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husnaibrahim_'s reviews
202 reviews
I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore
2.25
Awesome concept, really nice world building even, but TERRIBLE execution!
This storyline could have been so much better if it weren’t centered around teenagers, particularly John, who at times could be really annoying. He’s erratic, swinging from impulsive and foolish actions to seemingly logical decisions. The incident with the meatballs during lunch is a prime example. He acted irrationally, and then suddenly in the principal’s office, he was composed and refused to clear his name and Sam’s.
And it wasn’t just that; so many situations, like the monkey at the park or the Halloween night fight, the fire at Sarah’s house, kept happening, and John didn’t even confide in Henri about any of them. All because of some girl that he just met a few months prior. Putting his life, Henri’s life and the other six gardes lives in danger.
So yeah, I just found a lot of things annoying tbh. It’s a real pity because the storyline, especially with the Lorien or alien elements, had immense potential. At least the ending did manage to put some excitement into the plot and prevented me from entirely disliking it.
Unfortunately, I spent too much time trying not to cringe to actually fully enjoy it. And it makes me hesitant about diving into the other books in the series. It’s likely they’ll have similar teenage dynamics that I found hard to enjoy.
One thing is for sure, so many things would and could have been avoided if he just told Henri everything anytime something happened. As Henri rightfully said, ‘We don’t lie to each other.’ And I don’t care if I’m being Sentimental but Henri’s blood, his life, is on his hands. So It’s frustrating to have to overlook this fact in favor of praising John’s supposed acts of bravery or love. Or whatever sick thing we are meant to call it.
This storyline could have been so much better if it weren’t centered around teenagers, particularly John, who at times could be really annoying. He’s erratic, swinging from impulsive and foolish actions to seemingly logical decisions. The incident with the meatballs during lunch is a prime example. He acted irrationally, and then suddenly in the principal’s office, he was composed and refused to clear his name and Sam’s.
And it wasn’t just that; so many situations, like the monkey at the park or the Halloween night fight, the fire at Sarah’s house, kept happening, and John didn’t even confide in Henri about any of them. All because of some girl that he just met a few months prior. Putting his life, Henri’s life and the other six gardes lives in danger.
So yeah, I just found a lot of things annoying tbh. It’s a real pity because the storyline, especially with the Lorien or alien elements, had immense potential. At least the ending did manage to put some excitement into the plot and prevented me from entirely disliking it.
Unfortunately, I spent too much time trying not to cringe to actually fully enjoy it. And it makes me hesitant about diving into the other books in the series. It’s likely they’ll have similar teenage dynamics that I found hard to enjoy.
One thing is for sure, so many things would and could have been avoided if he just told Henri everything anytime something happened. As Henri rightfully said, ‘We don’t lie to each other.’ And I don’t care if I’m being Sentimental but Henri’s blood, his life, is on his hands. So It’s frustrating to have to overlook this fact in favor of praising John’s supposed acts of bravery or love. Or whatever sick thing we are meant to call it.
Marrakech Noir by Yassin Adnan
2.75
I'm still on the fence about how I truly feel about this book. It didn't quite hit the mark for me. Some stories did catch my interest, like the one about the author travelling to work on Mars and the story of the Nigerian girl from Lagos. These particular narratives resonated with me, perhaps because I, too, am a writer, and hail from Nigeria.
I'm not convinced that the issue for me lies in having multiple short stories tho. Instead, it might be in how they were all organized? Perhaps it would be wise for me to explore other books in this series from countries that feel more familiar to me first, giving me a chance to settle into the storytelling style before diving into new settings.
I'm not convinced that the issue for me lies in having multiple short stories tho. Instead, it might be in how they were all organized? Perhaps it would be wise for me to explore other books in this series from countries that feel more familiar to me first, giving me a chance to settle into the storytelling style before diving into new settings.
The Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo
5.0
Sometimes you pick up a book, and it just won’t let you go. The kind that doesn’t force you to take a breather, especially when the main characters are teens, because they can be unusually irrational. Thankfully, “The Night Tiger” is not one of those reads.
