Eiyo Fadneiras,
Welcome back to my blog. I'm here to share my reading wrap-up since it's already the last week of October. During late September and October, I did a Spooktober readathon. So in this wrap-up, you will see some dark mode reads. But none of them are horror novels. As you already know, I'm a scaredy-cat. So horror novels aren't for me. Hehehe >_<
Okay, let's not waste time; let's check out the first book I read in September...
#1 SAYANGKU CASPER
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AUTHOR: Mazni Aznita
PUBLISHER: Karangkraf
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
LANGUAGE: Bahasa Malaysia
PAGES: 613 pages
THE STORY
This modern-day Cinderella-inspired romance story follows a college girl named Tia Adila. Tia's father, Ahmad Faruk, is a wealthy business tycoon. Ahmad Faruk is always busy with business trips. Therefore, Tia is always left alone with her cruel stepmother and stepsister.
On one unexpected day, Tia meets an eligible bachelor named Tengku Rafique. Tengku Rafique is on a quest to find Madame Marianne's long-lost granddaughter, Adelie de Casper. But the girl is nowhere to be found. Who is Adelie de Casper? Could Tia Adila and Adelie de Casper be the same person?
Tia's stepmother tries to force her into an arranged marriage. Tia disagrees with her stepmother. She runs away from home and off to Paris. Whoa!!! And on the flight to Paris, Tia meets Tengku Rafique again. Could this be destiny?
MY REVIEW
This is the second time I read Sayangku Casper. I first read it back in 2014. Alhamdulillah, the second time I read it, I love it more ^_^ Since I'm older now, I understand the story more deeply.
Sayangku Casper is not just a lovey-dovey romance novel for readers to feel the cringe. Fashion is the main premise of the story. The author gives a lot of insight into the fashion industry in Sayangku Casper: from designing to mass production to marketing. This novel is a must-read for those who are working in and dream of working in the fashion industry. Besides fashion, Sayangku Casper also carries good moral messages. Hatred, ego, and greed are a no-no-no in life. It makes you lose everything precious that you already have.
Tia Adila is one of the best female leads in a Bahasa Malaysia romance novel. She's strong-willed, honest, enthusiastic, passionate, knows her worth, and knows what she wants. Tia is also good at fighting her own battles. She is definitely not a damsel in distress. I actually believe Tia Adila is the best Bahasa Malaysia romance novel female lead to look up to as a role model.
Tengku Rafique is a charming, sweet, and swoon-worthy male lead. He is a good counterpart to Tia Adila. I like that he treats Tia with full respect. I can strongly relate Tengku Rafique to Arban Batsaikhan (the ML in my third novel, Manchester Epiphany ^_^).
Overall, I'm giving this novel a 10/10. It is still one of my all-time favorite romance novels. It's a very well-written novel. I highly recommend it to my fellow bookworms and fashionistas to check it out. Trust me, you are going to love Sayangku Casper.
#2 THE LOVE HYPOTHESIS
AUTHOR: Ali Hazelwood
PUBLISHER: Sphere
GENRE: Contemporary Romance & Romcom
LANGUAGE: English
PAGES: 352 pages
THE STORY
The story follows a third-year PhD candidate named Olive Smith. Olive is the opposite of her best friend, Anh, who believes in true love. Olive tries to convince Anh that she is on her way to her happily ever after. But as a scientist, Olive needs to give her friend proof. So she decides to kiss the first man she sees. And there he is...
He is Adam Carlsen, an aloof young professor. Olive is positively floored when he agrees to keep her charade a secret and be her fake boyfriend.
Later in the story, Adam surprises Olive again for a big science conference. He gives her support and becomes her roommate. As time goes by, Olive discovers that the only thing more complicated than a hypothesis on love is putting her heart under the microscope.
MY REVIEW
As an art major, I never thought that science could be smokin sexy. Vavavoom!!! The Love Hypothesis is a very enjoyable read. It is catchy, fast, and good for light reading. I like Ali Hazelwood's writing style for this novel. It's very sassy. I also like the strong language she uses in her writing. It makes me able to feel her characters so well. It also makes her characters feel real.
