REVIEW: Traitor to the Throne by Alwyn Hamilton

Publisher's Summary:

Gunslinger Amani al'Hiza fled her dead-end hometown on the back of a mythical horse with the mysterious foreigner Jin, seeking only her own freedom. Now she’s fighting to liberate the entire desert nation of Miraji from a bloodthirsty sultan who slew his own father to capture the throne.

When Amani finds herself thrust into the epicenter of the regime—the Sultan’s palace—she’s determined to bring the tyrant down. Desperate to uncover the Sultan’s secrets by spying on his court, she tries to forget that Jin disappeared just as she was getting closest to him, and that she’s a prisoner of the enemy. But the longer she remains, the more she questions whether the Sultan is really the villain she’s been told he is, and who’s the real traitor to her sun-bleached, magic-filled homeland.

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I loved pretty much everything about Traitor to the Throne. Amani is a complex heroine with intelligence, sass and just enough vulnerability. This series has something for everyone--adventure, mystery, magic, friendship and romance.  I was entertained from start to finish by the elaborate world-building, characterization and some profound narrative twists I did not see coming!

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir

Elias and Laia are running for their lives. After the events of An Ember in the Ashes, soldiers hunt the two fugitives as they flee the city of Serra and undertake a perilous journey through the heart of the Empire.

Laia remains determined to break into Kauf—the Empire’s most secure and dangerous prison—to save her brother, who is the key to the Scholars’ survival. And Elias is determined to help Laia succeed, even if it means giving up his last chance at freedom.

But dark forces, human and otherworldly, work against them. The pair must fight to outsmart their enemies: the bloodthirsty Emperor Marcus, the merciless Commandant, the sadistic Warden of Kauf, and, most heartbreaking of all, Helene—Elias’s former friend and the Empire’s newest Blood Shrike.

I enjoyed this second book. Tahir seems to hit a narrative stride with the pacing and multiple stories developing.  The characters show depth not always found in YA fiction. I particularly found the addition of Helene's voice as Blood Shrike compelling. 

What is most interesting to me is the artful blend of ancient Roman and Middle Eastern influence. I am very intrigued by where the series will go for the third book in 2018.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: Euphrates Dance by Hussein Hussein

Expected publication: May 15, 2017

The narrative follows the life of a young Iraqi man in his search for peace, faith and the pursuit to live a happy and fulfilling life despite a significant series of challenges. The story balances itself in the real while steering toward the mystical with deeply psychological roots.

I originally received a copy to review as a possible book with YA appeal. As contemporary fiction, the narrative, themes, and sometimes sexual content don't lend this to be a teen read. That being said, this is a well written and thought provoking read about a region and culture that I'm not all that familiar with.

Recommended for those seeking a deeply psychological and philosophical coming of age exploring culture, religion and finding meaning when life brings extraordinary challenges.

Final rating: 3 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: The Wrath & The Dawn by Renee Ahdieh

Imagine a far off kingdom ruled by a murderous king. Eighteen year old Caliph of Khorasan is known as a monster. Each night he takes a new bride only to have her murdered, strangled by a silk cord each morning. After her best friend is killed in this horrific manner, sixteen year old Shahrzad vows vengeance at any cost. She not only volunteers to marry the Caliph but to also discover the truth and enact revenge.

The Wrath & the Dawn begins to weave the tale of One Thousand and One Nights. Shahrzad tells enchanting stories, ensuring her survival night after night. However, what she doesn't count on is growing to care for her new husband, especially after learning the truth behind his tragic curse.  In a nod to Beauty and the Beast, Shahrzad must then struggle with the fate of her best friend while also helping to break the curse and weather the storm of rebellion and unrest swirling around the kingdom.

I really enjoyed this book and its unique retelling of some classic tales.  Shahrzad is spunky and an admirable heroine. I liked the juxtoposition of Ahdieh's characterization of women in the story as opposed to how women we considered (and still are) amongst middle eastern society (both fiction and IRL).

Overall, this is well written with strong characters and good world building.  There is certainly more appeal to a female reader, especially with the emphasis on romance.  While not graphic, Shahrzad and Caliph's relationship includes sexual intimacy, so when recommending the book make note.

