Tiny Glimmers of Light

by Aqueel Al Athar, Tanya Athar-Jogee

#1 AMAZON BEST SELLER

Pakistan, 2014: How far would you go for your family? When a knock comes in the half-light before dawn, the lives of 19-year-old Goha and his family are about to change forever.



Lured by a tantalizing opportunity to work for a secret organization that will release his family from poverty, Goha leaves his Karachi slum behind for the tribal areas of the North. But as he learns about the organization’s core beliefs and activities, his excitement starts to fade. His courage is tested when he is coerced into a physical relationship with his superior and faces other agonizing moral dilemmas and violence—all while falling in love with the local imam’s stunning ex-wife.



Rife with suspense and memorable characters, Tiny Glimmers of Light explores themes of identity, sexuality, religious nuances, education, class hierarchies, extremism, and institutional corruption. It will keep readers on the edge of their seats while they follow Goha as he faces threats to his survival and his family's fortune.



Hundreds of Urdu words in Tiny Glimmers of Light bring the sights, sounds, and scents of a tumultuous Pakistan alive on the pages and immerse readers fully into the country’s diverse geography, languages, and gender roles. The story will especially appeal to South Asian readers and anyone craving a deeper understanding of Pakistani culture and the temptations faced by a hard-working, lower-class family to improve the circumstances of their lives.

280 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 7, 2025

Reviews

[Michele Weldon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb book by a father/daughter team who explore in this novel the realities and dangers of a Pakistan son who is recruited for a treacherous role with outlaws, leaving his extremely poor family behind. The dialogue is magnificent, the twists and turns of the plot are surprising and deal with loyalty, grief, promises, secrets, ancient nd modern traditions as well as honor killings, murder and love. I recommend this for book groups because there is so much to discuss. It is well-written and conceived and you will find yourself immersed in another culture possibly that will inform and intrigue you.

[Nazia Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tiny Glimmers of Light is a bold and haunting exploration of the internal conflicts within a young soul — the relentless struggle between faith and doubt, love and shame, body and belief. Tanya Athar Jogee and Athar ‘Al’ Aqeel peel back the fragile layers of identity to reveal both the beauty and the brutality of being human. Set against the breathtaking landscapes of northern Pakistan, the novel captures how, even in life’s darkest moments, the possibility of redemption flickers — and reminds us that no one is ever entirely good or entirely evil.

I love how they have seamlessly woven Urdu phrases into the narrative, giving the story an authentic portrayal . Their descriptions of the generosity and warmth of the Pakistani people — and their sensitive inclusion of the Kalaash community, long marginalized and often misunderstood — brings cultural nuance and humanity to rhe story.

Order your copy TODAY- it’s a quick and fascinating read!

[Jennie Rosenblum · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars! Tiny Glimmers of Light is one of those books that draws you in from the very first scene and doesn’t let go. We meet Goha, a young man whose desperation to provide for his family pulls him into a world far more complex and dangerous than he ever imagined. What struck me most was the careful balance of suspense and heart—this is not just a thriller, but also a coming-of-age story wrapped in questions of morality, loyalty, and survival.

The authors paint Pakistan vividly, weaving in Urdu phrases that made me feel like I was walking alongside Goha through the bustling streets or into the remote tribal regions. Themes of poverty, faith, sexuality, and corruption are tackled with honesty and courage, making this a layered, thought-provoking read.

If you enjoy fiction that challenges you while immersing you in another culture, this book is a standout.

[Karen Aroian]

Among this novel's richly developed characters, each with their own aim, not one is completely angel or devil, and no one situation they confront is completely good or evil. The intriguing imbalances revealed in glimmers of danger and deception will keep you turning pages. Athar and Athar-Jogee are a brilliant father-daughter writing team. They bring both a caring and chilling world into view as our main character, Goha, a naively compliant Pakistani youngster, agrees to honor his parents and quickly learns the price of survival. Grab hold of a stunning cast of characters and watch how good and evil, loyalty and truth twist and turn through an allegorical tale of family, friendship, and country.

[Vinita · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a psychologist, I found Tiny Glimmers of Light both heartbreaking and deeply affirming. The story captures the way trauma shapes children’s lives, yet it also shows how memory, connection, and even the smallest acts of defiance protect their sense of self. It felt authentic — the fear, the silence, the quiet resilience — and it reminded me why bearing witness to these stories matters. This book is not only moving, it’s necessary.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is set in Pakistan and addresses many controversial issues, giving empathy to rhetoric and issues faced by Pakistani people. The characters are well developed and likable. The underlying love story adds a relatable element. I thoroughly enjoyed every page of this book.

[AMAO · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯

[Kylie Casas]

DNF @ 27%. Won through Goodreads Giveaways. The writing was fine, just a little heavy for me.

[Debbie Trenker · Rating 4 out of 5]

riveting

I learned a lot about Pakistan that I hadn’t expected and the book was written in a way that pulled you in and made you feel for the characters. A good read!