[MPOV] The Beasts Beneath the Winds

My rating: 4/5

Goodreads rating: 4.43/5

Publish: October 21, 2025

Editor: Hanna Alkaf

Genre: Asian folklore, mythology, anthology, short stories, young adult

A sweeping and magical story collection showcasing the mythical creatures of Southeast Asia, including work by two-time Newbery medalist Erin Entrada Kelly and National Book Award finalist Shing Yin Khor

A turtle the size of an island. A cricket that can possess you if swallowed. A giant who turns enemies to stone. The legends of Southeast Asia—or “the lands below the winds,” as explorers used to call it—are populated with a whole menagerie of colorful beasts that inspire awe and fear in equal measure. Yet, passed on as they are through story and song, so many of these stories remain rooted in some long-forgotten past and bound by the borders of the region, creatures of myth and memory and nothing more. Until now.

Welcome to The Beasts Beneath the Winds, a collection of Southeast Asia’s most elusive cryptids by a team of bestselling and award-winning authors. Within these gorgeously illustrated pages, readers will find the stories of seventeen regular kids who encounter these mythical creatures in the here and now, and—fortunately or unfortunately—live to tell the tale

There are a total of 17 short stories in this anthology. It is quite interesting with the many different cultures and believes captured in one book. I am so amazed by it all!

1. American Cousin by Erin Entrada Kelly
2. The Mystery of the Meowing Makcik by Nadia Mikail
3. The Girl in the Graveyard by Brandon Hoang
4. The Egg by Mandy Moe Pwint Tu
5. Fish out of Water by Moniza Hossain
6. Forest Keeper by V.T. Bidania
7. Oliver Santos and the Best Birthday Yet by Mae Respicio
8. The Curse of Sang Kelembai by Hanna Alkaf
9. Dance of the Unicorns by Van Hoang
10. Rich and Strange by Greg van Eekhout
11. Kusu Island by June CL Tan
12. The Mawas in the Airport by Shing Yin Khor
13. Melati and the Eternal Battle by Jesse Q. Sutanto
14. Naga Fireballs by Veeda Bybee
15. Ellie Takes Flight by Emma Goddard
16. Dara, Danny, and the Thai Giants by Dow Phumiruk
17. Lexie Libot Gets Lost in a Wedding by Gail D. Villanueva

I was mesmerized... entranced by the many magical creatures spotlighted in this anthology. TBH, I was today years old when I learnt of so many folklores, definitely an eye-opening read and kept me going. As it's all short stories, it was an easy read to finish.

I do not have any particular favourites as each story has its own flair and carry its own tale. Most of the authors are unknown to me. I do find some of the writings and plots were not as polished. Since it is short, it was bearable and easy to finish reading it. Offhand, I would say Kusu Island, The Egg and Oliver Santos and the Best Birthday Yet were memorable to me.

Overall, if you are looking for some easy read with mythical elements, please give this book a try. I am glad to be given the chance to read and review this e-ARC, all thanks to the author and editor, Hanna Alkaf.

Here's the link for more details:

the beasts beneath the winds – HANNA ALKAF

[MPOV] Treasures of Castle Rowley: A Rowley Family Romance Novel

My rating: 4/5

Goodreads rating: 4.2/5
Published: October 31, 2024
Author: Matilda Lockwood
Genre: Historical romance, Adventure

Bound by duty, yet drawn by desire—will Cecelia follow her family to a new world or forge her own path with a daring artist?

In the shadowed halls of Castle Rowley, maid and expectant mother Cecelia faces a future she never asked to cross the Atlantic with her family for a new beginning in America, far from their troubled past at the castle. But her encounter with Kunal, a passionate woodcarver from the East India Company, ignites a different fire within her. He sees her—truly sees her—and inspires her to pursue her hidden talent for drawing.

As their secret romance blooms, Cecelia is caught in a tumult of heart and duty. With her departure looming, she must embrace the safety of the path laid out for her, or risk everything for the life and love she dreams of?

