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A review by heartbrekker
The River of Silver by S.A. Chakraborty
adventurous
dark
hopeful
medium-paced
5.0
Coming back to the world of Daevabad was like meeting an old friend after a few years a part, especially after the chaos of the last few years. Some of the stories unveil deeper political maneuvering; some make your heart bleed; some even reveal the start to something new. Simply, I'm in love with it all and then some.
"Amazing, how death might be more preferable to life in Daevabad."
Manizheh (Story 1)
I don't know if I can ever fully forgive her character and be empathetic to her actions, but this story is the closest that I've ever come. Manizheh's love is just as loud as her pain, and I think that's the tragedy of her arc in this story. Getting deeper insight from her own perspective is definitely a unique experience. Also, it's heartwarming and heartbreaking to see some of my favorite characters as children.
Duriya (Story 2)
Tears. Just straight tears is how I would describe this story. My favorite of the short stories by far, and I will die on my hill that Duriya should get a novel all to herself. I want to know the ins and outs to her journey, and I want to cry my heart out just like I did in these few pages. It was beautiful and tragic— similar to Manizheh's but for a different reason. I think what I took away from this story was that even the darkest lives and times can have the brightest of moments, even if they don't last long.
"You used animal droppings— next to my orange grove— to grow your seeds?"
Hatset (Story 3)
Hatset's POV was one that I hoped most for. I loved getting to see her pre-Zaynab/Ali, and it was so fun to watch her and Ghassan spar with their cunning and fresh vows... even if we know how their story together ends. She's always been one of my favorite characters throughout this series (her running to Ali in The Kingdom of Copper (TKOC) broke meeee), and it was a joy to read this and hope. Plus, Hatset's dad not giving a singular crap about his sass to Ghassan was one of the funniest things I read in this collection. It goes to show where Hatset got her mouth as well as Zaynab.
Muntadhir (Story 4)
Probably one of the stories that didn't stick with me as hard, but it was still wonderful to read. Muntadhir and Jamshid meeting for the first time just hits different! Particularly how joyful Jamshid is to serve his prince. I've always loved their connection and love for one another, so to get more backstory into their love story was beautiful.
"Royals don't worry about punctuality."
Jamshid (Story 5)
I think between Muntadhir and Jamshid... my favorite POV to read from is Jamshid, especially in their relationship. This short story in particular tugged on my heartstrings once Jamshid helped Muntadhir at the end. I'm a sucker for vulnerability, so to see these two a year later after the previous story and the progression of their relationship, it was perfect. A slow burn built off of friendship and small moments always sells me the most for a love story. Let me ignore the pain of The City of Brass (TCOB) during this moment because I won't be able to handle it!
Dara (Story 6)
I think it was a smart move for Dara to not have a POV in TCOB because his internal monologue would've definitely set me against him sooner than his actions did. Nahri makes him far more palatable. This story was certainly interesting to read about, and it made me smile to see Nahri in her element still on their journey to Daevabad. It'll make Dara/Nahri (Nara? Dahri? idk lol) shippers go nuts, but it made me nostalgically sad for my first time reading TCOB where I was wholly innocent of all impending pain.
"Daevabad comes first."
Jamshid (Story 7)
This story was a top favorite because of the background knowledge revealed for the final big act of TCOB. Jamshid is such a key player, and to see him experience everything from carrying Ali's ass with Muntadhir to Dara's gloating amongst Daevas and finally the aftermath of the fight, leading them to head for the river to save Ali and Nahri... It's such a bittersweet, powerful story. Jamshid's guilt stricken, yet he knows his duty to his emir and lover... and we know how TCOB ends.
Ali (Story 8)
Not my favorite but very fun to see a fuller extent to Ali's banishment adventures and his water abilities.
The Scout (Story 9)
I looked at the Table of Contents throughout my reading, and this story always stuck out to me because I was curious who this scout was... and then once the story began, I knew what was coming. In many ways, I really wish this could have been within the actual books, but I also understand why it couldn't because of reveals and such. Shannon was stretching our angst and curiosity, and this moment would have taken away from that. BUT this was a great story, definitely memorable. I was enthralled the entire time even when I wanted to choke out the djinn who was with the narrator. This story will certainly be exciting for readers, and as always, I'll never turn down the chance to explore other reaches of Daevalands. *Hint* *Hint* to Shannon to expand further!!
"I don't believe in dreaming. It sets you up for disappointment."
Nahri (Story 10)
When I realized that TKOC has skipped ahead in time, I originally felt like I'd lost a crucial part of Nahri's journey. We didn't get to see Nahri marry or Nahri and Muntahir even try to pretend in those early years to be a married couple. Normalcy had already settled by the time we got to see them, so it was a real treat to have this story— not only because Nahri still thwarts the Qahtani's in her own way but her and Muntahir have a moment together. Dubious consent is an undertone to the whole conversation because neither wanted to marry the other, but this story was something I have been craving from that period of time because it makes them so real with their unhappiness. Their brutal truth to one another just felt monumental. Makes me love them both even more as characters.
