The Procrastinators Book Club discussion

Welcome to the For She Is Wrath Buddy Read Discussion thread! This thread officially opens on June 18th and anyone can join at any time. Please keep in mind that spoilers are allowed in this thread but only up to the group's current reading place. Do not spoil the book if you've read further than the group. Any extra days can be used to catch up!

Each day we will be reading by chapters or page numbers. Page numbers are an approximation based on the hardcover or paperback that is the default on Goodreads. The suggested Buddy Read discussion schedule is as follows:

Week of 06/18
18th: Chapters 1-5
19th: chapters 6-11
20th: chapters 12-16
21st: chapters 17-21
22nd: chapters 22-24

Week of 06/23
23rd: chapters 25-28
24th: chapters 29-34
25th: chapters 35- 40
26th: chapters 41-47
27th: chapters 48-end



PARTICIPANTS
~ Heloise
~ Brianna
~ Sophie

Chapters 1-5

I read The Count of Monte Cristo around a year ago, so I have at least a rough understanding of what to expect.

I really liked the incorporation of Djinn in the story. We don't really see them much in fantasy which is a shame because I feel like you could do sooooo much with them in terms of plot and character. Very underappreciated.

I really liked Dania and Noor's fast friendship. I do hope that Noor is okay and we see more of her.

In terms of Mazin, when the whole situation was explained of how Dania was framed for the Northern Warlords murder, it seems pretty weak and obvious that he had little to no idea. I don't know I kind of wanted there to be a mystery aspect of how he DIDN'T betray her (that's me assuming that he didn't).

I am really enjoying so far though, it's super fast paced and reads older than I thought it would which is always a bonus for me.

What're your thoughts?

@Sophie is this a retelling of the Count of Monte Cristo?
Now that you mentioned it, I think I haven’t read a book featuring Djinns, so definitely looking forward to explore that territory.

I love love love Noor and of course their friendship as well. I was almost screaming at Dania not to leave her.
I agree on the pace. I only have this as an audiobook and sadly they don’t name the chapters so I have no clue where in the book I am, but I definitely enjoy it as well.

I have also read Count of Monte Cristo so have already been seeing some different references here and there so that's been pretty fun.

through end of chapter 18: possible spoilers:(view spoiler)[I think the magic system with the Djinn beans/seeds is pretty interesting! I'm curious to see how it all shakes out. I hope she sees her Nanu (? grandma) again because that would be so sad for her Nanu with everyone she has already lost and the circumstances of such. (hide spoiler)]

I read a bit ahead as I'm getting some of the story line confused with The Night Ends With Fire so got a bit ahead here and will focus on the other and then switch back to this, etc.

through end of chapter 24: (view spoiler)[I am starting to doubt that Maz betrayed Dani. Some of the "before" story's don't line up with him siding with the emperor and framing Dani. I feel like he may be a victim of the plot as well versus a conspirator. I am a bit bummed we aren't having as much Noor as before in the last chunk of chapters. I appreciate her honesty/candor. (hide spoiler)]

Till chapter 19

Hi! I'm so glad to be able to reply at last, as I was still too far away to take part in the discussion.

I had no idea it was a retelling of Monte Cristo before you said it Sophie but I can see the similarities. I haven't read it yet (I look forward to it but there are so many pages, I'm intimidated) but it's become one of my favourite films (the one with Pierre Niney, vive la France !).

The only Djinn I've seen in fantasy books is in The Daevabad Trilogy but I'm happy to discover yet another aspect.

The magic system is pretty good, as Brianna said. I can't wait to see what else the seeds can do.

From the first mention of Mazin, I knew something was wrong. Then, as this is a retelling of Monte Cristo where everyone betrays everyone, it wouldn't have surprised me if he was truly bad but I figured it was too easy a narrative. I also feel that this is a YA book but aimed more at the upper age bracket.

I honestly don't understand the rating of this book. So far, I'm having a great time.

Chapter 20 to chapter 34

I really like Mazin but I'm a little bothered by the fact that he thinks Dania is Sanaya. I don't know if he knows that Sanaya doesn't exist or if he really has no idea, but the fact that, potentially, only a year after Dania was imprisoned, he falls for another woman when Dania has been his best friend for years and his girlfriend... It doesn't sit right with me.

Other than that, I can't wait to finish this book, I really like it!

I was away this weekend but I managed to catch up today.

Through to chapter 29

The story really felt like it picked up when Mazin was introduced, and the revenge plot started to play out.

In terms of the romance between Mazin and Dania, I’m unsure how I feel about it. If it does turn out that he wasn’t a part of her imprisonment, he’s still attracted to/falling in love with her disguise and how strong can their can connection really have ever been? It’s a very odd and complicated situation to be in.

