Umrah Luqmarn

Brief Review

I waited a bit to finish the whole series to review these books, and I have to say, this was a whole ride, and it was quite unexpected, honestly. This book is SO well-written, and so many times when something happens when you don't expect it. The way the book is formatted is also amazing, since it is formatted like it's missing chapters - ( STOLEN chapters ). It just all makes sense, and I absolutely loved it. Now, let me go deeper into the book. Spoilers ahead!

Characters

The characters were amazing, and it's just so easy to imagine them. I loved Moira, who was a new character for the second book, and love her personality a lot! On another note, I also love Owen's personality, with his clumsiness, his thoughts into thinking he's the one who always makes bad things happen, and his strange ideas that sometimes works! I REALLY hate Fowen, so much! At first, I thought he was genuinely excited about the whole Nowen being written about thing, but apparently not.

Plot

The plot was exciting, you can't help waiting for more. As I said before, the chapters are formatted like this : Stolen Chapters 1 to 10, with only brief words shown, so that was an intriguing aspect. The book starts narrating Chapter 11, and in different periods of time in the book, each Stolen Chapter was shown, like you are piecing the entire book piece by piece, until in the end, it makes sense. So, there were also very interesting logic in the book, such as ANOTHER Owen in the fictional universe, who was called Fowen ( Fictional Owen. )

This is all I can think about for now, but I genuinely enjoyed this book, and will be reviewing the other books of the series as well! wink

This book was very emotional for me.

It's about a girl named Jade, whose best friend, Vicky, who was a cheerful, loud, and a good friend to Jade, passed away in a car accident. After the accident, Jade lived her life in the shadows of what she believed to be Vicky's ghost. I really cried while reading this book. It was amazing.

The Suitcase Kid is about a kid who has to live in two houses over a period of time, because of her parents' divorce. She'd always dream of staying in one house together, like they used to, happily ever after. But, unfortunately for her, things changed. Her dad went to live with his girlfriend, who is pregnant with Dad's child, and her mum went to live with her boyfriend, who is described as ‘The Baboon' by Andy, who is the main character. So, she had to learn how to adapt herself into this situation. This book was really good, personally!

Needless to say, I loved this book as well. It made me quite emotional at the end of the book when the twins had to separate for one to attend a school. I really loved the portrayal of the twins, the fact that their personalities were completely different from one another, but they still ... clicks.

This is the first time I started reading the Chronicles of Narnia, and oh boy, I am missing out on A LOT of fun and adventures. The series have very high expectations, according to all of my friends who've read it, and oh my, I know now why this is such a beloved tale among everybody. I would've loved to build up my childhood with these books, but now, I am discovering them. So, there are different opinions on when you should start this book, but according to the set I bought, I started this as the first book, and I think this is a prequel to everything else, personally. But, I really enjoyed the book, because it just sounds like it is a nostalgic tale, but I've never read it, I just have a very good feeling about the books. I can't wait to go on a journey, feeling like a little girl all over again.

I am greatly looking forward to The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.

Have a book day! Umrah

This book has been one of my most beloved comfort reads since it got on my bookshelf 4 years ago, and it's an emotional, yet pleasing tale. The book is divided into parts, narrated about the two main characters in the first two parts, Tally and Karil. And, it has another part when Tally and Karil meet, and their lives unexpectedly connected, despite the fact that Tally is a girl attending a boarding school with not very good reputation, but turned out to be unusual for Tally, while Karil just happens to be a prince, an heir to the throne of the beautiful Bergania.

Before we start, I'm not that of a critical reader, and therefore, this is one of my first times seriously trying to review a book, despite me having been reviewed some books in the past. This book is one in a beloved collection I own, titled The Phantom of the Opera and other Gothic Tales. This is my second time rereading it and before, I've only added the entire book as read. But, I recently had a thought that it was an 800-PAGE BOOK of a collection, so I was like why not add each individual book? By doing that, I would also have a chance to reread fascinating gothic stories and catch up on my reading goal. So, here I am. Although I've finished this specific book on May 29th, you can tell that I've procrastinated and now it's June 7th. Let's not talk about that anymore. Let's finally get started with the review.

