Review of 'The Daughters of Izdihar'

From debut author Hadeer Elsbai comes the first book in an incredibly powerful new duology, set wholly in a new world, but inspired by modern Egyptian history, about two young women—Nehal, a spoiled aristocrat used to getting what she wants and Giorgina, a poor bookshop worker used to having nothing—who find they have far more in common, particularly in their struggle for the rights of women and their ability to fight for it with forbidden elemental magic

Review

Splitting between two perspectives, The Daughters of Izdihar follows Nehal and Giorgina, two women brought together by their fight for equality in a man-dominated world.

Storytelling

I absolutely loved The Daughters of Izdihar. Not only because I am a massive fan of The Last Airbender and Legend of Korra but also because the elements behind the fantasy were incredibly relevant to the current climate.

I once had a professor tell me that genre fiction was not real fiction, a statement that I still feel is unfair and inaccurate. The Daughters of Izdihar is the perfect example as to why.

Nehal and Giorgina are two women from two different paths of life. Nehal was born privileged and is often a spoiled rich girl. She is headstrong and determined to use her ability as a waterweaver as more than just a parlor trick. That makes her a good character even when her narcissism sometimes makes her unbearable. Nehal strives for equality. She strives to be more than just a wife who hosts parties at her husband’s house. Nehal wants to be a warrior.

I also love how her character develops, and her powers grow to reflect that. Also, when she joins the suffrage movement, a group of women who call themselves The Daughters of Izdihar, she learns to put her ego aside (at times) and explore her sexuality. Nehal learns to care about more than herself, about something bigger than herself.

As for Giorgina, she comes from a modest family who put pressure on her to be a good daughter, a respectable daughter. Unlike Nehal, Giorgina does not like her gift as an earthweaver. She fears it, making her power uncontrollable as her emotions sometimes get the better.

But much like with Nehal, as life begins to wear down on her, she discovers her voice. She strives to be more outspoken. She strives for equality to make her own decisions and not be shamed for not folding herself into a box.

Nehal and Giorgina are perfect foils for one another, balancing one another out as they struggle with how society views not only their gender but also their magic. They fight for a voice in politics, a path towards equality.

Final Thoughts

The Daughters of Izdihar is a fantastic novel, and I’m incredibly excited for the sequel. They have both grown, but you can see the darker path ahead for some.

• Writing Quality : 9/10
• Character Development : 9/10
• "Couldn't Put It Down"-ness : 9/10
• Intellectual Depth: 9/10
• Originality: 7/10
• Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

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About the Author

Cynthia Bujnicki graduated from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature and Publishing. She has always loved to read since she was a child. A contributing writer for YA Fantasy Addicts, she is also the Editor-in-Chief for Cyn's Workshop. She lives in sunny South Florida with her husband, son and daughter and their two cats.