Category: Books

No Funeral For Nazia | This Isn’t Just any Party, it’s the Party of a Lifetime | Book Review & Interview with the Author!

~ Leyla Demirel ~ Leave a comment

No Funeral For Nazia is a book that captured my attention from the premise alone…Nazia not wanting a funeral but a party? And a surprise guest, bringing with them the promise that secrets will be revealed? What an intriguing premise for a book, and that’s without even opening it yet! Ironically, I’d already pre-ordered this … Continue reading No Funeral For Nazia | This Isn’t Just any Party, it’s the Party of a Lifetime | Book Review & Interview with the Author!

Sun of Blood and Ruin | An Epic Debut Historical Fantasy Unlike Any Other | Book Review

~ Leyla Demirel ~ Leave a comment

(AD PR Product) Combining historical fiction with fantasy, based on Mexican mythology and a gender-swapped retelling of Zorro, Sun of Blood and Ruin is an epic debut novel from Mariely Lares that had me hooked from page one until the very end. Own photography (well, with help from a supportive dad!) Book: Sun of Blood … Continue reading Sun of Blood and Ruin | An Epic Debut Historical Fantasy Unlike Any Other | Book Review

The Book Thief Musical | One of The Most Incredible Pieces Of Theatre That Has Ever Been Staged | Theatre Review

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Disclaimer: I did previously review this show in the Bolton run. If you wish to read that review, you can do so here. This review is for the newest run of the show.  (This is your notice to get comfy and get a drink. I have a lot to share). Show: The Book Thief MusicalVenue: … Continue reading The Book Thief Musical | One of The Most Incredible Pieces Of Theatre That Has Ever Been Staged | Theatre Review

Fury Of The Dragon Goddess | The Epic, Adventure-Filled Sequel I’ve Been Waiting For | Book Review

~ Leyla Demirel ~ Leave a comment

After the first book in the instalment, City Of The Plague God, Sarwat Chadda returns to the Rick Riordan Presents world, and therefore the world of Mesopotamian mythology for the sequel I’ve been waiting for: Fury Of The Dragon Goddess. Every part as epic and adventurous as the first book, my favourite Muslim hero and … Continue reading Fury Of The Dragon Goddess | The Epic, Adventure-Filled Sequel I’ve Been Waiting For | Book Review

Brighter Than The Sun: A Story That Needed To Be Told | Book Review

~ Leyla Demirel ~ 1 Comment

Books are known to be a form of escapism, shutting away from one world for a few hours to experience another. But they can also be a really creative and wonderful way to read about experiences outside of our own, to learn about different cultures and lives. Daniel Aleman is an author who is a … Continue reading Brighter Than The Sun: A Story That Needed To Be Told | Book Review

10 Minutes and 38 Seconds in this Strange World: A Story That Will Stand the Test of Time | Book Review

~ Leyla Demirel ~ 3 Comments

Hello…friends? I have been writing in various capacities for over 10 years now and I still don’t know how to open a new blog post. "Hello, friends" feels nice but then if you’re a random stranger, is that too intimate? I mean I’ll gladly be friends with anyone but I don’t know if that means … Continue reading 10 Minutes and 38 Seconds in this Strange World: A Story That Will Stand the Test of Time | Book Review

The Book Thief Musical | The World Premiere of a New and Unforgettable Piece of Theatre | Theatre Review

~ Leyla Demirel ~ 1 Comment

The Book Thief always has - and probably always will be - my all-time favourite book, joint with The Great Gatsby and The Kite Runner. I read it first when I was 15 or 16 and was entranced and obsessed. Markus Zusak’s storytelling amazed me and ever since I’ve always been inspired by his writing … Continue reading The Book Thief Musical | The World Premiere of a New and Unforgettable Piece of Theatre | Theatre Review

The Prince and the Witch: The Book that Feels Like a Fairy Story for Adults | Book Review

~ Leyla Demirel ~ Leave a comment

I am a firm believer that just because we grow older, that doesn't necessarily mean we have to grow up. That we can still read stories with heroes and villains, good and evil, witches and princes and magic and mystery and adventure. In short, that we can still read books like The Prince and the … Continue reading The Prince and the Witch: The Book that Feels Like a Fairy Story for Adults | Book Review

The Not So Chosen One: A Good Choice for a Magical Read! | Book Review

~ Leyla Demirel ~ Leave a comment

Magic schools are not a new concept in literature. You know the drill. Someone reaches an age in their life, they have someone show up and tell them they're special, magical, and need to come to a secret school to harness their power. And occasionally, this person will be the 'chosen one' to defeat a … Continue reading The Not So Chosen One: A Good Choice for a Magical Read! | Book Review