“I’d read you like scripture, a prayer. And all the worship I felt, I’d heap at your feet.”

We all need more female rage in our lives

“If I’m going to have the stabbing, there better be kissing after.”

4.5 stars

This was so atmospheric. The power of family lost and family gained. That when motivated, anything is possible, including burning down an entire empire.

“I am a tool of vengeance now. I exist to destroy those who came for me and my family.”

I don't know how to describe it but it was like the ideal fantasy setting. There was a prison, a castle, markets, farms, swords, horses, hidden identities,

enemies-to-friends-to-lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers,

he-knows-her-scars,

rain-forcing-them-to-an-inn-for-the-night-with-only-one-room-and-only-one-bed…

Just so perfect.

“Are you flirting with me about getting beheaded?”
His eyes lit up. “I can’t think of anyone else who might even consider it flirting.”

Dania was so strong, after all she went through and lost and I loved her and I loved her friendship with Noor was great. I love a good friendship-building in books, its always so wholesome.

He fell to his knees on the floor, looking up at me as if waiting for his execution.

Set on a Pakistain-inspired background, this book of revenge, rage, forgiveness, acceptance, and romance was just amazing. I loved the movement around Dani and Mazin’s relationship and their history, told in duel timelines (not alternating chapters, though, just enough for background).

“Noor, this isn’t about revenge. It’s about making sure this power doesn’t stay in the hands of anyone who is going to use it to destroy. It’s about stopping the cycle.”
Noor looked up at Maz, her brow raised. “It’s a little about revenge,” he admitted.

Spoiler quotes and squee-ing, but I literally couldn’t leave this out of my review

“Did you think I wouldn’t know you? I’d know you with any face. Any skin. Any hair. A thousand djinn could disguise you from me and I’d still be able to find you just by the sound of your breath.”

Can I just say that I almost died when he mentioned that he always knew it was her!! Based on her hands!!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME!? HOW PERFECT WAS THAT AND HE TOOK IN HER CAT?? Yes.

“Let me prove it to you now. Tell me what you want, Dani.”
“What I want?” I lifted my sword in front of my face, the rain beating against the blade. “I want my fucking cat back.”

I would have liked a little more rage, world-building, and romance, hence the not 5 stars, but overall, amazing!

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Wednesday Books, Netgalley, and the author for this ARC!

“It’s too much. I can’t save you without destroying myself.”