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hayielle's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
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
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Death of parent, Torture, and Murder
theespressoedition's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
We Free the Stars was such a rollercoaster - and I'm still unsure whether that was a good thing or a not-so-good thing.
With the first book, I was worried that it would take me a long time to get interested in it. I thought it would be slow and a little tedious, but I was quickly proven wrong. It was fast-paced and there was always something interesting happening. There was fantastic chemistry (see: tension) between the protagonists, and the supporting cast was so intriguing. However, this sequel was everything I thought the first would be... and that wasn't great.
Unfortunately, it took me until I was over halfway through this book to actually begin getting interested in the story. It held a much slower pace and the chemistry/tension that was there before was so flat and almost unappealing because of Nasir's sudden obsession with Zafira. He went from fighting feelings to becoming like a little lost puppy that wanted to follow her wherever she went and get her attention no matter what. Maybe that would be cute in a romance book, but as the "Prince of Death" or whatever, it didn't seem fitting.
Just like with the first book, my interest was mostly in Altair. I'm still holding out hope that there will be a spin-off for him because he only became more intriguing as the story was spun. The twisty-turny ending had me all the more fascinated by him and what could happen in the future.
One thing that hit me in an odd way was how much of these books (but specifically this one) felt like an Arabian Shadow and Bone. I realize that people tend to compare almost every fantasy book to S&B, but I'm speaking from a very objective standpoint. Most of the time, I don't feel as though books are modeled after older fantasies, but this one definitely seemed that way. That being said, there was a lot about the similarities that I really liked, since the Grishaverse is actually my favorite collection of books. It just kind of struck me as odd every once in a while when I noticed something that was super similar.
I can't say that it was a truly phenomenal conclusion to the story, but I did really enjoy the very end and the way that it didn't try to wrap everything up too perfectly. I will also say that this book is filled with some breathtaking quotes. So, if you're looking for a duology that has interesting magic and great vibes, pick up the Sands of Arawiya.
With the first book, I was worried that it would take me a long time to get interested in it. I thought it would be slow and a little tedious, but I was quickly proven wrong. It was fast-paced and there was always something interesting happening. There was fantastic chemistry (see: tension) between the protagonists, and the supporting cast was so intriguing. However, this sequel was everything I thought the first would be... and that wasn't great.
Unfortunately, it took me until I was over halfway through this book to actually begin getting interested in the story. It held a much slower pace and the chemistry/tension that was there before was so flat and almost unappealing because of Nasir's sudden obsession with Zafira. He went from fighting feelings to becoming like a little lost puppy that wanted to follow her wherever she went and get her attention no matter what. Maybe that would be cute in a romance book, but as the "Prince of Death" or whatever, it didn't seem fitting.
Just like with the first book, my interest was mostly in Altair. I'm still holding out hope that there will be a spin-off for him because he only became more intriguing as the story was spun. The twisty-turny ending had me all the more fascinated by him and what could happen in the future.
One thing that hit me in an odd way was how much of these books (but specifically this one) felt like an Arabian Shadow and Bone. I realize that people tend to compare almost every fantasy book to S&B, but I'm speaking from a very objective standpoint. Most of the time, I don't feel as though books are modeled after older fantasies, but this one definitely seemed that way. That being said, there was a lot about the similarities that I really liked, since the Grishaverse is actually my favorite collection of books. It just kind of struck me as odd every once in a while when I noticed something that was super similar.
I can't say that it was a truly phenomenal conclusion to the story, but I did really enjoy the very end and the way that it didn't try to wrap everything up too perfectly. I will also say that this book is filled with some breathtaking quotes. So, if you're looking for a duology that has interesting magic and great vibes, pick up the Sands of Arawiya.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Death, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, and Torture
Minor: Fire/Fire injury
christalbotheindl's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Body horror, Murder, Death, War, and Torture
Moderate: Death of parent, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Emotional abuse, and Misogyny
sawyertaylor's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
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? It's complicated
4.25
Not quite as excellent as the first in the series but still well worth the read!
Content Warnings
Minor: Torture and War
elnorastewart3's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Torture, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Death of parent, and Grief
cemeterygay's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
I absolutely adored this book but only one issue kept it from being a five star read for me. The pacing while all of the characters are in Sultan's keep before the big reveal with the Sultan is just way too slow for me. It was the only section where I legitimately struggled to pay attention to the book.
Setting that aside, I thought this was an amazing conclusion to the duology. A lot of depth that was needed for characters including for the main antagonist was finally provided. I like that the discussions of cycles of abuse and trauma were made way more explicit in a way I really enjoyed. I especially like how this book made discussions of sacrifice and morality way more prominent especially in Nasir's and Zafira's relationship.
