Our FMC, Dania, plans to get revenge on the people that betrayed her, ruined her life, and sent her to prison. She’s got a list of her betrayers and she’s reciting it in her sleep Arya Stark style.

The feminine rage was epic. I loved the badass heroine that knows how to wield a sword better than anyone thanks to her dad, the famous swordsmith.

The magic system easy to understand, Djinn magic is super interesting and not seen often. Loved that it was a fantasy in a middle eastern setting which again, is not seen often so this felt very refreshing and new.

The love story: friends to lovers to enemies to lovers. So complicated and intense! We got a few flashback chapters of their relationship before she was arrested. It’s a closed door romance so the spice level is nonexistent but I still enjoyed it so much.

If you also dress for revenge, ain’t never had a friend like [the Djinn], and love a good spicy chai tea, then you’ll enjoy this one! (For real, every description of the chai tea in this book made my mouth water).

This had a lot of really interesting elements. It's nice to see retellings of some lesser-known stories, like the Count of Monte Cristo, and the general world (pakistani influnced, djinn, rich with food and clothing, a corrupt empire) was interesting. I did struggle to connect with the main romance plotline, I think mostly because of the dual timeline nature and how quickly the ending came in comparison to all of the buildup. I also wish that Dani and Noor had been a little more on the, plotting mastermind side than the, showing up for revenge and winging it side, since they had so long in prison to be planning their revenge and knew all of the people involved so well. I also wish we had learned more about djinn, how their powers worked, their role in the emperor's behavior, and how their magic differed from the seed magic. Ultimately a fast paced read that is more focused on moving the plot forward than depth of any one character.

This book was everything I ever wanted. From the writing, world building, characters, romance... *chefs kiss*
Varga crafts a wonderful story from start to finish, AND I COULD NOT GET ENOUGH!!

My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: Fantasy, YA Fantasy, Fantasy Retelling, Romantasy, Historical Fantasy
Audience: Young adult
Language: Smattering of f-bombs
Spice Level: References to sex but more of a closed door/fade to black description level
Representation: Southeast Asian characters

I was excited to read *FOR SHE IS WRATH* to see how it twisted and retold the story of *The Count of Monte Cristo.*

Boxes this book checked for me:
- Unjust prison sentence
- Prison that's miserable
- Escape attempts
- Friendship through trial
- Fabulous wealth (in this case djinn magic and gold)
- A mission of revenge
- Betrayal

The twist of setting this story in a fantasy Pakistani with djinn and pressures of kings and trying to figure out how the characters are going to survive and thrive is interesting and fun. I once read that a YA fantasy has to burn the world down to express the love between characters. This book fits that description (the title alone does that). There was also a twist I didn't expect and loved.

I think readers of YA fantasy will enjoy this book. To me, it should be for 16 and up. See what you think.

Happy reading!

For She is Wrath is the PERFECT book for those who love stabby FMC's. Between one of my favorite YA girlies of all time, and the beautiful world, I could not put this down!!

Emily Varga's worldbuilding is lush, rich, and beautiful in this Pakistani retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo. Dania is skilled, ruthless, and angry. (As she should be!) She is the perfect embodiment of feminine rage, and I am HERE FOR IT. The love interest is the biggest simp, and those flashbacks WHOO (they're so cute.)

That aside, the thing I love best about this book is the celebration of female friendship. It is rare to see girls coming together in fantasy without some sort of animosity, and the relationship between Dania and Noor is truly one of the best.

I loved this book so much and I am looking forward to seeing what else the author creates. :)

"For She Is Wrath" by Emily Varga is an absolutely mesmerizing retelling of *The Count of Monte Cristo*, infused with a rich Pakistani cultural backdrop that adds depth and vibrancy to the story. As someone who grew up loving Dumas’ classic tale of betrayal and revenge, I found Varga’s interpretation to be both refreshing and captivating.

The protagonist, Dania, is a fierce and complex character. Framed for a crime she didn’t commit, her countdown to vengeance is both gripping and relatable. Varga expertly captures Dania's inner turmoil as she grapples with her feelings for Mazin, the boy she once loved and now sees as her greatest enemy. Their relationship is fraught with tension, making the romantic elements both thrilling and heart-wrenching.

The plot unfolds with a perfect blend of suspense and magic. Dania's daring escape with a fellow prisoner in search of a stolen treasure keeps you on the edge of your seat. The stakes are high, and Varga’s imaginative world-building brings the dark magic and hidden treasures to life in a way that feels both exciting and believable.

