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maple_dove's review against another edition
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? Yes
4.75
I read this book SO QUICKLY. I started reading this book because I'm in the DAY (Dear Asian Youth) Book Club but then I ended up reading this book at a pace I used to read at.
For one thing, the double-life aspect. I'm a sucker for double lives. I absolutely adored the worldbuilding too.
I'm astonished on how the KulsumxNasir part was handled. Although it was like the cheating trope in a way, in this context, it just made sense. After all, can you really blame Kulsum for not falling in love with a person like Nasir? The reveal didn't feel forced in any way and felt natural.
I did have some qualms. For example, I didn't like that the reveal of the Hunter's identity was revealed so quickly in one chapter.Also, the fact that each time the unveiling of the Demenhune Hunter's real gender was spontaneous each time? At the same time, I do like that Zafira wasn't afraid of revealing that she was a woman who took on traditionally masculine tasks.
Reviewers have probably complained about how they couldn't take Zafira or Nasir seriously as the Hunter or Prince of Death. However (if this is the case) I think they're missing the point. I believe that was the author's intention. Zafira and Nasir may have these intimidating roles and personas, but what this book shows is that those personas do not tell the full story of who they actually are.
Favorite Quotes:
For one thing, the double-life aspect. I'm a sucker for double lives. I absolutely adored the worldbuilding too.
I did have some qualms. For example, I didn't like that the reveal of the Hunter's identity was revealed so quickly in one chapter.
Reviewers have probably complained about how they couldn't take Zafira or Nasir seriously as the Hunter or Prince of Death. However (if this is the case) I think they're missing the point. I believe that was the author's intention. Zafira and Nasir may have these intimidating roles and personas, but what this book shows is that those personas do not tell the full story of who they actually are.
Favorite Quotes:
Paranoia had a way of visiting when he was least desired.
Darkness had seized his mind, whispers and half-crazed screams echoing in his ears when his fingers passed over the inscriptions in the ancient tongue. It was a darkness wrought with pain, a darkness that could never end.
It was a darkness that despaired in itself.
Maybe the tiny lions were merely ornaments, a display of pride for the victory over a man who defied men, only to be slain by women.
In this moment, we are two souls, marooned.
That was life, wasn't it? A collection of moments, a menagerie of people. Everyone stranded everywhere, always. ⭐️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Violence, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Emotional abuse, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, Murder, and Torture
Moderate: Death of parent and Gore
Minor: Alcohol, Sexual content, Child death, Child abuse, and Suicide
Verbal abuse (graphic)
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