BOTM July 2017: The Wrath and the Dawn

[Bec]

@Regsly

(view spoiler)[
I already don't like what some of the characters are doing i.e. Tariq

Regsly says: At the moment, Tariq’s the one annoying me, not Rahim. He’s being too rash.
And I still say they are completely wrong. Khalid isn’t evil...
YEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSS. His rashness is just making me look at him like he's a bigheaded idiot. Yes, I understand the good intentions but ffs. Get a grip. He's gonna get everyone killed *big ass sigh*

I also think the rashness of some of the characters (Tariq in general and Shazi going into the wedding with what atm appears as no REAL plan) is what is making the story feel a bit disjointed. At least for me. I'm loving the story but this is frustrating me so much.

I'm kinda hoping Khalid is actually a good guy and I can revel in the Shazi X Khalid feels. Partly just because tariq is on my nerves right now.
(hide spoiler)]

[The Half-blood Reader]

@Becca

(view spoiler)[Tariq can say what he will, but we all know it isn't for everyone whose loved ones died, or to stop the killing from repeating itself. If it was, he would've revolted when his cousin died. Except he kept living his life.
He's doing this because he's worried for Shazi, sure. But it also feels like it's that typical I love her, I'm not letting another man have her. At least, for me.

If I think about it, everyone is annoying me here and there except Khalid 'cuz I feel like I can see through him, and everyone else is being so blind and acting out of revenge, instead of justice. Also, they aren't being methodical, observing or moving between different perspectives.

And I just know most of what they're doing is only going to aggravate things. We all know the original story here, I believe. Shahrzad manages to stop the king from killing wives and enchants him with her own talents. Happy end. Not like the king didn't have a reason for what he did, even if it was too much: he was traumatized by the debauchery and promiscuity of his first wife, his brother's wife and... hmmm all the slaves of both genders...

So Tariq is like the third wheel. If something bad happens to Khalid and Shazi survives, he may have a chance to stay with her. Everything is possible right now. But the story was always about helping this guy who's been thrown to the darkness by adulterous women back into the light and trust of love and females. (hide spoiler)]

[Ilsen]

Ok someone please tell me it gets more interesting from Chapter 6 because I am behind because it's just so slow and nothing is happening and it's not getting anywhere. Just someone give me hope

[The Half-blood Reader]

@Ilsen

Personally, I'm liking it. Just reached chapter 15. There's some development of sorts.

I believe things are supposed to be set like this. It keeps you on edge and curious, with few certainties.

[The Half-blood Reader]

Until chapter 15

(view spoiler)[His mother told him stories at night. It gains more significance with this knowledge.

I’ve read a manhwa very similar to this. Inadvertently, because of the younger of his 2 sons, the king found out his wife was cheating on him, so he killed her in front of their kids. That traumatized the young princes. Years later, when the younger one’s wife cheated on him, he lost control, killing her while they argued. It triggered something inside and that’s when he started the whole killing a wife at dawn practice.

Tariq, please, this is typical old man turns out to be wise important guy or wizard archetype! … At the end of the chapter: 'Told you!'

posturing like a peacock got me good, Khalid. When he smiled, it broke my heart a little, since Shazi has nefarious intentions.

[that kind of disrespect] It’s not normal. But it’s not unexpected. It’s the curse of being a woman - so true, it hurts.

They're slowly getting closer and after that kiss, Shazi will have to face the music. (hide spoiler)]

[Ilsen]

Hayli wrote: "Okay so oops I have been catching up for the past few days and I am now up to date! And only have little things to say about each section.

prologue-chap3 (8/9)
The prologue with the introduction ..."

I agree that the story for some reason is not grasping onto me. I think at this point I should be liking it but it just doesn't seem to do it for me. I will try to get into it but so far, it looks like this one isn't for me

[Ilsen]

Until Chapter 12

(view spoiler)[ So if I'm reading this correctly, someone else is killing the girls and not the king. I feel like it's just the King that killed all the girls or the General and he just doesn't care. The only one he cares about is Shazi.

