Category: Reading

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The Door to the Spirit World: Youngho and Chadori by B.K. Chu [Book Review]

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I bought an ebook copy through Amazon for Indie Reader. The decision to review and all opinions are my own.

The Door to the Spirit World: Youngho and Chadori by B.K. Chu | Book Review | RachelPoli.com

Title: The Door to the Spirit World
Author: B.K. Chu
Genre: Children’s

Series: Younho and Chadori, book 1
Publisher: Solkroken Media
Publication Date: November 11, 2020

This children’s book follows a Korean boy around Christmas time. It’s a cute story for pre-teens, though it’s a sad one.

I enjoy reading children’s books and love exploring the spirit world so this one intrigued me. Except, there wasn’t any spirit exploration at all. This is a quick read only being a little over 100 pages. This is meant to be a trilogy but this particular book was all set-up and no execution for anything.

We get a good sense of Youngho and his life along with his dog, Chadori. However, the plot that’s described in the title and the blurb isn’t carried through. Something happens in the final chapter, leaving the book at a cliffhanger, and setting it up for book two.

Overall, the context of the story was pretty good and the writing was great. It’s certainly easy for kids to read and the colored illustrations were charming. I just wish the plot was executed better and more things happened in the story. Still, I’ll look forward to seeing book two.

The Door to the Spirit World: Youngho and Chadori by B.K. Chu

Conclusion

Plot
Characters
Writing Style

Overall

The Door to the Spirit World: Youngho and Chadori by B.K. Chu is a great kids story with a simple writing style, fun illustrations, and interesting characters.

3.3

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When Silver Met Gold by Kounj Muzafar [Book Review]

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I received an e-ARC from the author. The decision to review and all opinions are my own.

Book Review: When Silver Met Gold by Kounj Muzafar | Romance | RachelPoli.com

Title: When Silver Met Gold
Author: Kounj Muzafar
Genre: Romance

Series: N/A
Publisher: Self-published
Publication Date: August 14, 2020

I don’t typically read romance novels and I gave the author the head’s up about that when I was contacted about this book. The story sounded intriguing though, so I decided to give it a try. Luckily, it didn’t disappoint.

The protagonist, Musca, moves back to Pakistan after the death of her mother where her life is changed forever. Growing up in the US, there are plenty of differences between there and Pakistan – including relationships with adorable boys you’re smitten with.

The characters were fun to follow along. I enjoyed the relationship building between Musca and Aaliyan as well as her uncle. The overall romantic plot with the cultural differences was fascinating and nothing I’ve ever read before, so I’m glad I got the chance to check this one out.

The writing style was easy enough to follow along, but I felt there was too much description in some places. For me, the beginning was pretty slow and it took me a little bit to get into the story.

Overall, I enjoyed the read and I’ll look forward to see what else this author has in store.

When Silver Met Gold by Kounj Muzafar

Conclusion

Plot
Characters
Writing Style

Overall

When Silver Met Gold by Kounj Muzafar is a refreshing romance read. If you’re looking for something culturally different and enjoy romance, give this one a try.

4

About the author

Kounj Muzafar is an introverted butterfly who likes to wrap herself in the cocoon made of books and caffeine. When she is not reading, she is writing. The passion for reading was developed in her early teenage years, while her first writing was a short story she had scribbled in her notebook. 

She is an entrepreneur, an author, a freelance writer, and a blogger. She hosts multiple blogs including, ThatKayBlog.com and Author Kounj Muzafar. She believes in humanity, peace, fate, and the beautiful fantastical and supernatural beings. She likes traveling, trying new food, especially learning new things, and acquiring knowledge. Interested in all the beauty world carries she still likes to live in her muse and imaginations. 

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | LinkedIn

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Virtue Chasm by Ashley Crookham [Book Review]

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I received a review e-copy from the author. The decision to review and all opinions are my own.

