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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
Had my attention at first, but dulled in the middle. It did redeem itself a bit at the end and gave me hope for the next book!
*4.5
Listening to this book as an audio book was the right choice. The author's writing is beautiful and hearing someone read it aloud really brought it to life, especially when it came to pronouncing the various Arabic-inspired names of people and places. In addition to beautiful writing, I really enjoyed the plot and the characters. The plot was straightforward and predictable but also classic and enjoyable. The characters really came alive and although I occasionally became annoyed with them, I was rooting for them the entire time. I loved the budding female friendship in this story and cannot wait to see where that goes in the second.
Listening to this book as an audio book was the right choice. The author's writing is beautiful and hearing someone read it aloud really brought it to life, especially when it came to pronouncing the various Arabic-inspired names of people and places. In addition to beautiful writing, I really enjoyed the plot and the characters. The plot was straightforward and predictable but also classic and enjoyable. The characters really came alive and although I occasionally became annoyed with them, I was rooting for them the entire time. I loved the budding female friendship in this story and cannot wait to see where that goes in the second.
Lush, romantic and “I can’t wait for the next one” good!!!
My book group picked this book. Had it not been for that, I probably would have added it to my TBR list and left it to languish. But I had a deadline so I got the audio and started listening.
Oh my god, the drama!
I'm sure the writing is at least partly to blame for this. The main character is under the impression that her every movement could have life or death consequences, and there is some information to support this to a limited extent. I, however, found myself talking out loud to the main character, like, "I get it, you're going to overcome, but get a grip!" The audio narrator really pushed the drama over the top. She reads so fast, I had to check if I had sped up the audio and her cadence and inflection were weirdly clipped and fierce, even when the narrative didn't seem to call for it.
Also, did you know this was supposed to be sci-fi? You didn't? That's ok because it really isn't sci-fi at all. It's a Moroccan love story inexplicably set on fictional planets and terraformed moons. The setting is completely irrelevant to the story, especially since the world-building is basically non-existent. Now I like a predictable love story as much as the next person, but don't try to dress it up as a sci-fi whatever, especially if you're going to do it so half-assed.
Anyway, I stopped listening after about 10 chapters because I just couldn't handle it. I'm sure what's-her-face and what's-his-face totally fall in love and then face some prolonged, unnecessary barrier to happiness that continues through at least two more books and the princess is secretly just a wounded soul in need of care and whatever, but I'm out.
Oh my god, the drama!
I'm sure the writing is at least partly to blame for this. The main character is under the impression that her every movement could have life or death consequences, and there is some information to support this to a limited extent. I, however, found myself talking out loud to the main character, like, "I get it, you're going to overcome, but get a grip!" The audio narrator really pushed the drama over the top. She reads so fast, I had to check if I had sped up the audio and her cadence and inflection were weirdly clipped and fierce, even when the narrative didn't seem to call for it.
Also, did you know this was supposed to be sci-fi? You didn't? That's ok because it really isn't sci-fi at all. It's a Moroccan love story inexplicably set on fictional planets and terraformed moons. The setting is completely irrelevant to the story, especially since the world-building is basically non-existent. Now I like a predictable love story as much as the next person, but don't try to dress it up as a sci-fi whatever, especially if you're going to do it so half-assed.
Anyway, I stopped listening after about 10 chapters because I just couldn't handle it. I'm sure what's-her-face and what's-his-face totally fall in love and then face some prolonged, unnecessary barrier to happiness that continues through at least two more books and the princess is secretly just a wounded soul in need of care and whatever, but I'm out.
This teen novel is a unique and awesome intro to sci-fi! The strong Arabic cultural influence is beautiful. I'm looking forward to the sequel!
Audiobook is great and overall this was GOOD but it had the potential to be great. A lot of missed opportunity for cool world building. The setting is Moroccan expired, but it takes place on a planet, and there is mention of space. However, the setting doesn't really make sense. We have mentioned of drinking out of sheepskins, characters, ride horses and milk goats, but we also have Androids and spaceships. It's quite jarring even if the reason for this is poor moon = rural setting, poor peasants, low tech + conquered by high tech Vathik empire but wouldn't that end up looking like Tattooine where there is still some parts of new technology integrated with the more provincial culture? Idk I feel like this could have been explained better. I'm halfway through the second book and this still hasn't been resolved imho.
I did really enjoy the characters, they are all built fairly well and this is more of a character driven novel than a fantasy one.
I did really enjoy the characters, they are all built fairly well and this is more of a character driven novel than a fantasy one.
While the actual story is quite basic, what makes this fantasy-SF hybrid worth picking up is the wonderfully textured Moroccan-inspired setting and lovely writing by Daud.
