A review by whatsheread
The Jasad Heir by Sara Hashem

fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

A funny thing happened on my way to review The Jasad Heir by Sara Hashem. I seem to have forgotten what it was about. I remember loving it and being excited for the second book. But I could not remember the plot or the characters. Even the synopsis was not enough to jog my memory. I had to go back to the e-galley and reread a few chapters before I recalled the plot and the two main characters. 

Upon finishing The Jasad Heir, I immediately rated it five out of five stars. I can look back and see that I flew through its 528 page, reading it whenever I had a moment to spare. I remember that my emotions were all over the place while reading it. I felt all Sylvia's anger and trauma (SO much trauma). While I expected the ending, I enjoyed every minute of getting there and didn't mind that there will be at least a year-long wait to find out what happens next. And then, I proceeded to forget all the details.

Now that I refreshed my memory, I could write about how Ms. Hashem makes it so easy to understand Sylvia's reticence to get involved with anything political. If I had her childhood experiences and memories, I would want to be left alone just like her. I could also say that Ms. Hashem makes it too easy to understand Arin's point of view. Their push and pull relationship makes so much sense based on what they've been told or experienced in their young lives. 

Unfortunately, that's all I can write. I don't remember the setting. I faintly recall the world-building and different territories. I have no memory of the trials Sylvia undergoes. I wish I did because I know I loved it. 

Novels I forget almost immediately, like The Jasad Heir, are difficult to rate and recommend. On the one hand, I know I loved it. I may not recall much, but I do remember how I felt while reading and after finishing it. On the other hand, I think any highly-rated book should be memorable. Something should stick with you. Maybe the fact that my emotional state sticks with me is a sign that it still deserves my initial impression of being an outstanding book. 

Even though I may not recall any details or much more beyond the basic plot, I still won't hesitate to recommend The Jasad Heir to anyone. I will vote for it for any year-end best-of lists. And I won't hesitate to read the sequel, fervently hoping that someone writes a detailed synopsis for The Jasad Heir between now and then. I guess the fact that I am comfortable doing all that says all there needs to be said about it.