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nadiamasood's reviews
287 reviews
Daughter of Light and Dark by Ahlam Faris
Oh, and while there’s a little flirting and some interest from one of the characters, don’t expect a romance in this one. Maybe we’ll get that slow-burn in Book 2?
Also...why did Faris have to kill off Saif like that?! His death hit me so hard and I was hoping he’d somehow make it. Maybe it was to raise the stakes and bring more angst, but still!
Tropes:
Heads-up, though: there is a pretty graphic torture scene toward the end!
Recommendation:
If you’re into YA fantasy with a rich setting, complex heroines, and just the slightest hint of romance, Daughter of Light and Dark is worth checking out. It’s perfect for fans of desert fantasy and the found family trope. Plus, the cover is absolutely stunning and totally captures the mood of the story.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A fierce heroine, her mysterious jinn, and a world where magic and danger collide—all in a gorgeous Middle-Eastern setting!
One of the things I loved most about this book is the worldbuilding. The setting is so vivid, full of rich details that really bring that Middle Eastern fantasy vibe to life. The plot is packed with magic, adventure, and the darker side of human nature. That said, I felt like it leaned a bit more on action than really getting into the characters' emotions. I just wish there was more depth and "feels" with the characters. Also, there are a few typos and grammar slips here and there, which is why I couldn’t quite give it 5 stars.
Also, there are a lot of unique jinn and place names that might seem confusing at first, but things start to make more sense as you get deeper into the story.
Mina, our main character, is morally gray with her own goals and a shady past, which makes her such an interesting protagonist. The dynamic between her and Ashrush, the Lord of Chains, is beautifully done. Their bond was definitely one of the highlights for me!
One of the things I loved most about this book is the worldbuilding. The setting is so vivid, full of rich details that really bring that Middle Eastern fantasy vibe to life. The plot is packed with magic, adventure, and the darker side of human nature. That said, I felt like it leaned a bit more on action than really getting into the characters' emotions. I just wish there was more depth and "feels" with the characters. Also, there are a few typos and grammar slips here and there, which is why I couldn’t quite give it 5 stars.
Also, there are a lot of unique jinn and place names that might seem confusing at first, but things start to make more sense as you get deeper into the story.
Mina, our main character, is morally gray with her own goals and a shady past, which makes her such an interesting protagonist. The dynamic between her and Ashrush, the Lord of Chains, is beautifully done. Their bond was definitely one of the highlights for me!
“Ashrush laughed a low, rippling laugh. ‘The girl is under my protection: there is nothing that could hurt her. No one would dare hurt her.'"
Oh, and while there’s a little flirting and some interest from one of the characters, don’t expect a romance in this one. Maybe we’ll get that slow-burn in Book 2?
Also...
Tropes:
- Morally gray and complex main character
- Found family
- Desert fantasy
- A jinn bodyguard
- High stakes
- Quests and adventures
Heads-up, though: there is a pretty graphic torture scene toward the end!
Recommendation:
If you’re into YA fantasy with a rich setting, complex heroines, and just the slightest hint of romance, Daughter of Light and Dark is worth checking out. It’s perfect for fans of desert fantasy and the found family trope. Plus, the cover is absolutely stunning and totally captures the mood of the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture
Witness 8 by Steve Cavanagh
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A fast-paced legal thriller packed with intricate plot twists, compelling characters, and unexpected twist!
After enjoying Kill for Me, Kill for You, I knew I wanted to read more of Steve Cavanagh’s books. Witness 8, the latest in the Eddie Flynn series, did not disappoint. Even though it's Book 8, I was able to dive right in and thoroughly enjoy it without having read the previous installments.
Honestly, legal and political thrillers aren’t usually my thing—I often find them tedious. BUT Cavanagh’s books are so engaging and fast-paced that I’m now eager to read more of the Eddie Flynn series! Even the legal proceedings and courtroom scenes were well-crafted and gripping.
Eddie Flynn, a former con man turned lawyer, is a fascinating protagonist. Ruby, an unreliable character, adds layers of intrigue to the plot, while Mr. Christmas, with his polite yet mysterious demeanor, kept me hooked. His enigmatic presence was a standout, and the final courtroom twist completely caught me off guard!
