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intentionaltorts's review against another edition
1.0
Before I get started, I want to clarify that I DO NOT recommend this book. I wish I could put zero. I’m saddened that young people may come across this book and learn to overlook/glorify the abuse it portrays.
SPOILERS:
I’ll admit, when I read through this book the first time I thought it was pretty good. Not the most outstanding book by any means, but some scenes did pull at my heartstrings. First-off, I was enamored by Ahdieh’s descriptions, and I truly felt transported into those vibrant atmospheres. But these beautiful descriptions decorate cover up a plot that is riddled with problems.
The plot falls into typical tropes of romance novels: insta-love, one-note and underdeveloped characters, and melodrama. I also feel like too much emphasis was put on Shahzrad’s looks and the descriptions of her outfits, and the over dramatic reactions of anyone who crossed her path. But such is par for the course. (BTW, also tired of the “glamorizing emaciated bodies as a result of starvation/poverty” trope in YA.)
I will say that I initially would have rated 3 or 4 stars simply because I enjoyed the story more than other romances of a similar nature. I was drawn in by the story that Shahzrad told and I’ll admit I thought the “breathing” quote was cute, albeit a little cheesy. I also am a sucker for descriptions of vibrant landscapes and gardens. I was also swayed by finally seeing some BIPOC representation in romance!!
HOWEVER— and this is a BIG however!!!!!!
TW: Sexual Assault
Then, I went online and read reviews. Through this I found that there are two possible rape scenes in the beginning, and I completely missed them. I was confused by the authors description of events, and she preferred to subtly hint at sex instead of saying outright, until the last sex scene. I find not only the content of these scenes to be horrific once analyzed, but the fact that the author tried to gloss over makes her complicit. Does a “cool wash of dispassion” indicate a lack of consent?
For example, the only physical contact described in the first sex scene, the marital consummation scene, was their palms touching. Then she said there was pain but I read it as physical pain. The second sex scene I thought they stopped before sex, with Shahzrad saying that she needed to ask him before it “progressed much further.” I took that to mean before they engaged in sex AND to mean they never had sex before.
The problems with these scenes have been outlined by other reviewers, but why even make a questionable scene? I think it’s really important for authors to outline clear consent in their novels. If there is no consent given/any ambiguity, there should at least be criticism and showcasing how this is wrong, especially as this is a YA novel.
SPOILERS:
I’ll admit, when I read through this book the first time I thought it was pretty good. Not the most outstanding book by any means, but some scenes did pull at my heartstrings. First-off, I was enamored by Ahdieh’s descriptions, and I truly felt transported into those vibrant atmospheres. But these beautiful descriptions decorate cover up a plot that is riddled with problems.
The plot falls into typical tropes of romance novels: insta-love, one-note and underdeveloped characters, and melodrama. I also feel like too much emphasis was put on Shahzrad’s looks and the descriptions of her outfits, and the over dramatic reactions of anyone who crossed her path. But such is par for the course. (BTW, also tired of the “glamorizing emaciated bodies as a result of starvation/poverty” trope in YA.)
I will say that I initially would have rated 3 or 4 stars simply because I enjoyed the story more than other romances of a similar nature. I was drawn in by the story that Shahzrad told and I’ll admit I thought the “breathing” quote was cute, albeit a little cheesy. I also am a sucker for descriptions of vibrant landscapes and gardens. I was also swayed by finally seeing some BIPOC representation in romance!!
HOWEVER— and this is a BIG however!!!!!!
TW: Sexual Assault
Then, I went online and read reviews. Through this I found that there are two possible rape scenes in the beginning, and I completely missed them. I was confused by the authors description of events, and she preferred to subtly hint at sex instead of saying outright, until the last sex scene. I find not only the content of these scenes to be horrific once analyzed, but the fact that the author tried to gloss over makes her complicit. Does a “cool wash of dispassion” indicate a lack of consent?
For example, the only physical contact described in the first sex scene, the marital consummation scene, was their palms touching. Then she said there was pain but I read it as physical pain. The second sex scene I thought they stopped before sex, with Shahzrad saying that she needed to ask him before it “progressed much further.” I took that to mean before they engaged in sex AND to mean they never had sex before.
The problems with these scenes have been outlined by other reviewers, but why even make a questionable scene? I think it’s really important for authors to outline clear consent in their novels. If there is no consent given/any ambiguity, there should at least be criticism and showcasing how this is wrong, especially as this is a YA novel.
johannahahn's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
tuleenalk's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
emeszee's review against another edition
5.0
I had absolutely NO idea what I was getting into when I read this. I was pleasantly surprised. The main, Shahrzad, was the first female character I read this year who had her OWN opinion since Natasha from The Sun is also a Star. *whispers* Gotta get more good female characters. There were some unexpected surprises that were eye-catching. Overall, it's a spicy (no, really it is, there's some scenes-) book. I deducted half of a point because there were some annoying background characters.
