Thanks, Macmillan Audio and Wednesday Books, for the ALC and arc!

FOR SHE IS WRATH by Emily Varga is nothing like I could have expected and everything I could have wanted in a book. It was such a different story, but I think that was because we finally have a strong female Pakistani lead character, we are immersed in Pakistani culture, and a fantasy reimaging of THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO, which, as far as I know, has yet to be done.

I haven't read or seen MONTE CRISTO in a long time, so reading WRATH was all new to me since I didn't remember any of the original tale. Dania was such a fantastic character. She had been through so much in her life and still had the perseverance to go on. I don't know if I could do that, even if it were revenge that was in my soul. She had a fantastic character arc, and I loved seeing her change and stay true to the person she always was.

I'm glad I had both the arc and ALC. This is a book I enjoyed reading and listening to at the same time. Safiyya Ingar is an excellent narrator for the book and does so well with Dania's voice. I also like how Ingar brings the side characters and setting to life. The reason I liked reading and listening to this one was that, not being a native Pakistani speaker, it was cool and helpful to read the language and hear it at the same time.

Definitely read it if you are a fan of fantasy, retellings, strong female leads, or Pakistani culture. It's one of my favorite retellings of the year, if not ever.

Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for an Advanced Reader Copy - pub date 10/29/2024. This book was advertised as a gender-swapped Pakistani retelling of The count of Monte Cristo but, not having read that, I'll take your word for it. Just like you have to take my word for it that this book was an awesome journey along the path of betrayal and revenge and forgiveness with a main character who does nothing by halves. For She Is Wrath starts with a prison break and ends with a coup and only very rarely lets up on the gas in between, challenging the reader's view on moral issues and consequences along the way.

An expert swordswoman, Dania starts the book in the worst of prisons, framed for a crime she didn't commit and betrayed by the man she loved. Let's just say the term "female rage" more than applies to her. The thought of escape and seeing her father and seeking revenge are the only things that keep her going. Enter Noor, an equally wronged and angry prisoner with knowledge of the Emperor's magic-granting djinn seeds instead of a sword. The two of them, spoiler alert, escape and set off on their very understandable To Do List.

Told from Dani's point of view, the reader gets a first row seat to all of her emotions and opinions. Even when she is playing a part, you know the Dani beneath and feel her struggle to keep to the role. She is a steady diet of Big Emotions, to be sure, and most of them are driven by an intensity that allows for little humor or brightness. For those moments, you either have to rely on the interstitial flashbacks to Younger Dani or glimpses of her dry humor and capacity to care with her new BFF, Noor. I'll say this - thank heavens for Noor's presence. She humanizes Dani and exerts a steadying hand as much as she is able until things spiral a bit too far down the dark paths where she is not willing to go. The very fact that she is unwilling, though, acts upon Dani and the reader feels the hope that such an amazing, honest friendship can bring.

To be honest, I almost like the friendship between Noor and Dani more than the romantic lovers to enemies to WTF between Dani and Mazin. Don't get me wrong. I like that plotline, too. While I suspected the reasons behind his actions, it still kept the fire of anger and betrayal. There are some things you just don't do to those you love. However, there WAS a twist that I had not seen coming from a totally different direction and, wow, it hurt.

So a story about revenge and djinn magic and swordfights becomes something more and that is exactly what we need.

Unlike anything I’ve read and I loved it! A BA FMC, action, revenge, friendship and lovers to enemies. What more could you want? It took me about 20-25% to really get into it, but the wait was worth it! While I find myself leaning away from YA more often these days, this was so good and I think anyone would enjoy it.

I can’t wait to see what else this author has in store for us with further stories.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.

A Monte Christo retelling infused with Pakistani mythology?! YES PLEASE!!

A second chance, romantic fantasy about a girl named Dania who breaks out of prison for revenge against the boy she used to love, for framing her for a crime she didn't commit. And she is PISSED. She's like, I'm going to destroy everything now with no apologies.
It has Jinn, magic, a friendship that turns to sisterhood, treasure hunting, and more. It's classic storytelling. Good vs. Evil with a lesson to be learned... What does revenge cost you?
I absolutely LOVED this book!

