I've been anticipating The Wrath and the Dawn as soon as I found out it is a retelling of One Thousand and One Nights, an arabic folk story I'm familiar with. I had high expectations and once I started reading The Wrath and the Dawn, I knew that every one of my expectations will be met... and they were. The story revolves around Shazi, who lives in a land that is ruled by a boy king who marries a girl every night, only to execute her when dawn arrives. Shazi's best friend became a victim to this monstrous king and Shazi's vowed to take revenge. However, nothing is what it appears to be and Shazi is thrust into a foreign royal world and unexpected foreign feelings towards this boy king that could jeapordize her revenge plan. 
 I loved how The Wrath and the Dawn wasn't predictable and obvious. It kept you on your nerves wanting to find out which and what direction the author will take with this plot. Also, Shazi is a fantastic main protagonist. I loved her personality as well as defiance that was actually one of the main reasons that Khaled found Shazi so admirable. I loved their interactions together and the internal conflict Shazi was going through as she discovered more of the hidden truth as well as how her heart feels towards this boy that she spends her night with talking and trying to understand. The Wrath and the Dawn has changing POVs, and while Shazi is inside the castle, her childhood sweetheart, is trying to start a revolution while some other questionable characters were trying to their agendas to the front. 
 The Wrath and the Dawn has just about everything. A fast paced thrilling plot as well as beautiful descriptions and accurate explanations and use of arabic words. The arabic world seemed very authentic, something that many authors struggle with sometimes (writing about a culture that is different from their own). From the arabic words used to the way the empire was at the time One Thousand and One Nights was written and set at. I loved everything about this book and I am so happy that it is the first in a series, and not a standalone. I can't wait for The Rose and the Dagger and very excited to pick up where we left off (and it was at a very exciting place!) and get back into this diverse and unique world.