Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Erotic fiction, Fantacy, Fiction, supernatural, Thriller, Young-Adult

Dessa: Silence in Bloodlust by Andreya Lombardi | Shadowland Saga 2| Review

After a near-fatal encounter with the killer of her parents, Syreene finds herself mixed in a powerhouse of trouble. With her brother imprisoned, to be scheduled for execution, and a large bounty on her head, Syreene attempts to reclaim her life the only way she knows how—enlisting in the militia.

Disguised, her mission is foolproof, according to her. But the young elf fails to account for the bout of rejection stirring in her bones. Once half-elfin now half demonic—Syreene turns into the very thing she hates most and refuses to make it her weakness. But the lack of control over her newly acquired side makes things all the more complicated and complex.

Now the war-bound elf must shift gears and learn to tame the beast within, save her brother, and seek refuge, all while tackling the intricacies of her taboo love interest. Her true self will be questioned beyond the scope of her understanding, down to the very secrets of her prophetic birth. 

Title: Dessa: Silence in Bloodlust

Author: Andreya Lombardi

Pages: 200

Genre: Dark fantasy/thriller

My review

Dessa: Silence in Bloodlust by Andreya Lombardi is the second instalment of the Shadowland saga. Through the first book of this series, Andreya has created an enchanted world of magic and dark fantasy. We were introduced to Syreene and Cabil and their adventures and existence struggles.
The first book ended in a perfect cliffhanger and I was eagerly waiting to read the next one. This one picks up the story from exactly where it was ended, without any glitch.

Although the main theme of the first book was vengeance for the murder of Syreene’s parents, this part is more focused on the evolution of Syreene’s character. Her family history is under close examination and unexpected revelations is derailing her old motives. The main theme for part 2 is the survival of protagonists. They are trapped in the web of conspiracy and power struggle. But all this is linked to a larger than life prophecy too. The mystery of Syreene’s existence is vastly explored in this one.

Her powers and skills are unexplored. This is controlling her. The more she understands her true self, the less it controls her. Her multilayered character is portrayed very beautifully by the author. Empathy and emotional connections are the two recurring themes in this story. Through them, the author is trying to create depth for the characters. They are essential especially if you are presenting a fantasy series to the readers.

I felt that all main characters are multilayered and the author only scratched its surface. This alone adds some unpredictability to the story. I have absolutely no idea where she is heading with this story. Andreya is mounting suspense through her flawless narration. I’m hopelessly thinking that she may reveal something. But again she draws the curtain at the cliffhanger. Many questions left unanswered!

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, non-fiction

DARWIN ≥ MARX: ECO/LOGICAL R/EVOLUTION by Ciprian Pater | Review

Eco/logical R/evolution, is the story of mankind, told with words of a great and wonderful subjective odyssey, the never-ending quest; for objective truths and collective Eudaimonia. The author raises the issues; of political weakness and widespread confusion, about logical analytical errors, of which we find many of in Old Marxist Ideology. As a conscious effort, is thus made, to expel the mental subjugation of Platonic Idealism, away from the clenches Aristotelian Realism, and its bastard offspring; Old Historical Materialism. The book identifies, in the works of Darwin and Marx, a wide range of worrying philosophical incompatibilities, such that are clearly found; in their respective theories and research methodologies.

We hereby propose; that a New Marxist Philosophy of Science, stands a probable chance; at unifying the Natural and Social Sciences. As the convergence of truths is manifest, thus, it is mapped out in detail by the author, out of necessity. It invokes, a Marxist Metaphysical Identity, for the sole purpose of; presenting a teleological framework, for New Marxist Theory.

Title: DARWIN ≥ MARX: ECO/LOGICAL R/EVOLUTION

Author: Ciprian Pater

Pages: 121

Genre: Non-fiction

My review

Darwin ≥ Marx: Eco/logical R/evolution by Ciprian Pater is a critical analysis of political philosophies such as idealism, dialectical materialism, realism along with the theory of evolution. The author took an independent stand to analyse these ideologies to frame an unbiased outcome. Although the ultimate goal of this book is to propose a new Marxist philosophy of science that is relevant to the modern age, the author is vigilant to criticize the old Marxist philosophy to its roots.