As Dania delves deeper into her quest for revenge, the story explores profound themes of love, betrayal, and the costs of vengeance. The moral complexity of her journey is beautifully woven into the narrative, reminding readers that the path to retribution is often fraught with unforeseen consequences.

Varga’s writing is lush and evocative, painting vivid scenes that transport you to a world filled with intrigue and emotion. For fans of the original *Count of Monte Cristo*, this retelling offers a new lens through which to explore familiar themes while introducing a powerful and dynamic heroine.

In short, "For She Is Wrath" is a stunning romantic fantasy that masterfully blends revenge and redemption. Emily Varga has created a compelling tale that will resonate with anyone who appreciates a good revenge story, especially those who, like me, hold a special place in their hearts for Dumas’ timeless classic. Don't miss this remarkable journey!

For She is Wrath started with a bang and slowed down shortly after. We got the introduction of Dania, who is hell-bent on breaking out of prison just so she can reconnect with her father and kill every rat bastard who put her in jail in the first place, including her first love. There, she meets Noor, who later becomes her best friend and her moral support whenever Dania feels herself going left with power. These two characters worked great as a team, and I only wished Noor was more at the forefront of her revenge plan.

FSIW is not as magical as I projected it to be, but it still holds its own with the action sequence and bloodlust throughout the text. The world-building and character creation were well written, and there is also romance. I'm still not a fan of the whole "Romantasy" genre, but this one was palatable. Oh, and the reveal at the end! Oh! Oh!

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press/Wednesday Books for the chance to read an ARC of For she is Wrath by Emily Varga. The cover is what drew me to read the premise, and I thought a YA Pakistani fantasy retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo with a female main character would be right up my alley. After starting it, I put it down as I wasn't connecting to the story. I found the pacing to be frustrating and just couldn't connect to the characters. What I did like about it was the setting in Pakistan which was different and mystical and I loved the addition of Djinn magic. Even though it wasn't a big hit with me, I believe the YA crowd will love it.

O.M.G. I knew when I saw the description on a Goodreads giveaway that I would go absolutely feral for this book and when I saw it on Netgalley, I had to have it!! I was so right, this book was *chefs kiss*.

This was just a masterclass in how to write a female heroine for me. She was absolutely badass but at the same time, really learned about herself and grew on her journey. Also, the opening chapters had me in a chokehold, what a hook!! I love a good escape plot. 🧐

Thanks Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review! I can't wait to go out and buy my own finished copy to keep for myself on its release date!!

For She Is Wrath by Emily Varga is a compelling, easy-to-read novel, seamlessly blending elements of fantasy, romance, and intrigue. Without reading the premise or knowing the inspiration behind the story, I dove right in and found myself captivated, particularly by its unique South Asian setting.

The protagonist, Dania, is unapologetic in her pursuit of justice, driven by good intentions, even if her path threatens to unravel more than she anticipates. I was particularly drawn to her strength and determination, but Noor, with her selflessness and quiet resilience, became my favorite character. I only wish we had more insight into Noor’s perspective, as her role felt crucial and could have added depth to the narrative.

While the fantasy elements were engaging, I would have liked to see more world-building to fully immerse in the setting. That said, this character-driven plot will undoubtedly appeal to readers who enjoy strong, multidimensional protagonists navigating morally complex paths.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

A Pakistani retelling of a classic novel? Sign me up! You see more fantasy retellings for stories like Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, etc, so it was nice to get a Count of Monte Cristo retelling that was unique. I think the author did a good job with female rage, and I liked the inclusion of cultural elements! My biggest complaint is that the pacing felt off, and it was almost like issues were solved too quickly.

Title:  For She Is Wrath  
Author:   Emily Varga       
Genre: YA, fantasy, romance  
Rating: 4 out of 5

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.

I found the culture and setting of this story to be a fascinating mix of different elements that kept me intrigued. Danie was a strong character—and one I enjoyed getting to know more. She’s tough and capable, and so afraid to let anyone close enough to betray her again, but she gradually realizes that she can trust some people. This felt like a dark fantasy, but there was hope there as well.

Emily Varga lives in Canada. For She is Wrath is her debut novel.

(Galley courtesy of St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.)

