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4.15 AVERAGE
4.15 AVERAGE
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I was completely enamoured with The Stardust Thief after I read it so l was so excited to finally read The Ashfire King. Thankfully Chelsea Abdullah provided a brief refresher at the beginning before diving right back into the story (I love that more authors are doing this).
The pacing was well balanced, there were quite a few slow paced sections but then some fantastic fast paced action elements were included that woke everything up. The journey across the Sandsea was spectacular and I loved how Abdullah was able to masterfully detail everything to draw the reader into each scene. Each action scene was packed with so much and the lead up to each was tense and climactic.
Everything, from the writing to world building to character development was just as captivating as the first book. We get to see more from each character, how their arcs develop for themselves and with each other. I wish there had been more of Qadir because he was thoroughly missed for the majority of the tale. Loulie and Mazen were amazing together and Aisha gave us so much more of herself throughout this adventure. She had some of the best dimension and depth drawn into her arc.
I'm sad I don't already have the next in the series ready to read.
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
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:
Complicated
mysterious
tense
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
Unfortunately, this book really missed the mark for me.
I absolutely loved The Stardust Thief, I loved the characters, I had TAK preordered as soon as I could, and I spoke nothing but highly of this author/series.
This book put me into a huge reading slump. Frankly, I was bored and confused. This felt like a completely different series that had no connection to the first book. Like a spin-off with the same characters.
The thing with the bindings made no sense to me. There were way too many characters that were not needed. The entire middle section with Nabila was so annoying- she is such a pain in the a** character I had no interest in learning about her.
I liked the inclusion of the marids, but Duha and Ziyad were just flat!
Not sure I’ll continue this series when the third book comes out in a decade or whenever. 🙃
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
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
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
I loved The Stardust Thief and I couldn't wait to get back into this world again. I don't understand people who thought this book had middle book syndrome, because I truly forgot this was a trilogy and was surprised when it wasn't wrapped up at the end. There was such great growth from the characters, and while there is so much action, I do think this book is more about the characters themselves than the story. Abdullah does a great job of writing different voices for her characters, and the stories throughout are a delight. Loved this and cannot wait for the final installment!
Thank you to Netgalley and Orbit for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to Netgalley and Orbit for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
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:
N/A
I’m gonna have to strongly disagree with my mum on this book— I actually think the sequel is a strong mix of just as good as the first book, and an even better sequel!
The delayed release date for The Ashfire King was 100% worth it, because this book was incredible & dense but in the BEST way!
The delayed release date for The Ashfire King was 100% worth it, because this book was incredible & dense but in the BEST way!
adventurous
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
Okay, at first i felt like this book was very “filler arc” vibes, but as i continued I really, really grew to love it. our main characters are on a few different journeys which, at first, don’t seem super connected. But as the story progresses they really end up tying together quite nicely. Also, this being heavily inspired by Sheherazade and the 1001 Nights, I really love all the storytelling in this book. I think the book captures that essence really well. love the character growth, love the magic, love the arabic mythology! I’m so happy that I recognise these different creatures/djinn because of other Arabic/Middle Eastern inspired books!
can’t wait for the finale!
can’t wait for the finale!