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qace90's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
kfrickle's review
I was not aware that this took place during the Covid Pandemic. It is not a book that I would find myself liking in the long run. I was caught off guard by the 13 year old saying a curse word (not something that I particularly enjoy to read) In my quest to see where this novel was going plot wise, I did look up some spoilers and ultimately decided it was not a novel that I would like.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Dementia
bluehoolia's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
heylittlesiren's review
3.0
3.5 stars!
What a journey! Set in Langkawi and Little Red Riding Hood retelling. I love reading about the folklore even though they are quite scary sometimes. It was an easy read and so captivating. I was hooked the moment I started it. I like the writing and the pacing. TW for those who dislike to read the covid situation though because it was set during the pandemic.
Some things that I didn't like was the MC. She was quite immature sometimes. Another one was the magical elements. I want more description and depth. Overall it was an enjoyable read for me.
Thanks to @putrifariza & @timesreads for the review copy❤️
What a journey! Set in Langkawi and Little Red Riding Hood retelling. I love reading about the folklore even though they are quite scary sometimes. It was an easy read and so captivating. I was hooked the moment I started it. I like the writing and the pacing. TW for those who dislike to read the covid situation though because it was set during the pandemic.
Some things that I didn't like was the MC. She was quite immature sometimes. Another one was the magical elements. I want more description and depth. Overall it was an enjoyable read for me.
Thanks to @putrifariza & @timesreads for the review copy❤️
ink_spun's review
4.0
3.5 stars
I haven't read middle grade in a LONG time and it probably affected my reading experience, but I loved how colourful this book was. And the ending moved me a lot.
Ilyas getting distracted by birdwatching in the middle of the quest was so funny that is exactly how birdwatchers behave when we see a rare bird
I haven't read middle grade in a LONG time and it probably affected my reading experience, but I loved how colourful this book was. And the ending moved me a lot.
Ilyas getting distracted by birdwatching in the middle of the quest was so funny that is exactly how birdwatchers behave when we see a rare bird
_christinacreads's review
4.0
I’m starting off this review right off the bat by saying this book is such a fantastic middle grade book and I highly encourage everyone to read it. Hamra and the Jungle of Memories is so well written, is extremely rich in life lessons, and the cultural descriptions were absolutely exquisite – it honestly was an absolute delight to read. 2
We follow little miss Hamra – she just turned 13 years old in the middle of a pandemic and unfortunately her birthday was forgotten amidst her parent’s stress of helping out the community survive. She’s left with her sick grandmother who forgets most everything these days because of her Alzheimers. Bravely, Hamra decides that as an official teenager she can disregard the rules when venturing into the forest and challenges them one by one. She finds out that being disobedient has consequences – in this case in the form of a giant, vengeful tiger.
Goodness, this book had everything from a little girl’s struggles on choosing the right way to pin her hijab, to amazing Malaysian food that I desperately wish I could eat right now, to the most tender of life lessons in strength, forgiveness, friendship, and love. It's a story puts a spin on Little Red Riding Hood but goes above and beyond that. There’s Malay folklore that was snuck in as little teasers as well.
This book enchanted me from the first chapter. I will admit, I never thought myself enjoying a book that had such modern aspects to it like references of pop culture and COVID-19, but it was really done so well and gently and they honestly served as writing tools in this case. I think kids that would pick up this book would relate even more to the struggles of growing up with the same social problems that are presented in the book.
Also just LOOK AT THIS COVER. Look at how beautiful! It aptly illustrates the magic and mystery that lies within its pages. The world building is immersive and the characters were just so beautiful.
My one issue about the book is at around the halfway-ish mark it did kind of drag a little for me. There was a little bit much of waiting and anticipating before getting to the next scene so I feel like it could’ve been a bit of a shorter book (I sits at 400 pages) especially considering the target audience. It took a while to pick back up again and to recapture my interest..Nonetheless, I will be reading the rest of the books by Hanna Alkaf because she is an extremely talented writer.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
We follow little miss Hamra – she just turned 13 years old in the middle of a pandemic and unfortunately her birthday was forgotten amidst her parent’s stress of helping out the community survive. She’s left with her sick grandmother who forgets most everything these days because of her Alzheimers. Bravely, Hamra decides that as an official teenager she can disregard the rules when venturing into the forest and challenges them one by one. She finds out that being disobedient has consequences – in this case in the form of a giant, vengeful tiger.
