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

Truth or Love (Whispering Willows #9) by Diana Dawn| Review

After hundreds of years, the villagers have found Snow and Lily’s mother Liz in the mine, and she has made herself at home in the Willows. After the big “blowout”, Lily has left the Willows through the mirror, just missing her mother’s grand entrance. But unbeknownst to Lily, Thomas has gone after her. Will he be able to find her and reconcile their love? Snow has left her prince, Mitch, and moved in with ‘King’ Edward. But is it really Snow, or is something more sinister going on? ‘Truth or Love’ is the ninth book in the Whispering Willows series.

Title: Truth or Love (Whispering Willows #9)

Author: Diana Dawn

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 98

My review

A real page-turner in the Whispering Willows series!

Truth or love is undoubtedly the most exceptional book in this series. The ninth instalment is literally mindblowing. Diana Dawn has changed the course of the whole story in this one. She introduces some shocking revelation from the first chapter itself. Willows is under the magic spell and we cannot believe anyone or anything at all. Every character is under suspicion. The author has used this uncertainty to weave an element of mystery in the story. She introduced twists at unpredictable instances and they all made the story even more interesting.

The one character I look forward to meeting again was Liz. Her motherly affection added a refreshing touch to the life at Willows. The best feature of Book 9 is, the author gives equal space to all the characters. The strained relationships of Snow, Mitch, Edward, Lily and Thomas were explored with equal importance. The author even narrates the two stories, one in the Willows and one in the Kingdom, parallelly. The atmosphere in the Willows is much better now. Everyone is working towards a common goal, finding Margurite and save Willows from her evil tantrums.

The narration is at its absolute best here. The story never drags and it keeps a fast- pace from the beginning. So many things happen in each chapter and it is very hard to anticipate what will happen next.

As always, the story ends in a cliffhanger. But this time, the author introduced a novelty in that too. I was quite sad at the quick turn of events in the last chapter. But I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!

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

Deceptions: Book 7 (Whispering Willows) by Diana Dawn|Book review

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Lily is now hiding a secret that she is terrified that Thomas will discover. But with these recent ‘ghost sightings’, will she decide to choose Nate over Thomas? Are the villagers really seeing ghosts from their past, or could it be the witch simply wreaking havoc upon the Willows? And what about the disappearance of their dwarf friend, Ben? ‘Deceptions’ is the seventh book in the Whispering Willows series

Title: Deceptions: Book 7 (Whispering Willows)

Author: Diana Dawn

Pages: 103

My review

Deceptions is the seventh installment of the Whispering Willows series. The sixth book of this series Barn Tales ended in a cliffhanger and this one starts by explaining that ending. I was quite shocked by the climax of Barn Tales and were looking forward to read this book to know the answers. But I must say this is the best book in this series so far. Because the whole storyline is changed from now on. The author has given many clues on mysteries happening in and around Willows in previous books. All these mysteries were solved through this book. The plot is drastically changed in this one.

In all the six books the author has followed the same pattern of narration like, starts with an explanation to the climax of the previous book, a happy middle, and again some shocking revelations towards the end. But this edition has dedicated to reveal all the mysteries. Because of that, the life of people in Willows especially, Snow, Mitch, and Lily’s are so terrible. They are hit by tragedies one after another. They all are trembling by these revelations. Also, the emotional turmoil of these characters is at a peak. They are confused about their own emotions added by the horrors of Margurite and Phillipe. I was really shocked to know who was Philippe all this time.

Lily is caught in between a love triangle with Nate and Thomas. She is now unable to choose one. This love triangle is getting interesting day by day. I’m looking forward to know how things are ended up for Lily.

The author has beautifully captured all the emotional moments in the story through words. All the hurt is felt so real through the words. I really liked this part of the Willows series. This installment is crucial and a true turning point considering the whole plot.

Rating:5/5

 

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fantacy, Fiction, Thriller, Uncategorized

Barn Tales: Book 6 of Whispering Willows series by Diana Dawn| Book review

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Author: Diana Dawn
Language: English
Pages: 109

Blurb

The evil witch and the Captain that Lily fears so have found their way into the Willows. Lily is torn between two men whom she loves. But can she sort out her feelings amidst the trouble that Margurite and the Captain could potentially cause for the village? Does the answer to their problems lie within the mirror…within a time hundreds of years ago back in the House of White kingdom? ‘Barn Tales’ is the sixth book in the Whispering Willows series.

