Tag Archives: Islam

Jan1

Amina Banana and the Formula for Friendship by Shifa Saltagi Safadi illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel

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Amina Banana and the Formula for Friendship by Shifa Saltagi Safadi illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel

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I have five children, I have taught second grade, I have shelved, recommended, and read aloud a number of early chapter books for the better part of the last 20 years, so when I say that this book changes the standard of what a book (series) for this demographic can and should be, I do not say it lightly. Yes, I am bias, the author is a dear friend, but Amina has layers, growth, insight, struggles, warmth, heart, and all the other glowing adjectives normally associated with beloved books and characters for older readers. This book is the first in a series of four, and each book is somehow better than the previous. At 126 pages with a robust backmatter that includes scientific extensions, a recipe for ful mdamas, and a note from the author, I am confident that children of all ages, everywhere, caregivers, parents and educators alike will all fall in love with Amina, cheer for her, laugh with her, and be enamored with her attitude, perseverance, and joy.

SYNOPSIS:
Amina loves having a plan, a formula in fact, and when she arrives in Indiana as a refugee from Syria she is determined to make friends in 3rd grade.  Things don’t always go as expected, but alhumdulillah Amina doesn’t stay down: classmates, family, and determination combine to help the clever, yellow-loving protagonist find a way to rework her experiments, accept what she can and cannot control, and succeed in making this new country feel a little bit like home.

WHY I LOVE IT:
I adore the humor, unapologetic Islam, the rich Syrian culture woven in, and Amina’s approach to life.  So often early chapter book protagonists are obnoxious, annoying, crude almost, bratty, arrogant, and repetitive, Amina is none of those things.  She is vulnerable and strong, confident, yet nervous, hopeful, but worried, she is tangibly real in a way that readers will see themselves and relate.  I love the humor of idioms being confusing, and the heart of seeing what the parents have sacrificed and are willing to sacrifice by starting over in a new place.  The illustrations add to the experience of drawing reluctant readers in and will help those transitioning from picture books to chapter books be immersed by the story.  As always the author’s writing is impeccable and the story well-crafted.

FLAGS:

There is some teasing, reflections on why Syria was left, the journey to America, and hardship.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
This book is ideal for classroom, library, and home shelves.  It would be a wonderful classroom read aloud and works equally as well at bedtime.  My children college to elementary have all read and loved Amina, and I highly encourage preordering so that your children will get a chance to fall in love with her too.

 

Dec21

How to Free a Jinn by Raidah Shah Idil

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How to Free a Jinn by Raidah Shah Idil

This 276 page book drew me in from the first page and held my attention until the last. I can’t recall ever reading a fantasy book in a single sitting.  The Islam, heart, Malay culture, and family dynamics have me hoping that maybe there will be a sequel, and that hopefully this debut novel is a first of many from the author. Of course I have minor critiques, the book definitely in the middle had some repetition and pacing hiccups, the rising action and climax could have been stronger, and there are a few noticeable loose threads, but Insyirah is a loveable protagonist that you really hope can sort through her family secrets, save the day, and be at peace with her decisions.  There is a lot of Islam, and it is well woven into the characters’ identities, the plot, and the lens of the book.  If you are Muslim reading it, you will see the fasting on Monday and Thursday, and staying in wudu a little different than non Muslim readers, but no matter who you are, you will enjoy the plot, the adventure and fun ride that will undoubtedly become a beloved favorite.

SYNOPSIS:

Twelve year old Insyirah and her mom are moving back to Malaysia to care for her elderly grandma.  Insyirah is anxious and not thrilled to be leaving Australia.  She hardly has time to miss her old life though as family secrets, discovering she can see and interact with jinn, and learning that an old jinn with a big grudge is after her.  Navigating the seen and unseen words, the rules of her mother opposed to those of her grandmother, and figuring out what she wants will take time to ponder, learn, and reflect upon.  Unfortunately, Syirah doesn’t have that kind of time, as she keeps falling into the unseen world, realizing that a jinn bound to her blood line will soon be under her control, and that pesky jinn haunting her school is trying to get her to leave Malaysia.

