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, Fiction, Science Fiction, Thriller

The Trial of Summary James (Longman Jones, #1) by C.E. White| Book review

Longman Jones has seen several visions of murders. The problem is that those convicted of the murders are never the killers Longman sees. When Summary James is tried and convicted for a murder he didn’t commit, Longman is determined to rescue him from the nation’s only prison.

The Trial of Summary James is a novella set within an alternative history involving a North America where the United States was never born, because the colonists lost the Revolutionary War, the British freed the slaves, and a massive migration from Africa and the Caribbean empowered Black and Native Americans to help build a nation called the Carolina Union in their image.

Title: The Trial of Summary James (Longman Jones, #1)

Author: C.E. White

Pages:

My review

The Trial of Summary James is a story set in the alternative history of the present-day United States of America. The Britishers won the American Revolutionary war partly with the help of slaves. The slaved are freed in the aftermath and they founded a state in the Carolina coast along with other migrated African and Carribeans. This black state in North America is known as Carolina Union.

Longman Jones is a former journalist who is now working as a freelancer. He has a rare gift of having visions about murders. But in all the cases, someone is wrongly accused and sentenced. He takes this upon himself and rescues the convicts. In one of such trials revolving around Summary James, he met Sonata Holmes, a barrister. She is an empath and senses Longman’s secret talent. He is quickly drawn into her and shares most of his secrets in the very first meeting. But things are getting out of control and this time it will be not easy for Longman to rescue Summary as he did before. As both of them dig deeper in this case, they encounter many dark secrets that is slowly engulfing the society.

Honestly, I had high hopes about this novella, particularly because of its setting. You can easily tell a story without crafting a unique American history. But why the author has gone this far? The answer lies within the story itself. The present-day Carolina Union is not much different from any other developed country in this world. But humanity is essentially flawed. The race for power, money, and authority has been blinded people and they are consumed by greed. It is just like a rabbit-hole. The more you get, the greedier you become.

The author has portrayed every raw emotion of people without losing its intensity. Usually, for a novella, the character development might be not up to the point. But the author has done a good job with this story. It is a gripping thriller with good characterization. He is managed to keep the suspense from beginning to the end. Even the protagonist too, falls in the web of suspicion from time to time.

Altogether, this novella certainly exceeded my hopes.

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, Comics, Thriller

Clan-X : Sherla – Warrior Princess Part-1 by Raphael Jones| Book review

Sherla Maximus, a superhuman from the advanced universe of Clan-X and looking to extend the militia by way of traveling to both infant and advanced planets, travels this time to a tribal planet for a shot a diplomacy, with some unexpected consequences…

Title: Clan-X : Sherla – Warrior Princess Part- 1

Author: Raphael Jones

Pages: 16

My review

Warrior Princess Part 1 introduces an extraordinary superhuman, Sherla Maximus. She possesses superhuman strength which enables her to kick the planets out of its orbits at her will. She is now working as a planetary surveyor and world messenger. Her goal is to identify infant and technologically advanced cities and persuade them to join with Clan-X to fight against The endless army. If not their destruction is assured. But when she landed on an infant planet named, Akiki, everything changed. Her arrival is predicted and destiny brings unexpected challenges to her.

The story is very interesting. The characters are developed with a unique touch. Even Sherla is illustrated as physically and mentally strong women. She knows the potential of her power. But most importantly she knows how to use it and control her power for the greater good.

The story is crafted just like a thriller. The plot quickly twists and the entire story changes. Sherla got her powers as a gift from the Gods. Because she is meant for extraordinary feats.

Overall this was a fun and meaningful read.

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

Extraction (Office Pool #2) by D.L. Blackburne | Book review

Office Pool is a coming of age story of an underachieving ink pen named Arthur “Arty” Bickerson.

Arty’s unique journey is chronicled as he must quickly navigate the vast differences between the complexities of his new life and responsibilities in “The Office” and life on the home desktop. More than just a pen, Arty is mentored along the way by his childhood guardian and coworker Stan Sharply.

As Arty gets orientated to his new role, he experiences so many highs and lows, with Stan there to help Arty navigate it all.

With humans set as the backdrop, these common everyday writing utensils each with unique personalities deal with family, friendship, success, love, peer jealousy, classism, along with high expectations, greed, and self doubt. Office Pool is a family friendly witty tale, set in a small fictional world of adventure.

Title: Extraction (Office Pool #2)

Author: D.L. Blackburne

Pages: 68

My review

This is the second installment of the Office Pool series, which picks up the story from where it ended in the previous book. Arty Bickerson, who finds himself in the position of a leader of a small group of pens. He set out a journey to rescue Stanley, his mentor, and father-figure with this group. On the other hand, Stanley is deep down in the inner sanctum facing the most feared arch-villain, King Glitter Smear in an attempt to set free many of his friends and family members who were taken as captive earlier. But in this process, Arty and Stanley along with others came to know about the truth that they are now edging towards the great final battle. Who will survive and who will perish?

