One of the easiest ways to hook me is to pitch something as a Count of Monte Cristo retelling, and it's even better when it delivers in execution.

Dania is like, the ultimate stabby girl, and I loved her story. Her need for revenge, her grief over what she lost, her heartbreak--it all made her such a fulsome character. This was a well done retelling with a unique take that was a joy to read. Will definitely look out for more from this author in future.

For She is Wrath is a beautifully devastating Pakistani retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo.
Emily Varga explores the lengths one will go to for revenge and how much of yourself you’re willing to lose for vengeance. This is a heartbreaking tale of love and betrayal, revenge and forgiveness all woven around a magical world filled with djinn magic.
THIS is how you write a retelling!
It’s City of Brass’ Daevabad meets Count of Monte Cristo with a FMC that brings immaculate Aelin Galathynius x Arya Stark vibes. Is there anymore you could really want?!
We follow Dania who has been betrayed by her lover and wrongfully imprisoned for murder. Told in dual timelines, the “before” of Dania and her childhood love Mazin growing up and present time Dania as she escapes from prison and seeks retribution against those who have wronged her.
For She is Wrath had me clenching my heart and desperate to find out where the story will take us. Dani was such a strong FMC. She reminded me so much of Aelin from Throne of Glass with her blood thirst, schemes and quest to seek vengeance. Her character was broken and haunted and I felt her pain so acutely through Varga’s words. Her character arc was executed perfectly.
I adored her relationship with Mazin and their second chance romance.
I struggle when books have a lot of fluff just to add pages into a story but Varga’s pacing was perfect and I never felt bored while reading it. Right from the start her words suck you in, it’s beautifully immersive and lets you easily settle into the story.
I went to look up Varga’s other works and was shocked that this is a debut! 10/10

You’ll enjoy this book if you like story themes of
-Revenge
-Betrayal
-Wrongfully imprisoned
-Strong, badass FMC
-FMC who can fight
-Djinn
-Magic
-Forgiveness
-Second change romance
-Dual timelines
-First person POV

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review

This was so good!! For She is Wrath is a Pakistani romantasy retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas and who couldn't resist that premise??

The book starts off right in the middle of the action with Dania in prison for a crime she's been wrongfully accused of and she's working on her newest attempt to escape. it's been a year since she was imprisoned and she's been tortured and tormented everyday since, not only by the evil warden but by the events that led up to her arrest. Soon Dania meets Noor, a fellow prisoner, and they join forces to escape the prison. Noor also happens to know the location where a great wealth is hidden and the two new friends plot to work together to exact their revenge on the people who did them wrong. As they escape and put their plans into action, Dania and Noor begin to question how far they'd go to get their vengeance.

I loved Dania and Noor's friendship! They provide so much for each other and it's sweet to watch their relationship deepen throughout the book. Varga does such a great job of putting her own spin on Monte Cristo and she does it justice! A great debut novel from this author and I'm excited to see what else she comes up with!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Deciding to retell The Count of Monte Cristo as a fantasy romance is an ambitious task, but I was here for it! I was excited to see a new, enemies-to- lovers twist on the original story, especially painting it with Pakistani influence. Unfortunately, there was a lot to live up to and this just didn’t come close.

All of the trials, character development, and emotional beats are painstakingly earned in the original, but in this version, everything is a cheapened speedrun. Nothing felt earned. Everything was told in expository dialogue or lackluster prose. I wanted to feel all the emotions that usually accompany a premise that is largely a character study, but I felt nothing.

Maybe it’ll be better for people unfamiliar with its source material?

Wrongly imprisoned for a crime she didn't commit, Dania is focused on escaping and seeking revenge on those who put her there. When she meets Noor, they manage to escape and arm themselves with dark magic that few have access to and even fewer know how to yield. They begin their conquest for vengeance, where Mazin is in the crossfire. Mazin aided in the imprisonment of Dania, but she must get close to him again in order to exact her revenge. This begins a cat and mouse game where Dania begins to question what she really wants with her new freedom and magic.

