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angaramiel's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Xenophobia, Terminal illness, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Pedophilia
atamano's review
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Bullying, Death of parent, Grief, Child abuse, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Xenophobia, Addiction, and Racism
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Sexual content
plantybooklover's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I read this novel as part of my April reading for Arab Heritage month. I had started book one of the Ember in the Ashes series by the same author, and it just wasn't grabbing me. Luckily at the end of the month, this library hold came up for me!
The story follows Noor and Salahudin- two teens in their last year in high school. Noor was rescued from an earthquake in Pakistan and brought to America by her Uncle, and Sal- seemingly born in the America was being raised by Paskistani parents. The sudden death of a family member special to both Noor and Salahudin sets into play a series of events and actions that the teens desperately try to control and master - with little success. Luckily there remain a few kind/competent adults who step in once damage becomes un-hidable and irreparable. These adults help both teens to move on through these situations to somewhat better ones leaving one with a small sliver of hope towards the end.
I enjoyed this book- it was well written, and had some twists to the plot/story that I would not have imagined. The author is skilled at creating side characters that are engaging, and thought provoking- but don't threaten to steal the focus. It would be a great book for a book club or a buddy read.
If one has triggers- be forewarned- this list ma not be exhaustive but in this book:
triggers: domestic violence, bullying, SA, alcohol/drug use/abuse, death of parent, prison.
Graphic: Physical abuse, Racism, Addiction, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Medical content, Panic attacks/disorders, Domestic abuse, Islamophobia, Bullying, Child abuse, Chronic illness, and Death of parent
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Sexual content
maple_dove's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I adore the way racism and xenophobia was explored in this book. I adored the romance. I loved the realistic path of forgiveness was portrayed. THIS BOOK MADE ME FEEL SO MANY EMOTIONS BUT I DIDN'T CRY?!!
Some content warnings are listed in the book.
Graphic: Addiction, Violence, Islamophobia, Alcoholism, Bullying, Xenophobia, Death, Physical abuse, Racism, and Alcohol
Moderate: Drug abuse
Minor: Sexual content and Sexual assault
Tense exchange with law enforcement (graphic)