves the way for the next book in this series. The creativity behind crafting a huge and complex story like this is remarkable. The author has connected many dots and subplots to finally solve the mystery. The narration is engaging and captivating. Because we are only introduced to a small portion of a large conspiracy at the beginning. The more we get closer to this mystery, the more it reveals.

The style of writing is good and simple to follow. The author has taken time to craft the characters with depth. One of the striking features of this novel is its gradual ascend into the future. It has a fair share of elements of sci-fi too. This interesting mix is surely a bundle of entertainment.

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, Children's books, Thriller, Young-Adult

Kay and Kai’s Kaleidoscopic Adventures by Brenell Ferguson-Saunders | Review

Kool, Kolors of Kreativity when learning science!

In the Kaleidoscopic Adventure Series, siblings Kay and Kai explore the magnificent natural world around them. In these short stories the siblings chronicle journeys of investigation and exploration. From learning about plants and animals, to the sun and moon, there is always something new to discover. For Kay and Kai the adventures are just beginning. Will you join them?

Title: Kay and Kai’s Kaleidoscopic Adventures

Author: Brenell Ferguson-Saunders

Pages:30

My review

Kay and Kai’s Kaleidoscopic adventures by Brenell Ferguson-Saunders is a beautifully illustrated and wonderfully narrated story. Kai is inviting us to join his little exploration. He uses his environment to gather more knowledge. He is trying to find answers about things around us. His mantra is Who? What? Where? Why? and how?

Inculcating curiosity is the first step towards education. This small story not only presents a message but also evokes the ability to think and question everything, before believing in them. This will encourage our children to pursue active learning rather than memorizing random facts from textbooks blindly.

The right learning should start from nature. It is where we all belong. It is an endless source of knowledge. That’s why the author adopted a science theme for this story. The author expressed this invaluable lesson through crisp and rhyming words.

Along with answering the basic question of plant growth, this story also conveys a beautiful message at the end. Ask questions, find things by yourself and it is the key to growth. This is nature’s law. Loved this incredible message.

Rating:5/5

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, supernatural, Thriller

THE TRIALS OF CHAUKHANDI by JASMINE YAMMANI | Review

Honor Killing is a global disease where cultural norms and principles are claimed to be violated by a female relative who dares… And the price… a death sentence. A victim could be hacked, stoned, burned at the stake, or buried alive. Different regions around the world have their choice of how they want to deal with this problem. But the result remains the same.
The Trials of Chaukhandi is a story of a girl who becomes a witness to one such crime.
Meher is not your average free thinker and feminist. She is courageous and independent, but her personality just added a new twist. She now has the power to see visions and can time travel.
A Pakistani born American, who visits her birthplace for a summer vacation, she suddenly finds herself a witness to a crime, testing her peaceful life, and questioning the meaning of life, her ultimate strengths, a sudden introduction into the world of supernatural and her faith.
An intoxicating tale of trials, tribulations and finally retributive justice set amidst the great deserts of Baluchistan province and the historical landmarks of Sind province of Pakistan. “The Trials of Chaukhandi” deals with issues in the blood and bones of many ancient cultural rituals and are still alive and thriving in today’s space age.

Title: THE TRIALS OF CHAUKHANDI

Author: JASMINE YAMMANI

Pages: 120

My review

What I really liked about the story is the liberal approach of the author. The story has a strong protagonist. She is someone who finds her strength in her faith. Faith is a solution to her in times of distress. But she is strong enough to stand for her ideals. The story uncovers the true face of a religious nation. This is an accurate portrayal of how people had supplemented patriarchy with the religion and bent the rules for their selfishness. Honor killings are the measure of deterioration of a society. This topic needs to be addressed. By choosing this subject for a novel, the author has raised her voice against this heinous crime.

The story is written in a very engaging manner. All the scenes are explained with attention to the details. The words captured the essence of the scenes, especially the scenes of kidnapping and murder in the beginning. The descriptions of this cold-hearted crime gave me a chill in the spine. The merciless behaviors of people are portrayed very convincingly. The whole story was following a single incident. The mystery was adding up from the beginning and everything that happened later resolves these mysteries.

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