All This Twisted Glory (This Woven Kingdom, #3)

What I liked:
Tahereh Mafi has crafted a fantastic, tension-filled 3rd book for her in this woven kingdom series, and to think of two more books, how can we survive? In this third book, we are deeply embroiled in a love triangle where one party is destined to die, and the other two are destined to get it all. I was sobbing in the last part of this book as the author described what unfolded for Cyrus and Alizeh as they proceeded with the rituals that would join them.
Final Verdict:
They are layered with exquisite tension and heart-stopping romance. All this twisted glory will make you anxious to see how the events in this book will play out in the fourth book.

After waiting since last year, it was exciting to dive into the third book in This Woven Kingdom series. In my mind, I thought this was a trilogy and expected things to be wrapping up in this third book. So, I admit to feeling a mild panic throughout most of the book when we were moving at a fast pace towards the end of the book without any final resolutions.
Tahereh Mafi continues to be a master of emotional intrigue. King Cyrus is such a tortured soul that you want to like him and pry open all his dark secrets. He has a reputation for being villainous but we get just enough sneak peeks in this book to realize maybe that is a layer of protection for what is going on even though we do not quite know what that is even now. I was left wanting a clearer picture of the debt he owes and his terms with the devil, Iblees.
Alizeh is unconscious as a crisis starts building around her appearance. The Jinn are on a pilgrimage all over the kingdom to see their prophesized Queen and other countries are taking notice and war is on the horizon. Cyrus' mother is proving more unstable than originally shown and may see Alizeh as a threat to her power as well. Alizeh continues to seem naïve and rudderless about how to move forward. I want to see her gain the confidence she needs to assume the mighty role she has before her. I thought the decision she made regarding a dark ritual was a bit out of character for her but I can see that it may lead to the deeply passionate relationship we are all waiting to unfold.
Prince Kamran and the motley crew of friends loyal to Alizeh travel to Tulan to rescue Alizeh. Kamran’s whole worldview is in question as his grandfather’s actions are now exposed and Kamran’s right to rule Ardunia is in question. Mafi’s choice to include Miss Huda, Omid, and Deen is an interesting one. They provide comic relief even though their presence seems a bit contrived but I like them so am glad they came along. The sniping between Kamran and Huda hints at a future enemies-to-lovers opportunity that I would fully support.
Overall, the tension is mounting and I continue to be excited to see what happens next. Considering I thought this was the last book, I did not feel like enough happened to flesh out their characters and I wanted more open communication between the characters. The pace was quick and an easy page-turner but I hope more dialogue - especially if it is a bit steamy - is present in the next book considering the tension is so thick.

ALL THIS TWISTED GLORY is an enthralling sequel to an enchanting YA fantasy series. This third book continues the story of Alizeh, Kamran, and Cyrus which began in THIS WOVEN KINGDOM, with an explosive ending that will leave readers gasping for the next installment. The story begins with Kamran completing his journey to Tulan, ready to exact his revenge on Cyrus. Alizeh is still reeling from everything she has learned about Cyrus and very seriously considering his proposal, while Cyrus is struggling with Iblees and himself over what is to come.

What I loved: These characters are absolutely compelling and consuming, and the three points-of-view really help to expand and delve deeper into the mindsets of each. Kamran has been twisted by his grief and is questioning what he knows of himself and his grandfather, with his faith in everyone shaken by the revelations - including Alizeh. As he learns more about her, he begins to turn his mind to how he and his kingdom may benefit, while balancing their humanity in the equation. He is learning what it means to be a leader, without actually being present in his kingdom, where his grandfather's death has left much turmoil.

Alizeh knows who she is and who she wants to be, but she is not yet fully convinced of the roles that Cyrus and Kamran will play in her life, if any. As she has revealed herself to her people, she is determined to do what is right by them, regardless of the cost. However, the marriage proposal that once seemed terrible, may be her best path forward. Her heart and her mind are at odds over it, and she is considering carefully her next steps. Cyrus is tortured by Alizeh's presence, what she may want of him and the implanted visions that have been clouding his mind for so long. He walks a dangerous path, with burdens that the reader does not yet fully understand. He remains a bit of a mystery to the reader, and these dark secrets weigh on him heavily.

This story was heavily character-driven with much introspection, and largely concentrates on Kamran and Cyrus, building their stories for the reader. It was a fascinating look into their lives and personalities. The world-building was largely set into place in the first two books, but it expands a bit more here with some insight into the kingdoms and their politics. Iblees's riddles and prophecies cloud the future with paths that are yet to be seen.

Themes around morality, difficult choices, politics, sacrifice, honesty, betrayal, socioeconomic disparity, and faith are all really thought-provoking. The romance also heats up a bit more in this book with feelings becoming more clear, and the characters' choices leading them in certain directions. While Alizeh's inheritance may not come with land, she has people to answer to, and a political marriage may help to provide a haven and home to them - but her choices in this are challenging with potentially far-reaching consequences. The romance is certainly heart-wrenching with a bittersweet and lovely quality that continues to grow in this book.

While this is certainly not the end of the story, the reader does get some answers and will definitely be eager to see how things develop in future stories. The pacing was just right, and the next book cannot come soon enough!

Final verdict: ALL THIS TWISTED GLORY is a enchanting YA fantasy that will captivate readers and leave them eager for the next installment.