Publisher: G.P Putnam's Sons for Young Readers
Publication Date: April 26th 2016
My rating: 5 stars
I am surrounded on all sides by a desert. A guest, in a prison of sand and sun. My family is here. And I do not know whom I can trust. In a land on the brink of war, Shahrzad has been torn from the love of her husband Khalid, the Caliph of Khorasan. She once believed him a monster, but his secrets revealed a man tormented by guilt and a powerful curse—one that might keep them apart forever. Reunited with her family, who have taken refuge with enemies of Khalid, and Tariq, her childhood sweetheart, she should be happy. But Tariq now commands forces set on destroying Khalid's empire. Shahrzad is almost a prisoner caught between loyalties to people she loves. But she refuses to be a pawn and devises a plan. While her father, Jahandar, continues to play with magical forces he doesn't yet understand, Shahrzad tries to uncover powers that may lie dormant within her. With the help of a tattered old carpet and a tempestuous but sage young man, Shahrzad will attempt to break the curse and reunite with her one true love.
The Rose and the Dagger was a book which reignited my
passion and love for reading, the last few months had been some of the hardest
reading months for me, with only a handful of books making it on my radar. My
last five star book was all the way back in November! but once again Ahdieh
came through for me with a splendid story in The Rose and the Dagger. Whilst I
thoroughly enjoyed The Wrath and the Dawn, Ahdieh took it up a whole another
level with The Rose and the Dagger. The stakes were even higher this time and
with multiple hearts on the line including mine I seriously had a hard time keeping
up with the tough scenes), but all the heartache and surprises I had to endure
were worth it.
Shazi once again was a formidable character; she had a lot
to deal with in this story and a tough time deciding upon who she could fully
trust. But I liked how she was the same fierce and outrageous lady we’d come to
know and didn’t let her “status” and who she had become change that. Her love
for Khalid was strongly apparent and I for one couldn’t wait for them to be
reunited once more, they were jigsaw pieces that fit perfectly and the softer
but still protective side we got to see of Khalid because of Shazi I loved the
most! Shazi really did have to go through an incredible journey in this book,
but I adored the characters that she met along the way, and how she found
friends in the most unexpected of places.
Despite Shazi being our main MC, I liked how Ahdieh gave us
perspectives from different characters in the book too. Characters who we
really didn’t get to know properly in The Wrath and the Dawn, but their voices
and personalities really came through in this book. Surprisingly Isra became
one of my favourite characters, I assumed her to be a young immature girl, but
I couldn’t be more wrong, her growth throughout was immense and one of my
favourite scenes in the entire book was with Isra. This sweet girl had me
laughing so hard, (but also my heart went out to her too.) Just be sure to be ready for these fantastic
characters, because they’ll be sure to take up all the space in your heart!
The Rose and the Dagger had everything that I love and more,
the romance was beautifully done, it made my heart ache and then at times made
it soar and the dangers lurking around the corner and unexpected surprises had
me on the edge of my seat. The world and wonderful characters that Ahdieh bought
into my life I really didn’t want to let go, but I know this book and its
predecessor will hold a special place in my heart for years to come.
10 comments:
Oh, man - this is one of those series I've heard so much positive buzz about, decided to read, but never got around to it. It certainly bodes well that the second book is just as gripping as its predecessor - and I definitely need to read it! Lovely review, Jasprit, thanks :)
Wow. That's a great recommendation coming from you, Jas. I struggled with the first book but that's because I listened to the audio.I had a hard time keeping track of the characters. I'm going to give it another chance by actually reading the book. Brilliant review, Jas.
I'm so glad this got you out of a reading slump, Jasprit! I really enjoyed it as well and though I think I preferred the first installment, only because I wished we had seen more of Jalal and Despina in this, I still loved this book. It was so romantic and I loved Shazi's growth, not to mention her acceptance of her powers. Lovely review, dear--I'm so excited to see what this author writes next!
I still need to read the first book but I'm happy to hear that you loved this one and it isn't just 2nd book filler.
Karen @For What It's Worth
YAY :D Lovely review Jasprit. <3 I'm so glad you loved this book sweet girl. But aw, I also haven't read much lately as well :\ It's the worst. Sigh. I hope to read book one in this series pretty soon :D I own them both, and I'm excited about them. You make this one sound so good :D YAY for good romance. <3
I so need to read the first book! Great review!
I didn't read your review *too* closely because I finally got my preorder and I'll be reading this book next. I CAN'T WAIT! I've seen nothing but really really positive reviews for the book, which is exciting. I'm so glad you gave it five stars, Jasprit!
Fantastic review. =)
Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!
I feel your pain Jasprit! I've really been struggling for a while now too, and it never fails to make me exceedingly happy when I find a book that manages to keep me up late night reading without keeping a careful eye on how many pages are left. I can't wait to dive into this series!
I wasn't the biggest fan of the first book, but I've decided to give it another shot and to read this one as well. I'm so pleased to hear that you finally found a book that you're head over heels in love with. In all honesty, this year's books haven't been that great. I myself have been reading older titles instead. I hope I'll feel the same way as you did about this one.
Beautiful review, Jasprit!
I really liked the first book last year and I have the audio for this one to listen to soon, I hope I love it too :)
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