We Hunt the Flame Book Review: An Arduous Journey of Love, Duty, and Self-Discovery

We Hunt the Flame is a fantasy romance novel and the first book of Hafsah Faizal's young adult sci-fi duology, Sands of Arawiya. It was first published in May 2019 and won a literary award as the Best Young Adult Novel 2020 for the Ignyte Award.

The novel revolves around Zafira and Nasir, burdened by society's expectations. Zafira, a skilled hunter who disguises herself as a man, fears that revealing her true identity as a woman will undermine her accomplishments. Nasir, the Prince of Death, suppresses his emotions and compassion to avoid his father's wrath while carrying out assassinations. As war approaches and the sinister Arz draws nearer, Zafira embarks on a quest to find a lost artifact that can restore magic and stop Arz's advance. At the same time, Nasir is tasked with retrieving the same artifact and killing the hunter. However, as their paths converge and their journey unfolds, they uncover an ancient evil and realize that the artifact may pose a greater danger than anticipated.

Author

Hafsah Faizal is a Florida-born Muslim author renowned for her New York Times bestsellers and award-winning novels. In addition to her writing career, Faizal founded IceyDesigns, a platform where she creates websites for authors and other creative products. Her talent and contributions to the literary world have earned her recognition, including being named a Forbes 30 under 30 honoree. Faizal enjoys designing, playing Assassin's Creed, and exploring different parts of the world when she's not immersed in writing.

Her notable works include We Hunt the Flame, We Free the Stars, and A Tempest of Tea. You can follow Faizal on her Instagram account, @hafsahfaizal, or her website, https://www.hafsahfaizal.com, to get updates about her work.

Theme

The novel explores the theme of moral choices and the potential for redemption. Burdened by his role as the Prince of Death, Nasir grapples with his past actions and seeks redemption for himself and his land. In her journey as the Hunter, Zafira also faces moral dilemmas and questions her own motivations. The story also delves into the importance of cultural heritage and identity. It draws inspiration from Middle Eastern culture, incorporating fantasy elements and references to folklore, mythical creatures, and the impact of cultural traditions on the characters' lives, creating a rich and immersive world.

Characters

Meet Zumra-the individuals that unite, forming an alliance to restore peace. Each character has unique strengths and motivations to confront their challenges and work towards saving Arawiya from impending ruin.

Zafira Iskandar

Zafira is the novel's female protagonist. She is a skilled hunter who conceals her true identity as a young woman due to societal restrictions. She is described as physically strong with cold, unfeeling blue eyes, reflecting her determined and resilient nature. Zafira's past trauma and strained relationship with her mother shape her character, motivating her to find her own purpose.

Zafira possesses a sense of adventure and curiosity, which drives her to explore the dangerous Arz forest and undertake Sultan's quest. However, she also struggles with the fear of judgment and the potential consequences of revealing her gender. As the story unfolds, Zafira undergoes personal growth, forming complex relationships and learning to rely on others. Her journey intertwines with the Zumra, and together they face challenges and uncover the truth about their world.

Nasir Ghameq

Nasir Ghame is the male protagonist of the novel. He is the crown prince of Arawiya and is known as the Prince of Death due to his role as the Sultan's assassin. Nasir's upbringing under his cruel father and the loss of his mother have shaped him into someone who suppresses his emotions and strives to follow orders without question.

Nasir then embarks on a quest to Sharr with Altair Al-Badawi, Arawiya's general, to find and eliminate the Demenhune hunter and retrieve the Jarawat, a magical artifact. Along the way, Nasir discovers that the hunter is a young woman named Zafira. He forms an unlikely alliance with Zafira and Altair, joining forces with other characters to become the Zumra.

Nasir's emotional detachment is challenged as he develops feelings for Zafira, but he tries to deny and downplay these emotions. However, their connection grows, and Nasir finds solace in her presence, though he remains determined not to let his emotions control him. Throughout the journey, Nasir faces physical and emotional challenges, leading to moments of vulnerability. His character arc revolves around his struggle between duty and his hidden emotions.

Altair Al-Badawi

Altair al-Badawi, Arawiya's prized and enigmatic general, is known for his charisma, intelligence, and hidden intentions. He has a fondness for qahwa and indulging in life's pleasures. Altair's personality is described as charming, flirtatious, and confident. He skillfully uses his charm to conceal his true intentions. However, beneath his charismatic facade, Altair is strategic and cunning, always working to achieve his goals.

Altair accompanies Nasir on a mission to Shaar, but their true objectives and loyalties are shrouded in mystery. It is later revealed that Altair is a spy for Benyamin and is involved in a complex spy network. During their journey, Altair's connection to Deen, Zafira's brother, is unveiled, leading to a truce between Nasir, Altair, and Zafira. However, Altair's manipulative nature and his role in deceiving Nasir with a false spy, Kulsum, come to light. A significant moment occurs when the Silver Witch reveals that Altair is Nasir's half-brother and that their mother, the beloved sultana of Arawiya, faked her death and secretly gave birth to Altair. This revelation sparks a confrontation between the two half-brothers.

