This is the kind of book you can’t stop once you start. The kind you stay up late to finish, and then don’t mind being tired the next day because it was worth it. I would know because I did exactly that. This is the ultimate Count of Monte Cristo retelling with revenge, magic, and second-chance romance. The fact that Varga chose such an underrated classic - and one of my all time favorites - as the foundation for this story told me I more or less guaranteed like it, but it far surpassed my expectations. I loved being able to recognize the nods to the original tale throughout, while still being engaged and surprised by Varga’s own unique story. The setting and culture was a refreshing twist that made the story so even more vibrant. Dania and Mazin are enjoyable and resilient characters who show how even the good guys can be a little grey. I loved Noor. She was somehow sweet and innocent but also vicious and focused. The epilogue is bittersweet and a great ending. I think this will end up being one for those books where I wish I could go back and read it for the first time again.