WHY I LIKE IT:
I am intrigued by the the way the book holds space for Islam, culture, and fiction, and interweaves the three.  Islam is adhered to, along with the worship, and uncompromising faith in Allah swt, and while the jinn are kept as being real, as understood by Muslims,  their day to day antics cultural and fictional positioning, is richly developed and not put in conflict with deen, seemingly trying to keep everything halal.  I am not a scholar, I would not venture to proclaim that this does or does not cross lines, but the author is very aware of the threads at play, and has a solid awareness of writing craft, so the result is a great story, that feels authentic, without being “shirk-y.”

There are some pop cultural references that might age the book a bit, but I love the shootouts to Hanna Alkaf books.  For me, a Western reader, that really is my only other Malay juvenile literature reference, and the vibes are similar, so it was nice to see the connection.  

FLAGS:

Jinn, loss, death, fear, murder, threats, lies, enslavement, haunting, scaring, secrets, fighting.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

This book is solid middle grade, but I think older kids will enjoy the story and find plenty to relate to, learn about, and be captivated by.  I think this book will be a great addition to home, school, and library shelves, and while my copy is from Australia, I believe a US version will be available in 2025, inshaAllah.

Dec10

Dear Moon: Inspiration from the Beautiful Wisdom of the Qur’an by Zayneb Haleem

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Dear Moon: Inspiration from the Beautiful Wisdom of the Qur’an by Zayneb Haleem

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At 128 pages, this hard back 7.5 x 8.5 inch book is a beautiful book from start to finish.  If you follow the artist online (@idotdoodle), you know her style and her incorporation of an ayat from the Qur’an or an Islamic sentiment with her signature young girl and nature embellished scenes.  But holding the book in your hands, and pausing on the two page spreads to reflect, and ponder, and be reminded to connect with the love of your creator, is truly a treat. Whether you read it from start to finish, or dip in and spend time with just a few pages at a time, the book will capture the attention of all ages and be enjoyed over and over again, alhumdulillah.

The book starts with a welcome to the reader from the artist, introducing herself, her connection to Islam, her love of art, her expression of emotions through her illustrations, how she picked the verses, where her own thoughts and reflections emerged from, and what she hopes the book will accomplish. 

The book releases in February 2025 and is available wherever you purchase your books.  I hope you will consider preordering to show your support.

Oct31

First Words from the Qur’an by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Sena Aydogan

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First Words from the Qur’an by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Sena Aydogan

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This large, LARGE (10 x 13.5), 16 page board book is joyful and informative for our little Muslims to look through.  Each two page spread starts with a topic that is followed by an ayat from the Quran and then adorable illustrations are splattered around with comments, questions, facts, or definitions.  In some ways it reminds me of the Richard Scarry books that don’t have a story, and don’t have to be read front to back. You can, or you can just pore over the pages and point things out to your little ones.  The book also helps caregivers that might not do voices and Broadway style productions at story time, by offering little prompts with each picture that allow the child to engage, have their attention directed, or offer up their connections in an intuitive manner.  The size and quality definitely make the book stand out on the shelf, and I think for babies to early elementary the Islam centered focus will appeal to more than just toddlers.

The book features Animals in the Qu’ran, Plants in the Qur’an, People in the Qur’an, Nature in the Qur’an, Places in the Qur’an, Objects in the Qur’an, Blessings int he Qur’an, and  Color’s and Shapes in the Qur’an. The last page features a baby safe reflective “mirror.”

Oct11

Auntie Aisha Answers: The Tween Muslim’s Ultimate Guide to Growing Up by Aisha Hussain Rasheed illustrated by Magdelena Zareba

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Auntie Aisha Answers: The Tween Muslim’s Ultimate Guide to Growing Up by Aisha Hussain Rasheed illustrated by Magdelena Zareba

Kids have questions, and in today’s world it is easier than ever to get answers, however parents need to parent and help provide CORRECT answers for their children. This 100 page book is a great resource to facilitate conversation, hand to tweens to read independently, or just have on the shelf for when a child is curious and knows the internet might not be the best resource.  For boys and girls, this book takes a conversational tone of answering questions that tweens are thinking about, and maybe some that they should be thinking about.  I love that it is not just a body or maturation or puberty book, it discusses boundaries, emotions, hygiene, wellness, it weaves Islam in for context and reassurance and direction, and also has workbook type activities to engage the reader.  The balance of facts and conversation keep it from not being dry, or overly heavy handed, which is also quite impressive.  The text, illustrations, size, and pacing make the information available in pieces or cover to cover.  We tend to have more female focused “growing up” books for our Muslim girls, and this one really is for both.  It provides insight into one’s own body and as well as understanding and compassion for the opposite gender.  If nothing else it normalizes that changes are nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed by and allows real conversation with proper terminology to be discussed in an age appropriate and Islamically rooted manner;  yeah, the Islamic references are sourced! If you have kids, go order this already, you will be glad you did, alhumdulillah.

