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, 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, Children's books, Comics, Young-Adult

Delly Belly by Milan Paul Kumar | Review

What if a mysterious event could save you from your most embarrassing moments? What if it could teach you everything you need to know and transport you back in time to get it right on your second try? Meet Dele – a successful young boy with a magical secret…

Title: Delly Belly

Author: Milan Paul Kumar

Pages: 13

My review

Dele is an ordinary boy. But he has a secret. His secret saves him from embarrassing situations. He is often bullied and body shamed by his peers. Instead of shutting himself off or reacting angrily, he looks into the reason. He gains his power from the very own subject that he is bullied. He considers his body as an asset and treasure. He regains his strength in all adversities. He is not the one who easily gives up.

This small story teaches our children a lot of valuable lessons. Dele has no friends. He certainly doesn’t excel in studies or physical activities. But he is a fighter. If you put him in a situation he will fight with all his might. He has the strength to overcome his weakness. He has the determination to learn things that he doesn’t know. He has the fire to excel in every challenge. These all are undoubtedly the best qualities everyone needs to excel in life.

The illustrations are bright and vivid which surely create a spark of imagination in children’s minds. The author has narrated an excellent and meaningful story along with these illustrations.

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, Children's books, Young-Adult

My Best Pal: The Awesome Ethan by Karlene Stewart| Review

My Best Pal is the heartwarming story of a young boy who enjoys the company of his teddy bear Ethan. They go everywhere, and do everything together; until one day there is a big change, and nothing is the same anymore.

Title: My Best Pal: The Awesome Ethan

Author: Karlene Stewart

Pages: 34

My review

My Best Pal: The Awesome Ethan is a beautifully illustrated carefully crafted story. It is all about Jason and Ethan and their friendship. Jason was a very lonely boy before the arrival of Ethan. He was bullied and teased by other children in his school. But when he met Ethan, his entire life changed. He wants a friend who accept him and not judge him instead. He found his true companion in Ethan.

I loved this story. The full-size illustrations are the first thing that caught my eyes. But the author has penned a full story along with them. She carefully incorporated values such as care, acceptance, love and friendship in the story. This helps to inculcate these priceless emotions in my child from his young age. I believe these qualities will create a permanent effect on his behaviour. They will also help him to thrive in future.

The biggest message from the story is the acceptance. In a world filled with racism and divides, inclusiveness is an important lesson to teach our children. Our happiness depends on our thoughts and action. We can find happiness in every difficult situation with the right mindset. Loved this message!

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, 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.

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.