A review by airclay3
The Empire of Gold by S.A. Chakraborty
5.0
This book was incredible! I loved the world and the expansion of the world’s history, as centuries-ago details were uncovered such as Ali’s ancestors being descended from Sobek! The magic itself all made logical sense and was both gorgeous (Ali’s water control, Nahri’s healing) and horrifying (when Dara was enslaved again). I was shocked when at the very end, it was revealed that Nahri’s mom was actually her aunt and Rushtam was her father!! I’m forgetting her “brother’s” name. I related to choosing to be siblings even if they were only cousins.
Ali fangirling over the number of books and ditching the weapons stalls? 100/10
Nahri? 100/10
Manizheh’s manipulation tactics? 100/10 for effectiveness even though it broke my heart!
I also loved the discussion of Ali’s brother and Nahri’s cousin being in love, and how Ali acknowledged it conflicted with his faith but he wanted his brother to be happy and that’s what mattered.
The only thing I didn’t like about this book was the complete omission of everything turning out okay. By this, I mean when the whole plan for Nahri’s brother/ cousin to come to her rescue right before Manizheh destroys Nahri. That trope is alright for me in Agatha Christie novels, but it didn’t really fit well here. Regardless, the goal of that tactic was successful and I was surprised by the events!
Ali fangirling over the number of books and ditching the weapons stalls? 100/10
Nahri? 100/10
Manizheh’s manipulation tactics? 100/10 for effectiveness even though it broke my heart!
I also loved the discussion of Ali’s brother and Nahri’s cousin being in love, and how Ali acknowledged it conflicted with his faith but he wanted his brother to be happy and that’s what mattered.
The only thing I didn’t like about this book was the complete omission of everything turning out okay. By this, I mean when the whole plan for Nahri’s brother/ cousin to come to her rescue right before Manizheh destroys Nahri. That trope is alright for me in Agatha Christie novels, but it didn’t really fit well here. Regardless, the goal of that tactic was successful and I was surprised by the events!