Book Reviews – Page 14 – Zakiya N. Jamal

Book Review: How to Lose a Bachelor

Posted on August 4, 2016August 2, 2016 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Book Reviews, Books to Borrow

Synopsis:

Revenge has never been so fun…

Rochelle Ransom has big plans for winning the prize money on a dating show to help her favorite charity–and if she wins the hot bachelor’s heart, even better. But at the last minute she finds out the bachelor is her ex-boyfriend, Grant Drake.

Now she’s determined to get herself voted off as quickly as possible–even if she has to embarrass herself on national television. But Grant has a different plan for the woman who stole his heart.

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Review

After finishing the Harry Potter series it was nice to read a quick and fun romance novel. How to Lose a Bachelor was cute, funny, and kind of cheesy but in the best way. Rochelle and Grant have amazing chemistry and the lengths they go to get “revenge” against each other are hilarious and outrageous. If they were my friends I would tell them to get it together because their relationship issues could’ve been easily solved.

Still, their antics and hijinks are what made this book fun to read. I also really like Maya, another contestant on the game show Rochelle participates in. Maya is sweet, a great listener, and honestly if I didn’t want Grant to end up with Rochelle I would’ve rooted for Maya to win the game. I would love to see a sequel/companion novel about Maya. I think that would be so fun.

Overall, I read this book in a day and I loved it. I didn’t think the epilogue was necessary but otherwise the book was really good. I’d definitely recommend if you’re looking for a quick, easy read. Still, I probably won’t be reading it again, which is why it’s a borrow for me.

Stars:

Favorite Line:

“I seem to have forgotten my name. Maybe we could both get in the shower and you could scream it for me.”

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"The Cursed Child" Review (No Spoilers!)

Book Review: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (No Spoilers!)

Posted on August 2, 2016August 2, 2016 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Book Reviews, Books to Buy

Synopsis:

Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, a new play by Jack Thorne, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage. The play will receive its world premiere in London’s West End on July 30, 2016.

It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school-age children.

While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places.”

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Review

I went into this book with low expectations because a) this is a script of a play not an actual book and b) this isn’t really J. K. Rowling’s writing. Yes I’m sure she contributed but Jack Thorne really came up with this play so I didn’t expect it to be like the books and it wasn’t but it was still really good.

The play mainly follows Albus, the son of Harry, and Scorpius, the son of Draco, who were great characters. I truly loved Scorpius and I didn’t think I would, so that was a great surprise. He’s definitely my favorite character from this whole play. I also found it interesting how Albus and Scorpius friendship reflected both the relationships they had with their fathers as well as Harry and Draco’s interesting relationship.

I thought the Golden Trio were a bit different from what I remembered but I also took into account that they’re adults now with kids and that obviously changes a person. The changes I saw in them weren’t so drastic that it was unbelievable and I found Ron to be the most similar to what I would expect from an adult Ron. Ginny is still my fave and that hasn’t changed with this play. I thought she was fantastic and such a good mom and wife.

I found the story itself much different than what I would expect from a Harry Potter book but like I said this isn’t really J. K. Rowling’s writing so I didn’t expect it to be like previous books. As I’ve seen some other people say this story did feel a bit like fanfiction but a well written fanfiction. I do think the major plot point of the story is a bit far fetched and unbelievable to me but in choosing to just go with it I really enjoyed this story. I think if you take this story as something seperate from the Harry Potter stories and just as a fun piece of work that includes some of your favorite characters than you’ll really enjoy.

This one is a buy for me because I can actually see myself reading it again and also because nostalgia. Let me know if you’ve read The Cursed Child yet and tell me your thoughts (no spoilers!) in the comments below.

Stars:

Favorite Line:

“That’s the thing, isn’t it? About friendships. You don’t know what he needs. You only know he needs it.”

Book Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Posted on July 30, 2016 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Book Reviews, Books to Buy

Synopsis:

It all comes down to this – a final faceoff between good and evil. You plan to pull out all the stops, but every time you solve one mystery, three more evolve. Do you stay the course you started, despite your lack of progress? Do you detour and follow a new lead that may not help? Do you listen to your instincts, or your friends?

