Oh wow this was really well done! I found this to be a perfect mixture of YA and intense themes. I think sometimes YA novels shy away from dealing with intense political themes of corruption, but this novel did it amazingly. It portrayed how different people react to grief and pin in different ways and that one’s grief doesn’t define oneself. Instead the way one reacts to said grief defines a person. To revenge or not to revenge!!

I will say I think that the ending did Noor a bit dirty… While I generally loved this book, I wish we had stuck with more of a found family theme rather than enemies to lovers towards the end. Noir was by her side the whole book and then basically ditched for a man. I thought Noor could have been done a bit better in the end, but overall enjoyed the novel a ton other than that!

This narrator was the perfect choice for this book and I will be recommending it to every audiobook lover I know. The story was a brilliant balance of action and emotion as you followed the protagonist from her prison cell into the world as she seeks revenge and the narrator really brought it to life.

The author has a clear mastery of character and it is the kind of book you can’t put down. One of my favorite reads of the year.

This novel was well-written, with a storyline that kept me engaged throughout. However, I found parts of the character dynamics challenging to connect with—especially when it came to the love interest. There were moments that left me feeling frustrated, yet I could still understand the character’s perspective and emotional conflict. The author did a great job capturing the push and pull between desire, vengeance, and revenge, creating a tension that was both intense and compelling. The narration by Safiyya Ingar was fantastic; I loved their narration skills from the moment the audiobook started. Each character’s voice was distinct and easy to identify, adding another layer of enjoyment to the experience. Despite my mixed feelings about some character choices, I enjoyed the story overall and am curious to see how this author grows. I’ll definitely pick up another book by them in the future!

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio | Macmillan Young Listeners for this ARC Audio Copy! 3.5 Stars

I have been looking to this book since the first day that I saw it. The adult female seeking revenge and showing her absolute female rage in the process was what I expected going into this book and it is probably my fault for expecting too much and ending up disappointed in the end. All in all it was a good story, I enjoyed the found family aspect, the betrayals were shocking and really drew you in, but then the FMC would make decisions that did not really fit into the earlier version of her when she was unapologetically seeking revenge. I understand why the things that happened happened.. I just would have enjoyed it more if the rage and fight that was so much a part of our characters personality in the beginning had carried through to the end of the story.

5 Stars

Phenomenal! I cannot stop raving about this book and begging others to pick it up.

A female led Count of Monte Cristo retelling that has everything a fantasy lover would adore. Romance, swords, bada** women taking down the trash that used them. UGH IT WAS PERFECTION. The magic was well thought out and made the retelling entirely believable. It moved so quickly and was fast paced and I could not put it down. EXCEPTIONAL!

Also, the audiobook was incredible and I highly recommend it if you enjoy listening to your books. The narrator brought the book to life!

As someone who is unfamiliar with The Count of Monte Cristo but loves YA fantasy, this was a fun book. There is so much feminine rage and revenge as the focus of the book. The magic system was unique. There’s friends to lovers to enemies to lovers going on. I also really enjoyed the friendship in this book.

I ended up listening to the audiobook of this one and felt that it was done very well. I really liked the narrator.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and for an ALC in exchange for my honest review!

This book was wonderfully fast paced with action from the get go. It’s a retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo, which I’m not going to lie, I’ve never read. Or don’t remember reading it. So every bit of this was new for me. I loved it. Dania is the definition of feminine rage. Thrown in jail for a crime she didn’t commit, betrayed by her lover, she now seeks revenge. Another prisoner stumbles upon her cell (well, breaks into accidentally) and they decided to team up to escape.

The magic in this was super fun, and I haven’t read many books that include any type of Djinn magic, especially in the sense of magic seeds giving people power. I kind of suspected why Mazin did what he did, and I’m glad I was right. I really enjoyed the flashbacks of Dania’s life with Mazin up to the incident that got her thrown in jail, and it really helped with the background of our characters. I listened to the audiobook for this, and I thought the narrator really fit the voice for Dania, and really helped me become immersed in the story. The descriptions and imagery were fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this story

This story had a lot of promise but ultimately fell flat for me. For She is Wrath is a revenge tale inspired by "The Count of Monte Cristo". The magic system and the cultural elements were very intriguing and what was originally pulled me into this story. However , Dania, our FMC, didn't feel like a well developed character and her motivations felt flat and shallow, making the revenge plot less compelling and not very satisfying. The romance was also underwhelming, with little chemistry or development, I actually enjoyed Dania and Noor's friendship much more.

