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laelyn's review against another edition
3.0
I was incredibly excited to read "The Descent of the Drowned". I haven't really read many fantasy books based on Arabian mythology which I find fascinating. I wanted to love this book so much. I ended up only liking it.
This is a debut novel and it reads like one, but there is so much potential here. The writing is lush and beautiful, the world creative and deep. It was fun diving into this new, different world.
In the end, I did feel a little overwhelmed - there was just so much information, so much world building that I couldn't keep up and was left confused. Maybe this would have been different for readers with some preknowledge of Arabian myths and the Indo-Persian culture. Still, it was fascinating and enjoyable to read because of Ana Lal Din's beautiful writing style.
The two protagonists, Leviathan and Roma, fell a little flat for me. There is a lot of potential in both of them but I feel like their character development was hindered by the fact that nothing really actually happens in this book. Sure, there is a lot of suffering, there are some minor plots, but "The Descent of the Drowned" reads more like an introduction to this new world. The overarching plot of this series seems to start basically on the last pages, so everything that came before is more or less a very long prologue. The pacing is rather slow, too.
There ist also the matter of agency: Roma barely has any during the whole book. She is an observer most of the time, there are entire chapters from her point of view that consist solely of her watching other characters, including Leviathan, do things while she stands in the background. A lot of time is spent on her suffering, getting hurt, getting abused or dealing with the aftermath of said abuse. Where she goes and what she does is almost always determined by other characters - she is sent to do chores, dances when she is told to, is bought by a new patron, sold to a brothel and so on. There are blink-and-you-miss-it scenes of her taking action of her own volition, but mostly she reacts, observes. This made me enjoy her chapters less than Leviathan's, who is the by far more active protagonist.
It should be noted that this book deals with a lot of very heavy topics: rape and abuse (of minors too), suicide, self-harm, torture. This world is a dark one and there isn't much happiness to be had. Death and trauma are constant companions, there aren't many moments that allow for a little relief. I personally like dark fantasy stories so this didn't bother me, but I do hope that the next book in this series adds some more light-hearted moments and chapters too (and more Ashar please! I love him and he adds some much-needed humour). Without happiness and peace on the horizon, why should we fight through all this darkness after all?
many thanks to White Tigress Press for the arc!
This is a debut novel and it reads like one, but there is so much potential here. The writing is lush and beautiful, the world creative and deep. It was fun diving into this new, different world.
In the end, I did feel a little overwhelmed - there was just so much information, so much world building that I couldn't keep up and was left confused. Maybe this would have been different for readers with some preknowledge of Arabian myths and the Indo-Persian culture. Still, it was fascinating and enjoyable to read because of Ana Lal Din's beautiful writing style.
The two protagonists, Leviathan and Roma, fell a little flat for me. There is a lot of potential in both of them but I feel like their character development was hindered by the fact that nothing really actually happens in this book. Sure, there is a lot of suffering, there are some minor plots, but "The Descent of the Drowned" reads more like an introduction to this new world. The overarching plot of this series seems to start basically on the last pages, so everything that came before is more or less a very long prologue. The pacing is rather slow, too.
There ist also the matter of agency: Roma barely has any during the whole book. She is an observer most of the time, there are entire chapters from her point of view that consist solely of her watching other characters, including Leviathan, do things while she stands in the background. A lot of time is spent on her suffering, getting hurt, getting abused or dealing with the aftermath of said abuse. Where she goes and what she does is almost always determined by other characters - she is sent to do chores, dances when she is told to, is bought by a new patron, sold to a brothel and so on. There are blink-and-you-miss-it scenes of her taking action of her own volition, but mostly she reacts, observes. This made me enjoy her chapters less than Leviathan's, who is the by far more active protagonist.
It should be noted that this book deals with a lot of very heavy topics: rape and abuse (of minors too), suicide, self-harm, torture. This world is a dark one and there isn't much happiness to be had. Death and trauma are constant companions, there aren't many moments that allow for a little relief. I personally like dark fantasy stories so this didn't bother me, but I do hope that the next book in this series adds some more light-hearted moments and chapters too (and more Ashar please! I love him and he adds some much-needed humour). Without happiness and peace on the horizon, why should we fight through all this darkness after all?
many thanks to White Tigress Press for the arc!
ravengrimsbane's review
4.0
This book leaves me so conflicted. I love it. I hate it. There was a lot going on in this book, but the story was well laid out enough that the pieces all fit together, and while they were, frustratingly, not all tied up at the end, the ending is amazing. Goodreads tells me book 2 was published last year, but amazon doesn't have it listed, so that's also frustrating. I NEED to get book 2 already.