Lord Voldemort is preparing for battle and so must Harry. With Ron and Hermione at his side, he’s trying to hunt down Voldemort’s Horcruxes, escape danger at every turn, and find a way to defeat evil once and for all. How does it all end? Find out in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Purchase From:

Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository

Review

I finally did it! I have now read all the books in the Harry Potter series and I’m so glad I did. It was amazing you guys. Ginny is my new favorite character; she’s so bad ass. Molly Weasley and Professor McGonagall are queens. Everything about this book was perfect and I absolutely loved how it all ended. It’s so much better than the movies you guys! So much better!

The beginning of this book started a little slow for me. I was ready to dive into the action. Let’s find those Horcruxes you guys! Once it picked up though I was totally enthralled. I needed to know what would happen next (even though I did know what would happen next). I liked all the background we got on Dumbledore in this book and that he was also a flawed character. I also found Snape interesting. I don’t like him like I know a lot of people do because honestly I found his love for Lily to just be a really unhealthy obsession, but I understand him a bit more now so I don’t hate him.

Also, when Hermione and Ron finally kissed it was such a better moment than it was in the movies. It felt more earned to me in the books. When it happened I literally put down the book, laughed, and said, “Finally!” Speaking of kisses, the chemistry between Ginny and Harry in the books is fantastic and I ship them so hard. Did I mention I love Ginny?

Neville, Luna, and Dean were great as well and I’m kind of hoping Luna and Dean are together. I don’t know I just got some vibes there that maybe that was something that would happen. The loss of Lupin, Tonks, and Fred still made be tear up even though I was prepared for it. For why J. K. Rowling?

Overall, I was super happy with the book and I’m glad I finally read them. Now I just need the box set so that I can have these books always. I can’t wait to read The Cursed Child! Are you going to any release parties tonight? Let me know in the comments. Also, Happy Birthday Neville!

Stars:

Favorite Line:

“Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living, and above all, those who live without love.”

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"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" Book Review

Book Review: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Posted on July 26, 2016July 25, 2016 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Book Reviews, Books to Buy

Synopsis:

The war against Voldemort is not going well; even the Muggles have been affected. Dumbledore is absent from Hogwarts for long stretches of time, and the Order of the Phoenix has already suffered losses.

And yet . . . as with all wars, life goes on. Sixth-year students learn to Apparate. Teenagers flirt and fight and fall in love. Harry receives some extraordinary help in Potions from the mysterious Half-Blood Prince. And with Dumbledore’s guidance, he seeks out the full, complex story of the boy who became Lord Voldemort — and thus finds what may be his only vulnerability.

Purchase From:

Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository

Review

It’s Harry Potter Week! Soon it’ll be Harry Potter’s birthday and The Cursed Child will be in my hands and thankfully I think I’ll actually be able to finish the last book just in time. For now that let’s discuss The Half-Blood Prince. I unfortunately I didn’t love it as much as The Order of the Phoenix, which I have now decided really is my favorite book, but The Half-Blood Prince was still really good.

I mostly enjoyed the relationships in this one. The characters are older now, which means they’re actually dating now causing a new set of problems for The Golden Trio. Lavender Brown was somehow more annoying in the book than she was in the movie I think, as was McLaggen. To be honest I’m definitely a Harry/Hermione shipper but I’m happy that Ron/Hermione and Harry/Ginny are endgame. Therefore it was painful seeing Ron and Hermione at odds. There were so many times I wanted to hit Ron because it was so obvious Hermione liked him and I couldn’t understand how he didn’t see that.

Also, Harry and Ginny were really cute and I agree with everyone that said book Ginny is much better than movie Ginny. I totally agree. Ginny, in the books, is more sassy and her relationship with Harry is more realistic (although I was surprised at how fast Ginny jumped into it but she obviously never got over Harry). The chemistry between Harry and Ginny was almost non-existent in the movie so it was great to really see why people shipped them together in the books. I get it now and I like them too.

What I most disliked about this book was how frustrating it was that no one believed Harry. I get why no one believed his accusations against Malfoy and Snape but it was so annoying when the whole time I knew Harry was right. Still, overall this book was great. There was romance and action and we learned a lot about Voldemort. I’m excited to finally read the last book and see how it all ends (even though I already kind of know).

Stars:

Favorite Line:

“Harry looked around; there was Ginny running toward him; she had a hard blazing look in her face as she threw her arms around him. And without thinking, without planning it, without worrying about the fact that fifty people were watching, Harry kissed her. After several long moments, or it might have been half an hour-or possibly several sunlit days- they broke apart.”

