The Wrath & the Dawn (The Wrath and the Dawn #1) by Renee Ahdieh - Restarting May 4th 2021

[Ryn]

To The Die Is Cast

Such an easy story to fall into. Love it.

And so much is happening! I really did think (view spoiler)[ Despina was trying to kill her. And now it's the General; I want to knoooow what this weight is that the king is under. The original story (I went back and looked), the king was killing brides so they wouldn't be unfaithful to him like his first wife had been. I'm pretty sure that's not the case here.

And I do so love Shahrzad. What a wonderful strong character! I'm not nearly as fond of the Tariq storyline; I just feel impatient to get back to the main line. Although I like the old sheik. (hide spoiler)]

[HeatherH]

Ryn wrote: "To A Silk Cord and a Sunrise

I loved Adieh's Flame in the Mist series. This one is incredibly different but easily as good. My only issue with it so far is that she sort of throws us into the midd..."

Sounds about right from what I've gathered. Though (view spoiler)[ I'm confused after several days of her surviving why there haven't been other deaths since the bargain has been broken.... (hide spoiler)]

[Ryn]

Heather wrote: "Ryn wrote: "To A Silk Cord and a Sunrise

I loved Adieh's Flame in the Mist series. This one is incredibly different but easily as good. My only issue with it so far is that she sort of throws us i..."

Yes, I'm curious about that too. Obviously (view spoiler)[we're waiting for some sort of axe to fall but it hasn't yet. (hide spoiler)]

[Ryn]

To A Shade of What I Feel

All. The Feels. All the time. So many questions!!

It amazes me how well Adieh has (view spoiler)[ built Khalid's character. We really know almost nothing about him, we never see inside his head, and everything he does has this very distant, detached feel to it that somehow makes him MORE interesting instead of less. Usually when a character has so little about them, he becomes flat, two-dimensional and uninteresting. But she's done such a fantastic job writing him that we know he's much more than what we're seeing. I feel like that's really a masterful trick; I don't think I could do it without just becoming broken-record about mister distant being full of secrets. But I really do like him as a character and of course I can't wait to find out the answers. I hope they're in this book or I will throw my reading list into the fireplace and go get the sequel immediately. Not even kidding.

I feel bad for Tariq; I really do... he let the love of his life go to offer herself up to get killed by a madman, and now she's in love with said madman and not coming back. Omar's advice was really wise and I liked that Adieh explained it the way she did -- shared history doesn't guarantee a shared future, or indeed obligate anyone to one. And I adore Jalal; he is kind of adorable and I want his story too. But I will say that based on the original tale, I really truly hope Khalid doesn't ever suspect Shazi and Tariq of doing anything because that would be disastrous. (hide spoiler)]

I think I actually like this story better than Flame in the Mist, even as much as I loved that duo.

[Ryn]

Fin

I. Need a Sequel. Right Now. Not. Even. Kidding.

So the ending confused me a little. Here's what I think happened... (view spoiler)[ So Shazi found the letter to Shiva. It sounded like she decided to go ahead and kill him. Then I guess she ... changed her mind? Then Khalid finally tells her the truth.

So I thought the note had some lie about her being unfaithful with Tariq, but I guess it was more that they were an item and he was nearby. So Khalid sets up his own leaving and has his people send her away with Tariq. I'm assuming at some point she'll figure out it's her father setting the city on fire, which could get interesting. I assume he's letting her go so he can marry and murder some more girls :( (hide spoiler)]

Do I have it about right?

Need. The Sequel. Right Now.

[HeatherH]

Fell behind, might be tomorrow before I make a dent in this one but back to it soon and excited to see how the second half goes!

[Lizz (Beer, Books and Boos)]

I am truly not getting into this book but I really want to. I think I need to set it aside for now and pick it up another day.

[Ryn]

Heather wrote: "Fell behind, might be tomorrow before I make a dent in this one but back to it soon and excited to see how the second half goes!"
Yaaaasss, because I'm betting you'll be in for the sequel and I neeeed to read it!!

