Blog Archives
Daughter of Light and Dark
Daughter of Light and Dark, set in the fantastical kingdom of Rafah, is a compelling YA fantasy novel by author Ahlam Faris. The book introduces readers to Mina, a young woman with the rare ability to see Jinn without the aid of a ring. Protected by her mother, who guards this secret fiercely, Mina’s life takes a tragic turn when a devastating fire leaves her orphaned. Years later, accompanied by the enigmatic Jinn Lord of Chains, Ashrush, Mina returns to her childhood home in search of a stolen artifact belonging to her mother. This quest not only reveals the truth of her origins but also sets her on a path to save the Rafah Kingdom.
Mina’s journey of self-discovery unfolds against a backdrop of magical beings, including the Jinn and Ifrits, in a world on the brink of collapse. As the Veil that separates the realms begins to tear, Mina emerges as the potential savior of her kingdom. Faris crafts a richly detailed world filled with intricate lore and a plot that is both engaging and thought-provoking.
The story is successful in its world-building and offers a tantalizing hint of romance amidst the action. The characters that populate Mina’s world add depth to her development, particularly the mysterious Ashrush, her childhood friend Saif, and the noble Prince Zyed. Despite the mounting tension and violence from the fanatical rebel group, the Nonbelievers, these characters bring moments of levity to the story. I would love to have seen an expansion of the history of the fascinating Jinn and their descent into the human realm.
Daughter of Light and Dark is a promising debut with its engaging plot and richly imagined world, it is a worthy addition to the young adult fantasy genre, and Ahlam Faris is an author to add to any fantasy fan’s must-read list.
Pages: 291 | ASIN : B0D2S1LGQF
The Repression Of Armenian Repatriates During The Stalin Era
The Repression of Armenian Repatriates During the Stalin Era by Armine Carapetian Koundajian stands as a significant scholarly work meticulously grounded in archival research. Drawing from the National Archives of Armenia and various Eastern European libraries, Koundajian, a historian with deep roots in her Armenian heritage, presents a compelling account of this dark chapter in history. Her deep respect for Armenia and its people, particularly those who suffered repression, permeates the book. The interplay between diaspora and repatriation is explored with precision, highlighting the devastating human toll exacted by Communist regimes. The Stalin era, from 1920 to 1953, emerges as a period of profound tragedy, one that irreversibly altered the course of the Armenian nation.
Koundajian does not shy away from depicting the brutal realities of the time. Through detailed accounts, she reveals the repression, displacement, and destruction of countless Armenian lives. The inhumane violence perpetrated against these individuals is documented with an unflinching honesty that may be unsettling for some readers, potentially necessitating a content warning. The author’s work serves as a moving tribute to the repressed, from artists to scientists, whose contributions were tragically cut short. By meticulously recording their names, locations, and professions, Koundajian ensures that their legacies are not forgotten. This documentation also underscores the profound loss of intellectual and cultural capital, illustrating the far-reaching consequences of Stalinism.
The Repression of Armenian Repatriates During the Stalin Era is an invaluable educational resource, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of this complex period. Enhanced by a guide to abbreviations, thorough citations, and Koundajian’s thoughtful reflections, the book equips readers with a deep and nuanced grasp of the Stalinist repression, Armenian repatriation, and the enduring impact on the Armenian people. By the end of this book, readers are left both informed and profoundly moved by the harrowing history it recounts.
Pages: 356 | ISBN : 978 9939 69 025 4
The Happiest Cat in the World
Prepare to be swept into the thought-provoking world of The Happiest Cat in the World. This charming picture book by Chiyuki Krider introduces us to a cat who believes it is living in the lap of luxury with endless freedom, food, and fun. The catch? It’s all a dream. Our feline friend lives a starkly different reality, surviving on the unpredictable kindness of strangers. This story elegantly dances on the line between dreams and reality, encouraging young readers and adults alike to reflect on the concepts of freedom and happiness, sparking reflection and engagement.
Krider uses the cat’s innocent perspective to delve into heavy themes such as autonomy and the harshness of life without becoming too heavy for its intended audience. The way the cat narrates its imagined freedoms juxtaposed with its real-life struggles adds a layer of poignant irony. You can’t help but hope for the cat’s dreams to somehow become reality, even as the book subtly hints at the impossibility of such an outcome.
Visually, the book is just as impactful. The illustrations, also crafted by Krider, are charming hand-drawn sketches that reflect the simplicity of the narrative. The straightforward style fits beautifully with the narrative’s nature.
By using a cat’s perspective to explore the theme of freedom, Krider invites young readers to consider what freedom means to them. It’s a great way to introduce such a complex idea to children, making it relatable and understandable through the eyes of an animal. The story’s end, tinged with a bittersweet note as we come to terms with the cat’s reality, invites discussion and reflection, making it an excellent book for parents and teachers to explore with their kids.
The Happiest Cat in the World is a gentle exploration of dreams versus reality through the eyes of a hopeful cat. This children’s book would be an excellent addition to any young reader’s library, especially for those who love animals or need a thoughtful nudge to discuss deeper topics.
