You know those authors who just seem to keep missing you? I have seen the Shatter Me series ALL over the place….and haven’t read it. Than meanwhile I read, and loved, A Very Large Expanse of Sea! But I’ve never read any of Mafi’s other SFF work – until now! Keep reading this book review for my full thoughts.
Summary
Clashing empires, forbidden romance, and a long-forgotten queen destined to save her people—bestselling author Tahereh Mafi’s first in an epic, romantic trilogy inspired by Persian mythology.
To all the world, Alizeh is a disposable servant, not the long-lost heir to an ancient Jinn kingdom forced to hide in plain sight.
The crown prince, Kamran, has heard the prophecies foretelling the death of his king. But he could never have imagined that the servant girl with the strange eyes, the girl he can’t put out of his mind, would one day soon uproot his kingdom—and the world.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
TW: suicide
Immediately This Woven Kingdom intrigued me. Not only because Mafi is so hyped, but I love the idea of a Persian mythology inspired fantasy and a long lost heir hidden in plain sight. I immediately felt for Alizeh. Judged for things she cannot control, the world won’t give her a break. She’s living day to day just trying to stay hidden. Trying to live against the pull of the current and her destiny – but how long can she keep it up? When Alizeh and Kamran’s paths cross it is clear that her illusion is shattered.
I only came to love Alizeh more and more as the book continues. Living hidden, she’s been able to observe the world that no one sees. The corruption, the ways rules have two punishments, and the treatment on the streets. While This Woven Kingdom moves slower than I was expecting, once I made it to around 50% so many dominoes began falling. Mafi sets the stage for tensions, character reveals, and twists of fate which begin to topple her house of cards.
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So while it takes some time to develop, once it did, I was entranced. This Woven Kingdom is a magical world of secrets with a plot that doesn’t rush as it enraptures you. Everything begins to come together in explosive turns of events as pieces click. So just adjust your expectations a bit for This Woven Kingdom and then I think you’ll love the fantasy set up for the sequel! Find This Woven Kingdom on Goodreads, Amazon, Indiebound, Bookshop.org & The Book Depository.
Good to know that this one starts slow. I’m not sure if I could make it to the 50% mark, but I think I’ll try it based on your review. Thanks. Natalie @ Literary Rambles
yeah definitely! I feel like the past fantasy books I’ve been reading have started off with TONS of action, so it could also be that!
I loved the Shatter Me series, but haven’t picked up the more recent ones. This one also sounds good, but it’s helpful when someone lets you know that it starts slow and that it will get better, so thanks for that! Great review!
I’m glad to hear this one comes together. I tried to read it while I was going through a rough patch and everyone was so mean I could not handle it. Maybe I’ll try again now that things have calmed down some.
OMG yes the world and some things that happened were SO rough to read!