Take It Back A Novel by Kia Abdullah

 Book Excerpt:

"From author Kia Abdullah, Take It Back is a harrowing and twisting courtroom thriller that keeps you guessing until the last page is turned.

One victim.
Four accused.
Who is telling the truth?

Zara Kaleel, one of London's brightest legal minds, shattered the expectations placed on her by her family and forged a brilliant legal career. But her decisions came at a high cost, and now, battling her own demons, she has exchanged her high profile career for a job at a sexual assault center, helping victims who need her the most. Victims like Jodie Wolfe.

When Jodie, a sixteen-year-old girl with facial deformities, accuses four boys in her class of an unthinkable crime, the community is torn apart. After all, these four teenage defendants are from hard-working immigrant families, and they all have proven alibis. Even Jodie's best friend doesn't believe her.

But Zara does—and she is determined to fight for Jodie—to find the truth in the face of public outcry. And as issues of sex, race, and social justice collide, the most explosive criminal trial of the year builds to a shocking conclusion."

Title:  Take It Back

Author:  Kia Abdullah

Publisher:  St. Martin's Press     

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Take It Back" by Kia Abdullah

My Speculation:  

"Take It Back" was one well-told story that will keep your attention as you are turning the pages to see what is coming next for two particular characters Zar Kaleel and Jodie Wolfe. We find Zara was a successful Muslim acting as the victim advocate for Jodie, a white 16year old with a facial deformity who accused four muslin boys of rape. 

Be ready for a story that will give you mystery and suspense from 'an assault [rape] that has to deal with race, religions, victims, lies, bigotry, counselors, and most of all hidden secrets that will all come out at the end.'  By the end, the read will leave one in a 'thought-provoking and also a heart-wrenching' story that deals with 'issues of sex, race social justice that collide with a very explosive criminal trial of the year that will leave one with a shocking conclusion.'   

All that is left to say is you will need to pick up "Take It Back" and see for yourself how well this author delivers to the readers one heck of a good read that I would definitely recommend.  

Thank you to Netgalley, St. Martins press, and the Author Kia Abdullah for an ARC  of this book in exchange for an honest review.