erinblakeney's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
kittykornerlibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
This is a beautiful book and the world-building is based on the culture of ancient Persia. Soraya, the twin sister of the Shah, is hidden away in the Palace because to touch her is to die. Her skin is poisonous, and when she is feeling strong emotion her veins turn a dark enough green that you can see them through her skin. When her brother arrives at the city where she stays, he brings with him a captured magical spirit, a demon called a parik. Soraya longs to talk with the parik to find out if there's a way to lift the curse that makes her poisonous. Her mother won't give her permission, but her brother does. What Soraya learns turns her world upside down and she has to decide whether to act with her new-found knowledge. This book is beautifully written and it's also dramatic and serious. Nobody jokes in this story. It's about self-knowledge and trust and betrayal. It really is a riveting and original story. It's gorgeous.
strawberrybookfields's review against another edition
5.0
This book was absolutely perfect! I- I feel speechless, that's how good it was!
To start the characters were well written. Soraya was just perfect. She had the perfect balance of being a good person who was trying to do the right thing for herself and facing consequences that might happen because of those choices. Her story shows why it's good to be selfish, but also to balance between that and caring for those that are most important to you. As well as, discussing manipulation. I, also, loved Azad and seeing the parts of himself he only showed to Soraya. His character is just as complex as Soraya's and seeing the parallels between them made the story all the more interesting! Then there is Parvaneh and her connection to their story. It was the stories of each of the interweaving of the characters that made the story just amazing to read.
Not to mention, it had me turning the pages so quickly, I wanted more. I liked how loneliness, manipulation, and self-acceptance was dealt with. It was extremely relatable and for once I felt heard and not alone in my thoughts.
It also ended really well! I'm pretty sure this is a standalone, so I'm basing my opinion on other standalones. This has a very satisfying ending. I'm so happy this book caught my attention at the beginning of the year!
To start the characters were well written. Soraya was just perfect. She had the perfect balance of being a good person who was trying to do the right thing for herself and facing consequences that might happen because of those choices. Her story shows why it's good to be selfish, but also to balance between that and caring for those that are most important to you. As well as, discussing manipulation. I, also, loved Azad and seeing the parts of himself he only showed to Soraya. His character is just as complex as Soraya's and seeing the parallels between them made the story all the more interesting! Then there is Parvaneh and her connection to their story. It was the stories of each of the interweaving of the characters that made the story just amazing to read.
Not to mention, it had me turning the pages so quickly, I wanted more. I liked how loneliness, manipulation, and self-acceptance was dealt with. It was extremely relatable and for once I felt heard and not alone in my thoughts.
It also ended really well! I'm pretty sure this is a standalone, so I'm basing my opinion on other standalones. This has a very satisfying ending. I'm so happy this book caught my attention at the beginning of the year!
lira_the_recluse's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
4.0
aomccourt's review
4.0
Overall, a good read. I loved the setting, the idea of the story and the writing style. I had to take away one star because the main character was a weak, spineless, gullible girl who believed anyone that stood in front of her and paid her the slightest bit of attention. I rather liked all of the supporting characters though. Would definitely read another book by this author.
cher_reads09's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
5.0