I listened to the audiobook, and Safiyya Ingar's performance was great and kept me engaged throughout. I felt like her performance actually added a lot to the characters and would recommend checking out the audiobook. (Safiyya is also one of the narrators in Fledgling by S.K. Ali and does a great job in that one too!)

Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ALC.

The Count of Monte Cristo is one of my favorite novels of all time. It is beautiful and brilliant in its exploration of isolation, grief, hatred, and revenge. For She is Wrath is billed as a retelling of that novel, but it is not beyond involving a prison escape and revenge. If you enjoyed The Count of Monte Cristo, you will not enjoy this one. It involves torture instead of isolation and quick gratification over carefully well planned vengeance. The magic of the djinns only serves to cheapen the innate strength of the FMC.
Maybe this is unfair if me. Varga does not write like Dumas. Her prose is very YA, and I suspect the reason her FMC only spends a year suffering in jail is so she isn't old when this story takes place.
Pros: Representation (a full star added just for that), concept, there's a clever line about reading a person laced with some serious innuendo
Cons: illogical plot, illogical relationships, uncomfortable contraception conversations with strangers, family members who stab you in the back when you didn't deserve it, people who say they love you but then also leave you in prison bc they think you'll be SAFE there (?!), not even the one bed trope could save this one.
I read both the ebook and audiobook. The narrator, Safiyya Ingar, did a very good job, even when I sped it up to 2.5x to get through the end.
Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for this advanced copy for review.

🗡️ Book Review 🗡️

For She Is Wrath by Emily Varga
🗡️
I don’t think I’ve ever read a book that was so specifically written for me. It’s a Pakistani gender swapped retelling of “The Count of Monte Cristo,” and it was flawlessly executed. Dania is an excellent main character. She is strong, fearless, stubborn, and absolutely filled with rage. But she also still cares and risks a lot to protect the people she loves. The second chance romance was filled with anger, angst, regret, and pining. I loved every second of it. This book is absolutely packed with action, fighting scenes, a complex revenge plot, betrayals, magic and the supernatural, female friendship, and a scorching romance. The audio was so well done and brought Dania and her story vibrantly to life. This was one of my favorite reads this month, and I cannot recommend it enough. Go read it right now!
🗡️
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level: 🌶️
🗡️
Read if you like:
▫️revenge is the plot
▫️lovers to enemies to lovers
▫️djinn and magic
▫️found family
▫️dual timeline
🗡️
Thank you to Wednesday Books, St. Martin’s Press, Macmillan Audio, NetGalley, and Emily Varga for the ARC. I received an advanced copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

The Count of Monte Cristo remade into a YA Pakistani fantasy romance with a FMC....I couldn't get my hands on this book fast enough.

I happened to have reread The Count of Monte Cristo this past summer with one of my book clubs so the storyline was fresh in my mind. This book captivated me from the very first page. It was easy to see how the author was inspired by Monte Cristo. She took all the best parts of the story and made them her own.

First, I love Dania, a smart, strong FMC that takes pride in her sword fighting skills. I've said it a million times, there is nothing I hate more than a smart FMC who conveniently loses all reason and logic during a critical point in the story. Nothing drops me out of a plot faster. I'm happy to say that doesn't happen in this book. Next, I love her friendship with Noor. I also don't care when women are unnecessarily mean to each other just to further the plot along. Dania and Noor are fast friends who support each other. Finally, this story is told in alternating timelines. You start when she is in prison and the chapters jump back and forth between Dania's current life and her life leading up to when she was imprisoned. Some people don't like this type of storyline which is why I mention it. I happen to love it.

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for giving me the opportunity to listen to this fantastic audiobook. Safiyya Ingar is an amazing narrator. I can't believe this is Emily Varga's debut novel. A solid 5 star read!!

ALC Review: Dania is in prison and has been since her best friend and lover betrayed her one year ago. After flubbing her prison break attempt, she might have another chance at escape when a prisoner tunnels into her cell. And if she does, she will make everyone involved in her imprisonment will regret it.

Oh girl, THIS is what I’m looking for when I’m reading YA. An intriguing, well-paced plot with flashbacks that add to the depth of the story and compelling characters. I thoroughly enjoyed how the lovers to enemies was written, and I was rooting for Dania’s bloodthirst even when she was clearly walking down the wrong path. This was a great read that was compelling in a way that made it hard to put down.

