For She Is Wrath

The story begins with a prison break attempt, then proceeds both backward and forward. The history is woven into the current action. Dania is the perfect underdog because she has a rich history and a plan for her future despite being imprisoned. Those close to her become real as they are seen through Dania's eyes and experiences. She has a mastery in blade use and enough fortitude to keep moving forward after continually being knocked down. The magical threads throughout the story tie all of the battles and hardships and victories together into an exciting adventure. The battles are bloody on both sides, and allegiances are questionable at best and like the tides at worst. This quest for vengeance will grab you quick and hold you until the last battle is won!

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

OH MY GOD! I AM OBSESSED!
this book is everything I have not slept all night I couldn't stop reading it! so so so worth it .oh my .I honestly have no words but just one.BRILLIANT. If you have not added this to your tbr you have to please .it's a must read if you are in need for an epic fantasy!
wish I could rate it more then 5 stars. 12/10.

From start to finish this book was FANTASTIC. I loved this story through and through, the characters are very well-developed and the plot is interesting as well. The magic elements of the zoraat are very interesting and well explained throughout the book. The characters are easy to get attached to and root for their success. This book will definitely be in my top 5 reads of this year and might even end up as a reread because it was so well written.

Take a popular story, do a gender swap, add some fantasy and make it even better, that is exactly what Emily Varga did in “For She Is Wrath”.

The first time I saw the GORGEOUS aesthetic photos posted by Emily Varga on BookTok, about this upcoming story, I knew IMMEDIATELY that I was going to read this book! So how excited was I, to be chosen as an ARC reader on Netgalley, to read this, after waiting over a YEAR and counting down the days for its release. And let me just say, it did NOT disappoint!

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

That sentence says a lot about this story, but there is SO much more to this story.
This is NOT The Count of Monte Cristo’s story, this is Dania’s story and it is ALL its own. So do not go into this, thinking you are just reading a twist on The Count of Monte Cristo, because it is not, it is SO much more! This story has the added element of FANTASY, my favorite genre. Including some Jinn magic, that takes this story to a whole new level.

And talk about enemies to lovers. Well, this is lovers to enemies. He didn’t lift a finger to help her when she was arrested and she was imprisoned for over a year, and he never once visited her, or tried to help her escape, NOTHING! It was so sad, because she truly loved him. He was her first true love and throughout the entire book, you are just hoping that the man that betrayed her, the man she loved, wasn’t really bad, that he really didn’t betray her. (but you’ll have to read the book to find out)

We are also given glimpses of Dania’s past, giving us a bit of her back story and the reasons why she is seeking revenge on those she is so desperately trying to destroy, even at the cost of possibly, her very own humanity.

This book is also about friendship. Dania only escapes prison, with the help of someone, who later becomes a true friend to her. Someone who helps her in more ways than one. I absolutely love Dania and Noor’s relationship and how they were truly there for one another throughout the book.

And have I mentioned, that Dania’s dad was a swordsmith, and lets just say, her Daddy trained her VERY well, in the art of wielding many types of very sharp weapons.

I felt the entire book, just flowed right along, not too quickly and not too slowly, it was just right.
This book was so well written and I just loved it!! Easily 5 stars*****




Oh, and that TWIST!!! Ahhhhhhhhhh



Thank you to NetGalley
St. Martin’s Press
and
Wednesday Books
for allowing me to read the ARC of this truly WONDERFUL story!!

( I will be leaving my review on other sites, such as Amazon etc.., once the book has been released and we are then allowed to leave reviews, but I have left a review at Barnes and Noble and Books A Million as well. And of course, I will be posting on TikTok (BookTok) and Instagram as well)

This book was just *chefs kiss*. Emily Varga created an incredible world filled with characters I absolutely adored. From the romance to the friendships, this book had me swooning. It was a wild ride from start to finish, and I loved every second of it.

Women will not be stopped. A pawn. A don't see her coming. Two young women mistaken for harmless and powerless.
I inhaled this book. INHALED.
A year of torture and wrongful imprisonment. A year of chanting the names of those who wronged her. Desperate to see her father. Dania and Noor accidently meet - joining their revenge and plans for retribution.
Not romance heavy - focusing on honor, retribution, balancing the scales. And my personal favorite - angry women.
A joy to read - thank you, Netgalley and Tor, for my early ARC.

This book satisfies my definition of book magic: an unforgettable setting, characters I can empathize with, and those magnificent heart flutters. It’s a book that will find a special place on my bookshelf, and I look forward to rereading it again someday.

This was a great count of Monti Cristo retelling. The world building was very well done and I loved the romance and banter. I would highly recommend this book.

Omggggg

Omggggg

Omgggggggggg

BIG BIG THANKS to whichever book gods I pleased cause I honestly don’t even remember requesting this one.

