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A review by carlisajc
The Gauntlet by Karuna Riazi
3.0
I love, love, love the premise of this book. A MG Jumanji with a Muslim main character? Count me in, 100% And I really enjoyed getting to know Farah and her friends.
However, I was a little disappointed by the plot. Everything gets handed to the three MCs, every challenge has a quick and convenient fix that just pops out of nowhere. So I never felt the fear and anxiety I think I was meant to be feeling, because I knew something would happen or someone would appear that would solve the dilemma. I just wish these young characters had been more of the moving force of the plot.
But despite that, I thought it was really atmospheric and beautiful. It's a very visual story that I think young readers will eat up! And I loved how it portrays Muslim culture without it seeming "exotic" or "other." It's just a normal part of life for Farah. Really great representation.
However, I was a little disappointed by the plot. Everything gets handed to the three MCs, every challenge has a quick and convenient fix that just pops out of nowhere. So I never felt the fear and anxiety I think I was meant to be feeling, because I knew something would happen or someone would appear that would solve the dilemma. I just wish these young characters had been more of the moving force of the plot.
But despite that, I thought it was really atmospheric and beautiful. It's a very visual story that I think young readers will eat up! And I loved how it portrays Muslim culture without it seeming "exotic" or "other." It's just a normal part of life for Farah. Really great representation.