[HeatherH]

Ryn wrote: "Heather wrote: "Fell behind, might be tomorrow before I make a dent in this one but back to it soon and excited to see how the second half goes!"
Yaaaasss, because I'm betting you'll be in for the ..."

Even at the half point I'm pretty confident I will be getting the sequel! May go ahead and order it tonight lol. I'll try to have this finished by Wednesday at the latest!

[HeatherH]

Sweettie Pie Reviews wrote: "I am truly not getting into this book but I really want to. I think I need to set it aside for now and pick it up another day."

I've had that happen before - totally understand

[HeatherH]

To Mehrdad the Bluebearded

(view spoiler)[ super intrigued with the side storyline for her father, Jahandar, and what exactly he is up to. Also, Tariq's storyline seemed to just disappear suddenly. I do adore every one of Shazi's stories she tells to Khalid. (hide spoiler)]

[HeatherH]

I have 88 pages left but going to have to stop for a bit. Will hopefully get this done later today! I'm really liking this story, it gets better and better as it goes. (view spoiler)[ I was worried when Tariq kissed her that the author was going to try to turn this into a messy love triangle, so I was relieved when Shazi didn't react to his kiss the way he hoped she would. (hide spoiler)]

[Ryn]

Heather wrote: "To Mehrdad the Bluebearded

[spoilers removed]"

Interesting. I was kind of the opposite, particularly with dad. But now that I'm at the end, I'm hoping (view spoiler)[ this line is clarified and expanded better in the next book. You'll see why (hide spoiler)]

[Ryn]

Heather wrote: "I have 88 pages left but going to have to stop for a bit. Will hopefully get this done later today! I'm really liking this story, it gets better and better as it goes. [spoilers removed]"

Ugh, right? Honestly, I kind of feel like it already is -- maybe not in the traditional sense but (view spoiler)[ there's definitely a choice there. She may love Khalid but that doesn't mean a relationship with him is the best idea for anyone. Personally I'm going to ship S&K though; I'm not a huge fan of Tariq. (hide spoiler)]

[HeatherH]

Finished finally!!

(view spoiler)[ I agree the part where she found his letter to shavi was a little confusing. It seemed like she was back to determined to kill him but then was all snuggly in bed and back to fine when she came to. I’m glad he finally told her the truth though.

The letter about her and Tariq.. really wish we had gotten a glimpse at it. I’m assuming it was telling him just about her past involvement with him and her attachment to shiva. I really loved the scene of him offering himself to her mercy and her a way out. That was emotional stuff.

I’m not sure if he meant for her to be sent away or if Jalal made that decision? Curious to find out in the sequel. I hope we get more about Jalal as well! I adore him and want to see him get a happy story with Despina and baby. (hide spoiler)]

Ordered the second and it should be here early next week! Once I get it, up to read together again?

[Ryn]

Yes Yes Yes! I have my copy waiting. 23rd, 26th, 27th or 28th?

[HeatherH]

27th! Just to make sure it's here on time!

[Ryn]

rogerroger

[Anna 'Bookbuyer']

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Date changed. Restarting June 3rd 2020. Happy Reading ☺

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[Sarah Elizabeth]

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Date changed. Restarting May 21st 2020. Happy Reading ☺

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[Blue Butterfly]

The Mountain of Adamant
(view spoiler)[Shahrzad's plan is literally so scary. She would have to manage to end on a cliffhanger every night. (hide spoiler)]

[Blue Butterfly]

Misbegotten Oaths
(view spoiler)[I think there is some curse on the kingdom which is why so many brides have been killed. Also, I want Shahrzad to learn to use her magic. (hide spoiler)]

[Blue Butterfly]

Someone Who Knows
(view spoiler)[I wanna know what the king is hiding. If he just tells Shahrzad maybe she can actually help him. (hide spoiler)]

[Blue Butterfly]

Oblivion
(view spoiler)[Omg Omg Omg I can't believe that she actually loves him (hide spoiler)]

[Blue Butterfly]

Finished
(view spoiler)[I feel bad for Tariq. He loves her and did what he thought she would want him to do. All of these characters need to stop keeping secrets from each other. I can't wait to read the next book! (hide spoiler)]

[Brinley]

I just started whoops, just as a question, do you have any idea how to pronounce Shahrzad's name?

