Honestly, this is a pretty damn strong YA adaptation of the Count of Monte Cristo. It leans a bit too het for me personally, and I would've liked to see a bit more characterization of Noor, but this still has some good political maneuvering and plotting, and a not fully examined fantasy element interaction (djinn magic), and a slightly out of nowhere twist involving family members, but it still speaks to the cyclical consuming nature of revenge, and choosing to end a cycle. Plus, really neat Pakistani influenced worldbuilding. Definitely worth your time this fall!

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

That's right, I am taking out the 5-star crown and bestowing it proudly on For She is Wrath.

Book Tagline A sweeping, Pakistani romantic fantasy reimagining of The Count of Monte Cristo, where one girl seeks revenge against those who betrayed her—including the boy she used to love.

This book has action, strong female characters and I promise you'll have a challenging time leaving it at home on your nightstand. This book starts with Dania's escape from prison with fellow prisoner Noor and using dark magic to enact her revenge plan. I appreciated that the author's chapters involving Dania's back story were sporadically placed throughout the book instead of consistently going back and forth. It helped me focus on the central story and kept an even pace in the storyline. I also loved Noor and I have a feeling that we might get her story someday.

My brother always jokes when I rave about a book that"if it's good, they'll make a movie." Regarding For She is Wrath I hope so.



Publication Date 29/10/24
Goodreads Review 08/11/24

For She is Wrath is a fierce and sweeping retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo, set in a richly imagined Pakistani-inspired fantasy world. Dania, a wronged heroine, has counted down 364 days in prison, plotting her revenge against those who betrayed her—especially Mazin, the boy who shattered her trust. When an unexpected opportunity to escape arises, Dania seizes it, joining forces with a fellow prisoner who reveals the existence of a powerful djinn treasure. Armed with dark magic and a new identity, she sets out on a journey of vengeance against those who wronged her and her family, even as her history with Mazin—and the intense connection they still share—complicates her path.

Varga expertly balances elements of revenge, romance, and personal transformation. The novel’s fast pace keeps readers hooked as Dania weaves a tangled web of lies and traps, her wrath tempered only by her fierce bond with fellow inmate Noor. The addition of djinn magic and a thrilling prison escape brings a fresh twist to this female-driven fantasy, and the friends-to-lovers dynamic between Dania and Mazin adds depth to her journey.

This YA standalone is a must-read for fans of revenge fantasies and complex heroines. With its captivating world, powerful characters, and exhilarating plot, For She is Wrath is a fantastic ride from start to finish.

"Anger burst inside of me. But there was something else there too, savage, elemental. The power of knowing this was righteous anger. A history of women and girls being wronged by men who never had any consequences. Now, I would be the consequences."

If you are looking for a distraction from your own anger over recent events and want to channel your female rage, For She Is Wrath is perfect. If you miss Aelin Galathynius but don't feel you can recommit to all 7 books, come hang out with Dania.

This was a brilliant debut fantasy by author Emily Varga! A magic-infused, female-led, Pakistani retelling of the Count of Monte Cristo, Varga wastes no time hooking you in and keeping you transfixed as it weaves a tale of grief, vengeance, and at its core, love. Featuring a sword swinging, morally grey FMC with a broken heart who is hell bent on revenge.

The world building was fantastic- I was whisked into a bustling bazar, prison escape, quests for treasure. I loved the characters and their development. Noor was the perfect foil for Dania, bringing out her humanity at times where she was consumed by wrath. Their friendship was beautiful and it redeemed Dania at times where she was bordering on the edge of corruption.

I LOVE that we got an FMC who was skilled and reasonably so. No more “training for 5 weeks and suddenly is the best word fighter in the realm”. Dania was raised to hold a sword and it was evident in her scars and stories. It let me buy into her feats and having a crush on a what an absolute boss she was! Dania’s emotional journey was conveyed so beautifully.

Overall it was fast paced, exciting, had fresh elements and kept me invested the entire book. I was very impressed by how well wrapped up it was for a shorter standalone and I greatly enjoyed the adventure I went on! If you loved Shatter Me, Prison Healer and Wrath and the Dawn, I think you’d love this book!

I got an ARC of this book.