I’ve never read The Count of Monte Cristo, so I went into this retelling blindly. The premise sounded so interesting to me, but it fell flat. What I enjoyed - I loved the magic system involving djinn magic and the revenge for a framed murder. I liked that she started to lose herself once using the magic and how she became more vengeful. I also liked the friendship that Dania and Noor developed and how they became each other's family. The cat and mouse between Dania and Mazin was okay, but definitely could have been shortened. Dania was very head-strong which I felt worked for the story.

The things that didn't work for me - the beginning where Dania and Noor were trying to escape felt slow, but it picked up after that. The pacing was better until the very end where everything wrapped up entirely too quickly. Speaking of, for a book about rage and revenge, the ending was just too "sweet". I expected so much more of the ending based on all the events leading to that point. It was just disappointing. I also wanted more from the magic system. It could have been such an interesting world. A lot of the conversations felt repetitive, to the point where I had to double check I didn't accidentally flip backwards in the book.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for sending me an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

If there’s one thing I’m a sucker for in a romantasy, it’s a strong-willed, feisty FMC who can whip a sword around. Fortunately, this was exactly our protagonist in For She is Wrath! I adored Dania and her perseverance and determination, while also battling her feelings for the boy who betrayed her. It felt very reminiscent of These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong and Powerless by Lauren Roberts — fans of either of these will fall in love with this YA romantasy.

While I enjoyed parts of this, it ultimately fell flat for me. That's perhaps unfair of me, as I think it meets the expectations of a YA retelling of Monte Cristo (particularly the ending) and I liked how it approached being a gender-swapped, Pakistani retelling. The prose is very readable, and I think by its target audience it would be well received. I personally wanted a bit more revenge, a bit more world building, and a bit more nuance, and would hesitate to recommend to other adult readers (particularly those who are fans of The Count of Monte Cristo).

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc of For She is Wrath by Emily Varga.

It's not everyday you get an enemies to friends to lovers to enemies to lovers, so I (for the most part) ate it up. It was a slow start but there were enough exciting parts sprinkled throughout to make it through.

Some things I really liked
-badass female mc who likes swords
- fighting scenes
- prison escape
- the way Mazin talked about Dania
-a great female friendship
-the scene about the scars OMG. so so so good.
-court politics
- the flashback scenes to their childhood

Some things that could have been better.
-The whole concept of Zoorat just wasn't explained enough for me.
-I also felt like the djinn component felt random at times, especially since it was so crucial at the end.
-I feel like we didn't get to see much of Noor's side and I felt like her story wasn't wrapped up as well as Dania and Mazin's.

Overall, I think the book was really entertaining but I felt like there were some loose ends. TBH I really loved the scene with the scars but I'm also disappointed that the whole book was getting revenge on Mazin and then she just forgave him??4 stars

For She Is Wrath is such a fun and unique ride! While I have not read The Count of Monte Cristo, I have watched the movie many years ago but I cannot say with certainty how closely this one follows the original.

Dania is set up for murder and locked away without trial by an Emperor fueled by Djinn magic. After one year she is still determined to break free and seek justice for herself and her family. When a chance encounter leads to this becoming a reality, Dania sets her plans into motion.

For She Is Wrath has such a unique magic system that is easy to follow and the dual timelines lead to you wanting to stay up way past your bedtime to finish just one more chapter. I loved the romance between Dania and Mazin and all of the side characters were well developed. I highly recommend this book if you are just starting in the romantasy genre!

Thank you NetGalley and St Martin's Press/Wednesday Books for this Arc of For She is Wrath by Emily Varga. I chose it because of the cover, I didn't realize it was a Pakistani retelling of the Count of Monte Cristo until the prison scene. I love that this story had a a strong sword wielding heroine as the the main character. Dania had been through a lot and even though she had revenge as her main goal she still was able to keep her huminty and let love in. I really loved Noor and her level-headedness. Her check ins helped ground Dania and get her out of the blinding rages that had the potential to fundamentally change who she was.
The love story between Dania and Mazin was so well done. The things he would say...swoon worthy! the only weak spot for me in this love story was his reason why he let her go to prison...
As the story unfolded I was super surprised by her Nanu's role in everything that went down. But ultimately I was very pleased with the overall love story and the adventure and fantasy of this novel!

