Reviews tagging 'Racism'

We Free the Stars by Hafsah Faizal

2 reviews

nyah_ellexa's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional fast-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

3.5

I liked this sequel a lot more than the first book. I think that the author finally got an impeccable grasp on her characters and what she wanted to do with them, so it flowed better. 

My main reasoning for my score is the fact that the author doesn’t write climaxes or just general tension well. A lot of the scenes that were intended to leave me shocked to the core or on the verge of tears made me feel nothing. These scenes were missing that level of severity, making it lose the emotions it wanted to garner. Some scenes that I will specifically point out are: 

 

1. The scene with Nasir finally freeing his father had no turnout. Although it was meant to be a misdirect, there was no conclusion to this subplot and so it wasn’t believable. Nasir didn’t even acknowledge his father after that, the father just left and went to his bedroom.

2. Aya’s betrayal was lackluster at best and I felt no weight from it. Aya as a character wasn’t built up enough for me to care what she does. 

3. Aya and Gameq’s deaths were too close together to get the full intensity of each. They should’ve been spaced out more so I could truly take in both.

4. The Lion’s backstory was too short for me to feel any remorse. I love complex villains, and that’s what the author was trying to go for, but it falls short when your villain’s complexity is only explained in like 5 pages when all throughout the book he was your typical flat villain. 

5. The reveal that Zafira was alive was so underwhelming. From the way the book describes it, if someone just checked her pulse, they would’ve known she’s still alive. I wish it was more epic, something that justifies everyone thinking she’s dead and have Nasir downgrading back to the Prince of Death. The lack of stakes nullifies what could’ve been an interesting revival plot. 



It truly had a lot of good moments though. I think Nasir and Zafira’s relationship much better developed in this book, and it truly made me want to see them have a happy ending. 

All the main characters are very lovable as well, especially Altair and Kifah. 

Speaking of Altair and Kifah, I actually really liked their dynamic. I’m glad that the author didn’t try to push a romantic relationship between the two as it would’ve been unnecessary. I’m not sure if this is entirely canon, but the author made it sound as though Kifah is supposed to be asexual, which I think would be absolutely amazing if that’s true. The LGBTQIA+ community still needs a lot more representation, and it’s cool to see more “niche” sexualities and genders be featured instead of just homosexual or bisexual or transgender (don’t get me wrong, I’ll take any representation I can get, and any representation done respectfully for any member of the LGBTQIA+ community is well appreciated. I just think it’s always admirable of someone to look into the myriad of other sexualities or genders that have never been given a spotlight). 

I enjoyed this short series a fair amount, and would still recommend for anyone who’s interested in an enemies to lovers fantasy imbued in Arabian culture. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

nefariousbee's review

Go to review page

adventurous slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25


Expand filter menu Content Warnings
More...