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isabyrne's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
Read this book if you are looking for:
- new-adult fantasy
- slow burn enemies-to-lovers
- deadly competition/challenges
- training montages
- food and lore inspired by Egypt
- questions about identity and belonging
Plot: The concept of this novel is excellent, and has all the pieces for an incredible new-adult fantasy book. This book is someone's next new favourite, but just didn't hit home for me in the execution. Despite not adoring this book, I am excited to see more from this author as she grows on the fantasy scene.
Characters: My favourite characters were actually side characters in this novel. I loved anything having to do with Sefa, Fairel and Vaida. Unfortunately really I didn’t feel drawn to either the main character or her love interest at all. (I found the love interest insufferable, and not in a good way.) I also wish that we had had stronger descriptions of the champions and more banter between them.
Pacing: The first 40% of the book went very quickly, I couldn’t put it down! But I do think that after that, this book’s biggest downfall is its pacing. Sections that I wanted to be shorter felt like they went on too long (like Sylvia’s training), and others felt like they went by too quickly (like the competition and the ending).
Ending and setup for sequel: The ending left much to be explored in the second book! While I will likely not continue on, I have no doubt that anyone who deeply enjoyed this book will be mixed with satisfaction and anticipation waiting for what comes next. And I am excited to see more from this author as she grows on the fantasy scene.
Setting: My other main critique is, as an Egyptian, I would have wanted to see more that was inspired by Egypt. While there is a sprinkle of worldbuilding here and there like foods, creatures, and holidays, I was looking for something more atmospheric, and it felt like this book could have been set anywhere. Since Egypt is being called out as a setting inspiration in the tagline, I was looking for this book to feel much more anchored in that setting, and that let me down.
NOTE that if you are someone who gets easily claustrophobic, then know that the training sections that happen in underground tunnels occupy a large portion of the book, and at times made me uncomfortable to read.
A huge thank you to Orbit and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement
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