NOVEL REVIEW: CHASING CASSANDRA BY LISA KLEYPAS (PLUS FOUR LOVE LESSONS)

Eiyo Fadneiras,

I'm back from my one-week vacation at Desaru. Now I'm going to share another of my blog's traditions. Yep, it's time to share the list of 10 awesome fiction books I enjoyed reading in 2024. Yay!!! Now let's begin the list with no.10 to 1...

#10 THE SERPENT & THE WINGS OF NIGHT BY CARISSA BROADBENT

The Serpent & The Wings Of Night (TSTWN) is a romantasy novel about a human girl named Oraya. Oraya was adopted by a vampire king named Vincent. King Vincent made Oraya a Princess Warrior. King Vincent also told Oraya that her only chance to become something more than prey is to enter the Kejari: a legendary tournament held by the goddess of death, Nyaxia. Oraya agreed to participate in the Kejari even though it might be risky as she had to fight with vicious vampire warriors with different kinds of talents and skills. To survive, Oraya is forced to make an alliance with a mysterious rival named Raihn. Raihn was handsome yet dangerous. He was a ruthless vampire, an efficient killer, an enemy to King Vincent, and Oraya's greatest competition. And what terrified Oraya most of all was that she had feelings for Raihn. And Raihn liked Oraya too. But Oraya and Raihn knew there was no room for love in the Kejari. Can Oraya fight her own feelings and win the dangerous tournament?

This novel is a very enjoyable read and page-turner indeed. The plot and storyline are very intriguing. Every chapter ends with "What's next?" The world-building in this story is just so awesome. The vampire world that Broadbent portrays is so enchanting. Broadbent makes me want to visit Obitraes and become fascinated with vampires. This story also has compelling characters. All of them are make-believe characters although most of them are not human. Oraya is a very strong heroine. Being the only human in the vampire world is not easy. Humans are prey to vampires. But Oraya manages to survive and at the same time, there are some vampires scared of her. She has good martial arts and hunting skills. I highly recommend it to fellow bookworms who are romantasy and fantasy addicts. And reading this novel makes me want to check out more of Carissa Broadbent's works.

# 9 THE STRIKER BY ANA HUANG

The Striker is Ana Huang's latest novel. It was published this year in October. The Striker is the first novel in Ana Huang's The Gods Of The Game series. This novel belongs in the new adult and sports romance genre. It follows a former prima ballerina named Scarlett DuBois and a football superstar named Asher Donovan. Both Asher and Scarlett are suffering from their own traumatic past and self-doubt. Meeting each other gives them epiphany. And love leads them to a self-discovery journey.

I finished reading this novel just before I went on my Desaru vacation. So I have not written a review of it yet. However, I believe The Striker is the best Ana Huang novel I've read. This story is not just about a fairytale romance with an alpha male hero. It's also about unconditional love, deep soul-level love, spiritual awakening, and self-discovery journey. The Striker has a deeper meaning compared to all of Ana Huang's novels I've read before. It makes the novel an enjoyable read. The characters in The Striker are all make-believe people. I also like the way the author portrays Scarlett and Asher's chemistry. It is so undeniable. Reading The Striker makes me excited to read The Defender (the second book in The Gods of The Game series). The Defender will be released next year.

#8 ROMBONGAN KE MARIKH! BY MAK CHANTEK

Rombongan Ke Marikh! (RKM!)/ A Field Trip To Mars! is a short social critique novel. The story follows the people of Kampung Serindit. Kampung Serindit was once a peaceful small village. But recently, the village has been flooded with so many social problems~ from debts to love affairs. Everyone in Kampung Serindit is fascinated with Erni Nur Metafora, a drop-dead-gorgeous young widow who also sells beauty products. Her beauty has been the talk of the people of Kampung Serindit. Most women dream of being and look like Erni. One day, Erni offered the people of Kampung Serindit a trip to Mars. What? A trip to Mars? Is this for real? Oh wow! The terms and conditions to participate in this field trip are to buy her beauty product at RM10.00 (2.12 USD) only.  That's all. Hey... what? RM10.00 only? Could this be true? Is there a beauty product that only costs RM10.00? Oh wow! Erni's offer is something out of the norm. But the people of Kampung Serindit believe her. And they are excited to travel to Mars. But is this trip real? Or is it a scam? 