Ali (Story 11)
ALL RISE THE NAHRI/ALI SHIPPERS. My favorite moments for romance are the small ones. They don't have to be screaming at one another about their love to strike me in the heart, and to be honest, Ali and Nahri have never been that way. They love each other quietly but in such a profound way of yearning and hope. Both have scars that are visible, and it's okay that their relationship isn't moving fast because the other needs time too. One of my only issues with the original trilogy (and this is me being selfish) is that I wanted more Ali and Nahri moments, but after rereading and growing older, I realized their moments are like pearls— sacred and rare. Thank you, Shannon for giving us a treat of their slow kindling of love.
Zaynab (Story 12)
One of the elements to the Daevabad trilogy that stuck out to me the most the first time I read it was the deep love the Qahtani siblings have for one another. Zaynab was always the center of it because she keeps them stable, so it was heartbreaking to read her perspective post-Manizheh invasion of Daevabad. I teared up when she heard the news that Ali may have been enslaved, and it broke my heart when she realized Muntadhir was captured. She's always been my number one side character throughout this trilogy, and I loved being in her head. I desperately hope Shannon is writing a book about her adventures. She would be an incredible protagonist, and this story reveals that. She's alone with none of her loved ones to back her up, but Zaynab refuses to give up on her brothers or her people in Daevabad— bringing the Daevas, djinn, and shafit together to fight for their right to live.
Muntadhir (Story 13)
Not me crying like a baby about Muntadhir and Jamshid starting to heal their flaws, secrets, and pain in their relationship post-win. I want a book just for them too! Also, getting to see Jamshid in his healer mode for an extended period of time is not something I knew I needed as deeply as now.
Alternative Epilogue to The Empire of Gold (Story 14)
A sucker punch of a surprise! This alternative epilogue is not what I was expecting at all. I don't want to say much because I think knowing nothing is the perfect way to experience it.
Nahri (Story 15)
Post TEOG via roughly a year and a half. Again, go in knowing nothing because this is pure fluff and heart warming!
Thank you to Harper Voyager for allowing me to review this short story collection for my favorite trilogy early! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Initial review/ thoughts: I’m EMOTIONAL for this world and these characters. The second story literally stabbed my heart into splinter sized pieces. Shannon please write a story just for them.
"Amazing, how death might be more preferable to life in Daevabad."
Manizheh (Story 1)
I don't know if I can ever fully forgive her character and be empathetic to her actions, but this story is the closest that I've ever come. Manizheh's love is just as loud as her pain, and I think that's the tragedy of her arc in this story. Getting deeper insight from her own perspective is definitely a unique experience. Also, it's heartwarming and heartbreaking to see some of my favorite characters as children.
Duriya (Story 2)
Tears. Just straight tears is how I would describe this story. My favorite of the short stories by far, and I will die on my hill that Duriya should get a novel all to herself. I want to know the ins and outs to her journey, and I want to cry my heart out just like I did in these few pages. It was beautiful and tragic— similar to Manizheh's but for a different reason. I think what I took away from this story was that even the darkest lives and times can have the brightest of moments, even if they don't last long.
"You used animal droppings— next to my orange grove— to grow your seeds?"
Hatset (Story 3)
Hatset's POV was one that I hoped most for. I loved getting to see her pre-Zaynab/Ali, and it was so fun to watch her and Ghassan spar with their cunning and fresh vows... even if we know how their story together ends. She's always been one of my favorite characters throughout this series (her running to Ali in The Kingdom of Copper (TKOC) broke meeee), and it was a joy to read this and hope. Plus, Hatset's dad not giving a singular crap about his sass to Ghassan was one of the funniest things I read in this collection. It goes to show where Hatset got her mouth as well as Zaynab.
Muntadhir (Story 4)
Probably one of the stories that didn't stick with me as hard, but it was still wonderful to read. Muntadhir and Jamshid meeting for the first time just hits different! Particularly how joyful Jamshid is to serve his prince. I've always loved their connection and love for one another, so to get more backstory into their love story was beautiful.
"Royals don't worry about punctuality."
Jamshid (Story 5)
I think between Muntadhir and Jamshid... my favorite POV to read from is Jamshid, especially in their relationship. This short story in particular tugged on my heartstrings once Jamshid helped Muntadhir at the end. I'm a sucker for vulnerability, so to see these two a year later after the previous story and the progression of their relationship, it was perfect. A slow burn built off of friendship and small moments always sells me the most for a love story. Let me ignore the pain of The City of Brass (TCOB) during this moment because I won't be able to handle it!