This was incredible. I am not always the best audience for retellings of classics, because I am not a huge classic fan. My favorite classic is “The Count of Monte Cristo”. Not a big fan of the sandwich though.

This was a wild ride of feminine rage. Exactly what I needed right now. I don’t even know where to start with this one though. It was much shorter than the source material, which is probably for the best. The original is a huge book. This was much faster and was more direct with the revenge. Thefeelings were also more visceral.

I wanted her to get every ounce of revenge that she was due. I was on the edge of my seat when she was talking about using her father’s stolen swords to slit that man’s throat. It was glorious. I wanted her to feel the blood drip down her hands and the thrill of justice.

I am not the biggest fantasy fan, but those elements really added to the story. The djinn magic playing a central role added an element that gave this book its own life. It also drastically changed the direction of the book. While I was pretty sure there would be blood, the way it all went down was not what the original prepared me for. This is the sort of retelling I love. It changed so much, but gave nods to the original in ways that makes everything clear but not copying.

Overall, if you are looking to find a way to enjoy a classic that is a bit intimidating this is a great choice. It works so well. This being talked about everywhere makes perfect sense.

I am a sucker for a good retelling, and I love The Count of Monte Cristo. The story was really well done, it followed a recognizable path as a retelling but it was still its own book. And honestly I preferred the ending of this one over the classic.

Okay, this was such an enjoyable listen! First off, loved that it's a standalone fantasy because we don't get enough of those. It grabs you RIGHT away which I was here for! I loved that we're thrown right into the action and along for a journey!!

I'll be the first to admit that revenge stories can be hit or miss with me and I was a bit nervous where this one was going to go at times but I'm so glad it turned out better than I expected!!! It was so good! I was invested and so hooked!

I found myself rooting for the slowburn, second chance romance and ADORING the friendship relationship we had going on as well! It was just so delightful and quick to listen to! Highly recommend if you want an action packed, standalone fantasy! I listened to a huge chunk on my run and it kept me engaged!

For She Is Wrath by Emily Varga is a captivating romantic fantasy that skillfully reimagines The Count of Monte Cristo through a rich, Pakistani cultural lens. Dania’s journey from a wronged prisoner to a formidable force of vengeance is both thrilling and deeply emotional, exploring themes of betrayal, justice, and the fine line between love and hatred.

Varga’s worldbuilding is lush and immersive, blending dark magic and folklore with the stark realities of Dania’s quest for retribution. The djinn treasure adds an intriguing supernatural element, heightening the stakes as Dania navigates a dangerous web of lies and deceit. Her transformation is compelling—she’s not just seeking revenge but also grappling with the cost of her humanity.

The heart of the story lies in the complex relationship between Dania and Mazin. Their history is fraught with pain and unresolved feelings, making their encounters crackle with tension and bittersweet longing. Varga captures the emotional turmoil of loving someone who has hurt you, creating a romance that is as intoxicating as it is fraught.

While the pacing occasionally slows due to the intricacies of Dania’s schemes, the payoff is worth it. The twists and moral dilemmas keep the reader engaged, and the ending delivers a satisfying balance of closure and hope.

For She Is Wrath is a must-read for fans of sweeping revenge tales, morally complex heroines, and star-crossed lovers. Emily Varga has crafted a story as fierce and fiery as its protagonist.

An incredibly well-plotted read that was addictive, with a lovely side dose of enemies to lovers done right.

Thanks to Wednesday Books for gifted access via Netgalley. All opinions below are my own.

"You were forged in the fires of hatred too, made new by your revenge"

----------------

Wooo boy, this book is a great example of 'Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.' In a Pakistani mythology inspired retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo, Dania is a young woman who lost everything when she was falsely arrested for murder. Her former best friend and flame was responsible for it. She vows to escape prison and exact revenge. She has tried repeatedly to escape and has ended up tortured again and again. Until she meets fellow prisoner, Noor, who is as dedicated as she to escape. Together they forge a bond which sees them out of the prison and on the trail of a famous treasure which they believe will give them the power to overthrow the emperor and exact the revenge Dania so badly wants.

I loved the first 2/3rds of this story. It was all bitter, angry revenge fueled dreams and girl power. I started to get worried towards the end as it grew more and more romantasy rather than straight fantasy. I did not like Dania softening and losing her grip on revenge but then there were several big twists that brought this one around for me. Those helped enrich the story and brought all the pieces together in a way that worked for me. Another case where I didn't need the epilogue but glad it wrapped up so cleanly.