Virtue Chasm by Ashley Crookham | Book Review | RachelPoli.com

Title: Virtue Chasm
Author: Ashley Crookham
Genre: Speculative Fiction, New Adult

Series: N/A
Publisher: Kindle Direct Publishing
Publication Date: April 11, 2020

Seeing the differences between men and women in real life, this book is a fascinating read.

I had to admit that it took me a little bit to get into the story. In the beginning, I had a hard time following exactly what was going on and what any goals were, but it picked up. Frieda goes on a journey to rescue her brother and, of course, things happen.

I enjoyed the characters. I thought they were likeable and relatable in some ways, despite this being a dystopian-type novel.

The writing style, aside from the slow-start of the beginning, was easy to read and follow. The author has a great way with words and built the world masterfully.

Overall, this was an interesting read with intriguing characters, a tempting plot, and an intricate writing style.

Virtue Chasm by Ashley Crookham

Conclusion

Plot
Characters
Writing Style

Overall

Virtue Chasm by Ashley Crookham is an excellent book if you’re looking for something new to explore. This takes outside-the-box thinking to a new level.

4.3

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The Troubled Seminarian by Neal Grey

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I bought the ebook from Amazon for Indie Reader. The decision to review and all opinions are my own.

The Troubled Seminarian by Neal Grey | Book Review | Historical Fiction | RachelPoli.com

Title: The Troubled Seminarian
Author: Neal Grey
Genre: Historical Fiction

Series: N/A
Publisher: Neal Grey
Publication Date: November 1, 2018

This book explores a few different religions as the protagonist struggles with his own faith during the Protestant Reformation. It touches upon Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. So, if you’re into history and religion, then this might be a book to give a try.

The characters had relatable problems and were well-written. The overall story, while I did enjoy it to an extent, felt bland at times. It got to a point where the research weighed heavily on the story part. I felt like some parts were more “textbook” which jarred me out of the story.

The Troubled Seminarian by Neal Grey

Conclusion

Plot
Characters
Writing Style

Overall

The Troubled Seminarian by Neal Grey is an interesting read filled with religious and historical facts and enlightening characters.

3.3

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Number the Stars by Lois Lowry [Book Review]

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I read a paperback copy that I own. The decision to review and all opinions are my own.

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry | Book Review | RachelPoli.com

Title: Number the Stars
Author: Lois Lowry
Genre: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade

Series: N/A
Publisher: Laurel Leaf
Publication Date: February 9, 1998

Plot

Number the Stars is a historical fiction tale that tells the story of Annemarie living in Copenhagen in 1943, during World War II. She’s ten-years-old, trying to be brave and understand what’s going on in the world in terms of the war and Nazis standing on every street corner. Her best friend, Ellen, is Jewish. This is the story of Annemarie and her family standing up for what they believe in.

I read this book in elementary school and recently the fifth grader I babysit had to read it for school. I re-read it on my own as a refresher. This book opened many discussions between us, especially in light of what’s happening in the world today.

Characters

The characters are based on the author’s friend’s story, leaving this a historical fiction novel. The main characters are aged ten. Annemarie and Ellen do their best to continue living their lives as normal kids but, of course, the war has other plans. I thought the two characters were well-done and had the minds of children, even in dark times.

The adults were just as well done. They handled what was happening around them with poise and only told the kids what they thought they needed to hear, but not necessarily sugar-coating the situation. They were well thought-out, over all.

Writing Style

This is a short book being under 150 pages. It’s meant for a younger audience and I think Lois Lowry hits the nail on the head. Number the Stars depicts a perfect picture of what living in World War II was like all the while keeping the information relevant and simple to understand for the readers.

As I said, this book opened a lot of heavy discussions between myself and my 11-year-old. We were able to have an honest discussion with one another without delving too deep into the heavy stuff. It was age-appropriate but he certainly understands what happened in that dark time. (In fact, he taught me some things!)

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

Conclusion

Plot
Characters
Writing Style

Overall

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry is a must-read by all. It doesn’t matter what age you are, this book is a wonderful representation of that tragic time in history.

5

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