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A review by bibliorama
The Rose & the Dagger by Renée Ahdieh
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Enjoyment - 4
I really flew through this audiobook. I enjoyed the writing, and even though I didn't remember much of the plot from the first book going in, I picked up on what was happening quickly. This duology gives me soapy, melodramatic vibes but in an endearing way.
Start - 3
This is the lowest rating for me simply because it took me some time to remember the side characters and where the plot left off from the first book, but the writing really swept me in and allowed me to figure it out.
Characters - 3.5
I really enjoy these characters. They have over the top moments and the relationship between the main characters isn't the most believable, but again its a soap opera. I think I was able to accept the characters as they were written because of the writing style, it's flowery and not trying to be "gritty" and "hard-hitting." It works for this story.
Atmosphere - 5
This is the best point of the book, it gives so many tiny details that all build on each other like the food, tents, clothes, Shazi making the wrong kind of bread. It was very visual and I didn't have any trouble imagining what was happening. With how flowery the writing is, the setting and descriptions still felt very grounded.
Plot - 4
I can say I'm happy this book didn't end in a big war. I don't feel that would've fit the story, but the plot definitely had the option to go that way and I'm glad it swerved away. It's not the most complex, but the showcase is more about the writing anyway. If there was more going on I think it might have taken away from the vibes of the story. I also enjoyed the plot with Despina.
Ending - 4.5
I guessed the final sacrifice early on, but it was still a satisfying conclusion.
Style - 4
The writing is flowery but still connected to the setting and characters, which imo is the only way to do it successfully. The metaphors don't feel like out of context connections that the characters wouldn't make etc. It was easy to get wrapped up in, and I like when stories can suck me in.
Overall - 4
I really flew through this audiobook. I enjoyed the writing, and even though I didn't remember much of the plot from the first book going in, I picked up on what was happening quickly. This duology gives me soapy, melodramatic vibes but in an endearing way.
Start - 3
This is the lowest rating for me simply because it took me some time to remember the side characters and where the plot left off from the first book, but the writing really swept me in and allowed me to figure it out.
Characters - 3.5
I really enjoy these characters. They have over the top moments and the relationship between the main characters isn't the most believable, but again its a soap opera. I think I was able to accept the characters as they were written because of the writing style, it's flowery and not trying to be "gritty" and "hard-hitting." It works for this story.
Atmosphere - 5
This is the best point of the book, it gives so many tiny details that all build on each other like the food, tents, clothes, Shazi making the wrong kind of bread. It was very visual and I didn't have any trouble imagining what was happening. With how flowery the writing is, the setting and descriptions still felt very grounded.
Plot - 4
Ending - 4.5
I guessed the final sacrifice early on, but it was still a satisfying conclusion.
Style - 4
The writing is flowery but still connected to the setting and characters, which imo is the only way to do it successfully. The metaphors don't feel like out of context connections that the characters wouldn't make etc. It was easy to get wrapped up in, and I like when stories can suck me in.
Overall - 4