THIS WAS GOOD. LIKE SO SO SO GOOD.

Djinn

Count of Monte Cristo retelling with big big vibes.

Rivals to friends to lovers to enemies to lovers

BE STILL MY FUCKING HEART

And MAZ.

FUCKING SWOON

Exhibit A

"Did you think I wouldn't know you? I'd know you with any face. Any skin. Any hair. A thousand djinn could disguise you from me and I'd still be able to find you just by the sound of your breath."

Exhibit B

"Because unless you tell me that, my foolish heart hopes and dreams and imagines. I can't make right what I did, I can't change it. But I can beg. I can promise that in all things, in all ways, I belong to you. And I will never let you feel as though I didn't fight for you again."

Exhibit fucking C

"Either like you want to kiss me or stab me. I can't always tell with you, but for some reason they are both equally as exciting."

I MEAN SERIOUSLY. CAN HE GET ANY BETTER?!?!

I’m so thankful for the eARC and I IMPLORE you to go read this book come its birthday.

Thank you Netgalley and Wednesday Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Emily Varga's "For She Is Wrath" is a YA book that travels through the depths of revenge, friendship, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Set against a backdrop of betrayal and imprisonment, the story follows Dania, a young woman wronged by those she once trusted, as she embarks on a quest for retribution. If you’re looking for a YA retelling of “The Count of Monte Cristo,” then you will definitely enjoy this book! I even see this book working as a pair with the classic in the high school English classroom; students might enjoy comparing/contrasting the two novels.

From the outset, “For She is Wrath” grabs you with its fast-paced plot and raw emotional depth. Dania's quest for vengeance is driven by a sense of betrayal and injustice, yet Varga manages to avoid the cliché revenge route that is standard of YA revenge stories. Instead, she infuses the story with nuance and complexity, exploring the psychological toll of seeking retribution while navigating themes of loyalty, friendship, and self-discovery. I really enjoyed the fast pace of the book as I found it difficult to put down because I just wanted to know what would happen next with Davia.

The dynamic between Dania and Mazin, her former love turned betrayer, is another highlight of the novel. Varga does a wonderful job at developing their relationship in a realistic way, infusing it with genuine emotion and tension. The romance never got in the way of the actual plot/revenge, which I appreciated. While Dania mainly grapples with feelings of betrayal and mistrust, her characterization then becomes a compelling exploration of the human heart's capacity for forgiveness and redemption. Equally compelling is the friendship between Dania and Noor, a fellow prisoner and steadfast ally. Their bond adds depth and warmth to the story; I really like how Varga was able to flesh out Noor’s character; side characters are often undeveloped compared to the plot or the MC, but I thoroughly enjoyed that through their shared experiences, Dania and Noor navigate their own feelings of revenge and redemption, ultimately finding solace in each other's company.

Varga's prose is rich and evocative, immersing you in a vividly imagined world teeming with magic and intrigue. The worldbuilding was excellent in this book with the blend of fantasy and adventure. Overall, "For She Is Wrath" is a well-written story of vengeance and redemption. With its well-developed characters, richly textured world-building, and plot twists, this book is one that I recommend for fans of fast-paced fantasies as well as those who enjoy well-written revenge stories.

What a gorgeous story with intriguing magic! I was absolutely obsessed with the lovers to enemies trope in this story and I can’t wait to purchase a physical copy!!

I have been provided with a review copy of this title from NetGalley for an impartial review. Ahhhhh this was just such a great read. I just didn't want this book to end and I was sad to turn the last page. I'm so excited to see what's next from this author.

I have been anxiously awaiting Emily Varga's debut and I was so excited to get an early read!

The premise of this book—a Pakistani retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo—immediately had me hooked. Varga's writing is breathtaking and paints an incredible image for its readers. She also has an amazing talent for world-building and I was immediately swept away!

The main character gave me a strong sense of female empowerment. I truly felt the depths of her wrath and pension for revenge. The plot had me on the edge of my seat, seeking revenge and searching for hidden treasure along with the characters. I also love her inner conflict and the tension she faces between fighting for vengeance and, conversely, love.

This book is a must-read!

This is an excellent Pakastani retelling of the Count of Monte Cristo; I love when retellings highlight plots through new themes and context. The protagonist, Dania, is one many will fall in love with. Her strong will, determination and desire for revenge is similar to characters like Aelin from Throne of Glass and Rin from the Poppy War. This is a great YA fantasy standalone for those looking for a strong female protagonist amidst a corrupt magic infused Empire with a small dose of romance and a big dose of friendship. Fast paced and very enjoyable - highly recommend!