I don't like the Khalid. He just feels like a guy who wants to take advantage of Shazi and an evil king even though he probably isn't. I like Shazi. Yep pretty much the only character I like but it's not even that much. I just like that she just does what she wants. And I don't get how she suddenly want to kiss him? Like dude. Because he's caressing you now you suddenly want to kiss him. It kinda aggravates me. (hide spoiler)]

[The Half-blood Reader]

@Ilsen

I'm sorry this book isn't doing it for you :(

I hope that will change, but it's true it may not.

[Hayli]

@Ilsen
(view spoiler)[ Ilsen wrote: "Until Chapter 12

So if I'm reading this correctly, someone else is killing the girls and not the king. I feel like it's just the King that killed all the girls or the General and he just doesn't..."

I see where you're coming from with the whole Shazi suddenly wanting to kiss him. I mean, I don't think she knew him all that long before she was like 'oh, man, don't think like that. he killed your best friend!!!'. (I honestly think something else is going on and that everything is not what it seems. Though I think that's kind of obvious because otherwise there wouldn't be a story.)

And I've gotten into the story now. :) Even though there are times when I flip to the next page and I'm thinking 'wait, what? did i skip a page?' because it just feels disjointed. Also I honestly get bored reading all of Tariq's chapters (oops). (hide spoiler)]

chap13-chap15 (16/17)
Again, I'm just going to put little bullet points summing up my thoughts when I was reading. (Everyone else's is so much nicer and summed up.)

(view spoiler)[ -After the whole poison debacle, I can't say that I care for Despina all too much. Not that she was all that spectacular in the first place. She just seems so shifty and nervous after the poison was found out.
-Man... I can't believe Khalid's mom was killed in front of him when he was six. That's messed up. No wonder he's the person he is.
"He has suffered a great deal. It troubles me immensely to know he inflicts suffering on others as a result."
"We are not meant to be alone, Shahrzad. The more a person pushes others away, the clearer it becomes he is in need of love the most."
-Tbh don't really care too much about Tariq's chapters. (Oops.)
-The caliph and Shazi ready to fight side by side because they pissed off half a dozen men hurts my little heart. That whole scene where they went out together was just so cute wow. I love it. A+ Can't wait to see what else comes up. (hide spoiler)]

[The Half-blood Reader]

@Ilsen & @Hayli

(view spoiler)[ It's not like I don't understand what you guys are saying, but there is such a thing as chemistry, hormones, pheromones, animal instincts and such. + they complement each other well, I've found that from the beginning. Khalid needs someone who can stand on equal ground against him and who isn't afraid to speak up. He needs a strong shoulder to rest on and take his pain.

Shazi needs a man who can match her inner strength, who isn't sexually threatened by her dominance and many talents. A match of wills, brains... she has that in Khalid, a man who moves like a chess game. Tariq seems much more rash... (hide spoiler)]

[The Half-blood Reader]

@Hayli

(view spoiler)[ You'll find out soon my premonitions are coming true xD

Don't sell Despina too short ;) She blushes each time Jalal appears, it was breakfast time when she acted weird... I have suspicions...

Personally, Tariq's chapters are the ones that bore me, because I want to move further into Shazi's story and find out all secrets.

Although, most of what I've thought is being confirmed. I just don't know what life Khalid took, really...

I loved them working together, and Khalid being so happy (hide spoiler)]

[Ilsen]

Until Chapter 15 @Hayli @Regsly

(view spoiler)[ I actually never cared about any of the characters. Something happens and I would just be like "Ehh". I feel like I didn't get enough time to feel for the characters which probably is the problem because if I don't like the characters, I won't like the story.

Even then, the story seems something that I wouldn't like either. She comes for revenge, so down on going to kill him and then suddenly she's in love with him? How? What? I understand that he may not be the person he thinks but it's just... I really don't see it between them. I don't see it with Tariq either. I feel like she's better off on her own. She's those independent girls who isn't good for anybody. I do feel bad that Khalid had to see his mother killed. That's heartbreaking. I don't think it explains how he is but there is definitely trauma for it.

Maybe they match in that kind of hormones and chemistry because I can see the sexual tension between them but I always thought the tension was full of hatred but I guess not. The Aladdin thing was cute but the only thing I saw in that is that maybe they can be friends. Or it was just an act. (hide spoiler)]

I decided that since I'm the only one with these negative opinions I will probably not post my own thoughts and just respond to others. I don't want to ruin your experience of this book because mine isn't so great.