My Review

Barn Tales by Diana Dawn is the sixth installment of the Whispering Willows series. In this part, the story is entirely focused on Snow’s identical sister Lily. The previous book ended in a cliffhanger, that made me eagerly pick this one and read as soon as possible. Just like all the other five books, the author Diana Dawn has not disappointed me a bit. She brilliantly crafted this book too.

With the presence of Captain Philippe and the evil witch Margurite in willows, the plot is exciting from the beginning. The author doesn’t follow the usual pattern of storytelling in this book. She is narrating two parallel stories throughout the book, one is the struggle of Lily to decide between Thomas and Nate, the other is the mysteries around Captain and witch. I must say, she had done a marvelous job through this storytelling. She has narrated two different aspects of a story without losing its emotions to the core.

Lily is not at all identical to Snow in appearance but also in character too. She is also confused in love, an emotion she never experienced before. The author has well presented her viewpoints on love and her tender character of not hurting anybody. I really liked Lily on these points.

I really missed Snow in most of the parts. The author has now shifted her focus to Lily’s story and didn’t allow her to appear not more than one percent of the story. But I’m really looking forward to the next part. Because there are many unanswered questions in this story. I badly want to unwind these mysteries.

Rating: 5/5

Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fantacy, Fiction

Thin Ice: Book 5 of Whispering Willows series by Diana Dawn|Book review

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Title: Thin Ice

Author: Diana Dawn

Language: English

Thin Ice by Diana Dawn is the fifth installment of the Whispering Willow series. The story of Princess Snow White is now progressed into a family drama in this installment. Book 4 of the series ended in a cliffhanger. Just like all the other books, the author solved that mystery at the beginning. But she didn’t follow the same pattern in this book.

I have read 4 books in this series previously. So, in all those books, a particular pattern is followed. The mystery was solved in the beginning and then a calm and happy moments of Snow and Mitch. Then, towards the end, the plot starts to get more and more twists to end it on a suspense. But in this book, the author doesn’t adopt that fashion. Of course, she solved the mystery in the beginning and managed to end the story is a great suspense. But overall the story is not calm and pleasant anymore. Particularly because the situation in Willows is not much happier. Snow’s twin sister Lily has an important role in this story. The author gave much preference to her character in this one. Her thoughts, her dark past, her evils, and her feelings are the main part of the story.

I grew a great extend of fond towards Snow through these books. Although the author has given her a good level of importance in this book, I’m not at all satisfied with that. But the story is in a new turn. This turn demands Lily’s presence and it is inevitable in most of the scenes.

I would like to add a few words about the end before winding this up. This climax is not like the others. The fear is enormous. The suspense is paramount, this time. How the dark past can possibly ruin one’s present is portrayed much accurately in this story. A must-read!

Rating:5/5

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

Gypsy Flower by Diana Dawn|Book review

Title: Gypsy Flower: Book 4 of Whispering Willows series

Author: Diana Dawn

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Blurb

Snow is willing to risk everything to find the sister she never knew she had, even her new happy life in the Willows. Leaving her true love behind in search of her family, her plans are to bring her sister back to the Willows with her. But will her journey into the mirror bring her the outcome she desires…will she find her sister, or will she again face the witch, her stepmother Margurite? ‘Gypsy Flower’ is the fourth book in the Whispering Willows series.

Review

Gypsy Flower by Diana Dawn is the fourth installment of the Whispering Willows series. I have been following the story from the very beginning and was eager to know what happens next, when I took this one to read. Princess snow embarks a journey to find her long-lost sister at any cost. The path was unknown. She had absolutely no clues about her sister’s whereabouts at first. But slowly everything clears. She finds clues on the way. But this quest is just the beginning. The entire world of Princess Snow took a turn through this journey. As the author is revealing more and more at times, the story is becoming more mysterious. Just like other installments, she ends the story at a cliff hanger. But I must say this ending has a hint of unpredictability more than other books. Making readers dying to know what happens next!

