Reviews

The War to Save the Worlds by Samira Ahmed

xandra_evelyn's review

adventurous informative mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

I really wanted to like this book, as it deals with fascinating tales from a non-western culture. However, I found the Amira's steam of consciousness incredibly annoying. The author also threw in random things about how horrible humans are for polluting the oceans and space. She's not wrong, but it came off poorly . The book had nothing to do with that, and if she felt so strongly about it, she should have incorporated it more than having a mythical creature complain about it. 

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Content Warnings

Minor: Death

mora55's review

yeah this one didn't do anything for me. it had its moments but overall i didn't click with it

elle_eye_eh's review

adventurous hopeful inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

genhuggins's review against another edition

adventurous fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

apples3's review against another edition

adventurous funny informative medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

mattyb's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Violence

Moderate: Death

addison_reads's review

adventurous hopeful informative inspiring mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Excellent MG fantasy read! 

This tale felt modern, yet was filled with so many delicious details from Arabic folktales. There's magic, Djinns, flying carpets, evil villains, and so much more. 

I loved the relationship between the brother and sister, and I loved how the author presented current social/political issues (racial injustices, COVID, climate change) throughout the story in a subtle, yet effective way. 

Highly recommend this one to readers of all ages, even if you aren't a fan of fantasy, this is an adventure you don't want to miss. 

tanyaprax's review

3.0

3.5 stars

readingthroughtheages's review

4.0

I really enjoyed the sibling relationship throughout this book. And the pop references. Especially the Marvel ones :)

nqcliteracy's review

5.0

Loved this adventurous tale of siblings saving the world, rife with Islamic tradition and elements of Rumi, ancient Urdu and Persian storytelling, and fantasy. These are the kinds of stories I am excited exist in the world; drawing on various cultures for all kids to see threads of their own lives and understandings in all kinds of genres. And, bonus for us that it’s set partly in Chicago! I’m certain my children will love it and appreciate all the local connections too. Handing it over to my 8 year old son now:)