[Ilsen]

Until Chapter 18

I will admit that it got a little bit better for me but I'm a little disappointed it took me this long to get into it. Nevertheless, I really want to hear your thoughts

[The Half-blood Reader]

@Ilsen

I'm going home so I can't stay long, but I don't agree. You are free to have your own opinions and I don't want you to feel like you need to refrain from speaking freely. Your experience is your own, but you came here to share it with others.
So feel free to do so as far as I'm concerned. :)

Talk to you soon ***

[The Half-blood Reader]

@Ilsen

(view spoiler)[ Her need to obtain information about Khalid made observing him a necessity. Paying attention to him and noticing things about him led to curiosity, which shouldn't be there if there was only hatred and vengeance inside her (keeping the other as something other than human in your mind is the only way a regular human can follow through with murder).
Curiosity leads to a more careful watching and wondering about the other, which humanizes and creates empathy. This may lead to an attraction or desire.
She doesn't need to be in love with him to wish to kiss him, but it may indeed lead to more. (hide spoiler)]

[Hayli]

@Regsly
(view spoiler)[ Regsly wrote: "@Hayli

You'll find out soon my premonitions are coming true xD

Don't sell Despina too short ;) She blushes each time Jalal appears, it was breakfast time when she acted weird... I have suspicion..."

Oh my gosh. Somehow I just didn't even realize that Despina was acting like that around Jalal??? I thought she was nervous for other reasons.

And what you said about Khalid and Shazi's relationship makes sense too! (I guess I'm just not reading into as much as you are, haha. ;_;)
But I totally agree with what you said about Shazi's curiousity, It happens in some other books that I love too. Where, usually the female MC, is watching the love interest, who is usually probably the "bad guy", and then she discovers these little things about him. I love it, honestly. It gives me life.
Did any of that make sense? (hide spoiler)]

[The Half-blood Reader]

@Hayli

(view spoiler)[ Yeah, I just got my Despina suspicions confirmed *laughs*

I'm an over-thinker, I like to observe people, I always try to see issues from several pov and I'm prone to introspection xD This is what comes out..

It makes absolute sense. We humans are complex by nature, and we easily get bored - I'm generalizing a bit but -, a person with several layers is more interesting.
A person who surprises us and does completely unexpected things has a great chance of calling our attention. If that leads to attraction, love, despise or a need for knowledge until you find everything you want about them, get sick and move along to the next subject... Well, that's up to the fates.

Also, it is of note that a great part of the female public always falls for the broken characters with the dark/tragic pasts/histories. Idk if it has something to do with our brain chemicals or motherly instincts or our need to fix things *horizontally shows her palms* But I admit to that too, not for all characters but maybe 90% of 'em hahaha It gives us life, so no shame. The book's purpose was achieved ;3 (hide spoiler)]

[The Half-blood Reader]

Until chapter 18

(view spoiler)[ So is Jahandar dwelling on black magic or some crazy voodoo thing? xD 'Cuz that's kinda cliché and even though I'm liking the book just fine, I have to admit it is full of them and they're all playing in a very typical way & order lmaooo

So Despina is pregs, I knew it. I'm surrounded by pregnant ladies now, my Glob! When she got weird the first time, I was like are you getting sick with some smell?
By the second time, I was all but mentally berating Shazi for being so unobservant & kinda dumb at that moment. That's what happens when you're too self-conscious, you don't notice what's really going on with others, 'cuz you always bring it back to you.
Poor lady, because of Shazi she got sick all over the soup! What a waste, really...

Even the Rajput gives Shazi wordless sword-fighting tips. Is there anyone this obstinate girl does not conquer?

This time I didn't write any thoughts down as I read, I just drank the 3 chapters, man. *laughs*

Oh yes, Khalid's side is going as I thought, except for the curse leading to madness part. That thankfully hadn't occurred to me. Idk what life he took, but 100 or so lives for one or an entire land + the madness of its king seems like a bit too much.

