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Rebel of the Sands #3
Hero at the Fall
When gunslinging Amani Al'Hiza escaped her dead-end town, she never imagined she'd join a revolution, let alone lead one. But after the bloodthirsty Sultan of Miraji imprisoned the Rebel Prince Ahmed in the mythical city of Eremot, she doesn't have a choice. Armed with only her revolver, her wits, and her untameable Demdji powers, Amani must rally her skeleton crew of rebels for a rescue mission through the unforgiving desert to a place that, according to maps, doesn't exist.
As she watches those she loves most lay their lives on the line against ghouls and enemy soldiers, Amani questions whether she can be the leader they need or if she is leading them all to their deaths.
In the final battle for the throne, Amani must fight for everything she believes in, but with the rebellion in pieces, and the Sultan's armies advancing across the desert plains, who will lead, who will triumph, who will live and who will die?
As she watches those she loves most lay their lives on the line against ghouls and enemy soldiers, Amani questions whether she can be the leader they need or if she is leading them all to their deaths.
In the final battle for the throne, Amani must fight for everything she believes in, but with the rebellion in pieces, and the Sultan's armies advancing across the desert plains, who will lead, who will triumph, who will live and who will die?
506 pages, Paperback
First published November 15, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,298 reviews
April 15, 2019
If you’re considering picking this series up DO IT NOW.
Please don’t read the comments if you don’t want to be spoiled. In my review I have spoilers under tags but not in comments as I can do nothing about those. Hope this helps.
I’ve lost the ability to produce proper sentences.
THIS BOOK WAS SO CRUEL. AND SO GREAT.
Now I probably really need to sit in a corner and cry of both sadness and joy. I’ll miss everybody so freaking much! I started reading this series in 2015 and I’ve loved it ever since. Not one time was I let down (except again when the author was so cruel with my precious characters *cries*). I can’t believe how much Amani has grown as well. In this book she’s the main character through and through. She’s basically the chosen one and I couldn’t be happier that she had such a role in the Rebellion.
This last book kept me on the edge of my sit from page 1 to the end. When you think that nothing could go worse, you’ll be proven wrong many many times. I talked and screamed out loud for this book, and when I didn’t like something I kept closing and opening the book again and again because I couldn’t cope and in no way was I ready to go on like it was nothing.
Mythology becoming reality was one of my favorite things in this book. But I loved to see mythology in action and to understand every little detail that was left unsolved in the previous books.
Sometimes I love open endings but here I just NEEEDED something more and I’m so happy that I got to understand the reasons behind everything and to know every secret.
This book was also so pirat-y! I ADORED THE SHIP SAILING ON SAND SCENE AND THE RESCUE OF SAM AT THE WHITE FISH.
The first was such a symbol for Amani and Jin loving each other, I can’t. The second... well, let’s just say that Amani + guns + Sam is my favorite recipe.
And lastly, characters and relationships, the best things of the entire series. I love Amani’s friendships with Shazad and Ahmed and Sam particularly, but I also like so Jin and Sam’s interactions so much. I wish I could’ve read more about Rahim, maybe that’s the only thing I’m sad about. I loved him in the second book and here there’s so little of him. But we got more twins finally!
Last but not least, Amani and Jin. I can’t even describe how much I love them. They’re so sweet to each other and they love with such intensity. But they never want to change or control the other.
The night scene in the tent was the sweetest ever, I can reread it a million times and never get tired of it.
This book swept me off my feet. I didn’t want it to end but the pages were flying by as they were so quick to read, and next thing I knew I was reading the last chapter and everything was over. I will miss everything of these books.
Please don’t read the comments if you don’t want to be spoiled. In my review I have spoilers under tags but not in comments as I can do nothing about those. Hope this helps.
I’ve lost the ability to produce proper sentences.
THIS BOOK WAS SO CRUEL. AND SO GREAT.
Now I probably really need to sit in a corner and cry of both sadness and joy. I’ll miss everybody so freaking much! I started reading this series in 2015 and I’ve loved it ever since. Not one time was I let down (except again when the author was so cruel with my precious characters *cries*). I can’t believe how much Amani has grown as well. In this book she’s the main character through and through. She’s basically the chosen one and I couldn’t be happier that she had such a role in the Rebellion.
This last book kept me on the edge of my sit from page 1 to the end. When you think that nothing could go worse, you’ll be proven wrong many many times. I talked and screamed out loud for this book, and when I didn’t like something I kept closing and opening the book again and again because I couldn’t cope and in no way was I ready to go on like it was nothing.
Mythology becoming reality was one of my favorite things in this book. But I loved to see mythology in action and to understand every little detail that was left unsolved in the previous books.
Sometimes I love open endings but here I just NEEEDED something more and I’m so happy that I got to understand the reasons behind everything and to know every secret.
This book was also so pirat-y! I ADORED THE SHIP SAILING ON SAND SCENE AND THE RESCUE OF SAM AT THE WHITE FISH.
The first was such a symbol for Amani and Jin loving each other, I can’t. The second... well, let’s just say that Amani + guns + Sam is my favorite recipe.
And lastly, characters and relationships, the best things of the entire series. I love Amani’s friendships with Shazad and Ahmed and Sam particularly, but I also like so Jin and Sam’s interactions so much. I wish I could’ve read more about Rahim, maybe that’s the only thing I’m sad about. I loved him in the second book and here there’s so little of him. But we got more twins finally!
Last but not least, Amani and Jin. I can’t even describe how much I love them. They’re so sweet to each other and they love with such intensity. But they never want to change or control the other.
The night scene in the tent was the sweetest ever, I can reread it a million times and never get tired of it.
This book swept me off my feet. I didn’t want it to end but the pages were flying by as they were so quick to read, and next thing I knew I was reading the last chapter and everything was over. I will miss everything of these books.
October 17, 2021
yay! i cant believe i actually finished a series i recently started. what an accomplishment for me! haha.
for this concluding installment, it was nice to see amani and jin back together again after being separated for an entire book. however, its criminal how little page time jin gets in this.
and its that frustration that made me realise that i slowly started to care for the side characters more than amani. i loved her in the first book but, over time, everyone else became more interesting and important to me. so its a right shame that so many of them
but i enjoyed the return to the desert and the greater inclusion of the mythical djinn in this final installment. i also really liked the 3rd person storytelling chapters dispersed throughout. i actually found AHs writing to be much stronger and lyrical in those sections, which makes me wish this entire series had been writing in 3rd instead.
but overall, this is your pretty typical YA fantasy ending that suits a generally enjoyable series pretty well.
↠ 3.5 stars
for this concluding installment, it was nice to see amani and jin back together again after being separated for an entire book. however, its criminal how little page time jin gets in this.
and its that frustration that made me realise that i slowly started to care for the side characters more than amani. i loved her in the first book but, over time, everyone else became more interesting and important to me. so its a right shame that so many of them
but i enjoyed the return to the desert and the greater inclusion of the mythical djinn in this final installment. i also really liked the 3rd person storytelling chapters dispersed throughout. i actually found AHs writing to be much stronger and lyrical in those sections, which makes me wish this entire series had been writing in 3rd instead.
but overall, this is your pretty typical YA fantasy ending that suits a generally enjoyable series pretty well.
