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onthesamepage's review
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I had mixed feelings about this one. On the one hand, I appreciated this take on the story of Shaherazade, with frequent references to Islam, and the historical context of Saladin. The first half had me hooked and interested to see what would come next. Unfortunately, even though they travel and join Saladin in his fight against Richard the Lionheart, I found myself getting bored with Shaherazade's stories, and increasingly frustrated with the choices she was making, even though I could understand why this is the route the author took to tell this story. There was a lot of emphasis on how much power her stories hold, to the point that she was able to influence mighty kings, but I thought that part was kind of farfetched. I did like some of the tales, but others had a lot of blasphemy as well in a way that made me feel uncomfortable. This is very much a personal thing, however, and I think most people will enjoy this book.
I had mixed feelings about this one. On the one hand, I appreciated this take on the story of Shaherazade, with frequent references to Islam, and the historical context of Saladin. The first half had me hooked and interested to see what would come next. Unfortunately, even though they travel and join Saladin in his fight against Richard the Lionheart, I found myself getting bored with Shaherazade's stories, and increasingly frustrated with the choices she was making, even though I could understand why this is the route the author took to tell this story. There was a lot of emphasis on how much power her stories hold, to the point that she was able to influence mighty kings, but I thought that part was kind of farfetched. I did like some of the tales, but others had a lot of blasphemy as well in a way that made me feel uncomfortable. This is very much a personal thing, however, and I think most people will enjoy this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Murder, and War
naomi_k's review
dark
emotional
informative
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Death, Violence, Misogyny, Murder, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Sexual content, Suicide, Slavery, Infidelity, Colonisation, and Xenophobia
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual assault, and Death of parent
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