I hope the life he took was really worth so many lives (human, flora, fauna) *judging face of disbelief* So it had to be the newborn Jesus and I'm not even joking. Nobody is worth that many lives, that much nature. (I love nature)

So they kill in the name of Khalid, the general (his uncle whaa) makes sure of it, but Khalid does not take any physical part in the matter. If he did, he'd probably break. Having to look at someone's eyes as their life extinguishes. It's chilling. (hide spoiler)]

[The Half-blood Reader]

I'm going to sleep now guys. This weakling got sick from the air-conditioning at the cinema while watching Spider-man: Homecoming. (It was totes adorable, btw) So I need to rest.
+, I'll be doing some more promotional video editing at my audiovisual classes. I'm gonna die. My eyes are gonna die.

Have a good night/day/morning/twilight/whatever's happening wherever you are. Talk to you guys soon (:

[Hayli]

@Regsly
(view spoiler)[ Well now I'm doubly interested in how all this with Despina plays out and I feel that I should read more to find out. (｡◕‿◕｡)

Mhm, yes. I do enjoy a character who surprises and does completely unexpected things. :') (I'm thinking about Warner from Shatter Me rn...)

And haha. "Idk if it has something to do with our brain chemicals or motherly instincts or our need to fix things *horizontally shows her palms*" Same though. I live through these characters bc they get more action than I do. :') (hide spoiler)]

[Hayli]

Regsly wrote: "I'm going to sleep now guys. This weakling got sick from the air-conditioning at the cinema while watching Spider-man: Homecoming. (It was totes adorable, btw) So I need to rest.
+, I'll be doing s..."

Sleep well! I hope you feel better! :)

(And Spiderman: Homecoming was really cute!)

[Laurel]

I finally got caught up with everyone!! I had a bunch of tests (still do, but I managed to read a bit) to study for. I didnt recognise Despina was pregnant really until it was said. Something about her still makes me a bit wary. And we all know black magic is going to be involved. Any ideas of why he has to kill his wives yet? Im underwhelmed so far with the book. Ive heard a lot of people raving about Renees work before and im waiting to see why?? The plot is intriguing though.

[Melissa]

Regsly wrote: "@Ilsen

I'm going home so I can't stay long, but I don't agree. You are free to have your own opinions and I don't want you to feel like you need to refrain from speaking freely. Your experience is..."

Exactly this. Everyone is entitled to their own feelings and thoughts. As long as we keep things civil and polite I think that opposing views can lead to great insights.

[Bec]

Read to chapter 18

I'm liking how the plot is developing although I will be brutally honest that I was hoping the disjointedness would get better and yet it's not. Everything with Jahandar and Tariq seem almost a different story - it's just not meshing smoothly for me. Even Despina's story seems unrelated to the plot?

(view spoiler)[I have a lot of suspicions that everything with Janhandar, the (black?) magic, and Shazi learning her 'powers' through Khalid's old tutor are all plots that will not take much hold until the sequal. I could be wrong but there just doesn't seem to be enough development in them. Like they've been mentioned but not really elaborated on.

I dunno.

Also, are all the main characters going to end up being related? Suddenly there's a cousin here and an uncle there....
(hide spoiler)]

[The Half-blood Reader]

Hayli wrote: "@Regsly
Well now I'm doubly interested in how all this with Despina plays out and I feel that I should read more to find out. (｡◕‿◕｡)

(...) I live through these characters bc they get more action than I do. :')"

Despina's part in the story is still to be told, but Shazi was wrong about who did what xD

Exactly. I can't exactly live epic stories with battles or magic sniff sniff Though I've lived my own adventures already xD

[The Half-blood Reader]

Hayli wrote: "Sleep well! I hope you feel better! :)

(And Spiderman: Homecoming was really cute!) ."

Thank you, dear :)

(Yay more love for the film :3 Spidey has always been my baby boy *giggle*)

[The Half-blood Reader]

Laurel wrote: "I finally got caught up with everyone!! I had a bunch of tests (still do, but I managed to read a bit) to study for. I didnt recognise Despina was pregnant really until it was said. Something about..."

Welcome to the discussion, Laurel (:
It says he took a life and he has to take a 100 to repay.

It is intriguing, but for me it is also predictable *shrugs* I'm still enjoying the ride for the most part. Let's see where this goes.