Goodness, this book had everything from a little girl’s struggles on choosing the right way to pin her hijab, to amazing Malaysian food that I desperately wish I could eat right now, to the most tender of life lessons in strength, forgiveness, friendship, and love. It's a story puts a spin on Little Red Riding Hood but goes above and beyond that. There’s Malay folklore that was snuck in as little teasers as well.
This book enchanted me from the first chapter. I will admit, I never thought myself enjoying a book that had such modern aspects to it like references of pop culture and COVID-19, but it was really done so well and gently and they honestly served as writing tools in this case. I think kids that would pick up this book would relate even more to the struggles of growing up with the same social problems that are presented in the book.
Also just LOOK AT THIS COVER. Look at how beautiful! It aptly illustrates the magic and mystery that lies within its pages. The world building is immersive and the characters were just so beautiful.
My one issue about the book is at around the halfway-ish mark it did kind of drag a little for me. There was a little bit much of waiting and anticipating before getting to the next scene so I feel like it could’ve been a bit of a shorter book (I sits at 400 pages) especially considering the target audience. It took a while to pick back up again and to recapture my interest..Nonetheless, I will be reading the rest of the books by Hanna Alkaf because she is an extremely talented writer.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
mahen1991's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
nadiahzkr's review
4.0
i rarely read middle grade books but hanna alkaf’s works are always an exception. hamra is a character that i deeply relate to, courtesy of her anger and bottled up rage, leading her to make drastic decisions and say things she doesn’t mean. this book is filled with adventure set in langkawi, with characters from the most familiar folktales i grew up with. i’m from kedah myself, but i believe you can come from anywhere in malaysia and you’d know the tales hanna alkaf has woven into this book.
though the resolution is quite anticlimactic to me, i still enjoyed it and i adore the growth between hamra and the weretiger. there’s a lot of things happening and it can feel overwhelming or prolonged at times, but in the end, everyone comes together for a heartwarming moment that breaks my heart a little. i miss the jungle already.
though the resolution is quite anticlimactic to me, i still enjoyed it and i adore the growth between hamra and the weretiger. there’s a lot of things happening and it can feel overwhelming or prolonged at times, but in the end, everyone comes together for a heartwarming moment that breaks my heart a little. i miss the jungle already.
_david_'s review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, it didn't quite hit the mark for me. The magical elements were disappointingly bland, lacking the mystique and tension that would have made them truly captivating. The waypoints in the story felt rushed, with little buildup and an unsatisfyingly quick resolution.
I enjoyed the book until the night market chapter. The flaws in Hamra's character were well-handled, and the setting of the market was beautifully depicted. Regrettably, after that point, some themes became repetitive, and Hamra's growth stalled. Her emotions often felt forced and abrupt, making it challenging to stay invested.
The dementia theme was very tender in the initial chapters, it struck a cord with me. However, it lost its impact suring the story as the moments it was brought up again it failed to offer fresh insights, leaving me emotionally disconnected or disinterested.
Overall, while the book had potential, it fell short in execution, leaving me disappointed and feeling bored in the end.
I enjoyed the book until the night market chapter. The flaws in Hamra's character were well-handled, and the setting of the market was beautifully depicted. Regrettably, after that point, some themes became repetitive, and Hamra's growth stalled. Her emotions often felt forced and abrupt, making it challenging to stay invested.
The dementia theme was very tender in the initial chapters, it struck a cord with me. However, it lost its impact suring the story as the moments it was brought up again it failed to offer fresh insights, leaving me emotionally disconnected or disinterested.
Overall, while the book had potential, it fell short in execution, leaving me disappointed and feeling bored in the end.