“The power of knowing this was a righteous anger. A history of women and girls being wronged by men who never had any consequences. Now I would be the consequences.” ⚔️

Imprisoned for a crime you didn’t commit and betrayed by the boy you were just k-i-s-s-i-n-g? Who wouldn’t be a little hellbent on revenge? (4.5 stars)

For She is Wrath is a YA standalone fantastical retelling of the Count of Monte Cristo filled with friendships, revenge, and moral panic. It’s completely gorgeous, gritty, and surprisingly romantic.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press, Wednesday Books, Emily Varga and NetGalley for an advanced electronic copy in exchange for an honest review. For She is Wrath comes out on October 29th .

This is a Pakistani fantasy retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo. Dania was betrayed and framed for murder by someone she thought held her heart. After a year in jail she meets Noor, who had her own reasons for revenge AND a way out of jail! They team up with their complimentary skills to try to take down the empire! But will the past come back to haunt them, or will they be able to fight the dark forces at play and come out on top?
This one took some time for me to get into. Dania is relatively young, but she seemed very childish and whiny at the beginning. She did grow, as a character and on me, as the story progressed and I got more invested in the outcome of the character's lives! I have not read The Count of Monte Cristo but I kinda know the main plot, although I forget how it ends (in the movie I've seen). But I really liked the ending to this one!
Thank you to @netgalley and @stmartinspress @wednesdaybooks for my free advanced copy! It is set to be published at the end of the month (29 Oct), so add it to your TBR!
#NetGalley #ForSheIsWrath

I really loved this! It’s a Count of Monte Cristo retelling and you absolutely will enjoy it because of the romantic fantasy spin. There is a lot of going back and forth between present-day and events that occurred prior to the story, but it was labeled well and you could differentiate it. The twists were so good, too! What a great YA standalone.

This was a fantastic YA fantasy! I absolutely loved how it reimagined The Count of Monte Cristo with a fresh Pakistani twist—it gave the story so much depth and cultural richness.

For She Is Wrath has everything you'd want in a fantasy: romance, magic, and strong friendships. The plot was exciting and easy to get lost in, making it a breeze to enjoy. If you’re a fan of revenge tales with a unique cultural spin, this one is a must-read!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

I was sold the second I found out For She is Wrath by Emily Varga was a fantasy retelling of one of my favorite classics, The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. Not only a retelling, but a woman taking the place of Edmond Dantès in a Pakistani-inspired setting with Djinn magic?! Yes, please. However, retellings can be hit or miss for me, and especially with a beloved classic that I know so well, I tried to go into it with an open mind, and not look for an exact match of the story. And I really enjoyed it! This was an excellent retelling, and yes, it does have a happy ending, for which I’m grateful. It’s YA Romantic Fantasy afterall. Speaking of, it does read YA, but there are definitely some adult themes and fade-to-black moments, along with a few F-bombs, so keep that in mind. Dani and Noor create a beautiful sisterhood, that is a definite departure from the original work, but not an unwelcome one. If you’ve also been a longtime fan of The Count of Monte Cristo, or you just want a great YA Fantasy with romance to sink your teeth into, I think you’ll enjoy this debut from Emily Varga. P.S. There’s a hand flex scene a la 2005 Pride and Prejudice to look forward to…

Things to Know:
-YA Fantasy
-First person POV
-Flashback chapters
-Betrayal and Revenge
-Lovers to enemies
-Sisterhood
-The Count of Monte Cristo retelling
-Pakistani-inspired culture
-Djinn magic

Dani’s been betrayed by those she thought she loved most, but she’s determined to escape the prison she finds herself in after being tortured for a crime she didn’t commit. Noor, a young girl, takes the place of the Abbé Faria character, and this was probably the biggest departure for me to the story. I really enjoyed her character though, as a newfound sister to Dani, and often a voice of reason, though she was also motivated by vengeance. I loved the addition of a fantastical element in the form of Djinn magic and as with most magic, it comes at a price. But is it one Dani’s prepared to pay for her revenge?

I loved that interweaved between the present, there are chapter flashbacks to before she was imprisoned, which gave a nice backstory to her relationship with Mazin, and the other betrayers. Her father, a famed swordsmith, naturally means she’s handy with a blade, and while at times, her prowess hit the edge of believability for me, it was fun addition to the story. Ex: This tiny woman who’s been imprisoned for a year and is starved and emaciated takes on 12 armed guards… And if you’re a fan of a lovers to enemies storyline (yes, you read that right), you will eat this up!

There is a twist I’ll admit I did not see coming, which is always nice to have as an avid reader, but shhhh no spoilers here.

