Reviews

The Daughters of Izdihar by Hadeer Elsbai

detailsandtales's review against another edition

4.0

This is a story about being forced into a box by society and figuring out how to band together in order to break out of that box. The protagonists in this story are both women and both magic users. which puts them at a disadvantage two different ways. At first, this story felt like one I'd read too many times before, but the further I got into the story, the more it became its own thing. It's not just feminist but queer, and it gives a great deal of consideration to the cost of fighting back. My biggest frustration is that it ends on a cliffhanger for one of the two main characters, and that leaves me feeling line I only read half of a longer story.

caitandthelibrary's review against another edition

slow-paced

4.0

jloud_reads's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring sad tense medium-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? It's complicated

5.0

pmcgloin's review against another edition

adventurous informative inspiring 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

4.25

I literally spent the entire day reading. I couldn’t put it down! The world and its characters were richly drawn. At times the established character flaws were leaned on a little too heavily to fill gaps in the plot, but on the whole and immensely enjoyable read— especially for queer activists of color! 

valesea's review against another edition

adventurous emotional inspiring tense medium-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? It's complicated

4.25

nadgtz's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated

3.0

 this book is a feminist fantasy taking place in a world inspired by Egypt about women fighting for their right and a place in that patriarchal society and let me tell you I was really excited to read it. Only I was expecting adult fantasy when it is more of an in-between of YA and adult fantasy which did disappoint me. I will, however, read the 2nd volume when it is published, as there was no real progress regarding our most important questions. Keep in mind that it is the author first novel and that it's surely a very good book if you have YA expectations 

saraubs's review against another edition

5.0

4.5 Stars.

This was quite the enjoyable debut! It wasn't perfect - the writing was a little clunky and themes/characters could have been crafted with a little more nuance - but the story was excellent. This was incredibly plot forward and the development works hard to keep the reader invested. The setting was lively and vibrant and I am eagerly awaiting the sequel.

aktreich's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional inspiring tense medium-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? It's complicated

4.0

leitnerkev's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced

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

4.0

Really great, accessible writing, compelling characters, a plot worthy of getting invested in, a delicious mix of fantastical elements and deeply important social issues. 

reinasultan's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional inspiring tense 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

5.0

Loooooved this. Great political drama, interesting plot