The book starts with discussing the blessing of one’s body and moves into discussing abilities and disabilities before moving into male and female bodies.  The first section really focuses on the body: privacy, care, autonomy, healing.  The second section is called “Growing Pains” and discusses the changes the body undergoes.  Before opening the book, I for some reason, assumed it would be framed as questions and answers, and it is not, it is chapters, but the chapters have illustrations, activities, bolded words, and are visually engaging.

Ultimately I love that the book is easy.  The topic matter can seem intimidating when you are faced with discussing some of these topics with tweens, and this book really will put parents and children at ease in the way it approaches, discusses, and walks readers through concepts that Islam has provided resources and answers for in the Quran and Sunnah, in a contemporary tween friendly way. 

Sep20

All Mixed Up by Raj Tawney

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All Mixed Up by Raj Tawney

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The premise of this slightly biographical middle grade book is that of a very multicultural boy, Kamal, finding his voice, with the help of a Pakistani Muslim friend, Jaz, a year after the 9/11 attacks.  It brings in themes of Islamophobia, terrorism, bullying, friendship, alcoholism, immigration, refugees, “legal” and “illegal” citizens, Pakistan and India’s partition, and growing up and feeling alone over 208 pages.  The writing style seems deliberately loose in touching on very complex themes, but not preaching on them, and instead letting the reader draw on their own thoughts and experiences to form their own opinions. It is debatable if enough information is even provider for the reader to ruminate on the themes, or care to, or feel enough of a connection to the characters to want to know how all the dots connect, but none-none-the less it seems to have been done with intent, and with the middle grade POV for some it might get away with key information and the resolution going unexplored.  For me though, honesty I just couldn’t get past one line, one line tossed out with no explanation, no arc, no real purpose, never revisited even, at 16% it says “Allah is stupid.”  Yes, I debated tying the phrase out.  I don’t know why it has this line, it has no real impact on the story and could have easily been replaced for another reason Jaz received a purple nurple from a bully in Pakistan.  Later in the book there is a scene where Jaz has brought a prayer rug to school, he states he doesn’t always pray, but clearly he does practice Islam, not just maintain the label in name only.  I am not saying that the scene is not based on the author’s real life, or that people don’t say stuff of this nature, but it is hard to read in black in white in a book with no discussion.  I don’t know what the author’s intent was in including it, but I think it is a disservice to so many of the themes in the book and does not serve the target audience as a mirror, or a respectable takeaway either. For this one line, I truly don’t feel like I could have this book on my shelf, which is unfortunate.

SYNOPSIS:

Kamal Rao is half Indian, a quarter Puerto Rican, and a quarter Italian living in New York, he is relentlessly bullied at school, has no friends anywhere, and is dealing with a father that drinks a little too much most nights since he lost his job.  When a new boy, Jaz shows up at school, that can pronounce his name, a friend just might be what Kamal needs to find his voice, confidence, and place in the world.  Except Jaz has his own issues, and remains pretty mysterious about his past, his home life, even his name.  When a Halloween terrorist attack occurs, Jaz makes a run for it and Kamal has to decide what his friendship means.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I really can’t decide if I like the writing style or not. I recognize that to stay on a middle grade point of view the banter between Kamala and Jaz is often done when it is just the two of them in a scene, making sense of a world they might not know much about. Unfortunately, that also means a lot of erroneous statements, perspectives, and facts get unchecked, and possibly perpetuated.  It also means that at times the boys seem really worldly and competent: riding across town on their bikes, living pretty independently, but also being really naive about being a brown Muslim kid waving around a gun in public, even if it is pretend.  The inconsistencies often are in relation to Islam, so they particularly stood out to me, for example Kamal knows what a hijab is, but not that Muslim’s pray five times a day.  I think when a book is OWN voice and based on lived experiences, but so much of the plot pivots around someone who is so different from you, some of the details just seem inauthentic.  Admittedly, I was turned off early by that one statement, and I am not the target audience, but it was hard to relate to Jaz because it seemed so forcefully trying to present him in an almost performative way. A place of love no doubt, but overly polished to make the reader accept him and feel a kinship to him as Kamal did.

