For She Is Wrath

4/5 Stars!

In “For She Is Wrath,” Emily Varga presents an engaging gender-swapped fantasy retelling of “The Count of Monte Cristo” (one of my favourite books). The story follows Dania, who is wrongfully imprisoned for a crime she didn't commit. After spending a year being tortured and plotting her escape, she finally manages to get out with help from a fellow prisoner. Together, they track down a hidden trove of djinn magic, which sets the stage for Dania's carefully planned revenge against those who betrayed her, including Mazin, the boy she once loved (and maybe still loves, despite her righteous anger).

Varga's storytelling prowess is shown through her excellent prose, her fierce heroine, and the magic system she creates. The whole book is filled with emotional depth from the very beginning. Dania is a strong protagonist - smart, determined, and tough, but not a ‘pick me'. The complex relationship between Dania and Mazin adds a layer of tension to this story of vengeance, drawing readers into their emotional dynamic.

The rich fantasy world-building draws upon Pakistani lore and culture, skillfully blending these elements into a magic system that mirrors the characters' emotional journeys. This connection adds significance to every display of power, heightening the stakes throughout the narrative.

While I found the pacing slows a little in the middle, the final act makes up for it with exciting twists and satisfying emotional resolutions. One small note: some dialogue in fast-paced scenes could be more clearly noted to help distinguish the speaker more effectively, some sections I had to reread to be sure.

This enchanting YA fantasy is perfect for readers who enjoy strong heroines, innovative magic systems, and narratives that thoughtfully explore the complexities of power and revenge. Varga's debut is an exhilarating start, establishing her as a talented author to keep an eye on in the fantasy genre.

I listened to the audiobook version, which was very captivating. I feel the narrator did very well with distinctive voices, and was a good fit for the story as well.

Thank you to Macmillan UK Audio and NetGalley for a copy of the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.