Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Original
A different style of book that I would not normally pick up but it was a great read! A fantasy adventure that is intriguing and has a story that is layered with descriptions, smattered with paranormal and dashed with humour. The characters were interesting, with Hassan and Jasmine having to find their way and to survive. A great read for lovers of fantasy adventures.
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book I have read by Vik Azeem. I originally picked this book because of its unique ethnicity as not many books are based on Pakistani American families. The synopsis intrigued me, so I decided to try something new. The number of relatable details that the author gives to their world pulls you into the world they have created and made you imagine the looks or hear the calls. Thinking of his mother “She glanced at me like a scolding Thanos.” Being a Marvel fan that line was one of my first laughs that lightened up the mood of the book and made you curious what was coming next.
Hassan is currently 24 years old with an older brother named Amir that is 8 years older. His brother is married with a 10-year-old little girl named Kassia, which Hassan enjoys and even offers to babysit now that she is no longer a baby. While his brother’s life seems to be perfect with success and a family Hassan is reaching new lows that he didn’t know where possible. Unemployed for four months already Hassan is running low on savings and is starting to worry about what he is going to do next. His mother wishes he would return home and go to law school like his older brother, but he enjoys living in the city an hour away and having his own life. Christmas eve and Hassan is sitting in his apartment, after receiving one of the most overly annoying telemarketer calls, “your cars extended warranty”, Hassan is acknowledging that the holidays make being single depressing. Accepting that he is beginning to experience loneliness Hassan is determined to break out of his habits and try and pick up his life. Its only when he meets Yasmine a week later that he is no longer sure what is the right way to go.
Could Yasmine be Hassan’s perfect match, that all the dating apps failed to find him? What is Yasmine’s darkest secrets and how will they affect Hassan? The author pulls you in with a relatable character with references to real world culture or situations while also knowing the perfect moments for a pick me up. I found the Ice Dance an interesting read that I couldn’t put down. I look forward to reading more work by Vik Azeem.
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a really good read! I enjoyed the ethnicity of the characters and just the vibe of the book in general. It was easy to get lost in and also easy to read. The characters were very enjoyable and the story was interesting and held my interest. My only complaint was the lack of connectedness to time, and some of the conversations were a little hard to follow. Other than that I really enjoyed this book! I’m excited to read more from this author in the future!
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. Ice Dance is a lovely read and I look forward to more by the author. The book draws you in and keeps you hooked.
Hassan is used to not celebrating the Christmas holiday. Sure he gets with family, but this year is different. He is no jobless and about to be homeless. Can he figure something out before it’s too late? The quote I chose for Hassan is: “With the movie, I’m just thinking. If I knew the person I loved was alive, I would have done anything I could to visit them. She could have brought him a pizza or something.”
Yasmine isn’t exactly from this realm. In her realm she is a princess and she witnessed her father’s death. Now the one wanting to take over is chasing her. The quote I chose for Yasmine is: “Yes. The Red Kingdom refused to honor me as the queen until I turned twenty-one. It’s an age-old rule. Vincent understood this and set the wedding to be held right after my birthday. Once we are married, he will be king, and the Red Kingdom will again share their resources. That is horrible news for Hollow-Maid. Things are already bad and will only get worse.”
Highly recommended for Fantasy lovers.
This book is magic, romance and comedy all bundled into one delightful tale. Hassan is relatable and the writing immediately draws you in. It’s takes you on an adventure that you hope will never end. Fantastical fantasy!
Ice Dance, Vik Azeem, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, New Adult, Fantasy
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a really enjoyable book. Hassan was a really laid back kind of hero but as reading the story the reader had to root for him and cheer as he battled through all the challenges and obstacles he came up against. The story kept my attention and I especially liked the jokes that were in the book cause I am a sucker for bad jokes,as I am always telling them myself. I enjoyed this author and I look forward to seeing more from them.