It’s not a 5 star for me because I think there could have been some higher highs and lower lows emotionally. I wanted moments that made me come close to tears, and it didn’t really happen even though the potential was there.

All around a great book, especially for a debut author. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ALC!

**I RECEIVED A FREE ARC OF THE AUDIOBOOK FROM NETGALLEY. THANK YOU A TON. THIS HAS NOT IMPACTED MY REVIEW IN ANY WAY, SHAPE OR FORM. **

*NO MAJOR SPOILERS WERE HARMED IN THE MAKING OF THIS REVIEW**

"You have the world at your fingertips. It's your own fault if you chose to feel confined. "
"There is not anywhere that can cage me. "

So, I saw this was available on netgalley as an audio, and I knew two book box companies were doing a special editions so I just had to check it out. My gods. . . everyone, I think this might be one of my favorite reads of 2024. Hands down, this was a whirlwind from the start. I literally could not stop listening to it once I started. I was instantly captivated by the story and the narrator. A million shoutouts to the narrator, she made this book and the characters come to life in a way I did not even think was possible. The story grabbed me in its mystic claws and transported me into the mind of Dania. I literally experienced every pain, every angst, every dark twisted thought. I was her and she was me. I do not think I have felt so connected to a female main character since Celeana from throne of glass. This book was like the beginning of throne of glass, but darker, and gritter and I LOVED IT. I LOVED that Dania was willing to rip the spines out of people to make a ladder to victory. I loved how ambitious and confident she was. She was astounding. The writing just elevated her to another level. The concrete but majestic writing made this journey a surreal experience from the explanations of clothing, to the tales of the food, to even some of the cultural and political divisions. The intrigue in this book, and the plots and sub plots and counter threads were all so delicious I cackled when things came together and GASP when they unraveled. This story was spellbinding.

I also liked the back and fourth from present Dania to past Dania. Usually I get nervous with those types of books, but this was done in a way that I was not confused. It enhanced the story to take it step by step. And the love story that unfolded. . . It was similar to how in Nightbane, the author tells a lovestory via the past, but here, this author executed the story and made it soar. Sure, I still wanted Dania to have her villain era and be a badass woman who does not need a man, but I also thought it was passionate and all consuming when she danced a fiery fling with Maazinn. That was almost cat and mouse ish in the present. Sure, Maazinn certainly is not a top book boyfriend or anything, but its interesting to see how Dania perceived and perceives him through the months. THey both impacted each other so much. Again, I actually thought the story would of been fine without any romance, but this was a nice nod to the pure romance girlies out in the world.

I also loved Nor. She was a delight, she was a surprise and she was the wing woman everyone needs and wants. She was no side kick, she was a main in her own right. I hope the author writes a book about her and her journey, because I would eat it up!! Her smarts and knowledge, ugh, a woman after my own heart.

Overall, I loved the sultry and dark vibe this book captured. The pacing was well done, and it was never a dull moment with these characters. Sure, there was not always like mega action packed events, but the subtle ones were just as potent. I cannot wait to get a physical copy. Remember, this is all my opinion. if you want your own, read the book when it comes out!!

𝙒𝙚’𝙙 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙥𝙚𝙙 𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙨𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙨. 𝙒𝙚’𝙙 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙬𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙨𝙤𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧.

I really enjoyed this one! I was drawn in immediately with the prison setting, as Dania stewed in her rage and need for revenge on those who wronged her, especially the boy who tricked her into falling in love with him, only to betray her by framing her for murder.

I thought the magic system was really interesting, and I liked how it was used to aid Dania in her revenge schemes.

I really enjoyed the friendship that developed between her and Noor, as well as the romantic tension between Dania and Mazin.

The plot was fast paced, with many action scenes, and I had a great time listening.

Audiobook notes: The narrator was fantastic. Each voice felt unique. Loved it!

Thank you @macmillan.audio for providing me an advanced audio copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

What this book is giving:
✅ YA Romantic Fantasy
✅ 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘔𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦 𝘊𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘰 Retelling
✅ Pakistani
✅ Djinn magic
✅ Prison Break
✅ Revenge

Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ / 5
🌶️ / 5

I had a TON of fun with this vengeance filled fantasy, despite a few things that fell flat.