I really loved this story! The adventure was top notch, the characters were excellent. I adored the retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo because it’s one of my favorite books. This was such a fun and unique read and I can’t wait to get a physical copy!

Absolutely loved this one! It was a loose retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo and I was eating that up, because the revenge and adventure and lovers to enemies was so good. I loved how the author wove her culture into the story as well and I really saw that shine through. This was such a vibrant, exciting read and I can’t wait for it to come out so more people can gush with me about it!

Thank you to NetGalley and st Martins press for this opportunity.

This book will be available 10/29/24

This was a powerful story. Emotional and engaging. Fast paced with an intriguing plot. A romantic fantasy retelling of the count of Monte cristo but it is Pakistani! Yes!!!! This should be on everyone’s TBR.

I could not put For She is Wrath down once I got started. I love Count of Monte Cristo and thought the idea of a Pakistani inspired, gender bend would be fascinating and I was right!! I enjoyed every page, I was at the edge of my seat at time! The characters were fun and well-written, I empathized with Dania throughout the entire book. I will definitely be adding this to my shelves when it is published!!

This ARC was provided to me through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This book had me on the edge of my seat for what felt like the longest time ever! In the best possible way! Emily Varga creates such a complex and intricate world with diverse, innovative characters unlike anything I’ve seen before. Her writing style is also very smooth and easy to follow along to. The romance subplot was very sweet as well and had me kicking my feet! I highly recommend this read to anyone hoping to read a unique fantasy world with relatable characters and a sizzling romance.

5 Stars: I'm actually in love! I adored this book and totally didn't read this instead of doing work(I did).

Description: When the boy she loves betrays her by framing her for a crime she didn't commit, Dania is on a quest for revenge. Armed with magic coveted by all, Dania uses her wits and skills with swords to take down the corrupt officials in a quest to destroy the people who ruined her life. But, as time passes, Dania begins to act as the very thing she wants to kill.

Dania was an exemplary main character. Her drive, development, and reasoning were excellently written. She was a character that people can relate to when it comes to overcoming feelings of anger and how different people deal with it. I loved Dania's love of swords, and I enjoyed that the author didn't allow her love of swords to take away from her femininity and how the character was who she was despite what people thought of her.

Even regarding the side character, I loved every second of this story. Noor is definitely a character many people can relate to, though she wasn't the main character. I loved her nonetheless and would love a book about her story.

In terms of romance, the story physically made me heart-wrenching. The author flips between different times in Dania and Maz's relationship, which makes the story all the more exciting and enjoyable. The author did an impressive job in portraying such a complex love betrayed.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this great ARC!

Thank you to the publishing company for an early arc copy—I highly enjoyed reading this book! For fans of lovers-enemies-lovers, strong friendships, and lush writing; the author has taken a well-known tale and delivered a fresh take. The cultural immersion was fantastic and probably my favorite part. I’m excited to see what else she writes!

I loved this retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo, with a Pakistani based, romantic fantasy element. The djinn magic element was such a fun twist on this retelling.

The story built on itself so well and the character growth for Dania throughout the story was so good! You can tell she really came into herself and what was really important by the end of the book. We LOVE a story female character. And her friendship with Noor was so sweet. I would love to see more of Noor’s story!

Also, Dania and Mazin- I loved their story! I enjoyed getting the backstory of their relationship and the way the author placed those chapters throughout the story, it helped everything to flow so well from past to present. What a great enemies to lovers story!

I would have liked a little more world building but it wasn’t hard to follow with the world building there and this book was an easy read! Highly recommend.

Overall: 4.5/5
Spice: 0.5/5 (kissing and FTB)

Thank you NetGalley, Emily Varga, St. Martin’s Press, and Wednesday Books for the chance to read this eARC and review it.

Y'all this book is so good. It is hard to world-build as much as Emily Varga did in this standalone but she made it work. For She is Wrath is a retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo with a Pakistani spin. It follows Dania and her quest for revenge on those who framed her for a crime she did not commit. One of those people happens to be the very boy she once loved. While I did love Dania I happen to love Mazin more. Mazin is such an interesting male main character and he has a troubled past. Need I say more? This novel is action-packed with plenty of twists and turns. It has magic, enemies to lovers, and strong female characters. Although it is a standalone and I would love to read more about Dania and Mazin I felt satisfied with how Varga wrapped up the book. Emily Varga will be a new author to watch!
Content: closed door, strong language
Thank you to NetGalley. These opinions are my own.

They had me with “Pakistani romantic fantasy.” Emily Varga’s FOR SHE IS WRATH is stupendously, bewitchingly good. Featuring an unputdownable plot centered on two star-crossed lovers caught in an impossible game of revenge, FOR SHE IS WRATH is the kind of story you had no idea you’d been waiting for. A truly impressive debut by Varga.