After one night of betrothal, Khalid usually kills his latest queen, including Shahrzad's best friend. Using her skill at storytelling, sixteen-year-old Shahrzad entrances Khalid and survives to see another dawn and another. She hunts for his vulnerabilities and discovers that she is his weakness as he is hers. To her horror, she is falling in love with this handsome monster.
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| Author Renée Ahdieh, from her website |
Add a touch of magic and The Wrath & The Dawn is more than a retelling. It has all the best elements of a young adult novel: a fantastic set up, complex characters, a swoon-worthy if disturbing romance, a pulse-raising pace and an exotic setting. The evocative writing transports the reader to the deserts of Persia. The only weakness was the narration and dialogue sometimes sounded too contemporary for the ancient time period, but that probably makes the book all the more accessible to teen readers. I've bought a second copy for my 14-year-old niece for Christmas and am eagerly awaiting the sequel, The Rose & The Dagger. This series would crossover well to adult readers too.
Reviewer's Disclosure: I bought the hardcover book at The Vermont Book Shop in Middlebury.
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8 comments:
I remember reading at least parts of "One Thousand and One Nights" as a girl, and although it was the stories she told that I enjoyed, it always bothered me that she was telling them to save her life. I like this girl power twist!
That's YA? Interesting. I'll have to check it out.
I loved One Thousand and One Nights! I like the sounds of such a strong female protagonist. And there's so much room for conflict! It's been a while since I read a fantasy.... Thanks for reviewing, Sarah!
I have actually got "One Thousand and One Nights" to re-read so I was intrigued by this review and book. Thanks, I really appreciated your piece.
Greetings from London.
I don't recall too much about 1001 Nights but this retelling sounds fun and suspenseful. Of course I now want to know what happens!
I've never heard of this one, but it sounds awesome! I love retellings of folklore. Thanks for the great review.
Did I read this as a youngster or maybe see a Disney movie. The original sounds very familiar....:)
Rose, we are of similar minds,
Stacey, I'm looking forward to your reaction.
Barrie, I don't read much fantasy either, but I really enjoyed this one. Most of the book is realistic with only a few magical realism elements. Thanks for hosting the book review club!
ACIL, this book made me want to reread the original too.
cue, it is indeed suspenseful.
Cloud/Rob, then you'll enjoy this one.
troutbirder, this is much better than Disney.
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