thegeekybibliophile's review
2.0
This was just an okay read for me. I'm glad I read it, but it didn't leave any memorable impressions on me. The only thing I'm clearly able to remember is that I didn't review it right away because I had nothing (good, bad, or indifferent) to say about it.
I won't be reading any future novels if this series is eventually continued.
I received an advance reading copy of this book courtesy of Penwood via Netgalley.
I won't be reading any future novels if this series is eventually continued.
I received an advance reading copy of this book courtesy of Penwood via Netgalley.
bookwormbunny's review
5.0
Girls of Yellow is a dystopian mystery novel by Orest Stelmach. This story follows a Muslim police officer as he works to unwind the truth behind a case of a murdered young girl with blonde hair. This venture in the pursuit of justice should be part of the job, but the chain of command wants the case buried hence why they put Major Sami Ali on it. He’s called the “dhimmi lover.” Major Ali is courting trouble with his investigation. He’s told to bury it but he digs deeper, and even with the threat of his family being in danger, the murder haunts him. Add in a young woman named Elise who is on a double mission – a spy for Christendom and to find her sister who was sold into slavery at birth. The author weaves an engaging mystery novel full of danger and intense moments.
Girls of Yellow is an engaging story that hooks the reader from the beginning. The world is not as we know it. The author gives a subtle dystopian theme and subtly reminds the reader of it throughout. I say this, but the author keeps the mystery the focus of the story. Islam is the religion that now rules, Christians are almost like a dying race. Christians in this story are kept underfoot, they are forced to either submit or leave, and they struggle for everything that they have. I found Major Ali to be a fascinating character. He knows what is expected of him, and the author keeps him true to character and his religious beliefs, but he’s determined. He knows the consequences, but he pursues what he believes is the right thing to do. The story ping pongs back and forth between Ali and Elise, but the story focuses mainly on Ali.
There isn’t much that I don’t like about this book. My only complaint is that I would have liked more background on how the world came to be the way that it is. The story is so engaging, but I’m left wondering what happened? What wars were fought?
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. I found this story, this unique twisted world that the author created to be fascinating and the mystery makes it hard to put down. If you are looking for a mystery novel that gives you a dystopian world of where religion dictates your life, then this is a good book to pick up.
Girls of Yellow is an engaging story that hooks the reader from the beginning. The world is not as we know it. The author gives a subtle dystopian theme and subtly reminds the reader of it throughout. I say this, but the author keeps the mystery the focus of the story. Islam is the religion that now rules, Christians are almost like a dying race. Christians in this story are kept underfoot, they are forced to either submit or leave, and they struggle for everything that they have. I found Major Ali to be a fascinating character. He knows what is expected of him, and the author keeps him true to character and his religious beliefs, but he’s determined. He knows the consequences, but he pursues what he believes is the right thing to do. The story ping pongs back and forth between Ali and Elise, but the story focuses mainly on Ali.
There isn’t much that I don’t like about this book. My only complaint is that I would have liked more background on how the world came to be the way that it is. The story is so engaging, but I’m left wondering what happened? What wars were fought?
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. I found this story, this unique twisted world that the author created to be fascinating and the mystery makes it hard to put down. If you are looking for a mystery novel that gives you a dystopian world of where religion dictates your life, then this is a good book to pick up.
ruthparker16's review
3.0
Who can say no to a mix of mystery and dystopian fiction? This book had a lot of promise and I was incredibly intrigued to read it. The idea of imagining a world where the continents were ruled by religion is something that grabbed my attention, especially with all the focus nowadays on region and persecution.
For me, the book was only ok. It didn't quite live up to my (admittedly high) expectations. I found some of the religious ideas to be a little problematic (pro Christian and anti Islamic vibes) and the beginning was very slow. Once the action started I found it a lot more of a compelling read, but it took a while to get going, which was disappointing.
This is the first book in a series. I will consider reading the next one, although I'm not totally sold on the idea just yet.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. My opinions in this review are my own.
For me, the book was only ok. It didn't quite live up to my (admittedly high) expectations. I found some of the religious ideas to be a little problematic (pro Christian and anti Islamic vibes) and the beginning was very slow. Once the action started I found it a lot more of a compelling read, but it took a while to get going, which was disappointing.
This is the first book in a series. I will consider reading the next one, although I'm not totally sold on the idea just yet.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. My opinions in this review are my own.
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