We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal - Book Review

We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal
Publication date: May 14, 2019
My rating: 4 stars

“The first step to getting anywhere is believing you can,” Benyamin said darkly.

If you’re reading this deliberating whether you should pick this book up… I urge you. Pick it up.

This was just the book I needed after so much time of none-fantasy in my life. And it was wonderful.

Combining all of my favorite things – engaging writing style, kickass characters, a love to hate romance that makes you all giddy inside, a magical quest, and let’s not forget the dark forces against them – how could I resist its charm?

I was pretty much swallowed by the darkness of the story, not wanting it to end because I knew I would be craving the next book, as I am now, which is not out until next year.

sigh
But such are the struggles of the reader, laa? 

He was a mess of scars like the sky was a mess of stars.

Nasir

My broken boy! I just… want… to… hug… him.
Or, better yet, for Zafira to hug him. Like. Please.
This boy. This boy who has been through SO much yet is still GOOD inside and he just does not see it.
I love him. I want him happy. I want him to smile. To laugh. 

Nasir had Kifah against the tree in a heartbeat. His voice was crisp. “Where is she?” Distantly, he heard Altair mumble, “What is it with Nasir and shoving people against things?”

Zafira

Our fearless girl!
Searching for something, all her life, never quite knowing what. I can’t wait for it to find it. We all know what it is. She just needs to see it for herself.

“Do you ever not provide your opinion?” Kifah asked, picking up a scorpion’s molt and studying it. Altair bowed. “I like to think I’m lightening the mood, shifting focus away from our impending dooms. You’re welcome.” “I never thanked you.” “I know. I’m saving you the extra breath. You’re welcome for that, too.”

Altair

Trust Altair to brighten up the mood!
I just loved this guy’s comments. So funny, always reassuring. Like Zafira noticed, he’s the kind of guy you’re just inexplicably drawn to, always craving his sharp wit.

While the story was definitely captivating way before the 35% mark, it's important to note the protagonists only meet there, and so the story becomes so much better at that point. So don’t give up on this book! Okay? 

*Spoilers*

“Enough,” Benyamin said, smoothing out his bedroll. “Kifah, you’re keeping watch.” “Your wish is my insomnia,” the warrior said with a salute.

That ending, with all those twists and turns.
While they didn’t shock me (even though I didn’t anticipate them either), they were wild enough and so one after, at some point I was just “😂 Are we going to find out Kifah is Zafira’s long lost sister or something next?”

I have to admit, I did not expect Benyamin to die. For some reason, I thought it was going to be Altair – even though I’m glad he’s alive!

I just loved that ending with Zafira, Nasir, and Kifah, staring into the distance, now a true zumra. All that Benyamin ever tried to make them, they now stand together, united.

Yasmin. I’m sure her part will come into play in the next book. Can’t wait for her and Zafira to reunite.

Not to mention, for the relationship between Zafira and Nasir to deepen, solidify. I know they can be something great together, and I’m sure we’ll see them be just that in the next book.

Looking forward to Yasmin meeting the man who finally made our Zafira blush!

Echos - Saints

This was the zumra. The zumra he belonged to. He was no longer here to kill the Huntress and take back that old tome. He was here to help her and the others. It was no longer about the book and magic—they needed to vanquish those amber eyes for good. Free magic. Free Arawiya. Free his father.