Take It Back was one of my top reads of 2019, so I was excited to see what Kia Abdullah would do with her second novel. I was pleased to see Zara Kaleel again: it's clear from Truth Be Told that she still has some unresolved issues, and I cared about her as much as the characters involved in the court case. Despite her being from a different background to me, I found her very easy to relate to and her determination and compassion makes her a very convincing central character. 

Kia Abdullah does not shy away from difficult issues in Truth Be Told. I really appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the subjects that arise in this novel. She gives us a valuable, yet incredibly sensitive insight into Muslim culture, and addresses the extremely important issue of consent in a way which is accessible to all readers, allowing us to consider for ourselves the implications of the events of the novel upon everyone involved. 

I'm told that a trial is usually a long, drawn out and quite dull process. However, Abdullah's writing style is such that I was able to grasp the details of the trial very quickly and was drawn into the action immediately. I admire the skill involved in planting doubt in the mind of the reader, and I was constantly wondering how I would vote in the position of the jury. The tension in the courtroom is palpable, and it only increases tenfold as the novel reaches its end. I am reluctant to say any more for fear of spoilers, but it is safe to say I will be playing this book over in my mind for a long time to come.

Kia Abdullah has written a superb, powerful and intelligent psychological thriller and courtroom drama about male rape. Encompassing culture, religion, family, wealth, and stereotypical views, this was an unsettling and uncompromising read, and the author continued to impress with her incredibly well-executed storytelling. Having read Take It Back I was excited to get stuck into Truth Be Told and I was really thrilled with the story as it felt all too real and authentic.

This superb, multi-layered thriller really packed a punch with its clever, excellent plot, sharp commentary and plenty of suspense and drama to interest the reader. This made for a disquieting reading experience at times but was all the more compelling for it. I particularly liked Kia Abdullah's first-rate and skilful character creation, many of whom I was absorbed in, no matter what particular traits they possessed. I was especially pleased to see the return of assault counsellor Zara Kaleel with her torments and problematic life. Emotional and often disturbing, Truth Be Told kept me on my toes and fully entertained all the way through. I found my thoughts constantly changing, as mulled over the moral dilemmas and rights and wrongs of the courtroom case, resulting in a tense and unpredictable read. If you are a fan of atypical psychological thrillers, challenging story-lines and courtroom dramas, you don't want to miss Truth Be Told!

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from HQ via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

Kamran crashes out in his room at boarding school a little worse for wear after drinking to much and later awakes to find he is not alone in bed. He is aware from groggy flashbacks that he has been sexually assaulted , in fact raped, by a fellow male student and takes the tough decision to report it to the police. A decision made more difficult as both he and his brother face high expectations from their strict father. With little family support Kamran faces the court case with the help of a Zara, a counsellor with a background in law, all the time having to face the finger pointing and discrimination of people around him.
A very difficult subject dealt with sensitively by Kia Abdullah and in such a wonderfully written way that I found it difficult to put my kindle down! Kamran's feelings of discomfort and self doubt were palpable and the final chapter was so unexpected that I was taken totally by surprise. A fantastic read!

Kamran Hadid had his life ahead of him. Popular, handsome, from a good family, an A student at an elite London boarding school he is all set for Oxford next year. His path was a golden one until something happened after a night of drinking that suddenly changed everything. Zara Kaleel is an assault counsellor. Although she usually deals only with women, Kamran's story makes her convinced she has to help him, even if she has to do it in her own time. Once the police are involved the case takes on a life of its own until Kamran cannot recognise that road ahead any more.

This is a story I will not easily forget. Kamran's father is a character I can add to my 'most hated' list. Maybe he is a result of his upbringing but my heart broke for Kamran & his brother. It is a far from easy read, but it is an important one. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.

Thank you to #truthbetold and #netgalley for this ARC copy of Truth be Told in return for an honest review.

I tend to review my reads a few days after reading as a minimum to allow myself to digest what’s happened especially if it’s a book that I’ve really enjoyed.

I was impressed with so many things about this read, the depth of characters, the descriptive way of placing the reader in location. There was, for me a real sense of being there which is unusual.

