Review: This Woven Kingdom

 

So, I had to work tooth and nail [not entirely sure if that is the idiom] to lay my hands on this book. Seriously, back when I read Shatter Me in 2020 and it completely shattered me [hehe, pun]. I read Believe Me when it was released just for Warnette getting married. Seriously, I am in love with Shatter Me series and I'll be on my knees for Warnette.

This Woven Kingdom by Tahereh Mafi, follows the story of Alizeh, a Jinn who has been reduced to nothing but a disposable servant. Kamran is the prince of Ardunia living under his grandfather's reign, the king. Kamran has worked all these years trying to be worthy of the crown but once he's seen Alizeh help a boy who tried to kill her, he can't seem to shake her off his mind. Moreover, his grandfather seems to have different plans for him and Alizeh.

QUICK THOUGHTS AND REVIEW: 4.8/5, ugh damn, I need the second book soon.

PROS:

1. Retelling: if I am not wrong, this is a Persian mythology retelling? I mean, I have heard of the legend by the vine some years back but it did seem good to see the retelling. I mean, I love retellings. You give me a retelling and be damned sure that I will read it.

2. Plot: I think we can safely establish the fact that the story is character driven with alternating POVs of Alizeh and Kamran in third person narration. Usually character driven plots and third person narrations are a big no-no for me, but surprisingly, I actually enjoyed it.

3. The concept of the guy falling in love with the female lead. I love that trope. We actually need more of that trope in books. Like seriously, MAKE THE MAN FALL IN LOVE WITH THE LADY FIRST. WE'VE HAD ENOUGH OF BOOKS WHERE GIRL FALLS FOR GUY FIRST.

4. Fast paced slow burn: is that a thing? I really didn't know if it was a thing or no but I am curious af because that is what I felt like reading. Kamran and Alizeh have this really slow burn kind of thing going on while their story is going a bit too fast paced like damn bruh, slow down, the train ain't going anywhere without the two of you.

5. THE PLOT TWIST WITH HAZAN. COME ON YOU GOTTA TELL ME YOU DIDN'T SEE THAT COMING TOO.

CONS:

1. It was outshined by Shatter Me. I mean to say, Shatter Me series had held such high standards for me, I kind of felt like this book fell back in the shadows.

2. I kind of understand how the ending appeared, but I feel like the resolution was too quick for me. Especially in the last four chapters? I did not understand what in the world was going on even though I was trying my level best to. So the ending, even though amazing, sounded a nope to me.

OVERALL, AN AMAZING READ, as I said before, need the second book NOW.