Because I found myself completely immersed in this book, finishing it in less than a day, driven by a mix of anxiety, curiosity and some serious questions. And after a while, the questions began to pile up. Was Ren’s first master really a weretiger, or were those stories merely cautionary tales told to scare the kids at night? to keep them from reckless and foolish nighttime adventures? Because at some point, the stories seemed oddly convincing, especially given Ren’s vivid flashbacks and the creepy tales Shin (xin) and Zi Lin (zhi lin) were told at the cemetery. Plus, there’s the whole deal with Yi, Ren’s twin, and his dream encounters with Zhi Lin.
All of this had me on the edge of my seat, anxious to figure out the mysteries. What would happen when Ren nearly crossed over, and who amongst them could possibly be the Li? So when we finally reached the ending and, and it wasn't who i suspected, I couldn't help but think I should have seen it coming, especially with the unintentional hints dropped by William.
Then, there’s the weird case of the missing fingers and the string of strange deaths linked to the hospital and Dr. William Acton. Why were so many people associated with the hospital meeting untimely ends? And how did Zhi Lin and Shin fit into the puzzle?
Speaking of Zhi Lin and Shin, their relationship was truly a rollercoaster of emotions for me. It had me all jittery and sometimes uncomfortable, but also weirdly thrilled? The complexity of their dynamic had me pondering throughout, and by the end, I was eager to see how they’d work it out and how their parents would react. So I was happy with Zhi Lin’s decision to seek her own path in life. It was a really commendable and wise choice.
I also feel the strength of this book lies in the portrayal of its young characters. Although the characters are still in their teenage years, they somehow showcase a sort of maturity that makes the story all the more engaging. It skillfully avoids the usual cringe-worthy and irrational teenage behaviors, and that just made it a more tolerable read. So yeah i really enjoyed this book and I wish there was a sequel, honestly.
I mean, picturing these characters navigating a new life in Singapore is pretty intriguing, especially Ren, who I totally adored for his innocence and hard work. He’s just so young and doesn’t always get all those adult social cues. It was really endearing. It was also great to see Ah Long and Dr. Acton trying not to smother him with explanations, but instead just letting him be a kid and grow up in his own way. They were honestly decent older figures.
Yet, they weren’t perfect. Especially Dr. William Acton's, with his somewhat predatory behavior. He was a decent doctor and "master," but there was an uncomfortable side to him. He appears to have an inclination to pursue just local girls especially, with whom he had some form of authority. This behavior included a wandering eye and hand, essentially casting a shadow over the dynamics of all those relationships of his. Sure, you could argue that they were all willing participants, except for Zhi Lin—also known as Louise, of course. But this highlights the obvious issue of the unequal power dynamics. What’s even more ironic is that the one woman who he couldn’t seem to shake off, seemed to hold some sort of power over him in almost every situation involving him. She also played a predatory role in their relationship, and a bigger one at that, so the long line of women he got involved with obviously stood no chance against her. Neither did he. This part just put me off.
However, I will say that I always appreciate it when authors are intentional in their storytelling. She was very intentional of her portrayal of them both. Plus the scene at the end with Ren serving Lydia and William tea was really brilliant, with all those unspoken implications. The author doesn't outright spell it out for the reader but allows us to understand the scene's significance and what it means for all three characters without them even knowing or realizing it. Yet, they all still get what they seemingly deserved. Nothing in this book felt like filler, and I just loved it for that!
So, while this book might not have a sequel in the works, I’m already looking forward to “The Ghost Bride” since it’s mentioned here and has some ties to Ah Long’s story.
Because I found myself completely immersed in this book, finishing it in less than a day, driven by a mix of anxiety, curiosity and some serious questions. And after a while, the questions began to pile up. Was Ren’s first master really a weretiger, or were those stories merely cautionary tales told to scare the kids at night? to keep them from reckless and foolish nighttime adventures? Because at some point, the stories seemed oddly convincing, especially given Ren’s vivid flashbacks and the creepy tales Shin (xin) and Zi Lin (zhi lin) were told at the cemetery. Plus, there’s the whole deal with Yi, Ren’s twin, and his dream encounters with Zhi Lin.
All of this had me on the edge of my seat, anxious to figure out the mysteries. What would happen when Ren nearly crossed over, and who amongst them could possibly be the Li? So when we finally reached the ending and, and it wasn't who i suspected, I couldn't help but think I should have seen it coming, especially with the unintentional hints dropped by William.
