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eva_e's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Islamophobia, and Sexual assault
*to write soon*kuchshabd's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Gun violence, Medical content, Cancer, Death, Genocide, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, War, Blood, and Islamophobia
kierscrivener's review against another edition
emotional
1.5
I do not think this is a bad book but man, did I find it impossible to read. I did finished it but the entire time felt like torture. and I don't know why? It is is a similar feeling to Bear and The Nightingale/Girl In The Tower where I acknowledge that the writing and story are not uninteresting but are so laborious to wade through.
I feel like I have to be authentic to my own experience and rate it one star but I feel conflicted as it is by no means a terrible book. It is simply not a my book, but just like Bear and The Nightingale I cannot acknowledge why I dislike it so much as it has so many parts that I normally love.
It revolves two storylines set 800 years apart, two young girls who crossdress and go on adventures/flee through war torn country when separated from loved ones.
I think the largest thing for me is I could not connect with the characters and it is not because of their experiences. I adore historical fiction and have read plenty of refugee stories and I normally find them hugely compelling however there is a disconnection between character and reader and not in a good way.
TW: violence, sexual violence
It tells a necessary story and I would pick up books by Zeyn Joukhadar in the future. I think it is worth noting that this is a debut and I find that often their first work is not as good. So not my cup of tea, but it could be yours.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Xenophobia, and Islamophobia
Moderate: Sexual assault and Sexual violence
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