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Book Review: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Posted on July 23, 2016 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Book Reviews, Books to Buy

Synopsis:

In his fifth year at Hogwart’s, Harry faces challenges at every turn, from the dark threat of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and the unreliability of the government of the magical world to the rise of Ron Weasley as the keeper of the Gryffindor Quidditch Team. Along the way he learns about the strength of his friends, the fierceness of his enemies, and the meaning of sacrifice.

Purchase From:

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Review

Going into this novel I knew I was going to be sad by the end of it but I was still excited. I really enjoyed this novel especially because there was a lot more in it than there was in the movie. For one thing I’m pretty sure there’s absolutely no mention of O. W. L. exams in the movie (but if I’m wrong please correct me; I haven’t seen the movies in a while). Also, I don’t remember Harry wanting to be an Auror so I feel like that wasn’t in the movies either, which I think is really important. It was really cool seeing this aspect of the wizarding world. Sometimes I forget Harry, Hermione, and Ron are in school so it was cool reading about them thinking about their futures and having to meet with Professor McGonagall like a guidance counselor.

Speaking of Professor McGonagall she is queen. I loved her so much in this book. The way she didn’t care about Professor Umbridge at all and just straight up disrespected her was amazing. I loved it and Professor McGonagall is definitely my favorite character now. She’s so sassy but also really caring.

The most annoying character was definitely Cho. On the one hand I wanted to feel bad because her boyfriend did die but on the other hand I was like, “Please just stop with all the crying.” Ginny on the other was fantastic and I definitely agree with everyone that said book Ginny is better than movie Ginny. She’s so much better!

The Order of the Phoenix is definitely a contender for my favorite book in the series now. My favorite was always The Prisoner of Azkaban in the past because I just love Sirius so much but this book was really good. I have two more books to read and then The Cursed Child will finally be released and I’ll read that too. I’m so glad I’m finally reading these books. I’d ask why no one told me to read them sooner but literally everyone told me to read them so it’s my own fault. I’ve learned my lesson you guys. I’m a real Harry Potter fan now. Thanks for showing me the light.

Stars:

Favorite Line:

“Anything’s possible if you’ve got enough nerve.”

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Book Review: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Posted on July 14, 2016 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Book Reviews, Books to Buy

Synopsis:

Harry Potter is midway through his training as a wizard and his coming of age. Harry wants to get away from the pernicious Dursleys and go to the International Quidditch Cup. He wants to find out about the mysterious event that’s supposed to take place at Hogwarts this year, an event involving two other rival schools of magic, and a competition that hasn’t happened for a hundred years. He wants to be a normal, fourteen-year-old wizard. But unfortunately for Harry Potter, he’s not normal – even by wizarding standards. And in his case, different can be deadly.

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Review

Guess who’s finally finishing the Harry Potter series? This girl! I read the first three books and started Goblet of Fire years ago but never finished it and I have no idea why because I loved it the second time around. This book was everything I expected based on the hype. Filled with adventure, a smidgen of romance, and some twists (that I knew about going in but were still very exciting) I was glued to this book. I was worried that because I’ve seen the movies it’d be hard for me to get into reading the books but I loved this book. I just wanted to sit down and read the whole thing in one sitting but I couldn’t because I’m a grown-up with a job.

Even so, I went through this book pretty quickly and I loved it. The only thing that bothered me was Ron. His fight with Harry was so silly but then I reminded myself that they’re only 14 in this book and so the maturity isn’t really there yet. Also, Hermione is amazing. I loved her organization for the house elves and I can’t believe that’s not included in the movies. That’s such a big deal! Also, I can’t remember but I don’t think Dobby and Winky were in the Goblet of Fire movie either, which is just ridiculous. They were so great in this book.

Honestly, I was very nervous the books wouldn’t be worth all the hype. Not to say that I thought they’d be bad but everyone kept telling me, “You have to read the books! You can’t just watch the movies!” which is something I tell people all the time but I loved the Harry Potter movies. I thought to myself, “How could it possibly get better?” but they really were. I truly enjoyed reading this book even though I knew what was going to happen and I’m currently loving the Order of the Phoenix. Hopefully I can finish these books before Cursed Child comes out. Wish me luck!

Stars:

Favorite Line:

“It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be.”