PS - Pay attention to the trigger warnings, like I said, there's a lot going on, and it ain't pretty.
PS - Pay attention to the trigger warnings, like I said, there's a lot going on, and it ain't pretty.
atrailofpages's review
3.0
Thank you to Netgalley, Ana Lal Din, and White Tigress Press for a free ebook copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I first want to say this book covers a lot of very deep and dark subjects. Here are some trigger warnings: this book does discuss assault(a lot), human and child trafficking, drug abuse, and violence.
Now I’m normally one for dark books and dark stories, but even for me, this book was a bit difficult to handle and get through. I though eventually something good would happen, but it never become truly lighthearted, everything wrong just seemed to happen, which is unique for me to read in a book.
This story follows Roma and Leviathan who live very separate lives. Roma is basically a glorified prostitute who is supposed to be descended from the goddesses, and Levi is basically the bastard son of the king, or lord of the land. They both have dark pasts, or dark events that have occurred to them.
I really admired Roma for being so strong throughout the book despite what had happened to her in the past, and doing her best to protect her brother, her sisters, and other female friends. It is just awful, so awful what happened to her. There were many times when she wanted to give up. And she had said one time that she maybe she didn’t have the courage to end her life. Well, I think it takes courage to keep going, to fight and keep living, not give up. I’m glad she kept going, especially when nothing ever went well for her, ever.
Now Leviathan, or Levi, I love him. I love to read about a dark morally grey character that is trying to figure out who he is, who he should be, what he should be, what he should do. Should he be like his cruel and terrible father, or his lovely and kind mother? This boy is fighting some dark events that happened from his past, and he knows he’s responsible and it’s created this monster out of him, and yet, he wants to fight his violent tendencies. He wants to do what is right. I loved his growth through the book from being violent and pretty much uncaring, to someone actually trying to take control of his life and actions and be a better person. He was my favorite character and had the most growth in my opinion.
Now the story was different and much darker than what I am used to. What I do wish is that there was more world building. I was unsure where anyone was located, or how far the different places people went were. I also was confused by the timeline. I thought it was a fantasy world set more in the past, and yet there were some random modernness to it, such as the guns, the cigarettes, and some of the dialogue.
That is really my only qualm about the book. Otherwise, it is a unique world, with unique characters, and seriously a unique story. And the way it ended, I’m just left wondering what????? Like what just happened? It took an even darker turn and I didn’t even know that could happen at this point! I’m unsure whether I will read the next book only because this story was so dark, and it was difficult to get through. Maybe after a year or and a lot of lighthearted reads, I will be able to read the sequel
I first want to say this book covers a lot of very deep and dark subjects. Here are some trigger warnings: this book does discuss assault(a lot), human and child trafficking, drug abuse, and violence.
Now I’m normally one for dark books and dark stories, but even for me, this book was a bit difficult to handle and get through. I though eventually something good would happen, but it never become truly lighthearted, everything wrong just seemed to happen, which is unique for me to read in a book.
This story follows Roma and Leviathan who live very separate lives. Roma is basically a glorified prostitute who is supposed to be descended from the goddesses, and Levi is basically the bastard son of the king, or lord of the land. They both have dark pasts, or dark events that have occurred to them.
I really admired Roma for being so strong throughout the book despite what had happened to her in the past, and doing her best to protect her brother, her sisters, and other female friends. It is just awful, so awful what happened to her. There were many times when she wanted to give up. And she had said one time that she maybe she didn’t have the courage to end her life. Well, I think it takes courage to keep going, to fight and keep living, not give up. I’m glad she kept going, especially when nothing ever went well for her, ever.
Now Leviathan, or Levi, I love him. I love to read about a dark morally grey character that is trying to figure out who he is, who he should be, what he should be, what he should do. Should he be like his cruel and terrible father, or his lovely and kind mother? This boy is fighting some dark events that happened from his past, and he knows he’s responsible and it’s created this monster out of him, and yet, he wants to fight his violent tendencies. He wants to do what is right. I loved his growth through the book from being violent and pretty much uncaring, to someone actually trying to take control of his life and actions and be a better person. He was my favorite character and had the most growth in my opinion.