Kifah Darwish

Kifah came from a family of inventors, but she chose the path of a warrior over that of an inventor. She possesses a lithe figure, suggesting her physical agility and strength. Kifah's personality is characterized by her confidence and strong-willed nature. She is unapologetically feminist, displaying a belief in gender equality and the empowerment of women. Kifah is known for her sharp tongue and snide comments, which can come off as harsh. However, beneath her tough exterior, she possesses a compassionate heart, which requires others to break through her icy demeanor to witness her warmth.

Benyamin Haadi

Benyamin is a Safi individual who possesses heightened abilities and is described as stunningly beautiful, with sculpted features, flawless golden skin, and an air of elegance. One notable aspect of Benyamin is his tattoo, which reads "Haqq" in Safaitic script. This tattoo symbolizes his core values of truth and trust. It represents his commitment to honesty and the pursuit of truth, emphasizing his character's integrity.

Benyamin is portrayed as wise and intelligent, taking pride in his intellect. He acknowledges his own vanity and admits his mistakes. He assumes a maternal role within his group, ensuring their preparedness and attending to their needs. Despite his ominous demeanor, Benyamin has an appreciation for close-knit communities and camaraderie, reflected in his fondness for the concept of "Zumras," or gangs.

Plot

In the land of Arawiya, ruled by the oppressive Sultan Ghameq, Nasir serves as the Prince of Death, his father's assassin. Zafira, known as the Hunter, disguises herself as a man to provide for her village and navigate the enchanted forest called the Arz. When both are sent on a mission to retrieve the Jawarat, a lost artifact, their paths intersect on the cursed island of Sharr. Despite their initial enmity, they must collaborate to survive and uncover the truth behind the Six Sisters' disappearance.

As they journey together, Nasir and Zafira develop romantic feelings for each other. With the guidance of the Silver Witch and determination to restore peace to Arawiya, the last surviving sister, and their mother, they confront the Lion of the Night, who manipulates the Sultan and seeks to obtain the Jawarat. In a final battle, the Zumra fights against the lion, rescues Altair, and narrowly escapes with the artifact. However, they suffer losses along the way.

Writing Style

The author employs a lyrical prose style that evokes Middle Eastern poetry and contributes to the epic-like tone of the story. The narrative is rich in sensory descriptions and vivid imagery, captivating readers in the fictional world of Arawiya. The story can be framed theatrically, enhancing the dramatic elements of the plot and heightening the sense of adventure. It also emphasizes the growth and development of its characters, particularly Nasir and Zafira, as they confront their pasts, face challenges, and discover their true selves. The narrative alternates between Nasir and Zafira's perspectives, offering insights into their internal struggles, motivations, and gradual transformation.

Notable Quotes

The novel captivates readers with its beautiful prose and eloquent language, making it a delightful piece of literature that begs to be shared online. Here are some examples:

"There is no greater curse than memory. Tragedies happen once, memories relive them for eternity."

"We hunt the flame, the light in the darkness, the good this world deserves."

"A thousand leagues and a thousand sands. For you, a thousand times I would defy the sun."

"A life without purpose may be no life, but a life without love is nothing but an existence."

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

Critique & Verdict

We Hunt the Flame is a sci-fi fantasy novel that entices readers with its captivating world-building. The intricate and brilliant construction of the world in the story is a major highlight. However, the characters, despite having complex backstories, unfortunately lose their depth and become flat and uninteresting as the story progresses. Additionally, the beautiful prose doesn't always blend seamlessly with the narrative, especially when mixing Arabic and English words, where the Arabic terms don't quite convey their intended meaning accurately.

The pacing of the novel is somewhat slow, resulting in delayed plot development. Nonetheless, the book manages to maintain engagement through its enchanting magical elements and immersive fantasy setting. Readers will find themselves transported to a vivid world inspired by the ancient Middle East, offering a refreshing departure from the typical Western touch often found in fantasy novels. We Hunt the Flame provides a fascinating exploration of different cultures and folklore, making it an intriguing choice for sci-fi enthusiasts seeking a unique reading experience.

For those seeking a fantasy novel with a distinctive setting and a rich representation of cultures and folklore, We Hunt the Flame is worth checking out. Immerse yourself in a captivating world that will satiate your curiosity and offer a fresh perspective for sci-fi fans to indulge in.

FAQs

Q: What is the We Hunt the Flame novel all about?

A: We Hunt the Flame is a YA fantasy novel about Nasir and Zafira's journey to restore peace in the land of Arawiya.

Q: Who is the author of the novel We Hunt the Flame?

A: Hafsah Faizal is the Muslim author who wrote We Hunt the Flame novel.

Q: What is the setting of the story?

A: Hafsah Faizal's We Hunt the Flame is set in a fictional land in the ancient Middle East.