"Each achingly raw character arc is fully realized, delivering a satisfying close to the zumra's story. Faizal's craft continues to evolve as she demonstrates a facility with language and literary technique, drawing readers into a fantasy world and into the lives of characters that feel impressively real. Moments of humor and edge-of-your-seat action easily balance the book's dark, tragic depths, creating a memorable story at the height of the fantasy genre." -Booklist, starred review
"This Sands of Arawiya duology closer will not disappoint readers with its plot twists, banter, tormented romance, and multiple betrayals and reveals. . .Faizal's prose truly shines in creating effective action scenes and dialogue. . .A
satisfying conclusion." -
Kirkus Reviews"Faizal continues the lush world building that marked the first of this duology, expanding upon the Persian-inspired setting and guiding readers through all of Arawiya, introducing new cultural aspects and making the stakes clear; especially deft here is the portrayal of trauma on a mass scale. . .Those who were left breathless by the previous installment will heave a sigh of relief." -
Bulletin of the Center for Children's BooksPraise for
We Hunt the Flame:"Drawing inspiration from ancient Arabia,
We Hunt the Flame gives exquisitely detailed insight into a cultural experience; this debut, about identity and unlikely allies, features subtly nuanced and deeply reflective characters. Layering high-stakes action with moods ranging from casual humor to raw anguish, Faizal bends fantasy tropes to her will to tell a fresh and gripping story about love, honor, and self-discovery that will leave readers scrambling for more." -
Booklist, starred review
"Faizal matches a sweeping, ancient Arabian setting of shifting sand dunes, crumbling ruins, and fickle magic with an engrossing tale of political intrigue and human and divine warring powers. That sense of epicness, however, is carefully grounded by her deeply flawed, morally conflicted, and endlessly fascinating characters; as individuals, they are each interesting, but it's the developing dynamic among the group that is truly compelling. . .Fans of Bardugo's
Six of Crows or Chokshi's
The Star-Touched Queen will be thrilled with the book's impressive world building, stellar cast, and intricate story." -
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review
"Lyrical and filled with adventure, a slow-burn romance, and an unforgettable cast of characters in a world based on ancient Arabia, this is a debut series not to be missed. . .Fans of Sabaa Tahir's
An Ember in the Ashes and Tomi Adeyemi's
Children of Blood and Bone should get excited for their next obsession." -
School Library Journal, starred review
"Faizal builds a world of immense detail and complexity. Readers smell the different foods in the marketplace and begin to understand the many layers of each culture in Arawiya. . .Faizal explores the strength of an independent female character in a world that silences women. As a result, Zafira's courage will teach readers the power of the human spirit." -
VOYA, starred review
"Debut author Faizal paints a vivid world, inspired by ancient Arabia and its mythology, that will appeal to fantasy and romance readers as well as fans of the Assassin's Creed video games. . .An appealing spin on traditional fantasy elements." -
Kirkus Reviews"Hafsah Faizal creates a dazzling and beautiful world that will make you not want to put this book down." -
Seventeen Magazine"Faizal's strong debut develops its engaging premise with evocative worldbuilding and memorable characters. . .Lush descriptions of setting and food offer a vivid atmosphere, and the slow-brewing romance is an engaging contrast to the harrowing emotional and physical journey at the heart of the story." -
Publishers Weekly"Hafsah Faizal's writing is so lush and evocative that
We Hunt the Flame is gripping right from the first page." -
PopSugar
