Scan barcode
A review by regitzexenia
The Descent of the Drowned by Ana Lal Din
4.0
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC. My opinions are my own. This review is also posted to my NetGalley profile.
First up, I have to mention how unique this book is. I’ve never come across another book that takes its inspiration from pre-Islamic mythology and Indo-Persian culture. It was one of the things that drew me to the book in the first place and the author really delivers. However, it is very important for me to note that I am not familiar with either mythology and I am not an own voices reviewer. I cannot speak to the accuracy of the mythology portrayed.
I can say that I enjoyed it. It engulfed me and I wanted more. I had a bit of a hard time with all of the unfamiliar names and words, but there is a really great glossary in the back of the book that I wish I had discovered earlier. From what I have read in other reviews, the author also does a really good job with the Arabic words, and they’re using them in a way that I wasn’t too confused.
I’m quite impressed that this is a debut novel. True, it has some pacing issues and takes a little too long getting into the plot, but in my opinion the author uses that time well to establish the world and the views of the many different groups and characters.
I will include a trigger warning for this book, it is not a light read. TW includes but not limited to rape (off-page), forced drug use, suicide (off-page), self-harm (before the book starts), human trafficking, prostitution, and more. What I will say about these heavy topics is that the author writes about them because it is important. These horrific events are also a part of the history the writer is inspired by.
I only just found out now that there is going to be a sequel next year and I am excited to read it. This author has a lot of potential and I am excited to see where she goes next. And this books ends on such a note that I am very curious to know what happens.
First up, I have to mention how unique this book is. I’ve never come across another book that takes its inspiration from pre-Islamic mythology and Indo-Persian culture. It was one of the things that drew me to the book in the first place and the author really delivers. However, it is very important for me to note that I am not familiar with either mythology and I am not an own voices reviewer. I cannot speak to the accuracy of the mythology portrayed.
I can say that I enjoyed it. It engulfed me and I wanted more. I had a bit of a hard time with all of the unfamiliar names and words, but there is a really great glossary in the back of the book that I wish I had discovered earlier. From what I have read in other reviews, the author also does a really good job with the Arabic words, and they’re using them in a way that I wasn’t too confused.
I’m quite impressed that this is a debut novel. True, it has some pacing issues and takes a little too long getting into the plot, but in my opinion the author uses that time well to establish the world and the views of the many different groups and characters.
I will include a trigger warning for this book, it is not a light read. TW includes but not limited to rape (off-page), forced drug use, suicide (off-page), self-harm (before the book starts), human trafficking, prostitution, and more. What I will say about these heavy topics is that the author writes about them because it is important. These horrific events are also a part of the history the writer is inspired by.
I only just found out now that there is going to be a sequel next year and I am excited to read it. This author has a lot of potential and I am excited to see where she goes next. And this books ends on such a note that I am very curious to know what happens.