chi__'s review

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adventurous challenging emotional 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

4.25


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camiandkitread's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful mysterious slow-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

Exquisitely written book, Hafsah Faizal has true talent. 

On an unrelated note, there were a lot of instances where a character gave a two finger salute and jogged backwards. Which seems very specific to me. 

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cerilouisereads's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional mysterious 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

4.5


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nightfell's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious 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? It's complicated

3.5

The first book in the duology had pacing issues, but I overlooked it because it had great characters and the relationships were developed consistently and were entertaining. With the second book I couldn't overlook the issues with pacing. I struggled to find interest in the plot and many of the characters were separated throughout the majority of the book which meant there relationship arc between Zafira and Nasir as well as the other characters weren't as developed as they could have been. It felt like the romance was pushed into the last 150 pages and sprinkled throughout the first 400. I do love slow burn romance but this was too much, as there is a line between slow burn and underdeveloped romance subplot and the author crossed it. 

However, the last 150 pages of this book was so much more enjoyable, I loved the character development, and the plot picked up quite a lot. 


I did not see that last plot twist coming, but I respect the authors decision to make Altair king. It's so fitting that Nasir is Caliph of Sarasin. 

Nasir and Zafira were so irritating to read at times due to their constant lack of communication and 

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koistyfishy's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark 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

4.5

The writing of this book is magical! It’s elegantly woven into a glorious tapestry of the wonderful Arawiya this story is written about.

But that was one of the things that lowered this from 5 stars. I often felt the prose too drawled on - this book could have been 100 pages shorter and still told the same story. 

Like with book one due to the almost over description of aspects I would skim until the dialog or next section to move the book along.

I also battled with whist I know the characters. Let’s start with Nazir - the constant “I want you” but I’m going to push you away ever got tedious and overdone.
He was willing to give up his crown for his life for Zafira cause she didn’t want to rule as a queen and then just pushed her away again at the end…


Altair at the start was not who I expected - yes he made the book but someone who is a general in an army should know about “strategy” and know that they would not have just left him behind… being the mopey emo boy did not suite him well…

Zafira was the same bad ass as she was in book 1 and I love her.

Kifah is also a bad ass and I love her…

Lana made the book! She was feisty and powerful and wise beyond her years and one of the few people who felt like she had a brain! 

Overall I enjoyed the book but it dragged a little! Great read otherwise!

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psydneigh's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional 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

4.0

I originally started this about a year ago but just wasn’t in the mood and had to put it down. The first 35% is pretty slow, but it definitely picks up from there. I really enjoyed seeing the characters again.
I didnt feel like Aya’s betrayal was justified enough to make sense to me. I was shook
Wish we had seen a bit more at the end, but overall I enjoyed.

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saoreads's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny inspiring mysterious reflective 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? Yes

5.0

Kifah and Zafira, with all of their lines so deeply etched with the titles to a meaning, there are times when you find a story specifically mentioning its title and think it's a cliché, but this one was beautifully done. It's striking how the author honed the characters and their development. This deep understanding of feelings and emotions allows readers to relate to and identify with them. Reading this felt complete, and it is unquestionably endowed with perfection.

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martynelson's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional reflective tense medium-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

3.75


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stargazing's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional 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

5.0


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nefariousbee's review against another edition

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adventurous slow-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

3.25


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