We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal –ADVISABLE

We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal. 472 pages, Farrar Straus Grioux, 2019 $19

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: PG13 (implied intimacy); Violence: PG13 (mental/physical abuse, fight violence).

BUYING ADVISORY: HS  –ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Zafira has the ability to withstand the magical cursed forest called the Arz; there she hunts for food for her village. But the Arz is spreading and no one can withstand it but her. Also her hunting is not supposed to be done by women, so she must disguise herself.  Nasir is the Prince of Death, is the Sultan’s own assassin, but he is life isn’t his own, and he must deny his humanity in order to keep killing. A witch comes to both of them and offers them the chance to restore long last magic to the kingdom, which would destroy the Arz. A ragtag group of would be heroes gathers on the island of Sharr; they face danger without and within their group.

Set in an ancient middle eastern style culture the author does a great job world building with cultural words, foods, and legends. With the character of Zafira, the modern oppression of women is addressed as she must hide that she is a woman in order to accomplish her hunting. The feeling of an epic hero adventure is presented, along with a love story. The only thing I did not enjoy was how long the story took getting to the actual adventure, I wish the portion that took place on the island of Sharr had been longer, especially getting to know the other heroes. The cover is very appealing and would certainly draw in readers.

Reviewer: Stephanie MLS & Author.