Kia handle a very sensitive subject with delicate honesty and I felt that it was a very balanced viewpoint from a readers perspective. It is an under discussed topic that as a society we don’t fully admit is happening.

Each of the main characters display their own flaws and secrets.

I didn’t see the twist at the end and that gave the read another element of depth.

Thoroughly enjoyed every page which was well paced, emotional and intriguing.

Heartbreaking and gorgeously written novel of youth destroyed by 1 drunken episode and terrible judgement.
Both sides of the story are devastating and leaves you wondering who's side to actually take.
This story explores rape culture and the long held misconception about men on men rape crime. The dynamics of upper class boarding school and the Muslim family-dynamic are also called into question.
A must read!

thanks to netgalley and the publishers for allowing me to review this book.
I started to read this and thought I am not going to read this all the way, but suddenly got hooked and couldn't put it down. A strange story told very well.

What a brilliant, thought provoking book! This tackles some very uncomfortable subjects, including male rape, religion, sexuality, toxic masculinity, drug addiction etc etc. It also engages with the murky side of private school education. A much needed book for all of society I think, it really delves into the most intersectional and challenging topics. I felt quite sad and sorry for all of the characters in the book, but most of all Kamran and Finn. There is a big twist at the end that I didn’t see coming at all too! Would recommend this to anyone, a brilliant read.

I really enjoyed this book. It dealt with a unique and difficult subject in a thought provoking way. The ending was very good with a great twist and not what I expected at all

So, I read Kia Abdullah’s previous book Take it Back and was very impressed so I was really looking forward to reading her latest. I actually thought Truth Be Told was even better which is high praise. As with Take it Back, the story features assault counsellor Zara Kaleel dealing with a new complex and controversial case concerning young adult, Kamran Hadid who attends a prestigious boarding school and finds himself in a very difficult situation after a drunken evening.

I read Truth Be Told really fast, it’s one of those books that sucks you in and makes it very difficult to do anything else until you finish. I loved the way Abdullah writes and the plot was just as addictive and compelling in this book as it was in the previous. She manages to deal with very thorny and taboo subjects in a measured and intelligent manner. Kamran and his family are incredibly compelling and I felt invested in his story extremely quickly. There are no easy answers in Truth Be Told, it pinpoints the difficulties of the murkiness of sexual assault cases and the failings in the justice system that often cause even more trauma to the victim. The one thing that really stood out for me in both Take it Back and Truth Be Told is how both managed to properly shake me with the ending. I think it is very difficult to genuinely surprise readers in this genre but Abdullah has now managed to do it so skilfully twice now.

The only thing I wasn’t totally sure of in Take it Back is whether I really liked Zara as a character but I have to say she really got under my skin in Truth Be Told and I feel like I got to know her a bit better. Now, I can’t wait for another engaging and emotional look into the cases she deals with! The nature of the subject matter in Truth Be Told means it is a tough read at times but it is an incredibly worthwhile one. Well written, intense, relevant and heartbreaking – I would highly recommend this book.

Truth Be Told by Kia Abdullah is a gripping court room story, centred on a case of male rape. Though the story is more than that, and the book is far from over when the verdict is delivered. Our main characters are Kamran, the victim, though he doesn’t like to use the term; and Zara, an assault counsellor who becomes involved with the case.
I personally found the attitudes of some of the characters very hard to read. Such outdated ideas on what it is to be a man, and how boys are brought up to become men. Also similar archaic views of women, I struggle to understand. I truly hope these attitudes are on the wain.
Unsurprisingly, I love Zara’s character. Her determination and resolve to stand firm for what she believes in, even when that doesn’t make her popular, or make her path easy. Zara hasn’t had an easy life in the last few years, both within her family, and at the hands of strangers. Yet she still stands with those who have been hurt, helping them to seek justice, while fighting her own demons.
Kamran has had a very conservative upbringing, with every advantage in life, to outward appearances. He is a considerate, thoughtful, decent young man, desperately trying to live up to his Father’s heavy expectation. He is motivated by the strong sense of duty and honour to his family, while greatly struggling with the impact of the assault.
Kia isn’t afraid to take on a number of taboo issues in this book. Male rape, being gay within the Muslim community, and divorce within an arranged marriage. Shining a light on these issues will hopefully make those affected feel less shame and guilt. Enabling those who need to seek help, feel that they have options, that someone will hear their voice.
This book has made me think, given me an insight into another culture. Made me sad that people hold such guilt and shame, also angry and frustrated at those who make them feel that way.
Truth Be Told is a thought provoking, sometimes uncomfortable read. I felt so many emotions, sometimes several at the same time, and at times I was moved
This isn’t an easy read, but I highly recommend it. 5*

