Vince is an accomplished liar and undercover Special Branch agent. Neil McDonald takes us on a looping ride with a secret agent who, by the nature of his work, lives a lie. This is an intriguing crime story with a bit of a psychological component to it. While I did find some of it interesting, mainly the historic parts, it’s not one I sat and read in a few hours. This novel promised to be intriguing but I was left wanting something a bit more.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Emma Clawsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngEmma Clawson2021-03-28 10:54:302021-03-28 19:23:46The Tears of Boabdil by Neil MacDonald – Review by Emma Clawson
This is the first book I’ve read by MacDonald. MacDonald knows how to keep readers entertained and coming back to read more. I’ve got to say Tears of Boabdil is an amazing first read.
Vince is undercover and one hell of a liar. He’s there to stop something from going down, but can love stop him? He meets the leaders sister and she captures his heart. The quote I chose for Vince is: “I bear witness there is no god but Allah, and Mohammad is his messenger.”
Ayesha is the sister to Jihadi leaders. Running the store one day leads her to meeting Vince. She doesn’t know him as Vince though as he goes by a different name. She isn’t sure what is going on and she’ll learn the truth. The quote I chose for Ayesha is: “But, he meets his Ayesha at the Alhambra.”
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Kimblehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Kimble2021-03-23 14:10:262021-03-23 16:55:42The Tears of Boabdil by Neil MacDonald – Review by Amanda Kimble
Vince is an undercover agent for the Special Branch and when he creates his character and backstory, he throws himself into it completely and immerses himself into the other world he is trying to infiltrate and this time, he has to become an islamic convert and infiltrate a British Jihadi group. Vince starts his journey in a local, nondescript, corner shop where he goes to buy some essentials, bottled water and cigarettes, but when he sees the woman serving on the counter, she is beautiful, he cannot deny that, but he also senses that she is different to most women and also that this would not be their only meeting. He approaches the mosque for the first time as well, it is also a beautiful place, as he enters and follow the other worshippers, he completes the rituals and spots his targets doing the same, he observes them from a distance, he knows he needs to first be noticed, then to earn their respect and after that their trust, but Vince also knows he needs to do it slowly and carefully.
As the days pass and Vince is growing closer to his first check in with his handler, he develops a routine of breakfast, visiting the corner shop to interact with the woman there, to the mosque for prayers and visiting the stalls selling literature and in the market precinct on Fridays and Saturdays, being seen to be devout and seeking of knowledge, eventually the targets come over and talk to him, this is where Vince’s work really starts. Two of them talk about the information in the leaflet he is holding all the while listening to the third man talking to passers by and hears something of interest to file for later on about a study group. Vince is about to leave when he is given another leaflet about a protest happening the day after and he agrees to go and take part, this should help to gain their trust and it is what happens, he also has the opportunity to talk to the woman at the shop who introduces herself as Ayesha, it turns out she is the sister of the targets and is very intelligent and Vince decides that to befriend her could also help him to get in with the targets.
As he is walking home a few days later, he comes across a blast from his past who it turns out is his handler for this mission, although they don’t get along, they agree on a way for them to communicate and Vince goes on his way. As time passes and he slowly starts to gain the trust of the targets and their sister, things become more complicated when he starts to develop feelings for Ayesha, he uses her intelligence and discovered love of Moorish Spain to spin yet more tales and seduce her, however, is he becoming too close and losing himself in all the tales he is spinning, or will he be able to see past them to the reality and complete his mission? This is a thrilling deep dive into the life of an undercover agent as he struggles to discern reality from the tales he spins and you are spinning through it all with him until the conclusion is reached.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Roxsanne Lesieurhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRoxsanne Lesieur2021-03-23 07:02:482021-03-23 10:48:00The Tears of Boabdil by Neil MacDonald – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.