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Hassan has been going through the struggles of life after losing his job. His best friend pressures him into attending comedy night at a local bar, where Hassan meets Yasmine. Yasmine is everything he ever wanted. Things seem almost too good to be true for Hassan when Yasmine gives him her number, except it is not a phone number. A week later, Hassan starts to give up on Yasmine, when he gets a phone call for an interview, except it is not an interview. It is an interrogation. Yasmine is on the run and the interrogator is looking for her. Hassan barely makes it out alive, with the help of Yasmine, but now he is in deep danger for the girl he has fallen in love with. Will they escape? Find out in Ice Dance.
Ice Dance is a whimsical read full of action, thrill, romance, and comedic relief. All the characters are relatable, and the descriptions are vivid. This book will keep you engaged until the very end.
If you are looking for a fantasy story full of magic, romance, and comedy, look no further and pick up a copy of Ice Dance.
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The beginning is a little slow and dialogue seems a bit disjointed, but as the story unfolds, this book becomes hard to put down. It becomes this fantastical adventure with an original storyline that has the reader invested in not only Hassan’s success in his current predicament, but also in finding his path moving forward. An interesting twist in managing cultural expectations and an exploration in one’s own part in finding or running away from destiny.
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is not my typical read but what a gem I discovered !
Hassan is a kind and funny soul and he’s at loggerheads with his family , he may soon be homeless if his landlord carries out his threats , yet this gentle man still smiles despite his trial and tribulations, you just can’t help but love him
Yasmine , a mysterious beauty that not only beat but brave , bold and quite sharp 😉
This read , as I said was different . It was funny and entertaining but also rich in culture and tradition to a degree and once you’ve read it my views should make more sense and yes I do wonder what will happen next ❣️📕😉
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Hassan is a Pakistani-American who has recently lost his job and is on the verge of being evicted from his apartment. This is something that he has not yet told his parents because they would not understand. Hassan is also unmarried, which is a no-no in his mother’s eyes because in their culture Hassan must be married with children to be considered successful. Hassan is feeling conflicted about pursuing his own dreams while also being true to his culture and making his parents happy. He is on several dating apps but has yet to find the right woman. Then while out at the bar he meets Yasmine, and he is instantly enthralled with her.
Yasmine, however, has secrets that she has been keeping about who she really is and where she comes from. She is forced to tell Hassan when her secret life puts his life in danger. As hard as it is to believe, Yasmine tells Hassan that she is from another realm and that new King of her realm will stop at nothing to take her back to their realm. With both of their lives in danger this New Year’s Eve might be their last.
This book was action packed from start to finish. The characters were magnificent, and the storyline was intriguing. It was hard not to feel how conflicted Hassan was about how his life was turning out. He obviously wanted to make his parents happy but at what cost to his own happiness? Yasmine was smart, courageous, and fierce. No matter what deadly enemy came her way she managed to never give up and fought courageously to protect those around her. Kassia was as smart as a whip and an interesting piece to the storyline that added an extra element. Vincent was clearly evil to the core and sought power at all costs. Then there’s Jack the Troll and the blue giant called The Tall One who are unique in their own ways. This book was full of action, suspense, magic, secret portals and every so often a sprinkle of witty wise cracks from a green troll. A must read for anyone who enjoys action, humor, and magic all rolled into one.
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I was looking forward to reading this one. I enjoy fantasy and the worlds those who write come up with is amazing. Sadly this one did not live up to my expectations. I too often finding myself drifting off and it was easy to put this down and do something else instead. I think it was the flow that bothered me. It is very slow moving and too much time spent describing what is being done. I also felt the author was trying too hard to be witty and the continuous movie/song references were too much. I get he is a movie buff but maybe pick one of each(movie and song) and figure out how to reference a few different parts throughout.
I liked the idea of this story but it just fell flat for me.
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
So many twists and turns in this wonderful book! Kept me guessing and reading into the night – nothing was as it originally seemed! Definitely an original plot line and a number of genres mixed together! What an adventure! I recommend it!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is my first book by this author. I enjoyed it so much. It was a well written magical experience. The author really hooks you and keeps you entertained. All the aspects in this book work great together. Such a beautiful fantasy book.
