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gurofl's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I liked it in the start, but after a while I lost a bit of interest. There's little development of the plot in the middle.
I liked the character Anoor, the start of the relationship between the two main characters, the quest, and that the society is very diverse (both when it comes to identity and sexuality). And I would be interested to find out what happens next with the empire and the politics if I hadn't been so annoyed with the characters feeling like they're teenagers when they are 20-22.
It feels like this borders between adult and young adult fantasy. What I didn't like: the characters are a bit flat, things become very melodramatic at times, and the characters' mood swings a lot very fast.
The ending was quite interesting, but the juvenile feel of things is putting me off continuing with this series.
I liked the character Anoor, the start of the relationship between the two main characters, the quest, and that the society is very diverse (both when it comes to identity and sexuality). And I would be interested to find out what happens next with the empire and the politics if I hadn't been so annoyed with the characters feeling like they're teenagers when they are 20-22.
It feels like this borders between adult and young adult fantasy. What I didn't like: the characters are a bit flat, things become very melodramatic at times, and the characters' mood swings a lot very fast.
The ending was quite interesting, but the juvenile feel of things is putting me off continuing with this series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture and Colonisation
Moderate: Classism and Drug use
Minor: Ableism, Body horror, Racism, Confinement, Fatphobia, Genocide, Kidnapping, Addiction, and Police brutality
ofbooksandechos's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Bello bello
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Blood, Classism, Colonisation, Drug use, and Slavery
Moderate: Alcohol, Confinement, Police brutality, Racism, Child abuse, and Torture
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, Child death, Suicide attempt, Vomit, and Fatphobia
azrah786's review against another edition
4.5
**I was provided with an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
CW: violence, blood, gore, injury, self harm, torture, confinement, suicidal ideation, death, child death, death of parent, murder, addiction, drug use, slavery, classism, racism, child abuse, ableism, fatphobia/body shaming, grief
--
The Final Strife is an absolutely magnificent first instalment in an all new epic fantasy trilogy all about rebellion and survival.
We’re introduced to an empire governed by a blood based class system where the people are kept just as in check by the deadly Tidewind that ravages the land by night. Those with red blood, Embers are of the ruling class with magic in their blood and the Aktibar, a set of trials which appoints the next set of Wardens to rule the empire is soon approaching.
Sylah, an Ember stolen from her family as a child by a Duster(those of the working class with blue blood) rebel group was raised with the sole purpose to infiltrate these trials and overthrow those in charge, that is until the rebellion was crushed leaving Sylah the only surviving child from the group. However, Sylah’s hope is reignited when an opportunity to see her mission through falls into her hands through Anoor, the daughter of one of the ruling Wardens of the empire.
Now this is a chunky read but El-Arifi’s narration has a compelling rhythm to it that is just as masterful as that of the Griots (storytellers) within her book.
The worldbuilding has roots in Arabian and Ghanian lore and is so vividly immersive and complex, with each turn of the page, each twist of the story feeding us more of the culture, politics, history and secrets of this world.
It is slow going and the time jumps did throw me off at times – also when the point of view switched up within the chapters but this may be more down to the layout of the digital arc - but I just couldn’t put the book and when I had to I couldn’t get these characters out of my mind. There’s an equally frustrating and fascinating quality to each of the main players in this tale and their development and relationships with one another was so well written.
I can’t wait to read more!
Final Rating - 4.5/5 Stars
CW: violence, blood, gore, injury, self harm, torture, confinement, suicidal ideation, death, child death, death of parent, murder, addiction, drug use, slavery, classism, racism, child abuse, ableism, fatphobia/body shaming, grief
--
The Final Strife is an absolutely magnificent first instalment in an all new epic fantasy trilogy all about rebellion and survival.
We’re introduced to an empire governed by a blood based class system where the people are kept just as in check by the deadly Tidewind that ravages the land by night. Those with red blood, Embers are of the ruling class with magic in their blood and the Aktibar, a set of trials which appoints the next set of Wardens to rule the empire is soon approaching.
Sylah, an Ember stolen from her family as a child by a Duster(those of the working class with blue blood) rebel group was raised with the sole purpose to infiltrate these trials and overthrow those in charge, that is until the rebellion was crushed leaving Sylah the only surviving child from the group. However, Sylah’s hope is reignited when an opportunity to see her mission through falls into her hands through Anoor, the daughter of one of the ruling Wardens of the empire.
Now this is a chunky read but El-Arifi’s narration has a compelling rhythm to it that is just as masterful as that of the Griots (storytellers) within her book.
The worldbuilding has roots in Arabian and Ghanian lore and is so vividly immersive and complex, with each turn of the page, each twist of the story feeding us more of the culture, politics, history and secrets of this world.
It is slow going and the time jumps did throw me off at times – also when the point of view switched up within the chapters but this may be more down to the layout of the digital arc - but I just couldn’t put the book and when I had to I couldn’t get these characters out of my mind. There’s an equally frustrating and fascinating quality to each of the main players in this tale and their development and relationships with one another was so well written.
I can’t wait to read more!
