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0ivy0's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
tense
slow-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
4.75
The Daughters of Izdihar is a sappic fantasy in an Egyptian-inspired world with elemental magic.
We follow a split POV between two women, connected by one man, as they strive for women's (and weaver's rights), developing as people on the way.
This is definitely not an emotionally easy read fantasy, it isn't all fun and silly, but it was still really enjoyable.
I loved the world, though it felt very much like magical realism which isn't really my favourite type of world-building. There was plenty of lore that affects the storyline and I did really enjoy the plot.
This was a slower-paced story but I really enjoyed that because it meant that plot points and emotions had time to set in.
I also really enjoyed the characters, they were both different, having opposing methods and thought processes which made it really interesting to see them strive towards the same thing and to see how they could both learn from each other.
Throughout were discussions about misogyny and oppression, including particular... checks...when a woman will get married, which was detailed and uncomfortable - but this was purposeful. The detail provided was needed and didn't feel excessive.
I enjoyed exploring the manipulation of the truth by people with power / authority, which is very compelling and relates to a lot of things that are happening in the world.
There wasn't really anything I disliked about this book, even though it isn't one I am very, very excited about because it was an emotionally heavy read. I will definitely be finishing the duology and am so glad I read this book.
We follow a split POV between two women, connected by one man, as they strive for women's (and weaver's rights), developing as people on the way.
This is definitely not an emotionally easy read fantasy, it isn't all fun and silly, but it was still really enjoyable.
I loved the world, though it felt very much like magical realism which isn't really my favourite type of world-building. There was plenty of lore that affects the storyline and I did really enjoy the plot.
This was a slower-paced story but I really enjoyed that because it meant that plot points and emotions had time to set in.
I also really enjoyed the characters, they were both different, having opposing methods and thought processes which made it really interesting to see them strive towards the same thing and to see how they could both learn from each other.
Throughout were discussions about misogyny and oppression, including particular... checks...when a woman will get married, which was detailed and uncomfortable - but this was purposeful. The detail provided was needed and didn't feel excessive.
I enjoyed exploring the manipulation of the truth by people with power / authority, which is very compelling and relates to a lot of things that are happening in the world.
There wasn't really anything I disliked about this book, even though it isn't one I am very, very excited about because it was an emotionally heavy read. I will definitely be finishing the duology and am so glad I read this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Violence
Moderate: Sexual violence
Minor: Abortion
I have placed a tag for sexual violence due to the checks that an engaged woman must go through.saphfics's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Prepare to be frustrated a lot by all the characters, and especially the men of the cast.
I think the author did a decent job with writing a very patriarchal society and the different effects it can have on very differen women. As well as how the (lack of) privileges different characters have will change how they approach the issue of women's right. The worlbuilding of the cityitself was quite vivid but when it comes to the religion I was left with many questions
At times it felt very on the nose with the way it handled its themes and there was a lot of repetition. Mostly to contrast the two main characters which again felt very on the nose. The story does delve I to why the two are so different and I do appreciate that.
I do feel like the two mains were very distinctive and had their own distinctive voices. However there was an imbalance to how much screen time I felt each of them were getting. Especially in the beginning. Which kind of makes me sad because I feel like we lost some characterization for both that character and the daughters of izdihar as a whole.
All around a pretty engaging read, mostly towards the end. I will read the next book to see how it ends
I think the author did a decent job with writing a very patriarchal society and the different effects it can have on very differen women. As well as how the (lack of) privileges different characters have will change how they approach the issue of women's right. The worlbuilding of the cityitself was quite vivid but when it comes to the religion I was left with many questions
At times it felt very on the nose with the way it handled its themes and there was a lot of repetition. Mostly to contrast the two main characters which again felt very on the nose. The story does delve I to why the two are so different and I do appreciate that.
I do feel like the two mains were very distinctive and had their own distinctive voices. However there was an imbalance to how much screen time I felt each of them were getting. Especially in the beginning. Which kind of makes me sad because I feel like we lost some characterization for both that character and the daughters of izdihar as a whole.
All around a pretty engaging read, mostly towards the end. I will read the next book to see how it ends
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexual violence, Violence, Religious bigotry, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Gun violence, Police brutality, and Abortion
Minor: War
ladybeldaran's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? No
4.5
This is a fast read, and a good time. The author explores many facets of women's rights and specifically explores the variety of issues that are specific to women of all classes and circumstances and how all of those are political. This is done through the lens of a fantasy world with magic.
The world is well rooted in SWANA (South West Asia, North Africa) elements, which gives it a great deal of life and authenticity. The magic system is fun and will appeal to anyone who enjoys "elemental" magic.
The characters were perfectly selected as a lens to view the Daughters of Izdihar (the suffrage organization) through. I also particularly enjoyed the way the author wrote the responses of the various men in the story to the Daughters.
I look forward to the second book in the planned duology!
More details about content warnings: this book goes over a host of issues that women face, many of which can be traumatic for women who have experienced them. Among these are abortion, purity tests (and the sexual violation associated with them), sex shaming, and homophobia. The book does not treat them flippantly, but nor does it linger on them in graphic detail. At all times, the book condemns these things. The book deals honestly with very heavy topics, but it isn't interested in holding them up as entertainment.
The world is well rooted in SWANA (South West Asia, North Africa) elements, which gives it a great deal of life and authenticity. The magic system is fun and will appeal to anyone who enjoys "elemental" magic.
The characters were perfectly selected as a lens to view the Daughters of Izdihar (the suffrage organization) through. I also particularly enjoyed the way the author wrote the responses of the various men in the story to the Daughters.
I look forward to the second book in the planned duology!
More details about content warnings: this book goes over a host of issues that women face, many of which can be traumatic for women who have experienced them. Among these are abortion, purity tests (and the sexual violation associated with them), sex shaming, and homophobia. The book does not treat them flippantly, but nor does it linger on them in graphic detail. At all times, the book condemns these things. The book deals honestly with very heavy topics, but it isn't interested in holding them up as entertainment.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Sexism
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Sexual violence, Police brutality, Religious bigotry, Abortion, and Murder
Minor: Homophobia, Lesbophobia, and Fire/Fire injury
ender24's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
mysterious
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? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Biphobia, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Genocide, Gore, Gun violence, Hate crime, Homophobia, Infidelity, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Police brutality, Kidnapping, Grief, Mass/school shootings, Religious bigotry, Abortion, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Lesbophobia, Fire/Fire injury, Outing, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
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