Reviews

No sophomore slump here! I was hesitant to read this one after my issues with the first book in the series. (It is hard to read a series when you dislike the central character.) Zara has matured a bit and while still not perfect, she is much more relatable. The story of Kamran, a young elite Muslim boy, his rape, and the events following is a tough read. I liked that the people around Zara gave other thoughts to consider in the situation and emphasizing that things aren't always clear-cut. I hated Kamran's father and his toxic masculinity. He was so despicable that I found myself physically cringing whenever he entered the scene. Because of the subject matter, you know going in that there will be sadness and heart break, but I still wasn't prepared for the subsequent events. I finished the book with a heavy heart. This is a good read but not one for a vacation.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper 360 for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.

elmogi's review against another edition

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challenging dark reflective sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

jmatkinson1's review against another edition

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4.0

Kamran is a success, privately educated, intelligent, just accepted to Oxford and on the cusp of adulthood. Then one night his world collapses as he is assaulted in his room at boarding school. Zara is former barrister who now works with rape victims and she takes on Kamran's case. Privilege is put to the test as the case comes to court.
This is a very interesting book and completely gripping in places. Male rape has a huge stigma attached to it and the consent-lobby is highlighted here. Given that popular culture has homosexuality written large into all male boarding school practice, contrasting that with the traditional values of Asian families is excellent and this provides an alternative viewpoint from a male perspective to that of Zara's failed arranged marriage and her family's attitude to that. The first twist was expected but the final twist came from left-field and put this book up to another level.

tracey21k's review against another edition

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challenging dark sad 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? It's complicated

4.0

Gripping but hard-hitting.

Content Warnings

cin19's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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