This is an in-depth study that correlates the philosophies put forth primarily by Aristotle, Plato, Marx and Darwin. The author argues that every ideology has its own innate weaknesses. They all fail to understand human instincts and behaviour which drives their act to a certain extend. Eventually, the Darwinian philosophy and Marxian ideologies succeed to interpret human behaviour to some extend. But in this technologically advanced world, even Marxian philosophy is failed to predict human behaviours. Still, it is relevant but timely interpretations and advanced research is needed to make them relevant to current circumstances.

The Darwinian theory also has its shortcomings. The author criticizes many assumptions and predictions put forth by evolutionary theory in the historical and contemporary contexts. The new Marxian framework is proposed based on his analysis and conclusions. Through the New Marxist philosophy of science, the author correlates all streams of science which collectively affects the lives and livelihood of humans. I found this interpretation as very unique. Because he argues and applies Marxian theory to derive conclusions on diverse fields like economy to biology. His analysis opens an inter-disciplinary approach for rather confined socio-political theories.

In short, this comprehensive study on socio-political philosophies opens a new door of knowledge to the readers. The research and effort taken by the author to bring such a holistic analysis deserves a huge round of applause. This is definitely a book that I will re-read for sure.

Purchase here: Amazon.com

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Erotic fiction, Fiction, Young-Adult

Planet Nooky by Amercia Morris | Review

Have You ever had a feeling as if your soul was being snatched to a different planet while having sex or just experienced an Out of this world orgasm? well find out what forces are in control of why you experience pure ecstasy Read more about the Schlongs and the twats and why they worship the goddess Oni on planet Nooky and find out how planet orgasm is ruled and how it all started

Title: Planet Nooky

Author: Amercia Morris

Pages: 50

Genre: Erotic fiction

My review

An extraordinary story!

Planet Nooky invites us to a realm of secrets that no one ever explored. They are the ones most sought by human but to no avail. It reveals the secret of pure ecstasy behind the greatest pleasure ever known to humans. But we’re not blessed with that ecstasy forever. Why? This story offers a satisfying yet humorous explanation of this mystery. Planet Nooky is ruled by Gamba and Oni. Their strength and happiness depends on each other. Also, the existence of the people live on their planet. But what happens if Oni put forward an impossible demand that Gamba is not willing to fulfil? Will, it became the reason for their destruction?

First of all, I acknowledge the creativity of the author to come up with a story like this. This concept is fresh and unexplored. But the true talent is to present that unique story without losing its charm and excitement and she has succeeded in it. Planet Nooky answers all our questions. We can find the pieces of human nature in the character of all divine deities. They are considered as the epitome of success. But they also are in the search of novelty and happiness in their life. Without finding and experiencing something new, every life will get deteriorated eventually. This also can be the reason for their destruction. Because greed has no end. We are willing to go to any extreme for the fulfilment of our desires. This theme is beautifully illustrated in this story.

In short, this is truly an amazing work indeed. A full story is narrated through 50 pages with unmatchable freshness!

Rating: 5/5

Purchase here: Amazon.com

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

Dessa-Spirit of Vengeance: A Dark Fantasy Thriller Series (Book One) (Shadowland Saga 1) by Andreya Lombardi | Review

Fight for the militia? Or for a hidden agenda? Cabil knows Syreene all to well—her motives marked with the stain of vengeance of her murdered parents. But Syreene is bent on learning the craft of elemental-wielding for better or for worse, even though her pyro-dancing human foster brother keeps her under lock and key. How embarrassing, for an elf like herself to bare no earthly arms. It’s bad enough her kind is ridiculed already.

