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sarainfantasyland's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Once a year, I do my Fairyloot TBR Jar Challenge. I do it because my FL looks are probably 70 percent of the unread books on my shelf. But as a reader who vets her books like no one's business, its nerve-racking because I could end up reading a book I won't like. That's most of what happened last year. Thankfully, this was pick one. It was not a "omg I love this so much" book BUT it was a solid fantasy book.
I love finding a good fantasy set in a nonwestern setting and this one does a good job showcasing Middle Eastern culture and myths. The take on Jinn and the Arabian Nights tale was done really well. They were definitely my favorite aspect of the book. The characters were lacking a little unfortunately. They were decent and distinct from each other with their own personalities and goals but I felt incredibly neutral about them all. The most interesting relationship was between Loulie and Qadir. It had the most depth and believability. Mazen plays the rather rare part of an incompetent (possible) male love interest and Aisha really is up in the air when you'll root for her.
This sits in that purgatory space between YA and adult fantasy. The style, pacing, and characters feel incredibly YA but the violence and explicit language lean adult. I tend to like books that sit in that space because I read both but I feel like I would have enjoyed this a lot more if the characters had felt a bit more mature. They had the snap judgements of YA protagonists rather than adults over the age of 20.
This really was the most neutral reading experience I could have had. A good time but will I continue with book 2... Not sure. Likely not.
I love finding a good fantasy set in a nonwestern setting and this one does a good job showcasing Middle Eastern culture and myths. The take on Jinn and the Arabian Nights tale was done really well. They were definitely my favorite aspect of the book. The characters were lacking a little unfortunately. They were decent and distinct from each other with their own personalities and goals but I felt incredibly neutral about them all. The most interesting relationship was between Loulie and Qadir. It had the most depth and believability. Mazen plays the rather rare part of an incompetent (possible) male love interest and Aisha really is up in the air when you'll root for her.
This sits in that purgatory space between YA and adult fantasy. The style, pacing, and characters feel incredibly YA but the violence and explicit language lean adult. I tend to like books that sit in that space because I read both but I feel like I would have enjoyed this a lot more if the characters had felt a bit more mature. They had the snap judgements of YA protagonists rather than adults over the age of 20.
This really was the most neutral reading experience I could have had. A good time but will I continue with book 2... Not sure. Likely not.
bookishrona's review against another edition
4.0
Wow what a spectacular book! Such beautiful writing! This book has a wonderful adventure filled with secrets and betrayal. The magic is so cool, with Jins and Relics. The plot was well written and the twists were sublime. I really like all the characters they were well rounded characters.
This book is a no spice book. It has been a while since I read a book with no spice so it was a nice change. It definitely gives Young Adult vibes even though the characters are supposed to be in early twenties, some of the points of view on certain things seem a bit of a young thought process.
I did find aspects of the book a but slow and then it contrasted with how fast paced the fight scenes were sometimes I had to re read these scenes as I felt I missed aspects.
My favourite character is definitely Mazen what a heart if gold!! And I hope that his joy for the world around him doesn't get jaded.
I am looking forward to the next book and I need to know if they all survive! I would recommend this book to others!
This book is a no spice book. It has been a while since I read a book with no spice so it was a nice change. It definitely gives Young Adult vibes even though the characters are supposed to be in early twenties, some of the points of view on certain things seem a bit of a young thought process.
I did find aspects of the book a but slow and then it contrasted with how fast paced the fight scenes were sometimes I had to re read these scenes as I felt I missed aspects.
My favourite character is definitely Mazen what a heart if gold!! And I hope that his joy for the world around him doesn't get jaded.
I am looking forward to the next book and I need to know if they all survive! I would recommend this book to others!
jrhoffer1913's review against another edition
5.0
Wow what a wild ride! The world was fascinating, and the characters were vibrant, relatable, and very well done. At times I found the story confusing but it was fast paced and pulled me along anyways. The end did help clear up most pieces but I’ll have to reread to catch other pieces. Overall it was a great book and I can’t wait for the second
headcanonheadcase's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book! It took me a few chapters to really get into it, but once I did, I loved every page. It is so much more than a simple retelling; it is a reimagining. And it kept me on the edge of my seat at the end.
benheld's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
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? No
4.5
vilima's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Parece que eu tava lendo um quadro do Salvador dali
Chato ainda por cima
Chato ainda por cima
joy456's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
walking_library's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
themonii22's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
I loved the setting of this story and I could picture everything very well. I loved all of the intricacies and depth of the plot but it never become too complicated that I couldn’t keep track of what was happening. I loved how Chelsea Abdullah was able to instill such a feeling of unease when it came to the ghouls and their silence.
My big issue with the book is that there is no break in the entire middle part. It’s conflict after conflict after conflict, whether that be physical or emotional. The characters themselves do get breaks but they are often entirely skipped over on page as the text will say something along the lines of “they had made good progress the past few days.” To the reader (or me atleast) it became emotionally draining as there would be no release of tension but instead it would just build and build. I would have liked to see how they interact after a long day of traveling or had a small town added in where they get treated to a good meal and stay up late drinking and dancing or something like that.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and the climax was rewarding enough for a good segway into a sequel which I will definitely be reading when it comes out.
My big issue with the book is that there is no break in the entire middle part. It’s conflict after conflict after conflict, whether that be physical or emotional. The characters themselves do get breaks but they are often entirely skipped over on page as the text will say something along the lines of “they had made good progress the past few days.” To the reader (or me atleast) it became emotionally draining as there would be no release of tension but instead it would just build and build. I would have liked to see how they interact after a long day of traveling or had a small town added in where they get treated to a good meal and stay up late drinking and dancing or something like that.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and the climax was rewarding enough for a good segway into a sequel which I will definitely be reading when it comes out.