I also genuinely enjoyed where both Nasir's and Zafira's characters were explored in this book and how they developed. Their relationship was so wonderful and I enjoyed how we got to the end of their romance arc. I especially liked the increased exploration of the relationship between Zafira and her sister and Nasir and his family.
I am intensely happy with how Altair's character developed in this book and the ending to his story is so intensely satisfying. He very quickly became one of my favorite characters in this book and so often I just wanted to give him a hug.
I love how the Lion of the Night develops as an antagonist and how his arc ultimately resolves. I love how we get to see added depth while still keeping him as a legitimately strong and imposing presence.
I also like how many of the side characters were given quite a bit more depth and exploration in this book.
We got a bit more worldbuilding but nothing compared to the first book but honestly that was fine for me because it didn't really feel necessary.
With the increased complexity of the themes in this book, the vivid writing style was really allowed to shine in this book. I also really enjoyed the conclusion of this book and I enjoyed how everything resolved.
This was an intensely satisfying conclusion and I'm happy I can recommend these books as a great duology.
Setting that aside, I thought this was an amazing conclusion to the duology. A lot of depth that was needed for characters including for the main antagonist was finally provided. I like that the discussions of cycles of abuse and trauma were made way more explicit in a way I really enjoyed. I especially like how this book made discussions of sacrifice and morality way more prominent especially in Nasir's and Zafira's relationship.
I also genuinely enjoyed where both Nasir's and Zafira's characters were explored in this book and how they developed. Their relationship was so wonderful and I enjoyed how we got to the end of their romance arc. I especially liked the increased exploration of the relationship between Zafira and her sister and Nasir and his family.
I am intensely happy with how Altair's character developed in this book and the ending to his story is so intensely satisfying. He very quickly became one of my favorite characters in this book and so often I just wanted to give him a hug.
I love how the Lion of the Night develops as an antagonist and how his arc ultimately resolves. I love how we get to see added depth while still keeping him as a legitimately strong and imposing presence.
I also like how many of the side characters were given quite a bit more depth and exploration in this book.
We got a bit more worldbuilding but nothing compared to the first book but honestly that was fine for me because it didn't really feel necessary.
With the increased complexity of the themes in this book, the vivid writing style was really allowed to shine in this book. I also really enjoyed the conclusion of this book and I enjoyed how everything resolved.
This was an intensely satisfying conclusion and I'm happy I can recommend these books as a great duology.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Child abuse, Torture, Gore, Grief, Violence, and War
Minor: Emotional abuse and Physical abuse
michellemaas's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
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
I loved it!
I'm going to start by saying that We Free the Stars is one of the most quotable books I have read to date. Hafsah Faizal has such a beautiful way with words and that alone deserves a star before any other factors are even considered.
Another thing that is super close to my heart: asexual representation. In recent years the entertainment industry has come a long way in terms of representing the LGBTQ+ community but despite seeing a bunch of cute lesbian and gay couples, I NEVER see any asexual characters (or it isn't outright mentioned/discussed). Oftentimes characters are thrown into unnecessary relationships since romance is a huge driving point and I appreciate that Hafsah Faizal made Kifah an interesting and alluring character without needing to put her in a romantic relationship. The way she described asexuality was also so good.
Next there's Nasir and Zafira. One of my main critiques for the previous book was how Zafira and Nasir got over their qualms of each other without any real explanation for why. It was purely based on lust, Zafira being emotionally stunted after the death of her friend and Nasir latching onto the first person to show him affection. I am so happy that Hafsah Faizal deepened their relationship in the sequel. We got to see that slow-burn that she was going for in the first book because their relationship had to fester from lust to love. It was a beautiful journey (even if the beginning was a little questionable). Also, that ending. We all saw it coming but when I tell you I was a pile of squishy feels . . . just perfect.
The last relationship-related point I want to make is about Yasmine and Misk. I know I sound repetitive but I loved and appreciated that Yasmine was not magically fine at the end of the book. The author "sacrificed" a perfect ending that was wrapped up with a neat little bow to show that grief does not go away because other things in your life get better.
Then, I enjoyed The Lion of the Night as a villain. He was not purely a monster and while the author made it clear that his tragic past did not justify his actions, it gave us a better insight into him as a character.
Lastly, I want to shout out all the side characters like Altair, Lana, Yasmine, etc. My version of this book was 700-odd pages (as opposed to the 400/500-something of the first book) and I was apprehensive since a longer book doesn't always equal a better book. While I still don't know if all 700 pages were necessary, I am glad that the author went for a little bit of a longer book to explore the development and fleshing-out of the side characters. I feel that my reading experience was thoroughly enhanced by the fact that I had more knowledge of the side characters than an off-handed description as most other novels do.
I'm going to start by saying that We Free the Stars is one of the most quotable books I have read to date. Hafsah Faizal has such a beautiful way with words and that alone deserves a star before any other factors are even considered.