For She is Wrath is a The Count of Monte Cristo retelling centered around Dania as she seeks revenge. She was framed for a crime she didn’t commit and spends her time in prison focusing on getting back at Mazin, her betrayer and someone she used to love. I love how Varga wove Pakistani lore into the story. I also appreciated the themes surrounding how far you would go for revenge and what lines are you willing to cross to get there. Varga kept me on my toes throughout the entire story. The plot pacing worked well for me with plenty of twists, action, and political scheming. I enjoyed the dynamic and growth between Dania and Mazin as we got to know each character. Also, the ending for this story is one of the better wrap ups I’ve read in quite some time. I absolutely loved it. I read this via audiobook and ebook but gravitated more towards the audiobook in part due to Ingar’s excellent narration. I highly recommend reading this one even if you aren’t typically drawn to YA books.

4.5 stars

A dazzling reimagining of The Count of Monte Cristo, set against the vibrant tapestry of Pakistani culture. This novel brings a fresh perspective to the classic tale, blending romantic fantasy with a gripping revenge plot.

At the heart of the story is Dania, a young woman whose life is shattered by betrayal from those she once held dear, including her former love. Varga's portrayal of Dania's journey from heartbroken victim to vengeful force is both poignant and exhilarating. The novel’s fast-paced narrative keeps readers on edge, making it a compelling page-turner.

The setting of the book is one of its standout features. Varga’s detailed depiction of Pakistani culture, infused with elements of fantasy, creates a richly immersive experience. The magical elements are seamlessly integrated into the story, adding depth and intrigue without overshadowing the emotional core of Dania's quest.

While the plot is dynamic and the stakes are high, it's Dania’s personal growth and her complex relationships that truly drive the narrative. The way she navigates her quest for vengeance while grappling with her own feelings and past connections adds layers of complexity to the story.

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. Emily Varga has crafted a memorable and engaging tale with "For She Is Wrath," blending classic themes with a unique cultural twist. This book is a must-read for fans of romantic fantasy and revenge-driven narratives alike.

For She is Wrath hooked me immediately with the opening chapters, and I was so excited about the premise involving djinn magic and the revenge for a framed murder. I found the pacing to be well executed, but I hoped for more magic and ultimately felt underwhelmed by the middle and ending. As a mood reader, I'm not sure if I read this at the wrong time or if these would be my thoughts regardless.

3.5/5

I really enjoyed the narration performed by Safiyya Ingar.

I received and ARC and ALC from St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books and Macmillan Audio | Macmillan Young Listeners via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The stunning cover alone sold me on this book, but I was completely blown away by the story! It’s a reimaging of “The Count of Monte Cristo” but with a strong female lead, a good dose of magic, and just enough romance to keep you hooked to the very last page!

The author is amazing at world building and creating very memorable characters. I was completely sold on the whole thing within just the first few chapters. I absolutely adored Dania and Noor. They were strong and smart female leads that complimented each other with their skills. The growth of their friendship and creative schemes were exciting to watch unfold.

Oh, and Mazin! I felt exactly the same as Dania with my love-hate feelings for him. The flashbacks were perfectly timed throughout the book, and I fully understood why Dania had so many conflicting and complicated feelings toward him. I really liked that this book explores the complexity of love. You can’t just flip a switch and instantly stop loving someone – no matter what they’ve done.

I highly recommend this book to older teens, young adults, and adults who love a good female-driven story about revenge with plenty of twists and turns. I definitely will be buying this book and look forward to more from Emily Varga!

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Wednesday Books for the opportunity to read an advanced reader's copy of this book for an honest review.

