Aicha
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5.0 • 1 Rating
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- $2.99
Publisher Description
“A heady, heart-wrenching, magnetic debut, bursting with both love and fury.” —Holly Race, bestselling author of Six Wild Crowns
TEMPTRESS. MONSTER. WARRIOR.
Aicha is the story of Morocco's warrior goddess, her strange magic, fierce rebellion, and devastating romance. Soraya Bouazzaoui weaves an epic tale of female rage and hidden myths, perfect for fans of The City of Brass and The Stardust Thief.
The Portuguese empire has planted its flag across Morocco, ruling with an iron fist. But eventually, all empires must fall.
Aicha, the daughter of a Moroccan freedom-fighter, was born for battle. She has witnessed the death of her people, their starvation and torture at the hands of the occupiers, and it has awakened an anger within her. An anger that burns hot and bright and that speaks to Aicha’s soul.
Only Aicha’s secret lover, Rachid, a rebellion leader, knows how to soothe her. But as the fight for Morocco’s freedom reaches its violent climax, the creature that simmers beneath Aicha’s skin begs to be unleashed. It hungers for the screams of those who have caused her pain, and it will not be ignored.
★ “Epic in scope, furious, heart-wrenching, and utterly enchanting." —Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson, bestselling author of The Principle of Moments
★ “Aicha is a sharpened blade, swinging between the celebration of love in all its forms and unbridled anger.” —Eliza Chan, bestselling author of Fathomfolk
★ “Masterfully woven, a heart-pounding and immersive read that has it all: intriguing magic, devastating romance, detailed world-building, and fascinating mythology.” —Aamna Qureshi, bestselling author of The Baby Dragon Cafe
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Bouazzaoui's wrenching debut, set during the Portuguese occupation of Morocco and drawn from the story of Aicha Kandicha, a warrior goddess from Moroccan folklore, resounds with rage and violence. Aicha, the motherless daughter of a revolutionary blacksmith, is raised to be a warrior in a citadel that has been subjugated by the ruthless Portuguese commander Duarte Almeida. At age 20 and in obsessive love with handsome rebel leader Rachid, she joins the fight against their oppressors, discovering unexpected power within herself along the way. The politics are complex, Aicha's anger is palpable, and Bouazzaoui takes cinematic liberties with the violence. For those unfamiliar with this tumultuous period of history, Bouazzaoui's vivid fantasy retelling offers a colorful glimpse through the eyes of a committed female freedom fighter. The characterization at times feels thin, but the worldbuilding and high-octane plot entice. It's an intense and fascinating tale.
