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A review by jashanac
The Battle Drum by Saara El-Arifi
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an e-arc for review!
WHAT A SEQUEL!
I cannot express how much I love the world-building here. I am ENTHRALLED with the history and lore that the author has created and am having so much fun trying to put all of the puzzle pieces together.
The religious zealotry and cult explored here is fascinating and terrifying. There were SEVERAL moments that made me shout out loud and get shivers all over, from the absolutely horrifying gory scene on the page.
Anoor was fairly frustrating throughout, due to her naivety and being SO gullible, my god. She hasn't seemed to learn from her lessons and it was really irritating a couple of times. Where her storyline leaves off at the end makes me nervous for how frustrated I'm going to be in the final book... but we'll see!
I love that Hassa is so no-nonsense with Anoor, though. She is an understanding, emotionally intelligent person, but she's not afraid to knock some sense into Anoor and doesn't coddle her. I love that, because good god Anoor needs it. I'm SO curious to see what happens with Hassa in the next book.
WHAT A SEQUEL!
I cannot express how much I love the world-building here. I am ENTHRALLED with the history and lore that the author has created and am having so much fun trying to put all of the puzzle pieces together.
The religious zealotry and cult explored here is fascinating and terrifying. There were SEVERAL moments that made me shout out loud and get shivers all over, from the absolutely horrifying gory scene on the page.
Anoor was fairly frustrating throughout, due to her naivety and being SO gullible, my god. She hasn't seemed to learn from her lessons and it was really irritating a couple of times. Where her storyline leaves off at the end makes me nervous for how frustrated I'm going to be in the final book... but we'll see!
I love that Hassa is so no-nonsense with Anoor, though. She is an understanding, emotionally intelligent person, but she's not afraid to knock some sense into Anoor and doesn't coddle her. I love that, because good god Anoor needs it. I'm SO curious to see what happens with Hassa in the next book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage, Body horror, Gore, Domestic abuse, Murder, and Torture
Moderate: Colonisation and Slavery