I really struggled with this story. I kept trying to get into it over and over, slogging through and it's just oddly paced. It's not really a Count of Monte Cristo retelling - so that's a poor marketing point. While I appreciate the woman scorned story, Dania never really gives you a solid reason to connect with her. It's so slow to develop and moves 0 to 60 from place to place, not to mention the constant me me me from the first person POV - so much telling without showing! Flashbacks are a powerful tool, but it wasn't wielded well here.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

For She is Wrath is a crackling, gorgeous debut about the need for redemption and forgiveness, but also about the power of female rage. The characters were very well-developed and achingly real. I truly didn't know what Dania would choose in the end, thanks to Varga's excellently nuanced characterization. The plot snaps along, constantly keeping readers on their toes. I do think that the setting was too-sparsely described and the magic system was a bit hand wave-y about how it worked, which took some power out of the climax; a more thorough understanding would have driven home the power of Dania's decisions better .

Still, a powerfully impressive novel from a hugely talented voice (catch all the adverbs there ;) )

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/ Wednesday Books for the ebook ARC. All opinions are mine alone.

i think i’ve been incredibly grateful lately to have FINALLY read some 5 star books, and this book is one of them! i’ve never read the book this is inspired by so i can’t tell you how accurate this is as a retelling but i believe that this book stands rightfully on its own as a literary masterpiece in my head. the protagonist is quite frankly the most fearless protagonist i’ve read in a while in a way that is not artificial or boastful - she stays true to her revenge on behalf of loved ones, and she continuously reflects on her decisions instead of diving headfirst in naivety as i see play out in so many other books…so needless to say i IMMENSELY enjoyed dania’s inner monologue and even more so her complicated relationship with mazin. emily varga said lovers to enemies and she absolutely delivered as dania was flip flopping between resolute and doubtful in her revenge towards her ex - she really was morally gray in her actions and i absolutely admired her for that. one last last gush about this book is noor!! her refreshing to see a female friendship that did not stand for noor’s bs but also was so so supportive of her actions. love everything about this book.

I loved this fresh new imagining of The Count of Monte Cristo! This is a Pakistani version with a young female heroine instead of a male, with the added plot point of djinn and magic. This was similar, but it is definitely its own story. I loved the setting, the characters and the pacing. The themes were well written and included throughout the story, not just dropped in randomly for the sake of plot. Thank you, Emily Varga, for giving us this story and St. Martin's Press for an early advanced copy.

Gor she is wrath is rich in djinn magic and betrayel. Revenge felt like a buzz word throughout this book. You couldn't read a chapter without that word popping up like at least 3 times. Most of this book took place in prison or at least that's how it felt sometimes. I feel like tge pacing was just off and I was super disappointed that this didn't turn sapphic. I was really anticipating it and when it went in the other direction I was a little annoyed. However toward the end the character growth from from our heroine made up for it a little. Not one of my favorites but it was still written well enough to be entertaining.

For She Is Wrath is a tale of vengeance, courage, allyship, friendship, and hope. Falsely accused of the murder of a Northern warlord, we first meet Dania while she is imprisoned, planning her escape from torture in prison to execute her revenge on those who have wronged her, including her ex-lover.

Female rage! Vengeance! Djinn magic! Lovers to enemies! What more could you want?! This book successfully converted me into identifying as a fantasy fan.

I was hooked by Varga’s worldbuilding from the start. Dani is lionhearted, and I loved how her relationship with fellow prisoner Noor developed as they brought their plans to fruition. Using a secret treasure rife with djinn magic, Dani and Noor return to the city to exact their revenge on the emperor who took everything from them, using his own power against him. The only thing standing between them and their vengeance? Dani’s ex-lover who betrayed her: Maz. Try as she might, her feelings for him may still be more complex than she wants them to be, even as she operates her plans in disguise.

This was a perfect YA adventure filled with heart-racing action, political intrigue, dark magic, and well-written, fully realized characters. I was so invested in Dania’s story, especially the way Varga wrote her friendship with Noor as the beating heart of the story, keeping Dani aware of not losing herself in her quest for justice. This undoubtedly deserves a spot on your TBR.