What a fantastic read - a very on trend topic and beautifully and sensitively handled. I raced through this and couldn’t wait to see what happened at the end. Highly recommended

This is the second book featuring Zara Kaleel a counsellor with a background in law. If the author's first book Take it Back is on your TBR list I would recommend reading that first as there are quite a few references to it in Truth Be Told.

This book deals with the sensitive subject of male rape and is particularly difficult in this case as the victim is from a prominent Muslim family and his father is not very supportive and more concerned about how this will reflect on the family.

A very thought provoking tale which I enjoyed reading and a different ending from what I had expected.

I have found this to be an emotionally engaging read. The author handles the issue of consent in a very innovative way. This book delicately handles so many sensitive issues yet gets under the surface with insights that cannot hepl but challenge the reader. A truly beautiful book and one I shall be buying for others.

A great your word against mine story of male rape in an elite boarding school.

The author delicately tackles a difficult subject and the flaws in the legal system and his it doesn't protect the victim during a trial and the additional pressure they may face

With some gripping scenes and some interesting developments it is a great story, if not a little rushed towards the end

I read this for a blog tour.

This author seems to specialise in plots where secular society and the criminal justice system butt the Muslim community. She examines not only the crime and its impact, but the shame and anger that accompany it, the sometimes toxic masculinity that families see as traditional.

Her previous book, Take It Back, was shocking and this one is too.

Following lawyer turned ISVA Zara Kaleel as she supports vulnerable victims of horrific crimes, in this case a teenage boy assaulted at school, you see the process of reporting and then the secondary trauma of a court case through both Zara and the victim's eyes.

Dealing with sex crimes is heavy stuff (I used to work for a victims support service) and Zara has to battle her own demons to stay strong enough to support her clients. It makes her a more interesting, rounded character.

This is one of the best books I have read in ages and I can't wait to read more by this author. The story is thought-provoking and leaves you thinking about the issues raised long after you've put the book down. It tackles subjects sometimes considered taboo and their effect on the victims, perpetrators and families. All in all, this is an excellent book.

Kamran is a success, privately educated, intelligent, just accepted to Oxford and on the cusp of adulthood. Then one night his world collapses as he is assaulted in his room at boarding school. Zara is former barrister who now works with rape victims and she takes on Kamran's case. Privilege is put to the test as the case comes to court.
This is a very interesting book and completely gripping in places. Male rape has a huge stigma attached to it and the consent-lobby is highlighted here. Given that popular culture has homosexuality written large into all male boarding school practice, contrasting that with the traditional values of Asian families is excellent and this provides an alternative viewpoint from a male perspective to that of Zara's failed arranged marriage and her family's attitude to that. The first twist was expected but the final twist came from left-field and put this book up to another level.

I was fortunate enough to have been accepted to read truth be told by NetGalley and HQStories. I have read nothing but praise for the author so I was very keen to get started!

It did not disappoint! It was a very clever ‘his word against his’ thriller! It was exciting, thought provoking and emotional. It delved into really important subjects and did those topics justice.

I also really liked reading from a different cultures point of view. The story is based on a religious Asian family with strong cultural differences. I think Kia did really well in allowing you to really put yourself in the characters shoes and think from their perspectives.

Overall I really enjoyed this book. I haven’t read anything like it before but I it didn’t disappoint! Thank you Kia, NetGalley and HQStories!

I'm late with this so heading straight over to Amazon with my review. If you haven't read this book. Read it. Brilliantly written and crafted. A book that will stay with me.