RKM! is different from all the novels I've read before. This novel has an interesting premise, plot, and storyline. It is a good satire and social critique. I like the moral message of this story. The author criticizes orang Melayu kampung/village people who are too lazy to work hard.  And all they do is play the get-rich-quick-scheme, bad talk, and gossip about others. Gosh! This is so toxic!

#7 HIKAYAT ALLEREDNIC BY ELVROSETH

Hikayat Allerednic (HA) is a Cinderella reverse love story. The name Cinderella if you spell it backward becomes Allerednic. HA is not a sweet Cinderella fairytale. It's a dark romantic story about a Cinderella who is desperate for revenge. Besides romance and Cinderella reverse, HA also includes some harem reverse, psychological horror, thriller, and action sprinkled in. This story carries the second chance and forbidden love tropes.

I like the Cinderella reverse theme of this story. The way Elvroseth blends her romance with some psychological horror, thriller, and action elements makes HA sound as if it is based on a true story. Elvroseth also blends her knowledge of pop-culture and mental health well in HA. The characters in HA are all morally grey and make-believe people. All of them have backstories and struggles. HA is a swooningly awesome new adult romance novel. Everything about this novel is swooning. Everything about this novel is awesome. I highly recommend my fellow bookworms who are into the new adult romance genre and Cinderella reverse theme to check out HA.

#6 LELAKI ASTATINE BY ANJELL

Lelaki Astatine (LA) is a healing love story of a grumpy heroine named Eshal Elzahra and a sunshine hero named Ardean Tufail. Eshal is not just beautiful. She's also intelligent and comes from a wealthy family. But unfortunately, she's unlucky. Ardean is the opposite of Eshal. Ardean's cheerfulness makes others believe he is childish and too innocent including Eshal. But actually, Ardean is very mature. He knows there are ups and downs in life. Ardean is just a grateful person. He puts his trust in Allah SWT. 

Later in the story, a tragic accident hits Eshal. The accident makes Eshal more bitter. But to Ardean, Eshal will always be his diamond no matter what. He vows to love, cherish, and look after her. Ardean sincerely wants to heal Eshal from the inside out. He wants Eshal to be happy and grateful no matter what life gives her. Ardean wants Eshal to know that she is strong and Allah SWT loves her. Allah SWT is never unfair to everyone including Eshal. Ardean wants Eshal to believe that she will find the light in her tunnel. Ardean also wants Eshal to know that there are so many things for her to be grateful for. So will Eshal open her heart? 

If you guys think LA is another Cinderella cliche romance story, you guys are wrong. In fact, this story has nothing to do with Cinderella and Prince Charming. LA is not just a flowery romantic novel. But it's also spiritual, healing, and an eye-opener to life. Being grateful and putting your trust in Allah SWT are the top two keys to happiness. These are the messages Anjell wants her readers to bring home. LA is not a soft porn novel. To Booktokers who said Lelaki Astatine is a soft porn novel, I'm feeling sorry for you. You guys failed to analyze LA. You guys only review a book based on its surface :P

#5 BELLADONNA BY ADALYN GRACE

Belladonna belongs to the romantasy genre and it is the first novel in Adalyn Grace's Belladonna series. The story follows a dark-haired maiden named Signa Farrow and a reaper named Death. Besides romance, Belladonna is also packed with mysteries and thrills. It's a very thrilling romantasy novel to read. 

Belladonna is one of the best novels I've read this year. I love everything about it: the plot, storyline, premise, concept, writing style, characters, world-building, and scene settings. This novel is so mesmerizing. It gives me The Phantom Of The Opera, The Secret Garden, Hotel Del Luna, and Orakel Dewata deja vu. I highly recommend my fellow bookworms to check out Belladonna and the other two books in this series. Reading Belladonna also makes me a new member of Adalyn Grace's fandom. I'm now looking forward to reading Foxglove (the second book) and Wisteria (the third book). I already have these two books on my shelf. Hehehe ^_^

#4 NIRNAMA BY HILAL ASYRAF

Nirnama is a fantasy novel based on Malay folklore and history. It's a story about a young fearless warrior with no name. People called him Nirnama. Nirnama means no name. This epic fantasy novel is a brilliant read for me. It's suitable for those who love folklore, history, and adventures.