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ARC Book Review: Blood for Blood

Posted on July 12, 2016July 12, 2016 by Zakiya N. Jamal in ARC Reviews, Book Reviews, Books to Buy

Synopsis:

For the resistance in 1950s Germany, the war may be over, but the fight has just begun.

Death camp survivor Yael, who has the power to skinshift, is on the run: the world has just seen her shoot and kill Hitler. But the truth of what happened is far more complicated, and its consequences are deadly. Yael and her unlikely comrades dive into enemy territory to try to turn the tide against the New Order, and there is no alternative but to see their mission through to the end, whatever the cost.

But dark secrets reveal dark truths, and one question hangs over them all: how far can you go for the ones you love?

This gripping, thought-provoking sequel to Wolf by Wolf will grab readers by the throat with its cinematic writing, fast-paced action, and relentless twists.

Purchase From:

Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository

Review

*I received a free advanced reader’s copy of this book from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers at Book Con. This did not influence my review of this book in anyway. This is an honest review of the novel as I saw it. This novel will be released on November 1, 2016.*

If you haven’t had the pleasure of reading Wolf by Wolf yet, do not read this review. There will be spoilers!

Wolf by Wolf pleasantly surprised me with how amazing it was therefore I went into Blood for Blood expecting to be blown away and I was not disappointed. For most of this novel I was on the edge of my seat worried about Yael and Luka, wondering what would happen in this terribly, twisted world Ryan Graudin put together, and questioning how this could all come to an end in just one book. Thankfully I had no reason to worry because Graudin tied up everything perfectly, leaving no loose ends.

Although this book was also written in the third person point of view, just as Wolf by Wolf was, Graudin gave us more insight into Luka and Felix’s lives before and after they get tangled up with Yael. It was really interesting seeing how these two boys, who were lucky enough to be born in the right skin/race, both handled their privilege and how they treated Yael. I especially loved Luka in this book and he’s now been added to my book boyfriends list.

This book was filled with twists and turns and I was honestly taken by surprise multiple times, which I loved. I was on an emotional roller coaster while reading this book and I did cry because Graudin apparently likes to rip her reader’s hearts out. But it’s fine, I’m fine. Maybe. Nope, still crying.

Anyway, if you enjoyed Wolf by Wolf as much as I did you’ll love Blood for Blood even more. I honestly can’t wait until it’s finally released so I can discuss it more deeply with you guys. Until then I’ll stop here and refrain from spoiling anything.

Definitely grab a copy of this novel as soon as it comes out. You won’t regret it!

Stars:

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Book Review: Dreamology

Posted on July 7, 2016 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Book Reviews, Books to Buy

Synopsis:

For as long as Alice can remember, she has dreamed of Max. Together, they have traveled the world and fallen deliriously, hopelessly in love. Max is the boy of her dreams—and only her dreams. Because he doesn’t exist.

But when Alice walks into class on her first day at a new school, there he is. Real Max is nothing like Dream Max. He’s stubborn and complicated. And he has a whole life Alice isn’t a part of. Getting to know each other in reality isn’t as perfect as Alice always hoped.

Alarmingly, when their dreams start to bleed into their waking hours, the pair realize that they might have to put an end to a lifetime of dreaming about each other. But when you fall in love in your dreams, can reality ever be enough?

Purchase From:

Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Indigo

Review

First, I’m so sorry for my lack in my blogging. I have so many posts I need o put up but I’ve been super busy working and writing that my blogging has taken a hit. So sorry you guys. Second, I actually finished Dreamology a while ago but I just realized I never reviewed it on here. I talked about it a lot on Instagram but now here so here’s my review now. Sorry for the delay!

I loved this book. It was a super cute and fun read that I think only took me a day or two to finish. The novel is told in the point of view of Alice (a name I’ve come to love thanks to Phyllis Reynolds Naylor’s Alice series) and she’s fallen in love with the guy of her dreams. Literally. Almost every night she has a dream about a boy named Max and this has been happening for years. She doesn’t know how or why it happens but Alice has fallen in love with Max even though she’s never met him in person.

Until she does that is. On Alice’s first day at her new school in Boston Alice sees Max. In person. But it seems although Alice recognizes Max immediately, Max doesn’t feel the same connection to Alice as she does with him. In fact, Max has a girlfriend, making things for Alice even more complicated.

Honestly, I hated real life Max at first. He was so rude and kind of mean to Alice. But then things changed and I actually really liked him. Also, although I really liked this book I began skimming some of the dreams. I just didn’t care about them. Still, overall I really liked this book. It’s short and cute and a great summer read. Definitely check it out if you haven’t yet.

