I wasn’t able to read much of it. That is entirely on me. I’m currently going through a book slump and taking a break for a bit. For what I did read, it feels like quite an interesting book and I hope to be able to pick it up again in the future and give it another go.

It was compelling and a quick, easy read. Didn’t really feel like there was enough back up to why she truly felt so betrayed. Did end up feeling a little juvenile in the second half, but technically fine for young adult. Just was hoping for a grittier second half.

As a South Asian, I'm constantly looking for books inspired by my culture, so when I found this on Netgalley, I rushed to request an arc, and thank god I did because this was a rush of dopamine in a book!!!! I loved the cover, the prose, the plot just worked really well for me and was so easy to fly through, especially with my killer reading slump that's been kicking my butt the last month :'( I did take off one mark because I was thrown off by some of the flashbacks and it took me a bit to realize that they weren't written in present time, and one mark because I wish I had some more world building(there were parts of the book where I just did not have a clear picture in my head, so I spent a portion of the book making up the scenery and I would have loved to have a good idea of what the world was like). Overall, it was a good easy read and was fun to see a female south asian retelling of the Count of Monte Cristo, which I haven't seen before
I think I would really love to see more of the author's work, it just won't be on my immediate radar at the moment, but this is a good introduction to the author's style and storytelling.

This arc was provided to me by Netgalley and the author. The thoughts in this review are purely my own, and in no way influenced by the author or Netgalley.

This one was fun! A pretty typical YA adventure fantasy story that felt more like setup of the world the author is crafting than a fully fleshed story in its own right, but with enough heart to keep me interested to the end. The characters were likable, though Dania’s inner monologue got quite repetitive and some elements were a little rushed near the end of the book. All in all, a good time and I’m excited to see what the author does next!

This was a great read. It kept me engaged and I finished it easily. The characters were developed and the story line was great.

This was a fun, quick read with great characters. Who doesn't love a girl who can fight with a sword? The plot development felt a bit predictable but never boring. This world was very unique, I would love another book so that we could explore the magic more.

I do feel that this book might have been served a bit better if it was in 3rd person POV instead of 1st person POV.

Thank you so much NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book.

MANY, many thanks to St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books, and Emily Varga for allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

For She is Wrath is a romantic fantasy that completely enthralled me from beginning to end. First of all, yes, this story is a Count of Monte Cristo retelling, but it's also much, much more. While inspired by the classic framework, Emily Varga expanded it in a way that seamlessly blends new themes with magical fantasy elements to create a rich and captivating story all her own.

I truly have such an angsty, visceral love for this book and these characters. I keep trying to decide which character I love most, and I honestly cannot choose because there was a magnetic draw to each of them. Dania is an undeniable badass, but her bravery extends far beyond the battlefield, and that's what I admire most. Noor complements Dania perfectly, a fierce force in her own right whose uncompromising loyalty and sense of self provided the moral compass Dania needed. I adore their powerful sisterhood. Then there's Maz - oh, sweet, wonderful, maddening Maz! His complex backstory and emotional arc rounded out the story exquisitely.

I absolutely adored the romance. The tenderness and vulnerability in that scene with Maz in Dani's bedroom tugged at my heartstrings and played a soft and sweet little symphony. I was right there with Dani having felt all those feelings before. It honestly reminded me off those small moments where I first fell in love with my husband, and the scene made me really emotional bringing those memories up to the surface. I was not ready!!! 😭

Then Varga hit us with some sexy book banter?!? That passage (trust me, you’ll know the one) had me like 🥵 She struck the perfect balance, keeping it relatively tame for YA while still packing serious swoon-worthy heat.

On top of the simmering romantic dynamics, Varga masterfully explores resonant themes like breaking cycles of generational trauma, the emptiness of vengeance, and courageously staying true to oneself. The powerful character arcs, especially Noor's journey to not let hatred consume her despite immense suffering, artfully brought these heavy ideas to life.

Finally, there was the mind-blowing plot twist! That explosive pivotal moment flipped everything on its head. I didn't fully grasp the impact until Varga laid it bare. She timed the revelation at the perfect narrative point for maximum heart-wrenching impact.

From the badass fight sequences establishing Dania's strength, to the intimately angsty romantic tensions, this book delivers nonstop. Varga's unique voice forges a YA fantasy that has secured its place among my favorites.

Now excuse me while I go make a fresh cup of chai 🤎

When I read that this story was similar to The Count of Monte Cristo, I knew I had to read it as that is one of my favorite books! Modern retelling of the Count, this book features a woman looking for revenge on those who betrayed her.

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas is my favourite book. This book had a lot to live up to, and it succeeded. Of course the book is written for a younger audience and the timeline within it is shorter, but this is perfect for a book aimed at young adults. The first chapter caught me a little off guard with the violence, but once I started I could not put the book down. I was invested in the protagonist and felt as though I was following right along with the myriad of emotions that she was put through.
Thank you for the opportunity to read an advanced copy.
This book will definitely be joining our library.