[4.5/5]
(Update: After rereading, I can say that I still have the same opinion as I did last year. Though I'm upping the star rating to 5 because rounding exists.)
[4.5/5]
(Update: After rereading, I can say that I still have the same opinion as I did last year. Though I'm upping the star rating to 5 because rounding exists.)
stephhtp's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
narwhal23's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Murder, Violence, and Sexual content
libraryofdreaming's review against another edition
5.0
I just finished reading this book and ugh, I might be a little bit in love. Sure, I had trouble keeping track of all the characters (mainly because my brain is the size of a pea and I could not remember their names) and the romance felt rushed. This is not a perfect book. But boy, it was a fun one! It took me a bit to get past the slow start but once I gave into the crack I was hooked. Because, yes, this book is crack. It got its beady little hands on my heart and squeezed the life out of it with all my favorite tropes and romantic twists. And I ate it up, dear readers.
There were just so many elements I can't get enough of: a rich and beautiful historical setting, a fierce heroine, ARRANGED MARRIAGE TROPE, angsty main characters hating each other and obviously falling in love, a hero who would do anything for his lady love, plus romantic letters to rival that of Jane Austen herself! I'M NOT MADE OF STONE, OK. (Also I really wish I had written this book. *sigh*)
I was unconvinced the first third of the book but then the romance happened and I was ruined. RUINED. There was one scene that had me both sniffing back tears and cackling with glee. I can't say more because SPOILERS but apparently I have an OTP type and it involves daggers and tearful pleas to kill people. Something is probably very wrong with me. Whatevs. I have climbed aboard this crazy train with no regrets.
If you care to board said train with me don't come looking for an authentic retelling of A Thousand and One Nights. It takes its setting and main characters from the original but almost nothing else. Abandon your judgement and bask in the glow of your inner raging romantic. Come to the dark side. Not only do we have cookies but we also have drool-worthy food descriptions, surprisingly respectful murderers, a falcon, melting tiger eyes, OTP angst, and a delicate side of magic...
In the meantime I will be here, salivating for a sequel that cannot come soon enough!
There were just so many elements I can't get enough of: a rich and beautiful historical setting, a fierce heroine, ARRANGED MARRIAGE TROPE, angsty main characters hating each other and obviously falling in love, a hero who would do anything for his lady love, plus romantic letters to rival that of Jane Austen herself! I'M NOT MADE OF STONE, OK. (Also I really wish I had written this book. *sigh*)
I was unconvinced the first third of the book but then the romance happened and I was ruined. RUINED. There was one scene that had me both sniffing back tears and cackling with glee. I can't say more because SPOILERS but apparently I have an OTP type and it involves daggers and tearful pleas to kill people. Something is probably very wrong with me. Whatevs. I have climbed aboard this crazy train with no regrets.
If you care to board said train with me don't come looking for an authentic retelling of A Thousand and One Nights. It takes its setting and main characters from the original but almost nothing else. Abandon your judgement and bask in the glow of your inner raging romantic. Come to the dark side. Not only do we have cookies but we also have drool-worthy food descriptions, surprisingly respectful murderers, a falcon, melting tiger eyes, OTP angst, and a delicate side of magic...
In the meantime I will be here, salivating for a sequel that cannot come soon enough!
zeeydee's review against another edition
5.0
There is "I like you" and there is “Love is—a shade of what I feel. My soul sees it's equal in you."
“And how will you know when you’ve found this elusive someone?”
“I suspect she will be like air. Like knowing how to breathe.”
“And how will you know when you’ve found this elusive someone?”
“I suspect she will be like air. Like knowing how to breathe.”
nykkireads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
rolatarek's review against another edition
5.0
I’m shocked as to why I gave this such a low rating all those years ago, am I just easier to please now or does this book hit me much deeper since I got older?
Anyway, before I say anything else, it is an AMAZING feeling to read a book and completely understand the meaning of the little words sprinkled in foreign languages throughout and since Arabic is unbelievably beautiful and complex it just made this experience so much sweeter. I THINK ITS OBVIOUS TO SAY THAT I LOVED THIS BOOK it is my favorite retelling by far! Maybe because it feels closer to my culture or just maybe because it was beautifully executed. Khalid and Shazi have my whole heart and I can’t wait to see how everything unfolds!
Anyway, before I say anything else, it is an AMAZING feeling to read a book and completely understand the meaning of the little words sprinkled in foreign languages throughout and since Arabic is unbelievably beautiful and complex it just made this experience so much sweeter. I THINK ITS OBVIOUS TO SAY THAT I LOVED THIS BOOK it is my favorite retelling by far! Maybe because it feels closer to my culture or just maybe because it was beautifully executed. Khalid and Shazi have my whole heart and I can’t wait to see how everything unfolds!