[The Half-blood Reader]

Minx -The Genre Minx wrote: "Exactly this. Everyone is entitled to their own feelings and thoughts. As long as we keep things civil and polite I think that opposing views can lead to great insights."

I'm happy someone else is addressing this. I feel like we are amiably discussing different views, not forcing someone to see it our way and that is how it should be.

When I give my interpretation, I'm not trying to force anyone into my own views and I hope it doesn't come off that way.
I believe this group is polite and civilized as it should be and I hope people feel safe to speak their minds.

[The Half-blood Reader]

Becca wrote: "Everything with Jahandar and Tariq seem almost a different story - it's just not meshing smoothly for me. Even Despina's story seems unrelated to the plot?."

I feel bored when I get to those parts *smh sadly* Shame on me xD Idk about Despina, really. I do like it when minor characters are more than just a thin paper sheet.

(view spoiler)[Yes! I've been feeling like this has been planted now to progress slowly into the sequel.

It's gonna be one big unhappy family yaaaay *snort* (hide spoiler)]

[Hayli]

chapter 16-18 (18/19)

(view spoiler)[ -(｡◕‿◕｡) bc the caliph liiiiikes herrrrr
- (like Becca mentioned earlier) I also don't really see what Despina's pregnancy has to do with the whole plot. But I'm sure it will be revealed in due time.
-Are they searching for Shazi's family because of what her father knows? That's what i'm guessing. Because of the book(?) he took and his knowledge (and his former position).
-Okay, aw. Reading about how the caliph was showing the calipha how to use a sword was so cute. And how the Rajput also put in his input was super cute and I am all for it.
-Alsooooo... Who is Jahandar? I can't remember if he was mentioned earlier. Sounds like he's taking part in some pretty freaky stuff. (hide spoiler)]

[Hayli]

Also, unrelated, but I keep thinking about Khalid's and Shahrzad's heights. I imagine them as both being about 5'6". Maybe Khalid is an inch taller. I don't know, I just see them as being cute and short together. (Prob bc they're both pretty young. Though I think Khalid is 19 so he would probably be taller.)

I kept thinking about it so I thought I would share. :)

[Bec]

@Hayli

Jahandar is Shazi's father. They mention it close to the beginning of the book ( I think when (view spoiler)[he is escaping with Shazi's sister? (hide spoiler)])

And I am agreeing with you on the heights - partly because it's their ages but also because I am still picturing Khalid as a (potentially good?) version of GOT's Joffery.

[Hayli]

@Becca

Ohh! Shazi's father! Thanks for telling me, haha. :)

And yes! I totally agree with you! (Even though I just looked up Joffery, I totally agree with the height thing.) I love it, that's great. :') That makes me laugh so much for some reason.

[Ilsen]

@Regsly Until Chapter 18

(view spoiler)[ Wow I never thought of it that way. In that perspective, I guess you can say that Shazi suddenly wants to kiss Khalid makes a lot of sense. I don't know. I thought it was going to give me a whole lot of development but now putting in that perspective, I understand why she would be curious. And I can see it through out the entire book. First, all she really wanted to do was kill him. But now she wants to find the real reason as to why he kills his wives and try to stop it. I don't think she's in love with him yet but he is curious about her.

I feel like I would have been more grasped into the plot if we had this story told in Khalid's perspective. Shazi's perspective is still important but I feel like it had this same thing of "Oh I have to kill him. I need to do it right now" and "Oh but I want to kiss him and I have feelings for him". That REALLY annoys me. And Tariq is only getting more annoying. At first, I was rooting for him to get back to Shazi and save the girls. But now he's being way too rash. Starting a whole war for Shazi. And you also brought up an interesting point. If it really was for the actions that he did, he would have started this revolution after Shiva died. But no. He started it because he wants Shazi back which is so annoying. He's being way too rash. Personally I think Shazi is better off as independent from these men. While one has a tragic past and stuff, that still doesn't excuse what he did. I know technically, he's not killing the girls and there is another thing going on but until I know the reason, I stand strongly by this opinion.

Also Despina is annoying. I never liked her. She just always seem so shady. I liked Jalal but not that much to root for him. Jalal and Despina seem like a weird thing to think about. I'm not sure why she has to be pregnant. Like I get the signs but why does it matter. So we can care about her? Because I still don't.

