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3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
⋆ ⭒˚.⋆ This Woven Kingdom ┆3.75 stars ⋆.˚⭒ ⋆
reread : 02/07/25
I picked this up again for two reasons, the first being that I remember having loved this book so much that I was in very real pain after realizing I had to wait months before the next book in the series came out, and the second being that it’s been over a year since I read this, so before I continue the series, I’m refreshing my memory.
Although I read this a while ago, I was still able to recall the climax of the book, which is in fact the ending (let this be your trigger warning for a cliffhanger) and the majority of the revelations. However, that didn’t make me immune to them, I was just more contained in my surprise/shock, which is expected. The fact that the plot was still able to instil any anticipation in me at all the second time shows that it has an exceptional storyline, I was genuinely invested in the plot just as much as I was the first time, if I was able to read this in one sitting, I would have.
I actually LOVED the writing style and the way Tahereh writes her imagery, the ways she describes the setting, I wanted to infuse her words into my bloodstream, I swear I could almost taste the things she was describing. It also flowed really well, which contributed to how easy it was to just keep reading, it’s one of those books that you pick up and then realize that you’ve read half the book in what feels like no time at all.
Now the characters…
⌞ Kamran ⌝
Sigh… one very clear thing I recall is having a not so subtle AVERSION to this man… if we can even call him that with the way he WHINES like a little girl (pardon my stereotypical use of simile) throughout the whole book. Please, spare me your infantile ramblings. He’s not THAT bad, I mean I’ve definitely had the displeasure of reading about much more annoying characters but he definitely makes the list. I think what annoyed me most was his entitlement, and the fact that he was partially oblivious to his privilege…. How are you going to be a whole prince, heir to a throne, and not give thought to your subjects, and then when he does realize, its somehow more aggravating, that fact that he’s just coming to terms that there are in fact people who are not as well off as he is and have to stoop to levels that he finds revolting, like excuse me? I can’t even. And he’s also just snobby.
…. See, if this was satire I’d be okay with it, if he was saying this to someone that caused him genuine annoyances, fine, but no, he’s saying this to his minister who, is literally serving his every whim AND is his childhood friend, which could pass as a joke but he’s saying this seriously, and for context this is his tantrum after he didn’t get something he wanted…. Some characters may pull this off, he, is not one of those characters. To say the least he was a hindrance to the story, but I digress, he was necessary to the plot. But don't let him be the reason you don't read this book, he's not nearly worth taking up any space in your brain and fear not, you only have to put up with him for so long (subtle foreshadowing (kidding....))
⌞ Alizeh ⌝
I pleased to announce, our main character, who definitely deserves better than Kamran, but oh, she's never been noticed by anyone like that before so she just can't resist. Okay but in all, or, MORE seriousness, I really appreciate the fact that she's not written as weak and powerless and is very aware and capable of taking care, and protecting herself both physically (which is very entertaining to read) and mentally. She's extremely witty and well spoken and her dialogue felt like a blessing for ME to read, it's that good. She's resilient and also has many contradicting thoughts of pessimism and optimism, she both sees the good in the people and circumstances that surround her while also maintaining a very large dose of wariness for what is to come. Which is most likely due to the fact that she has not been very lucky in the cards she was dealt, but we can't have a main character without a tragic backstory come on now. Alizeh has the potential to become an absolutely world-shattering character so I'm crossing my fingers that Tahereh delivers.
⌞ Cyrus ⌝
You'll see. That is, if you read to the end of the book.
Overall, I definitely enjoyed reading it the second time, did it have the same effect as it did the first time I read it? No, but we'll chalk that up to my own evolution and not fault the book.
Now, on to the next. જ⁀➴
reread : 02/07/25
I picked this up again for two reasons, the first being that I remember having loved this book so much that I was in very real pain after realizing I had to wait months before the next book in the series came out, and the second being that it’s been over a year since I read this, so before I continue the series, I’m refreshing my memory.
Although I read this a while ago, I was still able to recall the climax of the book, which is in fact the ending (let this be your trigger warning for a cliffhanger) and the majority of the revelations. However, that didn’t make me immune to them, I was just more contained in my surprise/shock, which is expected. The fact that the plot was still able to instil any anticipation in me at all the second time shows that it has an exceptional storyline, I was genuinely invested in the plot just as much as I was the first time, if I was able to read this in one sitting, I would have.
