Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC! This starts out kind of slow, we build up to these amazing women of different backgrounds all working together toward a common goal. There are some triggers within this story, but I think it is beautifully written. The cover is also gorgeous!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. This was a beautifully written book. But it can be a bit of a hard read at times. All in All I really enjoyed it.

Let me first mention how that cover is everything. I was hoping the story held up to my initial excitement and it did not disappoint. The story started out slow but as events began to unfold I found myself immersed and invested in the characters. This story features characters who are strong, who are the hero of their own story and learn to embrace love. They stand up for what is right and champion for other girls. They may start out as victims, but quickly flip the script. This story was everything I needed it to be. A crew of women working together despite their differences. I highly recommend everyone read it and I will be purchasing this when it is released. Thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the great read.

What a beautifully written story! It has amazing characters and I am obsessed with the cover. This book should come with a trigger warning of some sort because the first chapter or beginning was hard to read.

A beautifully, gorgeously written book that is fierce and full of stars. I was completely sucked into the story and fell completely in love with the characters.

will not be reviewing this title. there is no kindle option and the file is sloppy. i’m sure the content is swell but i’m not going to scroll and scroll for days.

Disclaimer: I got this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Trigger Warnings: Misogyny, child endangerment, human trafficking, abuse, rape (mention), bullying, grief, blood, violence, and victim's guilt.

This is an emotional and heartbreaking book. It's about a group of girls and the struggles they're going through. One of my favorite lines is: "Voices that will not be vanquished. Not now, not ever." I will go in-depth during my review for this on August 3rd. But, you should read this one!

-`ˏ 4 stars ˎ´˗

“We have the temerity to be not just women, but women of color. Women with melanin in our skin and voices in our throats. Voices that will not be vanquished. Not now, not ever. We will not be silenced.”

Storyline : -`ˏ 10/10 ˎ´˗
Whores. Enabling men to conquer their bodies as an ultimate prize during a conquest. Scurrying around from bed to bed giving disregard to the countless broken hearts laid by a path of deceitful pleasure. Paheli’s mother was a whore. A profession she does not wish to follow. Paheli yearns for a better life, but all hope was shattered when her mother attempted to sell her to a man in exchange for a favor. Lost in disbelief, running without a destination, she comes across Taraana-a starry eye boy who handed her a box. . full of stars? Paheli was unaware that this would be the moment that would change her life and many other girls she encounters.
*Then the story turns into semi-badass magical girls fighting to protect Taraana from dangerous villains wanting to destroy him for his powers. Um Yes!
Characters : -`ˏ 8/10 ˎ´˗
The Wild Ones: Paheli, Widad, Daraja, Kamboja, Areum, Talei, Valentina, Etsuko, Sevda, Ghufran, and Ligaya. Sounds kind of overwhelming, doesn't it? I thought that initially, however, they move as one but they each have their own distinctive voice and characteristic. We obtain small glimpses of their past life in the “Book of Memories”, we learn of their origins and what led them to become part of the Wild Ones. Then there’s Taraana, why is he so freaking precious?! He's been through some difficult battles on his own and he just releases all your nurturing feelings, wanting to protect him at all costs.
Atmosphere : -`ˏ 8/10 ˎ´˗
The development of the world was interesting. We travel through doors from the human world to “the Between” a place of pure magic and creatures known as “middle worlders” that can take the form of humans. The magical elements were carefully crafted. One of the Wild One’s powers involved the use of their voices, the symbolism, absolutely amazing.
Now for the hard part. . Nafiza Azad did not act in a restraining manner. There are a lot of topics involved that may be unpleasant for some people to read. Warnings: misogyny, child endangerment, abandonment, abduction, human trafficking, prostitution, abuse (physical, mental, emotional, verbal, sexual), rape(mention), infidelity, bullying(mention), suicide(mention), death(mention), grief, victim’s guilt, blood & violence.
Language : -`ˏ 8/10 ˎ´˗
The style of writing is flowery and elliptical and may not be to everyone’s liking, but that’s what makes it great. It's a means to turn your past feelings of helplessness, frustration, and anger into something so strong and beautiful.
Enjoyment : -`ˏ 10/10 ˎ´˗
I may have cried once. .twice. .perhaps 12 times, but the story is not filled with sadness. The commentary among the girls was cute and entertaining. No matter where they go, their priority is food first (I connect with them on a spiritual level for their love of mangos). The romance was a mild but a nice addition. Overall, this is not just a group of girls struggling with their own demons or trying to save the situation. This is a sisterhood, together they are braver than they can believe and stronger than they appear. I valued every aspect of this story.

I received this book for an honest review

Wow, just wow feminist writing as best. I love how the writer wrote this. This is how writing should be!