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3.67 AVERAGE
3.67 AVERAGE
I had such high expectations for this book and it had so much potential and ultimately it just fell flat. I wish it had been better. :/
I really loved the concept of a queernormative fantasy and enjoyed El-Arifi’s inclusion of Afro-Arab influences in the world building, but overall the plot and characters (and some aspects of the world building) lacked the depth they needed to really hit the mark.
I really loved the concept of a queernormative fantasy and enjoyed El-Arifi’s inclusion of Afro-Arab influences in the world building, but overall the plot and characters (and some aspects of the world building) lacked the depth they needed to really hit the mark.
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Sigh. There were some decent ideas in here but sadly failed in the execution - stilted dialogue, bad sex writing (although quite entertaining 😂), too many convenient twists. I’m annoyed at myself for reading this rather than the many other unread fantasy books on my shelves.
Was not enjoying the writing style, too much exposition for me, wasn’t interested in the plot line/characters
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This has been sitting on my TBR for months and if I’m honest, I have been reluctant to start because of the mixed reviews.
I’m not sure I’ve been reading the same book because I have really loved it!
I really liked the magic system and the whole ideology of the book - it gave me earthy, ethereal vibes.
The book is mostly well paced and the story is told via multiple perspectives, which is executed well. Each character is easy to invest in - it’s rare to find a story told via multiple perspectives where you don’t dread certain characters.
This was a really cosy read and also immersive, I felt like I could have been running through a woodland barefoot, chanting to the moon - watch this space 😂
The story does slow a little in the middle and at first the communication between some characters is a little clunky but that is soon resolved and I found it difficult to put this book down!
I didn’t like this book as much as other books I’ve read from this author as I was expecting high fantasy and got mostly romantasy. The plot was pretty predictable in places and the characters took way too long to figure things out that were literally staring them in the face…
That being said I really enjoyed it even though romantasy isn’t really a genre I love. The world was well written and the lore was captivating. I enjoyed the magic system with the drum fire beacuse I’ve never seen anything like that before! Also without giving massive spoilers… the animal companions were 10/10 and probably my favourite part of the book.
The book ended in a great place with the next book having great potential and I will definitely be reading the next one.
It was also very very gay and I’m totally there for queer normative magical realms
That being said I really enjoyed it even though romantasy isn’t really a genre I love. The world was well written and the lore was captivating. I enjoyed the magic system with the drum fire beacuse I’ve never seen anything like that before! Also without giving massive spoilers… the animal companions were 10/10 and probably my favourite part of the book.
The book ended in a great place with the next book having great potential and I will definitely be reading the next one.
It was also very very gay and I’m totally there for queer normative magical realms
adventurous
funny
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No