Another thing that is super close to my heart: asexual representation. In recent years the entertainment industry has come a long way in terms of representing the LGBTQ+ community but despite seeing a bunch of cute lesbian and gay couples, I NEVER see any asexual characters (or it isn't outright mentioned/discussed). Oftentimes characters are thrown into unnecessary relationships since romance is a huge driving point and I appreciate that Hafsah Faizal made Kifah an interesting and alluring character without needing to put her in a romantic relationship. The way she described asexuality was also so good.
Next there's Nasir and Zafira. One of my main critiques for the previous book was how Zafira and Nasir got over their qualms of each other without any real explanation for why. It was purely based on lust, Zafira being emotionally stunted after the death of her friend and Nasir latching onto the first person to show him affection. I am so happy that Hafsah Faizal deepened their relationship in the sequel. We got to see that slow-burn that she was going for in the first book because their relationship had to fester from lust to love. It was a beautiful journey (even if the beginning was a little questionable). Also, that ending. We all saw it coming but when I tell you I was a pile of squishy feels . . . just perfect.
The last relationship-related point I want to make is about Yasmine and Misk. I know I sound repetitive but I loved and appreciated that Yasmine was not magically fine at the end of the book. The author "sacrificed" a perfect ending that was wrapped up with a neat little bow to show that grief does not go away because other things in your life get better.
Then, I enjoyed The Lion of the Night as a villain. He was not purely a monster and while the author made it clear that his tragic past did not justify his actions, it gave us a better insight into him as a character.
Lastly, I want to shout out all the side characters like Altair, Lana, Yasmine, etc. My version of this book was 700-odd pages (as opposed to the 400/500-something of the first book) and I was apprehensive since a longer book doesn't always equal a better book. While I still don't know if all 700 pages were necessary, I am glad that the author went for a little bit of a longer book to explore the development and fleshing-out of the side characters. I feel that my reading experience was thoroughly enhanced by the fact that I had more knowledge of the side characters than an off-handed description as most other novels do.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Bullying, Child abuse, Death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Gore, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Murder, Physical abuse, Sexism, Torture, and Violence
Moderate: Blood
Minor: Animal death and Slavery
jackiepreston's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Death of parent, Violence, and Torture
Moderate: Emotional abuse
lainiereads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
BEST BOOK BEST BOOK BEST BOOK!!!!!!
Hafsah Faizal has knocked it out of the park with this one, oh my god. I already really loved We Hunt the Flame, and somehow this book was even better?? All of the characters were so great, and they each had so much depth- its impossible not to love the whole zumra. And the emotions this book made me feel???? UNMATCHED! I have never had a book make me feel as strongly as this one, like there were multiple times that I was beyond the point of crying and just wanted to VOMIT because I felt the grief and sadness of the characters as if it were my own. There was also so much happening, in every chapter there was either something dramatic happening, or it was clearly setting up for something dramatic to happen in the next chapter. I was NEVER bored.
OKAY ALSO THE ROMANCE! IT WAS SO CUTE AHHH I love Zafira and Nasir both so much, they are just perfect. The ways they describe their feelings for eachother?? Perfect. It was so poetic and beautiful, I don't know what could top it.
This book also handled the topic of grief really well. There are so many great quotes about death and loss, and I really appreciated how we got to see the characters talk to each other about their losses. It was very powerful and honest.
Last thing: I'm really glad we got to see more of Lana in this book. It was really interesting to see her character development, and I loved seeing Zafira's perspective of her change as she saw more of Lana's true self.
Okay, everyone go read this book!!! SO GOOD I will not be shutting up about it any time soon.
Hafsah Faizal has knocked it out of the park with this one, oh my god. I already really loved We Hunt the Flame, and somehow this book was even better?? All of the characters were so great, and they each had so much depth- its impossible not to love the whole zumra. And the emotions this book made me feel???? UNMATCHED! I have never had a book make me feel as strongly as this one, like there were multiple times that I was beyond the point of crying and just wanted to VOMIT because I felt the grief and sadness of the characters as if it were my own. There was also so much happening, in every chapter there was either something dramatic happening, or it was clearly setting up for something dramatic to happen in the next chapter. I was NEVER bored.
OKAY ALSO THE ROMANCE! IT WAS SO CUTE AHHH I love Zafira and Nasir both so much, they are just perfect. The ways they describe their feelings for eachother?? Perfect. It was so poetic and beautiful, I don't know what could top it.
This book also handled the topic of grief really well. There are so many great quotes about death and loss, and I really appreciated how we got to see the characters talk to each other about their losses. It was very powerful and honest.
Last thing: I'm really glad we got to see more of Lana in this book. It was really interesting to see her character development, and I loved seeing Zafira's perspective of her change as she saw more of Lana's true self.
