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, non-fiction, Self-Help

636: A Path to Higher Consciousness by Vera J. Skye | Book review

What is it to be conscious? What is it to have a higher sense of awareness? In this book, I will not only guide you through practical steps to help you achieve a higher state of consciousness, I will also help you to interpret your dreams. Every dreamer has their own unique symbols, and each symbol has its own meaning for the dreamer. I will walk you through some of my own dreams, telling you about the symbols that stuck out to me, and what I interpreted them to mean.
I will explain how even through a traumatic childhood, I learned how to adapt to life and accept even my worst flaws, as I am, and we all are, human beings with imperfections. I will walk you through becoming more aware of yourself and the world around you, by diving into my own life experiences and sharing tips that have, and continue to help me.
This book is for anyone who wants to understand more about themselves and is looking to reach their Higher Consciousness.

Title: 636: A Path to Higher Consciousness

Author: Vera J. Skye

Pages: 78

My review

Life-changing experience!

I never had this much of life-changing reading experience from a single book ever. I was always curious about my consciousness and its mysterious expressions. Often I avoided thoughts regarding this. But deep down I always wanted to learn about this. Because the thoughts and dreams are extremely personal affairs. No one can understand them better than us.

This book has the answer to all my questions. The author draws this vast knowledge from her personal experience. In the beginning, I had a certain extend of fear about experimenting with my mind. But soon they disappeared when she delved into the depth of deeper consciousness and uncovered its mysteries.

Our consciousness is our greatest power. Although most of the book is dedicated to the techniques we can apply to elevate our consciousness, what I liked most was the dream interpretation part. The elaborate explanation and interpretation gave me answers to all my questions. I felt that I found a way out of a very difficult maze after I read this section. It was deep and accurate. Also, you can learn about the unique title of this book in this section!

In the end, the author has given dream-recall and self-awareness worksheets prompting readers to take action rather than read and go. I’m 100% convinced about the power of higher consciousness and I will definitely employ this in my life.

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, non-fiction, Self-Help

Embrace The Void Bravely: & Other Secular Sermons by Race Hochdorf | Book review

“While covering many of the age old existential problems faced by the non-religious, Hochdorf avoids retreading the steps of the New Atheists and presents us with a fresh, thoughtful, charming little book.” —Helen Pluckrose, editor-in-chief of Areo Magazine

“This book is teeming with beauty and hope. An inspirational message for those of us who prefer to be amazed by the limitless awe-inspiring reality around us, as opposed to the limited imaginations of ancient men.” —Yasmine Mohammed, Unveiled: How Western Liberals Empower Radical Islam

“Race’s provocative, open-hearted essays tackle the central, existential angst of our modern era: how can godless secularism give humans the meaning and morality that religion falsely provides? His answers are astonishing, challenging, revolutionary.” —Hank Pellissier, founder of Humanist Global Charity

Title: Embrace The Void Bravely: & Other Secular Sermons

Author: Race Hochdorf

Pages: 108

My review

“Embrace The Void Bravely” is a fire in the darkness. The darkness which limits our thoughts by forcing down rules and regulations. This is a tool to question religious superiority which has been the root of existential problems over the centuries. The conflicting nature of human beings is forcefully tamed by the religion. The author addresses how this system has been made us mere slaves without raising any questions.

I was so curious about the meaning of the title. The author explains this in the first chapter itself. “What is the meaning of life?” This is a popular question that often shuts our thoughts down. Over time this question become the root of spirituality and religion. There is a void which exists in our mind. The void cannot be filled or erased. Knowing that you will cease one day and everything about you will be erased over time. We are living for accomplishments, personal and professional. But nothing is everlasting, not even wealth. We are building a sandcastle on the shore side for the praise of a few passersby. It will be erased when a tide which is strong enough comes. But we do it nevertheless. We embrace this void bravely, rather than filling it. We can be infinite the moment we embrace this truth.

One of the best ideas I gained from this book is about inequality. We often discuss economic and gender inequality. But what we don’t know is, inequality exists in every social order. It exists in our house, friend circle, office, and in our society. Oppression and supremacy are the fundamental character of the human race. No matter how much we protest, this disparity will exist.

