I would have like a more compelling reason for Amani’s desire to leave her home instead of relying on a harmful stereotype of a culture. This is a real stereotype attributed to Arabian culture and I was bothered by the fact that Hamilton chose to include this stereotype in her novel as a reason for Amani to rebel. Throughout the story Amani states how Miraji men believe women are lacking in intellect and treat them as nothing but property. In order for Amani to stand out, to be original, the oppression that Amani experienced from her society was a bit over the top. One theme that rubbed me the wrong way was Hamilton’s portrayal of Amani’s society’s attitude towards women. The “difference” here is that Amani’s world was inspired by Arabian mythology and culture and the way that Hamilton incorporated the mythology and culture is what bothered me. Hamilton’s novel hits all the checkmarks of all the current trend in female driven hero’s journey novels (outsider girl – check, desires to live a different life – check, meets handsome rogue stranger – check, leaves in a hurry/goes on the run – check, falls in love, but doesn’t act on it – check, discovers secret power that rogue stranger knew about but she didn’t – check, joins a rebellion – check, survives first fight to live on for sequel – check). I don’t feel like this novel is all that original.
I enjoyed the main character, Amani, and her male counterpart, Jin I enjoyed the adventure the two went on and enjoyed the reveal of Amani’s gift. I couldn’t figure out why I had this, “I loved it but…” feeling. I figured that I read it too quickly and might have missed some parts of the story, hence why I was feeling a bit incomplete. However, there was something about the novel that didn’t sit right with me and I couldn’t figure out what it was, so I decided to read the novel again. Review: I’m going to admit that when I first read Hamilton’s debut novel, I was so involved with the story that I read it in a day. And she’d never have predicted she’d fall in love with him…or that he’d help her unlock the powerful truth of who she really is. But in all her years spent dreaming of leaving home, she never imagined she’d gallop away on a mythical horse, fleeing the murderous Sultan’s army, with a fugitive who’s wanted for treason. When she meets Jin, a mysterious and devastatingly handsome foreigner, in a shooting contest, she figures he’s the perfect escape route. But there’s nothing mystical or magical about Dustwalk, the dead-end town that Amani can’t wait to escape from.ĭestined to wind up “wed or dead,” Amani’s counting on her sharpshooting skills to get her out of Dustwalk. Mortals rule the desert nation of Miraji, but mystical beasts still roam the wild and barren wastes, and rumor has it that somewhere, djinni still practice their magic. Summary: She’s more gunpowder than girl-and the fate of the desert lies in her hands.
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