FLAGS:

Halloween, lying, terrorism, bullying, abuse, alcohol, sneaking

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

I cannot encourage this to be on an Islamic school library or classroom shelf. That line even with discussion can’t really be explained, there is no point to it.  I’d like to assume that as a child he was frustrated with life and was lashing out in fear or grief or desperation even, but there is nothing in the text that would support or suggest that, it is just there.  I read an electronic ARC, and I hope that the line has been removed in the final copy.

 

Sep10

Crestar and the Knight Stallion: The Legend Begins by Robertson, Ahmad, Jasim, Gastonny, and Robinson

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Crestar and the Knight Stallion: The Legend Begins by Robertson, Ahmad, Jasim, Gastonny, and Robinson

This new comic book series combines a lot of exciting elements.  It is a comic book and soon to be live action movie, it is both action and comedic,  it features Desi (Pakistani) and Arab (Iraqi) representation in the title roles, as it is in part written and created by the “characters” themselves. There are Muslim hijabi side characters, cultural Islamic phrases, and a whole lot of saving the day in a plagued Dearborn, Michigan setting.  I admittedly am still very much an outsider to comic books, what all goes in to them, their target audience, and what norms and expectations they carry.  So, I say what I am about to say from a very non critical, simply informative stance, when I say it has what I would consider mature content for elementary aged kids.  The comedy found in the offhand comments, the profanities that are substituted with symbols, surprised me. I anticipated a level of violence and killing, and appreciate that this book doesn’t have the near naked females being shown as many comics do, but I don’t think it is appropriate for younger audiences, probably more middle school and up.  I have not seen the live action, in a different format it might hit different so to speak, but I’m sharing some pictures of the text so that families can decide if the comic books are a good fit for their readers or not.

I love the idea of Muslim rep superheroes, that one is an Iraqi immigrant having to find himself in American society and accept himself, that Crestar is mysterious and his background and motives not known, the cultural and religious infusions, and matchmaking stresses are all amazing subplots to the evil that is destroying the community.  Theft and killings are the norm, Crestar is fighting back, when he discovers Ali has survived an explosion, he begins testing him with the hopes he will join him as the Knight Stallion. The first book is an introduction to the characters, the setting, and the protagonists meeting, it ends hinting that Crestar and the Knight Stallion will be working together, which isn’t much of a surprise given the title of the series, but it sets the stage.

I am not going to write a full review, because I can’t. I just really don’t know if the superhero parts are new and unique or tired and tropey because I don’t know enough about comics to have a valid opinion.  There are trailers online and the first two comic books available are top industry quality in terms of graphics, binding, length etc.

Aug27

Prayers of My Youth by F.S. Yousaf

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Prayers of My Youth by F.S. Yousaf

I enjoy poetry, but don’t feel qualified to review it.  I saw the first few sample pages of this collection though and felt compelled to give it a read, and while I can’t confidently remark on the literary components, intellectual depth, or even symbolic power; I can say that I enjoyed the pieces.  I saw myself in many of the verses, felt a kinship to the author’s autobiographical musings, and often paused and reread lines, seeing glimpses of my own reflection staring back at me.  At other places, and on numerous other pages, though I truly had no idea what was being said, what the author was trying to convey, and why the details at hand were being discussed.  The former teacher in me, wanted to break down the poems, find the meaning, and write a thesis statement to organize the individual reflections, and overall story arc being conveyed, but truly, I am not qualified, and at it’s core, I do believe poetry should be felt.  I love that Islam is so present, that the symbolic and the real interweave throughout the 112 sparsely filled pages.  The exploration of family, faith, and journey of life feels real and vulnerable.  The book is an adult read, I think older teens though might see glimpses of themselves as well, and find a solace in the poetry on the page that they can so intimately relate to. Aside from enjoying the read, and looking forward to receiving my preorder to thumb through, I don’t know that I have much insight to offer, sorry.

The book is divided into 4 sections: Ablution, Iqama, Salaah, and Salaam.  At each division there is a simple sketched drawing and a bit of a grounding paragraph of text.  From there the individual title poems range from a few stanzas to a page or more, standing alone but also connecting the ideas and themes that move the book forward.

The book releases next month and is available wherever books are sold.