The life of a schoolgirl carries little excitement to spark her itch of finding the demon who slayed her biological parents. Cabil insists on letting go of the past, but the fire under the redhead’s furnace burns hot. Even hotter when her older brother comes home one night, unconscious, past town curfew, slung over a mysterious man’s shoulder and plastered with blood. It’s a lot to take in—having to see her high-ranked, on guard brother wounded for the first time, possibly hanging on the brink of death, and the sight of a man that left her stomach sashaying with fluttering butterflies. Déjà vu—the complexity of the moment follows the adolescent to a reckless encounter where she later finds herself kidnapped—a terrible consequence for trying to seek out her brother’s assassin, someone working from the King’s High Council. Her high-end impulsive trait falling in the hands of Cabil’s sworn enemy—smells like a perfect formula for chaos.

Not to worry, as long as she doesn’t tell anyone what happened in the dungeon that night, all will be well. Wishful thinking!

The story unravels, following the trio through battle, sorcery, adventure, and discovering of family secrets. How will Syreene handle her new persona, and face the man who haunts her dreams?

Title: Dessa-Spirit of Vengeance: A Dark Fantasy Thriller Series (Book One) (Shadowland Saga 1)

Author: Andreya Lombardi

Pages: 182

Genre: Dark Fabtasy

My review

A perfect piece of art!

Dark fantasy thrillers always offers their readers freshness, excitement entangled with suspense. Dessa- Spirit of Vengeance is the epitome of this creativity. A new world with a new system is built. The fight between good and evil gets an artistic turn here. I was completely absorbed in the story and enjoyed it beyond boundaries. This fantasy thriller invites you to a rollercoaster ride of emotions, survival, magic and mystery. Syreene and Cabil are the ones who drive the whole story. Cabil is fierce and courageous while Syreene is determined and strong-willed.

One of the striking feature of this story is the evolution of Syreene. She is a delicate kind soul at the beginning of the story. But she slowly transformed into a fierce warrior due to her circumstances. She is in a process of finding her own identity and existence. But what makes this character interesting is, she is only exploring her unexposed identity. Because of that, her innate qualities stays the same. In other words, Syreene is an extremely satisfying protagonist.

The narration and world-building is the two core pillars of this story. The author has created a foolproof world where elves, humans and demons are fighting for their supreme regime. Every character and the creation story was introduced in the beginning. This provides a comprehensive understanding of all characters beforehand.

In short, this is an epic story of mystery and vengeance. You can’t put down this thriller for sure.

Rating: 5/5

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fantacy, historical fiction, Science Fiction, supernatural, Thriller

The Prince’s Order (Renaissance Origins, #2) by Taylor Buck | Review

The adventure continues! Read the thrilling follow-up to Amazon bestseller, The Medici Letters: The Secret Origins of the Renaissance. A scientific breakthrough uncovers an ancient time capsule of knowledge. However, what is discovered may change our view on history… and time, forever.

Florence, Italy. Nearly a year ago, Professor Jack Cullen and his wife Kat nearly lost their lives discovering the infamous Medici family treasure. A powerful secret turned out to be the catalyst behind not only the Renaissance—but all of western civilization. The problem was… the secret was locked in a time-release code.

London, England. Present day. A revolutionary decryption program known as TETRA emerges, unlocking the code and revealing a powerful text, feared stolen. Jack’s friend and fellow classicist, Egan Church, pursues the text by following a mysterious note written five hundred years before by Niccolo Machiavelli. Church ends up in Italy, descending deep into the ploys of a shadowy brotherhood known as The Prince’s Order.

Paris, France. On vacation—Jack, Kat and their two daughters, Valerie and Anna, are intercepted by a group of mercenaries on a mission to stop The Prince’s Order from fulfilling a cataclysmic, age-old prophecy. The Cullen family discover the only way to survive is by unraveling an ancient legend and fulfilling a lost search for illumination.

Mediterranean Sea. As Jack pursues his missing friend, and Kat works to reprogram TETRA, the Cullen family find themselves evading capture, deciphering an ancient text, and discovering the shocking secret behind one of history’s most famous, political sages. How you perceive history, time and the lives of the Renaissance Greats will be forever changed.