↠ 3.5 stars
Want to read
July 4, 2017Gimmee gimmee gimmee gimmee!!!!! 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
Want to see my collection?
Want to see my collection?
August 15, 2018
I'm never going to ever forget this story
FIRST UP YES I'M A COMPLETE AND UTTER MESS RIGHT AND YES I'M NOT EMOTIONALLY STABLE RIGHT NOW AND YES EVERYTHING REALLY REALLY HURTS AND YES I'M NOT GONNA BE ABLE TO MOVE ON WITH MY LIFE FOR A GAZILLION YEARS AND YES I'VE ALREADY CRIED ENOUGH TO FILL UP SEVERAL HUNDRED BATHTUBS.
Secondly, thank you Alwyn Hamilton for giving me this amazing series that feels so much like home every time I delve back into this world. You have not let me down once. HOWEVER, HOW DARE YOU PUT ME THROUGH SO MUCH PAIN IN THIS EPIC FINALE!?
*cries some more but pulls myself back together*
The characters in this were so so good! I didn't hate a single one besides the villain and sure I can't mention my favourite because I'll just weep yet again. They're my family for life.
Plot-wise this was a brilliant conclusion. It wasn't dragged out or given a weak ending. All the events within the book were gripping, the only thing that had kept me from reading this all in one hit was the most irritating thing called life. Like urgh! Why did that have to get in the way?
Oh, look. I'm crying again.
FIRST UP YES I'M A COMPLETE AND UTTER MESS RIGHT AND YES I'M NOT EMOTIONALLY STABLE RIGHT NOW AND YES EVERYTHING REALLY REALLY HURTS AND YES I'M NOT GONNA BE ABLE TO MOVE ON WITH MY LIFE FOR A GAZILLION YEARS AND YES I'VE ALREADY CRIED ENOUGH TO FILL UP SEVERAL HUNDRED BATHTUBS.
Secondly, thank you Alwyn Hamilton for giving me this amazing series that feels so much like home every time I delve back into this world. You have not let me down once. HOWEVER, HOW DARE YOU PUT ME THROUGH SO MUCH PAIN IN THIS EPIC FINALE!?
*cries some more but pulls myself back together*
The characters in this were so so good! I didn't hate a single one besides the villain and sure I can't mention my favourite because I'll just weep yet again. They're my family for life.
Plot-wise this was a brilliant conclusion. It wasn't dragged out or given a weak ending. All the events within the book were gripping, the only thing that had kept me from reading this all in one hit was the most irritating thing called life. Like urgh! Why did that have to get in the way?
Oh, look. I'm crying again.
May 1, 2018
2.5 stars
Hero at the Fall could not level with the preceding installments and thus did not meet my expectations. Its ending was rushed and anti-climactic, and some solutions to problems seemed way too easy for my taste. Another reason this book fell flat for me was my emotional detachment from the characters, which had already commenced in the sequel. Despite some enjoyable and entertaining chapters, this book was not my cup of tea.
RTC.
Hero at the Fall could not level with the preceding installments and thus did not meet my expectations. Its ending was rushed and anti-climactic, and some solutions to problems seemed way too easy for my taste. Another reason this book fell flat for me was my emotional detachment from the characters, which had already commenced in the sequel. Despite some enjoyable and entertaining chapters, this book was not my cup of tea.
RTC.
Read
August 19, 2016It really angers me that this book, which is the third in the series, has an average 2 star rating when the second book hasn't even been released yet. People anger me!
September 23, 2020
I still believe this trilogy to be qualitatively a little above your average YA series, but this finale didn't fully satisfy me. A bit on the smoke-and-mirrors side, if you ask me, and it comes with filler drama aplenty—case in point, pretty much everything that goes down in the last chapters (but not only there) and, particularly, . This necessary (?) (which didn't even happen in the end... see? Drama!) being absolutely devoid of contextualization, feels just plain ridiculous, and, because of its actual outcome, it also retroactively sugar-coated the whole book .
I still recommend the series, but probably for a younger audience only.
I still recommend the series, but probably for a younger audience only.
August 14, 2018
This book was absolutely amazing and definitely one of the best books I've read this year so far! The plot of "Hero at the Fall" was incredibly interesting and I was just glued to the book. It made me laugh and cry and kept me on the edge of my seat. Overall, it was simply everything I hoped it would be and it's definitely a new favorite of mine. It's been some time since I've been this sure about rating a book five stars but "Hero at the Fall" deserves every single one of them!
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instagram || my blog || twitter
February 12, 2018
Nooo it's over :(
January 23, 2023
I really wanted to love this bc the first 2 books in this series were great, but it ended up not being as good as I was expecting 😔😔 However, it was still pretty good 💕 Definitely have mixed feelings on this!
“But even if the desert forgot a thousand and one of our stories, it was enough that they would tell of us at all. That long after our deaths, men and women sitting around a fire would hear that once, long ago, before we were all just stories, we lived.”
Hero at the Fall is the third and final book in the Rebel of the Sands series, following the explosive ending of Traitor to the Throne. I can't say much without spoiling, but this book does continue the rebellion as the rebels try and get control of the desert, aiming to defeat the villainous Sultan. There are new challenges for Amani, and she will have to put everything she loves on the line if she has any hope of defeating her enemies and finally securing peace.
“The Rebel Prince will rise again.
He will bring a new dawn. A new desert.”
I finished this book feeling quite conflicted about it. It's definitely not BAD and I can see why others would really enjoy it, but it just didn't quite fulfill my expectations 😒
Let's start with what I liked. As always, I really enjoyed Alwyn Hamilton's writing- it's super descriptive and easy to read, and I like the way she develops the world. I love the way she describes the desert, and the setting itself is very cool- exploring the desert kingdom of Miraji throughout this series has been very fun! 🥰🥰
The book was pretty action-packed, which I liked, and I was also a big fan of the ending. It wrapped the series really well and I liked how it tied everything together ✨
Moving on to what I think could've been better. Firstly, the book struggled to hold my attention at times. It did have a lot of action, and things were happening, but a lot of parts didn't interest me that much and I could feel my mind wandering. I can see why they were relevant to the plot for the most part, but they just struggled to keep me interested 🥲🥲
Also, both the characters and the romance felt a bit.... bland 😬😬 I liked Amani a lot in Rebel of the Sands and Traitor to the Throne- she was a pretty classic YA heroine, but she still super cool and easy to root for! However, for some reason, she just felt a bit personality-less in this book- was that just me?? Jin has always been a little boring to me and I left this book feeling pretty neutral about him 🤷♀️🤷♀️
As for the romance? Meh. It was fine and cute i guess, but there could've been a lot more chemistry and I just wasn't that invested. The ending with Amani and Jin was sweet tho 🥰
However, I can definitely attribute my lack of interest in some parts to it having been so long since I've read Traitor to the Throne (the 2nd book). I read that last year in May I think and so it's been a while. I definitely think that if I'd read this book closer to when I read that one I would've been a lot more interested in the story and just would've enjoyed this more overall.
