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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
adventurous
medium-paced
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:
No
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
11/24/2024 - Updated full review now that I am home
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free ARC! All opinions in this review are my own.
RATING AND OVERALL THOUGHTS:
3.75 stars. I enjoyed this novel and was excited to continue to story! My biggest hang up is the constant POV changes (I’ll expand on that later) and how the plot did drag quite a bit. Nevertheless I liked it and will continue reading the last book in this trilogy and I’ve already ordered the special edition to match the first.
SOME SPOILERS AHEAD
---
“In the long grass, the serpent is king. If the lion is wise, he will take care where he steps. This is how you become strong: by knowing where you are weak first.”
(I know this was the first line but I felt like it was a fantastic quote that eclipses the novel as a whole.)
WHAT I LOVED:
- Qayn. No need to say more. I will do anything and everything for more of him on page.
- I loved Imani’s character arc in this! She really grew as an individual and flourished! I really can’t wait to see more of her growth in book 3.
- The novel started out extremely strong and the ending made me really excited to learn more.
- The secrets and betrayals that dropped were shocking and I didn’t see some of them coming!
WHAT I DISLIKED:
- I’ll be honest, we got too much of Taha’s POV. I do think a some of it was necessary and did highlight his mental state and what he was going through, but we didn’t need every other chapter being his with the same “he can do nothing but watch as the world burns” kind of vibe.
- For the middle portion of the book that dragged, it was a lot of “I came. I saw. I conquered.” for new stakes every single chapter.
WHAT I AM NOT SURE ABOUT/WANTED MORE OF:
- The trials and games portion of the book felt a little out of place happening at the 70% mark. It would’ve made more sense to condense some of the side plots in the earlier part of the book to have this be more of a focus. I also was a little upset that Imani didn’t get into the trials on her merit alone, Taha saved her and I felt like therefore it caught the attention of their sponsor.
- I am left with some questions at the end with Qayn and how rushed some of the explanations were. It’s like it was all crammed in and there was no time to sit and take it all in.
- I was starting to ship Imani and Qayn until towards the end where it just kind of felt fan servicey and not like a true growth of their relationship. I do hope it doesn’t end up as a love triangle because I don’t think Taha is the one for Imani. You can argue that Qayn isn’t either but they have more in common and respect for each other to build a relationship out of that Imani and Taha just don’t have.
---------------------------------------------
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free ARC! All opinions in this review are my own.
RATING AND OVERALL THOUGHTS:
3.75 stars. I enjoyed this novel and was excited to continue to story! My biggest hang up is the constant POV changes (I’ll expand on that later) and how the plot did drag quite a bit. Nevertheless I liked it and will continue reading the last book in this trilogy and I’ve already ordered the special edition to match the first.
SOME SPOILERS AHEAD
---
“In the long grass, the serpent is king. If the lion is wise, he will take care where he steps. This is how you become strong: by knowing where you are weak first.”
(I know this was the first line but I felt like it was a fantastic quote that eclipses the novel as a whole.)
WHAT I LOVED:
- Qayn. No need to say more. I will do anything and everything for more of him on page.
- I loved Imani’s character arc in this! She really grew as an individual and flourished! I really can’t wait to see more of her growth in book 3.
- The novel started out extremely strong and the ending made me really excited to learn more.
- The secrets and betrayals that dropped were shocking and I didn’t see some of them coming!
WHAT I DISLIKED:
- I’ll be honest, we got too much of Taha’s POV. I do think a some of it was necessary and did highlight his mental state and what he was going through, but we didn’t need every other chapter being his with the same “he can do nothing but watch as the world burns” kind of vibe.
- For the middle portion of the book that dragged, it was a lot of “I came. I saw. I conquered.” for new stakes every single chapter.
WHAT I AM NOT SURE ABOUT/WANTED MORE OF:
- The trials and games portion of the book felt a little out of place happening at the 70% mark. It would’ve made more sense to condense some of the side plots in the earlier part of the book to have this be more of a focus. I also was a little upset that Imani didn’t get into the trials on her merit alone, Taha saved her and I felt like therefore it caught the attention of their sponsor.
- I am left with some questions at the end with Qayn and how rushed some of the explanations were. It’s like it was all crammed in and there was no time to sit and take it all in.
