The Wrath and the Dawn is a retelling of Arabian Nights told from the point of view of Shahrzd, a young girl who volunteers to marry the Caliph despite knowing the dangers such a mariage presents.

From the outset, it is clear that the Caliph is more than he appears. On his first night with Shahrzd he is all too willing to listen to her stories, all too reticent to kill her. This might be the only downfall of The Wrath and the Dawn. At a certain point it begins to feel predictable. The love triangle trope that is all too common with YA novels rears its ugly head and things go a bit downhill.

Where Ahdeih really shines is in her rich descriptions of the palace, the clothing, and the food. She creates an immersive experience, leaving with the feeling that you too have just eaten quince jam.

All in all The Wrath and the Dawn is stunning retelling of Arabian Nights. It succeeds where so many retellings have failed, by reimagining the story for a new (younger) audience.