I became quite enamored of Daud's emotive storytelling style, which is perfect for a tale of intrigue and doomed romance. I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator did an excellent job with her voice acting and pronounciation of places and less familiar words. As it turned out though, I ended up finishing the last 25% in text as I wanted to know more quickly how things turned out at the end.
In case you are wondering, of course it is a cliffhanger ending, and yes, I will be reading the next book!
I became quite enamored of Daud's emotive storytelling style, which is perfect for a tale of intrigue and doomed romance. I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator did an excellent job with her voice acting and pronounciation of places and less familiar words. As it turned out though, I ended up finishing the last 25% in text as I wanted to know more quickly how things turned out at the end.
In case you are wondering, of course it is a cliffhanger ending, and yes, I will be reading the next book!
I got this book in my first Fairyloot just as I was arriving on the Bookstagram scene and oh my god did this book rock my world. I was sucked in from page one. Couldn't put it down for the whole two days it took me to read it and even after that I was still trapped on the planet of Andala.
It's been described as a space opera and the Star Wars fanatic in me wholeheartedly agrees. It has everything - a deep and rich culture; a history that feels older than the universe; amazing, solid characters; forbidden romance; secrets that could mean life or death; and the vastness of space. I have raved about this book since day one and I will rave about it until the end of time.
As soon as I found out there would be a sequel I have been scouring the web for more info because I. NEED. MORE. Of Amani. Of Idris. Of Arinaas and Maram and the Vathek. This book has a permanent spot on my shelf.
It's been described as a space opera and the Star Wars fanatic in me wholeheartedly agrees. It has everything - a deep and rich culture; a history that feels older than the universe; amazing, solid characters; forbidden romance; secrets that could mean life or death; and the vastness of space. I have raved about this book since day one and I will rave about it until the end of time.
As soon as I found out there would be a sequel I have been scouring the web for more info because I. NEED. MORE. Of Amani. Of Idris. Of Arinaas and Maram and the Vathek. This book has a permanent spot on my shelf.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This Moroccan-inspired story captured me immediately from the first page. The writing is amazing and Somaiya Daud really brought the characters to life. I felt Amani's pain as she was ripped from her family.
The idea of doppelgangers was so interesting and was played very well. One of my favorite parts of the book were the interactions between Amani and Maram. The growth between the two characters into some semblance of friends was done beautifully and so it was heartbreaking when an outside force negatively impacted the relationship.
Admittedly, the initial set up didn't appeal to me. The opening scene read like so many dystopian scenes I've read before. However, I was so intrigued by the culture and the coming of age ceremony that it kept me hooked. I can't remember the last time I was heart broken over the MC being pulled into the plot of the novel.
Overall, she crafted amazing characters that kept me engaged, despite the misgivings I had about the set up and the setting of the story. Sci-fi is never my shtick, so when I realized it takes place on another planet, I cringed inwardly.
While we learned so much about Amani's culture and the Vathek culture, I do wish we had some more about the world itself. The setting felt like it was set in the past, except for a few instances where technology was used and it pulled me out of the story.
Of course this is the start of a trilogy/series and so there's plenty of more space for worldbuilding. I do appreciate that we learned small details rather than info-dumping everything in the first chapter.
Overall the story was vibrant and heartwrenching and intriguing and I can't wait to read more.
This Moroccan-inspired story captured me immediately from the first page. The writing is amazing and Somaiya Daud really brought the characters to life. I felt Amani's pain as she was ripped from her family.
The idea of doppelgangers was so interesting and was played very well. One of my favorite parts of the book were the interactions between Amani and Maram. The growth between the two characters into some semblance of friends was done beautifully and so it was heartbreaking when an outside force negatively impacted the relationship.
Admittedly, the initial set up didn't appeal to me. The opening scene read like so many dystopian scenes I've read before. However, I was so intrigued by the culture and the coming of age ceremony that it kept me hooked. I can't remember the last time I was heart broken over the MC being pulled into the plot of the novel.
Overall, she crafted amazing characters that kept me engaged, despite the misgivings I had about the set up and the setting of the story. Sci-fi is never my shtick, so when I realized it takes place on another planet, I cringed inwardly.
While we learned so much about Amani's culture and the Vathek culture, I do wish we had some more about the world itself. The setting felt like it was set in the past, except for a few instances where technology was used and it pulled me out of the story.
Of course this is the start of a trilogy/series and so there's plenty of more space for worldbuilding. I do appreciate that we learned small details rather than info-dumping everything in the first chapter.
Overall the story was vibrant and heartwrenching and intriguing and I can't wait to read more.
a bit too lovey dovey for my taste. loved the "sisterhood" between our girls. certainly gonna read the second book.