- I was starting to ship Imani and Qayn until towards the end where it just kind of felt fan servicey and not like a true growth of their relationship. I do hope it doesn’t end up as a love triangle because I don’t think Taha is the one for Imani. You can argue that Qayn isn’t either but they have more in common and respect for each other to build a relationship out of that Imani and Taha just don’t have.
---------------------------------------------
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I have no patience for fantasy anymore. Especially when it's only gonna be kissing
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:
Yes
Huge thank you to Hachette Australia and Netgalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a really great follow up to Spice Road! The story was engaging, the characters grew and changed even more, and we got to see sides to them we hadn’t seen before.
The plot in this one is consistently exciting and awful and genuinely had me on the edge of my seat. I kept having to remind myself to slow down because I kept skipping over sentences in my eagerness to find out what happened next.
Qayn is my absolute favourite and I really loved what this book did with him. Honestly I just love him so much and he gained so much more depth and intrigue in this book.
This book has so many complex characters. The inclusion of characters like Ulric, Skerrick and Bayek really made this story so much more rich and layered.
I honestly think this series could be 5 stars for me without the love triangle? I just hate them so much. But regardless, I am really enjoying this series and I can’t wait for the last book.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
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:
Complicated
Yoooo these cliffhangers man!
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
So, I enjoyed Spice Road, but this was better!
The plot starts strong, lulls a bit, and picks right back up. I will admit I was a little bored very briefly, but the end was well worth it. I recognize there are slow bits to world building, it is what it is. We need background information and she gave it to us. This was a fun read, and this love triangle better go how I want it to 😂
The characters are definitely multifaceted, and we get glimpses into everyone’s past to learn why they are the way they are. Since this is book two in a series, we already know basics, and we get a more in depth look at things. I *love* how the author has pointed out rewriting history is a dangerous thing and that not everything you’ve been taught it true. I will forever be team Qayn y'all.
The writing in this one was easier to read for me, although the author is very descriptive of lots of things I’m not that knowledgeable in, so again I did have to look some things up. It’s refreshing, though, to have to look up cultural things; I really appreciate the attention to detail.
4.5⭐️ and I get to wait impatiently for the next.
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
So, I enjoyed Spice Road, but this was better!
The plot starts strong, lulls a bit, and picks right back up. I will admit I was a little bored very briefly, but the end was well worth it. I recognize there are slow bits to world building, it is what it is. We need background information and she gave it to us. This was a fun read, and this love triangle better go how I want it to 😂
The characters are definitely multifaceted, and we get glimpses into everyone’s past to learn why they are the way they are. Since this is book two in a series, we already know basics, and we get a more in depth look at things. I *love* how the author has pointed out rewriting history is a dangerous thing and that not everything you’ve been taught it true. I will forever be team Qayn y'all.
The writing in this one was easier to read for me, although the author is very descriptive of lots of things I’m not that knowledgeable in, so again I did have to look some things up. It’s refreshing, though, to have to look up cultural things; I really appreciate the attention to detail.
4.5⭐️ and I get to wait impatiently for the next.
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
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
🦇 Serpent Sea Book Review 🦇
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
❓ #QOTD What were you afraid of growing up?
🦇 Imani is a magic-wielding warrior sworn to protect her land from monsters that roam the desert. Now, an even worse enemy now threatens the Sahir. As the powerful Harrowlanders march south, Imani knows it’s only a matter of time before their invasion of her land begins...and it will be a losing battle for her people. There's one way to fight magic and win: with monsters. If she can restore djinn king Qayn’s stolen powers, they can summon a supernatural army to defend the Sahir from the Harrowlanders. One wrong move could cost them their lives—and everyone they love. But they may find that there is more than meets the eye crossing the Serpent Sea...and betrayal cuts deeper than any dagger.
💜 Maiya Ibrahim has not faltered in breathing life into Imani's magical world. This was one of my most-anticipated books of the year. After reading the ARC for Spice Road last year, I knew Ibrahim would become a long-time auto-buy author. Let's break the enchantment of Serpent Sea down:
✨ Characters: Unlike Spice Road, Serpent Sea is dual POV: first-person for Imani and third-person for Taha. While I appreciate seeing Taha's POV, especially when the two are forced to part, the different perspectives were jarring. Though Imani is our FMC and heroine, the story would have been easier to read in first-person for them both. Regardless, I appreciate the ongoing development of this story's vast cast. Our insight into Taha's POV set him up as the biggest source of character development. Being able to see his motivations after so much betrayal in the first book was invaluable.
