Tag: Book Review

Ditching the Beta Read!

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After years of offering free beta reads, I’ve decided to make a shift—one that better reflects both my experience and what authors actually need at a crucial stage in their writing journey.

Starting now, I’ll be offering a paid Editorial Letter service in place of traditional beta reads.

Here’s Why:

Many authors come to me requesting a free beta read, but what they truly needed—whether they realized it or not—is a much deeper level of feedback. To be blunt, most authors reaching out are in need of a full developmental edit—they just don’t want to pay for one. And as with most things, you get what you pay for.

Frequently, they’d also ask for a copy edit or proofreading, when what the manuscript really needed was work at the story level: structure, character arcs, pacing, plot clarity, and world-building.

They weren’t ready for a polish—they needed a thoughtful, professional assessment. And that’s exactly what the Editorial Letter provides.

My Background: Query In-takes

In addition to working with indie authors, I’ve also participated in reviewing author queries as part of the submission process for publication. In this role, I focused on the big picture, looking beyond grammar and sentence structure to assess key elements like:

  • Is the story cohesive?
  • Are the characters emotionally compelling?
  • Does the pacing support the tension?
  • Is the world fully realized and consistent?
  • Are the stakes clear and engaging?
  • Does the story align with the publisher’s guidelines?

When responding to these submissions, I didn’t send a line edit—I sent an editorial letter. This feedback helped authors strengthen their work before moving forward with edits and publication.

Who This Is For:

The Editorial Letter is perfect for you if:

  • You’ve already had developmental edits and want a second opinion
  • You’re not quite ready for a full edit but need direction
  • You’re preparing to publish and want a final assessment beyond surface-level proofreading
  • You want to strengthen your story before querying agents or small presses

What You’ll Get (at a Special Discount)

A manuscript assessment like this typically costs $0.01 per word—the standard industry rate for this level of professional feedback.

However, as a special thank you to the amazing writers I’ve worked with through free beta reads in the past, I’m offering up to 50% off, depending on your manuscript’s word count. This is my way of making high-level editorial feedback more accessible to indie authors who are not yet ready for a full edit. Still unsure of pricing? Let’s negotiate a price point or payment plan that works for you.

What’s included:

✓  A detailed Editorial Letter covering:
– Character development
– Plot and structure
– World-building
– Pacing and scene flow
– Tone, voice, and POV
– Readability and clarity

✓  A 1-hour consultation to walk through the feedback and discuss your next steps

Note: You will not receive an annotated manuscript—this is a high-level critique, not a line or copy edit.

Why Choose the Editorial Letter Over a Beta Read?

In the past, my free beta reads were actually developmental edits. These took up a lot of my time and resources, but I did it to help the authors I believe in. While I’m grateful for the kind words from those who’ve returned again and again, it’s become clear that what authors truly need is more than a simple beta read.

What you need is a professional manuscript assessment that addresses the story’s structure, character arcs, pacing, and plot clarity—not just surface-level feedback. While beta reading has its place, it’s typically useful after your manuscript is polished. If you’re serious about elevating your story, the Editorial Letter offers a deeper, more valuable critique to ensure your manuscript is the best it can be before moving forward in your writing or publishing process.

Whether you need eyes on a first draft, guidance on your next steps, or a final review before you publish, my Editorial Letter offers the clarity and direction to move forward with confidence. It’s honest, actionable, and rooted in a deep understanding of story—not just grammar.

Your manuscript deserves more than a casual read-through. It deserves insight.

Ready to dig deeper and level up your story? Contact me today to get started.

STILL NOT SURE?

I offer a 30 minute free consultation for new clients and a free developmental edit on your first chapter.

How The Bible Led Me Home by Brandon Estes

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“Special thanks is due to HALOMARI, whose exceptional skills in editing and proofreading have been crucial in refining this manuscript. Her meticulous eye for detail and commitment to excellence have significantly elevated the quality of this work.” See more testimonials.

Summary: What if everything I believed about the Bible wasn’t the full truth?

I was born and raised in the heart of the Bible Belt, a man of deep conviction in Christianity. From raising Beefmaster cattle with my grandpa to working in the oilfield, my faith was unwavering. I lived a life rooted in scripture, never questioning what I had been taught. But when I began to truly study the Bible—not just read it, but analyze it—I discovered contradictions, historical inconsistencies, and missing links that shook the very foundation of my beliefs.

What started as an attempt to strengthen my faith became an unstoppable journey of truth-seeking. From the depths of biblical history to the complexities of theology, I dove headfirst into scripture, uncovering hidden realities that many choose to overlook. My relentless pursuit led me beyond doctrine, beyond tradition, and toward something undeniable—The Final Testament.

This book is more than just my story; it is a challenge to every seeker of truth. If you’ve ever wrestled with blind faith, questioned the doctrines you were raised with, or yearned for a deeper understanding of God, How the Bible Led Me Home will shake your soul and inspire you to follow the truth—wherever it may lead.

Dare to question. Dare to seek.