As I continue on to book 2, I'm interested to see how the magical element plays out, especially Shahrzad's abuse of power and a possible fallout and how that might translate to our heroine herself.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter:  @rahdieh


#TheWrathandtheDawn #reneeahdieh #shahrzad #romance YAlit #beautyandthebeast #1001nights

REVIEW: The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi

Expected publication: April 26, 2016

Cursed with a dark horoscope leaving her fated to marry Death and Destruction, Princess Maya is scorned and feared by all within her father's kingdom.  With war looming on the palace's very doorstep, the Raja, arranges a wedding of political convenience in hopes to quell rebellion.  Maya is devastated since the act takes her away from scholarly pursuits as well as her beloved half sister.

The fateful day arrives with some surprises. Maya soon finds herself whisked away, becoming queen of Akaran and wife to Amar. Here she finds her voice and power as his equal. But trust is not easily won in this mysterious kingdom made up of locked doors, gardens of glass and a tree that bares memories instead of fruit. Maya must unravel her own past and an ancient mystery spanning many reincarnated lives in order to save those she loves.

Chokshi's writing is lush and beautifully descriptive. I felt transported to these kingdoms and longed to see the vivid silks, jewels and embellishments for myself. The Star-Touched Queen fits nicely within the trend of a middle eastern-esque setting with supernatural flare. The author's exploration of Indian mythology and lore makes for a truly unique reading experience that will entice audiences from the first page. The cover art is captivating as well.

Overall, I appreciated the story's pacing and development. I found Maya really fascinating and think her voice will resonate with readers. I've had some limited Twitter interaction with Chokshi and she's just been delightful. I wish her all the best with this publication.  I definitely recommend this for purchase --ages 14 and up for those who enjoy fantasy steeped in mythology, mystery and romance.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @NotRashKnee



#startouched #roshanichokshi #fantasy #YAlit #romance #mystery #netgalley #books

REVIEW: Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton

Rebel of the Sands is a magical debut from author Alywn Hamilton. The desert is a harsh and desolate landscape. While mortals may rule the nation of Miraji, fearsome creatures of legend roam the wilder, remote areas and rumors swirl that djinn still perform magic.

Amani Al'Hiza feels trapped in this unforgiving place.  Poor, orphaned, and female, her future seems sealed to either wed or die. As a talented gunslinger, with perfect aim, she hopes that this might lead to enough money to escape Dustwalk. When Amani meets Jin, a captivating foreigner, she sees him as her way out, but she never expected that his complicated and dangerous ties would lead to her own self discovery and alter her future forever.

“Haven't you ever wanted something so bad that it becomes more than a want? I need to get out of this town. I need it like I need to breathe.” 

This novel is one of several in the latest YA trend blending an exotic desert setting with Middle Eastern ideals and folklore. Hamilton builds a detailed world full of beautiful description and memorable characters. Amani is a fantastic female protagonist exhibiting relatable qualities of some of the greatest YA heroines. She's kick butt, no nonsense and snarky but also practical and vulnerable.

I liked the greater commentary regarding feminism and expected societal roles.  Amani realizes that her status as a young woman in her culture limits her future. Women are used and abused--and if she doesn't leave Dustwalk, she'll be forced to marry (most likely her uncle) or end up dead. Hamilton introduces a supernatural element as a means for Amani to gain power and some semblance of control over her life.  I enjoyed this development--especially the author's stance on the djinn as powerfully magical beings of fire rather than figures enslaved in a bottle waiting to do another's bidding.

The addition of the rebellion and its surprising ties to Amani as well as the passionate romance developing between Amani and Jin makes for compelling reading. Hamilton builds layers within each chapter by delving into a thought provoking plot. There's great adventure and some pretty scary creatures (I do not want to encounter a skinwalker or nightmare EVER!) but...I totally want a cool mythical desert horse!

I highly recommend the audiobook as narrated by Soneela Nankani (@soneela). The performance was engaging; so much so, that I couldn't stop listening!

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Follow the author and on Twitter:  @AlywnFJH


#RebelOfTheSands #AlwynHamilton #YAlit #teen #romance #magic #adventure #djinn