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Hassen has lost his job, has no money, and is getting evicted, what more could go wrong? Yasmine has escaped Holly-Maid, a nation from another relm only to find out her fiance has found her. The two meet and the craziness begins. This was a fun quick read that brought modern day problems to a fairytale like realm.
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. It started out slow for me but picked up pace and kept me turning the page. Just when he feels he’s about to lose everything, he is swept away by Yasmine. It’s not the typical fantasy I’m use to reading. But I did enjoy this book.
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
With magic and mystery and secrets galore, this book was just great! A completely new author for me but one of those surprisingly loved ones for sure! The book flowed and held so much magic, literally and figuratively. It was so well planned and executed and the characters were just everything! I couldn’t have put this down if I tried!!
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is magical and funny. It has a bit of romance, action, and comedy in it. It’s takes you on an adventure from the first chapter until the very end. The main character is very relatable.
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ice Dance is a magical fantasy written by Vik Azeem, and the first book I have read by this author. I found the main character, Hassan, immediately relatable and it locked me into the story from there. Hassan is struggling to keep his head above water between a strained relationship with his family, losing his job and his landlord wanting to evict him from his apartment. But then he meets the beautiful, nice, yet mysterious Yasmine while out at a bar to perform his stand-up comedy routine, and from there the strangeness begins.
I really enjoyed this story and all the fantasy and magical elements and how it all entwined so well together. I also loved the main characters and their develepment throughout. Yasmine is mentally strong and a total badass. Hassan is so kind and following his heart. His sense of humor, even during times of danger, always made me giggle. I would highly recommend to any fantasy lovers looking for something a little different, adventurous and fun. The author has a beautiful way with words and keeps the story interesting from beginning to end.
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Excellent read! At first I thought the book was going to be about a young Pakistani/American man looking for work and love, but I was very mistaken. It is true, Hassan is looking for a job and love, but when he meets Yasmine his world is turned upside dow and he is thrust into a crazy adventure in a different realm. Everything was laid out so nicely, and just had the perfect flow. I liked the way the other realm was worked in and how Hassan first comes into contact with the people from Hollow-Maid. The many different movie and music references were fun to watch out for. The ending was good, in that Hassan is finally getting his life where he wants it BUT, I really really hope there is another book continuing in Hollow- Maid and I am hopeful Hassan and Yasmine will meet again.
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story really captivated me. It flowed nicely and was very well written. I really enjoyed this book. I was cracking up quite often late at night when I normally do my reading. I woke my cat up a few times. I love how fast paced it is. The characters are all loveable. It was a really great fantasy adventure story.
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was good.
This was well written. This was an overall good book. The jokes in the book were really cheesy. I did not like the jokes but someone else would. The progression of the book was medium pase. This was easy to read.
Reviewed by @purplesky25276
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Ice Dance is not your typical fantasy tale. It is an original comedic urban fantasy that the author said is inspired by swashbuckling adventures of the past. Who was I to say no when I saw this. The fun tale will have you enjoying the authors wit and humour. This venture in to a new world where there are twists and you don’t know what you will get.
Vik’s unique writing style draws the reader in to a mystical world of magic but it is not always your normal magic. Is this a thing ‘normal magic’? Any way I digress.
Expect the unexpected and you will be free to enjoy this tale.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4.5/5 Stars
This was my first book by this author and hi really enjoyed it! I was drawn to the book because of the main characters culture, but I loved how well written it was! This book takes on family expectations, romance, disappointments in life, and adds a twist of magic. Not only is this book entertaining, it also captures some of the difficulties of being a young adult trying to establish your own lifestyle. I definitely want to read more by this author!
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was definitely not sure what to expect when I decided to read this book, but I am very happy I did! I thought the author did a great job of keeping the book grounded in reality, while also adding in fantasy piece in a way that felt realistic. I absolutely adored the relationship between Hassan and his niece Kassia, they had a cute relationship and their interactions were always fun, even when there was danger present. I thought that the relationships between all of the characters were well written and getting to see the character development in Hassan and Yasmine was awesome to see. The title of the book did confuse me initially, but after reading the story and getting to see the significance between Hassan and Yasmine, I thought it was a very sweet title. I definitely couldn’t put the book down and if you like fantasy, action, and a lot if humor, this is a great book!
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This author is new to me, but I am pleasantly surprised by his whimsical writing. It didn’t take but a page to get into this book and that in and of itself is a difficult feat.
Ice Dance starts out focused on Hassan who is playing the waiting game outside of his family’s house on holiday, weighing his options of not going or just sucking it up and putting on a somewhat happy face. He is creative and not exactly what he “should” be in this world. Once Yasmine enters his life, he is smitten and wants to know more about her…but maybe more than he bargained for. Will they survive this magical world filled with danger, or are they in over their heads?
This was such a fun read for me! It made me gasp and giggle throughout the story. I highly recommend it and can’t wait to see what the author is up to next.
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This isn’t your typical fantasy book, it is way, way more than that. Hassan has such a huge character development throughout the story and the way the author relates the characters culture into the book has helped me understand more than what I thought I knew. This book is very relatable from the emotions that characters feel in the book. The way the author wraps the fantasy around the adventure peeks your interest and keeps you turning the pages. It really helps by putting the fantasy into reality, if that make sense. The flow from normal to fantasy is breath taking. The creatures in the story were so well written that it makes you feel like they really could exist in the world today. This is not my normal genre but I am very thankful that I stepped out of my comfort join because this book hit on some feels that I didn’t know I was missing. It is a must read for anyone looking for an escape.
Reviewed by: @bbohls
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 Stars
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem is an original urban fantasy that swept me up into quite a fun adventure. This is the first book that I have read by this author, so I was curious about what the story might hold, so I took a chance and clicked a copy, and set off on this fun adventure.
The story is woven around an unemployed accountant, Hassan, who has come to a bit of a cross-roads in his life. He’s unemployed, about to become homeless, is a little jaded, and feels like his creativity is being stifled. Then, unexpectedly, he meets Yasmine who is like a fresh breath of air to his stagnant life. He becomes entranced by her free-spirited energy. But things aren’t quite what they seem as he is soon to learn. New Year’s Eve turns his world upside down and introduces him to a world he never knew existed outside of storybooks. With magic, different realms, portals, paranormal beings, secrets, danger, drama, friendship, family, banter, action, and dangerous foes- this story really comes to life quite vividly. I loved the sprinkling of humour throughout the storyline as it added an extra element of fun to the whole experience.
The story is well-woven, detailed, and descriptive- with some clever world-building. Vik Azeem has a bit of a lyrical feel to their writing which suits the magical realism of the storyline. I enjoyed the story and look forward to exploring more of this author’s work in the future.
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Vik Azeem!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Hassan is a unemployed accountant who is about to lose his apartment and disgrace his family. No one knows about his work status until his mom and dad start getting letters at their home. Then, Hassan is scrambling to make sure that no one else knows he’s been struggling for over 4 months. Afterall, he comes from a very successful family and he doesn’t want to look bad.
After a night at a bar waiting on his friend Anthony, and a time slot for the open mike comedy night, Hassan meets Yasmine. All of a sudden, his life will never be the same again. What are those green footprints that keep showing up??
This is a new-to-me author who I really enjoyed!
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem. This is such a fun fantasy, romance. Its the story of Hassan who is unemployed as a accountant and feels like he’s a failure to his family. Needing money badly he decides to enter a stand up contest at a local bar. He meets Yasmine a beautiful young lady and sparks fly. When she seems to blow him off he is heartbroken. He has a dash of good luck and thinks he’s about to get a job when it ends up being people wanting information about Yasmine which he doesn’t know because he doesn’t really know her. Yasmine ends up being a Princess from another realm and people are after her. Hassan of course gets roped into the mess and is up to his eyeballs before its over. This is a fast paced story that makes you feel like you are in Pakistan and the other world Hollow-Maid. I truly enjoyed this read and think you will too!.
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was a delightful surprise. It wasn’t what I was expecting at and I loved that it took me on a journey. This is an entertaining story that had me laughing throughout. The characters were perfect for the book and I was completely engaged by them.
This is a new author to me and I was completely taken by their writing style. I cannot wait to discover more.