Looking for a fantasy retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo featuring a gender swapped plotline and feminine rage? This is your book. This is a Pakistani retelling that subverts some expectations with the story beautifully.

I'm not going to lie, I struggled a bit at the beginning. Why? Because I felt like I had already read this story before with The Count of Monte Cristo itself and that it wasn't really that exciting... Boy was THAT proven wrong quickly! It was phenomenal! Especially that second half of the book? I couldn't put it down until I had reached the end!

The feminine friendship was so well done. I LOVE how they meet and their relationship with each other. Noor is a fantastic character.

Content: Closed door, betrayal by those most trusted, m*rder, kidnapping subterfuge, fake identity, revenge, vengeful djinn, magical spice addiction, torture

Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the advanced reader copy of this book. This review is voluntarily written and the thoughts and opinions contained in this review are my own.

This Pakistani retelling of the 1844 “The Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexandre Dumas has been superbly executed by Emily Varga.

Dania is the daughter of a talented sword-smith who befriends and falls in love with Mazin, who is second is command to the Emperor Vahid. One day, Dania is walking through the Emperor’s home to meet Mazin and finds herself at the scene of a crime which she is then falsely accused of committing. She stares into the eyes of the man she loves as he plays a direct hand in arresting her and sending her off to prison, where she stays for a year. For that entire year in prison, Dania has one goal in mind: revenge.

During her time in prison, Dania meets Noor, who is also desperate to escape prison and exact her own revenge. Noor knows the whereabouts of a large quantity of zoorat, a magical compound that is both powerful and dangerous, which happens to be just the thing both of them need. The two form an alliance and their journey takes off.

From djinns to parathas to lehengas, Varga does a seamless job immersing you into the world and proving vivid descriptions that alight your senses. You truly feel as if you are walking through the bazaar with Dani, smelling the flavorful spices, hearing shop owners bargain and seeing the colorful clothing all around you. And my desi heart could not be happier that this world is built on many of the things I grew up with, which are rarely seen in fantasy novels.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

When I tell you I took notes and lost sleep-it is 100% the truth! I had to make myself stop reading so I could get to work on time. Yes, this is the ONE! I have been spreading the word, people think im nuts-I dont care! MORE PLEASE!! life long die hard fan here!!
Ma'am!! bravo!!!

This book is one that I truly did enjoy. It started off really strong, but in the middle it did slow down a bit and it took me a minute to really get back into the story.
There were definitely so many parts of this story that a reader can feel and connect to. You got to see Dania learn the cost of vengeance and how it can do more damage than good to your own being. There were definitely some powerful moments throughout this story.
I rated this a 4 star instead of a 5 for really only one reason. I didn't connect to the characters as much as l'd hoped to. I still genuinely feel like this was a great story, the characters just lacked that extra layer of dimension for me. There was still great character growth on its own.

Emily Varga's 'For She Is Wrath' is a mesmerizing fusion of revenge, romance, and magic. Dania's transformation from betrayal to empowerment is both poignant and empowering. The immersive cultural setting and intricately woven plot had me captivated, eagerly devouring each twist and turn.

The title and the cover nail the essence of the book right on the head!

This book illustrates what happens when several people seeking revenge collide. What do people hope to get from their revenge? Who gets caught in the cross hairs? What happens after they get revenge?

But this book is not just all wrath. It's about friendship, loyalty and family. And an interesting magic system involving djins and seeds of magic.

I wouldn't be surprised if someone turned this into a movie. The visuals would be stunning.

Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for allowing me to read this digital ARC.

Dania has a good reason to want revenge, but will it be enough? I enjoyed this book, overall. There were aspects that were predictable, but also some that surprised. If you like stories about choices and their consequences, you might just enjoy this one.

Beautifully written, this book portrays obsession with vengeance in a way that is believable and engaging. I loved the conflict between the main couple and the friendship between Noor and Dania.


***Spoilers*****



I do think that the turn around from vengeance to passiveness was a but quick but enjoyable nonetheless.


Thanks to netgalley for this arc.

Love retelling and loved the way this resold the story in a nice new package. I felt like I was being dragged along for the ride in a good way

I wanted to like this book. It had all of the makings of everything I love—revenge, betrayal, etc. Ultimately, I found the characters very one-note and not compelling. I found myself skipping whole sections toward the very beginning which is never a good sign. I’m sure this is someone’s favorite book, but not mine.

Despite that, thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-ARC.

For She is Wrath is billed as a reimagining of The Count of Monte Cristo, but it is so much more. A sweeping fantasy, the story is tells Dania’s story of betrayal and the drive for revenge that keeps her going. Imprisoned for a crime she didn’t commit and tortured, Dania’s escape from prison is just the beginning of her vengeance as the power of the djinn promises her everything she wants. Rich characters and an epic story of vengeance, magic, friendship, and love make this story a must read fantasy. I loved this book! My voluntary, unbiased, and non mandatory review is based upon a review copy from NetGalley.