Scan barcode
imaginationindex's review against another edition
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
4.5
“In a land on the brink of war, Shahrzad has been torn from the love of her husband Khalid, the Caliph of Khorasan. She once believed him a monster, but his secrets revealed a man tormented by guilt and a powerful curse—one that might keep them apart forever.
Reunited with her family, who have taken refuge with enemies of Khalid, and Tariq, her childhood sweetheart, she should be happy. But Tariq now commands forces set on destroying Khalid’s empire. Shahrzad is almost a prisoner caught between loyalties to people she loves. But she refuses to be a pawn and devises a plan.
While her father, Jahandar, continues to play with magical forces he doesn’t yet understand, Shahrzad tries to uncover powers that may lie dormant within her. With the help of a tattered old carpet and a tempestuous but sage young man, Shahrzad will attempt to break the curse and reunite with her one true love.”
I loved this conclusion; it was both expected and not what I was expecting at the same time.
What I enjoyed:
- Irsa. I am starting with her as my new favourite character (Shahrzad is still alright, less decisive this round) as the presence and growth was so important. I’m glad we had her POV added.
- Even though Shahrzad and Khalid were apart more in this book, the romance was clear. We get passion, we get action, though it remains that Shazi is not just the damsel in distress while Khalid is not always the knight in shining armour. They get their eventual happy ending.
- Renee Ahdieh knows how to write a scene. I swear at times I could feel the fabrics or taste the herbs that were described. It’s world-building at its finest!
Adding this final point. To be clear this is not something I loved, but rather how it was addressed.
- TW: Attempted rape. A scene addressed the horrendous acts a side character could have taken were acknowledged in this book. It also further showed the fight Shazi had in her!
What I didn’t enjoy
- While the first book focused so much on the curse, it was brushed under the carpet (ha, flying carpet humour) in a brief plot point.
- Despina. Not her character and the reveal (I actually liked that since I truly didn’t see it coming) but I felt like her role as a spy was not utilized to its full potential. Also her and Jalal, was hoping for more scenes between them.
- The magic system didn’t always make sense to me. Maybe I misunderstood but
Shahrzad’s father has to kill a horse but Shahrzad can just absorb it… like a sponge??
This is one of the first duologies where I’ve given both books the same rating. I don’t think this is a bad things, but further shows how equal in romance, action, heartbreak, tension, humour, and passion they are.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Bullying, Death, Kidnapping, and Animal death
More...