Treasures of Castle Rowley is a tale of love’s power to defy expectations and the bravery required to follow one’s heart.

Treasures of Castle Rowley is a continuation from the first book, Secrets of Castle Rowley which featured Annabel. Treasures, however, is about Cecelia who is a pregnant scullery maid with a keen eye for artistic endeavors. She's very talented in arts but could not venture much into it due to her condition and also her family's circumstances. One day, a chanced encounter with Kunal, a talented woodcarver, in the market changed her life forever.

Here is my take on the first book:

Sholee's Sphere: [MPOV] Secrets of Castle Rowley (Rowley Family #1)

"Every journey shapes us, even the most difficult ones," she said gently. ''What matters is how we carry it forward.''

The storyline may lean towards the norm, since such pregnancy would have been frown upon during those times, but it is common in the current world hence it is easier to relate to. I could imagine while reading it, as though I'm watching a Diva channel type of movie! The writing is fluid, and the pace is definitely better than the first with more adventurous plots. I have enjoyed the book from the start until when it reaches towards the end. I find the ending a little comedic, a little rush. I guess I would have preferred a little slow burn or a little dramatic LOL! With that said, I do enjoy this more than book 1 :-)

''Reading should bring joy, not frustration. If it doesn't, then it's simply the wrong book.''

In summary, even though the story started on the 'wrong footing', it has a 'happy ever after' ending after a tumultuous adventure! All's well that ends well! My heartfelt gratitude to the author for taking the trouble to post this book to me. She has even included many gifts that I will definitely treasure, especially these lovely bookmarks that she has handmade them herself!

[MPOV] The Bluestockings

My rating: 4/5

Goodreads rating: 4.71/5
Published: January 21, 2025 by The Nook Press
Author: Wendi Nunnery
Genre: Young Adult, Mystery Fiction

A magical bookshop, a long-lost novel, and two daughters searching for the truth...

Everyone in Hawthorn, Georgia believes Vera Black is dead. Everyone, that is, except her twelve-year-old daughter, Eleanor.

Six years have passed since Vera vanished after work one day, and Eleanor, who helps her father run the family bookshop, secretly believes that Vera abandoned them. When she discovers a draft of an old novel hidden in a secret desk compartment, a story tied to the strange death of another Hawthorn woman, Eleanor finds herself caught up in a mystery that causes her to rethink everything she believes about her mother.

At eighty years old, Ruby Hurst has lived under the shadow of her mother Alice's mysterious death since she was a child. What she witnessed on the day Alice drowned has cast a shadow over everything Ruby loves, and she looks forward to the day when she will leave Hawthorn, and everyone in it, behind. Until one day, when Eleanor Black shows up with a long-lost novel and breaks apart the carefully constructed world Ruby has hidden within for decades.

A warm, tender novel exploring the bounds of family, community, and love in unexpected places, The Bluestockings is a story for everyone who has ever hoped, even when all hope seemed lost.

I’ve enjoyed this captivating novel which triggered many nostalgic moments. It sure felt like I’m reading a story out of a Diva channel, which is suitable for young readers too. 

It is so relatable, so on point especially when Ruby visited the beach, where she lost her mother, again. From that moment on, with Ruby sort of come to her senses, I find the story became more well-rounded. It was more engaging then and, though it was kinda predictable, I was reading as fast just to know how it ends. 

It is a heartwarming story that was a breeze to read with magical elements that I love, so easy to digest and a fun read indeed. 

If you are interested, you can find out more of the author here:

Wendi Nunnery | Welcome

[MPOV] Draco Malfoy and the Mortifying Ordeal of Being in Love

My rating: 4/5
Goodreads rating: 4.57/5
Published: October 14, 2021
Author: isthisselfcare (Brigitte Knightley)
Genre: Fanfiction, romance

Hermione straddles the magical and non-magical worlds as a medical researcher and Healer about to make a Big Discovery. Draco is an Auror assigned to protect her from forces unknown -- to both of their displeasure.