This is an author you don’t want to overlook! Neil MacDonald is a genius at weaving a story and creating a welcome challenge for his reader. The Tears of Boabdil is a psychological thriller that needs concentration and focus, but is compelling and hard to put down. The unreliable narrator, Vince/Zami, is an undercover agent who is sent to infiltrate a British Jihad group. However, he finds he must choose between his mission and a love he has found along the way. The characters in this story are well-built and you will find yourself rooting for love to win. This is quite different from my usual genre, but I do not regret giving it a chance. The author is wonderful at creating a page-turner that is unpredictable and will keep the reader on their toes. I definitely recommend this book and give it 5 enthusiastic stars.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christine J. Spulakhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine J. Spulak2021-03-23 06:56:252021-03-23 10:47:36The Tears of Boabdil by Neil MacDonald – Review by Chrissy Spulak
This is one of my favorite psychological thrillers I have read recently. Neil MacDonald takes you on a mission that makes you think. This story made me turn the pages just looking for that small glimpse to let me know where I am. The plot-line takes you on a mission that you really need to focus on what is going on around you so you do not lose your mind. The characters are amazing, especially Vince. Vince has been asked to go undercover, which he is a master of, the only thing is he will have to make up this character. He may lose his identity because of how deep he will go undercover. Not only lose himself, but there is the question of whether he follows his heart or his mission. I highly recommend this book. Just be prepared to read it in one sitting.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Erica Fishhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngErica Fish2021-03-22 17:02:272021-03-22 22:03:50The Tears of Boabdil by Neil MacDonald – Review by Erica Fish
This was an interesting book to read. The author did a great job with the characters and the story. The only thing I found hard was the jumping from past to present and back again. With the mixture of stories the main character makes up and the actual story it gets a little bit confusing at times.
Vince is a undercover Special Branch Agent. His next job is to go undercover and infiltrate a British Jihadi group. Going by the name of Zami he sets out to befriend two men and get accepted into the group. What he doesn’t expect is to fall for their sister.
Now Vince/Zami has a huge problem. Does he keep his commitment and do his duty for his country or does he defy all the rules and breaks everything for the love of a woman who believes he is something he isn’t?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Carrhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Carr2021-03-21 05:22:422021-03-21 06:47:55The Tears of Boabdil by Neil MacDonald – Review by Kerry Carr
This book was definitely different from anything I have read before. The author did an excellent job keeping me engaged and. I really needed to focus and pay attention to keep up with what was going on. It is my suggestion that when reading this story not to have distractions. I was definitely kept guessing throughout, it was hard to tell what was lies and what was reality. There were a couple of times I was a little confused but other than that I found this to be an intriguing read with a lot going on. If you want a good thought provoking, original story with secrets, terrorism, action and more than this book a good one to pick up. I recommend this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Candida Hopperhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCandida Hopper2021-03-20 20:39:362021-03-21 06:43:03The Tears of Boabdil by Neil MacDonald – Review by Candida Hopper
This book is a brilliant work that requires a quiet space and plenty of concentration. Intrigue, suspense – with a fascinating narration POV, this story takes a bit to get used to the flow and movement but unfolds quickly. You will find yourself absorbed and transported. The author does an amazing job balancing this complicated storyline and subject while maintaining good balance and keeping the reader engaged. Just a terrific piece of writing.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heather Lovelacehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeather Lovelace2021-03-19 09:42:552021-03-19 09:42:55The Tears of Boabdil by Neil MacDonald – Review by Heather Lovelace
This novel is a lovely mix of beautifully written mythology and gripping undercover terrorism detection. Although that sounds as if the two wouldn’t work well, MacDonald makes it work. The mythology told within this story is simply stunning and really interesting to read about. I really liked how MacDonald mirrored the mythology with the main characters narrative, this made me question what was in store for our main character throughout the book. I think the characters were very well developed and MacDonald has a way of making, even the bad guys relatable, which I really enjoyed.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Hayley Thrumblehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHayley Thrumble2021-03-19 04:27:122021-03-19 09:13:21The Tears of Boabdil by Neil MacDonald – Review by Hayley Thrumble
It took me a little while to get into the story, it was a little confusing as it goes in two parallel stories. Vince is an undercover police officer has to take on a false identity to infiltrate into a Jihadi group. He becomes Zami, and becomes a prisoner, but falls dangerously in love with one of the Jihadi leader’s sister, Ayesha. So, Now Zami shifts between his new identity and his original identity time and again weaving a fictional romantic tale between Vince and Ayesha to gain the attraction of the real Ayesha. So Vince/Zami leads a dual life and the thin line between reality and deception starts thinning down. It is impossible to decipher what is the truth and what is farce. What is Vince revealing to the readers? Or is he deceiving them too? The narrative is complex, but very deftly woven. I had to flip the pages back and forth to keep track of what is going on. But it is definitely one of the unique books I have read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Anantha Rusumhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAnantha Rusum2021-03-18 21:38:342021-03-19 09:01:51The Tears of Boabdil by Neil MacDonald – Review by Anantha Rusum
The Tears of Boabdil is a psychological crime book by Neil McDonald. This is the first book I have read by this author. This book had me enthralled from the beginning. This book is complex, but you know that from the beginning when the MC, Vince lets you know that truth is how believable you make the lies. This is an undercover agent infiltrating a Jihadi Group, so his life depends on the story he weaves. This book is full of action, drama, intrigue with romance added in. A good vs. evil line with deep thought inducing content. This is not my normal genre, but I alway like to expand my reading choices. I would recommend this book especially if you like intriguing undercover/spy novels.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Sunday Barnabyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSunday Barnaby2021-03-16 22:15:322021-03-16 22:27:46The Tears of Boabdil by Neil MacDonald – Review by Sunday Barnaby
This was my first spy thriller, and not my usual type of book. The narration was difficult to follow at first, jumping from reality to story-telling, and back to reality. Once I sorted that out, I couldn’t stop reading it.
