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johannahahn's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
tuleenalk's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
emeszee's review against another edition
5.0
I had absolutely NO idea what I was getting into when I read this. I was pleasantly surprised. The main, Shahrzad, was the first female character I read this year who had her OWN opinion since Natasha from The Sun is also a Star. *whispers* Gotta get more good female characters. There were some unexpected surprises that were eye-catching. Overall, it's a spicy (no, really it is, there's some scenes-) book. I deducted half of a point because there were some annoying background characters.
[4.5/5]
(Update: After rereading, I can say that I still have the same opinion as I did last year. Though I'm upping the star rating to 5 because rounding exists.)
[4.5/5]
(Update: After rereading, I can say that I still have the same opinion as I did last year. Though I'm upping the star rating to 5 because rounding exists.)
stephhtp's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
narwhal23's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Murder, Violence, and Sexual content
libraryofdreaming's review against another edition
5.0
I just finished reading this book and ugh, I might be a little bit in love. Sure, I had trouble keeping track of all the characters (mainly because my brain is the size of a pea and I could not remember their names) and the romance felt rushed. This is not a perfect book. But boy, it was a fun one! It took me a bit to get past the slow start but once I gave into the crack I was hooked. Because, yes, this book is crack. It got its beady little hands on my heart and squeezed the life out of it with all my favorite tropes and romantic twists. And I ate it up, dear readers.
There were just so many elements I can't get enough of: a rich and beautiful historical setting, a fierce heroine, ARRANGED MARRIAGE TROPE, angsty main characters hating each other and obviously falling in love, a hero who would do anything for his lady love, plus romantic letters to rival that of Jane Austen herself! I'M NOT MADE OF STONE, OK. (Also I really wish I had written this book. *sigh*)
I was unconvinced the first third of the book but then the romance happened and I was ruined. RUINED. There was one scene that had me both sniffing back tears and cackling with glee. I can't say more because SPOILERS but apparently I have an OTP type and it involves daggers and tearful pleas to kill people. Something is probably very wrong with me. Whatevs. I have climbed aboard this crazy train with no regrets.
If you care to board said train with me don't come looking for an authentic retelling of A Thousand and One Nights. It takes its setting and main characters from the original but almost nothing else. Abandon your judgement and bask in the glow of your inner raging romantic. Come to the dark side. Not only do we have cookies but we also have drool-worthy food descriptions, surprisingly respectful murderers, a falcon, melting tiger eyes, OTP angst, and a delicate side of magic...
In the meantime I will be here, salivating for a sequel that cannot come soon enough!
There were just so many elements I can't get enough of: a rich and beautiful historical setting, a fierce heroine, ARRANGED MARRIAGE TROPE, angsty main characters hating each other and obviously falling in love, a hero who would do anything for his lady love, plus romantic letters to rival that of Jane Austen herself! I'M NOT MADE OF STONE, OK. (Also I really wish I had written this book. *sigh*)
I was unconvinced the first third of the book but then the romance happened and I was ruined. RUINED. There was one scene that had me both sniffing back tears and cackling with glee. I can't say more because SPOILERS but apparently I have an OTP type and it involves daggers and tearful pleas to kill people. Something is probably very wrong with me. Whatevs. I have climbed aboard this crazy train with no regrets.
If you care to board said train with me don't come looking for an authentic retelling of A Thousand and One Nights. It takes its setting and main characters from the original but almost nothing else. Abandon your judgement and bask in the glow of your inner raging romantic. Come to the dark side. Not only do we have cookies but we also have drool-worthy food descriptions, surprisingly respectful murderers, a falcon, melting tiger eyes, OTP angst, and a delicate side of magic...
In the meantime I will be here, salivating for a sequel that cannot come soon enough!
zeeydee's review against another edition
5.0
There is "I like you" and there is “Love is—a shade of what I feel. My soul sees it's equal in you."
“And how will you know when you’ve found this elusive someone?”
“I suspect she will be like air. Like knowing how to breathe.”
“And how will you know when you’ve found this elusive someone?”
“I suspect she will be like air. Like knowing how to breathe.”
nykkireads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
rolatarek's review against another edition
5.0
I’m shocked as to why I gave this such a low rating all those years ago, am I just easier to please now or does this book hit me much deeper since I got older?
Anyway, before I say anything else, it is an AMAZING feeling to read a book and completely understand the meaning of the little words sprinkled in foreign languages throughout and since Arabic is unbelievably beautiful and complex it just made this experience so much sweeter. I THINK ITS OBVIOUS TO SAY THAT I LOVED THIS BOOK it is my favorite retelling by far! Maybe because it feels closer to my culture or just maybe because it was beautifully executed. Khalid and Shazi have my whole heart and I can’t wait to see how everything unfolds!
Anyway, before I say anything else, it is an AMAZING feeling to read a book and completely understand the meaning of the little words sprinkled in foreign languages throughout and since Arabic is unbelievably beautiful and complex it just made this experience so much sweeter. I THINK ITS OBVIOUS TO SAY THAT I LOVED THIS BOOK it is my favorite retelling by far! Maybe because it feels closer to my culture or just maybe because it was beautifully executed. Khalid and Shazi have my whole heart and I can’t wait to see how everything unfolds!