A little note that I found fascinating: According to Wikiopedia, “The Vampyre” is a short work of prose fiction written in 1819 by John William Polidori taken from the story Lord Byron told as part of a contest among Polidori, Mary Shelley, Lord Byron, and Percy Shelley. The same contest produced the novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus.” That's actually very intriguing, I didn't know that. Two good books from a contest, huh? On that note, I probably should continue reading Frankenstein...

Goodreads: This classic vampire story has inspired generations of authors, from Bram Stoker to Charlaine Harris.A young English gentleman of means, Aubrey is immediately intrigued by Lord Ruthven, the mysterious newcomer among society's elite. His unknown origin and curious behavior tantalizes Aubrey's imagination. But the young man soon discovers a sinister character hidden behind his new friend's glamorous facade. When the two are set upon by bandits while traveling together in Europe, Ruthven is fatally injured. Before drawing his last breath, he makes the odd request that Aubrey keep his death and crimes secret for a year and a day. But when Ruthven resurfaces in London—making overtures toward Aubrey's sister—Aubrey realizes this immortal fiend is a vampyre. John William Polidori's The Vampyre is both a classic tale of gothic horror and the progenitor of the modern romantic vampire myth that has been fodder for artists ranging from Anne Rice to Alan Ball to Francis Ford Coppola. Originally published in 1819, many decades before Bram Stoker's Dracula, and misattributed to Polidori's friend Lord Byron, The Vampyre has kept readers up at night for nearly two hundred years.