5/5 stars
1. 5/5 spice

Tropes:
Enemies to lovers to enemies
Magical system
Swordswoman FMC
Found family
Revenge Plot
Secret identity
Pakistani culture
Single POV

An amazing story of friendship, betrayal, and revenge. I was hooked the entire time. I really loved the relationship between Dania and Noor. But I also loved seeing the flash backs of the relationship she had with Mazin that made his betrayal that much more heartbreaking. I liked how the magic was explained, it was easy to follow and worked well with the overall plot. Even though this is a retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo it so stands out as it's own story.

Overall, I greatly enjoyed this book. I highly recommend this for fans of feminine rage, diverse characters, and standalone fantasy books.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered voluntarily.

The parallels between this and the Count of Monte Cristo are really strong for the first half. Then it takes off in more of it's own direction. I thought it was a perfect balance between retelling and new story. At the beginning, I was all for Dania and her revenge. Then somewhere in the middle my feelings begin to get muddled and by the end I was on her side again. I thought it was an emotional ride through the story. I liked the revenge, the magic, and the emotional growth. The reveals at the end got a little muddled, but I enjoyed them.

Honestly, this is a pretty damn strong YA adaptation of the Count of Monte Cristo. It leans a bit too het for me personally, and I would've liked to see a bit more characterization of Noor, but this still has some good political maneuvering and plotting, and a not fully examined fantasy element interaction (djinn magic), and a slightly out of nowhere twist involving family members, but it still speaks to the cyclical consuming nature of revenge, and choosing to end a cycle. Plus, really neat Pakistani influenced worldbuilding. Definitely worth your time this fall!

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

That's right, I am taking out the 5-star crown and bestowing it proudly on For She is Wrath.

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

This book has action, strong female characters and I promise you'll have a challenging time leaving it at home on your nightstand. This book starts with Dania's escape from prison with fellow prisoner Noor and using dark magic to enact her revenge plan. I appreciated that the author's chapters involving Dania's back story were sporadically placed throughout the book instead of consistently going back and forth. It helped me focus on the central story and kept an even pace in the storyline. I also loved Noor and I have a feeling that we might get her story someday.

My brother always jokes when I rave about a book that"if it's good, they'll make a movie." Regarding For She is Wrath I hope so.



Publication Date 29/10/24
Goodreads Review 08/11/24

For She is Wrath is a fierce and sweeping retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo, set in a richly imagined Pakistani-inspired fantasy world. Dania, a wronged heroine, has counted down 364 days in prison, plotting her revenge against those who betrayed her—especially Mazin, the boy who shattered her trust. When an unexpected opportunity to escape arises, Dania seizes it, joining forces with a fellow prisoner who reveals the existence of a powerful djinn treasure. Armed with dark magic and a new identity, she sets out on a journey of vengeance against those who wronged her and her family, even as her history with Mazin—and the intense connection they still share—complicates her path.

Varga expertly balances elements of revenge, romance, and personal transformation. The novel’s fast pace keeps readers hooked as Dania weaves a tangled web of lies and traps, her wrath tempered only by her fierce bond with fellow inmate Noor. The addition of djinn magic and a thrilling prison escape brings a fresh twist to this female-driven fantasy, and the friends-to-lovers dynamic between Dania and Mazin adds depth to her journey.

This YA standalone is a must-read for fans of revenge fantasies and complex heroines. With its captivating world, powerful characters, and exhilarating plot, For She is Wrath is a fantastic ride from start to finish.

"Anger burst inside of me. But there was something else there too, savage, elemental. The power of knowing this was righteous anger. A history of women and girls being wronged by men who never had any consequences. Now, I would be the consequences."

If you are looking for a distraction from your own anger over recent events and want to channel your female rage, For She Is Wrath is perfect. If you miss Aelin Galathynius but don't feel you can recommit to all 7 books, come hang out with Dania.

This was a brilliant debut fantasy by author Emily Varga! A magic-infused, female-led, Pakistani retelling of the Count of Monte Cristo, Varga wastes no time hooking you in and keeping you transfixed as it weaves a tale of grief, vengeance, and at its core, love. Featuring a sword swinging, morally grey FMC with a broken heart who is hell bent on revenge.

The world building was fantastic- I was whisked into a bustling bazar, prison escape, quests for treasure. I loved the characters and their development. Noor was the perfect foil for Dania, bringing out her humanity at times where she was consumed by wrath. Their friendship was beautiful and it redeemed Dania at times where she was bordering on the edge of corruption.

I LOVE that we got an FMC who was skilled and reasonably so. No more “training for 5 weeks and suddenly is the best word fighter in the realm”. Dania was raised to hold a sword and it was evident in her scars and stories. It let me buy into her feats and having a crush on a what an absolute boss she was! Dania’s emotional journey was conveyed so beautifully.

Overall it was fast paced, exciting, had fresh elements and kept me invested the entire book. I was very impressed by how well wrapped up it was for a shorter standalone and I greatly enjoyed the adventure I went on! If you loved Shatter Me, Prison Healer and Wrath and the Dawn, I think you’d love this book!

I got an ARC of this book.

This was incredible. I am not always the best audience for retellings of classics, because I am not a huge classic fan. My favorite classic is “The Count of Monte Cristo”. Not a big fan of the sandwich though.

This was a wild ride of feminine rage. Exactly what I needed right now. I don’t even know where to start with this one though. It was much shorter than the source material, which is probably for the best. The original is a huge book. This was much faster and was more direct with the revenge. Thefeelings were also more visceral.

I wanted her to get every ounce of revenge that she was due. I was on the edge of my seat when she was talking about using her father’s stolen swords to slit that man’s throat. It was glorious. I wanted her to feel the blood drip down her hands and the thrill of justice.

I am not the biggest fantasy fan, but those elements really added to the story. The djinn magic playing a central role added an element that gave this book its own life. It also drastically changed the direction of the book. While I was pretty sure there would be blood, the way it all went down was not what the original prepared me for. This is the sort of retelling I love. It changed so much, but gave nods to the original in ways that makes everything clear but not copying.

Overall, if you are looking to find a way to enjoy a classic that is a bit intimidating this is a great choice. It works so well. This being talked about everywhere makes perfect sense.

I am a sucker for a good retelling, and I love The Count of Monte Cristo. The story was really well done, it followed a recognizable path as a retelling but it was still its own book. And honestly I preferred the ending of this one over the classic.

Okay, this was such an enjoyable listen! First off, loved that it's a standalone fantasy because we don't get enough of those. It grabs you RIGHT away which I was here for! I loved that we're thrown right into the action and along for a journey!!

I'll be the first to admit that revenge stories can be hit or miss with me and I was a bit nervous where this one was going to go at times but I'm so glad it turned out better than I expected!!! It was so good! I was invested and so hooked!

I found myself rooting for the slowburn, second chance romance and ADORING the friendship relationship we had going on as well! It was just so delightful and quick to listen to! Highly recommend if you want an action packed, standalone fantasy! I listened to a huge chunk on my run and it kept me engaged!

For She Is Wrath by Emily Varga is a captivating romantic fantasy that skillfully reimagines The Count of Monte Cristo through a rich, Pakistani cultural lens. Dania’s journey from a wronged prisoner to a formidable force of vengeance is both thrilling and deeply emotional, exploring themes of betrayal, justice, and the fine line between love and hatred.

Varga’s worldbuilding is lush and immersive, blending dark magic and folklore with the stark realities of Dania’s quest for retribution. The djinn treasure adds an intriguing supernatural element, heightening the stakes as Dania navigates a dangerous web of lies and deceit. Her transformation is compelling—she’s not just seeking revenge but also grappling with the cost of her humanity.

The heart of the story lies in the complex relationship between Dania and Mazin. Their history is fraught with pain and unresolved feelings, making their encounters crackle with tension and bittersweet longing. Varga captures the emotional turmoil of loving someone who has hurt you, creating a romance that is as intoxicating as it is fraught.

While the pacing occasionally slows due to the intricacies of Dania’s schemes, the payoff is worth it. The twists and moral dilemmas keep the reader engaged, and the ending delivers a satisfying balance of closure and hope.

For She Is Wrath is a must-read for fans of sweeping revenge tales, morally complex heroines, and star-crossed lovers. Emily Varga has crafted a story as fierce and fiery as its protagonist.

An incredibly well-plotted read that was addictive, with a lovely side dose of enemies to lovers done right.

Thanks to Wednesday Books for gifted access via Netgalley. All opinions below are my own.

"You were forged in the fires of hatred too, made new by your revenge"

----------------

Wooo boy, this book is a great example of 'Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.' In a Pakistani mythology inspired retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo, Dania is a young woman who lost everything when she was falsely arrested for murder. Her former best friend and flame was responsible for it. She vows to escape prison and exact revenge. She has tried repeatedly to escape and has ended up tortured again and again. Until she meets fellow prisoner, Noor, who is as dedicated as she to escape. Together they forge a bond which sees them out of the prison and on the trail of a famous treasure which they believe will give them the power to overthrow the emperor and exact the revenge Dania so badly wants.

I loved the first 2/3rds of this story. It was all bitter, angry revenge fueled dreams and girl power. I started to get worried towards the end as it grew more and more romantasy rather than straight fantasy. I did not like Dania softening and losing her grip on revenge but then there were several big twists that brought this one around for me. Those helped enrich the story and brought all the pieces together in a way that worked for me. Another case where I didn't need the epilogue but glad it wrapped up so cleanly.

Really enjoyed this! I wasn’t expecting to like it as much as I did. Fantasy is huge right now and it’s hard to find original stories. So many feel like a copy paste. But this one felt new and different to me. It was fast paced and I think will be a big hit for readers who enjoy strong female protagonists and a bit of romance.

In For She is Wrath, Emily Varga crafts a breathtaking and darkly romantic fantasy, set against a vivid Pakistani backdrop. Inspired by The Count of Monte Cristo, this sweeping tale follows Dania, a heroine consumed by betrayal, vengeance, and an unquenchable longing for justice. After being framed and imprisoned for a year, Dania is granted a chance to reclaim her life and avenge herself against those who wronged her—especially Mazin, the boy she once trusted and loved.
From the very first page, Varga pulls readers into Dania’s intense journey. Varga's writing is immersive and lyrical, with rich world-building that truly brings the story to life. Each twist hits like a revelation, timed perfectly to keep readers enthralled and constantly guessing. It’s a book that grips you tightly and refuses to let go until the last page.
Dania’s character development is especially powerful. Her unwavering determination fuels her revenge, and readers feel her every surge of anger and heartache. Varga portrays her struggle with striking authenticity, showing both the allure and the cost of revenge. Dania’s friendship with Noor adds a grounding balance, while Mazin’s complex character becomes ever more intriguing as hidden truths emerge. Through their shared history and the undeniable tension between them, Varga explores the paradox of love and hatred, and how vengeance can blur the lines of humanity.
For She is Wrath isn't just a romance or a revenge story—it’s a deeply emotional journey that delves into friendship, loyalty, and the price of seeking justice at all costs. This book is an absolute must-read for fans of emotional, high-stakes fantasy. Pre-order it now; you'll want this one on your shelf!

To start with the pros, I found For She is Wrath’s setting to be very vivid; it induced such a strong sense of place. Secondly, I found the magic system involving Djinn magic and zoraat crystals to be interesting and creative, albeit in need of fleshing out.

A big issue I had with this was the pacing. While I found everything going on very entertaining and intriguing, things were moving too fast. This made Dania’s schemes feel like they were thrown together, with less payoff after the fact. This frenetic, rushed energy carried over into the conflict’s resolution and the book’s ending.

Next, Noor felt like a true side character who only existed to be the moral compass to the main character. I feel like the story would’ve benefited from her feeling like a real character with her own backstory..

Honestly, I’m not sure the YA genre is conducive with retelling the count of Monte Cristo., which is something I didn’t really realize until I started reading this.You can’t have a character who’s imprisoned for a long time, because if you wait too long, they won’t be a teenager anymore! This takes away from the impact and motivation behind the characters actions.

As a whole, I enjoyed parts of this and didn’t care as much for others. However, I would definitely check out more from this author in the future and I’m curious to see what she’ll do next.