That said, the audiobook can be tricky to follow, especially when multitasking, due to the eight different POVs. Yes, EIGHT! If you lose focus for even a moment, someone’s either getting chased or murdered. While the multiple perspectives and layered characters enrich the story, they might also make it more challenging for readers who prefer a simpler narrative.
Fans of legal thrillers and courtroom dramas will find Witness 8 a captivating and satisfying read.
After enjoying Kill for Me, Kill for You, I knew I wanted to read more of Steve Cavanagh’s books. Witness 8, the latest in the Eddie Flynn series, did not disappoint. Even though it's Book 8, I was able to dive right in and thoroughly enjoy it without having read the previous installments.
Honestly, legal and political thrillers aren’t usually my thing—I often find them tedious. BUT Cavanagh’s books are so engaging and fast-paced that I’m now eager to read more of the Eddie Flynn series! Even the legal proceedings and courtroom scenes were well-crafted and gripping.
Eddie Flynn, a former con man turned lawyer, is a fascinating protagonist. Ruby, an unreliable character, adds layers of intrigue to the plot, while Mr. Christmas, with his polite yet mysterious demeanor, kept me hooked. His enigmatic presence was a standout, and the final courtroom twist completely caught me off guard!
That said, the audiobook can be tricky to follow, especially when multitasking, due to the eight different POVs. Yes, EIGHT! If you lose focus for even a moment, someone’s either getting chased or murdered. While the multiple perspectives and layered characters enrich the story, they might also make it more challenging for readers who prefer a simpler narrative.
Fans of legal thrillers and courtroom dramas will find Witness 8 a captivating and satisfying read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Kidnapping, Stalking, Death of parent, and Murder
The Fifth Soul by Diana Denisse
The author kindly provided me with the ARC of this book, but all opinions are my own. The ARC in no way impacts the rating of the book. All of my reviews contain my honest opinion.
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book is a good choice for those wanting to explore the fantasy genre without feeling overwhelmed. The world-building and magic system are straightforward, and the plot is easy to follow. The romance is sweet and non-explicit, and the mix of secrets and simple political tensions adds an extra layer of depth to the story.
I particularly enjoyed Denisse's writing style—her prose is descriptive without being too verbose, keeping the pace flowing smoothly. One thing that caught me off guard was the mention of cars. I suppose I just wasn’t expecting modern vehicles in this fantasy novel.
Bianca and Brandon make such a cute couple! She's a thief with special magical powers and he's a crown prince with unique powers of his own. She's strong, brave, and loyal. He's kind, just, and protective. I loved how he never once hid his feelings for her in front of his family and friends.
All of the secondary characters are lovable as well, though I wish we had a bit more background on some of them. The bond between the Royal Oscuro brothers is everything, and even Gabriel and Mel have a sweet connection!
I’m giving this book five stars for its light, feel-good vibes. The romance, friendships, and family dynamics are beautifully done. Plus, it was refreshing to see a story without the classic misunderstanding trope, and where the conflicts are resolved with ease.
Overall, The Fifth Soul is a captivating read filled with magic, romance, and intrigue—perfect for fans of fantasy and romantic adventures alike.
The author kindly provided me with the ARC of this book, but all opinions are my own. The ARC in no way impacts the rating of the book. All of my reviews contain my honest opinion.
The Takeout by Tracy Badua
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
A story centered around a food truck serving Filipino-Indian fusion cuisine? Yes, please! That is the main reason I picked this book up.
This middle-grade novel follows a Filipino-American girl navigating her way through a predominantly white community. Badua skillfully explores themes of cultural appropriation and fitting in, all while keeping the story accessible and relatable for young readers. It's a heartwarming and fun read, with a charming touch of Filipino folk potions sprinkled throughout. But for me, the real star of this book was the food!
Tracy Badua dishes out an irresistible spread of Filipino-Indian fusion cuisine in such vivid detail, I was hungry the entire time I was reading!
Some of Banana Leaf food truck’s standout fusion creations included chicken adobo paired with hot, buttery paratha, adobo dosa (not sure about this, to be honest, haha), turon lassi with crispy lumpia, sisig puri, and ube gulab jamun (now that sounds like an irresistible combo!). Having spent a few years in the Philippines, I'm quite familiar with the cuisine, culture, and language, which made these creative combinations even more enjoyable!