Pages: 44 | ASIN : B0D33NMRNK
Until It Was Gone
Francis and Laney Stafford’s 40th anniversary meant to celebrate their enduring love, instead marks the beginning of a tumultuous period in their lives. This milestone sets the couple on a challenging journey to repair severed and estranged relationships. Along the way, they confront personal struggles, face a modern illness, and unearth long-hidden secrets. As they navigate their complicated relationships and confront their turbulent past, hope seems elusive—until a life-changing accident shifts their perspective. Will this pivotal event bring their fractured family back together, or is fate steering them toward a different outcome?
David B. Seaburn’s Until It Was Gone offers a nuanced exploration of marriage and family, skillfully weaving subtle tensions into the fabric of everyday interactions. Seaburn draws readers into the complexities of long-term relationships, illustrating how past mistakes and unspoken struggles shape his characters’ lives. His portrayal is both thoughtful and authentic, revealing the layers of emotion and motivation that drive his characters. Seaburn’s strength lies in his restrained handling of emotion. He steers clear of melodrama, opting instead for a genuine approach that makes each experience feel real and impactful. The emotional moments resonate deeply without overwhelming the narrative, striking a careful balance between realism and sensitivity. The plot is engaging and multi-layered, with enough twists and revelations to keep readers hooked. While occasional flashbacks may momentarily disrupt the pacing, they add depth to the characters and enrich the overall narrative. These reflective moments help to illuminate the characters’ motivations, adding complexity to their relationships. The novel concludes in a bittersweet yet fitting manner. Rather than tying everything up neatly, Until It Was Gone offers a realistic portrayal of resilience and connection, leaving readers with a lasting impression of the unpredictable nature of life and relationships.
Until It Was Gone by David B. Seaburn compellingly portrays family dynamics and personal struggles. Readers who appreciate realistic, emotionally charged narratives will find this novel both engaging and rewarding.
Pages: 308 | ASIN : B0DBHYF11G
Harriet’s Hungry Worms
Harriet’s Hungry Worms is an absolute delight of a picture book that takes us on a wiggly adventure into the world of composting with Harriet and her squirmy friends. The story revolves around Harriet, who’s been given the important task of taking care of the 983 worms in her family’s compost bin. As Harriet watches her wiggly companions eat their way through the week, she discovers the magic of composting and the wonders of nature in her own backyard.
Author Samantha Smith has a knack for blending humor with education, making learning about composting and worms feel like a playful game rather than a lesson. The way Harriet describes the worms’ meals is both hilarious and gross in the best way possible, like when they didn’t seem too fond of Nanna Trudy’s two-year-old tomato relish. Kids are sure to giggle at these quirky details and artwork while unknowingly absorbing important environmental lessons.
I also loved how the book introduced children to the idea of sustainability without being preachy. Harriet’s excitement over the “worm wee” and her joy in seeing her veggie patch thrive because of it is contagious. The “Worm Facts” at the end of the book are a brilliant touch, providing additional tidbits for inquisitive minds, and I found myself learning a thing or two right alongside Harriet.
Melissa Johns’ illustrations complement this perfectly, bringing the story to life with vibrant colors and expressive characters. The illustrations are just as much a part of the storytelling as the text. The pictures are full of energy, much like the worms themselves, and there’s always something new to discover on each page.
Harriet’s Hungry Worms is a must-read for young eco-warriors, curious gardeners, and any child who loves a good laugh. It’s the perfect picture book for kids aged 4 to 8, though I suspect that older readers will also find themselves charmed by Harriet and her hardworking worms.
Pages: 32 | ISBN : 1922539473
The Valley of Your Life
The Valley of Your Life, by Mari-Carmen Marin, is a collection of moving poems that draws inspiration from iconic works of art. Marin’s poetry breathes new life into visual masterpieces, offering readers a meditative journey through themes of love, pain, contemplation, and resilience. Each poem is a reflection not just on the artwork it describes, but on the universal human experiences that art evokes.
Mari-Carmen Marin’s writing is deeply emotive, often weaving a delicate balance between vivid imagery and raw emotion. In the poem Vincent’s Night Sky, inspired by Van Gogh’s The Starry Night, Marin captures the swirling turbulence of the painting while simultaneously conveying a sense of longing and transcendence. Her ability to mirror the mood of the artwork while exploring her inner landscape is a testament to her skill as a poet. The reader is invited to experience these emotions as if they are standing right beside the poet, gazing at the same piece of art, lost in its depths.
Marin’s poems also explore darker, more somber themes, where she uses Doris Clare Zinkeisen’s haunting depiction of the aftermath of war to confront the reader with the atrocities of history. The visceral imagery and the poignant reflections on suffering and humanity are powerful, leaving a lasting impact. Marin does not shy away from exploring the shadows within the light, making her work deeply resonant and thought-provoking.
The poems are infused with a deep reverence for the artwork, which beautifully captures the essence of each piece. In The Veil That Burned, the tension between the characters’ desires and the constraints they face is masterfully conveyed, reflecting the emotional restraint depicted in the painting. This approach aligns perfectly with the ekphrastic tradition, and while it maintains a certain artistic distance, it invites the reader to explore the layers of meaning and emotion within the work, encouraging a thoughtful and introspective engagement with the poet’s voice.