Now the story was different and much darker than what I am used to. What I do wish is that there was more world building. I was unsure where anyone was located, or how far the different places people went were. I also was confused by the timeline. I thought it was a fantasy world set more in the past, and yet there were some random modernness to it, such as the guns, the cigarettes, and some of the dialogue.
That is really my only qualm about the book. Otherwise, it is a unique world, with unique characters, and seriously a unique story. And the way it ended, I’m just left wondering what????? Like what just happened? It took an even darker turn and I didn’t even know that could happen at this point! I’m unsure whether I will read the next book only because this story was so dark, and it was difficult to get through. Maybe after a year or and a lot of lighthearted reads, I will be able to read the sequel
ameserole's review
4.0
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Descent of the Drowned was one of those books that I really wanted once I saw the cover. It was just beautiful and intrigued me so freaking much. Then I read the synopsis and I was basically sold. So when I got the beautiful eARC to read it, well - I freaked the freak out!
So, yeah, long story short - I was really excited to dive into it. Once I did though, meh, it was an okay book. I wouldn't necessarily say the entire book blew me away because it felt like for most of this book - nothing happened. Zero. Zilch. Yeah, we see Roma's eyes finally opening up to how horrible her life is and that she lives near or with a bunch of assholes.
In other words, she gets in trouble a lot. It just sucks that she does because she makes some really good points and everyone's like - stop spreading lies and start spreading your legs. Yeah, no thanks.
Back to Roma, now she was an interesting character that we didn't know much about. There was something dark about her and I just wanted to know more about that. Eventually we did get to see it and that's when the action really picked up. I mean, the entire book was just better in the last 25% of it.
Plus I kind of like her and Levi together as work partners. Not sure if there's going to be a romance between them or not but after that ending - I really want the next book. I need revenge and fire so freaking badly. Bring it on.
The Descent of the Drowned was one of those books that I really wanted once I saw the cover. It was just beautiful and intrigued me so freaking much. Then I read the synopsis and I was basically sold. So when I got the beautiful eARC to read it, well - I freaked the freak out!
So, yeah, long story short - I was really excited to dive into it. Once I did though, meh, it was an okay book. I wouldn't necessarily say the entire book blew me away because it felt like for most of this book - nothing happened. Zero. Zilch. Yeah, we see Roma's eyes finally opening up to how horrible her life is and that she lives near or with a bunch of assholes.
In other words, she gets in trouble a lot. It just sucks that she does because she makes some really good points and everyone's like - stop spreading lies and start spreading your legs. Yeah, no thanks.
Back to Roma, now she was an interesting character that we didn't know much about. There was something dark about her and I just wanted to know more about that. Eventually we did get to see it and that's when the action really picked up. I mean, the entire book was just better in the last 25% of it.
Plus I kind of like her and Levi together as work partners. Not sure if there's going to be a romance between them or not but after that ending - I really want the next book. I need revenge and fire so freaking badly. Bring it on.
hibsreads's review
5.0
4.5
Very slow at the start, picks up around 50% actually gets going around 75%. Characters save the book tho 10/10. Kinda giving me Second Book Syndrome vibes in the way there’s no real conclusion or satisfying end.
Very slow at the start, picks up around 50% actually gets going around 75%. Characters save the book tho 10/10. Kinda giving me Second Book Syndrome vibes in the way there’s no real conclusion or satisfying end.
spicedragon's review
3.0
tw sexual assault and also possible spoilers?
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I want to preface this with saying Ana Lal Din is an amazing writer, honestly what had me hooked with this book from the start was the atmosphere she sets and the scene she paints of the town and it's people. Genuinely, she is an amazing writer, and I will be reading the second book and any hopefully any other book she puts out.
What I found disappointing thought, was Roma's perspective... She starts off as a fierce girl who, despite her past, has sharp edges and is willing to do whatever to defend her loved ones. She constantly questions her community's objective, criticizing their traditions which cause women harm. But for some reason when another character looks to break free of that same tradition Roma seems furious? I don't know if it was her jealousy of not being able to run away, but I thought she would've been more supporting.
Furthermore, I personally found it uncomfortable how Roma was always close to being re-traumatized every other chapter... as a survivor of sexual assault she underwent so many situations that reopened her wounds... ESPECIALLY near the end... I felt as though... there was a better way to go about that... I hope the second book does Roma better because... her chapters compared to Leviathan's were so jarring....