This saga blends a modern-day thriller with historic accounts of Niccolò Machiavelli in Renaissance Florence in a non-stop, ride with twists, turns and shocking revelations.

Title: The Prince’s Order (Renaissance Origins, #2)

Author: Taylor Buck 

Pages: 211

Genre: Historical fiction

My review

What a spectacular story this was!

Okay, first thing first. I’m a big fan of historical mystery thrillers. I consider them as the perfect blend of entertainment. Historical thrillers are built on the secrets which are carefully hidden behind the scripted history. They open a new world of creativity and imagination. The Prince’s Order by Taylor Buck certainly fit into this line.

Renaissance is one of the most significant turns in the history of mankind. It shaped western civilization and practically crafted the fate of modern man. Taylor Buck’s Renaissance Origins dig deep through the lives of Renaissance greats for missing links and hidden knowledge. In this second instalment of the Renaissance origins series, we are following the life of Niccolo Machiavelli. The Cullen family is in the relentless pursuit of decoding the ancient knowledge to unravel mysteries.

One of the best qualities of this story is its storytelling style and narration. The author carefully builds suspense from the first page itself. The narration is impeccable. I was fully absorbed in the storyline. He created parallel storylines which are intervening frequently. This adds freshness to the storyline.

Every character introduced in the plot has an arc of mystery. Nothing is revealed easily. We only receive bits of information here and there and they all add up to some unpredictable level of truth at the end. Although this is a sequel in a series, it has its own independent existence. The story is crafted in that way.

In short, this is simply a brilliant story. One of the most underrated books ever!

Rating: 5/5

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

Midnight City by J.R. Manga | Review

Charlie James is part of a special agency created by the UN to deal with the demonic threat that has infected the world, using the “fight fire with fire method.” With his training complete and his Spectra status confirmed, he has been sent on his first solo mission. This mission is linked to his traumatic past, and he must find someone dear to him. But his discoveries become more alarming as the investigation goes on, and the truth with what is happening takes a darker turn which may not bring him any peace.

Title: Midnight City

Author: J.R. Manga

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 105

My review

Midnight City by J.R Manga is a perfectly crafted dark fantasy thriller. The story follows a young federal agent Charlie James who is assigned to investigate the increasing missing cases in Seattle. Soon he finds out that his first solo mission is to investigate the missing of a woman named Latoya, with whom he shares a traumatic past from childhood. As the story unfolds, we can witness how these seemingly unrelated incidents leading us to a bigger picture where they all make sense.

The plot is surprisingly fresh, especially for a fantasy genre book. This is not a usual recipe that is flooding in the book market. The author has created a stunning world with a touch of reality. This makes the story captivating and engaging.

The narration and writing style deserves all the praise to carry a good story without losing its charm till the end. We are moving with Charlie as he finds clues one after another. This creates enough suspense to stick with the story.

Undoubtedly, this is one of the best fantasy thrillers I ever read. Highly recommended.

Rating: 5/5

Purchase here: Barnes & Noble

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, Poems, poetry

One Flesh: Poems by Obed Ladiny | Review

One Flesh: Poems is a fun, serious, accessible, and inspirational free-verse poetry book.

Title: One Flesh: Poems

Author: Obed Ladiny

Pages: 72

My Review

One Flesh by Obed Ladiny is a collection of soulful poems. They hammered down strong emotions like love, hate, pain, despair, sorrow, broken dreams, and loneliness through words.

These poems are surprisingly fresh and beautiful. I really loved the section of poems on marriage. Through a series of poems, the author portrayed how two minds grew apart to different worlds despite their physical bonding. The mind exists in countless small rooms and closets unknown to each other within a single small house.

The author has consciously changed the style of verses to create a deep meaning within. This unique style really surprised me. You can create endless dimensions and meaning to a few words by carefully arranging them in a unique fashion. This is being creative inside a creative work.

One of the striking features of these poems is, they are straight from the heart. It bears the scars and colour of pain. The unadulterated voices are filled with underlying meaning and waiting for the reader to explore.

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.