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leyna819's review against another edition
3.0
Enjoyed all the smaller stories contained within the main story.
I didn't really find the main character sympathetic - whether that was intentional or just because I'm not a mother, I can't say. (It very well could be the latter.)
I still enjoyed the story, the world building, and learning something about a different folklore than my own. I wouldn't be opposed to reading more about some of the other characters and the general backstory.
I didn't really find the main character sympathetic - whether that was intentional or just because I'm not a mother, I can't say. (It very well could be the latter.)
I still enjoyed the story, the world building, and learning something about a different folklore than my own. I wouldn't be opposed to reading more about some of the other characters and the general backstory.
bloeks's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
jadeelawson's review against another edition
5.0
4.5/5 ⭐️
This was a truly beautiful story that had me tearing up at the end. I loved how it felt like a classic folk/fairytale in its style of writing and structure. It felt like I was sitting down to listen to one of Scheherazade’s tales from One Thousand and One Nights. But the bonus is all the smaller folktales told through out. And the thing I loved most of this story is the familial love. Yes I’ll always be a sucker for a romantic love story. I would have loved this story if it was lovers fighting to protect and rescue each other. But this warmed my heart more that it was filled with the love between mothers and daughters, while simultaneously showing that not everyone is blessed with such familial love. This was a lovely, lyrical tale that you could finish in one sitting. I highly recommend this book for my fellow fans of traditional folk tales.
Thank you to Kaye Publicity and Hoopoe Fiction for providing an advance reader copy of this book for my honest review.
This was a truly beautiful story that had me tearing up at the end. I loved how it felt like a classic folk/fairytale in its style of writing and structure. It felt like I was sitting down to listen to one of Scheherazade’s tales from One Thousand and One Nights. But the bonus is all the smaller folktales told through out. And the thing I loved most of this story is the familial love. Yes I’ll always be a sucker for a romantic love story. I would have loved this story if it was lovers fighting to protect and rescue each other. But this warmed my heart more that it was filled with the love between mothers and daughters, while simultaneously showing that not everyone is blessed with such familial love. This was a lovely, lyrical tale that you could finish in one sitting. I highly recommend this book for my fellow fans of traditional folk tales.
Thank you to Kaye Publicity and Hoopoe Fiction for providing an advance reader copy of this book for my honest review.
sarah_tollok's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Nadine is a Hakawati jinn whose job is to tell the stories of the dead, allowing them to pass into the gates of Mote, a heaven-like place. She lives with, and lives for, her daughter Layala. But for someone so well-versed in death, Nadine embarks on one plan after another to try to outmaneuver it.
I love the richness of the magical lore featured in the Jinn Daughter. Death itself was so well painted, both as a place and as the character, Kamuna. At first ominous, death becomes more familiar and nuanced as the narrative progresses. Yet Nadine still fights against it tooth and nail. Her conviction comes at the price, I feel, of the autonomy of Layala.
There is a lot left in this world of jinns and other supernatural beings left to explore. In the last few chapters, loose ends get tied up, but a few tantalizing new strings are dangled. I for one would love to hear more about the river witches and their sisters, the vengeful Earth, and the new custodians of Death. If Rania Hanna someday revisits this world in her writing, count me in!
I love the richness of the magical lore featured in the Jinn Daughter. Death itself was so well painted, both as a place and as the character, Kamuna. At first ominous, death becomes more familiar and nuanced as the narrative progresses. Yet Nadine still fights against it tooth and nail. Her conviction comes at the price, I feel, of the autonomy of Layala.
There is a lot left in this world of jinns and other supernatural beings left to explore. In the last few chapters, loose ends get tied up, but a few tantalizing new strings are dangled. I for one would love to hear more about the river witches and their sisters, the vengeful Earth, and the new custodians of Death. If Rania Hanna someday revisits this world in her writing, count me in!
mbourggraff's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75
gnight's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
kzehrah's review against another edition
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.25
interesting premise
pacing and plot felt hasty and unfinished, but kept me engaged enough to get through the book quickly instead of dropping it
pacing and plot felt hasty and unfinished, but kept me engaged enough to get through the book quickly instead of dropping it
moonhollow's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.0
pmvance's review against another edition
5.0
Thoughts: First and foremost, this is definitely one of my favorite books I’ve read in a while and Rania now ranks high among my favorite debut authors. I absolutely can’t say enough about how much I LOVED this book.
There are a couple of specific reasons why I personally just absolutely fell in love with the story and the writing.
First, the lyrical style of writing was just exquisite. It reminded me so much of one of my favorite writers/poets of all time, Khalil Gibran. It is so deeply spiritual and grabs at the very core of your humanity. It is simple but packs a big punch and leaves you in a dreamy, ethereal state that feels like a lullaby as you read. It was refreshing to read.
Second, the story is rooted in the history of Rania’s ancestors. If you learn more about Rania, she is Syrian-American and the story is based on a blend of Middle Eastern folklore. I’m always a sucker for folklore and mystics, especially when the focus is less on magic and awesome and almighty powers, and more on roles. I find that more interesting and relatable, which Rania does beautifully.
Lastly, at the heart, this book is about mothers and daughters. I cried by the end. This book reminded me so much of my relationship with my own mother and all I could think was how much my mother would have loved to read this book. Thank you, Rania!
Plain and simple, this book is a must read. Also, IMHO I would love to see it made into a mini series or movie. It is so well done and I can’t wait to read Rania’s next book!
There are a couple of specific reasons why I personally just absolutely fell in love with the story and the writing.
First, the lyrical style of writing was just exquisite. It reminded me so much of one of my favorite writers/poets of all time, Khalil Gibran. It is so deeply spiritual and grabs at the very core of your humanity. It is simple but packs a big punch and leaves you in a dreamy, ethereal state that feels like a lullaby as you read. It was refreshing to read.
Second, the story is rooted in the history of Rania’s ancestors. If you learn more about Rania, she is Syrian-American and the story is based on a blend of Middle Eastern folklore. I’m always a sucker for folklore and mystics, especially when the focus is less on magic and awesome and almighty powers, and more on roles. I find that more interesting and relatable, which Rania does beautifully.
Lastly, at the heart, this book is about mothers and daughters. I cried by the end. This book reminded me so much of my relationship with my own mother and all I could think was how much my mother would have loved to read this book. Thank you, Rania!
Plain and simple, this book is a must read. Also, IMHO I would love to see it made into a mini series or movie. It is so well done and I can’t wait to read Rania’s next book!