Then, there’s the weird case of the missing fingers and the string of strange deaths linked to the hospital and Dr. William Acton. Why were so many people associated with the hospital meeting untimely ends? And how did Zhi Lin and Shin fit into the puzzle?
Speaking of Zhi Lin and Shin, their relationship was truly a rollercoaster of emotions for me. It had me all jittery and sometimes uncomfortable, but also weirdly thrilled? The complexity of their dynamic had me pondering throughout, and by the end, I was eager to see how they’d work it out and how their parents would react. So I was happy with Zhi Lin’s decision to seek her own path in life. It was a really commendable and wise choice.
I also feel the strength of this book lies in the portrayal of its young characters. Although the characters are still in their teenage years, they somehow showcase a sort of maturity that makes the story all the more engaging. It skillfully avoids the usual cringe-worthy and irrational teenage behaviors, and that just made it a more tolerable read. So yeah i really enjoyed this book and I wish there was a sequel, honestly.
I mean, picturing these characters navigating a new life in Singapore is pretty intriguing, especially Ren, who I totally adored for his innocence and hard work. He’s just so young and doesn’t always get all those adult social cues. It was really endearing. It was also great to see Ah Long and Dr. Acton trying not to smother him with explanations, but instead just letting him be a kid and grow up in his own way. They were honestly decent older figures.
Yet, they weren’t perfect. Especially Dr. William Acton's, with his somewhat predatory behavior. He was a decent doctor and "master," but there was an uncomfortable side to him. He appears to have an inclination to pursue just local girls especially, with whom he had some form of authority. This behavior included a wandering eye and hand, essentially casting a shadow over the dynamics of all those relationships of his. Sure, you could argue that they were all willing participants, except for Zhi Lin—also known as Louise, of course. But this highlights the obvious issue of the unequal power dynamics. What’s even more ironic is that the one woman who he couldn’t seem to shake off, seemed to hold some sort of power over him in almost every situation involving him. She also played a predatory role in their relationship, and a bigger one at that, so the long line of women he got involved with obviously stood no chance against her. Neither did he. This part just put me off.
However, I will say that I always appreciate it when authors are intentional in their storytelling. She was very intentional of her portrayal of them both. Plus the scene at the end with Ren serving Lydia and William tea was really brilliant, with all those unspoken implications. The author doesn't outright spell it out for the reader but allows us to understand the scene's significance and what it means for all three characters without them even knowing or realizing it. Yet, they all still get what they seemingly deserved. Nothing in this book felt like filler, and I just loved it for that!
So, while this book might not have a sequel in the works, I’m already looking forward to “The Ghost Bride” since it’s mentioned here and has some ties to Ah Long’s story.
Fevered Star by Rebecca Roanhorse
3.0
I can finally admit to myself that I didn't like this book as much as I had hoped.
The first book ended on a high note, and I had expected the sequel to guide us gently down from that peak, but instead, it felt like an unending rollercoaster. Just rising and falling with no signs of eventually slowing down. And then we were eventually brought to an unsatisfactory stop.
The pacing was all over the place, and the narrative felt cluttered with an onslaught of new characters and an abundance of clans to comprehend all at once, leaving the storyline feeling a bit scattered.
In the first book, I really Serapio and Xiala, both individually and together. But in this one, we barely see them together, or even at all. While I liked Serapio's character, I wished he'd taken a different approach. But it’s understandable that he finds it hard and he can’t help it. And It’s tough, I get it plus she’s eager to find Serapio, but Xiala just didn’t do it for me this time. Similarly, my feelings toward Iktan mirrored this; it’s like they both started positively in the first book, but my sentiments changed as the narrative in this one progressed.
Strangely enough, Naranpa, who irritated me a bit in the first book, turned out to be my favorite character here. Unfortunately, Okoa left me somewhat disappointed. I had hoped for more from hi , but I guess it's understandable that loyalties can be difficult to navigate. Now, I’m mostly rooting for Serapio and Naranpa, whether they rule together or separately. And I find this shift in focus on my part both conflicting and disappointing. And I'm unsure if this outcome is what the author se out to achieve.