The before chapters are really getting me, I can see why Dania is a little conflicted at times.

A partial theory: maybe Mazin knew he couldn’t save Dania in the moment, or he found out at the last minute, and he has gotten even closer to the Emperor and gaining more power so that he can locate and aid Dania, but then again, it doesn’t explain Mazin falling for Sanaya.

@Héloïse, I agree about the age rating, it doesn’t always read super YA.

through end of chapter 34: I am just waiting for Dani to have regret in what is happening and what she is doing to people - not the guilty parties so to speak but the innocent bystanders who were not involved. I think something is going to happen with Noor - either she will let something slip or she'll go against Dani for some reason. I also think something is going to bite Dani in the butt and some of her plans are going to fall through somehow.

I agree with both of your thoughts about Mazin falling for Sanaya seemingly quickly after Dani. I wonder if Dani is letting enough of what he liked out as Sanaya so that is where he is getting intrigued.

Until the end

I LOVED it. So glad to have read it! Giving the rating, I needed motivation to tackle it.

The connection between Dania and Mazin is everything.
@Sophie, I agree, the ‘before’ chapters were really sad to read when you know how it ended, with Dania in prison. But they were perfectly anchored in the story and the plot.

I was worried that Dania wouldn't repent, given that Monte Cristo is so bent on revenge that he loses everything. But I'm glad that on this point the story differs.

Honestly, reading Dania's pov, you get the impression that she doesn't let anything of her real personality shine through but at the reveal, Mazin said he could so recognise her facial expressions and I swooned. And the fact that they don't really bond until he recognises her and kisses her fingers. Bye.

The resolution may seem a little quick but personally I'm just glad it's all over in one book, I was worried it would drag on too long.

Some of my favorite quotes :
“I've marked you.”
“Shall I tell you my favorite ones?”

“Sometimes I rub the center of my palm when I'm missing you.” (where he has one of the scars she gave him ugh please)

“And how would you wish to read me?”
“I would read you like a novel. From cover to cover, learning everything about you.”
“Leisurely, only taking me out when you felt like it?”
“Is that how you read your novels, Mazin? How uninspiring. No, I mean in a fierce frenzy, by candlelight, devouring you until I finished every page and committed it to memory, and then I'd flip right back to the front and start again from the beginning.”
“Ah. Perhaps I'm just reading the wrong things. Shall I tell you how I would read you? I'd read you like scripture, a prayer. And all the worship I felt, I'd heap at your feet.”

So you both finished and I hope you’re still up discussing this? because I finally switched from the audiobook to the book. And I so want to read this tonight, as I‘m really enjoying it, especially the pace and characters.

Up to chapter 15
As already stated, I love the pace here. It feels like a while ago I read a book with a faster pace. And once again I notice how much I enjoy it. Noor and Dania‘s friendship is also really beautiful. And the magic system is awesome!

I felt sad the way Dania parted with her grandmother, although they’re not close, I hope she’ll see her again.

@Sarah-Vanessa of course I'm up to discussing this one! Don't read my comments because they aren't spoilers free omg

Can't wait to read your thoughts. Glad you're enjoying it ! :)

@Sarah-Vanessa - will definitely still be up to discussing! I agree with how Dania parted from her grandmother. It was very abrupt. I also enjoyed the magic system - it was very straightforward. Djinn gave Emperor magic through the beans (don't recall the exact name). Not hard to follow!

@Brianna @Heliose Nice, here I am catching up with the speed of a snail… 🐌

Chapter 15 - 20
Although the djinn magic is really impressive, it just doesn’t seem to be the smartest choice for Dania to take it. There’s a reason Noor had to swear not to take it. On the other hand, what choice does Dania have…

I‘m a little bit appalled by Dania‘s bloodthirsty need for vengeance. I get it that she needs to stand up for her father,, but she’s a bit too hateful for me.
It sort of gives the impression that Mazin isn’t really happy about the way Casildo speaks about Dania’s father. Maybe he got tricked as well.

Yes, it's true that her desire for revenge is pretty powerful, but at the same time, being betrayed like that, it's hard to react any other way. It's either that or let the usurper and all his henchmen live without worry.

Her desire for revenge didn't shock me too much, in the sense that when you compare it with Monte Cristo's, it's actually quite mild haha

And yes, taking the magic seeds is a terrible idea, especially when the risks aren't too clear.

Mazin's reaction to Casildo was one of the first moments when I said to myself ‘well, maybe I'll like Mazin’.

Chapter 21 - 24
That was a smart move to kidnap Anam. I just hope the boys won’t get caught, as the punishment will be horrible. The soldiers burning the people of the city alive was so sad. The tyranny people get put through if the wrong person is ruling, is insane.

