Book Review: Counting Down With You by Tashie Bhuiyan

Counting Down with You by Tashie Bhuiyan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So this book made me cry. Not because it's a sad book but because it resonated with me.

As an Indian with slightly strict and conservative parents, it reminded me of a time when I used to be shit scared of my parents and did not keep communication lines with them open. Karina Ahmed was ME at one point of time and that's what made me cry.

WITH THAT OUT OF THE WAY

I was originally drawn towards this book because FAKE DATING and the fact that it featured an asian protagonist was a BONUS



While it wasn't as light as I expected because Karina suffers from anxiety and being inside her mind can either make you anxious or irritated (depending on how much you relate to her), I enjoyed reading this book.

It portrayed a healthy relationship between Karina and her friends. For once, parents were in the picture and the "bad boy" wasn't a jerk. He was just different from Karina and was going through his own issues.

I'd recommend this book to anyone that feels they are alone, especially if they're suffering from anxiety or have strict parents.

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The Blurb That Did Not Disappoint (A review of Prison Healer by Lynette Noni)

 

The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

You know a book is good when you remember to write a review close to the release date!

Prison Healer was a book that intrigued me because of its blurb. I mean how GREAT is the blurb!

For once, the blurb did not disappoint.

Kiva is in a real prison. She doesn't expect to get out and as readers we feel her hopelessness and we don't expect a prison heist or a knight in shining armour to rescue her. That's what really made me love this book. It focuses on setting the scene and builds all the characters very well.Before you know it, you're invested!



I'm invested in Kiva's journey and I want to know what happens next. I also enjoyed the elemental challenges.

Reminded me of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.



Basically, this book ticked all the boxes:

* Strong Characters
*Great World Building
* Prison/Dystopian Setting
* Fantasy+ Magic+ Romance
* Right amount of mystique and mystery
* An ending I did not see coming
* A romance that did not make me cringe

One thing that really impressed me about this book is how it managed to surprise me at the end. I don't want to spoil anyone but a lot of stuff happens that really took me by surprise.



Overall, I cannot wait for the sequel.

The only reason this is not getting a 5 is because I don't see myself re-reading the book, but I came very close to giving it a 5. Definitely worth a read!

My Rating: 4.25 stars

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