Features hypercompetent, fiery Hermione and lazy, yet dangerous, Draco. Slow burn.

Rating: Explicit
Fandom: Harry Potter
Relationship: Hermione Granger/Draco Malfoy

Tags: Healer Hermione Granger, Researcher Hermione Granger, Auror Draco Malfoy, Slow burn, unresolved sexual tension, eventual smut, POV Draco Malfoy, Forced Collaboration, Romance, romcom, Action/Adventure, EWE, HEA, reckless overuse of author's favorite tropes, oblivious idiots, All aboard the SS Denial, late-stage pining, what is pining if not denial persevering, no first names we die like men, do not look too closely at the plot you will only hurt yourself, scandalous ankle touching, misuse of whirlpool baths, graphic depictions of competent women, eroticized arithmancy, Crookshanks will fight god or become him, human on mushroom violence, Schrodinger's ethics, nuns

A fan fiction which gave me an ending worthy than the original coupling! I have always wondered why Hermione was with Ron when I find her better off with Harry. This fanfic gave me a different perspective though and Dramione it is!!!

I've totally enjoyed the plot filled with many ups and downs, so entertaining especially when they were in Malfoy Manor! The slow pace made me so anxious, with Draco being so dense that I feel like giving him a push! I loved the ending, predictable yet so lovingly satisfying!

This fanfic totally reminds me of when I was reading Fifty Shades of Grey. Of course, that was poorly written but the gist of it, the feels whilst reading it was the same! Only difference is this Draco fanfic was well written and well explored, making it a breeze to read through even though it was a thick tome! I heard the author has been scouted to publish this book soon, with a change of names, etc. I do hope it is as good, if not better than this one :-)

Thanks to 2 Dramione fans who made sure I read this! I'm sooo sold!

[MPOV] The Housemaid, #1

My rating: 4/5

Goodreads rating: 4.31/5
Published: April 26, 2022
Author: Freida McFadden
Genre: thriller, mystery, suspense

“Welcome to the family,” Nina Winchester says as I shake her elegant, manicured hand. I smile politely, gazing around the marble hallway. Working here is my last chance to start fresh. I can pretend to be whoever I like. But I’ll soon learn that the Winchesters’ secrets are far more dangerous than my own…

Every day I clean the Winchesters’ beautiful house top to bottom. I collect their daughter from school. And I cook a delicious meal for the whole family before heading up to eat alone in my tiny room on the top floor.

I try to ignore how Nina makes a mess just to watch me clean it up. How she tells strange lies about her own daughter. And how her husband Andrew seems more broken every day. But as I look into Andrew’s handsome brown eyes, so full of pain, it’s hard not to imagine what it would be like to live Nina’s life. The walk-in closet, the fancy car, the perfect husband.

I only try on one of Nina’s pristine white dresses once. Just to see what it’s like. But she soon finds out… and by the time I realize my attic bedroom door only locks from the outside, it’s far too late.

But I reassure myself: the Winchesters don’t know who I really am.

They don’t know what I’m capable of…

An unbelievably twisty read that will have you glued to the pages late into the night. Anyone who loves The Woman in the Window, The Wife Between Us and The Girl on the Train won’t be able to put this down!

Finally, I have boarded The Housemaid train and there is no turning back! It was engaging with all the plot twists, but I did find it to be predictable and it does remind me of other similar books I have read. If you like Gillian Flynn and Sandra Brown, you should pick this up before it hits the cinema. Yeah, it has been adapted into the big screen! 

I did enjoy the journey painted and how it has ended so I am rating it 4/5 from the entertainment point of view. Also, I was hooked from the start to the last page, with the way it was written and how the story moved on. It did pop up some questions in my head with some parts lackadaisical, though not as significant, like when she finally hooked up with Andrew or when it was revealed what she was capable of. Sort of missed out some polishing to the set-up IMO.

Overall, an entertaining read and I do hope that book 2, The Housemaid's Secret, would be better!