This story is also about spirituality. Nirnama is an eye-opener to Islam. Reading this novel broadened my knowledge of Islam. The moral values of the story are well explained by the author. Reading Nirnama also refreshed my knowledge of Malay folklore. All side characters that Nirnama met during his adventures are based on Malay classic folklore ~ from Sang Kancil to Si Tanggang to Puteri Santubong and Puteri Sejinjang to Putera Serapi to Mat Jenin to Puteri Gunung Ledang to Raja Bersiong to Pak Kadok. The author also did some retelling on each side character. 

I also like the way Hilal Asyraf creates chemistry tension between Nirnama and his love interest, Cendana. It makes you wonder if they will end up together at the end of the story. Plus, I like the way Hilal Asyraf hints at romance. There are no romantic cheesy scenes or dialogues between Nirnama and Cendena. The author only describes their feelings towards each other and how they support each other till the end. Besides lovers, Nirnama and Cendena are also partners in crime. They are a good team together. That's classy. Nirnama has a sequel. And since Nirnama is one of the best novels I've read this year, I need to grab the Nirnama 2 pronto. Hehehe ^_^

#3 BLACK GHOST #UMARALHAIDAR BY ROSE HARISSA

Black Ghost #UmarAlhaidar is an espionage thriller novel with a mixture of romance. The story follows a young commando named Umar Alhaidar. During his early days as a commando, Umar learns that maintaining his green barret is way more challenging than owning it. He is given a lot of tests to prove that he is loyal to his country. Being a commando means Umar is part of the Malaysian military, intelligence, and security. Umar has to put his country first before himself, his family, his love life, and his personal interests. Umar believes that danger and death are always near him. Therefore, Umar tries to put romance away from his life until he meets Mikanadira (Mika). During their first meeting, Umar thought everything was just a coincidence. The same goes during their second meeting. But after their third meeting, Umar starts to believe that Mika is his destiny. Balancing love life and work is very challenging for Umar. Will he win Mika? Are they meant to be together?

This novel is a page-turner and an intriguing read. All chapters end with 'What happens next?'. Black Ghost #UmarAlhaidar also provides me knowledge of military life. Umar is a make-believe character. And I like the way the author develops this character as the plot evolves. The author also makes Umar a man with morals, discipline, and integrity. This character is a swoon-worthy hero indeed. I also like Umar's chemistry with Mika. Umar and Mika have strong and intense chemistry. Their chemistry makes the story alive. 

#2 HARI-HARI BERSAMA MIYU BY NATASHA MAZYA

This slice-of-life and urban fantasy novel tells a heartwarming friendship tale of a cat named Miyu and a pixie fairy named Yara. Miyu is a cute plum-orange cat adopted by Natalia and Zafran. Natalia and Zafran are two young married couples who don't have children yet. So to Natalia and Zafran, Miyu is their kid. Miyu is loved, cherished, and spoiled in a good way by Natalia and Zafran. Even though Natalia and Zafran care about Miyu, they still have their daily job to handle. 

One day, Miyu meets Yara, a pretty and adorable pixie fairy. They become good friends. Miyu tells Yara that he always wanted to become a superhero just like his favorite cartoon character, Belang Hulubalang. Miyu likes helping and saving animals who are in need. Yara agrees to help Miyu become the neighborhood superhero. Together, they share adventures saving and helping the neighborhood animals who are in need.

HHBM is different from all the novels I've read before. It's a story from a cat's point of view. HHBM is an absolutely cute, adorable, lovely, and heartwarming read. Reading this novel puts a smile on my face and warms my heart. It's a story about unconditional love. The story also promotes kindness. Be kind to all living creatures. Not just humans. And if you're a pet owner, cherish and love your pet dearly. You mean the world to them. I believe these are the two messages that Natasha wants her readers to bring home from HHBM. 

#1 CHASING CASSANDRA BY LISA KLEYPAS

Chasing Cassandra (CC) is a heartwarming slow-burn romance story between a hopeless romantic beauty named Lady Cassandra Ravenel and a frozen-hearted railway magnate named Tom Severin. The story takes place during the Victorian era in England. 

