The Ducktrinors – Hanifa Book 1
Author: Papatia Feauxzar
Publisher: Djarabi Kitabs Publishing

Hanifa, the cadet of the Ducktrinor family, is a courageous young Muslim living in a time where practicing her religion is hard. She wants to be the Courageous and Coreishy woman she dreams of every day. Will she succeed in her quest to find a lost cave while teaching her religion to others willing to listen?

The Ducktrinors is a book which made me think about whether I like it or not as it is so different from my usual reads and touches delicately upon some subjects which can be considered ‘taboo’ in some Muslim communities.

The book is based on the future where practicing the Muslim faith is a struggle and the world is ruled by the seculars. They seem to have no real morals and to practice your faith is dangerous, practicing your religion in open means you are persecuted and potentially killed.

Along with some editing errors and grammer issues, I must admit I was initially confused as to what was going on at times. Some of the scenes could have had a bit more depth or explanation but that could just be me as an adult reader – the book is aimed at the younger teenagers. But it did all start making sense as the book went on.

One thing that could potentially concern parents is the sexual references within the book and I feel as a Muslim Mummy blog it is important to touch upon this in my review to give an overall view of the novel. The seculars pretty much walk around naked expect for small bits of cloth covering their modesty. Party’s mentioned within the novel hint  at sexual liasons. When one of the ‘baddies’ is captured he comments; ‘You smell very good, and your breast pressed on my back is exciting me.’

However, it is clear throughout the novel that Hanifa and other Muslim characters hold the seculars way of life in contempt. And if you are being realistic our children can be exposed to worse sexual references and images in day to day life. At least throughout this novel you have Islamic references, and it shows Hanifa not just as a Muslim but also as a human who can have feelings for others; which isn’t wrong but needs to be kept in check to prevent sinning and haraam. Which she does.

The Ducktrinors is a bit of a mix; sci-fi, romance, crime. I have read many sci fi books over the years and always found them very imaginative. Papatia has brought in many believable but imaginative futuristic elements to the novel.

Hanifa is a likeable heroine ( I see a bit of myself in her!)  and you find yourself willing her to win the battle against the seculars. I love the fact that  the leader in the battle against the seculars is Hanifa; a female rather than a male.

I look forward to finding out what else happens in the rest of the series

Giveaway

I have one signed copy of The Ducktrinors to give away to one of my readers.

Open Worldwide
Ends 16/02/16 at 11.59pm
Winner will be contacted in 48 hours of the competition ending. Winner has 28 days in which to claim the prize, after which I reserve the right to redraw another winner.
Entry is via the rafflecopter form.
All entries will be checked and those not completed correctly will be disqualified.

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