Also what the hell is that book about? You know where Shazi's father (I think he is. He seems like a father) just opens the book and suddenly there is a pure rabbit and inside and he stabs himself and suddenly kills the rabbit. Like what is that for? I'm genuinely curious but like it took a long time for her to mention it because I almost forgot about it.

Overall I am curious about it but this probably wouldn't be my favorite. Maybe things will change because at first, I didn't even think I could finish it. But I will probably finish it. Depends on how I feel at the end of the book. (hide spoiler)]

Sorry that I made a big deal about not sharing my opinion. I don't know. I felt like I was the only odd one out about this story because everyone seems to rave about it but I'm just neutral towards it. But I will be trying to share my opinions from now on.

[The Half-blood Reader]

@Hayli @Becca

Firstly, the Joffery mental image kills me and I want no part of that insanity x'D

Guys, at Shazi's age I'd stopped growing already xD And I'm 1,65m.. ahhm 5' 5"?

I like them being the same height. Men don't have to be tall to be handsome and women don't need to be petite to be adorable.

[The Half-blood Reader]

@Hayli
(view spoiler)[Sword lesson moments pleased me. I approve of this man who doesn't feel threatened by a woman's strength, but encourages it instead. <3 (hide spoiler)]

[Ilsen]

@Regsly

(view spoiler)[ Wow I never really realized all the female characters fall for the bad misunderstood guys XD. I guess that makes sense. I can see Khalid as misunderstood but like I said, I need to know the reason why he's doing it. And yea they did say it was for the land, but why? What was causing it? Why is there a curse like this in the first place? How did this happen? I have many questions but I don't know if they are getting answered. Also the black magic voodoo book? What the hell is going on?? (hide spoiler)]

[Ilsen]

Laurel wrote: "I finally got caught up with everyone!! I had a bunch of tests (still do, but I managed to read a bit) to study for. I didnt recognise Despina was pregnant really until it was said. Something about..."

OMG THANK YOU. I feel like I was the only one getting underwhelmed from this book. I thought it was me. I heard people raving about this book and while I do see the appeal, I don't get why it's so hyped. It should not be this hyped. But I do like the writing. I'm glad I'm not the only one though.

[Ilsen]

@Becca

(view spoiler)[ I have the same feeling too. Some of the stories are disjointed and I just want it all to mesh together. It is getting more interesting though in my opinion. Yea these other plots that are coming up probably won't be addressed until the next book which is a shame because I'm really interested in what is going to happen. (hide spoiler)]

[Ilsen]

@Becca @Regsly

(view spoiler)[ Why are they all related to each other? Like I'm getting confused as to who is just a family member or who is a friend? Like I need a family tree in the beginning of the book XD (hide spoiler)]

[Ilsen]

@Hayli

(view spoiler)[ I also don't know why Despina's pregnancy is important to the plot. I hope it's not just some way for me to just suddenly like her. Also, while I don't ship them, the sword fight scene was pretty cute and then Rajput was trying to help her XD.

Also I was watching Booktube (specifically maureenkeavy and emmabooks) and they were explaining how it's a retelling of One Thousand and One Nights (which I knew of course) but how the actual story went. How the king kills a wife each night and the one who volunteered said a story each night until dawn therefore surviving it.

For me, this was a revelation because while I knew a little what the story was about, I didn't know enough. I knew the killing wives part but the story I had no idea. I found it quite random but now it obviously makes sense and it made me enjoy the story a little more. I'm ready to go into the story with new eyes. Maybe I'll be surprised again. (hide spoiler)]

[Ilsen]

Ilsen wrote: "Laurel wrote: "I finally got caught up with everyone!! I had a bunch of tests (still do, but I managed to read a bit) to study for. I didnt recognise Despina was pregnant really until it was said. ..."

Also a disclaimer to this comment. I may have gotten a little excited but by no means do I mean to offend anybody on their opinion of this book. I respect all of your opinions and while I don't agree with all of it, I will not offend anybody who says they don't agree with me. I was just really excited that someone shared the same opinion as me and I'm not the odd one out. But that shouldn't affect your enjoyment of this story. And while this isn't my favorite book in the entire world, I'm glad we did this readalong so I can share a different opinion than what you guys have. And I get to hear all of your opinions which is great.

