We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal

I was lucky enough to win an ARC of this book through a twitter contest.  I DEVOURED it in just under two days.  I loved it.  Women who have to hide who they are in a male dominated society?  Check. Broody assasins?  Check.  Humourous mystical beings?  Double Check.  Action/Adventure in magical lands?  Check.  A mysterious object that may or may not hold the fate of their world?  SUPER check.

Zafira is a woman providing for her village the best way she knows how.  She disguises herself as “The Hunter” and braves the mysterious Arz forest to help feed her famly and village.  Nasir is known as the Prince of Death.  Assasin for the Sultan (who in turn is controlled by someone else), he thinks he has to kill in order to keep his place in the world.

The two are thrown together on a quest, for very different reasons, and ultimately learn to help each other out.  Even if they do “hate” each other.  There is a death early on in the journey that darn near broke me.  But I hope there are some magical shenanigans that might restore the character in the next book.  Also, MAJOR cliffhanger at the end.  One of the best parts of the books is “missing”.  This will propel the next adventure in the book, and I can’t wait to read what adventures they have in store.

One thing I wish this version had, was a glossary/pronunciation guide.  Some of the words needed explaining to this East Coast girl.  I fully admit my ignorance in the language, and like the “City of Brass” series, I enjoy learning about new cultures and languages.  I can’t wait for more in the future!