As a romantic person, Cassandra only wants to marry for love. Yes, she wants a love match. But love is the one thing Tom can't give her. As the story evolves, Tom and Cassandra fall harder for each other. The more they meet, the more they desire each other. Plus, they also learn about each other. Cassandra discovers that Tom is not a frozen-hearted man after all. He is actually a kind-hearted, romantic, and sensitive man. It was his past that made him frozen-hearted. Yep, Tom Severin has abandoned issues. When Cassandra realizes Tom's problem, she tries to heal him. Can Cassandra help Tom Severin overcome his abandoned issues? Will Tom Severin discover the meaning of love?

Chasing Cassandra is the best novel in Lisa Kleypas's The Ravenel series. This novel is not just swoon-worthy. It is also heartwarming and shows the reality of a romantic relationship. This novel is meaningful to me. It makes me learn about unconditional love. It touches my heart deeply. I cried tears of joy at the end of the story. Chasing Cassandra is a very healing novel indeed. It gives me the feeling of having someone special by my side. Love is not just about romance and giving the person you love luxurious gifts. It's about helping each other to grow and find their true self. Love is about embracing each other's imperfections. If you love someone, be patient with them. Give them time and space to grow and heal. If two people are meant to be, they will be together. And of course, love is a miracle. 

Okay, so these are the 10 Awesome Fiction Books I've enjoyed reading in 2024. This year, I read more novels of the romance, fantasy, and romantasy genres. These three are my top favorite genres now. Also this year, I read a lot of fiction that teaches me about unconditional love. And yes, these stories become meaningful for me. I learned a lot about true love and unconditional love this year. I also learned about myself and all the people around me through the characters from these novels. 

I hope I will read more meaningful books in 2025. Insya-Allah. I already have my TBR planned for early next year. Hehehe ^_^

Okay, this is all for now. I'll see you guys again in my next post. Insya-Allah.

XoXo,

Fadima Mooneira ^_^

(Authorpreneur, Content Creator, Blogger, Illustrator & Crafter)

#FadimaMooneirasList #10AwesomeFictionBooksOf2024 #ChasingCassandra #LisaKleypas #HariHariBersamaMiyu #NatashaMazya #BlackGhostUmarAlHaidar #RoseHarissa #Nirnama #HilalAsyraf #Belladonna #AdalynGrace #LelakiAstatine #Anjell #HikayatAllerednic #Elvroseth #RombonganKeMarikh! #MakChantek #TheStriker #AnaHuang #TheSerpentAndTheWingsOfNight #CarissaBroadbent  #FadimaMooneirasLibrary #Edutainment #FadimaMooneiraDotCom

READ MY REVIEWS OF...

NOVEL REVIEW: CHASING CASSANDRA BY LISA KLEYPAS (PLUS FOUR LOVE LESSONS)

NOVEL REVIEW: HARI-HARI BERSAMA MIYU BY NATASHA MAZYA

NOVEL REVIEW: BLACK GHOST #UMARALHAIDAR BY ROSE HARISSA

NOVEL REVIEW: NIRNAMA BY HILAL ASYRAF

NOVEL REVIEW: BELLADONNA BY ADALYN GRACE

NOVEL REVIEW: LELAKI ASTATINE BY ANJELL

NOVEL REVIEW: HIKAYAT ALLEREDNIC BY ELVROSETH

NOVEL REVIEW: ROMBONGAN KE MARIKH! BY MAK CHANTEK

NOVEL REVIEW: THE SERPENT & THE WINGS OF NIGHT BY CARISSA BROADBENT

CHECK OUT THE 10 AWESOME BOOKS I ENJOYED IN 2023...

FADIMA MOONEIRA'S LIST: 10 AWESOME FICTION BOOKS OF 2023

Miyu is a cute plum-orange cat adopted by Natalia and Zafran. Natalia and Zafran are two young married couples who don't have children yet. So to Natalia and Zafran, Miyu is their kid. Miyu is loved, cherished, and spoiled in a good way by his cat mom and dad ^_^ 

Umar becomes a very responsible person. But he remains cheerful and playful when he is not on the field. The author also made Umar a man with morals, discipline, and integrity. Plus, Umar is also kind-hearted, caring, and swoon-worthy.