Stars:

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Book Review: Slammed

Posted on June 30, 2016June 29, 2016 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Book Reviews, Books to Buy

Synopsis:

Following the unexpected death of her father, 18-year-old Layken is forced to be the rock for both her mother and younger brother. Outwardly, she appears resilient and tenacious, but inwardly, she’s losing hope.

Enter Will Cooper: The attractive, 21-year-old new neighbor with an intriguing passion for slam poetry and a unique sense of humor. Within days of their introduction, Will and Layken form an intense emotional connection, leaving Layken with a renewed sense of hope.

Not long after an intense, heart-stopping first date, they are slammed to the core when a shocking revelation forces their new relationship to a sudden halt. Daily interactions become impossibly painful as they struggle to find a balance between the feelings that pull them together, and the secret that keeps them apart.

Purchase From:

Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Indigo

Review

This is Colleen Hoover’s first novel and I loved it just as much as her other ones. I’d still say Maybe Someday is my all time favorite but Slammed was still really good. I didn’t plan on reading this book this month (it was not on my TBR) but I couldn’t bring a book with me when I was going out the other night so I decided to bring my Kindle and I ended up diving into Slammed. Unlike all the other CoHo books I’ve read (except Maybe Not, but that’s a novella) this book is told in one point of view: Layken’s.

I really liked Layken and sympathized with her, and Will, a lot. They both have pretty tragic lives but somehow are able to push past that and find happiness with each other anyway. Until things get complicated of course. Their complicated relationship is one of my favorite tropes and I was excited when I realized that’s where CoHo was going with this. CoHo wrote this plot very well and I couldn’t help but root for Layken and Will to find a way to be with each other. And the tension between these two was absolutely amazing. I just wanted to shove them together and say, “Just kiss already!” So good!

Overall, I wouldn’t say this is the best CoHo book ever but it’s definitely a great debut novel and I already requested the sequel from the library. Although the ending of this book was pretty solid and you definitely don’t need to read the next two books, I for one definitely want to know what happens next. I can’t wait!

Stars:

Favorite Line:

“Push your boundaries, that’s what they’re there for.”

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Book Review: Wolf by Wolf

Posted on June 28, 2016 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Book Reviews, Books to Buy

Synopsis:

The year is 1956, and the Axis powers of the Third Reich and Imperial Japan rule. To commemorate their Great Victory, they host the Axis Tour: an annual motorcycle race across their conjoined continents. The prize? An audience with the highly reclusive Adolf Hitler at the Victor’s ball in Tokyo.

Yael, a former death camp prisoner, has witnessed too much suffering, and the five wolves tattooed on her arm are a constant reminder of the loved ones she lost. The resistance has given Yael one goal: Win the race and kill Hitler. A survivor of painful human experimentation, Yael has the power to skinshift and must complete her mission by impersonating last year’s only female racer, Adele Wolfe. This deception becomes more difficult when Felix, Adele’s twin brother, and Luka, her former love interest, enter the race and watch Yael’s every move.

But as Yael grows closer to the other competitors, can she be as ruthless as she needs to be to avoid discovery and stay true to her mission?

Purchase From:

Amazon, Indigo, Book Depository

Review

I was hesitant to read this book because I’m not typically a fan of historical fiction. It’s just not my genre. Although I found the beginning of this book rather slow once it picked up it was amazing and I couldn’t put it down. Wolf by Wolf takes place in an alternate universe where the Axis powers actually won World War II and Hitler has power over most of the world. This is a terrifying idea especially considering current times and that alone made my heart race. The main character, Yael, is Jewish and was in a concentration camp with her mother but was able to escape due to a medical procedure that was done to her in the camp. Yael can now change her skin to look like anyone.

Using this ability she sneaks into a huge motorcycle race called the Axis Tour, and her end goal is to win so she can have the opportunity to kill Hitler and start a revolution. But no pressure or anything.

With everything basically riding on Yael to succeed she is determined to do whatever it takes to win but she also tries not to lose herself in the process. This book was filled with action, a very small bit of romance (just the right amount in my opinion), and a lot of emotions. My heart raced with Yael and I never knew what would happen. I absolutely loved this book and I can’t wait to dive into the sequel.

Stars:

Favorite Line: