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4.28 AVERAGE
4.28 AVERAGE
As Hamilton’s trilogy clearly shows, all good stories must come to an end. Rebel of the Sands is definitely a series that will stay me for its originality and clarity, and of course, its remarkable ending.
With former rebellions members either dead, lost or in chains, it’s up to Amani to lead them now, to victory and hope. That becomes nearly an impossible task to do when the Sultan’s forces are hunting them every step on the way. As from the other side, foreign enemies are appearing, out for Miraji after the Sultan’s attack. Amani is not the girl who runs away anymore, and certainly not the witty girl with a gun from Dustwalk. Maybe all heroes must die, but lucky for Amani, she’s aiming for triumph in this final battle.
We finally start off with a map, which might have been two books too late, but I think compelling readers to locations was never a problem for Hamilton. Izman is left behind to cruise on a ship or wade on the wings of the twins towards foreign countries, enhancing the geography and the detailed cultures we already knew. The novel immediately hits off with a foreboding sense of sorrow and uncertainty. As you think that nothing can go worse, a new misfortunate event unfolds. The heroes have no idea what to do, and they make debatable choices, once again illustrating the tender aspect of morality. The extensive world also changes drastically when the stuff of legends become reality, and not merely lessons to be interpreted. It added something new to the magic system, already broadened by the limitations of Amani’s new power. Hamilton’s world is a work of various mythical creatures and tales to be remembered, and it’s that folklore that shaped our narrators. They learned from it, and learned to understand the faults or misinterpretations in them. It was a very intriguing journey to join.
Amani is captured by grief and guilt for the deaths she may have caused. She cares about justice, and she isn’t afraid to go into deep waters. The pressure of leading her people has also made her more reckless, and the line between feelings and reason is thin. But this time, she won’t let anyone call her unworthy. She has learned to be selfless, and to make her decisions worth it. She knows what she’s capable of, and she knows whom she can be. Jin’s mischievousness has taken place for a deeper sincerity, and a profound care for Amani. He’s always been more flight than fight, but now he’s becoming impulsive. His fear to lose people is valued, with the desire to protect everyone as if it is his own responsibility. Through his anger, he tries to remain just, and doesn’t want to use violence when it can be avoided. What I specifically liked about Amani and Jin is that Jin never holds her powers against her, and never makes her feel ashamed or wishes for her to be normal. Leigh Bardugo, I love you, but take notes.
Hala is intimidating, as she wants things to be done effectively. Angered by grief, she’s intolerable, a fire waiting to be unleashed. Sam lives on survival instinct, swift and effective. He is a man of mockery who doesn’t seem to take anything seriously, but beneath that is a great amount of fear. He wants to make a name for himself, after being enchanted by numerous tales as a child, but that isn’t always effortless.
Hero at the Fall turned out to be a traitor to my heart too. This was one of those times I was stressful about entering the final chapter and saying goodbye. The vocabulary grows sophisticated, with metaphors that could be a delight to read. Amani and Jin’s relationship has evolved, but stays a minor plotline. It is only accentuated here, showing Hamilton cares more about her suspenseful plot than detailing cheesy romance. After all, Amani is a heroine, not just a girl in love. Even in the small scenes Hamilton did focus on relationships, she analyzed certain friendships and complex familial relations that can draw you in just as well. The only lacking part was that the invented turns here weren’t as spectacular as before, since I could predict the progress of the plot various times, resulting in a 4.5 rating. Nonetheless, the development of each character was carefully handled, with satisfying endings. Even though it was certainly a painful experience, I’m glad not everyone survived. Too many authors let their main characters survive a war where all the stakes are at odds, and it never seems realistic. Here, it is. Hamilton really chose the perfect, most fitting way to bring an end to this series. It was always about creating something to be remembered by. We are all the stuff of stars and legends, and thus a different kind of magic entirely.
adventurous
challenging
tense
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Except for that I really enjoyed it
Amazing... Life changing... best writer ever... full of LOVE!
Note: I read and reviewed this book in middle school. Lol!
Note: I read and reviewed this book in middle school. Lol!
adventurous
sad
tense
slow-paced
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I judged this book by its cover, by its content and my discontent, by the way the story ensnared me deep into the night, by how one more page became one more chapter, by the speed with which I devour it, with haste at the outset and painstaking slowness at the close, by the number of times I re-read those last pivotal words, by the tug of war I found myself in, pondering whether I should etch these words into my skin, by the way I reverently closed the book, by the way I slumped back and clutched the small world that had, in a not so small way, added joy to my day.