[Blue Butterfly]

I just finished lol, I listened to the audiobook so I'm just assuming however they said it is right. I think it is Sh-ah-har-a-zad. Idk if thats helpful.

[Brinley]

Ok thanks, I was just erasing half the syllables before, which doesn't do the name justice.

(view spoiler)[ I know you've already finished, but I'm really hoping she has a better plan than just telling stories, because she's really tempting fate. I've never actually read A Thousand and One Nights, so I have no idea where this is going (hide spoiler)]

[Blue Butterfly]

Brinley wrote: "Ok thanks, I was just erasing half the syllables before, which doesn't do the name justice.

[spoilers removed]"

Yeah I have never read the original A Thousand and One Nights but have been wanting too. I am not entirely sure if it is just a concept from which multiple authors wrote or if there is one version that is the original story.

[Brinley]

A Silk Cord

(view spoiler)[Can we just talk about the fact that the way they executed the wives was hanging?? I mean, there's so many quicker ways to end them, hanging is so terrible. I mean, at least it was a silk rope I guess?

In all seriousness, I was really surprised that she almost got hanged. I didn't know what to expect. I'm sensing that I'm going to enter the area of a love triangle, and I don't know how to feel about that (hide spoiler)]

[Blue Butterfly]

Brinley wrote: "A Silk Cord

Can we just talk about the fact that the way they executed the wives was hanging?? I mean, there's so many quicker ways to end them, hanging is so terrible. I mean, at least it was a s..."

(view spoiler)[Yeah it seems kinda cruel to hang all the wives in front of everyone. There was no real need to make everyone watch them being killed everyday. (hide spoiler)]

[Brinley]

Misbegotten Oaths

(view spoiler)[ I'm so happy she didn't kill him. Even though it's kind of insta-lovey, I'm really enjoying this enemies-to-lovers course. (hide spoiler)]

[Brinley]

The Honor

(view spoiler)[ I hate to say it, but this swordfight scene is so painfully YA. With all the angst, and the relations that are made while being taught. (hide spoiler)]

[Blue Butterfly]

Brinley wrote: "The Honor

[spoilers removed]"

Yeah it is lol

[Brinley]

A Shade Of What I Feel

(view spoiler)[ Aghhh. Why is she like this?? Why is she so willing to just accept that the man that she loves is a murderer without meaning? Especially after seeing those letters, why doesn't she just have a sneaking suspicion that maybe he's being forced by something?

On a different note, it's weird that magic is such an ignored topic here. We know that he was cursed, and that she has magic, but we have no info on the laws regarding it, or how common it is. I want more information on it, and I want her to learn how to use it (hide spoiler)]

[Blue Butterfly]

Brinley wrote: "A Shade Of What I Feel

Aghhh. Why is she like this?? Why is she so willing to just accept that the man that she loves is a murderer without meaning? Especially after seeing those letters, why doe..."

(view spoiler)[Yeah I know that he is cursed and I can't even come to terms with his murders. He should have found a way around it or someway to avoid it.

Oh wow I didn't even realize that they don't talk about how magic works. That is really weird because we know her dad has some kind of magic too because of what he did with the rose at the beginning. I wonder if the carpet she was given is a flying carpet like in Aladdin. (hide spoiler)]

[Brinley]

Shreya wrote: "Brinley wrote: "A Shade Of What I Feel

Aghhh. Why is she like this?? Why is she so willing to just accept that the man that she loves is a murderer without meaning? Especially after seeing those ..."