Since this was first published in 1819, almost 80 years before Dracula by Bram Stoker was written, this is one of the first ‘vampire' story in English literature.
The first time I read this, I was a bit confused at first. Since I was not a huge reader of classics (yet), I didn't have much familiarity with the English in the 1800s and I found the words difficult. The sentences were a bit long too. Fast forward to now, I think I have much more of a comprehension as to what's happening in this book. Briefly speaking, I really enjoyed this tale. It was up to the point and not boring at all, yet having this kind of suspense to it.
At the start of this tale, it was mentioned that people had a fascination to the character of Lord Ruthven. (At this point, I haven't suspected anything yet. Why did I say that? It's literally the start.) And well, Lord Ruthven seems not to give a shit to anybody even the ladies... :) So people were like “Wow, really got to invite this dude to parties, let's see who he takes a liking to” perhaps. So, now another main character was introduced, a young man in the name of Aubrey. He is an orphan, and is currently being cared for by guardians. He has a sister and he is also very rich. Aubrey's guardians seem like they don't really care for his safety, thinking their main responsibility is to take care of his fortune. Aubrey comes to London to y'know, have some fun, maybe spend his money. The book also describes him of having this “high romantic feeling of honour and candour” and “handsome, frank and rich.” So, in London, he finally meets Lord Ruthven, the fascinating guy earlier. Well not really ‘meet' him yet, but still observes him from afar. Oh and apparently, Aubrey's family has this kind of tradition going on for generations about a “tour” which has been “thought necessary to enable the young to take some rapid steps in the career of vice.” (Now, I'm not writing the full sentences from the book, because they are oh, so very long, I wish they were shorter.)Now, let's skip the boring details, and reach to the point where Aubrey finds out that Lord Ruthven is going to travel too, and he is very surprised to have a proposal by Lord Ruthven to join him. :|Wonder what would happen next, hmm? Lord Ruthven and Aubrey travels and reaches Rome. Aubrey leaves Lord Ruthven with the company of an Italian countess (suspicious) and Aubrey goes on to search of the memorials of another deserted and maybe ancient city. Aubrey also receives a letter in where his guardians insist upon deserting Lord Ruthven and that he is a very dangerous and suductive(?) guy. Aubrey decides to abide by this and find a reason to abandon Lord Ruthven. Aubrey also finds out that Lord Ruthven may be planning to “work upon the inexperience” of the daughter of the Italian countess that was mentioned earlier. Having been discovered this and not wanting an innocent girl to be ruined, Aubrey goes to Lord Ruthven's apartment to ask him what the hell did he want to do with the lady? Upon this question, Lord Ruthven merely answers his intentions are “such as supposed all would have upon such an occasion” and laughs upon the thought of marrying her. (I know this is still not the action, blood, bite scenes yet, but in my opinion, it's quite important to the plot.)Aubrey says to Lord Ruthven that he doesn't want to travel with him anymore (very good choice) and Lord Ruthven accepts. Now, Aubrey goes on to Athens, Greece for more work on ancient monuments where lo and behold, he falls in l o v e. Okay, so I have marked this quote from this part, and I think it's very beautiful. “Under the same roof as himself, existed a being, so beautiful and delicate, that she might have formed the model of a painter, wishing to portray on canvas the promised hope of the faithful in Mahomet's paradise, save that her eyes spoke too much mind for any one to think she could belong to those who had no souls.”There are some couple more which I liked, but this one took the spot with its beautiful lyricism. Note: I think that this book doesn't have much of beautiful writing except for describing Aubrey's love for the Greek damsel, Ianthe (this part) but the writing was quite descriptive but difficult to read.This Greek damsel was the first one who tells Aubrey of The Vampyre and he doesn't really believe her first, thinking it is all just horrible fantasies. But, his horror increases when a pretty accurate description of Lord Ruthven is told. Next morning, he sets off to do more work in the ruins when Ianthe comes and begs of him to return by nightfall because she is afraid the Vampyre(s) will get him. He at last agrees. But he is so occupied with his research that twilight comes and he does not notice it. Then he's like oh shit, and tries to make up his time by frantically galloping (with his horse how can humans gallop) but it is too late. And classic horror tale or what, it starts storming. Now DRAMA STARTS WOOOSo now the storm is starting, what else to accompany the thunder and lightning with the terrifying shrieks of a woman in a hut nearby? Aubrey opens the door and gets tackled by an enemy, who plaxwa his hands on Aubrey's throat. (hmm) And of course, he finds a corpse, which is Ianthe (cries). Aubrey becomes really really sick, like violent fever and delusions. He keeps muttering and screaming at Lord Ruthven, believing him to be the killer of his love. And, coincidentally, this event matched with the time Lord Ruthven comes to Athens and surprisingly, he helps Aubrey heal. Which is a scene I was quite confused in, like does the vampire want Aubrey not to suspect him or?When Aubrey becomes better, he just doesn't seem like his usual self anymore, he becomes to love solitude and silence. No longer angry at Lord Ruthven for the tender care he was given, he proposes to travel to Greece to places neither haven't seen yet. The lord agrees.Among these travels, they came across robbers who of course, tries to rob them. Lord Ruthven is injured, Aubrey with promises of great treasure convinces the robbers to put the lord to a nearby shelter. This is the weird part.Lord Ruthven, who doesn't have much chance of surviving now slowly dying requests Aubrey a promise. A dying promise. He makes Aubrey swear not to convey anyone his existence in the world for a hundred days. And, Aubrey (though he could do better not to have sworn but this is his supposed friend who nursed him dying) swore. An opinion as to why this was needed. Maybe the vampyre doesn't want anyone to know he has died, yet reappear again.So fast forward from all the details (though I recommend you read the whole book because there are many fascinating details as to the proof of Lord Ruthven being a vampyre) And, Aubrey becomes very sick once again, to the point of not having any response to anything whatsoever but only to his beloved sister. (yes, he got home) Memories of the oath haunts him, and he knows not why. Long story short, Lord Ruthven is alive, back from the grave, and now preying upon Miss Aubrey. (Aubrey's sister). Okay, come on n, if you're going to make someone keep a promise and he keeps it, you repay him by dating his sister and potentially killing her? Not cool, Ruthven. Later, Aubrey finds out his sister is going to be married but he is told that it was to an Earl of Marsden. Not knowing it is indeed our man the vampire, Aubrey gives his congratulations and wishes and whatnot. AND, he finds out from a locket his sister wears that it is Lord Ruthven and starts getting very agitated, begging his sister not to marry this terrible monster. His guardians thinks this is only because of the terrible illness that has befallen him and just doesn't care what he's saying by leaving him in his room. Lord Ruthven and Miss Aubrey gets married and they go off to London. Today is the day when the oath will end, and thus counting the time and when reaching midnight, he tells everyone of the vampyre, he dies. But, if you want to know what happened, this is the last two sentences of the story:“The guardians hastened to protect Miss Aubrey; but when they arrived, it was too late. Lord Ruthven had disappeared, and Aubrey's sister had glutted the thirst of a Vampyre!”

