5 Reasons Why The Wrath and the Dawn Is A Must Read

Last year Renee Ahdieh flew into the YA scene with her gorgeous debut, The Wrath and the Dawn, that took readers on a journey of revenge, mystery, and love. This retelling inspired by the Arabian tale, A Thousand and One Nights, has become a YA favorite of 2015 and left many begging for more (myself included!). In just three days Ahdieh’s highly anticipated sequel, The Rose and the Dagger, will (FINALLY!) be coming to a bookstore near you. In case you’ve been immersed in your TBR pile and haven’t read this book yet, let me tell you five reasons why The Wrath and the Dawn should move to the top of that tower.

1. It’s an unique, imaginative retelling.

A lot of YA retellings are based on fairy tales or classic literature. TWATD breaks the mold by being a refreshing and diverse entry into the genre. One of the reasons I picked up TWATD is because I wasn't familiar with A Thousand and One Nights and the setting of the story piqued my curiosity. Ahdieh has created a fantastical world rich with culture and complex, diverse characters. The story grabs you from the first pages and stays with you long after you are done. 

2. The writing style

Ahdieh has a beautiful, descriptive kind of writing that sparks a reader’s senses and imagination. Her words transport you to the world of Khorasan. You feel the heat of the desert, the taste of the sumptuous delicacies of Arabian food, and sense the tension and dread that reigns throughout the palace. It is truly an immersive reading experience.

3. The love story

From the first moment Shahrzad and Khalid lay eyes on each other, the sparks fly. She despises him and he’s curious about her but the signs of SOMETHING are definitely there. Their chemistry only continues to grow into a sizzling, scorching, and swoony romance that is filled with angst, tension, and doubt. When these two crazy kids do allow themselves a moment or two of vulnerability, the beautiful, heart stopping lines by Khalid will leave you wishing you could trade places with Shahrzad (minus that whole dying at dawn thing of course). 

4. It’s a duology.

Binge read TWATD this weekend, take a couple days to recover from the book hangover (trust me you are going to have one), and then read the three novellas as you wait for The Rose and the Dagger next Tuesday. Good plan right? The novellas aren’t necessary to read before TRATD but they are highly enjoyable and feature fan favorite characters. 

Here’s a quick explanation of each novella:

The Crown the Arrow: a short scene from Khalid’s point of view set in TWATD 

The Moth and the Flame: a short story on Jalal and Despina 

The Mirror and the Maze: a very brief look at what happens directly after the events of TWATD from Khalid’s perspective

5. The Wrath and the Dawn is a New York Times Best Seller.

Enough said. 

So did I convince you to start reading The Wrath and the Dawn? If you have already read it, what are your thoughts on it? Are you excited to read The Rose and the Dagger? Comment below!


Posted by: @perusingya (Amna)