If I had anything else to critique, it would be the copious descriptions of food and outfits over the actual location of the story. Yes, if you’re hungry while reading this, you’ll be salivating at the food descriptions, but I did feel the world itself was a bit lacking in description. I didn’t have a great sense of the main city, or how the villages mapped into the world. There’s also some scenes and references to raiders, but no mention or explanation of who they are or where they really come from, and it’s never addressed again. So bravo for the all of the small details being covered super well, but the overall picture fell short for me.

Other than that, it’s an impressive debut novel for Emily Varga, and I’m excited to see what she writes next! If you’re looking for your next class retelling, make sure to grab this one. I would also highly recommend the audiobook as I really enjoyed the narrator. Many thanks to Wednesday Books for the eARC and Macmillan Audio for the audio ARC to review. All opinions are my own.

Fave Quotes (note: final quotes may be altered):

“The problem when someone you loved betrayed you, was that you had a lifetime of good memories with them that you had to examine in a different light.”

—

“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…? 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…”

—

“Well, I’ve never been one to do what men expect.”

—

“A thousand djinn could disguise you from me and I’d still be able to find you just by the sound of your breath.”

The only thing I struggled with while reading this book was putting it down because WOW. I love a strong and vengeful FMC and Dania is that and so much more.

Since Dania’s false imprisonment and betrayal by her beloved she has only thought of one thing: vengeance. Will she achieve it? Or will her desire for vengeance ultimately destroy her?

I ate this book up okay! It was so good from start to finish and the twist towards the end had me floored, didn’t see it coming at all.

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books & Emily Varga for letting me read this arc in exchange for an honest review!

Dania, wrongfully imprisoned, plots revenge against Mazin, her former love and betrayer. With a stolen djinn treasure and the help of Noor, she escapes prison, wielding dark magic to dismantle her enemies while navigating a complex relationship with Mazin, torn between love and vengeance.

This was a Count of Monte Cristo retelling and I did enjoy the revenge aspect. I also loved that Dania was a strong character and that her friendship with Noor was important to the overall story. I also quite enjoyed the dual timeline and I was more invested in the before than current.

I think the plot pacing was a little off. It starts off very strong, falters around 20% and picks up again around 45%. There are several similar conversations between Noor and Dania that are repetitive, and the word “exhaled” or “breathed” when talking is used at least 100 times in the book (exhaled was 46 alone) and I found it to be very distracting. I also thought the relationship with Mazin was lacking and Dania forgave everyone so quickly. The book wrapped up extremely fast once you find out the truth about her grandmother.

I would read another book by the author. This is her debut and it was overall a good read.

A Pakistani-inspired fantasy, For She is Wrath is a new twist on The Count of Monte Cristo with a strong FMC and an angst-filled romance. The story follows Dania, a woman wrongfully imprisoned and intent on revenge. When she meets a fellow prisoner trying to dig her way to freedom, the pair work together to escape and exact vengeance on those who wronged them, especially the man who broke Dania's heart by betraying her.

I've read The Count of Monte Cristo a few times, and I decided very early on not to compare this book to the original story. Though some of the elements are similar, there are so many original elements in this story that make it unique. The magic and Pakistani inspiration stand out, as does the writing style. I love the author's use of language and the way the story is told. It's super immersive, and the main character's story is compelling from the start.

Dania's strength, conviction, and need for vengeance, as well as her plan to take on a new identity and bring down her enemies, propels the plot. I thought she was a fascinating protagonist - strong and smart and flawed, she suffers unimaginably, and her journey is equal parts heartbreaking and empowering. I also loved the relationship between Dania and Noor. These two women, imprisoned but not broken, prove that they are strong enough to take down the whole kingdom.

The flashbacks are great, too, as they show how Dania and Mazin's relationship evolved and how deeply Dania felt the betrayal. It also gives us a view of her relationship with her father and what's going on politically that could have contributed to Dania's situation. I thought it was pretty clear from the start that there was more to the story than Dania knew and that there were unresolved and hidden feelings between her and Mazin. I almost wish there were chapters from his perspective so we could really get into his thoughts and reactions to everything that happened. And though I thought their relationship felt a bit rushed and I wanted it and Mazin's character fleshed out a little more, there were plenty of swoon-worthy moments that made me root for the pair. Their love story is complicated and messy and angst-filled, which I always enjoy in a romance.

This is an engrossing debut fantasy about vengeance, friendship, forgiveness, and more! Some parts of the story felt a little repetitive, and I kind of wanted a bit more groveling and insight into the magic, but, overall, it was an exciting and intense read. And the writing - gorgeous and immersive! Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.