“Once there was a boy from the sea who fell in love with a girl from the desert.
[...]
But he wondered if a boy from the sea and a girl from the desert could ever survive together. He feared that she might burn him alive or that he might drown her. Until finally he stopped fighting it and set himself on fire for her.”
Overall, a decent end to what has been a fun series. This wasn't my absolute favourite, but I do still see why others would really enjoy it and I still think it's pretty good. I would recommend this series if you want:
✔ A classic YA series
✔ Fun desert setting
✔ Easy to read writing
✔ Fierce female lead
It was a fun time! 🥰🥰
~ 3.5 stars
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I enjoyed this 😃 It wasn't quite as good as I was expecting, but it was a decent read and a good ending to the series 🥰🥰
RTC!
“But even if the desert forgot a thousand and one of our stories, it was enough that they would tell of us at all. That long after our deaths, men and women sitting around a fire would hear that once, long ago, before we were all just stories, we lived.”
Hero at the Fall is the third and final book in the Rebel of the Sands series, following the explosive ending of Traitor to the Throne. I can't say much without spoiling, but this book does continue the rebellion as the rebels try and get control of the desert, aiming to defeat the villainous Sultan. There are new challenges for Amani, and she will have to put everything she loves on the line if she has any hope of defeating her enemies and finally securing peace.
“The Rebel Prince will rise again.
He will bring a new dawn. A new desert.”
I finished this book feeling quite conflicted about it. It's definitely not BAD and I can see why others would really enjoy it, but it just didn't quite fulfill my expectations 😒
Let's start with what I liked. As always, I really enjoyed Alwyn Hamilton's writing- it's super descriptive and easy to read, and I like the way she develops the world. I love the way she describes the desert, and the setting itself is very cool- exploring the desert kingdom of Miraji throughout this series has been very fun! 🥰🥰
The book was pretty action-packed, which I liked, and I was also a big fan of the ending. It wrapped the series really well and I liked how it tied everything together ✨
Moving on to what I think could've been better. Firstly, the book struggled to hold my attention at times. It did have a lot of action, and things were happening, but a lot of parts didn't interest me that much and I could feel my mind wandering. I can see why they were relevant to the plot for the most part, but they just struggled to keep me interested 🥲🥲
Also, both the characters and the romance felt a bit.... bland 😬😬 I liked Amani a lot in Rebel of the Sands and Traitor to the Throne- she was a pretty classic YA heroine, but she still super cool and easy to root for! However, for some reason, she just felt a bit personality-less in this book- was that just me?? Jin has always been a little boring to me and I left this book feeling pretty neutral about him 🤷♀️🤷♀️
As for the romance? Meh. It was fine and cute i guess, but there could've been a lot more chemistry and I just wasn't that invested. The ending with Amani and Jin was sweet tho 🥰
However, I can definitely attribute my lack of interest in some parts to it having been so long since I've read Traitor to the Throne (the 2nd book). I read that last year in May I think and so it's been a while. I definitely think that if I'd read this book closer to when I read that one I would've been a lot more interested in the story and just would've enjoyed this more overall.
“Once there was a boy from the sea who fell in love with a girl from the desert.
[...]
But he wondered if a boy from the sea and a girl from the desert could ever survive together. He feared that she might burn him alive or that he might drown her. Until finally he stopped fighting it and set himself on fire for her.”
Overall, a decent end to what has been a fun series. This wasn't my absolute favourite, but I do still see why others would really enjoy it and I still think it's pretty good. I would recommend this series if you want:
✔ A classic YA series
✔ Fun desert setting
✔ Easy to read writing
✔ Fierce female lead
It was a fun time! 🥰🥰
~ 3.5 stars
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I enjoyed this 😃 It wasn't quite as good as I was expecting, but it was a decent read and a good ending to the series 🥰🥰
RTC!
August 25, 2021
"A new dawn, a new desert."
Another series has come to an end, and I'M NOT OKAY.
Hero at the Fall was the perfect conclusion to an incredible series! I fell in love with Rebel of the Sands from the first page and my love only grew more and more! Each book is amazing and unique, and you can't help but adore everything and everyone (Amani and Jin, my babies ♥).
And now that the story is over all I can feel is emptiness because I already miss all of them! *cries*
If you haven't started this series yet, DO IT NOW.
It deserves all the love of this world! ♥
Another series has come to an end, and I'M NOT OKAY.
Hero at the Fall was the perfect conclusion to an incredible series! I fell in love with Rebel of the Sands from the first page and my love only grew more and more! Each book is amazing and unique, and you can't help but adore everything and everyone (Amani and Jin, my babies ♥).
And now that the story is over all I can feel is emptiness because I already miss all of them! *cries*
If you haven't started this series yet, DO IT NOW.
It deserves all the love of this world! ♥
September 28, 2018
*5 BLUE-EYED STARS*
“She was all fire and gunpowder, and her finger was always on a trigger.”
THE PERFECT ENDING TO WHAT HAS BECOME ONE OF MY FAVORITE TRILOGIES.
I loved absolutely everything about this!
I’m in for a major book depression guys, I'm not ready to say goodbye to all these wonderful characters.
Whatever Alwyn Hamilton is writing next, I'm definitely reading it!
“She was all fire and gunpowder, and her finger was always on a trigger.”
THE PERFECT ENDING TO WHAT HAS BECOME ONE OF MY FAVORITE TRILOGIES.
I loved absolutely everything about this!
I’m in for a major book depression guys, I'm not ready to say goodbye to all these wonderful characters.
Whatever Alwyn Hamilton is writing next, I'm definitely reading it!
November 18, 2018
"Once there was a boy from the sea who fell in love with a girl from the desert.
But he wondered if a boy from the sea and a girl from the desert could ever survive together. He feared that she might burn him alive or that he might drown her. Until finally he stopped fighting it and set himself on fire for her."
I loved this finale but in my opinion it wasn't as good as Traitor to the throne.
Amani is still the headstrong demdji we've been following since the beginning but now she's the leader of the rebellion and she must find a way to save Ahmed and the other rebels. I still really like her, she knows she's not a leader but she tries her best.
I also love her relationship with Shazad, they are one of the most under appreciated friendships of ya fantasy.
Jin and Amani have had my heart since the very first time they saw each other and I loved them in Hero at the fall. Their romance is never overwhelming, it's always on the background but when they're together you can't help it, you melt.
Plus, the last chapter was perfect. It's the kind of epilogue every good series deserves and it warmed my heart to know the destinies of this beloved cast of characters. ❤️
But he wondered if a boy from the sea and a girl from the desert could ever survive together. He feared that she might burn him alive or that he might drown her. Until finally he stopped fighting it and set himself on fire for her."
I loved this finale but in my opinion it wasn't as good as Traitor to the throne.