Editor’s Notes – HALOMARI

Brandon once posted a TikTok sharing how he was led to Islam. Around that same time, I was also in the process of reverting, and my husband happened to send me the video. In it, Brandon recounted a story about his pastor, who once told the Sunday congregation never to pray like Muslims—that Christians should never “humiliate” themselves by falling on their faces in prostration, even though that was exactly how Jesus himself prayed.

When I heard this, it struck a deep chord with me and helped solidify my own beliefs—especially as a pastor’s daughter. It perfectly captured what I had been feeling about my faith, the church, and Christ. So when Brandon later reached out for feedback on his manuscript, I jumped at the chance. My husband is always encouraging me to write something similar—to use the Bible in a way that Christians can understand, to explain why I reverted. I was so grateful to be part of Brandon’s editing process. His work resonates deeply with reverts to Islam, especially those of us who grew up in the South.

I encouraged him to turn it into a memoir one day, and I truly hope he does—because the personal moments woven throughout are so emotionally powerful and relatable. For now, the book focuses on analyzing biblical contradictions and answering the questions that Christianity could never quite resolve for those of us seeking clarity. If he does turn it into a memoir, I hope I get another chance to be part of his editing journey.

I highly recommend this book to Christians who feel like something is missing—those who are searching, questioning, and looking for something more. Brandon makes it clear that he isn’t trying to make you abandon Christ or turn away from God—just the opposite. His goal is to bring you even closer, by addressing the questions that Christianity often struggles to answer with reason and consistency.

Thank you, Brandon, for your kind testimonial and for letting me be part of something so meaningful.

Get your copy here! Meet Brandon on Instagram & X

Flower Child by Atiyah Brinkley

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“Speaking of friends, I gained a new one a few months ago when I met my editor, HALOMARI. Not only was she my editor, but she became my companion. I love you for the sake of Allah, and may Allah allow your skills to flourish, Ameen. She was my therapist for writing, and what I loved the most about working with her was that she didn’t change my book, but instead, she enhanced it in exquisite ways. I’ll always be grateful for you guiding me through the pages of this book.”

“HALOMARI did her thing with my edits. I’m in love with them! She understood the assignment and more. She’s an outstanding editor. I highly recommend her. Alhamdulillah.” See more testimonials.

Summary: After losing her father, Aleena’s faith in Islam is tested by depression, bullying, and a boy she never expected to fall for.

Aleena is depressed. Her father is gone, her family has moved on from his death without her, and her freshman year of high school is about to start. Trapped in a spiral of deteriorating mental health and bad habits, Aleena begins to lose the joys she has left—baking and gardening.

When she meets Zayn, a kind-hearted boy who believes she can overcome her pain, Aleena realizes it’s okay to ask for help. But relentless bullying at school threatens to unwind her progress and deepens her despair.

Can Aleena embrace her imperfections to learn that being unapologetically Muslim is a source of strength to heal herself?

Flower Child is a heartwarming coming-of-age story that challenges young Muslim girls to accept their flaws, be strong, and understand their religion.

Review: Okay, okay, I’m biased—I’m the editor of Flower Child. But you should read it and decide for yourself just how much you love it. I was blessed to help bring this story to life and couldn’t be prouder of Atiyah for all her hard work. We need more stories that celebrate halal friendships and love—books that stay true to Islam while empowering young girls to navigate bullying, loss, and romance with strength and faith. Flower Child does exactly that.

I love seeing Muslim sisters already connecting with Aleena, seeing themselves in her struggles. Atiyah wrote this book for them—for our younger selves and for every girl searching for her place in this world.

Working on this book was precious to me, especially the deep developmental edits—rewriting full scenes and chapters to bring the story to life. While some scenes I loved didn’t make it into the final version (and will, hopefully, be in the next book), what remains is still a powerful, heartfelt story that I believe in.

Atiyah added a brilliant touch to the “haraam police” concept, turning it into something positive. She teaches sisters how to speak the truth without watering down Islam for approval. I can’t wait to see how readers respond to these powerful messages.

I poured so much into this book, and like any editor, I always wish for just one more round of edits! But I’m still so proud of the final result and give it five stars. I hope you love it as much as we do.

Get your copy HERE and experience Aleena’s journey for yourself!
Meet Atiyah on Instagram.

Thank you, Atiyah, for your wonderful testimonial.

The Dig Up By I Farah

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Rating: 4/5 stars
Summary: Mulki is a dedicated Ph.D. candidate and aspiring archeologist, whose deepest ambition is to honor her late father’s legacy by uncovering and sharing the richness of Somali culture through her work. Pious, traditional, and focused on her academic pursuits, Mulki has no immediate plans for marriage–until fate has other ideas.

Enter Bashe, a confident and successful investment banker who appears to have it all, except when it comes to matters of the heart. When circumstances lead him to seek Mulki’s hand, he finds himself unexpectedly drawn to her in ways he couldn’t predict. For a man accustomed to navigating financial markets, Bashe is caught off guard by the intensity of his feelings for Mulki.