Jul1

The Last Man in Paradise by Syed M. Masood

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The Last Man in Paradise by Syed M. Masood

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I’ll be honest, if I would have read the blurb (see below) about this book from another author, I probably would not have read the book.  From the description alone, I could assume that it will undoubtedly be uncomfortable, it is an adult read, it is going to be irreverent, and I will disagree with probably whatever messaging the impossible situation the characters are placed in, come out with. But, having read his two YA books, and really liking More than Just a Pretty Face, despite the raised eyebrows I get from Muslim book fans when I say that, I felt pretty confident that Islam would not be othered or villainized, and that the writing quality would make the cringey situations worth getting through to hear the commentary that would be forth coming.  I’ve felt with the author’s other work that the Muslim characters, own their flaws as individuals, not as representatives of their faith, so, I was willing to give this book a read.

The first quarter of the book was a little stilted, but by the midpoint, I could not put the book down, as the writing did not disappoint.  Would I recommend this book? No, not to the majority of followers of my platform, much like the satire of Zarqa Nawa’s Jameela Green Ruins Everything, I know that this style of ridiculous situations to reveal humanity, consideration, and introspection, while being entertained by very Islamic concepts, is not for everyone. Did the make-out scenes in the masjid parking lot, child abuse, sleeping around, drinking alcohol, talk of pubic hair and board games, grandpa on masjid grounds watching porn, hate crimes, involuntary manslaughter, and impersonating an imam giving khutbahs and performing ghusl, cross lines? Probably, but it is fiction, it is raising the stakes to show extremes, and let the reader opine on their perspective when faced with it. And no, I won’t write my typical review about Islamic rep, because reviewers like me got called out for that too, about policing representation and confining Muslim experience to looking like one thing.  The author went really meta and called himself out for the ending of his other adult book (that I haven’t read, but probably should), The Bad Muslim Discount, so clearly no one was out of the line of fire.

Suffice it to say, this book literary wise is an easy read, the craft is on point, it flows and is compelling (except for the end, SPOILER, who was going to look after Baba, that thread just dropped), for Muslims though it will be very uncomfortable. For non Muslims, or Muslims that don’t read to see themselves represented with the fervor that I do, I think Islam is not painted in a negative light or insulted by the text.  The characters are messed up, their flaws their own, but because they are Muslim, religion is part of their understanding and view of their existence.  I do wish there was at least one Muslim character that had it together, that might hint that as a whole we are not all one extreme or another.  I don’t like labels of “liberal” or “extreme” and the book provides commentary and nuance to those flawed dichotomies as well. The book is not heavily moral, (SPOILER) the protagonist does not come back to Islam (might not have been an identity to even come back to), but identifies as Muslim, there is no YA or MG revelation or singular take away. The book centers Islam, but somehow is not Islamic rep, it simply has Muslims dealing with the messiness of life, expectation, family, relationships, and honesty.

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Blurb copied from Goodreads:
A decade ago, Azaan, a rebellious teenager with dreams of becoming an actor, was exiled from Redding, California to a religious academy in Egypt by his imam father. His crime? Getting caught kissing Madison, the girlfriend he isn’t supposed to have.

But while letting his family believe he is studying to become a preacher, Azaan ditched school and embarked on an acting career. Given that he has minimal contact and nonexistent plans to return home, he figured no one would ever know. Now, however, Azaan’s grandfather has a dying he wants to see his grandson one last time. In order to maintain the story he’s told his family for years, Azaan decides to become a fake imam. Playing at being a religious leader, he finds a community in Redding on the brink of a scandal involving his family. It’ll be the most challenging role of his life.

Navigating his new identity and old relationships, Azaan reunites with Madison, connects with old friends, and uncovers a shocking truth about his family history that threatens to expose his father as a fraud. It turns out, Azaan isn’t the only one pretending to be something he isn’t.

Before he can finish weighing the consequences of exposing his father or protecting him, an untimely death shakes Azaan’s priorities. He is forced to grapple with his religion, future, and family in a way that is sure to break hearts, but might heal a few along the way.

