The Wild Ones by Nafiza Azad | Audiobook Review

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

From William C. Morris Finalist Nafiza Azad comes a thrilling, feminist fantasy about a group of teenage girls endowed with special powers who must band together to save the life of the boy whose magic saved them all.

We are the Wild Ones, and we will not be silenced.

We are girls who have tasted the worst this world can offer. Our story begins with Paheli, who was once betrayed by her mother, sold to a man in exchange for a favor. When Paheli escaped, she ran headlong into Taraana—a boy with stars in his eyes, a boy as battered as she was. He tossed Paheli a box of stars before disappearing. With the stars, Paheli gained access to the Between, a place of pure magic and mystery. Now, Paheli collects girls like us, and we use our magic to travel the world, helping to save other girls from our pain, our scars.

When Taraana reappears, he asks for our help. Dangerous magical forces are chasing him, and they will destroy him to get his powers. We will do everything to save him—if we can. For if Taraana is no longer safe and free, neither are the Wild Ones. And that...is a fate that we refuse to accept. Ever again.

Why Did I Listen To The Wild Ones by Nafiza Azad?

So there are two reasons why I listened to The Wild Ones by Nafiza Azad. The first is that I used to read and follow Nafiza’s book blog back in the day. I felt like she wrote these reviews that would always convince me — what with her gorgeous writing style and all when talking about books. So, Nafiza is someone whose writing I really genuinely respect. I also found her to be one of my favorite people to follow. The second reason is that honestly the cover of The Wild Ones is breathtaking. I just love the pink and how the characters were drawn. It’s gorgeous and a gorgeous cover is like a siren call to me.

What’s The Story Here?

The Wild Ones is a feminist fantasy. It follows eleven girls who have magical powers and they have to use those powers to save this boy who honestly is the one who originally saved them. These are girls who have really been through it and have experienced sex based oppression. Paheli was the first of the wild ones. Her story is ancient. You see, Paheli’s mother was a prostitute and she was in the midst of selling Paheli to a man when Paheli runs away. There she meets a boy named Taraana who gives her this box of stars. And with that the Wild Ones have formed and throughout the centuries Paheli saves other girls who become part of the Wild Ones. Eventually though, Taraana finds himself in danger and it is up to these young women to save him.

How Did I Like The Wild Ones?

I think that Azad truly has a gift. This book is beautifully written. The prose has earned its reputation for being lyrical. I loved that this book wasn’t afraid to take feminist issues head on and really delve into the sex based oppression young women have faced throughout time. It doesn’t shy away but leans right in. On the other hand, I do wish I felt more connection to the characters, but I think that is because I listened to this book and not physically read it. But, I did end up putting this book on my holiday wishlist, so here’s hoping it will pop up under my tree in December and I can just re-read it.

How’s The Narration?

The audiobook of The Wild Ones has three narrators. The narrators are Ulka Simone Mohanty, Priya Ayyar, and Nafiza Azad. I knew which parts Nafiza narrated, but I couldn’t get specific with you for the other two. The audiobook is nine hours and three minutes long. I listened to it sped up and did not retain as much as I hoped. Nowadays I am listening to audiobooks at their intended speed, but yeah, I do think I am going to have to go back and read the physical book so that I can get the full experience as intended.

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April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

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