Ibraheem’s Perfect Eid by Farhana Islam and Nabila Adani

The Blurb On The Back:

Ibraheem LOVES Eid.

What’s not to love?

There’s games and snacks and … PRESENTS!

Eid is ALL about the presents - isn’t it?

Join Ibraheem as he hunts of this gifts and discovers all the things that make Eid wonderful.

A heartwarming celebration of Eid, curious children and family love.

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Farhana Islam and Nabila Adani’s picture book is a colourful, joyous exploration of the social, family and spiritual meaning of Eid that aims to show young readers that the celebration is not just about receiving gifts. I liked the fact that it’s aimed at Muslim readers but it does miss a trick by not giving a bit more context or explanations for non-Muslims who may want to know more about it.

IBRAHEEM’S PERFECT EID was released in the United Kingdom on 27 February 2025. Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

Witchsign by Den Patrick

The Blurb On The Back:

Do you bear the sign of the witch? Because if you do, gods help you.

It has been seventy-five years since the dragon’s rule of fire and magic was ended. Out of the ashes, the Solmindre Empire was born.

Since then the tyrannical Synod has worked hard to banish all manifestations of the arcane from existence. However, children are still born bearing the taint of the arcane, known to all as witching. Vigilants are sent out across the continent of Vinterkveld to find and capture all those bearing the mark.

No-one knows when the Vigilants of the Synod will appear and enforce the Empire’s laws…

But today they’re coming …

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Den Patrick’s fantasy novel (the first in a trilogy) has interesting world-building that incorporates Norse and Russian history and tries to subvert the tropes of normal ‘young people discover magical powers’ fiction. Unfortunately the pacing is slack, the storytelling doesn’t stand on its logic and the characterisation - particularly of the antagonists - is rarely above the superficial, meaning I won’t be reading on.

Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.