The Audiobook:
I began this novel in audiobook format, and Ferdelle Capistrano’s narration was beautiful. She did a great job with the various accents as well. However, I had one issue—the mispronunciation of "lassi." She kept saying "laasi," and since the word appears 29 times in the book, it eventually became distracting. I ultimately switched to the ebook to finish the story.
The ending is fun and hopeful, with all the loose ends tying up very neatly.
Overall, The Takeout is a sweet and savory read that celebrates food, culture, and the bonds that hold us together.
This middle-grade novel follows a Filipino-American girl navigating her way through a predominantly white community. Badua skillfully explores themes of cultural appropriation and fitting in, all while keeping the story accessible and relatable for young readers. It's a heartwarming and fun read, with a charming touch of Filipino folk potions sprinkled throughout. But for me, the real star of this book was the food!
Tracy Badua dishes out an irresistible spread of Filipino-Indian fusion cuisine in such vivid detail, I was hungry the entire time I was reading!
Some of Banana Leaf food truck’s standout fusion creations included chicken adobo paired with hot, buttery paratha, adobo dosa (not sure about this, to be honest, haha), turon lassi with crispy lumpia, sisig puri, and ube gulab jamun (now that sounds like an irresistible combo!). Having spent a few years in the Philippines, I'm quite familiar with the cuisine, culture, and language, which made these creative combinations even more enjoyable!
The Audiobook:
I began this novel in audiobook format, and Ferdelle Capistrano’s narration was beautiful. She did a great job with the various accents as well. However, I had one issue—the mispronunciation of "lassi." She kept saying "laasi," and since the word appears 29 times in the book, it eventually became distracting. I ultimately switched to the ebook to finish the story.
The ending is fun and hopeful, with all the loose ends tying up very neatly.
Overall, The Takeout is a sweet and savory read that celebrates food, culture, and the bonds that hold us together.
The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center
Where it Fell Short:
This book is perfect for readers who love a slow-burn, no-spice, and uplifting romantic comedy. If you loved Katherine Center's The Bodyguard, you'll enjoy this one, too!
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book is a heartwarming and delightful story of an aspiring screenwriter determined to prove that love stories are worth believing in—even to the most cynical of critics.
Reasons to Love:
Reasons to Love:
- The book brims with heartwarming moments, especially through Emma’s relationship with her father and sister, which adds an emotional depth. Her journey of self-discovery is not only touching but also truly inspiring.
- The slow-burn romance is filled with sharp, witty banter that’s often laugh-out-loud funny.
- Exploring themes of self-worth, perseverance, and the importance of following one’s dreams.
- A feel-good ending!
- Center’s writing is both lyrical and accessible, making the book a pleasure to read!
Where it Fell Short:
- Cancer or death in a romantic comedy (this doesn't work for me for some reason).
- The tension between the sisters toward the end felt a bit overly dramatic to me.
This book is perfect for readers who love a slow-burn, no-spice, and uplifting romantic comedy. If you loved Katherine Center's The Bodyguard, you'll enjoy this one, too!
Land of No Regrets by Sadi Muktadir
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book is a heartfelt exploration of faith, friendship, and the true meaning of freedom. I was surprised by how deeply it moved me—perhaps because I share the same culture and religion as the characters?
The essence of adolescence, friendship, and the quest for identity within the confines of a strict religious setting is beautifully captured in this book. Muktadir’s writing is both tender and witty.
This type of story was a new experience for me. While I knew that madrasas were strict in terms of discipline, I was curious about the daily lives of the students.
I enjoyed reading about how the boys formed their friendships, their daring adventures laced with the thrill (and fear) of getting caught, their reflections on life and religion, and the discovery of a girl’s diary that ultimately changes everything for them.
I must admit that the pacing of the story occasionally falters, with some sections feeling a bit drawn out.
The ending left me heartbroken. It’s a book that leaves us reflecting on our own journeys and the bonds that shape them.
The essence of adolescence, friendship, and the quest for identity within the confines of a strict religious setting is beautifully captured in this book. Muktadir’s writing is both tender and witty.
This type of story was a new experience for me. While I knew that madrasas were strict in terms of discipline, I was curious about the daily lives of the students.
I enjoyed reading about how the boys formed their friendships, their daring adventures laced with the thrill (and fear) of getting caught, their reflections on life and religion, and the discovery of a girl’s diary that ultimately changes everything for them.
I must admit that the pacing of the story occasionally falters, with some sections feeling a bit drawn out.