I truly love the premise of a Pakistani inspired, magical and dangerous fantasy world where the end goal is to topple the evil empire, and I loved the way the scene is initially set with this one. Dania has been brutally betrayed by friends, as well as the man she believed to be the love of her life; and imprisoned as a result of it. She’s a dangerous sword-wielding woman, and she teams up with another powerful, albeit differently than her, woman who has every reason to be fighting all the same enemies. This starts quick and dives in fast, and I loved the execution of that.

The adventure in this is truly gripping and fast-paced, and that came with both pros and cons. It wasn’t difficult to stay engaged in this story, and the narrator was really wonderful at all the different characters voices. The world building isn’t terribly dense but also doesn’t leave things unexplored, and the characters feel distinct and lovable, especially our main 2 women. However, there are certain developments particularly between Dania and other characters who she has been wronged by that didn’t feel as fleshed out or believable as I wanted, and it felt like her motivations changed rather abruptly come the end. I think this was a consequence of the faster pace, and I was able to keep it from dulling my overall experience too much, but I wish I’d been sold on the main couple more come the end.

Regardless, this is a really fun, diverse, sweeping fantasy that I think a lot of folks will enjoy. Thank you to Macmillan audio for this early audiobook copy!

Thanks to NetGalley & Macmillan audio for the ALC of this book.

The narrator was amazing. I have never read the Count of Monte Christo was but vaguely familiar with it. I loved the FMC Dani and her friend Noor. They were both so strong in their own ways.

The fact that this is a debut is absolutely amazing and I can’t wait to see what else this author puts out.

I would like to thank the publisher for giving me an audio-arc in exchange for an honest review through NetGalley.

If I could summarize this book into one word I would say: exquisite.

Dania was framed for a crime she didn't commit by the boy she loved. After breaking out of prison, she returns to get revenge on the people responsible for everything that occurred a year ago. Dania seems one dimensional for a while because of her single minded pursuit of vengeance. However, between the back and forth in the timeline -- what happened in the past that led up to her being imprisoned and the present -- we get to see layers of her character in small slivers until the full story is revealed.

The revenge plot was well done. The side characters were amazing. The world building was wonderful. The writing was gorgeous. And the way the author took the original story of the Count of Monte Cristo and retold it in a unique way with djinn and magic, and I honestly couldn't put this down.

Plus, the audio is beautifully done with a fantastic narrator. I'd definitely recommend it.

A standalone, YA fantasy, this is an awesome example of doing a lot without creating a whole series. We start with our FMC, the we’ll-trained daughter of a weapons master, languishing in prison, we see her escape, and we see her plot revenge against those who took
everything from her. We also see her make a best friend, rekindle an old flame, and choose light over darkness.

The book is full of djinn magic, which I’m not overly familiar with, but absolutely found fascinating. I can’t speak to whether it’s similar to other books of this type or not, but now I hope to pick up some more!!

All in all, this is a great fantasy read for anyone who loves a stabby female intent on righting wrongs!

5⭐️

I kept finding myself utterly surprised this was debut throughout reading this book. I would find myself going to Goodreads to see what else she wrote. Disappointed I couldn't read more from her right away. This says alot to me regarding this book, I enjoyed the writing so much that it made me wanting to experience more after this one.

I had actually never read the Count of Monte Crisco so for me this book was full of fun surprises. It had multiple layers between revenge, grief, and absolution. It handled everything so well. I believed the pain and betrayal Dani felt and the bond she made with Nora. It was also wrote from one perspective with two timelines. The past time line was peppered in really well and paced appropriately with the main story.

In the end I really loved many aspects of this book. I would love to see a companion novel sometime from Mazs point of view.

The narration of this book was spot on. The author did an amazing job bringing the characters to life. They were also very easy to decipher from one to another.

Thank you NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for this advanced listener copy. My review is voluntarily my own.

Review from Goodreads on Oct 18:
You got plans Oct. 28? No? Now you do—read this book!

Thank you NetGalley for sending me an advanced copy of this audiobook!

For She Is Wrath is a YA Pakistani romantasy reimagining of The Count of Monte Cristo.
Let me start by saying I have never read the Count of Monte Cristo… but maybe I should? Because YES. Huge fan!
I also highly recommend this one to people who enjoyed the Prison Healer.

This is why I love YA Fantasy & will continue screaming about why it’s worth everyone’s time!
This book was excellently done.

It was a standalone 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Proof that it CAN be done, and CAN be done well. It felt so refreshing!

The audiobook was excellent & the story even better! Big fan!