After reading the first book, Orientation, I was greatly impressed by the author’s creativity to frame a story like this. A story in the world of utensils and stationery items where humans are pushed into the background. In the first installment, the author concentrated on building a unique plot with strong characters. It was detailed about the past and emotions of the protagonists. In this book, the story-line is more inching towards a great battle. Hence this is a fast-paced one. The story is now shifted like a mystery thriller. Throwing suspicions on various characters, the author has framed a good thriller among the world of pens.

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Thriller, Young-Adult

Blood on the Bayou: A Miranda Marquette Mystery by J.T. Kunkel | Book review

Miranda Marquette, self-made millionaire living in Malibu, is summoned by her cousin, Sabine to return home to New Orleans to solve a mystery. Miranda, an ex cop, jumps in with both feet to help her cousin, but when someone is murdered, will her offer be at the expense of her freedom? In the process, Miranda learns more family secrets than she ever wanted to know, one of which will change her relationship with Sabine forever. Miranda discovers that no matter what you think, when you go below the surface, things are seldom what they seem.

Title: Blood on the Bayou: A Miranda Marquette Mystery 

Author: J.T. Kunkel

Pages: 185

My review

A perfect thriller!

Blood on the Bayou by J. T Kunkel is a murder mystery thriller that will surely keep you at the edge of the seat throughout. It was fascinating for me to encounter with many plot twists that changed the whole storyline from time to time. These twists are so interesting that they will ascend you to another side of the story almost instantly.

Miranda Marquette is a self-made millionaire living in Malibu with estranged family relationships. One day she got a call and subsequent visit from her cousin Sabine seeking for some help with her business deal. Miranda who is an ex-cop is reluctant at first but agreed eventually trusting her investigation capabilities. She goes to her hometown for further investigation. In the mean time, she tries to repair her family relationships as well. But the investigation which seems like a piece cake at first, started shedding off its layers. In no time she finds herself as an accused in a murder trial. Will she able to solve the mystery and free herself from this dilemma?

Apart from a good murder mystery story, what makes this novel different is, the whole story is revolving around close family relationships. Miranda faced numerous issues in her childhood and in her career as well. But she fought off all the problems courageously. Family is her weak point. As we dive deep into the story, these family relationships were started to getting too complicated. But in the end, everything fall into place.

The story is slow paced at first, concentrating too much on the backgrounds and details about the main characters. But I think this detailed narration helps to get a good idea about the personality of the protagonist in the beginning itself. Towards the middle, the story is at paced with quick turns and twists. The climax is written too well because the biggest twist is only introduced in the last page.

Overall this is a must-read thriller.

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

The Tragic Tale of Teddy Woven by Peter Gray | Book review

Sela is assigned to be a private gardener for Theodore “Teddy” Woven’s ancestral home. The young gardener soon finds her presence unwelcome as she slowly uncovers the truth about his family’s past. The greatest mystery of all lies not in the house, but with its owner.

Title: The Tragic Tale of Teddy Woven

Author: Peter Gray

Pages: 281

My review

A story that will leave you with tears at the end.

What a story this is! A perfect portion of creativity blended with delicate human emotions. I don’t have any words to express the overwhelming feelings that I had after I turned the last page of this book. A perfectly heartwarming romantic drama. I must not tag this as a cliche romantic drama. It will be an injustice to the story and the beautiful storytelling efforts of the author.

Theodore “Teddy” Woven lives in his exceptionally large and vast ancestral home up high in the mountain across the sea. Sela is assigned to take care of Teddy’s garden in the absence of his usual gardner. Sela was cautious because she is instructed to leave the owner alone. But the behavior of Teddy towards Sela is telling otherwise. What is the mystery behind his unusual behavior? What are the secrets that he is keeping from her?

I can say that, this is a piece of art. The appreciation towards an art will be different for everyone. Because we experience that slice of creativity differently. No two emotions are the same. This story is like that emotion. First I thought that this will be a thriller because the author was building up mystery in the beginning. But as I delve into the life of Teddy, the darker side of his life is uncovered in front of me. It is darker because of his pain. When I realized the unimaginable pain that he tried to live with, it left my heart aching. Sela was the cure for his pain. He was waiting for her. Their love goes deep and beyond imagination. The author has conveyed these raw human emotions perfectly.

I highly recommend this book. Because this beautiful story deserves to heard.

Rating:5/5

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