Review: The Dig Up is a charming romance novel brimming with cultural richness, family tension, and the complexities of love. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Somali culture in Toronto, the story follows Mulki and Bashe, whose unexpected love blossoms in the midst of personal growth and cultural expectations. Mulki’s character, with her passion for archaeology, adds a refreshing layer to the narrative, blending her academic aspirations with her romantic journey.

The novel shines in its portrayal of dramatic family and relationship dynamics, bringing depth and relatability to the story. The tension between Mulki’s professional dreams and her budding relationship with Bashe keeps the reader engaged. However, much of the story focuses on Bashe’s perspective and emotional struggles, and this sometimes overshadows Mulki’s voice. I found myself wanting more insight into her feelings, particularly toward Bashe, until her emotions became clearer near the book’s conclusion.

One area where the book could improve is in its depiction of Somali culture. While cultural aspects and language are present, adding more sensory details would have made it more vivid and immersive. Additionally, the subplot involving Doctor Cornwell, Mulki’s missing teacher, felt underdeveloped. The mystery surrounding him was introduced abruptly in the opening chapter of info-dump and then largely forgotten until it resurfaced near the end.

Bashe’s character undergoes significant development (almost too quickly), especially in comparison to Omar, a more straightforward “player” character. I was glad to see him reject the faux life he thought he wanted and accept the true love he actually needed. The author addresses the concept of romance thoughtfully, navigating Bashe’s past and his journey with Mulki with care. Despite their relationship feeling rushed at times, the emotional roller coaster between the characters was gripping and led to a satisfying conclusion.

While The Dig Up could benefit from further editing, especially in terms of proofreading and balancing character perspectives, its engaging storyline, strong cultural elements, and emotional depth kept me turning the pages. I look forward to seeing the author’s growth in future works, as the potential here is undeniable.

Find on Amazon.

Vultures in the House of Silence by A.R.Latif

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Rating 5/5 stars
Summary: A blend of Persian epics and Shonen Manga, ‘The Witcher meets Avatar: The Last Airbender’ in Medieval Baghdad. The story follows Khurafa, a young gardener grappling with the aftermath of the Mongol invasion. Convinced that the Servants, an ancient group of sorcerers, seek world domination, Khurafa, along with his mentor Shaykh Nariman and the perceptive Zakiyya, embarks on a quest for saintly aid amidst a world filled with monsters.

Review: I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review and finished half of it in a day because I couldn’t put it down! It’s a fast-paced, dark fantasy with dystopian vibes, drawing heavily upon Sufism and other historic, Islamic themes. “Vultures in the House of Silence” is an easy read and packed with beautifully crafted prose that blooms throughout.

The banter between characters often had me bursting into laughter and the plot twists had me on the edge of my seat! There were turns in this book I did not see coming, especially in the beginning when Khurafa realized that everything he thought he knew about his companion and mentor, Shaykh Nariman, was wrong. Zakiyya’s mind-reading adds a layer of humor and insight with each turn of the page, and just when I thought things couldn’t get darker, they did. The relentless conflicts, the enchanted book, Jinn, and encounters with monsters interwoven with the characters’ search for saints and holy relics kept me captivated and fully invested.

“Vultures in the House of Silence” is part of a series, concluding with a satisfying sense of closure and anticipation of more to come. I highly recommend it and look forward to reading the next book.

Find this book on Amazon and Goodreads

Aestus by S.Z Attwell

HALOMARI

Book Review


Aestus Book 1: The City
S.Z. Attwell
Genre: Sci-fi

Attwell’s captivating science fiction series follows unforgettable characters through a post-apocalyptic world where society must live underground to escape the scorching heat. The protagonist, Jossey, is a solar engineer leading her team through the dark tunnels of an underground city when they are attacked by Onlar, nightmare creatures known for their ability to see in the dark and their sharp claws. They are a threat to Jossey’s mission.

From beginning to end, the suspense of escaping the Onlar, navigating the darkness, and surviving in an uninhabitable world keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. The plot twists lead Jossey from a simple engineer to the savior of her city when she uncovers the truth about the Onlar and communities beyond her own world.

The book’s clear reference to Islam adds an epic element, from the use of well-known Muslim phrases to the incorporation of Islamic practices in the lives of some of the characters, and the theme of discrimination. This representation and presentation are both thrilling and thought-provoking.

Aestus Book 2: The Colony
S.Z. Attwell
Genre: Sci-fi

The sequel to Aestus delves deeper into the nature of the Onlar, as Jossey is kidnapped from her city and uncovers the truth about a colony of people outside the underground world she grew up in. Former enemies become friends, and trusted allies become untrustworthy. Jossey must reevaluate where her loyalties lie and even stop her own family from spreading more corruption.

This captivating story is just as hard to put down as the first, with mysteries and romance woven throughout. While I would have liked to see more romantic development between characters, I was pleased with the satisfying ending. MashaAllah. I’m eagerly anticipating more from Attwell and I hope she continues this series because it ended too soon!