Final Rating - 4.5/5 Stars
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Gore, Confinement, Suicide attempt, Child abuse, Child death, Torture, Fatphobia, Self harm, Death, Drug use, Racism, Murder, Death of parent, Addiction, Ableism, Body shaming, Grief, Slavery, and Classism
luckylulureads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Child abuse, Drug abuse, Death, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Torture, Addiction, and Confinement
Moderate: Ableism, Fatphobia, Suicide attempt, Classism, Colonisation, Sexual content, Gore, and Body shaming
littlecabbage's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-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? It's complicated
3.75
The Final Strife grabs you by the collar and pulls you into a new world where people are classified by blood, color, and caste system. With Sylah as your guide, you are introduced to a world as flawed and driven as she is. Raised as a renegade, Sylah's efforts lead her into the closet of Annor, the warden's daughter. As the opener for a trilogy, you can tell through the 600 pages that there is a deep world worth exploring.
Although the story is compelling, the plot moved at times too quickly and too often overemphasized foreshadowing for future plot points and books. There are moments when you ask, 'why are you mentioning that again' only to assume it will come up in a later chapter or book.
Overall, it was a solid read. Add this to your TBR if you're looking for wlw, fantasy, or want to expand your imagination in a way that includes black and brown people. El-Arifi shows how exciting the mythology of Africa and Arabia can be when used to inspire stories that relate to today. I'm excited to see her future work and where Sylah's story goes.
**Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced reader copy of The Final Strife**
Although the story is compelling, the plot moved at times too quickly and too often overemphasized foreshadowing for future plot points and books. There are moments when you ask, 'why are you mentioning that again' only to assume it will come up in a later chapter or book.
Overall, it was a solid read. Add this to your TBR if you're looking for wlw, fantasy, or want to expand your imagination in a way that includes black and brown people. El-Arifi shows how exciting the mythology of Africa and Arabia can be when used to inspire stories that relate to today. I'm excited to see her future work and where Sylah's story goes.
**Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced reader copy of The Final Strife**
Content Warnings
Minor: Fatphobia, Violence, and Drug abuse
qace90's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I received an advance copy from the publisher via Netgalley for review purposes. This in no way influences my review; all words, thoughts, and opinions are my own.
I am absolutely adrift in feelings after finishing this masterpiece and I cannot wait to see what happens next with Hassa, Sylah, and Anoor. Full review closer to release!
Full review:
I am absolutely adrift in feelings after finishing this masterpiece and I cannot wait to see what happens next with Hassa, Sylah, and Anoor.
The Final Strife is a story of survival, family, and fighting to make and be a change for good. Sylah is part of the Stolen, a group of Ember children stolen by Dusters to win the Aktibar and rid the Empire of Embers. Hassa is a Ghosting, and in many ways she is invisible which allows her to know more than anyone else. And Anoor is one of the Dustings left in place of the Stolen, left with the Warden of Strength and hated because her existence presents a show of weakness that Uka’s household could be infiltrated.
There are so many elements at play in this book and I found it so hard to put down or not think about it when I was forced to deal with the real world. I love the complicated motivations of all the characters and the way secrets and hidden truths have shaped the reality they’re all living in. Anoor and Sylah are both trying to figure out where they fit in the world they're living in, while Hassa is a silent watcher to all the things going on. Hassa is also more aware of everyone's secrets than sometimes the people whose secrets she knows even are aware.of their own histories. This just truly does so much and I don’t want to give too much away because getting sucked into this world and feeling for these characters is such an experience. Themes of grief, friendships, family, and the mystery of what’s happening in the Empire.
I adored this book and look forward to more from Saara and the continuation of the Final Strife Trilogy!
Review will be posted to Cannonball Read on June 14, 2022
I am absolutely adrift in feelings after finishing this masterpiece and I cannot wait to see what happens next with Hassa, Sylah, and Anoor. Full review closer to release!
Full review:
I am absolutely adrift in feelings after finishing this masterpiece and I cannot wait to see what happens next with Hassa, Sylah, and Anoor.
The Final Strife is a story of survival, family, and fighting to make and be a change for good. Sylah is part of the Stolen, a group of Ember children stolen by Dusters to win the Aktibar and rid the Empire of Embers. Hassa is a Ghosting, and in many ways she is invisible which allows her to know more than anyone else. And Anoor is one of the Dustings left in place of the Stolen, left with the Warden of Strength and hated because her existence presents a show of weakness that Uka’s household could be infiltrated.
There are so many elements at play in this book and I found it so hard to put down or not think about it when I was forced to deal with the real world. I love the complicated motivations of all the characters and the way secrets and hidden truths have shaped the reality they’re all living in. Anoor and Sylah are both trying to figure out where they fit in the world they're living in, while Hassa is a silent watcher to all the things going on. Hassa is also more aware of everyone's secrets than sometimes the people whose secrets she knows even are aware.of their own histories. This just truly does so much and I don’t want to give too much away because getting sucked into this world and feeling for these characters is such an experience. Themes of grief, friendships, family, and the mystery of what’s happening in the Empire.
I adored this book and look forward to more from Saara and the continuation of the Final Strife Trilogy!
Review will be posted to Cannonball Read on June 14, 2022
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Classism, Drug abuse, Drug use, Slavery, and Violence
Moderate: Gore and Physical abuse
Minor: Fatphobia
- Alcohol consumption - Disfigurement/maiming - Execution - Prejudice - Gambling - Nightmares - Withdrawal - Vomiting - Sexual content
More...