The Rose & the Dagger

Pacing started off relatively slowly but really crammed lots of action in at the end. Appreciate that the ended the story in 2 books and she didn't try to drag out the story just to create an unneeded trilogy. I enjoyed Shahrzad as a character, and the retelling of Arabian Nights was fun. Like the first book, the descriptions drag on far too long, so gloss over all of those. I listened to the audio book at 1.75x because the narrator was a tiresomely slow reader.

5/5 stars As always. As ever. As a rose to the sun. I am envious of writers, because for some reason they are able to find the right pattern of letters to construct worlds, create friends or enemies, fashion together a beautiful romance, and destroy a reader's life. [a:Renee Ahdieh 4600197 Renée Ahdieh https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1487663209p2/4600197.jpg] is a prime example of this.This book is a masterpiece inside and out. I took my time reading every word, getting to know every character. I found myself emerged into the beautiful world and trudging along with each character's trials. But because I took so long to finish, my thoughts are so disorganized that I can't herd them together for a longer, organized review. So I guess I'll just have to say this: for a sequel, this book was phenomenal. I have just finished this book maybe 10 minutes ago, and I'm already craving more. In all honestly, I enjoyed [b:The Wrath & the Dawn 18798983 The Wrath and the Dawn (The Wrath and the Dawn, #1) Renée Ahdieh https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1417956963l/18798983.SY75.jpg 26724902] much, much more, but this book wrap up the series in such a unique, memorable way that given a few weeks to think everything over, the series might find its way onto my favorite books of all time list. Truly magnificent. Astounding. Breathtaking. All positive adjectives.

“For it was easy to be good and kind in times of plenty. The trying times were the moments that defined a man.”

This is a fitting conclusion to the amazing duology. It is every bit as beautifully written and captivating as the first one. There is definitely less romance and flirtation in this one, because the time for those has passed. It's all about working together to break the curse, protect the loved ones and rebuild the city. There is a lot of growth in the characters of Khalid and Shazi. Shazi truly embodies the calipha of Khorasan even when she is not among her people or allies. Khalid becomes more trusting of his love. The conflict between Khalid and Tariq is thrilling and I was praying that one wouldn't hurt the other. Shazi's sister Irsa is introduced who is initially quite fearful but comes into her own at a very crucial moment. There is betrayal, heartbreak and conspiracy here, along with flying carpets, magical serpents and murderous books. The author shocks us with plenty of jaw dropping moments right till the end and I devoured all of them. And the ending is amazing – all characters showing what they are truly made of. Thank you my favorite booktuber @ Thoughts on Tomes for finally making me read this series which was lying on my TBR pile forever. Can't believe I missed it till now. Better late than never!!!!

“True strength isn't about sovereignty. It's about knowing when you need help and having the courage to accept it.”

This year I've tried hard to really focus on completing series when I've started them. I've so far managed to blitz through around 6 sets this year and I was keen to complete The Wrath & The Dawn duology by Renee Ahdieh as well. Having really enjoyed the first book I was really keen to see how they would continue the wonderful Arabian story in The Rose & The Dagger.

The second book picks up very quickly after the end of The Wrath & The Dawn with Khalid trying to rebuild his broken city of Rey and Shazi having been taken to safety by Tariq to a settlement in the desert where she has been reunited with her sister and father. Tariq is still working with his uncle and the head of the desert tribes to try and overthrow Shazi's husband who is still greatly misunderstood for killing his brides each night after their weddings. Shazi has been the only one to survive and Tariq is disappointed that his true love has fallen in love with another.

I found the first 100 pages of this book a little slow to get going, the chapters would flit between Khalid and Shaharzad and we really miss them being together and the sparks that would fly when they were. The initial chapters though are forgotten once the action does get going. We have so much going on, lots of new characters and romances and relationships and some really jaw-dropping OMG moments that keep you glued. Once the action was underway I flew through the last chapters, scared to take my eyes off the page in case I missed anything. There is magic, betrayal, true love, grief and loss and it makes for a wonderful end to this duology.

Again the atmosphere of the world Ahdieh builds jumps off the page in spades. Whilst there are lots of unfamiliar words for the different clothes, weapons and cultural references to the Arabian world in which this book is set it doesn't detract from the enjoyment. Instead, it brings a really exotic flavour and a world in which I could spend all day.

I couldn't recommend this book, or the duology as a whole any higher. It's been a really fun journey and because these books have quite a different setting I have a feeling they will linger with me for some time to come.