Lastly, I really enjoyed this book. Although the writing style was a bit harsh on me, I got through and the premise was very good. Also, Lord Ruthven is SUCH a vampire name.

Thank you for reading my rambles of a review of The Vampyre because honestly, I suck at organisation, and this was literally my notes strung together to make sentences. Once again, the above summarisation lacks details, and is very confusing probably.
Book day! - Umrah

This is a copy of the review I did in my Google Docs.

Nine Goblins by T.Kingfisher

Rating : 4.5/5
Genre : Low Fantasy
Trigger Warnings : Killing, War, Grotesque Descriptions of Dead Bodies, Grotesque Decriptions in General, because.. goblins

Summary from Goodreads :

When a party of goblin warriors find themselves trapped behind enemy lines, it'll take more than whining ( and a bemused Elven veterinarian ) to get them home again.

Nine Goblins is a novella of low......very low......fantasy. Spoilers Ahead!

Quick Thoughts:

This was unbelievable, to be exact, but in a good way. The portrayal of the fantastical creatures were amusing, and I loved every minute of it. It was too bad I had to read a PDF, because if I had a physical copy, I would've read it in two hours or less. The writer's humor is amazing, and the writing style was very easy to get into. This was done for a quest for BHH's ( Book Hugger Haven [Discord Server] ) Book Dungeon Quest, “ Read another participant's comfort book,” and can I just say, I know exactly why this was Ezri's ( hi if you're reading this! ) comfort read. It had this kind of comfortable feeling to it ( despite the war and the descriptions of the dead bodies and stuff, of course ).

Plot:

The plot was fine, I'd rate it a 3.5 goblins out of 5, though. I felt like there was so much potential in it, but I liked it, I indeed liked it. The starting parts were quite slow at first, but I quickly got into it. I really liked the fact that the chapters were divided from the goblins, and then, to Sing-To-Trees' part, then their worlds collided.

Writing Style :

Definitely 5 goblins out of 5. I fell in love with T.Kingfisher ( Ursula Vernon )'s writing, it's just humorous in a way I can't describe. I am definitely checking out more of her work, heard there was some horror too, so I can't wait to see how the writing will work there.

World-Building :

Since this is low fantasy, there's not really advanced laws and such, but I feel like it's pretty good.I would give it a 4 elves out of 5. I absolutely love the way the goblins are described. So, this book focuses on goblins, trolls, humans and wizards. There were not many rules per se, but there were certain ways of which each species lived and their behaviors were interesting to compare.

Characters :


SINGS-TO-TREES! I loved his name, and I loved that his name matched the fact that he loved nature, animals specifically. And, I absolutely loved his description on goblins and trolls as well. I feel like the Nine Goblins were also pretty decent as well, they didn't want to murder if it wasn't necessary, or if the person wasn't doing anything, refer to the wizard scene. 4.5 ceridian out of 5 ceridian.

I feel like I relate with Murray a lot as well for some reason. Everything seems to think I am this person who they trust just because I know how to do weird stuff they don't know and it actually worked. LOL. Eh, but not the ‘genius' part.

ength and Pace :

It was a fast-paced read in my opinion. It had only around 100ish page, so if you want some quick humor, surely go for it.( But, look at the trigger warnings first, though. )

I underestimated this book, I feel. It was much better than I thought it would be. To summarise my review, I freaking loved it! 5 teddy bears out of 5 for the pace!

To compliment this book by “Goblin Ways”, I'd say “Feels like rat squeezins' doesn't it? ”

This is getting 4.5 stars! I COULD NOT PUT DOWN THIS BOOK! This story is one of the few that made a strong impression on me among the collection of gothic tales I'm reading. The writing was masterful, the plot fascinating. Full reviews for these tales coming soon ( along with my previous reviews today ). xx

This is another book of the Hetty Feather series, and I also LOVED this book. But, this is told by a little girl called Diamond, and written by Hetty Feather, while Diamond is talking. ( I hope that makes sense. ), but I absolutely loved this. This was an entirely different story to Hetty Feather's, but the fact that they meet each other.