A review by b_morganbooks
The Final Strife by Saara El-Arifi

4.5

In my opinion, this has a YA nostalgic plot, but with the grit and complexity of adult fantasy. I absolutely loved it. From the very first page, I knew I was going to enjoy it. Although the lowest class were mutilated, I really liked how they communicated with each other without tongues or hands. It added a layer to the book that will make the whole trilogy very memorable, I would think.

The idea of there being different classes in a fantasy book is nothing new but the author made it feel fresh and exciting. I haven’t read another book that handles addiction (joba seeds) in such a way, other than maybe the Greenbone Saga. I also love waiting for big reveals in books, especially when we know but the characters don’t, so I was really excited for the ending and it delivered! I fell in love with the relationship between Sylah and Anoor, they had my favourite moments in the book. I really hope they keep it up as they both deserve the world. 

The ending came as a shock to me, and I have no idea where it’s going to go from here. The first book in the series definitely has a whole lot of trauma, but I think it’s one that most fantasy fans would enjoy.