In other chapters, the author addresses issues related to romantic and other relationships. No religion addresses romantic love in their holy books. Rather they all promote celibacy. Why they all deny this fundamental human emotion? The same goes for friendships. The social and religious order has created barriers for every human emotion over time.

A very insightful read. Highly recommended.

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, non-fiction, Self-Help

Meditation for Beginners: A, B, C’s to Mindfulness by Demetrius Irick | Book review

This book was created with one goal in mind and that’s to change your life using the art of meditation. Meditation has been around for thousands of years and the benefits are documented in countless scientific sources. The health benefits include lowering blood pressure, better concentration, slowing down dementia, reduced stress & anxiety, depression and the list go on & on. Although, meditation does have some religious affiliation it’s not solely a religious thing. Meditation will not conflict with your religious belief but it will enhance anyone’s spiritual practice

Title: Meditation for Beginners: A, B, C’s to Mindfulness 

Author: Demetrius Irick

Pages: 154

My review

A perfect guide for beginners!

Meditation for Beginners is an 8-week course for anyone interested to start and build a habit of it. Meditation is the only activity in our life that can give back the time we dedicate to practice it. If properly done, meditation can even multiply the time we spent doing tasks daily. The benefits of practicing meditation is scientifically proven and it is one of the easiest habit one can develop. Yet we lack the discipline for it.

This is one of the easiest meditation guides, I have ever come across. Because it acknowledges the problems of a beginner and addresses numerous questions that may arise in our mind during the course. The author also provides solutions to tackle the problems that we may have during the initial phase of practice. It also busts many myths around meditation. The author even narrates his own experience when he first started practicing.

This is a week by week schedule. In each week we can learn one new technique of meditation. This technique has to be practiced throughout the week to gain benefit from it. The author also explains every technique in detail and the benefits of it, at the beginning of each chapter. Through meditation, we can finally tackle our fears and transform our reactions to responses.

What makes this book exceptional is its completeness in this topic. This book covers every meditation practice and everything we need to know about it, which eliminates the need for other books.

Rating:5/5

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fiction, supernatural

Masqueraded: Act One by Alexis Dees| Book review

Being haunted by a sinister circus, ghosts and scary clowns wasn’t unusual for the spunky 18-year-old girl, Estela Nannette Sinclair. Neither was the physical and emotional abuse that she faced from her adoptive parents.
But, one was just a dream and the other would resolve itself in two weeks upon her eighteenth birthday… or so she mistakenly presumed. Her life was a complex façade of lies that hid how deeply she was entangled with three powerhouses of dark magic. Had she been that ignorant of the masquerade before her? An ignorance that wasn’t bliss. And an ignorance that meant her corpse would likely decorate an amusement attraction in a mere two weeks’ time.
Masqueraded is a suspenseful and deliciously dark psychological thriller and the first chapter of an emotionally-charged YA paranormal series that features a strong female lead character, who is looking for answers to her troubled past, while discovering new depths of deviant dark magic lurking underneath the surface in the carnival where she escaped the domestic abuse of her youth. Join Estela, as she explores a hidden magical world of teleportation, scrying, and telekinesis.

Title: Masqueraded: Act One

Author: Alexis Dees

Pages: 144

My review

A story like none other!

Masqueraded: Act One is simply redefining everything we know of the magical world. When I read the blurb, I mistakenly assumed that this will be a story like the Harry Potter series. But I was wrong. Masqueraded presents another level of story. More human and more realistic. Dark magic exists among us. Immortality and superpowers are real but they all come with a price. The price they have to pay to create a bond with it is their soul.

Estela is a soon to be 18-year-old girl, who is craving for her freedom like none other of her age. She is merely surviving with her abusive adoptive parents and dealing with constant nightmares every day. She has been associated with a traveling carnival for three years from now. This is the only place of freedom she has got. But what she doesn’t know is the dark truth behind her friends and associates from the carnival. Finally, she uncovered the truth behind their inhuman tricks and it is not what she imagined at all.

