theamazingmrg's review
3.0
Like most novellas, it suffers from a lack of time to fully develop characters. But that's the biggest flaw. It's still a thoroughly engaging read.
Actual score: 3.5/5
Actual score: 3.5/5
catladylover94's review against another edition
1.0
second book, i have read that was a disappointment and let down, did not feel like this was good at all, i would have liked it to be more. but it fell way short.
frombethanysbookshelf's review
4.0
I didn't realise this was a prequel when I first picked it up, but now I'm definitely looking forward to getting the other titles in the series. Because I hadn't been aware of the other books, I didn't have any idea what this story was about going in but it was very easy to pick up a feel for the setting and the characters.
Çeda is a young girl in Sharakhai, and an accomplished pit fighter. But when a ehrekh named Rümayesh grows fond of her, she's in more danger than she'd ever have imagined. The ehrekh can steal dreams and thoughts and completely consume a person. As Rümayesh entangles herself into Cedas life, Ceda must decide to help her to free herself, or deal with the torment of living under her spell, all while fighting the growing temptation to allow herself to give in and love Rümayesh back.
It's beautifully written, the setting is vivid and the relationships between the characters is complex and full of chemistry. The magic written into the plot is subtle and not overdone, and the story keeps building suspense that makes you want to keep reading just one more page.
Some parts of this story follow the conventional Arabian-nights style / dystopian style that I expected, but it has its own unique take on the myths and legends that it tells. I found myself wishing we had a bit more information about Ceda in this story, as I felt her description felt somewhat unfinished - but this could also be because Ceda is young is this story and hasn't developed into the character of the following stories.
Some places felt a bit slow in contrast to the high suspense that made me keep turning the pages, and I could have used a bit more information on the creatures that inhabited Sharakhai, but it's still interesting without this.
All in all, this was a great read and I'm looking forward to continuing the series.
Çeda is a young girl in Sharakhai, and an accomplished pit fighter. But when a ehrekh named Rümayesh grows fond of her, she's in more danger than she'd ever have imagined. The ehrekh can steal dreams and thoughts and completely consume a person. As Rümayesh entangles herself into Cedas life, Ceda must decide to help her to free herself, or deal with the torment of living under her spell, all while fighting the growing temptation to allow herself to give in and love Rümayesh back.
It's beautifully written, the setting is vivid and the relationships between the characters is complex and full of chemistry. The magic written into the plot is subtle and not overdone, and the story keeps building suspense that makes you want to keep reading just one more page.
Some parts of this story follow the conventional Arabian-nights style / dystopian style that I expected, but it has its own unique take on the myths and legends that it tells. I found myself wishing we had a bit more information about Ceda in this story, as I felt her description felt somewhat unfinished - but this could also be because Ceda is young is this story and hasn't developed into the character of the following stories.
Some places felt a bit slow in contrast to the high suspense that made me keep turning the pages, and I could have used a bit more information on the creatures that inhabited Sharakhai, but it's still interesting without this.
All in all, this was a great read and I'm looking forward to continuing the series.
artsymusings's review against another edition
4.0
Oh wow, I wasn't expecting Çeda to be as young as 16 in this, but she's as amazing a main character as ever so no complaints. I really hope this isn't the last we see of the ehrekh(s), though.
thesinginglights's review against another edition
4.0
I would echo the thoughts from my first review back in 2018 (!!!) with a small addition: it meaningfully adds context to a character and plot introduced in Book Two of the main series, [With] Blood Upon The Sand. This was a pacy and entertaining read and a nice refresher after The Wheel of Time (baby).
Review from 2018:
An enjoyable essentially side-story to the main plot that's set a few years before the first book in the series. The overall adventure had a similar tone to the main series so it felt like a very natural extension and was a great way to reintroduce myself to the world and characters between books. Very excited to get stuck into [With] Blood Upon The Sand!
Review from 2018:
An enjoyable essentially side-story to the main plot that's set a few years before the first book in the series. The overall adventure had a similar tone to the main series so it felt like a very natural extension and was a great way to reintroduce myself to the world and characters between books. Very excited to get stuck into [With] Blood Upon The Sand!
reliablepat's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.0
stacey332's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
fliesonmyfruit's review against another edition
5.0
A really enjoyable story about a very sinister character
pip94's review against another edition
4.0
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
3.5/4 I really enjoyed this addition to Ceda's story. I have to admit that I did initially struggle abit with book one of the series (Twelve Kings) as it is a very slow paced, character driven fantasy book. I did really enjoy it though, it just took me a while to get into it. I think I was engaged with this alot more, because I knew exactly what to expect to terms of the writing etc. I thought this was an intriguing + engaging story with interesting new characters introduced. I absolutely love the world - it is unlike anything I've read and it is fascinating so it's great to learn more about it. If you loved book 1 than you will definitely enjoy this.
3.5/4 I really enjoyed this addition to Ceda's story. I have to admit that I did initially struggle abit with book one of the series (Twelve Kings) as it is a very slow paced, character driven fantasy book. I did really enjoy it though, it just took me a while to get into it. I think I was engaged with this alot more, because I knew exactly what to expect to terms of the writing etc. I thought this was an intriguing + engaging story with interesting new characters introduced. I absolutely love the world - it is unlike anything I've read and it is fascinating so it's great to learn more about it. If you loved book 1 than you will definitely enjoy this.