✨ Plot and Pacing: This story dragged a little slower than its predecessor. There's SO MUCH going on here--travel across dangerous seas, an invasion, a tournament to the death, a heist. Some moments linger too long while some moments are a confusing rush. The occupation through Taha's POV was almost too painful for me to bear, being Palestinian, but I appreciate Ibrahim illustrating these injustices. Stories draw from our realities, and Serpent Sea pulls no punches about that cruelty.
✨ World-Building: Ibrahim's world expands with every chapter. There are concepts to the world-building I think people need to read, understand, and empathize with. At times, the world almost feels too big--just as it does in our reality. Ibrahim's world-building in this book creates a strong foundation for the next, and I'm eager to see where the next adventure takes us.
✨ Romance: Oh Imani. I've never read a love triangle quite as downplayed yet frustrating as this one. The story never dwells too long on the romances, providing a sense of realism given HOW MUCH is going on. The romantic moments between Imani and her boys are bound to catch your breath, while the will-they-or-won't-they tug allows tension to drive the story. Do I wish there was more romance? Yes. Does the story need it to succeed? Not at all!
✨ Mystery/Suspense: New romantasy readers will be delighted by this story's twists and turns. Unfortunately, Ibrahim lays the groundwork for all of them SO well that I guessed every reveal but one (regarding Bright Blade). The hints were so well-placed that for a moment, I thought the information was already common knowledge. Even anticipating the reveals, the ending is still powerful, creating a foundation for the story's third installment.
✨ Tone/Prose: As with Ibrahim's first book, every page of Serpent Sea is brimming with enchantment and beautiful chaos. The prose is vivid, capable of transporting you to the Sahir with only a paragraph. Only the first few chapters seem to deviate, as if Ibrahim needed a moment to step back into this world.
🦇 Recommended for fans of the Sands of Arawiya duology and The Rebel of the Sands.
✨ The Vibes ✨
⚔ Part of a Trilogy
⚔ Romantic Fantasy
⚔ Love Triangle
⚔ Arabian-Inspired
⚔ Occupation
⚔ Dual POV
⚔ Slow Burn Enemies to Lovers
⚔ Monsters
🦇 Major thanks to the author Maiya Ibrahim @maiya_ibrahim and publisher Random House Children's @randomhousekids | Delacorte Press @delacortepress for providing an ARC of this book via Netgalley. 🥰 This does not affect my opinion regarding the book. #SerpentSea
💬 Quotes
❝ "Imani. It’s easier to dismiss those who hurt us as being senselessly evil than it is to accept that all our actions are trees, and all trees stem from roots, and all roots stem from seeds. No living being in any land propagates unaided.” ❞
❝ There is nothing inherently evil about darkness. Even the light can burn if it shines too brightly. ❞
❝ “Is that a compliment, an insult, or a threat?” “None,” he drawls. “It’s an invitation.” ❞
❝ "I’d like nothing more than to have a companion to whom I could bare my soul. Someone I could trust. For them, I would grant any wish they asked.” ❞
❝ ‘We two belong here, you and me, between the date palms and full moon, the desert and the sea.’ ❞
❝ “I’m beginning to realize just how much I like you.” ❞
❝ "I think we could find happiness together." ❞
❝ “They fear your power, lady!” she shouts at me. “Kill them with it!” ❞
❝ “I think the only reliable way an average person can improve their life is by holding the people in power accountable, or removing them.” ❞
❝ I understand now that history is a collection of stories narrated by the people with the loudest voices, the mightiest quills, and the sharpest swords, inked in the blood of the vanquished. ❞
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
❓ #QOTD What were you afraid of growing up?
🦇 Imani is a magic-wielding warrior sworn to protect her land from monsters that roam the desert. Now, an even worse enemy now threatens the Sahir. As the powerful Harrowlanders march south, Imani knows it’s only a matter of time before their invasion of her land begins...and it will be a losing battle for her people. There's one way to fight magic and win: with monsters. If she can restore djinn king Qayn’s stolen powers, they can summon a supernatural army to defend the Sahir from the Harrowlanders. One wrong move could cost them their lives—and everyone they love. But they may find that there is more than meets the eye crossing the Serpent Sea...and betrayal cuts deeper than any dagger.