Okay, everyone go read this book!!! SO GOOD I will not be shutting up about it any time soon.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Murder, Grief, Death of parent, and Death
Moderate: War, Torture, Sexism, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Child abuse and Fire/Fire injury
plumpaperbacks's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
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
5.0
I gave the first book in this series only three stars, because I thought the characters and world-building were good but too many other things were off. I feel like a clown now, because I was enthralled as soon as I started this book and that never stopped. Now I’m obsessed with the characters and the story, and I’d go as far as saying that this is one of my favorite books of all time. Any book that makes me feel so many emotions deserves a spot on that list.
And dear god, there were emotions. There still are. I love the zumra, but they put me through more crap than I was prepared for. This especially applies to Zafira and Nasir. I ship them so hard!!! And the number of times I nearly lost it because of something sweet he said to her… I don’t think I’ve ever seen a love interest as reverent of their lover as he is. I’m pretty sure he’s the most romantic love interest ever. Very few ships make me swoon and screech and lose my mind as much as these two did, which says a lot, honestly. I’m a hopeless romantic and there are dozens of ships I’ll go down with, but something about these characters just affects me. I think it’s the slow-burn. Those usually hit me hard.
Romance aside, the friendships and family dynamics were also phenomenal. Zafira, Nasir, Altair, and Kifah are all iconic, and I love the dynamic between the four of them. I especially loved all the banter. I also really liked Zafira and Kifah’s friendship, and Zafira’s bond with her younger sister Lana, and Nasir and Altair’s friendship. It was really sweet to see Lana grow up, and how she loved her sister so much. I appreciate that she wasn’t sidelined in the midst of everything, and instead was just as complex and important to the story. As for my boys, they’re like the grumpy one and sunshine one, friend edition, and I’m totally here for it. They’re great on their own, and an absolutely hilarious duo.They’re my favorite brothers, I think. I loved seeing them get used to that part of their relationship, and love and support each other.
The entirety of act three had me STRESSED. (I mean, the whole book did, if I’m being honest.) The final showdown was handled in a way I didn’t expect, so props to Faizal for that. Even after everything was wrapped up in terms of plot, I was still stressed because of how two specific characters were acting.Part of me was worried that Zafira would just run away from Nasir and her feelings for him, and he would let it happen. Thank every god that Yasmine talked some sense into Zafira, and everything worked out in the end. I thought it was really sweet how she came to the throne room, and he ran to her, scattering papers everywhere, and just kissed her. I legit felt like cheering at that moment. Luckily, when I closed the book, my shipper heart was very happy. It was all perfect. I do kind of wish we’d gotten another chapter or two, since this happy ending felt slightly vague, but it was still very much a happy ending. And that’s enough to satisfy me. ❤️
I loved this book. I can definitely see myself rereading this duology in the future. I know I’ll certainly be anticipating A Tempest of Tea, and everything else Hafsah Faizal has up her sleeve.
Representation
And dear god, there were emotions. There still are. I love the zumra, but they put me through more crap than I was prepared for. This especially applies to Zafira and Nasir. I ship them so hard!!! And the number of times I nearly lost it because of something sweet he said to her… I don’t think I’ve ever seen a love interest as reverent of their lover as he is. I’m pretty sure he’s the most romantic love interest ever. Very few ships make me swoon and screech and lose my mind as much as these two did, which says a lot, honestly. I’m a hopeless romantic and there are dozens of ships I’ll go down with, but something about these characters just affects me. I think it’s the slow-burn. Those usually hit me hard.
Romance aside, the friendships and family dynamics were also phenomenal. Zafira, Nasir, Altair, and Kifah are all iconic, and I love the dynamic between the four of them. I especially loved all the banter. I also really liked Zafira and Kifah’s friendship, and Zafira’s bond with her younger sister Lana, and Nasir and Altair’s friendship. It was really sweet to see Lana grow up, and how she loved her sister so much. I appreciate that she wasn’t sidelined in the midst of everything, and instead was just as complex and important to the story. As for my boys, they’re like the grumpy one and sunshine one, friend edition, and I’m totally here for it. They’re great on their own, and an absolutely hilarious duo.
The entirety of act three had me STRESSED. (I mean, the whole book did, if I’m being honest.) The final showdown was handled in a way I didn’t expect, so props to Faizal for that. Even after everything was wrapped up in terms of plot, I was still stressed because of how two specific characters were acting.
I loved this book. I can definitely see myself rereading this duology in the future. I know I’ll certainly be anticipating A Tempest of Tea, and everything else Hafsah Faizal has up her sleeve.
Representation
- protagonists and side characters of color
- aromantic asexual side character of color
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Death of parent, Murder, Torture, Violence, Grief, and Gore
Moderate: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Misogyny, Self harm, and Sexism
Minor: Kidnapping and Confinement