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A review by natverse
The Daughters of Izdihar by Hadeer Elsbai
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
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? Yes
3.5
I think it's really hard to rate this book. I have so many thoughts around the recruitment vibes (little iffy on this one because I think it was meant to be straightforward and DOI are meant to be "good", but it resembles recruitment vibes for women to ISIS so I kept expecting some bigger DOI plot).
The elemental magic weaving is literally elemental bending. It feels like a carbon copy. I don't mind it of course, but it's hard not to separate this from Avatar.
I think the one thing they drove home exceedingly well was Nico's cowardice and lack of understanding of his power. Consistently. And the pressures on him and his anxiety. I think this was fantastically done and so realistic.
I actually love how flawed both main female characters are as well. Nehal is so bullheaded and privileged and sometimes naive—though always a force. While Giogiana struggles with her shackles to propriety and functioning as a lower class woman, her experience is so heartbreaking and I can't help but love her.
I am still excited for the second book, but I think this one took a little too long to get to the point. And some storylines that felt significant were dropped (such as the steel factory owner), unless these come back later.
The elemental magic weaving is literally elemental bending. It feels like a carbon copy. I don't mind it of course, but it's hard not to separate this from Avatar.
I think the one thing they drove home exceedingly well was Nico's cowardice and lack of understanding of his power. Consistently. And the pressures on him and his anxiety. I think this was fantastically done and so realistic.
I actually love how flawed both main female characters are as well. Nehal is so bullheaded and privileged and sometimes naive—though always a force. While Giogiana struggles with her shackles to propriety and functioning as a lower class woman, her experience is so heartbreaking and I can't help but love her.
I am still excited for the second book, but I think this one took a little too long to get to the point. And some storylines that felt significant were dropped (such as the steel factory owner), unless these come back later.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death