The ending left me heartbroken. It’s a book that leaves us reflecting on our own journeys and the bonds that shape them.
This novel is highly recommended for readers who enjoy heartfelt stories of friendship and identity, particularly those interested in diverse cultural settings.
You Shouldn't Have Come Here by Jeneva Rose
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book isn't exactly a fast-paced, heart-stopping thriller—well, except maybe for the last ten pages. It starts off as a small-town insta-romance that goes dark, shifts into a mystery, and then veers off course, attempting to become a psychological thriller with a rather underwhelming surprise twist at the end.
Reasons I'm giving this book 3 stars instead of the 2 stars I initially considered:
#1: The book cover is striking, immediately giving off strong horror-thriller vibes!
#2: Despite its shortcomings, the book held my attention enough for me to finish it.
#3: The ending did catch me off-guard!
What Didn't Work for Me:
Way too much cringe-worthy romance in what's supposed to be a mystery/thriller! With a cover like THAT, you'd expect suspense, but instead, you get Grace and Calvin swooning over each other for half the book. He cooks up baked beans with bacon and hotdogs; she counters with balsamic-and-honey-glazed Brussels sprouts with bacon. Then they walk, fish, ride horses, and basically gaze into each other's eyes like they've discovered the meaning of life at every glance.
Calvin gushes about Grace's "blue, blue eyes" about 18 times throughout the book!
On their THIRD day of knowing each other, Calvin—who barely knows Grace beyond her NYC roots—suddenly decides she’s “like an onion: layered, complex, with so much to offer.” And then, as if that weren’t enough of a whirlwind romance, they decide to go skinny dipping. Because, of course, that’s what you do after knowing someone for just THREE days.
"She was everything between the rising sun and the sun setting. She was the sensation you get after you felt a jerk on your fishing pole (literally)." Yes, this was exactly how it was written.
"She was everything and she was nothing, which made her the perfect amount of something."
However, in an effort to keep things mysterious (because, you know, this is a thriller), the author decided to toss in every suspicious trope they could think of: an isolated ranch with no Wi-Fi or cell reception, someone screaming in the night, missing guests, mysterious dead parents, a bitter ex, creepy townsfolk, estranged siblings, a mountain lion attack, killer bees, a padlocked basement—you name it. Honestly, I was half-expecting aliens to show up!
Ever find yourself flipping through pages, desperately waiting for something—anything—interesting to happen? That was my experience with this book. But somehow, I kept reading, so I’ve got to give the author credit for keeping me hooked, even when the plot was about as thrilling as watching grass grow in that isolated, creepy ranch.
Then there were the inconsistencies in Jeneva Rose’s writing. Grace would shift from suspicious to brave to flirty to terrified—all within the same chapter. This was particularly noticeable in the audiobook, where the narrator’s portrayal highlighted these abrupt changes even more.
My Problem with the Plot Twist at the End:
It came out of nowhere! Grace’s motivation for her killing spree was simply that she had an "itch in the middle of her back that she finally learned how to scratch." And to top it off, she plans to involve her daughter in her future killing retreats once the child is older?! This twist completely ruined the book for me!
Why did the audiobook narrator make us believe Grace was so terrified of the mysterious happenings at the ranch that she couldn’t wait for her car to be fixed just so she could make a quick getaway? I've read a lot of thrillers, and this isn’t how you build up to an ending like that!
Alternate Endings I've been Thinking Of:
The plot is great, by the way. You have a psychopath killer who randomly picks an Airbnb situated in a remote location, makes sure she's the lone guest, seduces and then kills the host, and leaves. Except in this particular ranch, she wasn't expecting her prey to be a killer himself!
After knowing how the story ended, I went back and reread some of Grace’s chapters, and they made more sense. If the narrative had hinted at Grace being an unreliable narrator earlier, the build-up would have been much more satisfying.
Imagine if Calvin and Grace discovered they were both killers and decided they were soulmates, leaving us with a cliffhanger! Or what if Grace turned out to be the missing girl who came back for revenge, determined to make sure Calvin never committed another crime?
Readers looking for a low-key thriller that doesn’t demand much brainpower will find some fun here with its ambiguous ending. And if you’re new to the mystery or thriller genre and love to sprinkle romance into everything you read, this book could be your dream come true.
