roseleebooks's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
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
5.0
This was an outstanding sequel. It forces the reader to confront the idea of forgiveness, of whether we are bound by the crimes of our past. Qureshi takes the ending of the first book and explores the consequences Durkhanai faces after she makes her choice. I appreciated the self doubt that she has and the continued character growth. I don't want to give away any of the story but will just say that this book does not disappoint. Again, the world building and characters are wonderful, and watching Durkhanai grow as a person was very rewarding. A strong ending to the duology!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, War, and Child death
Moderate: Xenophobia and Medical content
rebecca_z's review against another edition
3.0
2.5✨ rounded up
after really enjoying the first book in this series i was more than a little disappointed by this sequel
the first book was wonderfully paced, full of interesting court intrigue and forbidden romance - most, if not all of this is missing here, we have anticlimactic plots points, storylines opened and resolved in a few chapters or even pages, and an open-ended storyline which isn’t even really open or elaborated upon ?
i really enjoyed durkhanai’s character development in the series, but the poor pacing and ending did a disservice to her growth
after really enjoying the first book in this series i was more than a little disappointed by this sequel
the first book was wonderfully paced, full of interesting court intrigue and forbidden romance - most, if not all of this is missing here, we have anticlimactic plots points, storylines opened and resolved in a few chapters or even pages, and an open-ended storyline which isn’t even really open or elaborated upon ?
i really enjoyed durkhanai’s character development in the series, but the poor pacing and ending did a disservice to her growth
ariana_m's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
They went from enemies to lovers then to enemies again and then to lovers coming down to the end. This was good until the end. I think everything was just really anti climatic and also there's two ends of the book which in all honesty I didn't really like. I mean its good that we kind of get to choose which ending to believe in but still. In all honesty I don't think the fmc would have been a good queen. I think her grandparents and her enemies were right lol. I did love the romance though. All in all it was still a good despite everything.
czarfancypants's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
thepageladies's review against another edition
5.0
I was up late into the night reading this book! It's full of betrayal, drama, forbidden romance, surprising twists and so much more! The Man or the Monster picks up right after the ending of The Lady or the Lion and Durhanai must live with the consequences. She is going through a lot but her character went through a lot of changes. It's definitely a series that once you start you can't stop! I can't wait to see what happens next! Thank you Rockstar Book Tours, Aamna Qureshi, and CamCat Books for sharing this wonderful story with me!
xoinesxo's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
evelynhrtscelia's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
"He was her ending, her beginning, her everything, and she sat here now to prove it."
this brain altered my brain chemistry and I don't think I'll ever get over this.
this brain altered my brain chemistry and I don't think I'll ever get over this.
mrsj_readsbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Well, it has been a few days and I am still processing the ending of this one! It was unexpected and thrilling to say the least.
The Man or the Monster picks up right after the ending of The Lady or the Lion. Durhanai must live with her decision, but this is the least of her worries. Duri has taken it upon herself to save her people. She must deal with court intrigue, family squabbles and forbidden love. So many secrets come to light and this forces Duri to re-examine her entire life. Will she be able to move past the betrayal and become the Queen her country needs, or is she tainted and cursed as everyone seems to believe.
There is not much I can say without spoilers, so I won't even try. Just pick up this series and immerse yourself in the wonderful storytelling of The Marghazar Trials. You will not be disappointed.
Thank you to Let's Talk Books Promo, CamCat Books and Aamna Qureshi for my complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.