Every now and then there comes along a series that leaves you fulfilled.
Renee Ahdieh wrapped up her duology The Wrath and the Dawn with book #2 The Rose and The Dagger. And she ended this series wonderfully! Check out my review of book #1 here.
Let’s take a look at The Rose and The Dagger!
- Series: The Wrath and the Dawn
- Hardcover: 432 pages
- Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers (April 26, 2016)
In a land on the brink of war, Shahrzad has been torn from the love of her husband Khalid, the Caliph of Khorasan. She once believed him a monster, but his secrets revealed a man tormented by guilt and a powerful curse—one that might keep them apart forever. Re
united with her family, who have taken refuge with enemies of Khalid, and Tariq, her childhood sweetheart, she should be happy. But Tariq now commands forces set on destroying Khalid’s empire. Shahrzad is almost
a prisoner caught between loyalties to people she loves. But she refuses to be a pawn and devises a plan.
While her father, Jahandar, continues to play with magical forces he doesn’t yet understand, Shahrzad tries to uncover powers that may lie dormant within her. With the help of a tattered old carpet and a tempestuous but sage young man, Shahrzad will attempt to break the curse and reunite with her one true love.
Tawney’s Review:
The Rose and The Dagger was one of my most anticipated sequels I couldn’t wait to read. I wasn’t disappointed. This was a perfect ending to Shahrzad and Khalid’s story. It was everything that I hoped for in the final book. This follow-up brought back Renee’s vivid description and poetic words. With every turn of the page I couldn’t read it fast enough.
The Rose and The Dagger picks up right where The Wrath and The Dawn ended. It was easy to get back into the story. It was like this sequel was just another chapter from the first book. The tension is high and the action great. Renee thrusts us back into her world with Shahrzad and Khalid, who are by far one of my favorite YA couples!
Let’s face it. Shahrzad and Khalid is a love story we all crave and want. These two love each other fiercely and will fight for that love. It’s believable. It’s swoon worthy. They both face so much in this story. You hold on for dear life hoping, craving for their reunion, their survival. These two redeem each other and it doesn’t matter what happens to them, whether it’s good or bad, they will endure it again again for their love. Insert big heavy sigh.
Renee is fabulous at her world building by adding beautiful details and beautiful words that takes the reader easily into the story. Her storytelling skills weave magic with each chapter and each character. The characters are lively and you can connect with them and feel for them. Oh how you feel for them! This isn’t wasn’t one of those cheesy YA romances. No, this was a real, raw romance that makes you have hope for the world. For love.
Not only are Shahrzad and Khalid incredible character but the development of other characters such as Irsa, Tariq, Rahim, and even Despina are fantastic as well. You can’t help but love them all and root for them.
The end is heartbreaking and gloriously beautiful. It leaves you content with a smile. I was happy when I finished the book. I was happy with how Renee wrapped this story up beautifully. The books now sit on my shelf ready to be read again and again because Shahrzad and Khalida story is not to be forgot.
Should you read this? YES! A poetic masterpiece with vivid detail and a love story beyond ages.
About the Author:
I live in North Carolina (Go Heels!) with my husband Victor and our dog Mushu. My YA fantasy novel, THE WRATH AND THE DAWN, is available wherever books are sold. In my spare time, I like to cook, dance salsa, and wreak havoc on the lives of my characters.
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