The chemistry between Olive & Adam is so mesmerising and electrifying. They are such a cute couple. I like how their feelings toward each other develop as the plot evolves. They are so perfect for each other. They are truly made for each other. This slow-burn romance is just amazing. Btw, I have to admit, before I read The Love Hypothesis, I never liked the fake-dating/fake-relationship trope. But Olive & Adam made me change my mind ^_^
The story also carries good moral messages. Know your worth, choose yourself, and never neglect your feelings. If you love someone, let them know. Ooohhh!!! I need to remind myself of these as well >_<
Overall, I'm giving this novel a 10/10. I just love it! I highly recommend The Love Hypothesis to my fellow bookworms who are looking for a feel-good romcom to read. Btw, I want to watch the movie as well ^_^
#3 MEGAT ANDIKA
AUTHOR: Naim Tamdjis
PUBLISHER: NT Books Enterprise
GENRE: Epic Fantasy
LANGUAGE: Bahasa Malaysia
PAGES: 459 pages
THE STORY
The story is set in ancient Malaya. Kota Mirbok is a very majestic and rich kingdom. The ruler, Raja Panji Sakti, and his wife, Permaisuri Merah, are loved by the people of Kota Mirbok.
One unexpected day, Kota Mirbok is attacked by an evil sorcerer named Komang. Komang kills Raja Panji Sakti and takes over Kota Mirbok. Before Raja Panji Sakti died, he had already ordered his trusted men to take his queen and little prince, Megat Andika, to a safe land. But sadly, Permaisuri Merah died while on her journey.
The king's men continued their journey and resided at Pulau Penaga. When Megat Andika turns 15, he is sent to Pulau Sakti. Megat Andika needs to be trained to become a powerful warrior. He is Kota Mirbok's new and only hope. Will Megat Andika be powerful enough to defeat Komang?
MY REVIEW
Megat Andika is a story about good vs. evil. First of all, I like the moral messages that Naim Tamdjis shared with his readers in Megat Andika. Patience and integrity are the key to everything. Just like most wise people say, patience is a virtue till we die. And yes, hard work is the key to success.
I highly salute Naim Tamdjis for his idea, inspiration, and imagination for Megat Andika. Using Malay mythology as an inspiration is absolutely brilliant. Reading Megat Andika makes me super engrossed and want to study Malay mythology. And as a unicorn addict, I definitely love the unicorn premise. Yay!!!
Megat Andika is an intriguing read. Every chapter ends with "what's next?" This book is indeed a page-turner. I know that Megat Andika is not a romance novel. But I do wish Naim Tamdjis would hint more at Megat Andika and Mawar's chemistry. I can't feel the sparks between them.
But overall, Megat Andika is a very enjoyable read. Therefore, I'm giving this novel a 9/10. I'm glad that I picked this book as my first Spooktober read. Yes, this dark fantasy novel is good for Spooktober, guys. And I highly recommend that you check it out ^_^
#4 MEMORI ADELIA
AUTHOR: Awa Lailani
PUBLISHER: Manés Wordswork
GENRE: Thriller + Romance
LANGUAGE: Bahasa Malaysia
PAGES: 385 pages
THE STORY
The story follows a young lady detective named Diana Adelia. Diana has a dark, mysterious past. Her parents were brutally murdered when she was a child.
One day, Kuala Lumpur is struck by a serial killer. The Crucifixion Killer's victims are all women in their late 20s. Diana is also in her late 20s. The case of the Crucifixion Killer brings back the past to Diana. Diana is now disturbed by nightmares of her past. Diana feels like someone is secretly watching her. Later, she receives flowers from a mysterious person. Oooohhh... who could it be? Could the killer be someone from Diana's past?
MY REVIEW
First of all, the story has a very good idea, plot, and storyline. I already feel intrigued to know the ending in the first/two chapters. This book looks like a page-turner and a fast read when I first open it. But the plot grows a little bit slow in the middle of the story. There were too many fillers and flashbacks. The fillers and flashbacks kinda disturb my concentration.
I sympathise with Ryan's character a lot. He is a character I can't hate. This novel comes with a free bookmark and postcard. Both the bookmark and the postcard share good spiritual messages on them. The messages are the ones that make me interested in reading this novel. I thought I was going to learn something valuable about life. I thought this book was going to make me question something I thought I knew. But unfortunately, the messages are not well conveyed in the story. Huhuhu...
Last but not least, I'm giving this novel a 7/10. I still recommend my fellow bookworms to check out Memori Adelia. Awa Lailani's work still deserves to be celebrated. After all, it is a good book for a Spooktober readathon.
#5 WUTHERING HEIGHTS
AUTHOR: Emily Brontë
PUBLISHER: Mind To Mind
GENRE: Classic Literature/Romance
LANGUAGE: English
PAGES: 449 pages
THE STORY
This tragic love story follows a farm girl named Catherine Earnshaw and a mysterious orphan boy named Heathcliff. Catherine's father, Mr. Earnshaw, finds Heathcliff during his business trip in Liverpool. Mr Earnshaw brings the boy home to Wuthering Heights.
