Though this second and final installment of the Sands of Arawiya was long it didn’t feel like it dragged on. I do feel like it wouldn’t have been so much emotionally and just long winded if Faizal wrote three medium length books instead of two long ones. I loved the relationship building between the zumra and the description of the different regions. It did feel hurried in things that should’ve been drawn out, like the trips to Alderamin and Demenhur. I still think the timeline of events was very quick between the two books. For such long and heavy books, the timeframe is only a matter of weeks. I very much loved this story but wish there was more time spent on Lana, Yasmine, and Misk. I think my favorite character in this book turned out to be the Jawarat. 
Regardless of the duology’s shortcomings, the story made me laugh and cry and made my heart squeeze. I cannot wait to see more work from Faizal as she continues to grow as an author.