Vince is the spy sent undercover to infiltrate an Islamic group. As Zami, a new convert to Islam, he falls in love with the target’s sister, Ayesha. He tells stories to Ayesha about the character, Don Vincent and his love affair with the beautiful Ayesha. Vince/Zami begins to lose his grip on what is real and what is the story he tells. He must soon make a decision between being loyal to his country or to Ayesha. I am still undecided on this genre, however “The Tears of Boabdil” was an interesting story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Terri Jo McAllisterhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTerri Jo McAllister2021-03-16 18:36:262021-03-16 22:11:10The Tears of Boabdil by Neil MacDonald – Review by Terri Jo McAllister
The Tears of Boabdil by Neil MacDonald is an intriguing crime story with a bit of a psychological component. The author weaves a tight, complex, and layered tale full of intrigue, drama, secrets, lies, blurred lines, duel ‘realities’, terrorists, espionage, romance, and more. The author cleverly crafts a story where the lines between reality and the stories that our MC weaves become blurred. Fact and fiction spiralling together. Vince is a seasoned undercover operative who spends most of his time creating ‘reality’ with his ‘identities’, stories and lies. His story telling skills will be invaluable as he is assigned to infiltrate a terrorist group as an Islamic extremist. When he meets the sister of the groups leader, things take a complicated turn. Real life and undercover work merge, creating thought-provoking issues and complexities. This story has me thinking about it, the developments, and the duality aspect of the story, long after I finished- and pondering the conclusion. I am still unsure of how to review this book- except to say that it is definitely worth the read, especially if you like a creative and thought provoking story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2021-03-16 11:31:192021-03-16 22:03:39The Tears of Boabdil by Neil MacDonald – Review by Angela Hayes
This book is a Thriller and follows Vince, a Special Branch agent gone undercover, and Ayesha, a sister of one of the Jihadi leaders. Vince (Zami) is on a new mission as an Islamic convert looking to infiltrate a Jihadi group. This is where he meets Ayesha. The problem is his real world and his undercover world are blending to create a muddy mess. He is falling for Ayesha, but does he betray his country or break his own heart? I loved that this book included a lot of information on history and religion.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heidi Schoolmanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeidi Schoolman2021-03-14 19:31:272021-03-15 09:25:43The Tears of Boabdil by Neil MacDonald – Review by Heidi Schoolman
The Tears of Boabdil by Neil MacDonald is a physiological crime story that is as thrilling as it is tantalizing. This story is intriguing and layered and gives us blurred realms of history and myth, past and present. Neil takes us undercover in a deadly world we can only imagine or perhaps we don’t.
Our MC is an undercover police officer and his world is one of lies and secrets to himself and to others. His next assignment is to infiltrate a terrorist group. He is loyal to his country but the line between the undercover operation and his real life soon merge/blur as his love for the enemies’ sister grows.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2021-03-13 21:09:182021-03-14 06:49:34The Tears of Boabdil by Neil MacDonald – Review by Jenni Bishop
This book is a Thriller and follows Vince, a Special Branch agent gone undercover, and Ayesha, a sister of one of the Jihadi leaders. Vince (Zami) is on a new mission as an Islamic convert looking to infiltrate a Jihadi group. This is where he meets Ayesha. The problem is his real world and his undercover world are blending to create a muddy mess. He is falling for Ayesha, but does he betray his country or break his own heart? I loved that this book included a lot of information on history and religion.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heidi Schoolmanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeidi Schoolman2021-03-13 19:06:582021-03-13 20:47:12The Tears of Boabdil by Neil MacDonald – Review by Heidi Schoolman
The Tears of Boabdil By Neil MacDonald ☆☆☆☆ This is a complex story of lies and truths, dark and light. Vince is a liar as well as an Undercover Special Agent. While on a mission he poses as a Islamic. To help him filtration into a British Jihad Group. While on his mission he meets the beautiful Ayesha. Therefore he has many questions to answer for himself. Love or honor, his life is about to change. Action packed and suspenseful. Which way will Vince go, and how far will he push the limits? Only reading this story can answer your question.