Amani is still the headstrong demdji we've been following since the beginning but now she's the leader of the rebellion and she must find a way to save Ahmed and the other rebels. I still really like her, she knows she's not a leader but she tries her best.
I also love her relationship with Shazad, they are one of the most under appreciated friendships of ya fantasy.
Jin and Amani have had my heart since the very first time they saw each other and I loved them in Hero at the fall. Their romance is never overwhelming, it's always on the background but when they're together you can't help it, you melt.
Plus, the last chapter was perfect. It's the kind of epilogue every good series deserves and it warmed my heart to know the destinies of this beloved cast of characters. ❤️
May 13, 2020
I am not sure if it's because I have been in a slump for so long or because I read the second book more than a year ago, I didn't end up enjoying this as much as I had hoped. Maybe I have outgrown the whole rebellion storyline but I still wanted to finish this series and see what the ending would be like. I am upset that two of the most interesting characters to me didn't get the ending I hoped they would so that's one of my reasons for being salty. Although I have to say I really liked the ending chapter and how the future was described! And the writing style was amazing and was what hooked me into the series in the first place. I think the second book will remain my favourite in the series because I loved the banter and relationships between the group as well as the plot twists and I found Hero at the Fall lacking in those aspects hence the 3 stars.
July 14, 2019
Read the full review and more at Blame Chocolate.
🧞 A big thank you to Faber & Faber for the review copy. This has not influenced my opinion in any way. 🧞
This book just didn’t do much for me, unfortunately. I enjoyed the mythology, writing style and character dynamics well enough, but I didn’t care much for the lack of character development, inability to feel emotionally invested or connected, and subpar ending.
Also, as a trilogy, it wasn’t very cohesive and each book felt disconnected from the others in some way. I loved Rebel of the Sands but the sequels just didn’t convince me.
This is one of those cases where there is nothing technically wrong with the book – it is sound, well planned out, and checks out all the “good writing 101” boxes. Unfortunately, that structural perfection failed to stir any emotions within me. It was, simply put, an empty work of art.
This isn’t the first time a trilogy that started with a bang ends up going completely downhill in the very last instalment for me – in fact, most trilogies (and series) do. I’m even thinking of writing a post about it because it’s honestly getting ridiculous…
It’s so frustrating and honestly makes me wonder: is it me? Or do authors really not know how to write conclusions? I guess I’ll never know.
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February 14, 2018
Actual review: 3.5
“She was all fire and gunpowder, and her finger was always on a trigger.”
I found this to be a decent ending to a decent trilogy. Out of all the books in this series, this instalment is the most action-packed novel, and therefore, the fastest to read. It was fun, it was interesting, but like the past two books, this was so close to what it could have been, but failed in a few aspects.
♥ THE WORLDBUILDING
For me, this was the strongest aspect of the entire book, and of the entire series. The discussion of religion and bias, as well as nature versus nurture had a great backdrop with a world that has a great twist on our current reality. I loved the concept of combining the American wild west with Middle-Eastern customs, and I found it interesting how the issues that plague both worlds have had a place in the universe created by Hamilton. It didn’t hurt that the magic was a creative element as well.
♥ THE STORY
The story had the predictable YA storyline with a few interesting twists and a few unlikely heroes. It was a solid tale. When rating YA books, I would state that this book (and this series) falls into the higher quality of YA books. It’s still predictable, and some might find comfort in that predictability. However, I wish there had been a bit more to surprise me. Unfortunately, the story is not that memorable for me.
♦ THE CHARACTERS
This was the least liked aspect for me. It wasn’t because the characters were unlikeable or because they weren’t well written. If anything, it was because I have seen these same characters over and over quite a few times. Their personalities were the same as seen in other YA books, and as a result, I didn’t care if any of the characters lived or died. A book might have similar storylines to others, but if you care for the character, then you care about the story. Every character was interchangeable to me.
In conclusion: a decent series with a decent ending, but it wasn’t memorable for me.
“She was all fire and gunpowder, and her finger was always on a trigger.”
I found this to be a decent ending to a decent trilogy. Out of all the books in this series, this instalment is the most action-packed novel, and therefore, the fastest to read. It was fun, it was interesting, but like the past two books, this was so close to what it could have been, but failed in a few aspects.
♥ THE WORLDBUILDING
For me, this was the strongest aspect of the entire book, and of the entire series. The discussion of religion and bias, as well as nature versus nurture had a great backdrop with a world that has a great twist on our current reality. I loved the concept of combining the American wild west with Middle-Eastern customs, and I found it interesting how the issues that plague both worlds have had a place in the universe created by Hamilton. It didn’t hurt that the magic was a creative element as well.
♥ THE STORY
The story had the predictable YA storyline with a few interesting twists and a few unlikely heroes. It was a solid tale. When rating YA books, I would state that this book (and this series) falls into the higher quality of YA books. It’s still predictable, and some might find comfort in that predictability. However, I wish there had been a bit more to surprise me. Unfortunately, the story is not that memorable for me.
♦ THE CHARACTERS
This was the least liked aspect for me. It wasn’t because the characters were unlikeable or because they weren’t well written. If anything, it was because I have seen these same characters over and over quite a few times. Their personalities were the same as seen in other YA books, and as a result, I didn’t care if any of the characters lived or died. A book might have similar storylines to others, but if you care for the character, then you care about the story. Every character was interchangeable to me.
In conclusion: a decent series with a decent ending, but it wasn’t memorable for me.
May 26, 2018
We would be stories long after we were gone. Imperfect, inaccurate stories. Stories that could never even come close to reality.
It's over? The series is over?
Honestly, I thought this was the perfect ending to this series. Alwyn Hamilton wasn't afraid to give us a few broken hearts along the way and kept going with the twists and turns, making us question if there could ever be a happy ending. Or, if there was, if that ending would stay happy.
Following the shocking reveal at the end of Traitor to the Throne, Amani and the remaining rebels set out to save their captured friends, stop their nation from being invaded and save the trapped Jinni from the Sultan's control - before he can turn them into weapons. Sounds simple, right? Well, maybe not - and it gets even more complicated than that when it turns out their friends have been sent to the same place that keeps the Destroyer Of Worlds from getting free. The rule is simple; the barriers let you in, but never let you out. Of course, impossible has never deterred these rebels. It's only a matter of time.
Only, that's what they're running out of.
This book had the heartbreak, the romance, the action and the political intrigue that I found myself loving so much in the second novel - which I still rate slightly higher than this final installment. I loved the pieces that were part of stories told around the campfire about the rebellion, because they certainly made me think "well, this is going to hell" - and sometimes I was right, sometimes Alwyn Hamilton threw a curve ball at me. Love those curve balls!
I feel like I definitely need to re-read this series at some point. But, right now, I think I just need to settle down and cry about it being over.
December 14, 2018
You can also find this review on My Blog.
There is little left to say after loving the first two books in this trilogy either than again, i am not disappointed! There couldn’t have been a better conclusion to this swirling desert tale. There’s blood, war, death and magic but all loose ends are wrapped up and we get one hell of a story!
