We Free the Stars

“We were not born to fight, but our cradles were built from struggles and hardship. Pens, swords, sticks—weapons shoved into our fists as soon as we’re old enough to grasp them. So we fight because the world will cut our throats otherwise. We fight, because we won’t go down without one.”

― Hafsah Faizal, We Free the Stars

Long Story, Short

Stepping back into the tumultuous world of Arawiya, Zafira and Nasir prepare themselves to face the Lion of the Night as he gains power over their drained caliphates. With his threats and the impending loss of magic hanging over them, the characters travel across the country to find new friends to help them and new enemies to bring down.

Tell Me About It

A beautiful ending to a beautiful story. We Free the Stars had all the heart I could have wanted and more.

When I say more, I mean 500+ pages and one hundred chapters more of Zafira and her zumra running across Arawiya to reclaim magic and defeat the Lion of the Night once and for all. Now, that's a lot of pages for things to go wrong.

Just like We Hunt the Flame, the second half of the Sand of Arawiya duology was so pleasing to read. Faizal has a wonderful grasp on giving characters and settings very distinct designs that make them stand out. You can really step into the world in this book.

Did the book really need to be this long? Maybe. There are some filler scenes added to the storyline, but not a lot, making it seems as though they may have been unnecessary in the end. But if a few extra moments of dialogue or battle don't bother you, read away! I don't think it should stop the average reader from enjoying all the twists and turns this book takes.

We Free the Stars will not disappoint those that loved We Hunt the Flame. All the same magic, slow-burn romance, and heroism is represented here. It will leave you wishing to ride across the magical caliphates of Arawiya yourself.

Why...

You'll Love It

• Immersive imagery and interesting fantasy setting
• Magic and otherworldly battles
• Slow-burn romance

You Might Not

• Long, with some unnecessary scenes that drag
• Three perspectives

Book Details

Author: Hafsal Faizal

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult

Publication: January 19th, 2021 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Learn more here.