Reviewed by nitzan_schwarz on
Reading this book was an absolute joy, and a wonderful finale to Shazi and Khalid's story. It's been a long time since I breathed such a satisfied sigh at the end of a series. Although... I don't feel like we are nearly done with this world. There are so many aspects and stories left to explore that I am filled with hope that Ahdieh will expand on this world and give me more!
The Wrath & The Dawn ended on a somewhat dire note for our heroine, so I was a bit worried for Shazi, but it seems like I forgot who I was dealing with here. Shazi is as strong and stubborn as ever, and a mere curse is not going to be what stops her from helping her loved ones!
Now Khalid... if you had told me last week that I would fall head over heels in love with a murdering king, I would have laughed in your face. Joke's on me, because I fell, and fell hard. This guy is so precious and needs to be protected and loved openly and freely to heal his broken soul! Luckily, Shazi is very open to doing exactly that.
Together, these two are #relationshipgoals. Seriously, they just... understand each other. There is no unnecessary trust issues or misunderstandings between them. They don't rely on words to send their message across. And they would never, ever do anything to hurt the other... even emotionally. And if that means forgiving your wife's ex... so be it.
Speaking of said ex... I finally love the guy! Tariq had to work in order to win me over, but I'm happy with the outcome. A guy I didn't have to work hard to love? Tariq's bestie, Rahim! He's a total book-boyfriend, and an instant fave with his laid back and funny commentary, combined with his unwavering loyalty. The way he was with Irsa? Total perfection!
On the point of Irsa, what a pleasant surprise she was! As different from her older sister as the sea is to the dessert, yet just as fierce and formidable in her own way. She both delighted me and broke my heart, and I cannot express how happy I am that this series dishes out so many incredible female characters.
The one thing I was really kind of bummed about with this novel is Jalal and Despina. I left The Wrath & the Dawn looking forward to seeing more of these two, especially in regards to their relationship, because I shipped it way before I knew she was pregnant with his baby. And then you go and give me a book with nearly no Despina or Jalal (who is a favorite on par with Rahim)??
And to add insult to injury, you put Jalal and Khalid at odds because of it? Bringing my two favorite cousins to blows?? STOP MESSING WITH MY BROTP, WORLD!
I highly, highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves beautiful storytelling and stories.
A++
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Original Thoughts
On the one hand, I am extremely satisfied and very happy of where Khalid and Shazi's story ended. On the other, I feel like we are not done with this world, by a long shot. There are so many stories and characters we can still explore in it, like the magic aspect or Irsa and Artan and his family. That part is still a total mystery!
Speaking of Irsa, I wasn't expecting her character at all, but I was very happy with her. She is a delightful addition to the story - as different from her older sister as the sea is from the desert, but just as strong and formidable. Her scene dealing with Rahim's death was so heartbreaking and beautiful, and I can't deal with all these emotions right now
Shazi and Khalid are as perfect in this finale as they were in the opening. If you had told me last week that I would fall head over heels in love with a murdering king, I would have laughed and spit in your face. Joke's on me, because I love Khalid so, so much. This guy is so precious and needs to be protected and hugged and given love to openly and freely to heal his broken soul. Luckily, he has Shazi who does exactly that.
I was worried about the state we might find Shazi in at the beginning of this novel, considering how [book:The Wrath & the Dawn|18798983] ended, but I needn't have worried. It's Shazi, after all. She is still as strong and stubborn as ever, and a mere curse is not going to be what stops her from helping her loved ones!!
Together, these two are #relationshipgoals. Seriously, they just... understand each other. There is no unnecessary trust issues or misunderstandings between them. They don't rely on words to send their message across. And they would never, ever do anything to hurt the other... even emotionally.
*dreamy sigh*
Another wonderful point of this novel is that I simply adored Tariq in it, and Rahim was as book-boyfriend material as ever. Where Tariq had to win me over after the last novel (and he totally did), Rahim has been an instant favorite of mine. The boy is just so funny and laid back, but loyal to a fault. A winning combination. So I don't think I'll ever forgive Ahdieh for killing my boo.
The one thing I was really kind of bummed about with this novel is Jalal and Despina. I left [book:The Wrath & the Dawn|18798983] looking forward to seeing more of these two, especially in regards to their relationship, because I shipped it way before I knew she was pregnent with his baby. And then you go and give me a book with nearly no Despina or Jalal (who is a favorite on par with Rahim).
And to odd insult to injury, you put Jalal and Khalid at odds because of it? Bringing my two favorite cousins to blows?? After Jalal stole my heart with: "Murderer, monster, madman... Khalid may very well be all of those things. But he's also loved. By me and by my father. But, most of all, by Shazi. With her, he is as fiercely loved as he loves."?? STOP MESSING WITH MY BROTP WORLD! And I am still waiting for the reconciling scene where Jalal apologizes, the idiot!
I highly, highly recommend this novel to anyone who loved beautiful storytelling and stories.
A++
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 12 February, 2017: Finished reading
- 12 February, 2017: Reviewed