Reasons I'm giving this book 3 stars instead of the 2 stars I initially considered:
#1: The book cover is striking, immediately giving off strong horror-thriller vibes!
#2: Despite its shortcomings, the book held my attention enough for me to finish it.
#3: The ending did catch me off-guard!
What Didn't Work for Me:
Way too much cringe-worthy romance in what's supposed to be a mystery/thriller! With a cover like THAT, you'd expect suspense, but instead, you get Grace and Calvin swooning over each other for half the book. He cooks up baked beans with bacon and hotdogs; she counters with balsamic-and-honey-glazed Brussels sprouts with bacon. Then they walk, fish, ride horses, and basically gaze into each other's eyes like they've discovered the meaning of life at every glance.
Calvin gushes about Grace's "blue, blue eyes" about 18 times throughout the book!
On their THIRD day of knowing each other, Calvin—who barely knows Grace beyond her NYC roots—suddenly decides she’s “like an onion: layered, complex, with so much to offer.” And then, as if that weren’t enough of a whirlwind romance, they decide to go skinny dipping. Because, of course, that’s what you do after knowing someone for just THREE days.
"She was everything between the rising sun and the sun setting. She was the sensation you get after you felt a jerk on your fishing pole (literally)." Yes, this was exactly how it was written.
"She was everything and she was nothing, which made her the perfect amount of something."
However, in an effort to keep things mysterious (because, you know, this is a thriller), the author decided to toss in every suspicious trope they could think of: an isolated ranch with no Wi-Fi or cell reception, someone screaming in the night, missing guests, mysterious dead parents, a bitter ex, creepy townsfolk, estranged siblings, a mountain lion attack, killer bees, a padlocked basement—you name it. Honestly, I was half-expecting aliens to show up!
Ever find yourself flipping through pages, desperately waiting for something—anything—interesting to happen? That was my experience with this book. But somehow, I kept reading, so I’ve got to give the author credit for keeping me hooked, even when the plot was about as thrilling as watching grass grow in that isolated, creepy ranch.
Then there were the inconsistencies in Jeneva Rose’s writing. Grace would shift from suspicious to brave to flirty to terrified—all within the same chapter. This was particularly noticeable in the audiobook, where the narrator’s portrayal highlighted these abrupt changes even more.
My Problem with the Plot Twist at the End:
Why did the audiobook narrator make us believe Grace was so terrified of the mysterious happenings at the ranch that she couldn’t wait for her car to be fixed just so she could make a quick getaway? I've read a lot of thrillers, and this isn’t how you build up to an ending like that!
Alternate Endings I've been Thinking Of:
After knowing how the story ended, I went back and reread some of Grace’s chapters, and they made more sense. If the narrative had hinted at Grace being an unreliable narrator earlier, the build-up would have been much more satisfying.
Imagine if Calvin and Grace discovered they were both killers and decided they were soulmates, leaving us with a cliffhanger! Or what if Grace turned out to be the missing girl who came back for revenge, determined to make sure Calvin never committed another crime?
Readers looking for a low-key thriller that doesn’t demand much brainpower will find some fun here with its ambiguous ending. And if you’re new to the mystery or thriller genre and love to sprinkle romance into everything you read, this book could be your dream come true.
Until the Last Page by Chantal Gadoury
Thanks to Hidden Book Gems and Chantal Gadoury for the digital ARC of this book!
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
What if you suddenly find yourself inside a fairytale book, tasked with breaking a frog prince’s curse while navigating your way back home?
This enchanting, whimsical novel is a delightful reminder that there’s always space in our hearts for fairytales and that we’re never too old for magical stories with happy endings.
This enchanting, whimsical novel is a delightful reminder that there’s always space in our hearts for fairytales and that we’re never too old for magical stories with happy endings.
Go on an adventure with a snarky, pompous frog prince as you search for the princess who can break his curse with a kiss. Along the way, you'll try to save Hansel and Gretel, stay with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (men?), strike deals with Rumpelstiltskin (yes, I needed autocorrect for that one), and attend a grand ball with Prince Charming!
But it’s not all smooth sailing—danger lurks at every turn!
Though it might be a bit predictable and carry some Disney vibes, this book kept me thoroughly entertained. It features a slow-burn romance full of witty banter and no spicy content.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves fairytales!
Thanks to Hidden Book Gems and Chantal Gadoury for the digital ARC of this book!