Alwyn Hamilton still has her whimsical, almost poet like writing style that i love so much but she has pushed through with a serious amount of action in this finale. two seconds into the book there’s already a new problem and thus, the action begins.
I like how we get to see a lot more magic here, not only Demdji wise but also from the Djinn. I like that Hamilton wasn’t done with expanding her magical system and that she spread out us learning about it along with Amani because even though she’s this all-powerful desert Demdji, she still doesn’t know everything, i mean less than a year ago she only just found out she had powers.
That being said there is little individual character development left. Yes, Amani takes on the role of leader of the rebellion while the others are taken but she already had their respect so she doesn’t change much in that way. On a relationship basis, there is a lot of development. Not only love but friendships as well. I don’t want to go into too much detail, but i was glad to see it all expand and certain people come together.
Being that this book is set literally after the sultan just killed the leaders of the foreign countries, it is basically a war zone, so yes people die. Lots of people. However, although i found it sad I have to hand it to Hamilton. She know’s how to write a death. It’s just so beautiful it makes you feel okay to move on afterwards.
I couldn’t have asked for a better conclusion to this epic trilogy. I wish it didn’t have to end because i feel so invested in Amani’s story but it really did end on a final note, so i think there’s no going back. I seriously loved it though, everyone (who is still alive) gets a decent ending and although their life is still tough, they’re together and that’s what matters.
There is little left to say after loving the first two books in this trilogy either than again, i am not disappointed! There couldn’t have been a better conclusion to this swirling desert tale. There’s blood, war, death and magic but all loose ends are wrapped up and we get one hell of a story!
Alwyn Hamilton still has her whimsical, almost poet like writing style that i love so much but she has pushed through with a serious amount of action in this finale. two seconds into the book there’s already a new problem and thus, the action begins.
I like how we get to see a lot more magic here, not only Demdji wise but also from the Djinn. I like that Hamilton wasn’t done with expanding her magical system and that she spread out us learning about it along with Amani because even though she’s this all-powerful desert Demdji, she still doesn’t know everything, i mean less than a year ago she only just found out she had powers.
That being said there is little individual character development left. Yes, Amani takes on the role of leader of the rebellion while the others are taken but she already had their respect so she doesn’t change much in that way. On a relationship basis, there is a lot of development. Not only love but friendships as well. I don’t want to go into too much detail, but i was glad to see it all expand and certain people come together.
Being that this book is set literally after the sultan just killed the leaders of the foreign countries, it is basically a war zone, so yes people die. Lots of people. However, although i found it sad I have to hand it to Hamilton. She know’s how to write a death. It’s just so beautiful it makes you feel okay to move on afterwards.
I couldn’t have asked for a better conclusion to this epic trilogy. I wish it didn’t have to end because i feel so invested in Amani’s story but it really did end on a final note, so i think there’s no going back. I seriously loved it though, everyone (who is still alive) gets a decent ending and although their life is still tough, they’re together and that’s what matters.
May 26, 2018
This series is amazing and I can’t believe how it’s not more well publicised!!
Everyone who is a fan of The hunger games; divergent etc needs to read these!!
The ending had me ready to riot for a second.
But it was so bittersweet.
We meet Amani as the rebellion is all but dead; literally and figuratively.
You could literally feel the tension and omg Amani was just a real character - not some out of reach not in this real world woman.
The road back to victory took so many twists and turns - and so many unexpected deaths and sub plots I was racing to keep up.
I can’t wait for other books to be released by Alwyn. She’s a wonderful writer.
Everyone who is a fan of The hunger games; divergent etc needs to read these!!
The ending had me ready to riot for a second.
But it was so bittersweet.
We meet Amani as the rebellion is all but dead; literally and figuratively.
You could literally feel the tension and omg Amani was just a real character - not some out of reach not in this real world woman.
The road back to victory took so many twists and turns - and so many unexpected deaths and sub plots I was racing to keep up.
I can’t wait for other books to be released by Alwyn. She’s a wonderful writer.
August 11, 2020
Bello bello bello, il mio preferito della trilogia. Però io QUELLA cosa non la accetto. 😭
August 6, 2019
Libro conclusivo di una trilogia Young Adult davvero godibile e scritta bene. Consigliata!
April 1, 2018
THAT WAS SO GOOD IMMA CRY. But seriously all the magic, the mythical Arabian setting with the Western twist, the rebellion and the wonderful friendships, I loved everything so much!
I loved how all the way through the series it kept its super fast, action packed pace and so much happened. There's never a dull moment as we're taken to the sandswept desert setting, small towns, luxurious imperial palaces, mythical caves... The setting is so rich and evocative.
I'm going to miss the vibrant cast of characters, Amani and her determination to reach her goal, Shazad and her awesome kickass skills, Sam and his hilarious incessant flitting and of course Jin and Ahmed.
Full review has been posted at Happy Indulgence Books.
I loved how all the way through the series it kept its super fast, action packed pace and so much happened. There's never a dull moment as we're taken to the sandswept desert setting, small towns, luxurious imperial palaces, mythical caves... The setting is so rich and evocative.
I'm going to miss the vibrant cast of characters, Amani and her determination to reach her goal, Shazad and her awesome kickass skills, Sam and his hilarious incessant flitting and of course Jin and Ahmed.
Full review has been posted at Happy Indulgence Books.
May 30, 2018
Review posted on Fafa's Book Corner!
Beware spoilers ahead!
Trigger warning: War and death. The LGTBQ characters have been killed off.
Buddy read with Tova ! Click on her name to keep an eye out for her review. Part of this book was read during Kimi's (GR friend) 24 hour read-a-thon. Tova and I also buddy read Traitor to the Throne. Considering how much I enjoyed that one, naturally I finished the sequel. I am happy to say that I enjoyed it!
Amani is woken up from her nightmares and told to follow Sara. The two make their way up to the roof and notice a sort of glow. Amani realizes that it's fire and likely has something to do with Leyla's latest invention. The rebels are a mess. Amani has taken leadership and is struggling. Amani and the rebellion need to come up with a plan to defeat the Sultan.
I'm really happy that Hero at the Fall was a solid conclusion to the series! Like the previous installments, Hero at the Fall is narrated in first person following Amani's point of view, and third person omniscient. There are chapter numbers and some chapters have titles. And lastly there is a character list and a map.
I may as well mention this first: some of the characters from the previous installments do die. I'm not going to mention which one's die. That's way too spoilerly even for me. Looking back on it now I probably should have predicated those deaths. Although I am still sad. I genuinely like all the characters in this series.
More information is revealed about the Dijinn's. Some of the tales come into question, when Amani meets another dijinn. There was a huge focus on stories, choices, and the truth vs. what you're told. Morally grey characters as well. As Amani herself is a questionable character. I really liked how well the author handled all these points!
I loved Amani's character development! In the beginning Amani is in charge of the rebellion. She's trying to make do but realizing that she isn't fit to run a rebellion. Amani constantly berates herself, as she feels that she's not well versed enough to be making such decisions. Amani also meets her aunt Farrah as well as Noorsham. Throughout her interactions with them, Amani comes to realize that she does matter. It was really beautiful to read about!
As per usual Amani's relationship with Shazad, and the twins was fantastic! Her relationship with Hala even improved. Though I was anxiously waiting for some interactions with Ahmed. After everything that happened in the Harem I was wondering what would happen between the two of them. Ahmed actually took Amani seriously when she gave him suggestions. Their interactions were sweet and very important for the events in the last chapter.
When Amani meets her aunt again she is very nervous. To top it off Amani had to tell her aunt that Shira is dead. Through some rough patches, they sort of come to an understanding. In a sense the two move. This is largely due to Amani telling her aunt about Shira's son. Something is better than nothing though. Amani and Tamid also make up. While they aren't really friends anymore, they still care for each other and continue to do so.
Noorsham now rules over Dustwalk almost like a God. The people see him as their savior. Amani and the rebellion are taken to Noorsham first. Noorsham uses this magical object to see into their intentions, in order to deem them worthy or not. I'd say as I character Noosham definitely improved. His and Amani's interactions really did read like a sibling relationship. I'm glad that he was introduced again and that the author did a good job with Noorsham's character!
The rebellion getting an army was so much fun to read about! Amani tries to make some alliances in Ahmed's place. Shazad's father spread the word of Ahmed's return and several people decide to join.
Jin's backstory is expanded upon more. There is a chapter in his point of view. Wherein it starts with a flashback and ends with the present. I enjoyed having some insight into his thoughts. Really made some things clearer about his behaviour. Blissfully Jin and Ahmed do make up.
Amani's relationship with Jin was strong throughout. Jin was the one person she actually got advice from. I also appreciated that Amani and Jin would call each other out on their faults and still be okay. I truly felt that their relationship grew stronger. It was lovely to read about!
I did have some issues with Hero at the Fall. I was very uncomfortable with Noorsham's God-like rule. He treated himself like a God as did the rest of the people. Amani was still stupid and reckless in the beginning. Unfortunately this affected how she ran the rebellion. While I understand this was intended, it really wasn't the that great to read about. Hero at the Fall wasn't as engaging as Traitor to the Throne. It took me awhile to get invested into the story. The ending was rushed and anti-climactic. All of these points prevented me from giving Hero at the Fall a higher rating.
Overall I enjoyed this book! I highly recommend this series.
Beware spoilers ahead!
Trigger warning: War and death. The LGTBQ characters have been killed off.
Buddy read with Tova ! Click on her name to keep an eye out for her review. Part of this book was read during Kimi's (GR friend) 24 hour read-a-thon. Tova and I also buddy read Traitor to the Throne. Considering how much I enjoyed that one, naturally I finished the sequel. I am happy to say that I enjoyed it!
Amani is woken up from her nightmares and told to follow Sara. The two make their way up to the roof and notice a sort of glow. Amani realizes that it's fire and likely has something to do with Leyla's latest invention. The rebels are a mess. Amani has taken leadership and is struggling. Amani and the rebellion need to come up with a plan to defeat the Sultan.
I'm really happy that Hero at the Fall was a solid conclusion to the series! Like the previous installments, Hero at the Fall is narrated in first person following Amani's point of view, and third person omniscient. There are chapter numbers and some chapters have titles. And lastly there is a character list and a map.
I may as well mention this first: some of the characters from the previous installments do die. I'm not going to mention which one's die. That's way too spoilerly even for me. Looking back on it now I probably should have predicated those deaths. Although I am still sad. I genuinely like all the characters in this series.
More information is revealed about the Dijinn's. Some of the tales come into question, when Amani meets another dijinn. There was a huge focus on stories, choices, and the truth vs. what you're told. Morally grey characters as well. As Amani herself is a questionable character. I really liked how well the author handled all these points!
I loved Amani's character development! In the beginning Amani is in charge of the rebellion. She's trying to make do but realizing that she isn't fit to run a rebellion. Amani constantly berates herself, as she feels that she's not well versed enough to be making such decisions. Amani also meets her aunt Farrah as well as Noorsham. Throughout her interactions with them, Amani comes to realize that she does matter. It was really beautiful to read about!
As per usual Amani's relationship with Shazad, and the twins was fantastic! Her relationship with Hala even improved. Though I was anxiously waiting for some interactions with Ahmed. After everything that happened in the Harem I was wondering what would happen between the two of them. Ahmed actually took Amani seriously when she gave him suggestions. Their interactions were sweet and very important for the events in the last chapter.
When Amani meets her aunt again she is very nervous. To top it off Amani had to tell her aunt that Shira is dead. Through some rough patches, they sort of come to an understanding. In a sense the two move. This is largely due to Amani telling her aunt about Shira's son. Something is better than nothing though. Amani and Tamid also make up. While they aren't really friends anymore, they still care for each other and continue to do so.
Noorsham now rules over Dustwalk almost like a God. The people see him as their savior. Amani and the rebellion are taken to Noorsham first. Noorsham uses this magical object to see into their intentions, in order to deem them worthy or not. I'd say as I character Noosham definitely improved. His and Amani's interactions really did read like a sibling relationship. I'm glad that he was introduced again and that the author did a good job with Noorsham's character!
The rebellion getting an army was so much fun to read about! Amani tries to make some alliances in Ahmed's place. Shazad's father spread the word of Ahmed's return and several people decide to join.
Jin's backstory is expanded upon more. There is a chapter in his point of view. Wherein it starts with a flashback and ends with the present. I enjoyed having some insight into his thoughts. Really made some things clearer about his behaviour. Blissfully Jin and Ahmed do make up.
Amani's relationship with Jin was strong throughout. Jin was the one person she actually got advice from. I also appreciated that Amani and Jin would call each other out on their faults and still be okay. I truly felt that their relationship grew stronger. It was lovely to read about!
I did have some issues with Hero at the Fall. I was very uncomfortable with Noorsham's God-like rule. He treated himself like a God as did the rest of the people. Amani was still stupid and reckless in the beginning. Unfortunately this affected how she ran the rebellion. While I understand this was intended, it really wasn't the that great to read about. Hero at the Fall wasn't as engaging as Traitor to the Throne. It took me awhile to get invested into the story. The ending was rushed and anti-climactic. All of these points prevented me from giving Hero at the Fall a higher rating.
Overall I enjoyed this book! I highly recommend this series.
January 2, 2022
First read: June 2019, Rating: 4/5 stars
Second read: January 2022, Rating: 4/5 stars
This is the third and final instalment in the Rebel of the Sands series.
Myths and legends are born from truths, but these truths get muddled in the telling and the stories that survive often only bare the barest resemblance to the original. This is a shame as sometimes it is only these stories that hold the key to saving your life.
Amani and the Rebels are still fighting to claw the throne away from the destructive Sultan's hands, but he has the power of the Djinni underneath him and the treacherous words of a wide-eyed child endlessly whispering into his ear. This time, however, the Rebels might not only be the only enemy he has to face.
