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4.15 AVERAGE
4.15 AVERAGE
if you know me or have seen my tweets, you will know just how long I have waited for this book. and it did not disappoint.
chelsea abdullah weaves a tapestry of words so colourful and compelling, the kind that will break your heart and then mend it back together.
and mazen bin malik. what a doll. my starry eyed boy. my masterful storyteller. i do not know how else to describe him, but I think you can tell who my favourite is. your bleeding heart might hurt you mazen but it will also save you. I cannot wait to meet you again.
i also want to talk about hakim, because I didn’t realise how much of a favourite he would become. also something I didn’t expect was how the chapters from aisha’s pov would be some of my favourite parts of the book. actually, no, they were by far the best.
and the plot twist at the end? I did not see that coming but that was brilliantly done. as much as I despise omar, he is a very well written character. every single one of them is honestly.
we can’t forget loulie now, can we? midnight merchant I absolutely loved reading about you. she wasn’t one of my favourite characters when I read the stardust thief, but she is up there now.
could this review do justice to this masterpiece of a book? probably not, but if it made you want to read it then I have learnt how to write reviews. because I cannot recommend this enough.
my favourite read of the year so far. you’re missing out if you haven’t read this series already.
my favourite read of the year so far. you’re missing out if you haven’t read this series already.
adventurous
challenging
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I really enjoyed this one! Thank you too Orbit and Netgalley for gifting me an E-arc.
From top to bottom, I really enjoyed how Chelsea Abdullah wove this story; I liked the party separation, the increased story telling from various parts of the world (and beneath the sandsea), and loved the character progression - especially for Aisha!!
I will say, there is never enough Qadir in these pages. I squealed when my lizard man came back on page.
I had a tough time getting through this one in the middle - whether that is on my mood or the boook's fault, I'm really not sure. But compared to the way the first one didn't let me go (I read it all in one sitting) this one was a touch disappointing in that way. BUT! Still really enjoyed, and highly recommend these books, especially for those who love the S. A. Chakraborty Daevabad trilogy books.
From top to bottom, I really enjoyed how Chelsea Abdullah wove this story; I liked the party separation, the increased story telling from various parts of the world (and beneath the sandsea), and loved the character progression - especially for Aisha!!
I will say, there is never enough Qadir in these pages. I squealed when my lizard man came back on page.
I had a tough time getting through this one in the middle - whether that is on my mood or the boook's fault, I'm really not sure. But compared to the way the first one didn't let me go (I read it all in one sitting) this one was a touch disappointing in that way. BUT! Still really enjoyed, and highly recommend these books, especially for those who love the S. A. Chakraborty Daevabad trilogy books.
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Let me say, The Stardust Thief was an immediate 5 star for me, so this book was highly anticipated. I enjoyed it and I loved how there was a lil more depth to the characters- especially Aisha’s arc! This book does have a lot more characters than the previous one so if that’s not your tea just be aware!
Qadir being one of my favourite characters, I was disappointed that the chemistry fell flat with Loulie and him in this book :( I was longing for his return to be so much more than it was—for him to have a little more dialogue or something!!
the last chapter kinda shocked me because I was really hoping for that Qadir/Loulie debrief that was building up throughout the entire book.
I’m looking forward to book 3, I’m sure it’ll be great- I just hope we get more Qadir and Loulie!
Qadir being one of my favourite characters, I was disappointed that the chemistry fell flat with Loulie and him in this book :( I was longing for his return to be so much more than it was—for him to have a little more dialogue or something!!
I’m looking forward to book 3, I’m sure it’ll be great- I just hope we get more Qadir and Loulie!