On one hand we have Levi, broody grey eyed brown man who is skilled soldier... going around trying to repent for his sins against his mother's people.... and his chapters are literally just him solving mysteries and killing child traffickers... compared to Roma where she just continues to relive her trauma...
So that's what made me drop 2 stars... There's a lot of potential in this story and I do hope Book 2 handles Roma better and actually gives her a chance to heal. I know Ana Lal Din was trying to show the realities of caste and gender based violence, it was interesting criticism of upper caste brahminical society but REALLY wish that Roma's chapters had been more than her lamenting the devdasi's position and being traumatized at every corner.
.
.
.
I want to preface this with saying Ana Lal Din is an amazing writer, honestly what had me hooked with this book from the start was the atmosphere she sets and the scene she paints of the town and it's people. Genuinely, she is an amazing writer, and I will be reading the second book and any hopefully any other book she puts out.
What I found disappointing thought, was Roma's perspective... She starts off as a fierce girl who, despite her past, has sharp edges and is willing to do whatever to defend her loved ones. She constantly questions her community's objective, criticizing their traditions which cause women harm. But for some reason when another character looks to break free of that same tradition Roma seems furious? I don't know if it was her jealousy of not being able to run away, but I thought she would've been more supporting.
Furthermore, I personally found it uncomfortable how Roma was always close to being re-traumatized every other chapter... as a survivor of sexual assault she underwent so many situations that reopened her wounds... ESPECIALLY near the end... I felt as though... there was a better way to go about that... I hope the second book does Roma better because... her chapters compared to Leviathan's were so jarring....
On one hand we have Levi, broody grey eyed brown man who is skilled soldier... going around trying to repent for his sins against his mother's people.... and his chapters are literally just him solving mysteries and killing child traffickers... compared to Roma where she just continues to relive her trauma...
So that's what made me drop 2 stars... There's a lot of potential in this story and I do hope Book 2 handles Roma better and actually gives her a chance to heal. I know Ana Lal Din was trying to show the realities of caste and gender based violence, it was interesting criticism of upper caste brahminical society but REALLY wish that Roma's chapters had been more than her lamenting the devdasi's position and being traumatized at every corner.
wildfaeriecaps's review
4.0
This book was amazing. I adore the main characters and can't wait to see how book 2 unfolds. The story is so compelling and well written. Love love love it!
millennialbookreview's review
3.0
The Descent of the Drowned is not a book that’s going to be for everyone. It’s a dense story. The world can be hard to fully grasp and the story deals with some very heavy subject matter. The plot was compelling, but wasn’t made a main focus at the beginning. At the same time, it has some fantastic characters and the overall writing is rich. I didn’t like the novel quite as much as I expected to, but I can tell how much love and dedication the author put into writing this story. I’m inclined to read the next book, whenever it comes out, because I want to see where this story is headed.
My full review can be found here
My full review can be found here
kirsty_bookworm's review
Thank you to NetGalley for an Arc of The Descent of the Drowned
Ahh. I loved the title, i loved the cover and the synopsis interested me. However the first few chapters was such an information dump mixed with pretty writing that i couldn't take anything in and by the end of the second chapter id forgotten everything from the first chapter along with the meanings of the words and the gods i'd just been told about. I just couldnt make end or tail of it. So to save myself some frustration and forced reading under confusion i gave up.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this arc.
Ahh. I loved the title, i loved the cover and the synopsis interested me. However the first few chapters was such an information dump mixed with pretty writing that i couldn't take anything in and by the end of the second chapter id forgotten everything from the first chapter along with the meanings of the words and the gods i'd just been told about. I just couldnt make end or tail of it. So to save myself some frustration and forced reading under confusion i gave up.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this arc.
lightqueer's review against another edition
5.0
THE DESCENT OF THE DROWNED terrified me in ways that i can't quite explain. Ana Lal Din has created a world of magic, fear, and hope that i find has rooted deep within me to the point where i cannot have this be the end for roma or levi because i simply would not be able to bear it. the writing, the imagery, and the dialogue within this book are all masterful and expertly wielded. the stakes are higher than i had ever expected and the realism of the tragedy and pain that we see roma and the fellow women in her life go through is striking, visceral, honest. i expected to be triggered by a lot of the topics presented in this book, but i felt somehow protected by roma and emboldened by her strength to continue on. i have no regrets - i am wonderfully happy to have had the chance to read this book, and grateful as well.