(view spoiler)[Surprisingly, his murders don't bother me too much. I know that his remorse doesn't excuse them, but he was doing it to save a kingdom, which is somewhat admirable, even if the means aren't.

Yah, thats the weird part, we know so many characters with magic, (her, her dad, the fariq, Ava's dad) but have no idea how it works and what it can do. I'm assuming that her magic has something to do with the curse being broken eventually, but that's just a guess.I'm assuming that it's a flying carpet like in Aladdin because the carpet did float when she touched it. The tale of Aladdin was also mentioned earlier as one of the stories she told, so it might just be a nod to the tale.

I have to say, I expected the stories to be a much larger part of this and her staying alive. She really has only told him two stories, and one was out of hatefulness. (hide spoiler)]

[Brinley]

One Element of a Storm

(view spoiler)[ I have a strong suspicion that Jahandar, (her dad) is going to end up killing a human to get the most power out of his magic. It seems like that is where the story is taking us, especially when we see him calling himself "king of kings" which signals him maybe going a bit crazy (hide spoiler)]

[Blue Butterfly]

Brinley wrote: "Shreya wrote: "Brinley wrote: "A Shade Of What I Feel

Aghhh. Why is she like this?? Why is she so willing to just accept that the man that she loves is a murderer without meaning? Especially afte..."

(view spoiler)[The types of magic are also greatly varied. Her guard has some fire abilities and we don't know exactly what she or her dad has. There is also the matter of curses and how they are created. Are they just like any type of magic anyone can use or are there specific requirements?
Yeah I thought she would end up telling more stories too, She only told stories the first two nights and one time in the middle. I think this story deviates from the original in that she doesn't need to stretch out the story in order to stay alive. (hide spoiler)]

[Brinley]

Finished

(view spoiler)[ That was frustrating. I think this ending fits the bill as one of my least favorites. I hate when they pull the "they're better off without me" card when both sides of the relationship know its not true. I do feel bad for Tariq, even though I don't like him. he never took the time to try and understand Shazi, and just stayed with his belief that young love lasts forever.

I wonder what Khalid is going to do now, considering that his city is in ruins, and his people are rebelling against him. We got that weird scene at the end with the uncle and some other guy making a deal, so that's ominous.

So, now for questions. Who do you ship together? Favorite character? And, would you want to buddy read the next one? It might take me a week or two to get it, so if you don't want to wait, that's fine (hide spoiler)]

[Blue Butterfly]

Brinley wrote: "One Element of a Storm

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I have a feeling that her dad is going to go evil but with good intentions. He has no clue that his daughter actually likes the king and is willing to do anything to stop him. I think its going to be too late by the time he finds out. (hide spoiler)]

[Brinley]

Shreya wrote: "Brinley wrote: "Shreya wrote: "Brinley wrote: "A Shade Of What I Feel

Aghhh. Why is she like this?? Why is she so willing to just accept that the man that she loves is a murderer without meaning?..."

(view spoiler)[ I was worried that we would get stuck reading ridiculous amounts of stories, so I'm happy that it deviated. It seems like blood magic is very common in their world, leading to curses. Considering that Ava's dad killed himself to create a curse, is it far fetched to assume that Shazi's dad may accidentally create a curse by taking a human life to further his magic? for some reason, I feel like his list for power will only grow (hide spoiler)]

[Blue Butterfly]

Brinley wrote: "Finished

That was frustrating. I think this ending fits the bill as one of my least favorites. I hate when they pull the "they're better off without me" card when both sides of the relationship k..."

