Q U I C K S T A T S
Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Setting: ⭐⭐⭐. 5
Writing style: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
T H E B O O K
// Content Warning: Abduction / Abuse (sexual/physical/emotional) / Assault / Caste system / Death / Forced contraception / Genocide / Harassment / Murder / Prostitution (forced) / Rape / Sexual assault / Sexual violence / Slavery / Torture / Violence //
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Age rating: 16+
Genre(s): Fantasy
Pub date: 23/12/2021
P R E M I S E
"Don't struggle, Lei-zhi. It's time to take you back to the Hidden Palace. You're going home."
The final pages of Girls of Storm and Shadow brought a jaw-dropping conclusion that had the fates of Lei and Wren hanging in uncertainty. But one thing was certain - the Hidden Palace was the last place that Lei would ever consider home. The trauma and tragedy she suffered behind those opulent walls would plague her forever. She could not be trapped there with the sadistic king again, especially without Wren.
The last Lei saw of the girl she loved, Wren was fighting an army of soldiers in a furious battle to the death. With the two girls torn apart and each in terrorizing peril, will they find each other again or have their destinies diverged forever?
M Y R E V I E W
↬ PRE-THOUGHTS
I kid you not, the Gods AKA Hodder & Stoughton answered my prayers and sent me this.
My head:
"Men mock the Gods until they need them, Kaz."
- Six of Crows
I'm excited but equally terrified because this one line in the premise makes me want to shit in my pants. WHAT THE FUCK?!
↬ PLOT
In the simplest terms, Girls of Fate and Fury is the most satisfactory conclusion to the most jaw-dropping series I've ever had the privilege of reading. I know this statement isn't exactly analytical but it's been such an amazing experience watching these characters complete their arcs and speaking of completing, Girls of Paper and Fire is officially the first series I've completely reviewed on my blog!
The story picks up a little bit after Girls of Storm and Shadow and while the previous books focused more on the rebellion and standing up for those who've wronged them, this book simmers down and discusses the healing that comes after the trauma. I try not to dwell on this thought but it just pains me to realise that although this story is fictional, there's people out there who have experienced similar events. It just saddens me, you know, to come to terms with the fact that all the people out there aren't all good. However, I've been extremely privileged to be surrounded by amazing people who are the living embodiments of the term 'faith in humanity.'
Moving on, the storyline progresses as expected; girlboss meets girlboss and recruits an army of girlbosses to finish off the King and his party.
↬ WRITING AND SETTING
I know my description of the plot is vague but I can't really encompass the entire story into one paragraph because... that would be spoiling the entire book.
Anyways, I was so eager to get to this section because I'm in awe of Natasha Nge's craft. Her writing style is gritty and tactile yet it flows beautifully. At this point I've come to accept that the English Language worships her and bends to her will because there's absolutely nothing to criticise.
I recently came to know that this trilogy was the product of her healing from the state the severe sexual violence had left her in. And while it may not be a memoir, its equally powerful.
I love how culturally rich this book is and again, I'm in awe of Natasha Nge.
↬ CHARACTERS
I'm at a loss for words because every adjective I come up does not fully capture the strength these girls have. Once you read this, you'll understand what I mean.
↬ CONCLUSION
Pros: women
Cons: nothing that I could think of
Overall rating: 4/5
T R O P E S
Chosen one
Fantasy racism
R E P R E S E N T A T I O N
Sapphic main characters
Asian main and side characters
B O O K S M E N T I O N E D
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
A D D I T I O N A L R E S O U R C E S
F I N D M E
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