[Ayla]

So I finally caught up and I hope you guys don't mind I join this discussion so late :)
I also just read all of your comments, including the spoilers, so these are my thoughts:

(view spoiler)[
- First off, I don't really know how I feel about Shazi and Khalid yet. I get the fact that Khalid has had a pretty shocking past, but it's not an excuse to kill a woman every night.
- Also, these are my speculations about the curse: if the king doesn't kill a young woman every night, the rain will stop falling and the people of his land will die of starvation. (I don't know if this was very obvious already or not lol)
But if this is truly what the curse is, wouldn't killing a woman each night equal to the amount of people that would have died of starvation? I mean, eventually, a lot of woman would have to be killed to prevent a famine.
- I too, am kind of annoyed by Tariq and his rashness. I would have preferred him to be a bit more calculating and come up with a real plan to free Shazi first, instead of just starting a war.
- I didn't see the pregnancy of Despina coming. at. all. Like wow, I thought she was just the one trying to poison Shazi and feeling sick/bad about it. I'm so naive hahaha
- I like that everyone encourages Shazi to learn how to fight. I kind of expected them to be like "no, women can't fight, their men should be the ones defending them". So this is really cool to me.


Some parts are still confusing to me, especially the parts with Jahandar. But I guess everything will fall in place in the sequel, like you guys said.
And I'm expecting a HUGE plottwist at the end of this book.

(hide spoiler)]

I like the writing style, although it's very descriptive. I really like the setting! It's very refreshing :)

[Ilsen]

@Ayla

(view spoiler)[ Same with the relationship. I don't think I can see them together. If I read the second book, I can see if she can convince me. I don't know if I will or not.

I honestly don't know about the curse but it kinda seems that way but I hope it's not because that would make no sense because people are dying anyways like what?

I don't like Despina or Tariq and I just want to focus on one story and not millions of storylines going on at once. And I do like that Shazi can fight in the story and there is equality a little when it comes to the fighting. (hide spoiler)]

[Ilsen]

Until Chapter 21

(view spoiler)[ Basically Jalal trying to get into Khalid's good graces and trying to help with the curse which seems to be about the weather but not sure. And Shazi and Khalid being dumb with their feelings with each other. But I loved the story that Shazi told. Finally a story that has to do with the plot. (hide spoiler)]

[The Half-blood Reader]

@Ilsen

(view spoiler)[I would have been much more cautious about Khalid if it hadn't been plainly said right away that this is due to a curse. Which in my mind led to the misunderstood guy with a dark past trope xD Like, I would have considered the possibility he was a crazy psycho or a sadist or Idk took baths in the blood of virgins, before we met him *laughs* That would've brought an edge to the story.

I'm still liking it fine, but it isn't bringing anything I haven't read before in plenty of books. I'm certainly not raving about the book, you know?

Yeah, Tariq never stops to wonder if he's going against Shazi's will and I don't even mean the part about her possibly developing feelings for Khalid. I mean... I'm a very proud person and I have perseverance, like Shazi, although I don't take myself too seriously (I'm the first to laugh at myself, you know), so if someone interferes with something I've decided for myself (in the words of Dido 'cuz it's me and my life) or attacks my ideals for what is right in the world, they feed a fire burning inside me.

Basically, I'm the type who would rather bite her own tongue off and die by the power of her actions, than have someone else kill her and be helpless, when there's no chance of escape. Shazi is like that, obstinate. If she decides to sacrifice herself for an ideal, for something of worth, then who is Tariq to go Hulk-mode and decide to interfere. Tariq macho fighter Tariq destroy mean caliph I would be so pissed off xD

Despina's part may also be a plot device to firstly induce us in error and think she participated in the attempt to poison Shazi *shrugs* or to mislead us into trusting her. Or yeah, just to plainly make us like her, because a big part of the world loves pregnant women. Or to humanize her. I don't believe everything necessarily needs to have a follow-up or a reason, because characters are like people: they have their own stuff going on. Buuut... meh

I agree that Shazi does not need a man. It is exactly the other way around: the one who needs her the most is Khalid. And that is why I ship certain pairings: because of the healing power.