I actually LOVED the writing style and the way Tahereh writes her imagery, the ways she describes the setting, I wanted to infuse her words into my bloodstream, I swear I could almost taste the things she was describing. It also flowed really well, which contributed to how easy it was to just keep reading, it’s one of those books that you pick up and then realize that you’ve read half the book in what feels like no time at all.
Now the characters…
⌞ Kamran ⌝
Sigh… one very clear thing I recall is having a not so subtle AVERSION to this man… if we can even call him that with the way he WHINES like a little girl (pardon my stereotypical use of simile) throughout the whole book. Please, spare me your infantile ramblings. He’s not THAT bad, I mean I’ve definitely had the displeasure of reading about much more annoying characters but he definitely makes the list. I think what annoyed me most was his entitlement, and the fact that he was partially oblivious to his privilege…. How are you going to be a whole prince, heir to a throne, and not give thought to your subjects, and then when he does realize, its somehow more aggravating, that fact that he’s just coming to terms that there are in fact people who are not as well off as he is and have to stoop to levels that he finds revolting, like excuse me? I can’t even. And he’s also just snobby.
“You might do us all a favor Hassan, and begin to mange your expectations of my state. This is where I live, minister. Here, between angry and irritable, lies my charming personality. It does not change. You may be grateful that I am consistent, at least, in being boorish.”
…. See, if this was satire I’d be okay with it, if he was saying this to someone that caused him genuine annoyances, fine, but no, he’s saying this to his minister who, is literally serving his every whim AND is his childhood friend, which could pass as a joke but he’s saying this seriously, and for context this is his tantrum after he didn’t get something he wanted…. Some characters may pull this off, he, is not one of those characters. To say the least he was a hindrance to the story, but I digress, he was necessary to the plot. But don't let him be the reason you don't read this book, he's not nearly worth taking up any space in your brain and fear not, you only have to put up with him for so long (subtle foreshadowing (kidding....))
⌞ Alizeh ⌝
I pleased to announce, our main character, who definitely deserves better than Kamran, but oh, she's never been noticed by anyone like that before so she just can't resist. Okay but in all, or, MORE seriousness, I really appreciate the fact that she's not written as weak and powerless and is very aware and capable of taking care, and protecting herself both physically (which is very entertaining to read) and mentally. She's extremely witty and well spoken and her dialogue felt like a blessing for ME to read, it's that good. She's resilient and also has many contradicting thoughts of pessimism and optimism, she both sees the good in the people and circumstances that surround her while also maintaining a very large dose of wariness for what is to come. Which is most likely due to the fact that she has not been very lucky in the cards she was dealt, but we can't have a main character without a tragic backstory come on now. Alizeh has the potential to become an absolutely world-shattering character so I'm crossing my fingers that Tahereh delivers.
⌞ Cyrus ⌝
You'll see. That is, if you read to the end of the book.
Overall, I definitely enjoyed reading it the second time, did it have the same effect as it did the first time I read it? No, but we'll chalk that up to my own evolution and not fault the book.
Now, on to the next. જ⁀➴
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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:
Yes
This was so so good holy shit. Immediately reading second book
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Pains me to say because I love Tahereh Mafi but this frustrated the heck out of me. Large internal monologues or introspection aren’t for me. Especially between dialogue because it loses the thread of the conversation. Loved the plot potential and the addition of a mythical creature but Alizeh annoyed me at times. She was quick to rush into danger except at the end when she chose to observe instead of intervening, when it would’ve done the most good. The potential of a love triangle is also tiresome. Tahereh Mafi does romance and longing very well but it was all for a few pages in this one. I could connect with Alizeh which is why it’s marked as it is and I’m hoping for the potential of some found family in the next one but then the friends/allies she made got left behind so I don’t know.
This author never disappoints when it comes to her novels and I'm always excited to read more and more of her books that come out. Each story is as unique as the next and the characters are wonderfully written. You feel so much sympathy for the protagonists and their troubles and so much hatred for those that get in their way. Another wonderful cinderella rewrite.
Unfortunately, even though it was very well written, I was unable to continue reading it and it took me about 8 months to actually finish it. The story overall is very intriguing, but the pace is a bit odd, especially at the very end where it feels like a bunch of things went down and I was a bit confused on what happened.
Unfortunately, even though it was very well written, I was unable to continue reading it and it took me about 8 months to actually finish it. The story overall is very intriguing, but the pace is a bit odd, especially at the very end where it feels like a bunch of things went down and I was a bit confused on what happened.
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Similar to a Cinderella-sequel story with a love triangle with 2 opposing princes, a dragon, magic & jinn vs clay battle that has been going on for a millenia