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A review by nadiamasood
Daughter of Light and Dark by Ahlam Faris
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A fierce heroine, her mysterious jinn, and a world where magic and danger collide—all in a gorgeous Middle-Eastern setting!
One of the things I loved most about this book is the worldbuilding. The setting is so vivid, full of rich details that really bring that Middle Eastern fantasy vibe to life. The plot is packed with magic, adventure, and the darker side of human nature. That said, I felt like it leaned a bit more on action than really getting into the characters' emotions. I just wish there was more depth and "feels" with the characters. Also, there are a few typos and grammar slips here and there, which is why I couldn’t quite give it 5 stars.
Also, there are a lot of unique jinn and place names that might seem confusing at first, but things start to make more sense as you get deeper into the story.
Mina, our main character, is morally gray with her own goals and a shady past, which makes her such an interesting protagonist. The dynamic between her and Ashrush, the Lord of Chains, is beautifully done. Their bond was definitely one of the highlights for me!
One of the things I loved most about this book is the worldbuilding. The setting is so vivid, full of rich details that really bring that Middle Eastern fantasy vibe to life. The plot is packed with magic, adventure, and the darker side of human nature. That said, I felt like it leaned a bit more on action than really getting into the characters' emotions. I just wish there was more depth and "feels" with the characters. Also, there are a few typos and grammar slips here and there, which is why I couldn’t quite give it 5 stars.
Also, there are a lot of unique jinn and place names that might seem confusing at first, but things start to make more sense as you get deeper into the story.
Mina, our main character, is morally gray with her own goals and a shady past, which makes her such an interesting protagonist. The dynamic between her and Ashrush, the Lord of Chains, is beautifully done. Their bond was definitely one of the highlights for me!
“Ashrush laughed a low, rippling laugh. ‘The girl is under my protection: there is nothing that could hurt her. No one would dare hurt her.'"
Oh, and while there’s a little flirting and some interest from one of the characters, don’t expect a romance in this one. Maybe we’ll get that slow-burn in Book 2?
Also...
Tropes:
- Morally gray and complex main character
- Found family
- Desert fantasy
- A jinn bodyguard
- High stakes
- Quests and adventures
Heads-up, though: there is a pretty graphic torture scene toward the end!
Recommendation:
If you’re into YA fantasy with a rich setting, complex heroines, and just the slightest hint of romance, Daughter of Light and Dark is worth checking out. It’s perfect for fans of desert fantasy and the found family trope. Plus, the cover is absolutely stunning and totally captures the mood of the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture