...dan Mimpi pun Bersatu

Title: ...dan Mimpi pun Bersatu
Author: Izza Aripin
No. of Pages: 585 pages
Publisher: Kaki Novel







This would be the first novel I read from this author although from what I know, this novel is her fourth. Well, I guess I missed the first 3.

After reading the previous novel, this novel (in my opinion only) is a lot more better than the other one. It's a story of a royal family of Dhiyapura. I don't know whether there are any other monarchies exist in Malaysia but couples of days ago, I watched this TV series about a princess from other royal family apart from the one in the mainland Malaysia. Anyway, so in other words, I don't know whether Dhiyapura really exists or the author alters the name or it's just a fantasy.I don't know how to explain the royal family coz m confused about it myself. But luckily,the royal family tree was attached at the back of the book, hence I can catch up with the storyline...you have no idea how many times I flipped to the last page to read and understand that family tree.

Well, let's just say that in Dhiyapura, there are 2 royal families - the al-Mansur dynasty and the al-Muttaqi dynasty. Dhiyapura was reign by the al-Mansur until there is no male heir to become the sultan hence the country was then reign by the al-Muttaqi dynasty.

Tengku Iskandar (from al-Muttaqi dynasty), the crown prince of Dhiyapura fell in love at first sight with Anne Zulaikha during a camping trip at 17 years old. Being a crown prince, all his whereabouts are being restricted and being watched upon hence Iskandar only met Anne in secrets. Until 1 day, Iskandar told Anne that he's leaving KL (where he was studying) to go to UK.

8 years later, Iskandar tracked down Anne and within 24 hours, they were on their way to US, to meet up with Anne's brother, Hakim to wed them. After their simple wedding with Anne's brother, Hakim and Iskandar's cousin, Tengku Farid in attendance, the newly wed couple went back to Dhiyapura to tell the King and the Queen. The king got no objection but the Queen, Iskandar's step mother (from the al-Mansur dynasy) was furious. There are some secrets behind all those.

After a month, Iskandar had to go back to UK and Anne to finish her studies in KL. 2 months after that, Anne heard rumors that Iskandar is to wed his own cousin and fiance since childhood, Tengku Syazreen (from the al-Mansur dynasty). Anne felt being cheated and used so she confronted Iskandar. Iskandar explained that he can't undo what had been done years ago - his engagement. The reason he married Anne was because he loved her and he knew that if Anne found out that he's engaged to be married, Anne won't accept him. So, he lied to Anne about his engagement.

While preparations were being made for the royal wedding, Iskandar asked Anne, who was 4-month pregnant at that time to stay at Istana Perdana - the al-Muttaqi family residance, for her own safety. And Iskandar asked Farid to accompany Anne. Rumors started between Anne and Farid until one day, Iskandar no longer believe both of them. Farid helped Anne escaped before she was caught for 'betraying' the crown prince. Unfortunately, when Anne's boat arrived at the Malaysian's jetty, an explosion occured killing 3 of her bodyguards, Anne's mum and brother. Iskandar was devasted when he thought that Anne had died. 1 year he mourned his beloved death when infact Anne was rescued and saved by a couple. Anne gave birth to her baby girl, Ayrin Zatasha.

16 years later, it's become Ayrin' story. She and her mum had lived all over the country, constantly moving around and she never understand why. Her mum, Anne, is a control freak of her when 1 day she started to get rebellious. It would be a long story if I typed it all here but to make it short, Ayrin's rebellious attempt landed her in Dhyipura when she went for jet-skiing and lost at sea. The guards were surprise to see Ayrin's face coz it's the resemblance of the crown prince, Tengku Mohad who was recently deceased at 13 years old. It was then alerted to the king, Sultan Iskandar and from there Iskandar knew that Anne is still alive and Ayrin is his daughter, the crown princess of Dhyipura.

With the guidance of Anne's grandfather journal, the story then lead to undiscover the conspirancies on the death of Iskandar's mother and 2 older brothers; the traitors within the royal families and all the political debates.

This book is about the story of 2 generations and honestly, I can't type it all here. The best way to understand this book is to read it. I hope you would enjoy it as I did.