Reviews

The Candle and the Flame, by Nafiza Azad

kjandherbooks's review against another edition

3.0

I lost interest towards the end and it took me way longer than it should have to read this. I feel like it wasn’t my kind of book, I’m sure there are plenty of people who would enjoy this read but it wasn’t the kind of writing style I was able to get into unfortunately. The plot was definitely interesting and unique though I’ll give it that

welllovedspines's review against another edition

adventurous emotional 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? It's complicated

3.5

suzannedix's review against another edition

4.0

I listened to this one and it was wonderful. I was completely immersed and the narration was unbelievably powerful. A complex story that only my most devout fantasy readers would appreciate.

Grades 8 and up.

jennms_qkw's review against another edition

5.0

Oh I loved this! I love Djinn novels.

raven_acres's review

5.0

What a gorgeous read. The author does a wonderful job with descriptions, the background just pops. Solid, interesting storyline, that was wonderful to sink in to and savor.

asweetdeception's review against another edition

5.0

I cannot put into words how much I absolutely LOVED this book. As a South Asian Muslim girl, this book is what dreams are made of. A rich, beautiful fantasy with all brown characters of different faiths. Magic, Jinns, feminism, harmony. Everything is so beautifully blended into this book. The world building is incredible and so rich, it sucks you right into the city of Noor. The characters are so unique and well written. Every character is allowed their own personal conflicts and multifaceted personalities. There is romance and sisterhood, family drama and moral dilemmas. So many incredible female characters who are all allowed to be different but incredible. They’re allowed to feel negative emotions without falling into tired tropes. So many subtly woven themes and messages. All in all I had such an amazing time reading this book, I was afraid to reach the end. I hope Nafiza writes more about Qirat and it’s people in the future because I’ll be dying to read it.

Also, note to people who criticize by saying it wasn’t “for them” or that they are tired of same old protag tropes, consider this: the protag in this book is an immensely underrepresented demographic in fiction. The same tropes that might be overused for white female protagonists are not overused for someone like her. Allow us non-white readers a chance to see ourselves represented in these tropes you have become so used to seeing yourself in.

bfearon's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious 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? No

3.5

mxgancxtherine's review against another edition

2.0

biggest disappointment of 2020?? was so excited for this but honestly I was so bored by the end ugh. just felt really lost in the world, too many perspectives/characters considering the length & the romance made 0 sense. rip

renwolf's review against another edition

adventurous emotional 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

4.0

jenny_prince's review against another edition

4.0

This book was saved by the line ‘my whole life has become a dirge’ I was like GURL MOOD. Wished the magic and world had more exploration though.