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A review by mackenzierm
For She Is Wrath by Emily Varga
4.5
4.5 stars.
Dania was framed for a crime she didn’t commit and has been in prison for the last 364 days, plotting her revenge on Mazin, the boy responsible for her imprisonment. Mazin is also the boy she once loved, and still can’t forget. A fellow prisoner may have the key to exacting their vengeance together – a stolen djinn treasure. The two band together to make a daring escape and search for the hidden treasure. Dania enacts a plan to take down those who betrayed her family, leading her into a complicated game of cat and mouse that may risk her humanity.
FOR SHE IS WRATH is a story of revenge that embodies feminine rage and strength. It is a Pakistani fantasy retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo. Having never read The Count of Monte Cristo, I am not sure how this compares, but regardless, you’re in for a treat! The story is told in the POV of Dania, with some chapters set in the past. The world building is beautifully done with many Pakistani cultural influences, lending a rich and warm ambiance.
I adored Dania’s character – she’s brave, witty, and determined. Noor is an excellent companion to Dania, able to help keep her in check, while providing a safe and stable sounding board with excellent knowledge of djinn magic. They’re both characters that you want to root for. All the characters that are encountered are well written and feel realistic. The relationships between the characters are well developed and realistically flawed.
The plot and fantasy elements of FOR SHE IS WRATH are unique and complex without being overwhelming. I was continually intrigued and engaged by the twisty and carefully orchestrated nature of the plot. My one critique is that the pacing of the narrative dragged a bit in the 30-60% range – this could be my own issue, however. The ending was excellent and bittersweet. What an amazing debut!
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher, Wednesday Books, of this advanced digital copy for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are my own.
Dania was framed for a crime she didn’t commit and has been in prison for the last 364 days, plotting her revenge on Mazin, the boy responsible for her imprisonment. Mazin is also the boy she once loved, and still can’t forget. A fellow prisoner may have the key to exacting their vengeance together – a stolen djinn treasure. The two band together to make a daring escape and search for the hidden treasure. Dania enacts a plan to take down those who betrayed her family, leading her into a complicated game of cat and mouse that may risk her humanity.
FOR SHE IS WRATH is a story of revenge that embodies feminine rage and strength. It is a Pakistani fantasy retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo. Having never read The Count of Monte Cristo, I am not sure how this compares, but regardless, you’re in for a treat! The story is told in the POV of Dania, with some chapters set in the past. The world building is beautifully done with many Pakistani cultural influences, lending a rich and warm ambiance.
I adored Dania’s character – she’s brave, witty, and determined. Noor is an excellent companion to Dania, able to help keep her in check, while providing a safe and stable sounding board with excellent knowledge of djinn magic. They’re both characters that you want to root for. All the characters that are encountered are well written and feel realistic. The relationships between the characters are well developed and realistically flawed.
The plot and fantasy elements of FOR SHE IS WRATH are unique and complex without being overwhelming. I was continually intrigued and engaged by the twisty and carefully orchestrated nature of the plot. My one critique is that the pacing of the narrative dragged a bit in the 30-60% range – this could be my own issue, however. The ending was excellent and bittersweet. What an amazing debut!
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher, Wednesday Books, of this advanced digital copy for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are my own.