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A review by juliapatt2007
We Free the Stars by Hafsah Faizal
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
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? No
4.0
“We were not born to fight, but our cradles were built from struggles and hardships. Pens, swords, sticks -- weapons shoved into our fists as soon as we’re old enough to grasp them. So we fight, because the world will cut our throats otherwise. We fight, because we don’t go down without one. (pg. 425-426)
I wasn’t sure I wanted to read this book after the first one but I can’t believe I ever thought that! This book pulled me back to it again and again. I love love love how this author builds in subtle feminism into her story, allowing it to be an element to the story and her characters without overpowering. I also love the descriptions of Nasir and how it is vague enough for the reader to fill in the gaps *shivers*. I did struggle a little bit remembering who everyone was but after awhile I remembered enough about the major players. Faizal’s description of Nasir and Zafira’s relationship was beautiful to me “Moon of my soul” and “twin flames” gave me shivers every time. I was a little disappointed in the ending just because I felt it was a little rushed (I kept checking how many pages were left because so much still needed to happen). I would love to see this author write some short stories about our favorite zumra and their continued adventures. The author has an amazing way with words and describing the rich world she has created! I loved reading these books and they are already on my “read again” list. This duology ended well and is very close to being added to my “to buy” list.
Moderate: Sexual content
Also loveeee how the author worked in a bed sharing moment, I’m trash for those moments idk why. There were quite a few kisses in this book but nothing graphic. There are four kisses between Nasir and Zafira all the moments being fairly intimate but nothing progresses past kisses on the neck. There is a arguable sex scene in the last chapters of the book between Nasir and Zafira after they are married but the wording is vague enough I doubt readers will put it together unless they are looking for it. Misk and his wife Yasmine share a kiss once. Nasir and Kulsum’s sexual relationship is referenced in vague terms. There is explicit content on the walls of a brothel Zafira accidentally visits. There are a few belly dancing performances that are sensual in nature but not descriptive.