Legend and lore interspersed the telling of this tale but each inclusion ended with its previously unforeseen bearing on the central story-line. I loved these additions and how they were interwoven, if only that they heightened the authenticity of this setting, the story-line, and these characters.
I also loved how each book, and in this one especially, the Middle Eastern culture was rich, the setting was vivid and atmospheric, and the characters authentic and empathy-inspiring. Amani was a feisty protagonist with a large heart and watching her grow was one of the biggest highlights of this story.
This was such a satisfying conclusion to a series that has been continuously fascinating, throughout. War and death marked the progression of the plot and I was never sure exactly where Hamilton would conclude this bloody tale and who the final victors, if any, would be. The ending especially provided an endless stream of twists that kept me on treacherous footing and glued to the page as I awaited the final result. I'm glad this ended where and how it did and that I binged through the entire thing in a short timeline, during both readings of the series, that meant no agonising wait for the next instalment release.
Second read: January 2022, Rating: 4/5 stars
This is the third and final instalment in the Rebel of the Sands series.
Myths and legends are born from truths, but these truths get muddled in the telling and the stories that survive often only bare the barest resemblance to the original. This is a shame as sometimes it is only these stories that hold the key to saving your life.
Amani and the Rebels are still fighting to claw the throne away from the destructive Sultan's hands, but he has the power of the Djinni underneath him and the treacherous words of a wide-eyed child endlessly whispering into his ear. This time, however, the Rebels might not only be the only enemy he has to face.
Legend and lore interspersed the telling of this tale but each inclusion ended with its previously unforeseen bearing on the central story-line. I loved these additions and how they were interwoven, if only that they heightened the authenticity of this setting, the story-line, and these characters.
I also loved how each book, and in this one especially, the Middle Eastern culture was rich, the setting was vivid and atmospheric, and the characters authentic and empathy-inspiring. Amani was a feisty protagonist with a large heart and watching her grow was one of the biggest highlights of this story.
This was such a satisfying conclusion to a series that has been continuously fascinating, throughout. War and death marked the progression of the plot and I was never sure exactly where Hamilton would conclude this bloody tale and who the final victors, if any, would be. The ending especially provided an endless stream of twists that kept me on treacherous footing and glued to the page as I awaited the final result. I'm glad this ended where and how it did and that I binged through the entire thing in a short timeline, during both readings of the series, that meant no agonising wait for the next instalment release.
March 29, 2018
4.5*
Amazingly fast-paced conclusion! I found this book (and trilogy) to be vastly entertaining with amusing characters and a well-built world. There was richness to the culture created in this trilogy by the author. For some reason, the culture she created in these books really gained my interest. First and foremost, I am happy with the conclusion though there are parts that were tough to accept (not going to lie, we do get connected with characters after three book) but that being said, it was still a great and acceptable fate for the conclusion of the trilogy. If you haven’t read this trilogy yet and like fantasy, then I would recommend reading it now that you can do so from start to finish.
My quick and simple overall: an endearing journey with a great conclusion.
Amazingly fast-paced conclusion! I found this book (and trilogy) to be vastly entertaining with amusing characters and a well-built world. There was richness to the culture created in this trilogy by the author. For some reason, the culture she created in these books really gained my interest. First and foremost, I am happy with the conclusion though there are parts that were tough to accept (not going to lie, we do get connected with characters after three book) but that being said, it was still a great and acceptable fate for the conclusion of the trilogy. If you haven’t read this trilogy yet and like fantasy, then I would recommend reading it now that you can do so from start to finish.
My quick and simple overall: an endearing journey with a great conclusion.
September 16, 2022
I love so many things about this series. Here's my top three:
1. Glimpses into the POV of secondary characters through mini-stories.
2. Flawed but fierce heroine
3. The formidable antagonist fell in the end because good trumps evil every time.
Amani whined a lot about how incapable she felt facing the task at hand, but she manages to bounce back up to fight, one battle after another. Her relationship with Jinn was also one of my favorite, it was not perfect, but their love for each other was undeniable and weathered the worst of the war, even death.
It was a fantastic read. Five stars.
1. Glimpses into the POV of secondary characters through mini-stories.
2. Flawed but fierce heroine
3. The formidable antagonist fell in the end because good trumps evil every time.
Amani whined a lot about how incapable she felt facing the task at hand, but she manages to bounce back up to fight, one battle after another. Her relationship with Jinn was also one of my favorite, it was not perfect, but their love for each other was undeniable and weathered the worst of the war, even death.
It was a fantastic read. Five stars.
March 25, 2018
4/5 stars
What a fantastic finale! Wow! This series has been absolutely wonderful from start to finish, and now I'm just so heartbroken that it's over. I was initially worried about starting this book because normally I don't seem to enjoy the last book in a series much; but this definitely wasn't the case here. Hero at the Fall was an action-packed, thrilling finale that had me fully captivated by the story. The world-building has been gettting progressively better throughout the series, and by this book, the world was rich, vivid, and packed full of life. I've come to absolutely love these characters and their stories, so I'll definitely be sad to let them go. I'm also having a hard time forgiving the author for the emotional torment this book put me through. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, thinking that my heart was going to get broken, over and over again. I'm emotionally exhausted now!
It has been said that the Rebel Prince is dead, executed by the Sultan after he killed the heir to the throne. Stories aren't always true though, as there is a small group of rebels who know the truth, the Rebel Prince is alive and the rebellion is still fighting on. After the prince and the rebel group's general have been separated from the rest of the rebellion, Amani and Jin must take hold of their futures and lead the rebellion to success, at least until they save their friends. The stakes are high, the Sultan has unlocked Djinni power and the rebels have only few left. In order to take their home, back for good, Amani must successfully light the fire of change throughout desert country land, grasping on any hope that is left.
Nooo! I can't believe this series is over, can I do a re-read yet? I've just become so invested in the lives of these characters and the rebellion, it's sad to give it all up now. This book really just furthered my emotional connection these characters, it was definitely the emotional climaxcompletely tore me apart. Time and time again I had to put the book down because I was just upset with what was happening. Even though this was a difficult ride for me, I feel like this made for a powerful finale. I think my only issue with the rollercoaster ride of this book was that it felt like characters' lives were used just as a plot point, especially if they were to die. I felt this towards the beginning of the novel where it seemed tragedy was endless, but I think it balanced itself out for the rest of the book.
I didn't really realise how far these characters had come, specifically Jin and Amani, until the end of this book. They were wild, outlaws in the first book, but now they've become so much more. Amani especially has taken so much responsibility on herself and has matured a tremendous amount throughout this series. I also love how these characters seem to have matured together. Along with their personal development, their relationship has become stronger, more passionate and more powerful. It doesn't seem like just a side romance as a subplot, but actually pivotal to the story in showing the vulnerabilities and strengths of Jin and Amani. Both of these characters are such great leaders and I have just fallen in love with them over the course of this series.
