Official Review: Valoria by Tayma Tameem

Please use this sub-forum to discuss any fantasy or science fiction books or series.
Forum rules
Authors and publishers are not able to post replies in the review topics.
Post Reply
User avatar
Nonso Samuelson
Posts: 936
Joined: 27 Mar 2019, 19:01
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 166
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-nonso-samuelson.html
Latest Review: Doctoroo & the Case of the Hacking Hippo by Dr. Rachel B. Wellner

Official Review: Valoria by Tayma Tameem

Post by Nonso Samuelson »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Valoria" by Tayma Tameem.]
Book Cover
3 out of 4 stars
Share This Review


Two of the three great kingdoms of Al Kunooz—Valoria and Intellectus—share a checkered history of war and bloodshed. Both kingdoms sign a peace treaty to stop the war and ensure peace between them. As they move to solidify this treaty by forming a marriage alliance between the royal families, tensions arise, and doubts set in.

Zeina and her brother, Zane, are the children of the royal family of Valoria. Both kingdoms have arranged for them to marry the crown prince and princess of Intellectus—Adam and Amber—to solidify their alliance. Despite Zeina's yearning for freedom, she understands the role she has to play in protecting her kingdom. However, after the royal family of Intellectus pays a visit to Valoria, Zeina takes a dislike to Adam and doesn't miss out on any opportunity to goad or taunt him. When the two weddings are suddenly moved forward, she suspects something is amiss. Fearing war, she seeks answers. Why was the treaty between Valoria and Intellectus so important? Why were the weddings moved forward? Did Zeina find the answers she sought? Did she change her mind concerning Adam?

Valoria: Heirdom was a riveting read and the first book in the Valoria series. Tayma Tameem told an intriguing tale of loyalty, love, death, courage, and betrayal. From the introduction of the brave and compassionate Zeina to the stories about war, the visit of the royal family, and the period of the wedding preparations, this was a well-written story. I liked that Tameem captivated my attention with the depth and detail of each character's personality. It helped me understand the reasons behind their actions better. One such instance was my understanding of Zeina's compassion when she visited the town healer with gifts. Another was Adam's protectiveness when he disagreed with Zeina's methods of helping his sister learn to ride a horse. What I liked most was how the story often threw me into fits of laughter. The use of humor in the conversations made the characters feel more realistic and relatable. One instance was when Adam came back from boot camp with a beard and tried to hug Ameera, his baby sister.

The author's use of similar-sounding names threw me off a bit and slowed my reading. I had to go back several times to confirm which name was for which character. The similarity between these names caused the author to mix them up a few times. One such instance was where she used Zac instead of Zaki (page 350). This was my biggest issue with this book. I also didn't like that the author's writing was ambiguous in some sections of the story. For instance, when the monarchs spoke of the kingdom across the sea on page 584, they said:
The Tranquilium greatly outnumber us. And I do not simply mean they outnumber Valoria. I mean all of Al Kunooz.
This was a confusing statement given that Tranquilium was one of the kingdoms of Al Kunooz, and the kingdom across the sea was another entity entirely. It got me wondering whether Tranquilium wasn't a part of Al Kunooz and if it was indeed the kingdom across the sea.

I noticed a few grammatical errors while reading, but there weren't enough instances. Consequently, I would say that Valoria: Heirdom was professionally edited. I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. The story was thrilling and relatable, even though it was set in an era long before ours. Sadly, the mix-up of character names and the few confusing sections of dialogue can confuse readers and dent their enjoyment of the story. I deducted a star for these two reasons. Overall, this was still a fun read, and I can't wait to read the next book in the series. I recommend it to lovers of epic adventures with a little mystery and romance.

******
Valoria
View: on Bookshelves
WADonnelly
Posts: 218
Joined: 17 Feb 2021, 09:19
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 15
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-wadonnelly.html
Latest Review: The Unbound Soul by Richard L. Haight

Post by WADonnelly »

This is a really detailed and compelling review. It is a shame there was some confusion in the book but it still sounds like a good read.
User avatar
Rayah Raouf
Posts: 893
Joined: 04 Nov 2020, 14:19
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 46
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-rayah-raouf.html
Latest Review: The Heart of the World by Michael Tillotson

Post by Rayah Raouf »

Hmmm.. What an interesting book. Your review really sells it as well. I love a good adventure, so this would be right up my alley.
Thank you for your review.
Memories are dangerous things. You turn them over and over, until you know every touch and corner, but still you'll find an edge to cut you.― Mark Lawrence, Prince of Thorns
Albaou Amira
Posts: 32
Joined: 10 Nov 2020, 14:04
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 8
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-albaou-amira.html
Latest Review: Kalayla by Jeannie Nicholas

Post by Albaou Amira »

Strong female leads make entertaining books. The plot sounds interesting, and I'm sure the pros outweigh the cons.
User avatar
SweetSourSalty AndSpicy
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 1744
Joined: 15 Aug 2020, 07:36
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 234
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-sweetsoursalty-andspicy.html
Latest Review: The Past Speaks by Geoff McCue

Post by SweetSourSalty AndSpicy »

The names of the kingdoms sound clever: Valoria for valor and Intellectus for intellect. It makes me wonder if the citizens reflect these traits. Likewise, I appreciate the observation regarding the similar-sounding names and the possible confusion. Thanks for the insights.
User avatar
NetMassimo
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 6579
Joined: 24 Jul 2019, 06:37
Currently Reading: Flinx's Folly
Bookshelf Size: 419
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-netmassimo.html
Latest Review: Three Bullets by Charles Alexander
2024 Reading Goal: 60
2024 Goal Completion: 26%

Post by NetMassimo »

This seems like the start of an epic fantasy saga, though the author's choices for the characters names are puzzling. Thank you for your great review!
Ciao :)
Massimo
User avatar
Uzo_Reviews
Posts: 285
Joined: 12 Jul 2021, 04:48
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 23
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-uzo-reviews.html
Latest Review: Snow Country Lane by Sarah Vail

Post by Uzo_Reviews »

The feminine feature in the book was completely exciting for me. I love female leads. Maybe I'm biased but I don't mind. I hope to enjoy this too
onyii_review
Posts: 224
Joined: 07 Aug 2021, 05:11
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 16
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-onyii-review.html
Latest Review: The Fox by M. N. J. Butler

Post by onyii_review »

Books on wars and bloodshed are not my genre. Nice review anyways.
Uzzy_Reviews
Favour Jesulona
Posts: 11
Joined: 07 Aug 2021, 12:18
Currently Reading: The Lost Girl of Berlin
Bookshelf Size: 21
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-favour-jesulona.html
Latest Review: Mirrored Worlds by Tayma Tameem

Post by Favour Jesulona »

I read this book too
And the review is accurate
I'm also waiting patiently for the next volume
Post Reply

Return to “Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books”