Nevertheless, I known I will undoubtedly read the next book in the series. My curiosity about Serapio's reign and the potential return of Naranpa to join forces with him is just too strong to resist.
The first book ended on a high note, and I had expected the sequel to guide us gently down from that peak, but instead, it felt like an unending rollercoaster. Just rising and falling with no signs of eventually slowing down. And then we were eventually brought to an unsatisfactory stop.
The pacing was all over the place, and the narrative felt cluttered with an onslaught of new characters and an abundance of clans to comprehend all at once, leaving the storyline feeling a bit scattered.
In the first book, I really Serapio and Xiala, both individually and together. But in this one, we barely see them together, or even at all. While I liked Serapio's character, I wished he'd taken a different approach. But it’s understandable that he finds it hard and he can’t help it. And It’s tough, I get it plus she’s eager to find Serapio, but Xiala just didn’t do it for me this time. Similarly, my feelings toward Iktan mirrored this; it’s like they both started positively in the first book, but my sentiments changed as the narrative in this one progressed.
Strangely enough, Naranpa, who irritated me a bit in the first book, turned out to be my favorite character here. Unfortunately, Okoa left me somewhat disappointed. I had hoped for more from hi , but I guess it's understandable that loyalties can be difficult to navigate. Now, I’m mostly rooting for Serapio and Naranpa, whether they rule together or separately. And I find this shift in focus on my part both conflicting and disappointing. And I'm unsure if this outcome is what the author se out to achieve.
Nevertheless, I known I will undoubtedly read the next book in the series. My curiosity about Serapio's reign and the potential return of Naranpa to join forces with him is just too strong to resist.
A Will to Kill by RV Raman
4.0
The first thing I thought, when I started this book was, 'What a complicated yet fascinating family.' Though they may be an Indian family, their dynamics could easily mirror those of an old and affluent West African family living in a village. Their combination of shrewdness and affection was just too familiar and truly interesting.
I found the pacing of the book and the way the plot unfolded to be quite enjoyable. It held my interest from start to finish, as I honestly never expected the ending to be what it turned out to be. While, in hindsight, I should have seen the ending coming, as it was hinted by the significance of the church, the altar, and the wheelchair, it still managed to surprise me.
As a devoted reader of crime fiction, I often prefer stories that allow us readers to gradually piece together the case alongside the investigator. So, it's quite unusual for me to enjoy a narrative where we remain in the dark, with only crumbs of clues scattered along the way for us to figure out .
Yet, with this particular story, the narrative style worked exceptionally well. Even though part of me wished it didn't. I wanted something or someone to be mad at, other than myself, for not foreseeing the ending. Nonetheless, this story has piqued my interest in checking out the other books in the series because I genuinely liked Athreya, the central character, who didn’t quite feel like one.
I found the pacing of the book and the way the plot unfolded to be quite enjoyable. It held my interest from start to finish, as I honestly never expected the ending to be what it turned out to be. While, in hindsight, I should have seen the ending coming, as it was hinted by the significance of the church, the altar, and the wheelchair, it still managed to surprise me.
As a devoted reader of crime fiction, I often prefer stories that allow us readers to gradually piece together the case alongside the investigator. So, it's quite unusual for me to enjoy a narrative where we remain in the dark, with only crumbs of clues scattered along the way for us to figure out .
Yet, with this particular story, the narrative style worked exceptionally well. Even though part of me wished it didn't. I wanted something or someone to be mad at, other than myself, for not foreseeing the ending. Nonetheless, this story has piqued my interest in checking out the other books in the series because I genuinely liked Athreya, the central character, who didn’t quite feel like one.
Finn by Stephen King
3.5
This was quite an intriguing listen. I must say, the narrator's voice added a lot to my enjoyment. He truly did the story justice. However, what puzzled me was the drastic behavioral shift of the doctors. It left me somewhat uneasy, constantly thinking they might return and whisk him away from the park, particularly with the way it all ended.
Also I’m not sure why the book ended that way. I found it a bit abrupt and unsatisfying. What I truly longed for was to witness Finn's emotional reunion with his family. Instead, the story left me with lingering doubts, wondering if it had all been a product of his imagination, which, to be honest, left me feeling somewhat anxious.
