Scan barcode
chasinggrace's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Is the plot of this book kind of “basic”? Sure. It’s the typical “vengeful woman and cold-hearted man become reluctant allies in a quest to find an Ancient tome that will free magic and save the kingdom,” and I loved it all the same.
I also found myself caring for the side characters as well. Each had a purpose, versus just being there for comedic relief.
I will say, the two main romances were predictable, but I was
The epilogue has me very eager to pick up the next book. My only critique is that this book needed an Arabic glossary. I could make occasional assumptions, but Arabic words were used so freely that at times I felt like I lost important details.
Graphic: Death of parent, Child death, Misogyny, Murder, Torture, Death, Child abuse, and Grief
bamfling'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
4.5
Moderate: Violence and Child abuse
Minor: Torture, Death of parent, and Sexism
gattolinos_nerdy_nook's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I thought this was a good read. The dual POV highlighted the emotions of both Zafira and Nasir and what they are dealing with throughout the book. I loved the world that are we in and how everywhere is different from one another, and shows the impact of magic with how it impacted the environment. It makes for a fantastical world placing a juxtaposition on the environment and the people. It all sounds magical but here are the ordinary people with no magic coping with what they have. Most people have forgotten about magic or don't believe it ever existed.
I thought the introduction of Benyamin and Kifah could have been done better. The group didn't feel like they really meshed and worked well together despite the book trying to make it out like they have bonded towards the end of their journey. This was the one area that I thought could have been improved. In saying that I thought Zafira, Nasir and Altair had good relationships and interesting dynamics but the other two felt underutilised.
Making up for it is the lore of the world and the plot of the book. These were highlights and very well done. The plot was also gripping and interesting throughout most of the book an not just in the last third coming up to the final climax. The twists and reveals were really well done and has you wondering what will happen in the next book. It leaves off on a slight cliff hanger, but really the excitement comes from the unknown for these characters after they have decided to throw off their vail and embrace change.
I am excited to see what We Free the Stars does with these characters.
Graphic: Death, Murder, Violence, and Sexism
Moderate: Child abuse and Death of parent
mj1588's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
Graphic: Misogyny, Violence, Body horror, Emotional abuse, Torture, Physical abuse, and Murder
Moderate: Death of parent and Death
mariebrunelm's review against another edition
- 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
4.25
Graphic: Torture, Violence, and Grief
Minor: Death of parent and Child death
immoralrite's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Violence, Death, Death of parent, and Murder
mollyreads16'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? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Violence, Death, and Murder
Moderate: Death of parent and Sexism
jrae_miller's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Torture and Death of parent
Moderate: Misogyny
kristinescorner's review against another edition
- 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: Physical abuse, Abandonment, Blood, Death, and Torture
Moderate: Death of parent and Slavery
lupalionessa's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Violence and Blood
Moderate: Murder, Gore, Physical abuse, Child abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Death of parent, Panic attacks/disorders, and Grief
Minor: Child death