(view spoiler)[Yeah I didn't really like the ending either. It would have been much better if they were able to understand that they need each other because they might actually be able to come up with a solution to their problems that way.
In his defense he doesn't really spend much time with her and she leaves him a note that tells him she is going to the palace in order to kill the king for her friend. She never told him that her feelings towards the king have changed.
Even thought the Kalid's actions might have been questionable I still ship him with Shahrzad. I think my favorite character would have to be Shahrzad. I just love her witty remarks the kings uncle. The girl also has some guts to volunteer to be the king's bride knowing there was a good chance she would be killed.
I can wait for you to get the next book. I used to read series book after book but recently I have been trying to space series in a book out at least a little bit. When I read them back to back they just all kinda blur into one for me. (hide spoiler)]

[Blue Butterfly]

Brinley wrote: "Shreya wrote: "Brinley wrote: "Shreya wrote: "Brinley wrote: "A Shade Of What I Feel

Aghhh. Why is she like this?? Why is she so willing to just accept that the man that she loves is a murderer w..."

(view spoiler)[I think there is a good chance that he will get caught up in all the power and try and gain more magic for the just the sake of having more power. (hide spoiler)]

[Brinley]

Shreya wrote: "Brinley wrote: "Finished

That was frustrating. I think this ending fits the bill as one of my least favorites. I hate when they pull the "they're better off without me" card when both sides of th..."

(view spoiler)[ Yah, I didn't dislike the ending, I just really wish that they had realized that they needed each other. I'm pretty sure it's just setting up the conflict for the next book though.

I guess that slightly redeems Tariq, I just don't find it forgiveable that he basically kidnapped her, not allowing her to make her own decisions, and when she tried to communicate that she wanted to stay, he decided that she was just influenced by Khalid. I do wish we had gotten some flashbacks to childhood so we could've better understood their relationship and his infatuation.

I also like Khalid with her, we didn't get to see any of the chemistry between her and Tariq, and I've never been a fan of the childhood love interest in love triangles. I liked Shazi, but my favorite was probably Despina. I loved her banter with Shazi, and how she wasn't afraid to insult her.

Okay great, I'll let you know as soon as I get it, there's a few holds ahead of me at the library, so its hard to guess how long it'll take, but I should get it soon. (hide spoiler)]

[Brinley]

Shreya wrote: "Brinley wrote: "Shreya wrote: "Brinley wrote: "Shreya wrote: "Brinley wrote: "A Shade Of What I Feel

Aghhh. Why is she like this?? Why is she so willing to just accept that the man that she loves..."

(view spoiler)[ I could totally jump into a book in which he becomes the villain, I think it would help to really flesh out Shazi and bring out some interesting moral dilemmas. (hide spoiler)]

[Blue Butterfly]

Brinley wrote: "Shreya wrote: "Brinley wrote: "Finished

That was frustrating. I think this ending fits the bill as one of my least favorites. I hate when they pull the "they're better off without me" card when b..."

(view spoiler)[Yeah that is true about Tariq. I then there are a few novellas for the series and one of them might be before the books about their childhood.
Love triangles don't exactly work well when one of the people aren't there for most of the time. I would have preferred it to be a love triage where all three characters interact more. But I get that it wouldn't have really been possible in this case.
Yeah Depina and Shazi's banter was the best.
Okay sure. Just message me when you get it. (hide spoiler)]

[Blue Butterfly]

Brinley wrote: "Shreya wrote: "Brinley wrote: "Shreya wrote: "Brinley wrote: "Shreya wrote: "Brinley wrote: "A Shade Of What I Feel

Aghhh. Why is she like this?? Why is she so willing to just accept that the man..."

(view spoiler)[Yeah she would have to find a way to stop him and save everyone but without hurting him. I there there is going to be a lot of moral dilemma stuff in the next book because she has to choose if she is going to work with her childhood friends or the man she loves. (hide spoiler)]

[Pragya]

Shreya wrote: "The Mountain of Adamant
[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ She is walking on a thin wire. (hide spoiler)]

[Pragya]

Brinley wrote: "Ok thanks, I was just erasing half the syllables before, which doesn't do the name justice.

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ I have also never read 1000 Nights but I have heard that Shahrzad tells stories every night and leaves them on cliffhangers and stays alive.
(hide spoiler)]