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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: Ableism, Addiction, Body shaming, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Drug use, Fatphobia, Gore, Racism, Self harm, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, 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: Addiction, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Drug abuse, Gore, Torture, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Ableism, Body shaming, Fatphobia, Gore, Sexual content, Suicide attempt, Colonisation, and Classism
natsbooknook's review against another edition
fast-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
5.0
The Final Strife is sure to go down this year as one of my very top reads. The world building and character development was in perfect balance - the world and magic system was so interesting - and every moment spent learning more about the history of the Empire and the characters we follow throughout the book was a pleasure.
I loved every second spent reading this book.
I loved every second spent reading this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse and Drug use
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
mimimac's review against another edition
adventurous
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
4.5
Thank you to Harper Voyager UK & Netgalley for the opportunity to review this ARC.
What a great book! I’d heard a lot about this book before reading & I was so excited to start.
Although the competition plot isn’t the most original, the world building is fantastic! The world built is so rich & beautifully layered. I loved the bits of history we were given & everything was written in a way that it was all seamlessly inserted into the story without making it seem dull or lengthy.
Sylah & Anoor were both wonderfully in depth, complex characters. Everyone loves an underdog & both embodied that in such different ways. The way their relationship blossomed felt so natural & not at all forced, I was rooting for them from quite early on & that bittersweet ending was just perfect!
And what an ending! Cannot wait for the second instalment!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Child abuse, Confinement, Drug abuse, Drug use, Murder, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Minor: Vomit
ryuutchi's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I would give this book 6 stars if I could. A complex, incisive adventure story that introduces us to a completely new world.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Violence, Blood, and Grief
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Colonisation, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child death
zoda_pop's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
inspiring
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
5.0
One of the most phenomenal fantasy books I've read. Perfect for fans of The Jasmine Throne!
This book is extremely dark, gritty, and compelling. A lush fantasy world set in an oppressive society, with a divulgence into class, family, addiction, grief, systemic oppression, and so much more.
The main characters journey is one filled with extremely dark nights and despair, but transforms into one of hope and utter resilience. From the personal growth, relationships with others, and the stand for justice; this story highlights the power of recovery, support systems, and belief in oneself.
The main character was born into the highest class of citizens but was switched at birth and raised in poverty and oppression by that class. In an effort to reach a position of power as was her predecessor's goal, she must battle her own inner demons, make alliances, and set out on her predestined journey in an unexpected way.
This book was original from the very beginning. There were intriguing representations of disability, gender, and sexuality that were thought-provoking; especially as a disabled queer person myself. The characterizations and representation were just one part of many that made this story so gripping. Every voice was unique, every motivation made sense by the end, and every relationship was incredibly well-crafted. The care woven into this story all the way from the lore, setting, and magic is abundantly clear and these pages are spilling with passion.
I can't recommend this book enough. It's insightful and extremely gritty while also being fun, funny, and loving at parts. The heroine went from being pretty unlikable to one of my favorite characters in the span of this book and it was extremely entertaining to read. I can't wait to see what is next for Saara El-Arifi!
This book is extremely dark, gritty, and compelling. A lush fantasy world set in an oppressive society, with a divulgence into class, family, addiction, grief, systemic oppression, and so much more.
The main characters journey is one filled with extremely dark nights and despair, but transforms into one of hope and utter resilience. From the personal growth, relationships with others, and the stand for justice; this story highlights the power of recovery, support systems, and belief in oneself.
The main character was born into the highest class of citizens but was switched at birth and raised in poverty and oppression by that class. In an effort to reach a position of power as was her predecessor's goal, she must battle her own inner demons, make alliances, and set out on her predestined journey in an unexpected way.
This book was original from the very beginning. There were intriguing representations of disability, gender, and sexuality that were thought-provoking; especially as a disabled queer person myself. The characterizations and representation were just one part of many that made this story so gripping. Every voice was unique, every motivation made sense by the end, and every relationship was incredibly well-crafted. The care woven into this story all the way from the lore, setting, and magic is abundantly clear and these pages are spilling with passion.
I can't recommend this book enough. It's insightful and extremely gritty while also being fun, funny, and loving at parts. The heroine went from being pretty unlikable to one of my favorite characters in the span of this book and it was extremely entertaining to read. I can't wait to see what is next for Saara El-Arifi!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Addiction, Drug abuse, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Alcohol
Minor: Death of parent