BOOK REVIEW: HAALIM ( THE DREAMER)

Author: Nemrah Ahmed 
Genre: Crime, Thriller, Romance and Politics.

If you could travel in time, past or future, which century would you travel to?

Haalim, set in Malaysia, follows the lives of Taliya, Adam, and Fateh, each from a different background, with flaws and imperfections, fighting their own demons, overcoming shortcomings, and facing the repercussions of their acts, all while maturing and teaching us a million things.

The female protagonist, Taliya, is a con artist. (If this line does not entice you to pick up the book, you should reconsider your interests.) Fateh is a politician whose primary goal is to become Prime Minister, despite having his own skeletons to conceal in the closet. Adam, on the other hand, is an ex-military guy who has accepted his ordinary existence and is looking for work until he meets Taliya and Fateh, who help him overcome his fears. Combine all of this awesomeness with a fantasy element, and you have the ultimate read. Yes, time travel is implicated in the most reasonable explanation possible. Though this section was difficult to understand at first because I had never read a fantasy Urdu novel before, but after I accepted it, I truly enjoyed the novels.

This novel is extraordinary since even the minor characters are written with care. The best aspect is that they aren't portrayed as immaculate, otherworldly beings. They say things we don't agree with and do immoral things, but they are made to pay for their actions, and they grow and change in front of our eyes. With these characters, I've cried, been shocked, squealed, and laughed out loud. Needless to say, Nemrah Ahmed understands the ingredients for enticing readers and executes them flawlessly!

Not to mention the most surprising crossover ever! A character who we all love and cherish makes an appearance.