The novel started off with a bang (quite literally) and never slowed down. Amani lives in a dead end town and is looking for a way to escape when a foreigner comes along and changes everything. All of a sudden she's on the run with a stranger as an ally. Jin, the male lead, is everything I wanted in a male protagonist for this novel. I haven't completely fallen in love with him, but it is bound to happen.
My only wish is that my reading experience was different. I have been so busy these past couple weeks, and so it took me a long time to finish this book. Goodreads says 18 days, but I only sat down three different times to read this book. I know that if I had more free time, I would've felt more connected to the story and the characters.
By far my favorite character is Amani. She is such a headstrong heroine, and I absolutely loved reading from her perspective. Out of the secondary characters, I liked Shazad the best. She's yet another kick-ass female character, and I loved how Hamilton had females on the same playing field as men.
The second half of the novel took a different turn than I was expecting. I wouldn't say I liked it less, but it kind of threw me off. However, I am looking forward to where this new plot will take us. Amani's struggles have just become a lot more complex, and seeing it unravel in the next book will be one heck of a ride.
My only worry is that the series will end up feeling rushed. The world of this series is so complex, and I don't want it to be brushed over so that the story finishes nicely. I'd rather have this series become a quartet if it means that the world building is stronger. Hamilton knows what she's doing, so I still am hopeful!
I would recommend this to any fantasy lover. I'm quite a newbie to the YA fantasy, but I think even veterans would appreciate this. I can see this trilogy becoming one of my favorites out there. Amani and Jin's relationship is slow burning and I love it. The plot is original and the characters strong. This story took twists and turn I was not expecting, and I really appreciated it. I normally can anticipate the "gotcha" moments, but this one really took me aback! Hats off to Alwyn Hamilton!
Overall, Rebel of the Sands is a strong opening novel to what can be a fantastic fantasy trilogy. The series holds true promise and I am looking forward to the second novel that will be coming out next year. I wish I could've had a better reading experience, because it negatively affected my enjoyment of the book.
With that, I give this book
4 out of 5 Stars!
Have you read Rebel of the Sands? What did you think?
Thanks guys for visiting and I'll see you soon with another post!
Happy Reading!
Genni @ Ready, Set, Read!
Great review! I'm really looking forward to reading this one! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Lauren! I hope you like it when you do! :D
DeleteAwesome review! I've been seeing this book everywhere it seems and I really want to get my hands on it. Hopefully that happens sooner rather than later...
ReplyDeleteDanica @ A Redheaded Bookworm
Thanks Danica! I hope that you like it whenever you do get around to it. :D
DeleteI am so so happy you liked this! I enjoyed it a lot!
ReplyDeleteKate @The Bookaholic Blurbs
Aww thanks Kate! I can't wait for the second book! :)
DeleteI'm so glad you enjoyed it! I've been putting off this book for a while now because there are so many other great books coming out but I think I'm going to read it soon :) I do love good series openers (you know, before all of the tragedies happen... there's a reason I don't like rereading the last three HP books!). Lovely review!
ReplyDeleteLaura @BlueEyeBooks
Thanks Laura! I'm on the same page as you. I haven't read some of my most anticipated reads just because there have been so many books coming out right now! It's been overwhelming. I hate to say it, but I've only read the first HP book and it was two years ago! My childhood series was Percy Jackson, but I definitely understand. The last book is so much darker than the others, and I'm sure the last three of HP is the same way. I've seen the movies, so I know what (kinda) happens!
DeleteI'm so glad you liked this one. I've been dying to read this! Loved your review!
ReplyDelete- Poulami @ Daydreaming Books
Aw thanks Poulami! I hope you like it (or love it!) when you read it!
DeleteI love your take on this and I'm glad you liked the book! I'm hoping the next book will be as action packed as this one! -Tina
ReplyDeleteThanks Tina! I completely agree with you. Maybe even more? :D
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