Dara (Story 6)
I think it was a smart move for Dara to not have a POV in TCOB because his internal monologue would've definitely set me against him sooner than his actions did. Nahri makes him far more palatable. This story was certainly interesting to read about, and it made me smile to see Nahri in her element still on their journey to Daevabad. It'll make Dara/Nahri (Nara? Dahri? idk lol) shippers go nuts, but it made me nostalgically sad for my first time reading TCOB where I was wholly innocent of all impending pain.
"Daevabad comes first."
Jamshid (Story 7)
This story was a top favorite because of the background knowledge revealed for the final big act of TCOB. Jamshid is such a key player, and to see him experience everything from carrying Ali's ass with Muntadhir to Dara's gloating amongst Daevas and finally the aftermath of the fight, leading them to head for the river to save Ali and Nahri... It's such a bittersweet, powerful story. Jamshid's guilt stricken, yet he knows his duty to his emir and lover... and we know how TCOB ends.
Ali (Story 8)
Not my favorite but very fun to see a fuller extent to Ali's banishment adventures and his water abilities.
The Scout (Story 9)
I looked at the Table of Contents throughout my reading, and this story always stuck out to me because I was curious who this scout was... and then once the story began, I knew what was coming. In many ways, I really wish this could have been within the actual books, but I also understand why it couldn't because of reveals and such. Shannon was stretching our angst and curiosity, and this moment would have taken away from that. BUT this was a great story, definitely memorable. I was enthralled the entire time even when I wanted to choke out the djinn who was with the narrator. This story will certainly be exciting for readers, and as always, I'll never turn down the chance to explore other reaches of Daevalands. *Hint* *Hint* to Shannon to expand further!!
"I don't believe in dreaming. It sets you up for disappointment."
Nahri (Story 10)
When I realized that TKOC has skipped ahead in time, I originally felt like I'd lost a crucial part of Nahri's journey. We didn't get to see Nahri marry or Nahri and Muntahir even try to pretend in those early years to be a married couple. Normalcy had already settled by the time we got to see them, so it was a real treat to have this story— not only because Nahri still thwarts the Qahtani's in her own way but her and Muntahir have a moment together. Dubious consent is an undertone to the whole conversation because neither wanted to marry the other, but this story was something I have been craving from that period of time because it makes them so real with their unhappiness. Their brutal truth to one another just felt monumental. Makes me love them both even more as characters.
Ali (Story 11)
ALL RISE THE NAHRI/ALI SHIPPERS. My favorite moments for romance are the small ones. They don't have to be screaming at one another about their love to strike me in the heart, and to be honest, Ali and Nahri have never been that way. They love each other quietly but in such a profound way of yearning and hope. Both have scars that are visible, and it's okay that their relationship isn't moving fast because the other needs time too. One of my only issues with the original trilogy (and this is me being selfish) is that I wanted more Ali and Nahri moments, but after rereading and growing older, I realized their moments are like pearls— sacred and rare. Thank you, Shannon for giving us a treat of their slow kindling of love.
Zaynab (Story 12)
One of the elements to the Daevabad trilogy that stuck out to me the most the first time I read it was the deep love the Qahtani siblings have for one another. Zaynab was always the center of it because she keeps them stable, so it was heartbreaking to read her perspective post-Manizheh invasion of Daevabad. I teared up when she heard the news that Ali may have been enslaved, and it broke my heart when she realized Muntadhir was captured. She's always been my number one side character throughout this trilogy, and I loved being in her head. I desperately hope Shannon is writing a book about her adventures. She would be an incredible protagonist, and this story reveals that. She's alone with none of her loved ones to back her up, but Zaynab refuses to give up on her brothers or her people in Daevabad— bringing the Daevas, djinn, and shafit together to fight for their right to live.
Muntadhir (Story 13)
Not me crying like a baby about Muntadhir and Jamshid starting to heal their flaws, secrets, and pain in their relationship post-win. I want a book just for them too! Also, getting to see Jamshid in his healer mode for an extended period of time is not something I knew I needed as deeply as now.
Alternative Epilogue to The Empire of Gold (Story 14)
A sucker punch of a surprise! This alternative epilogue is not what I was expecting at all. I don't want to say much because I think knowing nothing is the perfect way to experience it.
Nahri (Story 15)
Post TEOG via roughly a year and a half. Again, go in knowing nothing because this is pure fluff and heart warming!
Thank you to Harper Voyager for allowing me to review this short story collection for my favorite trilogy early! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Initial review/ thoughts: I’m EMOTIONAL for this world and these characters. The second story literally stabbed my heart into splinter sized pieces. Shannon please write a story just for them.