Mr. Earnshaw's son, Hindley, despises Heathcliff. But Catherine likes playing with Heathcliff. As years go by, their friendship blossoms into something deeper and stronger. Yup, they fall in love.
After Mr Earnshaw passed away, Hindley downgraded Heathcliff to a servant. And not long after that, Heathcliff's connection with Catherine is tested. While venturing into the Moors together, Catherine is attacked by one of Thrushcross Grange's guard dogs. Catherine is injured. The Linton family (owners of Thrushcross Grange Estate) invites Catherine to stay with them. The family feels guilty and wants to nurse Catherine back to health. Linton's son, Edgar, falls for Catherine. Catherine enjoys the hospitality she receives at the estate.
Five weeks later, Catherine returns to Wuthering Heights. She is now a different person. She has become well-groomed and ladylike. Edgar Linton visits Wuthering Heights and proposes to Catherine. She says yes! Heathcliff feels betrayed and leaves Wuthering Heights...
Years later, Catherine is already married to Edgar Linton. And Heathcliff returns unexpectedly. He is now a wealthy man. But he is heartless and thirsty for revenge...
MY REVIEW
I first read Wuthering Heights when I was only 14. At that time, I didn't understand what the story was about. And I'm glad I decided to read it again for Spooktober. The second time I read it, I totally enjoyed it. Alhamdulillah.
Wuthering Heights is a beautiful story even though it is dark and tragic. In this story, Emily Brontë criticizes Victorian society, gender roles, and institutionalized religion. Wealth, luxury, and social status play an important role in decision-making. These three make a person betray her true love and higher self. Reading Wuthering Heights challenges me on everything I thought I knew about the higher self vs. the human mind.
I love Emily Brontë's writing style in this novel. It's deep, expressive, and emotional. It makes me able to feel the characters deeply. It also makes me able to hear Emily Brontë's voice. Reading Wuthering Heights makes me feel like I'm communicating with Emily Brontë directly. Wo!!! No wonder this book is a good Spooktober read.
Overall, I'm giving this legendary novel a 10/10. Wuthering Heights is now listed as one of my all-time favorite reads. I highly recommend all bookworms and literature buffs to read this one and only classic novel by Emily Brontë. Trust me, it pulls you into the story and puts you near the author...
#6 WISTERIA
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AUTHOR: Adalyn Grace
PUBLISHER: Little Brown
GENRE: Romantasy
LANGUAGE: English
PAGES: 419 pages
THE STORY
Wisteria is the third and final book in Adalyn Grace's Belladonna series. This story follows Signa Farrow's cousin, Blythe Hawthorne. In the previous book, Foxglove, Blythe saved Signa from a forced marriage. And now she is the one who has to marry Aris Dryden instead. So Wisteria begins with Blythe and Aris's wedding.
Blythe has never been an obedient girl. She never allows anyone to tell her what to do. And that includes Aris, no matter how rude and insufferable he is. Blythe is determined to be a thorn in his side for the rest of her days, even as he ensures that life in his palace is no fairy tale.
But as Blythe discovers a new side of herself linked to her enigmatic husband's past, she'll have to decide if she's willing to let an unexpected spark ignite just to discover the truth...
MY REVIEW
Among all books in the Belladonna series, I believe Wisteria is the best. Belladonna and Foxglove are more about mystery and thrills. But Wisteria is about love, connections, and destiny.
Wisteria is a divine love story about twin flames. The way Adalyn Grace portrayed love in this story is so deep. It makes you strongly believe in and want to find true love. Love is beautiful even though it comes with challenges. And the challenges make love beautiful. Adalyn Grace blends the invisible string theory so well with the story. What's destined for you will never miss you. Wow!!! I highly praise Adalyn Grace.
Blythe and Aris's chemistry is so beautiful, mesmerizing, and electrifying. It gives me Shiva and Shakti (lovers in Hindu mythology) déjà vu. Reading Wisteria also gives me the same feeling as reading Dheo's (Anjell) and Chasing Cassandra (Lisa Kleypas). Maybe because of the twin flames and invisible string theory. And yes, love is portrayed as gentle in these novels.
I like Adalyn Grace's writing style in Wisteria. Her writing is always sharp and full of expression. It makes me able to feel her characters. And mostly, I like Adalyn Grace's Victorian-era-inspired world-building. As a Victorian-era enthusiast, I find the Belladonna lore mesmerizing.