The Valley of Your Life is a beautifully crafted collection that will appeal to lovers of both art and poetry. Mari-Carmen Marin’s work is a testament to the enduring power of art to inspire and provoke thought. This book is ideal for readers who appreciate a contemplative, art-inspired journey through the complexities of life and emotion. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply someone who enjoys well-crafted, evocative poetry, this collection is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Pages: 104 | ISBN : 1962082245
Star Lost: The Luccee Winterscott Series, Book 1 (The Prequel)
In a future where knowledge is deemed obsolete, memories are routinely wiped, and the government perpetually rebrands itself as a benevolent force, Luccee Winterscott struggles to hold onto a sense of purpose. Despite being urged by her younger brother, Trevers, to embrace the prescribed blissful ignorance, Luccee feels an unshakable yearning for something more meaningful in life. When she discovers her mother’s old diary, Luccee begins to unravel the truth about her past and her family’s role in Earth’s current dystopian state. This revelation ignites her involvement with a small group of dissidents determined to bring about positive change, making the diary a crucial element in their fight against the status quo.
Star Lost: The Luccee Winterscott Series Book 1 by Amy Marie Ayres envisions a dystopian world that feels unsettlingly close to our own. Following multiple failed apocalyptic events, Earth has become a place where brainwashing is the norm, and willful ignorance is the standard. As books and handwritten communication inch closer to being outlawed, Luccee becomes an unwitting anchor for a group of intellectuals who refuse to let go of the old ways and are determined to see justice served for the degradation of their world. With her brother Trevers working for SV Corp, the latest iteration of the oppressive government, Luccee’s quest for truth becomes all the more perilous. In a world where thoughts are monitored, and emotions are seen as weaknesses, simply being human becomes a revolutionary act. Ayres masterfully weaves a narrative that twists and teases, jumping between different perspectives and timelines. Despite this complexity, the story flows seamlessly, avoiding any sense of confusion. Each new revelation builds on the last, driving the plot forward with a compelling momentum toward a cliffhanger that leaves the future of the characters—and the world they inhabit—wide open for exploration in the next installment.
Star Lost offers a chilling look at a dystopian existence where all but the super-rich suffer, and technology dominates every aspect of life. The blend of science fiction and a slowly unraveling mystery makes the book incredibly difficult to put down. I’m eagerly anticipating where the story will go in book 2, Star Sick, and I’m especially interested in learning more about some of the peripheral characters who add depth to this darkly intriguing world. Engaging and thought-provoking from start to finish, Star Lost is a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction and anyone interested in a gripping tale of resistance against overwhelming odds.
Pages: 249 | ASIN : B0D4KWM4PZ
Matilde’s General: Book Two of the Visigoth Saga
Matilde’s General by Robert S. Phillips is a captivating sequel to Elodia’s Knife that delves into the tragic love life of Matilde, Elodia’s daughter. Set against the backdrop of historical events between 394 CE and 400 CE, the novel masterfully intertwines fiction with history, providing readers with a vivid portrayal of the era’s complexities. The story begins with Matilde, who, at the tender age of 11, falls in love with Gisalaric, a young warrior. However, her heart is shattered when Gisalaric dies in battle. Despite this loss, Matilde eventually finds love again with Ildefons, only to face another heartbreak when he is killed while delivering a crucial message to the Thessalians regarding Rufinus’ decree. This decree, which demanded the Goths be awarded one-third of the Thessalians’ land, sparked conflict, leading to the Goths’ victory and eventual settlement. The peace of the Goths is short-lived as General Stilicho’s actions force them to give up two hostages to the Roman Empire, one of whom is Matilde. While in captivity, Matilde discovers love and happiness once more, but her time as a hostage ultimately leaves her emotionally broken upon her return home.
Phillips skillfully uses Matilde’s story to highlight the low value placed on women in the Roman Empire. Despite her intelligence and wit, Matilde finds herself sidelined when Gainas, who once sought her counsel, rises to power. Her pregnancy serves as a stark reminder of the limited roles available to women during this time, reducing her from a trusted advisor to a figure treated according to societal expectations. While Matilde’s General is rooted in historical fiction, with Matilde as a fictional character, the wars and events depicted are based on real historical occurrences. This blend of fact and fiction not only enriches the narrative but also educates readers on the period. Readers familiar with Elodia’s Knife may notice similarities between the two novels. Both Elodia and Matilde find themselves in similar circumstances, taken as captives and developing relationships with powerful men who hold them. These parallels might make the story feel repetitive to those who have read the first book. Matilde’s General remains an engaging read, especially for those new to the series. Phillips provides ample background information, allowing readers who haven’t read Elodia’s Knife to easily follow the story and understand the context of events and characters.
Matilde’s General is a well-crafted historical novel that offers a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the harsh realities faced by women in the Roman Empire. While it may feel familiar to fans of Phillips’ earlier work, it stands on its own as an enjoyable and thought-provoking read.
Pages: 348 | ASIN : B0DBGNXVSY
LITERARY TITAN 