A review by nightfell
We Free the Stars by Hafsah Faizal

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious tense slow-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? It's complicated

3.5

The first book in the duology had pacing issues, but I overlooked it because it had great characters and the relationships were developed consistently and were entertaining. With the second book I couldn't overlook the issues with pacing. I struggled to find interest in the plot and many of the characters were separated throughout the majority of the book which meant there relationship arc between Zafira and Nasir as well as the other characters weren't as developed as they could have been. It felt like the romance was pushed into the last 150 pages and sprinkled throughout the first 400. I do love slow burn romance but this was too much, as there is a line between slow burn and underdeveloped romance subplot and the author crossed it. 

However, the last 150 pages of this book was so much more enjoyable, I loved the character development, and the plot picked up quite a lot. 


I did not see that last plot twist coming, but I respect the authors decision to make Altair king. It's so fitting that Nasir is Caliph of Sarasin. 

Nasir and Zafira were so irritating to read at times due to their constant lack of communication and 
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