Neil MacDonald wrote this intriguing story. It is well written and has great characters. This is not a book I would regularly read, but I gave this one a try. For me it was hard to keep track of who was lying and who was not. Which only means Neil MacDonald has done a great job with this story. This was not my usual genre, I was looking for something different, this was definitely different. Well Done Neil MacDonald! Well Done
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Cindy Mayberryhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCindy Mayberry2021-03-13 11:41:112021-03-13 19:51:22The Tears of Boabdil By Neil MacDonald Review by Cindy Mayberry
This was definitely a story that intrigued me from the start and it is so packed with action, it is hard not to stay interested throughout. I wasn’t sure with the synopsis that I would connect to the characters throughout the storyline but I honestly feel as though the characters are very well developed, exceeding all expectations. I would have to admit that there were parts of the storyline where I found myself a little lost and confused. My biggest recommendation would be to enjoy this book without distraction. I have reads that I indulge in before bed, and those that need my full attention on a good day off, The Tears of Boabdil by Neil MacDonald is definitely a 3 star read for the latter!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Felicia Bateshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngFelicia Bates2021-03-13 05:42:542021-03-13 06:14:17The Tears of Boabdil by Neil MacDonald – Review by Felicia Bates
The Tears of Boabdil by Neil MacDonald was a good 4 star read. It took me a little bit to get into the story, I was trying to understand exactly what was going on. Once I got a little further I got pulled in.
Vince is working undercover to infiltrate a jihadi group. He also meets a woman that pulls him right in and he starts to seduce her. As the story moves forward Vince has to make a choice. Love or his job? What’s made up and what is real?
Overall this was a good thrilling read. The author does a good job of pulling you in with his writing. All of the characters added a great element to the story. If you’re looking for a good thrilling fantasy romance then 1-click and get started today. I look forward to reading more from this author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Michelle Austinhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMichelle Austin2021-03-12 22:42:202021-03-13 06:11:46The Tears of Boabdil by Neil MacDonald – Review by Michelle Austin
This was such and interesting read for me! Admittedly, I have not read much on Muslims and their history. I felt like I got a glimpse into their history and mythology while reading a story about real people and their struggles.
The author wrote this story by intertwining three stories and timelines in such a fascinating way that I had to keep reading to find out what happened next! I was left wondering if that was all. I want to know more! This would be a FANTASTIC book club read!! It’s definitely the kind of book you want to discuss with other people.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Desiree Ottingerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDesiree Ottinger2021-03-12 13:59:342021-03-12 14:45:51The Tears of Boabdil by Neil MacDonald – Review by Desiree Ottinger
The Tears of Boabdil by Neil MacDonald was an… interesting read, to say the least. The synopsis sounded so interesting just from reading it, that I decided to give this book a shot. I thought it was extremely well written with a lot of depth, but the biggest problem for me was that it felt like there were several different things going on at one time, it was hard to determine which story the book was about, and which one was reality and which was fiction. Again, the writing for this impressive, and if it wasn’t for the different realities and what I felt was stream of consciousness writing, I would have fallen in love with this story. Maybe it was just an off day for me, but this story just didn’t live up to the expectations I had for it. I enjoyed it, but not immensely. I would read more from this author in the future though!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rachel Mosshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRachel Moss2021-03-11 21:20:492021-03-11 23:18:09The Tears of Boabdil by Neil MacDonald – Review by Rachel Moss
Neil MacDonald is a new author to me but when I saw the cover and blurbs I knew I needed to read The Tears of Boabdil soon! I scooped it up and devoured this in less than two days. I won’t be telling you details and snippets in this book while reviewing because this is a story that can easily be spoiled and I can assure you that is not something you will want when you pick up this crime thriller. I was blown away at how deep this book went with hidden agendas and underlying life lessons while you watch the characters attempt to find their way in a messed up world, one similar to the one we navigate daily. I will for sure be looking for more of MacDonald’s books and devouring them as soon as possible. I can’t say enough good about this book so please just one-click and dive in, you will not be disappointed.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Liz Vrchotahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLiz Vrchota2021-03-11 15:34:482021-03-11 23:09:06The Tears of Boabdil by Neil MacDonald – Review by Liz Vrchota
5 Stars The Tears of Boabdil by Neil MacDonald is a wonderfully written story that I truly enjoyed reading. Its full of action and once I started reading I had a hard time putting it down. This is about Vince and he’s an agent who finds himself in a situation where he has two choices to choose from . One will break the barrier where the other will make it stronger. Can he choose? Find out what happens next in this absolute must read. I highly recommend reading this book and cant wait to read more from this Author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dawn Daughenbaughhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDawn Daughenbaugh2021-03-09 23:35:092021-03-10 07:09:27The Tears of Boabdil by Neil MacDonald – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh
Book Review: The Tears of Boabdil Author: Neal Macdonald Four Stars This story is way out of my league of genres but I picked it up anyway and gave it a chance. The beginning chapters you are thrown into the world and mind of a secret agent. You are shown how he gets into his persona at the time. It is really remarkable the inner workings of his mind and how he manages to infiltrate a terrorist group. This is his story and once you give it a chance you will find yourself drawn in and reading straight through. KLH
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kelli Harperhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKelli Harper2021-03-07 22:31:142021-03-08 08:20:28The Tears of Boabdil by Neil MacDonald – Review by Kelli Harper
The Tears of Boabdil by Neil MacDonald is an action packed and complex story about an undercover operative sent to infiltrate a Jihadi group. They story follows the operative as he carries out his mission and encounters more obstacles along the way than expected. This book definitely has a lot going on in it and it is one that I would say you really need to sit down and read properly so that you can follow what is going on. The further along the story I got the less sure I became as to how this was all going to turn out. The back and forth that the character goes through while on his journey really has you guessing as to how this all might turn out. I enjoyed the writing style that the author employed to build up the story and found that I really did become invested in what was happening. While this turned out not to be the story I expected it is one that I thoroughly enjoyed.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2021-03-05 11:45:122021-03-05 20:30:28The Tears of Boabdil by Neil MacDonald – Review by Kerry Baker
At first I was very confused with the way the story was laid out, but quickly came to realize that one side was reality and the other side was all in Vince’s mind. I liked the idea of Zami, or Vince, being romantically involved with Ayesha. But he has lost favor with her brothers when the suspect him of being a spy. It was hard for me going back and forth between the two different stories but the writing style had me paying attention and getting really involved. I really enjoyed reading about the author’s perspective of the Islamic faith. This book was very intriguing and interesting to read. I still don’t know where we stand on the ending but I am satisfied.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Carrie Reedhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCarrie Reed2021-03-05 07:37:482021-03-05 07:37:48The Tears of Boabdil by Neil MacDonald – Review by Carrie Reed
I enjoyed this story. It is a story packed full of action and emotion. This is a well developed story that kept me turning pages to the end. The characters are connectable and made the story easy to read. It is a fun and entertaining read. Vince is an agent that finds himself in a situation that he has two choices to make. Either is love or duty. One breaks the barrier and the other makes it stronger. What will he choose? There is so much more to this story but I highly recommend reading the book to find out. This is not my normal type of book I read but I am glad I picked this up and would recommend it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Bobbi Wagnerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBobbi Wagner2021-03-03 07:43:392021-03-03 09:14:52The Tears of Boabdil by Neil MacDonald – Review by Bobbi Wagner
Vince is an accomplished liar and undercover Special Branch agent. Truth, for him, is the story we tell. Sworn to his country, committed to his work, he takes on a new mission – masquerading as an Islamic convert to infiltrate a British Jihadi group. There, he meets the beautiful sister of the leaders and soon becomes entangled in a way he never thought possible and which threatens his grip on reality. As reality weakens with each story about Moorish Spain Vince spins to seduce Ayesha, the more the fictional world blends into his world. But which will he choose: a duty that strengthens barriers or a love that breaks them?
Neil MacDonald has published short stories in Structo, Gold Dust, and other magazines. His novel, The Tears of Boabdil won two competitions at development stage and has been longlisted for the McKitterick Prize. Born in Scotland, he was raised in Jamaica, trained as a scientist, and his work in international aid and human rights resulted in six non-fiction books. He is based in Surrey, England.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Tears-of-Boabdil-cover.jpg828537itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2021-02-23 00:03:132021-10-30 04:48:08The Tears of Boabdil by Neil MacDonald
We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.
Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.
Essential Website Cookies
These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.
Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refuseing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.
We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.
We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.
Google Analytics Cookies
These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience.
If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here:
Other external services
We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.
Google Webfont Settings:
Google Map Settings:
Google reCaptcha Settings:
Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:
Other cookies
The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them:
Privacy Policy
You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page.
