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A review by khateeje
The Rose & the Dagger by Renée Ahdieh
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
And never forget my heart is always in your hands, ******.
And you ripped my heart out of my chest Khalid ibn al-Rashid...so what do we do about that?
Okay, I exaggerate. It was all Renee Ahdieh who managed to leak tears out of my almost-forever dry eyes when it comes to books.
~
I had three major issues with this book. One, that the writing style makes me feel like I'm book slumping. I thought it was just the timing of the first book, but both books cannot be a coincidence. Its unnecessarily repetitive, even within its poeticness. Second, there are far too many characters in focus. All of them do not get equal exploration space and definitely there are some threads left loose after making it seem like they were important. Explained in a companion novel? Perhaps. But the constant switching also doesn't help in processing the story better. It would have been great to spend some meaningful time with Jalal, Despina, and Yasmine.
There is also a rushed fulfillment of character relationships. Artan with Shahrzad and Khalid. Khalid and Irsa. Relationships that are formed way too quickly and, though, one can gauge the subtext, it really leaves out the opportunity for a really fun build up to these strong relationships.
What are we left with? Some very memorable characters for one and a great exploration of some of their internal states and drives. My favorite of these were Irsa and Rahim. (You know what broke my heart.) Their quiet strength and loyalty is celebrated in this book and I really loved and resonated with it. Whether it was Irsa trying to find her space in this world dominated by those bolder and fiercer than her, or Rahim and his steadfast loyalty, perceptiveness, and clear-headedness when everything around him is in chaos. LOVE.
There was also Jahandar, who stood out to me because of the major role he ends up playing. What drives him and what motivates him are very complexly explored while also painting his grey morality in an excellent manner.
Tariq's evolution and development was also formidable. I really enjoyed how he came together with Khalid, also in a way very realistic way. It was funny at times, heartwarming, while also making you respect Tariq for his resilience and purity of heart. (view spoiler)
The ending, of course, is super cute. The way this story beats of the power of love - of all kinds - is wonderful. The fact that all character actions are driven by genuine humanity, whether good or bad, and between people who are connected one way or another gives it depth and realness.
Is this perfect? No. There are things disconnected within the plot and some of the character incentives. Even our connection with the villains, but one, are weak. There are so many characters, given half-importance and then not. But this book does beat with a heart fuelled by passion and love and ingenuity. It is a series dipped deep in beauty worthy of being explored and devoured.
And you ripped my heart out of my chest Khalid ibn al-Rashid...so what do we do about that?
Okay, I exaggerate. It was all Renee Ahdieh who managed to leak tears out of my almost-forever dry eyes when it comes to books.
~
I had three major issues with this book. One, that the writing style makes me feel like I'm book slumping. I thought it was just the timing of the first book, but both books cannot be a coincidence. Its unnecessarily repetitive, even within its poeticness. Second, there are far too many characters in focus. All of them do not get equal exploration space and definitely there are some threads left loose after making it seem like they were important. Explained in a companion novel? Perhaps. But the constant switching also doesn't help in processing the story better. It would have been great to spend some meaningful time with Jalal, Despina, and Yasmine.
There is also a rushed fulfillment of character relationships. Artan with Shahrzad and Khalid. Khalid and Irsa. Relationships that are formed way too quickly and, though, one can gauge the subtext, it really leaves out the opportunity for a really fun build up to these strong relationships.
What are we left with? Some very memorable characters for one and a great exploration of some of their internal states and drives. My favorite of these were Irsa and Rahim. (You know what broke my heart.) Their quiet strength and loyalty is celebrated in this book and I really loved and resonated with it. Whether it was Irsa trying to find her space in this world dominated by those bolder and fiercer than her, or Rahim and his steadfast loyalty, perceptiveness, and clear-headedness when everything around him is in chaos. LOVE.
There was also Jahandar, who stood out to me because of the major role he ends up playing. What drives him and what motivates him are very complexly explored while also painting his grey morality in an excellent manner.
Tariq's evolution and development was also formidable. I really enjoyed how he came together with Khalid, also in a way very realistic way. It was funny at times, heartwarming, while also making you respect Tariq for his resilience and purity of heart. (view spoiler)
The ending, of course, is super cute. The way this story beats of the power of love - of all kinds - is wonderful. The fact that all character actions are driven by genuine humanity, whether good or bad, and between people who are connected one way or another gives it depth and realness.
Is this perfect? No. There are things disconnected within the plot and some of the character incentives. Even our connection with the villains, but one, are weak. There are so many characters, given half-importance and then not. But this book does beat with a heart fuelled by passion and love and ingenuity. It is a series dipped deep in beauty worthy of being explored and devoured.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault