Ayyām al-kadhib wa-al-dam: [ʻāmān fī waḥal al-ʻaskar wa-al-ikhwān]

Many reviewers commend the book as an excellent and brilliant collection of articles. It is praised for its objective and neutral documentation of significant historical events, specifically covering the period from the resignation of the former president up to the point just before the ousting of Mohamed Morsi. The author is highlighted for thinking outside the box, offering insightful perspectives, and shedding light on less commonly discussed aspects of the revolution. Reviewers found the narrative engaging, despite it not being a traditional novel, and noted the author's accurate predictions made during the period of writing. The book is considered valuable for helping readers, particularly younger generations, understand the events and facts of the revolution, especially in an environment of perceived media silence. Some also appreciate the author's critical analysis and the inclusion of his well-reasoned opinions.

A recurring criticism centers on the perceived imbalance in coverage, with several reviewers feeling that the period of military rule was condensed into too few pages, especially when compared to the extensive critique of the Muslim Brotherhood's time in power. Some felt the book implied that the revolution's problems were predominantly summarized by one specific period, potentially overlooking other significant events or atrocities. There was disappointment that the book, published after subsequent eras marked by considerable political turmoil and repression, did not extend its coverage to include these later periods, despite its evocative title, "Days of Lies and Blood." Another point of contention was the lack of chronological order for the articles, which some found made it somewhat challenging to follow the progression of events. Several reviewers wished for greater depth in the analysis, more explicit connections between events, and a broader discussion of media perspectives and public opinion, feeling that certain events were too briefly summarized and lacked sufficient context, appearing more like isolated short stories.

Despite these criticisms, most reviewers generally found the book to be a valuable and enjoyable read, appreciating the author's sharp insights and analytical skills. It is broadly regarded as a good, albeit sometimes polarizing, documentary account of a critical period in recent Egyptian history. The book would particularly appeal to readers interested in a critical and analytical perspective on the Egyptian revolution, especially those who support the ideals of the January 25 uprising and seek a deeper understanding of the events from an alternative viewpoint. Ultimately, it serves as an important historical record and a thought-provoking collection of essays for anyone wanting to revisit or learn about the complexities of that transformative era.