Series: The Wrath & the Dawn #2
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Retelling
Release Date: April 26, 2016
Summary: In a land on the brink of war, Shahrzad has been torn from the love of her husband Khalid, the Caliph of Khorasan. She once believed him a monster, but his secrets revealed a man tormented by guilt and a powerful curse -- one that might keep them apart forever. Reunited with her family, who have taken refuge with enemies of Khalid, and Tariq, her childhood sweetheart, she should be happy. But Tariq now commands forces set on destroying Khalid's empire. Shahrzad is almost a prisoner caught between loyalties to people she loves. But she refuses to be a pawn and devises a plan.
While her father, Jahandar, continues to play with magical forces he doesn't yet understand, Shahrzad tries to uncover powers that may lie dormant within her. With the help of a tattered old carpet and a tempestuous but sage young man, Shahrzad will attempt to break the curse and reunite with her one true love.
Review: Wow! I mean, wow! What an intense and completely amazing sequel! I had been anxiously awaiting the release of this novel for quite some time now and was completely overjoyed after purchasing my copy and basically floating out of the bookstore! And that cover?!? I mean, come on, it's GORGEOUS!!!
Ahdieh did an incredible job of continuing Shazi and Khalid's story. The transition from the first novel to the second was seamless, starting one week after the end of The Wrath & the Dawn. The pacing in this novel seemed slightly, slightly, slower than the first. I like to just attribute that to the fact of Shazi and Khalid not being with each other for quite some time . . . let's just say I had a bit of a rough time adjusting . . .
In some ways I felt that certain parts/topics of this novel were drug out while others felt extremely rushed, but then again, what novel doesn't have at least one downside (if you could call it that). Ahdieh also introduced some new and intriguing topics and characters that I ended up falling in love with! Artan, one of said characters who joined us for the second installment, I rather enjoyed. He was witty and brought a necessary comical aspect to the novel.
The Rose & the Dagger was filled with tons of action as well as some surprising twists! There was some heartbreak (especially towards the end) where a few tears may have been shed. But I have to say, I was extremely pleased with the epilogue! I felt like it was the icing on the cake and closed out this duology the way it deserved! An absolutely enchanting read!!
