FOR SHE IS WRATH

A young woman framed for murder seeks vengeance with the help of a new friend and some dangerous magic.

For almost a year, Dania has been in prison, framed for a murder she didn’t commit. With plenty of time to think, she’s become consumed with rage, plotting her escape and her revenge on those who put her there. At the top of her list is Mazin, her childhood best friend and first love, who betrayed her out of his loyalty to Emperor Vahid. Dania manages to flee with cellmate Noor, who’s also seeking retribution against the emperor. Since Noor has access to zoraat seeds, the powerful djinn magic that Vahid used to overthrow Dania’s kingdom, the girls devise a plan to use it to obtain justice. After consuming zoraat powder to change her appearance, Dania executes an elaborate scheme to hurt her betrayers as they hurt her, slowly chipping away at their power. But the djinn magic threatens to overtake her, and she can’t forget her feelings for Mazin. Dania must be careful not to succumb to her own trap. Varga’s debut, a Pakistani-inspired retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo, is a compelling story with a strong, sword-wielding female lead, intense fight scenes, unpredictable magic, and fiery romance. Chapters labeled “Before” offer insight into Dania’s relationships with Mazin and other characters. Pakistani cultural elements are woven into the worldbuilding.

A vividly realized, page-turning revenge story.