Penerbit X is making waves among Malaysian bookworms with its spine-chilling horror and brain-bending sci-fi. They’re gaining so much traction, they might just rival Buku Fixi someday. With the release of Rentas by SA Malik, that day might come sooner than we think.
You Can Judge This Book by Its Cover
Let’s face it—sometimes a book’s cover does say it all, and Rentas is one of those rare cases. The bright red cover screams for attention, while the embossed illustrations practically pop out, daring you to pick it up. It’s not just a feast for the eyes; it’s a tactile experience too.
The pages? Smooth as butter and satisfyingly black-edged with striking red quotes. And don’t forget the bookmark, designed like an airport ticket. What’s the deal with that? Well, it won’t make sense until you dive into the story. Once you do, you’ll discover it’s an Easter egg that feels oddly rewarding.
So, What’s It About?
Meet Reyzal—or rather, the guy whose name is allegedly Reyzal. His real name? Irrelevant. What matters is his backstory: once upon a time, he turned down a fully-funded scholarship in France (complete with a job guarantee) to stick with his girlfriend in a local matriculation program. Predictably, the relationship crashed and burned. Cue heartbreak, parental disapproval, and unemployment.
Enter Samarin, a shadowy organization experimenting with time travel. Their goal? To alter the history and study how timelines behave. Naturally, they need someone desperate enough to rewrite their own past. Reyzal fits the bill perfectly.
His mission: go back in time, accept the French scholarship, win back his girlfriend, fix his life, and let Samarin collect the data. It’s a second chance wrapped in sci-fi intrigue—what could go wrong? …right?
Is It Any Good, Though?
Well, that depends. If you’re expecting a sci-fi action-packed thriller, pump the brakes. Rentas leans heavily into slice-of-life territory with a dash of romance.
The first 100 pages? Absolute bangers. Reyzal makes two rapid time jumps, the pacing is sharp, and the introduction of Selena—Samarin’s enigmatic agent—adds layers to the plot.
The next 100 pages? Buckle up; it’s a slog. The book is written in the first person, meaning you’re trapped inside Reyzal’s overly chatty brain. His internal monologue? Endless. At one point, he spends six pages describing how he makes a chocolate drink. Yes, six.
The final 100 pages? Redemption. Reyzal grows up, bonds with friends in France, and hits rock bottom. It’s raw, emotional, and satisfying to watch him evolve from a whiny man-child into a mature adult. The takeaway? Even with the power of time travel, some things are beyond fixing—and that’s okay.
The Bigger Picture
Beneath its sci-fi premise, Rentas delivers a lesson young readers need to hear. Forget Hollywood’s romcom ideal of “sacrificing everything for love.” Reyzal’s story drives home a much-needed truth: self-growth and chasing life-changing opportunities often matter more than clinging to mere fleeting romances.
This shift in perspective is crucial, especially for younger audiences who might otherwise confuse puppy love with “the one.” Rentas doesn’t sugarcoat it, and that’s what makes it stand out.
Conclusion
SA Malik’s Rentas is a bold addition to Penerbit X’s lineup. While the middle section drags, the beginning and ending make up for it with strong character development and a poignant message. Between its irresistible cover design and emotional depth, it’s a novel worth picking up.
Rating: 8/10
Ejon Zayn
Akram Zakaria