Really enjoyed this! I wasn’t expecting to like it as much as I did. Fantasy is huge right now and it’s hard to find original stories. So many feel like a copy paste. But this one felt new and different to me. It was fast paced and I think will be a big hit for readers who enjoy strong female protagonists and a bit of romance.

In For She is Wrath, Emily Varga crafts a breathtaking and darkly romantic fantasy, set against a vivid Pakistani backdrop. Inspired by The Count of Monte Cristo, this sweeping tale follows Dania, a heroine consumed by betrayal, vengeance, and an unquenchable longing for justice. After being framed and imprisoned for a year, Dania is granted a chance to reclaim her life and avenge herself against those who wronged her—especially Mazin, the boy she once trusted and loved.
From the very first page, Varga pulls readers into Dania’s intense journey. Varga's writing is immersive and lyrical, with rich world-building that truly brings the story to life. Each twist hits like a revelation, timed perfectly to keep readers enthralled and constantly guessing. It’s a book that grips you tightly and refuses to let go until the last page.
Dania’s character development is especially powerful. Her unwavering determination fuels her revenge, and readers feel her every surge of anger and heartache. Varga portrays her struggle with striking authenticity, showing both the allure and the cost of revenge. Dania’s friendship with Noor adds a grounding balance, while Mazin’s complex character becomes ever more intriguing as hidden truths emerge. Through their shared history and the undeniable tension between them, Varga explores the paradox of love and hatred, and how vengeance can blur the lines of humanity.
For She is Wrath isn't just a romance or a revenge story—it’s a deeply emotional journey that delves into friendship, loyalty, and the price of seeking justice at all costs. This book is an absolute must-read for fans of emotional, high-stakes fantasy. Pre-order it now; you'll want this one on your shelf!

To start with the pros, I found For She is Wrath’s setting to be very vivid; it induced such a strong sense of place. Secondly, I found the magic system involving Djinn magic and zoraat crystals to be interesting and creative, albeit in need of fleshing out.

A big issue I had with this was the pacing. While I found everything going on very entertaining and intriguing, things were moving too fast. This made Dania’s schemes feel like they were thrown together, with less payoff after the fact. This frenetic, rushed energy carried over into the conflict’s resolution and the book’s ending.

Next, Noor felt like a true side character who only existed to be the moral compass to the main character. I feel like the story would’ve benefited from her feeling like a real character with her own backstory..

Honestly, I’m not sure the YA genre is conducive with retelling the count of Monte Cristo., which is something I didn’t really realize until I started reading this.You can’t have a character who’s imprisoned for a long time, because if you wait too long, they won’t be a teenager anymore! This takes away from the impact and motivation behind the characters actions.

As a whole, I enjoyed parts of this and didn’t care as much for others. However, I would definitely check out more from this author in the future and I’m curious to see what she’ll do next.

FOR SHE IS WRATH is most likely (read: definitely) going to make my "Top 10" favorite books of this year! What a pleasant and amazing surprise; I'm, as always, upset with *myself* for not picking it up sooner. FSIW is a Pakistani retelling of "The Count of Monte Cristo" which, to be honest, sounded a bit daunting to me at first. I like classics and have read a great many of them..... but it's also been a very long time since 😅 That said, don't let that stop you from picking this one up!!! It's very accessible, in my opinion; it didn't take long for me at all to become engrossed in the story, and I think many others share in this same sentiment. Varga has created a very vivid, action-packed tale here, with both great pacing and plot twists that were actually surprising/felt earned AND served purpose in relation to the overall narrative. I though the insight/flashbacks into Dani's past was really well done, particularly when it came to her relationship with her father 🥺🥹 And finally..... this was Enemies-to-Lovers done RIGHT, full stop!!!! Considering this novel is technically categorized as YA, I had initially lowered my expectations when it came to the romance aspect and was prepared for it to be fine/mid at best. I'm so glad I was wrong. The tension! The uncertainty! The push and pull and eventual pining..... this book has it all in ACES. Very well done, highly recommend 100000%.

