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amandap93's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
bookwormbullet's review
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
you know, reading a book by a Muslim British Pakistani author that features a world with reverse racism in which white people are oppressed by brown people and are sympathized for experiencing racism caused by brown people (which literally cannot happen irl and is extremely dangerous rhetoric) wasn't on my 2023 bingo card, but here we are 🥴
13anna17's review
adventurous
dark
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Fast-paced adventure/fantasy story set in a believable secondary world based on Arabic culture where hot air balloons are the primary mode of transport. Well-developed characters with complex relationships. The two POV characters are not romantically involved, which is a refreshing change, but Khadija is older and more mature than Jacob to the degree that the two stories almost feel like they fit in different age groups. That said, I enjoyed both characters' arcs.
There is a trans character who is generally a fantastic character. There are on-page depictions of transphobia that I'm not sure were necessary.
In general, I thought the exploration of radicalism and what draws people towards it was handled well. There were places where the pacing could be improved and the worldbuilding could have been more comprehensive, but character development leads the story in a powerful way. I think this is an author to watch. 3.75/5 stars
There is a trans character who is generally a fantastic character. There are on-page depictions of transphobia that I'm not sure were necessary.
In general, I thought the exploration of radicalism and what draws people towards it was handled well. There were places where the pacing could be improved and the worldbuilding could have been more comprehensive, but character development leads the story in a powerful way. I think this is an author to watch. 3.75/5 stars
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia