Dania gives me all the Arya Stark vibes--seeking vengeance, list of names, bada** with a sword--and I'm HERE 👏 FOR 👏 IT. I thought the pace was fantastic and was able to devour it in just a few days. The magic system was interesting and the world building made me feel like I was dropped into the middle of a movie. Varga's descriptions are vidid and mouth watering (really, I just wanted to eat everything they were eating). Overall, I LOVED this book and the world it's set in, and truly hope Emily Varga continues the story within it. It seems like the door was left open in the end, so fingers crossed 🤞

DNF @58%

I tried. I promise I tried. But I had to dnf (finally) because thinking about finishing this had me stressed beyond measure.

I expected revenge plots and carefully planned schemes and vengeful, kickass characters. What I got was... not that. I was bored. I didn't care about anything. Or anyone. The romance was... ugh, NO.

I'm sorry this just didn't work out for me.

I enjoyed this book. I thought the author did a great job writing the characters and creating their story. The characters were well developed and you could easily get attached. 5 star read easily! Great read!!

For She Is Wrath is a Pakistani-inspired retelling of The Count of Montecristo (which admittedly I have not read). Our main character, Dania is imprisoned after the boy she loves frames her for a crime that she did not commit. A chance accident while in prison leads to her meeting another character, Noor, who is seeking revenge on the emperor after he ordered the death of someone she loved. Both girls manage to escape the prison and begin on their path of vengeance, aided by djinn powers that are obtained through careful mixing of magical seeds. Mazin, Dania's betrayer returns to her life and the girls plan to use him as a tool to exact their revenge on those who have hurt them and those they love.

Overall, this was a very fun read and I loved how Varga incorporated South Asian (specifically Pakistani) elements and mythology into the story while still maintaining the fantasy elements. The writing was approachable and I found myself drawn into the story right away. The concept of magic being drawn from precise mixing of ingredients was very unique although I would like liked more explanation of the magic system and how it was used in Dania's world. The plot twist at the end was not something I would have ever predicted! I feel that it was slightly rushed (as was the general ending) but Varga did a fantastic job of pulling off a surprise that I think few (if any!) will see coming. For She Is Wrath seems to have ended in a way that makes it a standalone but I could absolutely see Varga revisiting this world, maybe with more of Noor's story!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC

So magical and full of action! I loved this story. Originally I thought that perhaps the story wasn't for me but the characters and world won my over quickly. I highly recommend!

I appreciate the opportunity to read this but this one is a DNF for me. I made it about 40% of the way through but felt like there wasn't much that happened other than discussing revenge. I also didn't feel like the characters had much depth to that point.

What a gorgeous story with intriguing magic! I was absolutely obsessed with the lovers to enemies trope in this story and I can’t wait to purchase a physical copy!!

4.6 rounded up to 5/5.

In "For She is Wrath", Emily Varga takes readers on a sweeping and enthralling romantic fantasy retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo, infused with Pakistani culture and rich with themes of revenge, love, and redemption.

From the very first page, Varga immerses readers in the gripping story of Dania, a young woman framed for a crime she did not commit, and her relentless quest for vengeance against those who betrayed her, including the boy she once loved. As Dania counts down the days of her imprisonment, her desire for revenge burns ever brighter, fueled by a stolen djinn treasure that may hold the key to her salvation.

Varga's storytelling prowess shines throughout the narrative, keeping readers engaged and on the edge of their seats as Dania navigates a treacherous game of cat and mouse, facing off against formidable enemies and confronting the complexities of her own heart. The addition of djinn magic and an evil emperor adds layers of intrigue and mystique to the story, while the lush Pakistani setting and vibrant cultural elements enhance the immersive experience.

The characters in "For She is Wrath" are well-developed and compelling, with Dania standing out as a fierce and determined protagonist driven by her thirst for justice. The dynamic between Dania and Mazin, her former love turned adversary, crackles with tension and unresolved emotions, adding depth to their complex relationship.

Varga strikes a perfect balance between action, romance, and introspection, weaving together a tale that is both exhilarating and thought-provoking. The pacing is excellent, with well-timed twists and revelations that keep the plot moving at a brisk pace while allowing for moments of reflection and character development.

Overall, "For She is Wrath" is a masterfully crafted novel that will captivate readers from start to finish. With its blend of gripping storytelling, impressive world-building, and compelling characters, it is sure to leave a lasting impression on fans of romantic fantasy and retellings alike.

This was a confusing read. I liked the adventure, and the bones of this retelling are there.

However, its thematic exploration of revenge and vengeance was superficial at times and its main character, Dania, reads as quite immature. Perhaps the immaturity fits the main characters' young age, but Dania is frustrating to read and follow her decision-making. I think it would have been better to age up both main characters, Dania and Noor, by 5 to 10 years.

I will admit I did not see the twist at the end coming, though in reflection, perhaps there are hints to it. But not seeing it coming does not mean it’s a good twist.

Furthermore, the revenge against the men who wronged Dania and Noor was too fast and unseen. Noor is left as a sidekick who does much of the behind-the-scenes maneuvering and plotting, and honestly, I would have liked to follow her journey and exchanges.

For She is Wrath (excellent title) is a decent adventure book but would benefit from refining the motivations of the main characters and a more thorough explanation of the magic system.

There are also punctuation and editing errors to fix.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the ARC.

3.75 star for me!
I enjoyed this book a lot! A retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo from the perspective of a Pakistani girl, Dania. I liked the similarities to the original story as well as the unique fantasy aspect of consuming magic/power through a seed.

I feel like a lot of the set up for the revenge schemes happened behind the scenes - so when plans came together and her enemies were arrested it seemed sudden.

All in all, I enjoyed this book and would recommend.

Thank you NetGalley & St. Martin's Press for this advanced reader copy ebook!

This was such a great fanstay read! The book not only has a good plot but is full of great characters and relationships! Definitely recommend :) Thank you, NetGalley for this ARC!

“But hope was a dangerous thing, because once taken away, it was impossible to feel more despair. That much I knew from the past year.” — For She Is Wrath by Emily Varga

Framed by someone she loved and locked away for a crime she didn’t commit, Dania lets plans of revenge swirl while she plans her escape.
Once free, and armed with dark magic and a new identity, Dania sets her plans in motion. But her plans begin to become twisted and complicated the deeper she gets into it and she risks herself all over again.

I really liked this story and Emily’s writing style. Dania is so fierce and the embodiment of a strong independent female and I loved her. I also loved Noor and I’m hoping Emily writes more about her in the future!

This story has djinn magic, revenge, a complicated love story, a strong FMC and so much more. I’m excited to see what Emily does next.

Spoilers ahead!!

Let me just start off by saying I support women’s rights, and wrongs. As someone who loves count of monte cristo so much. As in has 5 copies of the book in different languages as well as exclusive versions this book was exciting, thrilling and I could not put it down. In the beginning, it’s like an exact carbon copy with some differences. It’s 100% a retelling. And you can tell, whether or not that’s what you’d like it’s up you. But I was eating it up like a goddam man starved. I love count of monte Cristo and whenever someone said a book was “inspired by” it was just with a bit of revenge. Dania is smart, she is angry, and she comes up with plans very well. She’s been training in sword fighting essentially since she could pick one up. But by chapter two you KNOW that Dania is about to do EVERYTHING she can to get her revenge on the person who put her in jail. You can already feel her anger. Obviously the biggest difference is that Dania’s first love is the one that betrayed her and not just her best friend. He was also her best friend though. Her anger is so large and yet when she was first asked what she’d do it was to find her father. She loves her family very much. In the original, he loves his Fiance, but that too ended in betrayal. While it’s a bit slow in the beginning it does pick up pace. another difference? The benefactor lives. Noor is witty, and badass. She doesn’t like bloodshed but will cut a bitch if she needs to. Chapter 12 is when you really see Dania’s anger outright. The book so far has been inching towards it. But this. This was her breaking point. She was ready for her Jason Todd moment. Again, this book is a retelling of the count of monte cristo so it is essentially the same with the authors own twists. If you are not a fan of blood, gore, and of course revenge do not read this book. Please read trigger warnings of the book beforehand. And remember, revenge is sweeter than justice.

Favorite moments?
“I did try again”
- God it was so good. So badass. Love her.
“Never show them your fear. The weak feed from fear”
- this quote meant so much to me. As a Latina in a new state living thousands of miles away from family fear is practically my roomate. But never let your fear control your fate.
“I think. That you didn’t really save your sister from a hawk that day.”
- the way she’s insinuating that the Nahid is the hawk is so ughhhh so good.
“You know I’d follow you anywhere Dani”
- all I could hear was donkey saying “oh the betrayal”
“I had him”
- ok. This is here because I know that from that moment. From that touch. He knew who she was.
“What you are saying is that you liked it when I stabbed you?”
- HAHAHAHAH no explanation needed.

This was really good! I wish there was a map in the front, and hopefully before this book is published there will be!
The plot was really strong. I loved the detail that was given to the characters and their story! It was a bit repetitive at times, but mostly it was a strong fantasy story. The relationships were really strong, and I would’ve loved to have a prequel of Dania’s father and mother’s love story. Just the bit we got in this book didn’t feel like enough!
I loved reading the training scenes, but I wish Dania and Maz didn’t fall in love so quick and we got more background of their story. It just seemed fast. However, it’s an easy fantasy read! Enjoyable.

This was such an unexpected revenge story!! A unique retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo in a Pakistani romantic fantasy..umm yes please!

I went into this story practically blind and I urge you do to the same. It was such a well written plot with complex characters that were fierce and full of angst. A wrongfully imprisoned women spends a year in prison plotting how to exact her revenge on the man and ex lover who put her there. Our FMC is a bad*** as were the rest of the characters for that matter. There’s romance with no spice and as much as I enjoy my spice, it was such a fresh take.

We have enemies to lovers, a unique magic system, a beautifully vivid setting, found family, and the best part was the Pakistani influence and culture that’s represented here. The pacing I think is not too slow or too fast and it had just the right amount of twists to be fully enjoyable without being over the top. Recommend this for fantasy lovers alike!

I have been provided with a review copy of this title from NetGalley for an impartial review. Ahhhhh this was just such a great read. I just didn't want this book to end and I was sad to turn the last page. I'm so excited to see what's next from this author.

I was so excited to receive this book and my gosh it did not disappoint! This was PHENOMENAL! The enemies to lovers that we all swoon over. I love that this is a Pakistani romantic fantasy, and that it involved djinn. We love a good revenge story over here

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

I was very exited to read this since I love a good revenge story. Though I thought it was a bit underwhelming she only stayed in prison for one year (not that it wasnt enough to want revenge, cause she was tortured in there. I could understand her hate 100% but still felt like she was there for more time. And I dont think it would have changed much in the story if she did.) I still had fun, It's always something thats so satisfying to read and by the end of it I was giving up an hour or two of sleep so I could keep reading it. Usually in this type of story I can guess what direction it will go but in this one it kind of surprised me. (I think it can be dissapointing for some people, even thought it was not a problem for me.) But there was a twist in the end that I thought it was a bit.. meh. Also I think it ended TOO well and happy for a story with this tone? but maybe its a personal thing.

Something else I did not enjoy was the magic, I think zoraat was not explained enough. But my biggest issue was Noor's character. Even thought she is present in most of the book, she did not have enought dept. Her friendship with Dania in the surface seems beautiful but I could not care much, unfortunately.

As for Dania, Im always asking for more characters motivated by hate so it was satisfying to get it.
The romance was fine, most of what we see from them is from flashbacks so we just see pieces of their story, which its something that usually does not work for me but it did here. I was not crazy about them or anything but the angst was good.

Overall, even with some criticism this was still super entertaining to read and I will look foward to other books by the author!

Wow, WOOOW. This book was top tier. It was amazing. The stories dynamic how it starts with the MFC being in a rough predicament, her befriending someone unexpected and different from her personality. The MFC is ruthless, strong, fierce, and she has ONE thing on her mind REVENGE. She will do anything to get her revenge, and ensure no one else has to go through what she had too, or her friend.
I love the culture references I learned so much Arabic culture, learning the words, weapons, foods, clothing, it was such an rich environment the author paints for you, it is perfectly paced. You get to feel all the emotions, twists and turn. Finding who people truly are, what fuels them, what darkness consumes them. This book is just amazing. Proves that you do not need spice in a book to enjoy it. This book has no cussing/foul language, closed door romance scenes and nothing sexual to boot!

For she is wrath

Revenge. A whole year is a long time to focus your mind, but when you’re locked in a prison under false pretenses, starved and beaten, you find yourself uniquely driven. Dania has goals: escape the prison, find her father, and enact her revenge on her friend and lover who betrayed her. It takes another prisoner to allow a true chance for escape, and together they hatch a plan to enact revenge from the both of them… getting an advantage from a secret weapon.

For She is Wrath is an interesting story. It has the feel of a Count of Monte Cristo retelling, directed for a more YA crowd. The setting is beautiful and unique, including bits and pieces from the Pakistani culture. My biggest fault with the novel, however, is the main supporting character. I felt like she was more of a prop up to whoever Dania needed at the time (but by all means this could be the way I interpreted her!)

I recommend if you like your YA angsty, like unusual settings, or are into fantasy retellings you give this one a try.