For a short audiobook, it was a great listen though
Also I’m not sure why the book ended that way. I found it a bit abrupt and unsatisfying. What I truly longed for was to witness Finn's emotional reunion with his family. Instead, the story left me with lingering doubts, wondering if it had all been a product of his imagination, which, to be honest, left me feeling somewhat anxious.
For a short audiobook, it was a great listen though
Educated by Tara Westover
4.25
This book was quite a surprise for me. I don't usually dive into memoirs, but this one really caught my attention. In the beginning, I felt frustrated with Tara's parents, particularly her father's strong ideals. Then the way he treated her mother after she became the birthmaiden also didn't sit well with me. I even found myself really upset when Tara didn't choose to go with her grandparents. But I guess it’s unwise of me to expect much of a conditioned child.
However, as the story unfolded, my perspective began to shift. I started to realize that sometimes, it's challenging to grasp the choices people make until we've walked in their shoes. Family dynamics and the weight of generational expectations became clearer to me. Yet despite this newfound understanding of mine, I couldn't help but still feel anger toward Tara's family at various points in the story tho.
However, as the story unfolded, my perspective began to shift. I started to realize that sometimes, it's challenging to grasp the choices people make until we've walked in their shoes. Family dynamics and the weight of generational expectations became clearer to me. Yet despite this newfound understanding of mine, I couldn't help but still feel anger toward Tara's family at various points in the story tho.
Tattered by Devney Perry
3.5
I must admit, there’s nothing I dislike more than the third act of books, a tired narrative trend that plI must admit, there’s nothing I dislike more than the third act of books, a tired narrative trend that plagues so many genres. I always find it annoying because It’s become quite the cliché.
This storytelling method works well in genres like mystery or thriller, where it keeps us eagerly flipping pages, waiting for a revelation or a suspenseful turn. I guess fantasy also occasionally benefits from it, depending on the subgenre.
But in genres like contemporary romance, I’ve often found that it disrupts more than it enhances. There’s an occasional exception of course, but more often than not, it leaves me feeling somewhat dissatisfied. And unfortunately, this book was no exception.
I think the story began well. The initial “meet-cute” and the secret baby element held somewhat of a promise. In the beginning, I honestly connected more with the characters in their roles as parents, as the initial chemistry they had seemed to lose its spark. But then what followed was a slow and well-executed roll back into romance, leaving me smiling, even giggling and actually really engrossed.
Then, the ending took an unexpected turn with the introduction of a stalker subplot. It just felt out of place and, frankly, a bit irritating. The story didn’t need it. Sometimes it’s best to just let a story be itself without adding all these contrived conflicts or misunderstandings.
But, of course, no story is perfect. Even though this added element was a bit disruptive, I guess I understood that storytelling isn’t always a straightforward path. I just wished it was different, especially since the book had its really enjoyable moments.
This storytelling method works well in genres like mystery or thriller, where it keeps us eagerly flipping pages, waiting for a revelation or a suspenseful turn. I guess fantasy also occasionally benefits from it, depending on the subgenre.
But in genres like contemporary romance, I’ve often found that it disrupts more than it enhances. There’s an occasional exception of course, but more often than not, it leaves me feeling somewhat dissatisfied. And unfortunately, this book was no exception.
I think the story began well. The initial “meet-cute” and the secret baby element held somewhat of a promise. In the beginning, I honestly connected more with the characters in their roles as parents, as the initial chemistry they had seemed to lose its spark. But then what followed was a slow and well-executed roll back into romance, leaving me smiling, even giggling and actually really engrossed.
Then, the ending took an unexpected turn with the introduction of a stalker subplot. It just felt out of place and, frankly, a bit irritating. The story didn’t need it. Sometimes it’s best to just let a story be itself without adding all these contrived conflicts or misunderstandings.
But, of course, no story is perfect. Even though this added element was a bit disruptive, I guess I understood that storytelling isn’t always a straightforward path. I just wished it was different, especially since the book had its really enjoyable moments.
Two Scorched Men by Margaret Atwood
3.0
This short story came at the right time, pulling me out of my reading slump. However, I have mixed feelings about the narrative style."