As a student of Middle Eastern Studies, I was afraid of this book. I've been posponing it for long (I bought this in 2015) and I am glad I have waited so long as it means I can get hold of the second book right now. I was afraid it would be full of orientalism, that it would lack an innovative abroach to the inspiration tale... but it wasn't the case and therefore I love it. It is a fantasy tale of wonders and I am so glad of the way Renee Ahdieh has handled a retale of One Thousand and One Nights. So so glad. 
 I liked the setting, the plot and the characters. I would lie if I said that Khalid is my fav because... I mean, my favorite cannot be none the less but Jalal. He is so loyal, arrogant, understanding and funny. But don't get me wrong, I still adore Khlid. He is kick-ass and so tragic (insert a heart emoji). 
 Our MC is not far from Jalal because I liked how conflicted she was, how she kept her head up, with witty remarks and an open-mind. 
 I cannot imagine Khalid as a boy even when he is often referred as a boy-kind. In my imagination (damn you) he looks older which I guess is the case (as he hardly sleeps). I can't wait to purchase the second book. I wasn't expecting to love this book so much. 
 I need more.