The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahedith

Sypnosis (from Goodreads):

One Life to One Dawn.

In a land ruled by a murderous boy-king, each dawn brings heartache to a new family. Khalid, the eighteen-year-old Caliph of Khorasan, is a monster. Each night he takes a new bride only to have a silk cord wrapped around her throat come morning. When sixteen-year-old Shahrzad's dearest friend falls victim to Khalid, Shahrzad vows vengeance and volunteers to be his next bride. Shahrzad is determined not only to stay alive, but to end the caliph's reign of terror once and for all.

Night after night, Shahrzad beguiles Khalid, weaving stories that enchant, ensuring her survival, though she knows each dawn could be her last. But something she never expected begins to happen: Khalid is nothing like what she'd imagined him to be. This monster is a boy with a tormented heart. Incredibly, Shahrzad finds herself falling in love. How is this possible? It's an unforgivable betrayal. Still, Shahrzad has come to understand all is not as it seems in this palace of marble and stone. She resolves to uncover whatever secrets lurk and, despite her love, be ready to take Khalid's life as retribution for the many lives he's stolen. Can their love survive this world of stories and secrets?

Inspired by A Thousand and One Nights, The Wrath and the Dawn is a sumptuous and enthralling read from beginning to end.

My Review (5/5 stars!):

I had heard/saw a lot of mixed reviews about this when I saw how famous this book was getting at that time. I was really nervous about picking up this book because of those reviews. I had not read A Thousand and One Nights when I read this book so It's safe to say that u intact can read this without actually reading A Thousand and One Nights.

This book gave me all kinds of emotions but mainly a relaxed one. Since the names are actually chosen as in Arabic language it was easy for me to read it and connect to it. Which also helped me with imagining the scenarios that took place in the book.

As u read from the Sypnosis of the book above, that this is a retelling. This actually was my first retelling I ever read and I think that is the reason that I was nervous.

Characters:

Shahrzad or formerly referred to as Shazi (Protagonist):

She is the most fancy heroin I ever read about. Her perspective of pursuing matters were, I guess, appropriate. Her bravery and strength that she showed to Khalid was so original that I think every woman should have that level of. 

Khalid Ibn al-Rashid, the Caliph of Khorasan (Protagonist):

He is the boy-king is the Caliph of Khorasan. Although the perspective of Khalid is not shown that much but when it is shown, my mouth is wide open because of amusement or sometimes shock.

Jalal al-Khoury (Protagonist):

He is also known as the Captain of the Guard in other books. I actually liked him. He supported Shazi through out but only her good decisions. If her decision seemed crazy he would actually stop her. I guess best friend/family to Khalid.

Despina (Protagonist):

She is the "house worker" in this novel. After Shiva dies, Shazi feels like Despina may be her new best friend with whom she could share anything. 

General al-Khoury (Antagonist):

Father to Jalal, uncle of Khalid, (that was never a secret) is kind of against Shazi being alive. Throughout the novel he acts like a villain (which he is), and sometimes a generous person.

Jahandar (Antagonist):

Father of Shazi and I hated him. Actually I think hate is a really strong word so I'm just going to say that I strongly disliked him, a lot. I could connect as to why someone would be that worried about sending his daughter to the death camp (to Khalid), his reasons of, "revenge" very unreasonable (don't worry I did't give anything away).

Tariq (Antagonist):

Former lover of Shazi, he is exactly like Jahandar. Its like that scenario, 'my best friends brother'. Shiva is Shazi's best friend and Tariq is Shiva's brother. Throughout, he acts Irrational which excitedly makes him the villain of the novel.

The Plot:

The plot twist is the best part of this book. You start reading this book thinking that she will eventually avenge him but what comes of his life is shocking. I never would have thought that this book would make me think about what happened. I actually went a few pages back to check if I had missed anything but apparently I didn't. Khalid's story is so much more darker and intense than what one may think. That is the reason why I loved it so much.

Favourite Quote:

“What are you doing to me, you plague of a girl?” he whispered.
“If I’m a plague, then you should keep your distance, unless you plan on being destroyed.” The weapons still in her grasp, she shoved against his chest.
“No.” His hands dropped to her waist. “Destroy me.”

The Wrath and the Dawn

The Rose and the Dagger (The Wrath and the Dawn, #2)