newbietobyy finished reading and wrote a review...
It took a while for The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi to warm up to me. Mainly, the book is set in Indian Ocean, and embraces the culture around that area. Personally, I have the familiarity comparable to a tiny bean when it comes to that geographical part of the world. Fortunately, Chakraborty's writing style balances this out. With great details and information she gives, her words felt like a warm hug: it was easy to digest and felt familiar.
Post from the The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi (Amina al-Sirafi, #1) forum
The characters’ quirks and personalities are probably the best part.
newbietobyy made progress on...
newbietobyy made progress on...
newbietobyy made progress on...
newbietobyy finished reading and wrote a review...
4.75!
The book was deeply thought of. Numerous additions, yet it stayed loyal to the classic Cinderella story. There is war, with the young, bethroned king who lacks experience takes a toll on France. Fate and Chance fighting over a mere mortal's future, while the fairy god-mother watching from a distance. The ugly stepsisters with hatred in their hearts and struggling to find their own grooms. And lastly, a side of the perfect Ella we all know about.
Full review: https://mememesmedia.wordpress.com/2025/11/04/review-stepsister-jennifer-donnellys-dark-and-empowering-fairy-tale/
newbietobyy made progress on...
newbietobyy started reading...

The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi (Amina al-Sirafi, #1)
Shannon Chakraborty
Post from the Stepsister forum
As someone who grew up with fairytales, I guess this is an exception since it is a retelling the classic Cinderella. BUT I really devoured this one. The simplicity, the numerous additions that just makes sense (the clever personifications of ‘fate’, ‘chance’ and ‘tranquill’), and the character growth of the ugly stepsister were just 🥹.
newbietobyy finished reading and wrote a review...
Easily grasping and fast-paced, the story of Eve and Dinah is not for the faint-hearted. As normal as they think their lives were, Uncle managed to capture their freedoms by formulating a religion based off of the castle and the ocean that surrounds the island, together with his stories, a snake and the loyalty of his little family.
Full review: https://mememesmedia.wordpress.com/2025/11/01/little-eve-by-catriona-ward-twisted-gothic-horror-and-family-secrets/
newbietobyy started reading...

Stepsister
Jennifer Donnelly
Post from the Little Eve forum
I do not recommended drinking and then reading the last 50 pages where all the revelations happen. I only remember half of them but I know they were mind blowing.
newbietobyy started reading...

Little Eve
Catriona Ward
Post from the The Master and Margarita forum
newbietobyy finished a book

The Master and Margarita
Mikhail Bulgakov
newbietobyy commented on a post