But I believe even Maze doesn’t agree with it and I hope Dania can somehow make him an ally. She clearly still has feelings for him. @Heloise I‘m at that point as well, where I tell myself I might like him and ge isn’t that bad. And I also thought or at least was hoping he would recognize Dania. Maybe he did, but thought best of it to nit say anything. Especially if @Brianna‘s theory is correct, which I believe as well. He must be a victim. And didn’t he start at Dania’s hands for a bit too long?

@Heloise Thanks for clarifying. I haven’t read Monte Cristo so I had no clue. And Dania has all the reasons of course to have these feelings.

Finished early so I’m just going to put my final thoughts below

(view spoiler)[ 3.5 stars ✨

I read The Count of Monte Cristo around a year ago, so I had a rough idea of what I was in for, and I was looking forward to reading it from a modern female voice in a magical world.

I struggle to pinpoint the age rating on this one, it read a little older than YA, but definitely still younger than adult.

I really liked the magic system and the incorporation of Djinn, as we tend not to see them as much. The revenge plots were written immaculately and I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out how Dania was going to take down her enemies. It was fast paced from beginning to end.

I unfortunately found the romance to be lacklustre, we simply didn’t see them in a romantic setting enough nor was there any kind of tension, which is absolutely needed for a regular romance, never mind enemies to lovers. I noticed that Dania’s rage and thirst for vengeance dissipated as soon as she came into contact with Mazin at that annoyed me because it didn’t really align with how she had been written up until that point.

I was also disappointed by the ending, it felt a little rushed. It was a good twist, but the execution wasn’t great. (hide spoiler)]

@Sophie I like your thoughts. I will get back to them when I finish the book.

Chapter 25 - 28
I feel like Mazin must somehow know or feel that Sanaya is familiar, I can’t imagine he would a) not recognize Dania after how she described their romance and b) not feel the familiarity of her behavior.

I enjoyed a lot how Dania tricked Casildo. That was well deserved. I just don’t think it was the smartest move to tell him who she really was. And once again I am surprised of how rigorously she went through with her revenge not even stopping that a small kid could be punished the same way she was. Yes, she was calculating very nicely that the people would call Casildo out and he would be punished not the girl, but she didn’t have 100% certainty. Yet again I can’t compare to the original story.

I‘m looking forward to see Darbaran‘s punishment. Not sure though it will come as easy as Casildos.

@Sarah-Vanessa

Yes I didn't think it was smart either. If there's one thing that bugs me about revenge stories, it's the revelation of your true identity. I can understand the desire to see the surprise on the faces of those who have hurt you, but when your situation is already precarious, adding the fact that someone knows who you are when you haven't finished your revenge is really risky.

Chapter 29 - The End
Alright I finished this one yesterday.
And what an unexpected ending. Honestly I was surprised and also happy that Dania changed her mind on the vengeance. I felt like - compared to the strong emotions and the hate she was expressing during the whole book - that she gave in quite quickly in the end. That seemed sort of inconsistent and a little bit rushed, but of course I was happy she finally came to her senses ☺️. But let’s be real in the end the whole plot for her to change her mind last minute….

That’s why it was just a 3 star for me. Overall she wasn’t really a consistent MC, changed her mind quite quick, although the reasoning the author used somehow made sense, but I think she could have already come to that conclusion from the beginning. Overall I think in this setting I didn’t really enjoy too much the hateful vengeance plot.

On the other hand I really enjoyed the rest of the story and especially the dynamics between Noor and Dania and their friendship.

@Sarah-Vanessa She did kill the people who betrayed her, and once Mazin had explained to her that HE hadn't betrayed her, it wouldn't have made much sense for her to continue on her path of vengeance either... But I can understand why the ending feels rushed :) I'm just glad it's a standalone, it's the perfect lenght

@Heloise You’re definitely right, that there was no reason to kill Mazin. I just somehow felt for the vibe she was given before and the words she was talking, she caved in quite quickly. And forgave him very fast. But yes, I agree that he didn’t do anything from the beginning. I just somehow feel like the whole vengeance plot was kind of unnecessary… In the end everything turned out different as expected. But yeah maybe it’s just not my kind of trope 😂. If she would have asked him one time, she would have had her answer. But I get it that was not thw purpose of the story ☺️. Overall the book was good, I just felt Dania was talking sometimes big words and then acting different on them. But that was probably because deep down she was still in love with Mazin and just trying to convince herself with words that she hated him.

@Sarah-Vanessa I agree that she forgave him quite quickly haha

I agree with both of y'alls thoughts on how quickly the vengeance went away - once the truth came out there wasn't much point in still trying to kill Mazin. I agree with Sarah-Vanessa about her not being super consistent as a character overall but also the ending did feel a bit rushed.