Overall, I rate this novel 10/10. It's an amazing Spooktober read. I'm glad I picked this book as one of my Spooktober reads. I'm now so in love with the Belladonna lore. The whole Belladonna series is now listed as one of my all-time favorite reads. Insya-Allah, I will read this series again in the future.
Last but not least, I highly recommend my fellow bookworms to check out Wisteria and the whole Belladonna series. If you're into dark romantasy, Adalyn Grace's work is a must-read. And if you're a Victorian-era enthusiast, you are going to find this lore mesmerising.
#7 BENTALA NAGA
AUTHOR: Ninot Aziz
PUBLISHER: Hikayat Fandom
GENRE: Folklore Retelling
LANGUAGE: Bahasa Malaysia
PAGES: 76 pages
THE STORY
Long, long ago in ancient Malaya, it is believed that humans and dragons are allies. One day, something out of the norm happened in the Kingdom of Deli. The king and queen welcomed twins - a boy and a girl. The princess is named Puteri Seri Binara, and she is a human. The prince is named Putera Seri Naga Binata, and he is a dragon.
Putera Seri Naga Binata and Puteri Seri Binara live a good life with their parents. When Putera Seri Naga Binata grows up, he decides to travel the seven seas to find his true calling. While travelling the seven seas, Putera Seri Naga Binata visits an enchanting dragon kingdom. Later, he marries a dragon princess named Mahtabul Naga. The dragon couple is blessed with a beautiful daughter named Puteri Bentala Naga. After Mahtabul Naga's father (the Dragon King) passed away, Putera Seri Naga Binata is crowned as the new king.
One day, the Dragon King finds out that his parents' kingdom is in trouble. A young king from the North Kingdom wishes to marry the Dragon King's human twin, Puteri Seri Binara. But unfortunately, his proposal is rejected by the princess. The egoistical king is not happy. He attacks the Kingdom of Deli and kidnaps Puteri Seri Binara.
The Dragon King rushes to save his sister. But he is too late. Puteri Seri Binara jumps from the ship to protect herself from the heartless North King. The sea takes her away. The Dragon King is devastated, heartbroken, sad, and angry at his sister's death. He orders his troops to attack the human world. Since that day, the dragons and the humans have become enemies.
As years go by, Seri Naga Binata decides to retire and retreat. He hands the crown to his princess, Puteri Bentala Naga. Ratu Bentala Naga becomes a great ruler of the Dragon Kingdom. As years go by, Ratu Bentala Naga hands the throne to her daughter, Baiduri Naga. The Great Dragon Queen moves to an island called Tasik Pauh Janggi.
One day, something out of the norm happens at Tasik Pauh Janggi. The dragon people discover a floating basket with a human child in it. The child is a girl. Ratu Bentala Naga decides to raise the child as her daughter. Ratu Bentala Naga named the child Gak Jitra. Will Gak Jitra become the beacon of hope that reunites the dragon and human world?
MY REVIEW
Jang Man Weol (IU) quotes in Hotel Del Luna, "Why is it that humans never think about their wrongs... and only blame others?" This is what happened in Bentala Naga. Humans and dragons begin as good friends. But the North King ruins everything just because he is obsessed with Puteri Seri Binara. But sadly, the humans blame the dragons. Geez... this is so unfair!
Bentala Naga is more than just a folklore retelling. It's a story of humanity, connections, and hope. The story is beautifully written by Ninot Aziz. Ninot Aziz's sharp and precise writing style makes me able to travel the seven seas and visit the Dragon Kingdom. I can strongly visualise Island Tasik Pauh Janggi. I'm sure that island is a happy place. And I so wanna be there ^_^
Besides the story, moral messages, and writing style, this book also includes stunning illustrations. Congratulations to the illustrator, Walid Muhammad. I love your work. Your drawings are beautiful.
Overall, I'm giving this book a 10/10. I love Bentala Naga a lot. Insya-Allah, I will read it again in the future. Bentala Naga is a beautiful book to read indeed. It is also a good Spooktober read. For those who want to indulge in Malaysian folklore, Bentala Naga is a must-read.
Okay, so these are the books I've read during September and October. My Spooktober readathon ends beautifully with Bentala Naga. Alhamdulillah, I bounced back from my reading slump (I only read 3 books during July and August).
Before I end this post, I want to ask my readers three related questions. So, Fadneiras, did you organize any readathons in October? If yes, what readathon did you organize to keep your reading passion alive? And what are the books you read for the readathon?
Okay, this is all for now. Thank you for reading this post. I'll see you guys again in my next post. Insya-Allah ^_^
XoXo,
Fadima Mooneira ^_^
(Authorpreneur, Novelist, Blogger, Illustrator & Crafter)
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