I also really love the rest of our Rebel gang, who have become such a close group of friends, it's so sweet to see. They supported each other, fought through the difficulties and all contributed to the rebellion. Apart from the more serious rebellion stiff, they also brought some more lighthearted tones to the story. The twins and Sam especially brought lots of humour to the story and made me smile a lot. Earlier in the series I didn't think the side characters were as developed as our main two, but I feel like this book put a lot of effort into portraying each character as important. There were more points of views in this book and it showed the character stories, past, present and future entwining into one fantastic story.
I think the most unique quality to this book, compared to the other books in the series, was the emphasis on storytelling. Each book is surrounding by folklore and Djinni stories, but none as much as this book. Before, we were hearing about the stories that our characters grew up in, but this time, they became the story. It really made the action of this book seem more monumental and powerful as it was tied together by passages of beautiful storytellingunique touch. I also love how it explored heroes in stories, compared to how heroes are in real life. It made a point of showing how the story of the rebels would be told to others versus how the events actually played out for them. I found this very interesting as it shows how so much passion, individual experience and personal relationships can be lost as stories are passed on. Am I even explaining this right? I hope you can make sense of what I'm babbling on about, because it really did make this book special.
“The Rebel Prince will rise again. He will bring a new dawn. A new desert.”
What a fantastic finale! Wow! This series has been absolutely wonderful from start to finish, and now I'm just so heartbroken that it's over. I was initially worried about starting this book because normally I don't seem to enjoy the last book in a series much; but this definitely wasn't the case here. Hero at the Fall was an action-packed, thrilling finale that had me fully captivated by the story. The world-building has been gettting progressively better throughout the series, and by this book, the world was rich, vivid, and packed full of life. I've come to absolutely love these characters and their stories, so I'll definitely be sad to let them go. I'm also having a hard time forgiving the author for the emotional torment this book put me through. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, thinking that my heart was going to get broken, over and over again. I'm emotionally exhausted now!
It has been said that the Rebel Prince is dead, executed by the Sultan after he killed the heir to the throne. Stories aren't always true though, as there is a small group of rebels who know the truth, the Rebel Prince is alive and the rebellion is still fighting on. After the prince and the rebel group's general have been separated from the rest of the rebellion, Amani and Jin must take hold of their futures and lead the rebellion to success, at least until they save their friends. The stakes are high, the Sultan has unlocked Djinni power and the rebels have only few left. In order to take their home, back for good, Amani must successfully light the fire of change throughout desert country land, grasping on any hope that is left.
“She was all fire and gunpowder, and her finger was always on a trigger”
Nooo! I can't believe this series is over, can I do a re-read yet? I've just become so invested in the lives of these characters and the rebellion, it's sad to give it all up now. This book really just furthered my emotional connection these characters, it was definitely the emotional climaxcompletely tore me apart. Time and time again I had to put the book down because I was just upset with what was happening. Even though this was a difficult ride for me, I feel like this made for a powerful finale. I think my only issue with the rollercoaster ride of this book was that it felt like characters' lives were used just as a plot point, especially if they were to die. I felt this towards the beginning of the novel where it seemed tragedy was endless, but I think it balanced itself out for the rest of the book.
I didn't really realise how far these characters had come, specifically Jin and Amani, until the end of this book. They were wild, outlaws in the first book, but now they've become so much more. Amani especially has taken so much responsibility on herself and has matured a tremendous amount throughout this series. I also love how these characters seem to have matured together. Along with their personal development, their relationship has become stronger, more passionate and more powerful. It doesn't seem like just a side romance as a subplot, but actually pivotal to the story in showing the vulnerabilities and strengths of Jin and Amani. Both of these characters are such great leaders and I have just fallen in love with them over the course of this series.
I also really love the rest of our Rebel gang, who have become such a close group of friends, it's so sweet to see. They supported each other, fought through the difficulties and all contributed to the rebellion. Apart from the more serious rebellion stiff, they also brought some more lighthearted tones to the story. The twins and Sam especially brought lots of humour to the story and made me smile a lot. Earlier in the series I didn't think the side characters were as developed as our main two, but I feel like this book put a lot of effort into portraying each character as important. There were more points of views in this book and it showed the character stories, past, present and future entwining into one fantastic story.
I think the most unique quality to this book, compared to the other books in the series, was the emphasis on storytelling. Each book is surrounding by folklore and Djinni stories, but none as much as this book. Before, we were hearing about the stories that our characters grew up in, but this time, they became the story. It really made the action of this book seem more monumental and powerful as it was tied together by passages of beautiful storytellingunique touch. I also love how it explored heroes in stories, compared to how heroes are in real life. It made a point of showing how the story of the rebels would be told to others versus how the events actually played out for them. I found this very interesting as it shows how so much passion, individual experience and personal relationships can be lost as stories are passed on. Am I even explaining this right? I hope you can make sense of what I'm babbling on about, because it really did make this book special.
June 1, 2018
Hero at the Fall is the third and last installment of the Rebel of the Sands series. It was a really good book but I'm kind of sad to see it all end.
Amani is probably my favorite character that I've ever read.. this week. I can't say forever.. because that would be a lie. However, she is such a bad ass that she would definitely stay in the top 10. Now she has a lot on her plate in this book. She's the leader of the rebellion and trying to save Ahmed and basically everyone else. While keeping everything on the down low. Trust me, that's a lot for one person to handle - but then again it's freaking Amani people!
Now this book definitely broke me. I'm an emotional hot mess even now and I finished this book a while ago. I just haven't had the heart to write out the review.. because I'm a hot mess! I didn't expect so many freaking deaths. I don't know what I'm on.. because this is like the second or third book this week that shoved so much freaking death to my eyes!!
Overall, expect the unexpected because hot damn! There's a crapton of twists and turns in this book. I honestly had no idea what the hell was going to happen next and then when I read about what was happening.. my mind was freaking out. My brain was melting. I probably cried (but I won't admit it!). I can't accept that this trilogy is over now. I fell in love with these characters so early on and now I have no idea what to do with myself. I need a new love stat!
Bring some tissues 'cause the emotions will be flowing.
Amani is probably my favorite character that I've ever read.. this week. I can't say forever.. because that would be a lie. However, she is such a bad ass that she would definitely stay in the top 10. Now she has a lot on her plate in this book. She's the leader of the rebellion and trying to save Ahmed and basically everyone else. While keeping everything on the down low. Trust me, that's a lot for one person to handle - but then again it's freaking Amani people!
Now this book definitely broke me. I'm an emotional hot mess even now and I finished this book a while ago. I just haven't had the heart to write out the review.. because I'm a hot mess! I didn't expect so many freaking deaths. I don't know what I'm on.. because this is like the second or third book this week that shoved so much freaking death to my eyes!!
Overall, expect the unexpected because hot damn! There's a crapton of twists and turns in this book. I honestly had no idea what the hell was going to happen next and then when I read about what was happening.. my mind was freaking out. My brain was melting. I probably cried (but I won't admit it!). I can't accept that this trilogy is over now. I fell in love with these characters so early on and now I have no idea what to do with myself. I need a new love stat!
Bring some tissues 'cause the emotions will be flowing.
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