A review by niclantsov
We Free the Stars by Hafsah Faizal

adventurous emotional funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 Two words: Nasir Ghameq

Where should I start? Honestly I couldn't put my words into it.

The sequel was by far better than the first one, the story progressively getting interesting and the characters really do have a special place in my heart. I always love a founding family trope and this one nailed it perfectly, you've got the banter, the romance, the emotional impact (parfait *chef's kiss), and everything you could've hoped for in a founding family book.

The characters flaws and fears really showcased in this book, and it was really moving to read. Especially Nasir, for he was still haunted by his father's shadow. And of course Zafira and the uncertainty of her future, she no longer become the huntress because the whimsical forest that made her her is gone. So, throughout the book we follow their characters complexity. Then ending was what I would hope for and better.

 "Did the stars fall from the sky to adorn you in their luster? No–liquid silver. You are the well that forged every blade in the world"

It has been so long since I felt this way, I thought romance's dead, but it rekindled when I read this. You see, after reading Romantasy (and the rise of the Romantasy wave)I feel that I never would experience a fantasy book with just having romance as a subplot again, and for a moment I forgot why I fell in love with fantasy genre in the first place. It's like after reading tons of Romantasy it just overwhelms you, you know, and it somehow made my reading experience lessen (especially in fantasy genre). Hence I seek the oldest book on my TBR, and this was it, and I fell in love with fantasy again. This has a minute (my-NOOT) romance element but in an old fashion slow burn way, and that made it really good.

This has the slowest of the slowest slow burn, I mean the angst and the yearning was so so good. And also I love the fact that this is not as a forced proximity as the first book, it came naturally. I lost count on how many times Nasir Bloody Ghameq made me blush, I felt like an idiot.

It's is also beautifully, lyrically, poetically written. Well done Hafsah Faizal, can't wait to read Tempest of Tea now!! 

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