If you tell me a book is a fantasy retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo, I’m already going to be sitting down, ready to listen. Add in some Djinn magic, a stabby heroine, a killer revenge plot, and an incredible female friendship, and you have the makings of a five-star book. Did I mention our main character wants revenge on her former lover – the man who betrayed her and put her in prison? You’re in for a good time with For She is Wrath!

Amazon (free on KU) / Goodreads

Synopsis:

A sweeping, Pakistani romantic fantasy retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo, where one girl seeks revenge against those who betrayed her—including the boy she used to love.

Three hundred and sixty-four days.
Framed for a crime she didn’t commit, Dania counts down her days in prison until she can exact revenge on Mazin, the boy responsible for her downfall, the boy she once loved—and still can’t forget. When she discovers a fellow prisoner may have the key to exacting that vengeance–a stolen djinn treasure–they execute a daring escape together and search for the hidden treasure.

Armed with dark magic and a new identity, Dania enacts a plan to bring down those who betrayed her and her family, even though Mazin stands in her way. But seeking revenge becomes a complicated game of cat and mouse, especially when an undeniable fire still burns between them, and the power to destroy her enemies has a price. As Dania falls deeper into her web of traps and lies, she risks losing her humanity to her fight for vengeance–and her heart to the only boy she’s ever loved.

Review:

For She Is Wrath follows Dania, opening with her in prison for a crime she didn’t commit. She knows the men who framed her and wants nothing but revenge against them. She also longs to see her beloved father again. If you know the story of The Count of Monte Cristo, it won’t come as a surprise that she makes a friend in prison and that she escapes to seek out revenge.

The story follows Dania and her friend Nor on their journey of hard-fought revenge. Always at the front of Dania’s mind is Mazin, her former friend, lover, and confidant, who turned betrayer on her and hurt her the most. With Djinn magic in her veins, Dania tackles the heart of the kingdom and seeks revenge against every person who wronged her, regardless of what it costs – even her own life.

I adored this book. The romance was an excellent version of enemies-to-more, with just enough flashbacks to make us appreciate and understand their bond. Nor and Dania’s friendship was such a beautiful representation of a strong female friendship, and I always look for that in books. Mostly, I couldn’t get enough of Dania. She was a take-charge, stabby kind of heroine, and I loved her for it. If Arya was one of your favorite parts of Game of Thrones or ASOIAF, then you’ll also enjoy For She is Wrath.

Final Thoughts:

While the book did conclude a bit too conveniently for my taste, I can’t give this book any less than 4.5 stars because of how quickly I devoured it and how much I enjoyed the journey. For She is Wrath is a new favorite YA fantasy/romantasy for sure!

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with an ARC! All the above thoughts are my own.