dreaminginpastels's review against another edition
4.0
Imaginative, escapist, and thrilling, The Gauntlet had me swept into a world both terrifying and breath-taking all in one. I was especially grateful for the opportunity to learn about a culture outside of my own, and to enjoy journeying with characters proud and embracing of their culture. I would definitely recommend ☺️
ginnikin's review against another edition
It's fine. I can see it working well for the target demographic, which is not me.
mat_tobin's review against another edition
3.0
It's twelve-year-old Farah's birthday. Alongside having to entertain her younger brother, Ahmad also has her friends to attend to. She needn't worry though as her favourite aunt has arrived with a special gift just for her. When Farah finally manages to find the time to open it, she and her friends, Essie and Alex discover it is not what her aunt had promised: a book. Instead it appears to be an altogether different object: a game-board imbued with magical properties (Jumanji-style). Not only does the game expand and grow but it also whisks them away to a realm created and ruled by the Architect. Excitement soon gives way to fear though since the game has taken Farah's brother. Not only that, the rules of the game mean that if any challenge is failed then the contenders must remain in The Gauntlet for all time.
Riazi's novel is quick and pacy and I thought that the first half set the scene well. Each of Farah's friends are different yet potentially engaging but her brother borders on annoying rather than sympathetic (he has ADHD but the condition is sweepingly considered rather than focused on). The games themselves within the Gauntlet are, for the most part, exciting but at times emotions and pace are confused and lost to other details. The rich world often overshadows time spent on character-building and growth.
For all these faults though, it was deeply refreshing to find another Muslim protagonist and some impressive world-building.
Riazi's novel is quick and pacy and I thought that the first half set the scene well. Each of Farah's friends are different yet potentially engaging but her brother borders on annoying rather than sympathetic (he has ADHD but the condition is sweepingly considered rather than focused on). The games themselves within the Gauntlet are, for the most part, exciting but at times emotions and pace are confused and lost to other details. The rich world often overshadows time spent on character-building and growth.
For all these faults though, it was deeply refreshing to find another Muslim protagonist and some impressive world-building.
drea_design's review against another edition
3.0
I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
This story was interesting of multiple levels. The plot itself was enjoyable and I learnt a lot about middle eastern sweets. I admit, I had to look a lot of them up but it was cool to learn about a differeny culture without it being a while book about that culture. The culural aspects did seem forced into the storyline and it was a cohesive idea.
This story was interesting of multiple levels. The plot itself was enjoyable and I learnt a lot about middle eastern sweets. I admit, I had to look a lot of them up but it was cool to learn about a differeny culture without it being a while book about that culture. The culural aspects did seem forced into the storyline and it was a cohesive idea.
amandadelbrocco's review against another edition
3.0
An updated version of Jumanji. I probably would have liked this more if I was in the target audience but I am too old.
2021 Reading Challenge - PopSugar - A book by a Muslim American author
2021 Reading Challenge - PopSugar - A book by a Muslim American author
thegabecole's review against another edition
This was so fun! I really enjoyed Farah's fascinating (and delicious-sounding) journey through The Gauntlet. Don't read this while you're hungry; those food descriptions are to die for.
Can't wait to see more from Karuna! :D
Can't wait to see more from Karuna! :D
votedmothman's review against another edition
3.0
Though I don't view this book as a favorite, it was definitely a fun read!
missprint_'s review against another edition
4.0
So fun. Such adventure. An obvious comp for Jumanji (duh) but also a great less well-known title for readers who have already gotten everything they're going to pull from the Rick Riordan presents properties.