It's an ancient book of sorcery and most likely of the dark kind. Her father does have the gift. He brought the hare to his room in a bundle, it did not come out of the book xD Well, innocent blood has power, sacrifice is one of the requisits of dark magic. I don't know what the sorcery in this place focus on.
He's probably gonna bring a s*storm xD (hide spoiler)]

It's fine. It would just be very unfair to have you feel excluded because you do not agree with the majority. :)

[The Half-blood Reader]

@Ilsen
(view spoiler)[Most fem charas do xD There's this thing about being the special one who gets to fix the broken boy *laughs*
Someone died because of Khalid. It's all we can tell from what's been told so far.
I'll keep saying Jahandar is gonna try to bring a s*storm xD becuz I'm a child xD (hide spoiler)]

[Ilsen]

@Regsly

(view spoiler)[ I was always cautious of Khalid even though they said they were going to fall in love because he kills a woman every night like I would be scared even if there is a curse. So yea I was cautious but then after a while it became the misunderstood guy trope which I have no problem with if you do it well.

Yes Shazi don't need anyone or to be in a relationship. I can see what you mean with Tariq. I would be pissed too if he tried to save the day when he didn't need to. Like you can be worried but don't start a war for her. Like ugh.

And yea Khalid maybe needs someone like Shazi because he needs help but sorry. Still do not ship it. Maybe they can be friends first XD.

Yep some shit is definitely going to go down with that book. Oh boy... (hide spoiler)]

Oh Regsly. Always bringing on the discussions. Glad you're here :)

[The Half-blood Reader]

@Ilsen

(view spoiler)[The title One Thousand and One Nights refers to how many nights the original Shahrzad kept the king entertained and curious, therefore allowing her to live one more day and how many nights it took her to conquer his heart.
She told stories within stories, and new characters appeared to be followed, it was quite smart. Also, the original stories had plenty of ahm more mature topics and sexual innuendos. Oh god, so many.

The part I had mentioned before that is less well-know because they cut it out of most versions, is that of exactly why the king started killing his wives.
So there were 2 brothers, each inherited a land (like East & West or smtg I don't recall) to rule so there were no fights. They loved each other very much.
One of the brothers invited the other to his palace, so the first brother bid farewell to his wife and left with his men and necessities typical of the rich back then.
But he soon realized he'd forgotten the gift he'd selected for his beloved brother, and he turned around. When he returned home, he found his wife in bed with a slave. In a fit of rage, he killed them both, and left for his brother's home.
He was never the same. He ate little, he grew pale, silent, morose and noticeably fatigued. The second brother worried and tried to cheer his brother to no avail. His depressed sibling wouldn't open up to him.
One afternoon, the second brother went hunting with his men, while the first brother turned back the invitation and stayed behind. And what did he witness! His sister-in-law, we'd call her now, unaware he had stayed behind, had a huge orgy with the male and female slaves on a reclusive garden that wasn't visible from most windows of the palace.
After that, he grew more spirited to his brother's surprise. He wasn't the only one! It wasn't him! The brother insisted to know what had changed him so, and finally the first brother agreed to show him. They pretended to go hunting and watched the orgy unfold again. The second brother was gaunt... Needless to say, more killing.
Then the first brother started thinking, and he came to the conclusion that women couldn't be trusted, neither could love, generalizing everything and applying stereotypes. He became thwarted and ended up taking one bride a night.

Huff I wrote a lot, sorry :P Anyway, many stories we know belong to the One Thousand and One Nights and I'm not even talking about Aladin. But there's also a lot of disturbing stories that are hard to swallow, and many don't make sense at all to me, like so many other old stories. (hide spoiler)]

[Ilsen]

@Regsly

(view spoiler)[ Wow that's so interesting. If it wasn't for mature audiences, (I mean I'm 18 I can read it I just don't like to) I would read it. That definitely sounds interesting. Obviously it didn't take that turn because they put it as if there were a curse surrounding it. HOLD UP ALADDIN HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH THIS??? Now I'm beyond curious XD (hide spoiler)]