💜 Maiya Ibrahim has not faltered in breathing life into Imani's magical world. This was one of my most-anticipated books of the year. After reading the ARC for Spice Road last year, I knew Ibrahim would become a long-time auto-buy author. Let's break the enchantment of Serpent Sea down:
✨ Characters: Unlike Spice Road, Serpent Sea is dual POV: first-person for Imani and third-person for Taha. While I appreciate seeing Taha's POV, especially when the two are forced to part, the different perspectives were jarring. Though Imani is our FMC and heroine, the story would have been easier to read in first-person for them both. Regardless, I appreciate the ongoing development of this story's vast cast. Our insight into Taha's POV set him up as the biggest source of character development. Being able to see his motivations after so much betrayal in the first book was invaluable.
✨ Plot and Pacing: This story dragged a little slower than its predecessor. There's SO MUCH going on here--travel across dangerous seas, an invasion, a tournament to the death, a heist. Some moments linger too long while some moments are a confusing rush. The occupation through Taha's POV was almost too painful for me to bear, being Palestinian, but I appreciate Ibrahim illustrating these injustices. Stories draw from our realities, and Serpent Sea pulls no punches about that cruelty.
✨ World-Building: Ibrahim's world expands with every chapter. There are concepts to the world-building I think people need to read, understand, and empathize with. At times, the world almost feels too big--just as it does in our reality. Ibrahim's world-building in this book creates a strong foundation for the next, and I'm eager to see where the next adventure takes us.
✨ Romance: Oh Imani. I've never read a love triangle quite as downplayed yet frustrating as this one. The story never dwells too long on the romances, providing a sense of realism given HOW MUCH is going on. The romantic moments between Imani and her boys are bound to catch your breath, while the will-they-or-won't-they tug allows tension to drive the story. Do I wish there was more romance? Yes. Does the story need it to succeed? Not at all!
✨ Mystery/Suspense: New romantasy readers will be delighted by this story's twists and turns. Unfortunately, Ibrahim lays the groundwork for all of them SO well that I guessed every reveal but one (regarding Bright Blade). The hints were so well-placed that for a moment, I thought the information was already common knowledge. Even anticipating the reveals, the ending is still powerful, creating a foundation for the story's third installment.
✨ Tone/Prose: As with Ibrahim's first book, every page of Serpent Sea is brimming with enchantment and beautiful chaos. The prose is vivid, capable of transporting you to the Sahir with only a paragraph. Only the first few chapters seem to deviate, as if Ibrahim needed a moment to step back into this world.
🦇 Recommended for fans of the Sands of Arawiya duology and The Rebel of the Sands.
✨ The Vibes ✨
⚔ Part of a Trilogy
⚔ Romantic Fantasy
⚔ Love Triangle
⚔ Arabian-Inspired
⚔ Occupation
⚔ Dual POV
⚔ Slow Burn Enemies to Lovers
⚔ Monsters
🦇 Major thanks to the author Maiya Ibrahim @maiya_ibrahim and publisher Random House Children's @randomhousekids | Delacorte Press @delacortepress for providing an ARC of this book via Netgalley. 🥰 This does not affect my opinion regarding the book. #SerpentSea
💬 Quotes
❝ "Imani. It’s easier to dismiss those who hurt us as being senselessly evil than it is to accept that all our actions are trees, and all trees stem from roots, and all roots stem from seeds. No living being in any land propagates unaided.” ❞
❝ There is nothing inherently evil about darkness. Even the light can burn if it shines too brightly. ❞
❝ “Is that a compliment, an insult, or a threat?” “None,” he drawls. “It’s an invitation.” ❞
❝ "I’d like nothing more than to have a companion to whom I could bare my soul. Someone I could trust. For them, I would grant any wish they asked.” ❞
❝ ‘We two belong here, you and me, between the date palms and full moon, the desert and the sea.’ ❞
❝ “I’m beginning to realize just how much I like you.” ❞
❝ "I think we could find happiness together." ❞
❝ “They fear your power, lady!” she shouts at me. “Kill them with it!” ❞
❝ “I think the only reliable way an average person can improve their life is by holding the people in power accountable, or removing them.” ❞
❝ I understand now that history is a collection of stories narrated by the people with the loudest voices, the mightiest quills, and the sharpest swords, inked in the blood of the vanquished. ❞
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-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