For she is Wrath
3.75⭐️2.75🌶️


Ya fantasy
Count of Monte Cristo Retelling
Unique magic system
Friends to enemies to lovers
Feminine rage
Flashbacks
Imprisonment
Pakistani inspired
Betrayal
Revenge
Secret identities

For She is Wrath was an attention grabbing retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo. The FMC’s unwavering pursuit for justice against a corrupt ruler and those who wronged her was the best kind of feminine rage. She goes up against her former lover as we learn about what lead up to her false arrest and imprisonment for treason and murder.

The richness of the descriptions of the food, clothing and setting was so immersive. I wish there had been a little more explanation of some of the Pakistani inspired elements. As someone who isn’t familiar with the culture and I wish there had been a little more explanation, but I really liked what was there.

The magical world building wasn’t as strong as I would have liked. I would have loved it to have been even more flushed out earlier in the plot.

The romance was true enemies to lovers. There was no doubt that Dani wanted M dead. The tension and was superb. I really enjoyed the main couple’s chemistry.

Unfortunately the friendship with Noor was a bit unbalanced, making it feel as if Noor was a true side character in her own story. It’s not often a side character seemingly thinks they are actually a side character. She would have really blossomed if she had been given a little more.

The conclusion was a little anticlimactic for me. But the beginning was everything I wanted and more.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

I am so in love with this book!! I loved the revenge plot / retelling and all of the Pakistani culture. The writing was so well done - I could smell all the yummy food and feel all the textures and clothes she described.

The romance was this lovely surprise of many tropes and was filled with so much anticipation. I couldn’t put it down. And the friendship with Noor was refreshing and I really hope we get a Noor story!!

I’m in awe that For She is Wrath is a debut book and highly recommend!! Thanks so much to Wednesday books for the arc! Emily Varga is a new must-read author for me!

ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ For She is Wrath by Emily Varga

Dania is wrongfully accused of murder and is imprisoned by the person she trusted her heart with. Now she must escape to enact her vengeance.

For She is Wrath is a fast paced YA fantasy standalone. I had a great time reading this one and loved the blood thirsty main character, Dania. I loved how brutally she handled her revenge, and that the author showed us the domino effect of achieving it. I really appreciated that forgiveness didn’t necessarily mean owing that person kindness. The romance was full of tension, and told in two timelines. It was very well done, and who knew scars could be so romantic. 🥰

Thank you #netgalley and #wednesdaybooks for the opportunity to read this arc. For She is Wrath came out October 29th so you can get it now!

Imprisoned for a crime she didn’t commit. Betrayed by her lover. Tortured and stripped of all humanity. Dania plans her vengeance. Every night she repeats their names waiting for her moment to escape. It comes in an unlikely form bursting through her floor. Two women seeking justice will escape pain to topple a kingdom and Dania will take on anyone standing in her way.

I know Dania is the heroine of the story, but what really stands out for me in For She is Wrath is the friendship that develops between Noor and Dania. Noor is the person you want at your back. She may not agree with what you are doing and she’ll tell you, but she’ll still have your back. She’ll go to the wall for you. Come to find out that Dania will too. I love this friendship that is born in the dirt of struggle. It starts with different intentions, but ends up being a true love of friendship.

There is plenty of action and intrigue. There is also a torn romance as Dania deals with her leftover feelings for Mazin and his betrayal. The struggle is real for her. It doesn’t get resolved until almost the end. The seesawing is tough. I actually could have done without the romantic part and I think the book would still have been as good due to the friendship between Noor and Dania. I think the romance portion weakened Dania, but that’s just my opinion. Dania’s heart is shown with her interactions with her family and Noor, if putting in the continued romance with Mazin was to soften her.

Revenge is the name of the game. Be careful what you wish for because you just might get it in For She is Wrath.

I loved this story!!!! Definite 5 star YA fantasy novel. I read this book via an immersion read with the audio narration getting a 5 star as well. Consistent pacing with steady plot pacing made this book an easy and enjoyable read.

This book is first person, upper level YA fantasy novel with an interesting yet easy to follow magic system. The FMC was strong, brilliant and also full of very valid rage. The main plot is the journey of her vengeance, but along the way there is love and friendship, unseen betrayals and maybe some retribution and forgiveness.

I found the FMC very likable and the villains equally loathsome! This is close to my favorite YA of the year!