Splinter by Sebastian Fitzek
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
What if we could permanently erase our most terrifying experiences from memory? Psychological thrillers are meant to manipulate our perceptions and mess with our minds, and this book does just that!
This is my first book by this German author, and despite some readers finding his writing style confusing and all over the place, I just loved it! This fast-paced, roller-coaster of a book gave me the rush and excitement that comes with reading a good thriller novel.
Having short chapters that end with a cliffhanger is brilliant. At no point was I confused with the story, and I actually enjoyed Fitzek's writing style, which is effortlessly engaging while still keeping the plot complex enough to keep the ending a mystery until the final page!
He has a remarkable talent for making you think you’ve figured out the twists, only to reveal just how mistaken you were!
Speaking of twists, I wish the ending had been less dramatic and more believable. This is my only issue with the book. I'm having a hard time accepting the conclusion of the main character's journey. After everything, the ending felt over the top. I’m struggling to understand a certain character's motives and why they went to such extremes to influence everything that happens with the main. Did they REALLY have to go through ALL that?
Read this if you love fast-paced psychological thrillers with intricate plots that will have you thinking long after you’ve finished. If you enjoy themes like reality versus illusion and trust versus deception, this book is a must-read.
This is my first book by this German author, and despite some readers finding his writing style confusing and all over the place, I just loved it! This fast-paced, roller-coaster of a book gave me the rush and excitement that comes with reading a good thriller novel.
Having short chapters that end with a cliffhanger is brilliant. At no point was I confused with the story, and I actually enjoyed Fitzek's writing style, which is effortlessly engaging while still keeping the plot complex enough to keep the ending a mystery until the final page!
He has a remarkable talent for making you think you’ve figured out the twists, only to reveal just how mistaken you were!
Speaking of twists, I wish the ending had been less dramatic and more believable. This is my only issue with the book. I'm having a hard time accepting the conclusion of the main character's journey. After everything, the ending felt over the top. I’m struggling to understand a certain character's motives and why they went to such extremes to influence everything that happens with the main. Did they REALLY have to go through ALL that?
Read this if you love fast-paced psychological thrillers with intricate plots that will have you thinking long after you’ve finished. If you enjoy themes like reality versus illusion and trust versus deception, this book is a must-read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Car accident, Suicide attempt, and Murder
Safiyyah's War by Hiba Noor Khan
I appreciate how the author avoided politics and propaganda, and focused instead on courage, familial love, and friendships. Highlighting the often-forgotten heroism of Muslims in France, this book offers an important and inspiring narrative for young readers.
Saffiyah is a kind-hearted and brave young girl. But she’s also rebellious and quite bold! Some of the things she does often felt unbelievable for someone her age, but I suppose their purpose is to keep young readers interested with her adventures.
My favorite character is Saffiya’s grandmother, Setti. She’s wise, strong, and kind.
The story is fast-paced and maintains a constant sense of danger, yet it still deeply explores relationships, character growth, and religious understanding. The themes of community and unity in adverse times are portrayed powerfully and memorably.
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
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
A must-read for middle-grade children everywhere!
Based on true events in Paris, this historical fiction for MG readers tells the story of how, during WWII, the Muslim community at the Grand Mosque secretly helped their Jewish neighbors from the Nazis, saving up to 1,700 lives.
Based on true events in Paris, this historical fiction for MG readers tells the story of how, during WWII, the Muslim community at the Grand Mosque secretly helped their Jewish neighbors from the Nazis, saving up to 1,700 lives.
It is only in holy places of worship and libraries that you have to whisper, for they are both sacred in their own special ways.
I appreciate how the author avoided politics and propaganda, and focused instead on courage, familial love, and friendships. Highlighting the often-forgotten heroism of Muslims in France, this book offers an important and inspiring narrative for young readers.
Saffiyah is a kind-hearted and brave young girl. But she’s also rebellious and quite bold! Some of the things she does often felt unbelievable for someone her age, but I suppose their purpose is to keep young readers interested with her adventures.
My favorite character is Saffiya’s grandmother, Setti. She’s wise, strong, and kind.
The story is fast-paced and maintains a constant sense of danger, yet it still deeply explores relationships, character growth, and religious understanding. The themes of community and unity in adverse times are portrayed powerfully and memorably.
Content Warnings
Minor: War