Oct6

Every Rising Sun by Jamilya Ahmed

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Every Rising Sun by Jamilya Ahmed

The lush writing and ever present threads of Islam captivated me from the first page of this Shaherazade retelling.  I truly could hear my own voice in my head reading each word, and falling into the masterful story-telling of the protagonist/author.  With about a third of the book left though, I was sadly stopped abruptly in my tracks.  I found myself annoyed by Shaherazade, and having to convince myself that even though this is an adult read, she is very much coming of age and finding herself, only she doesn’t evolve and grow, and doesn’t have a character arc, and by the end I felt deflated.  Is the book good? Yes.  Would I recommend it to readers 18 and up that enjoy OWN voice, strong female, historical fiction? Absolutely.  But I find myself frustrated, because when the book was good, it was so good, but as the end drew closer, I realized there were holes, big ones, that could so easily have been fixed.  The author has the skill, the knowledge, all the tools, but alas, I didn’t appreciate Dunyazade because she is largely absent.  I didn’t know the interworking of her assistants and friends so I didn’t care about them, side characters were so painfully underdeveloped. And with 50 pages left, I was for the first time perhaps ever, glad that the narrative moved from showing to telling (I know, who am I even). I needed the articulation to connect the dots particularly of Shahryar and Shaherazade’s relationship.  The 423 page book could have, and should have, been a hundred pages longer to not feel so rushed at the end, and there should have been a map.  The book has adult themes but they are handled in almost a YA manner.  The beheadings, affairs, wedding nights, battles, war, are not detailed, but rather identified and moved on from even though they are so central to the plot.

SYNOPSIS:

In twelfth-century Persia the daughter of the Malik’s adviser stumbles on the Khatoon and her lover, she anonymously alerts the King to the affair and the beheading of wives begins.  To keep the country from revolting at their mad king, Shaherazade offers to become his next wife, to assuage her guilt for what she set in motion, on the hope that her storytelling will keep her alive come morning.  Life doesn’t pause however, as Shaherazade spins her tales, but rather amplifies.  She accompanies her husband, Malik Shahryar as they join Saladin in the Third Crusade.  The caravan, the journey, the battles, the romance, all bring the climax of returning home to a Kirman under siege will test Shaherazade’s story-telling abilities to the brink and with it the Seljuk Empire.

WHY I LIKE IT:
The prose is on point, time stood still while getting lost in a world of history, imagination, and the author’s skill.  The constant presence of Islam in the characters life was incredible. It was not established and then left to the side: the times are marked by prayers, the athan is ever-present, the duas are heartfelt.  Yes the characters drink wine, and sleep around, but they also fast and treat their prisoners of war with compassion.

I really struggled with how little I cared about people dying, there should have been more connection and more emotion for the side characters, and as the story progressed, I became increasingly irritated that I wasn’t forced to care about them, to know them, to appreciate what they meant to Shaherazade.

I also felt that the majority of the story took place over one year.  How do you forget that you are telling stories to save your life and (SPOILER) start sneaking around with some other guy.  You have a guard detail that follows you everywhere, you are in a caravan and you live in a tent, everyone knows everything!  Shaherazade is also clueless a lot of the times asking soft questions and then told how intelligent she is and allowed to plot and scheme with various rulers.  I love that she has a voice, she isn’t silenced, that she is never apologetic for being opinionated and her very presence is never a kindness, she takes up space and doesn’t look back, but the inconsistencies in her judgement needed some smoothing out.  Show her understanding grow, and increase her intellect to wisdom, don’t have her charming and manipulating leaders one minute and then being so naive the next.  She should have been so much smarter by the end of the book than she was shown to be in her personal dealings.  Her political knowledge was strong, and she was a force, and that level of insight into her own life would have been a character arc to see.

The book is adult, but it almost reads YA and I’m not sure why, it is sourced, the historical presence is exciting, the words and flavors intoxicating.  I normally love when the characters are shown and the reader doesn’t have to be told things, but the only reason I finished to the end was honestly because I got some telling.  I was relieved to hear from Shahryar what he knew, what he felt, what he could own up to.  Perhaps had there been more showing of the intricacies of palace life with the side characters the book would not have gotten to that point, but the lush writing could only carry the book so far.

FLAGS:

Relationships. sex, kissing, fornication, killing, beheading, lying, hangings, war, battle, drinking wine, scheming, kidnapping, attempted rape, it is Adult, but nothing is overly detailed or glamorized.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

I would love to chat about this book, I think I could be swayed to love it, or play the devils advocate and argue for the sake of arguing.  Being how highly recommended this book came to me from a dear friend, I’m ready to battle and anxious to discuss!

I got my copy from the library, but can be purchased here.