The relationship between Snow and Mitch also getting interesting here. The author has given much depth to Snow’s character through all these books. A gradual evolution of her character is evident from beginning to now. A maturity in character and relationship is expected from her as a protagonist and she is a perfect blend of all emotions. The author has taken much time to unravel the sacred bond between sisters in the middle. But she was careful to not lose the pace. She is not giving away many details. I think this adds up mystery here and there. Many of the characters in Willows are suspicious from the beginning. Here in this part too, their mysteries are growing chapter by chapter.

Apart from the third book, the author has given more importance to the life and people of Willows in this book. It was a heart-warming part to read. With the introduction of new characters, once again the lives of Willows were picking up their lost rhythm.

I read in a single stretch because just like other installments, the narration is impeccable. I’m eagerly waiting to read the next one!

Rating:5/5
Amina Thajudeen Book Review, Fantacy, Thriller, Young-Adult

Mirror, Mirror by Diana Dawn|Book review

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Title: Mirror, Mirror: Book 3 of Whispering Willows series

Author: Diana Dawn

Pages: 98

Blurb

Snow has settled into her new life in the magical Whispering Willows. But now that Snow and her “Prince Charming” have found each other, they must still face obstacles to their happiness together. With the help of a new dwarf friend…who may have secrets of his own, Snow must battle the witch and uncover the mysteries of the magic mirror in the mine. ‘Mirror, Mirror’ is the third book in the Whispering Willows series.

Review

Mirror, Mirror by Diana Dawn is the third installment of Whispering Willows series. In this book, the journey of Princess Snow from unknown to known continues. I have read the first two books in this series. So I had a fair idea about the story and the storytelling capabilities of the author. After reading this installment, I must say I admire more her, for bringing this book series to this world.
Diana picks up the story from where she ended the second book. It was ended in a cliffhanger, so the first chapter was the explanation of that suspense. After unveiling some secrets and suspense, she again reunited Snow and Mitch. I really liked the part where Mitch was devastated in the loss of Snow and his determination to find her at any cost. Besides the protagonists, I felt that the author gave much space to other characters in this book. Ben, Max, Eddy…all are supporting the story well. Also, the much-awaited Royal wedding was one of my favorite parts too.

After calming the storm, the author again ended this book at a cliffhanger. But in this time the twist was unpredictable. I was expecting a re-entry of the evil stepmother, but she gave me another surprise at the end.

The narration was flawless. The author connected all the characters well and drove a fast-paced story beautifully. The scenes were depicted vividly allowing the readers to get connected with the emotions of characters and the plot. The climax was enough for me to pick up the next book of this series.

Rating:5/5

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

Forget Me Not by Diana Dawn|Review

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Title: Forget me not: Book-2 of Whispering Willow series

Author: Diana Dawn

Pages:119

Forget me not by Diana Dawn is the second installment of her 7-book Whispering Willow series. From the first book of this series, “Fallen snow” she has created an enchanted world of magic and fantasy for the retelling of an age-old fairytale. 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 she ended in the last book without any glitch.

The story of Princess Snow is getting many more twists and turns in this part. The major change I felt when reading was the transformation of Snow’s character. She was portrayed as naive, innocent, and someone who is living in fantasies. But here the author gave a new dimension to her character. Although she is as much as innocent as in the first book, but now she has gained much confidence and added some maturity to her decisions. The author is trying to create depth for her characters here.

I personally liked the love sequences of Mitch and Snow. Their love deepens and they’re becoming soul-mates here. Sit back and enjoy their journey which is progressing to mutual trust and understanding. Dawn opens this book with a fast-paced narration to bring a thriller mood to the story. Then everything calms down and a slow ride of romance starts. In the end, again the fast-paced action sequences came into play. Thus she ends the story on a high note.

From my perspective, to drive readers through a large book series, this kind of fabulous writing skill is necessary. I felt that all main characters are multilayered and she scratched only the surface. This alone adds some unpredictable sense to the  story. I have absolutely no idea where she is heading with this story. Diana is mounting suspense through her flawless narration. I’m hopelessly thinking that she may reveal something. But again she draws curtain at a cliffhanger. Read and enjoy!

Rating:5/5