The author has developed Estela’s character very well throughout the story. Her transformation from a naive, innocent girl to a confident, fearless woman was smooth and convincing. She is vulnerable and fearless at the same time. Ignorance brings fear. The more she gained knowledge, the more fearless she become.

I really loved the climax of this story. The cunning and manipulative characters are unconventional heroes in the mainstream. But here they are justified and backed by situations.

Rating:5/5

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

Setting Fire To The Darkness (In The Garden Of Eve Love Bares No Color Book 1) by J.M Pozon | Book review

Cameron Elliott, is Chicago’s most sought after bachelor. He’s, rich, handsome, and highly regarded among his peers. He, comes across as the world’s most perfect man, but nothing could be more further from the truth.The, man is as dangerous and tormented, as he is gorgeously handsome. A martyred hero with a flawed sense of morality. His, desire to do good often eclipsed by the treachery of the world, which he was born into. Now, he wants out! But, try as he may, he can’t seem to break free of the vicious cycle of violence, and self-destruction. While, Cameron struggles to keep his demons at bay, life throws him an unexpected curve ball in the form of Evangelina Reese. A, beautiful woman, who is struggling with her own haunted past. Still, broken, and wounded, she must, learn to let go of past hurts, rediscover forgotten strengths, while attending to new wounds.

Despite, both of there valiant restraint, they fall for each other, in ways neither thought imaginable. But, this union isn’t beds of roses & sweet soft melodies. No, their love is as dark, and deadly as it is addictive.Loving, Cameron Elliott is dangerous game, one which could get them both killed.

Title: Setting Fire To The Darkness (In The Garden Of Eve Love Bares No Color Book 1)

Author: J.M Pozon

Pages: 386

My review

A perfectly crafted story!

The only way to get rid of darkness is to bring light. How about bringing the light by setting out fire to that darkness. This is the story of humans who are engulfed by the darkness. They are tormented and struggling for their existence every day. Cameron Elliott is one of those humans who is flawlessly handsome and violent at the same time. He is struggling to find a balance between his true emotions and the circle of violence he is in. When Evangelina Reese came to his life, everything changes. They know this relationship doesn’t hold any future. But the higher they resist, the stronger their love grew.

I liked the way, the main characters are crafted by the author. From the beginning itself, we know how damaged their souls are. Deep down Cameron is a good person. But he is trying to hide his pain by immersing himself in self-destruction. That’s why all his attempts to get out of this never-ending spiral ends in vain.

The storytelling technique adopted by the author is a unique one. Usually, the whole story is narrated through a single perspective. But here the narration is divided between the main characters. Thus their raw emotions are expressed without losing its intensity. Also, we could know what is happening on both sides, throughout.

Since I read the updated version of the book, I couldn’t find any grammatical issues with the story. It is perfectly edited and this ensures a smooth flow from beginning to end.

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

ADHD Is My Super Power and It Comes with Great Super Strength by Alana Moore | Book review

This story is meant to bring greater awareness about ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). My son Josiah was diagnosed with ADHD at the young age of 3. I see so many powerful things in him that ADHD only enhances for the better. I want children with ADHD to recognize the superpower they possess that can be used for things far greater than they ever imagined. ADHD does not have power over you, you have power over ADHD!

Title: ADHD Is My Super Power and It Comes with Great Super Strength

Author: Alana Moore

Pages: 25

My review

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is perceived as a social stigma and breaking this barrier is essential in today’s world. Many children were undiagnosed and diagnosed ones are having a hard time adjusting to the school. This book not only presenting ADHD as a superpower but also raising awareness about the special needs of these children. You don’t need to give any special care to them, you just have to be patient with them. They are capable of learning but through their own pace.

What makes this book special is this is not a book that sympathizes with this disorder. This is an ability rather than a disorder. Children with ADHD are gifted with many strengths that others don’t possess ever. This book is a confidence booster for children. When a child is facing discrimination and bullying from school because of being different, this book could possibly give a much needed moral support. A touch, a small word, that is all needed to impart a positive mindset in a child. Amidst the negativity around ADHD, this book carefully spreads positivity. The illustrations are also beautiful. They give soul to the words. We need more books like this. So innocent and so beautiful!