The Crown & the Arrow

The Wrath and the Dawn #0.5

by Renée Ahdieh

Seventy-one days and seventy-one nights had come and gone since Khalid began killing his brides. This dawn, Khalid would mark the loss of the seventy-second girl, Shahrzad al-Khayzuran. Khalid didn’t know how many more of these dawns he could take. And there was something about this latest girl that piqued his interest. Not only had she volunteered to marry him, but at their wedding ceremony, she had seemed not the least bit afraid. In fact, what he had seen in her eyes was nothing short of pure hatred. She was about to lose her life. Why wasn’t she afraid? Why did she hate him so? He had never before gone to his wife’s chambers before her death at dawn. Tonight would be different.

The ebook is a free purchase via one of the online stores.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Short Stories, Novella, Retellings, Ebooks

11 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2016

About the author

Renée Ahdieh is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. When she’s not reading, she enjoys cooking, skincare, and fashion. The first few years of her life were spent in a high-rise in South Korea; consequently, Renée enjoys having her head in the clouds. She and her family live in North Carolina.

She is the #1 New York Times and internationally bestselling author of The Wrath & the Dawn series, the Flame in the Mist series, The Beautiful quartet, and the picture book, Emilio Sloth’s Modern Manners. Park Avenue is her debut adult novel.

** Please note that requests for Advanced Reader Copies should be made through the respective publisher, and all other requests should be submitted through the author's website. **

Reviews

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Do not fear what the setting sun may bring. Where there is a setting sun, there is also a rising one.”



Me trying to write a review after reading this beautiful story.
I’m in love with this world and the characters within it. I can’t even think coherently after finishing The Crown and the Arrow— I’m freaking out, it was so damn good. I had to stop everything I was doing just to finish it. I'm seeing in stars and hearts right now.



In this short prequel, we read about the first meeting between Shazi and Khalid on that memorable night and dawn— from Khalid’s point of view.
Who knew it was possible to love him even more after reading this story? (I did) (I’m totally in love with a fictional character).
He’s unlike any character I’ve read before and just so incredibly good with words. He can make me cry and laugh and swoon in a single sentence. I love him. I love him. I love him.
But this story was so short. I need more. PLEASE.

“Why would such a girl have cause to hate Khalid with such fire?
The fire of a rising sun.
Even before he whirled away from the dais, Khalid knew he had to discover why.
Though it might cost him what little remained of his sanity.
He would learn the truth.
Tonight he would flout his own rules. Meet the girl alone.
Ask her a single question.
He could afford that.”




I read The Wrath and the Dawn last week and I haven’t stopped thinking about it ever since. I missed Khalid so much.
And I know it hasn't been that long since I last read about him, but it certainly feels that way.
I haven’t been able to read any long book after I completed The Wrath and the Dawn. HELP. It’s constantly on mind. I’m so ready for the sequel.
I’m completely hooked on Renée Ahdieh’s writing. I’ll read anything she writes.





This review and more can be found on my blog.

[Aj the Ravenous Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I agree with almost everybody who says this isn't necessary but it's just too pretty, it still managed to give me the goosies. Oh, Khalid!

In truth, I'm just using this as a venue to greet the ONE and ONLY LOLA REVIEWER a HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Enjoy your special day and stuff yourself with all the cakes and books you could manage. Lol. <3 <3 <3

[Norah Una Sumner · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Shahrzad is da boss even from Khalid's POV.



Definitely a cute short story. Now I'm even more excited for The Moth and the Flame. And it's free on Kindle.

[Kassidy · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5*
Beautiful writing and an exciting look into Khalid's mind. I just wish it was longer!

[Aya · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Do not fear what the setting sun may bring. Where there is a setting sun, there is also a rising one.”

It's a short prequel to The Wrath and the Dawn, Way Toooo Short!! which didn't add much to it.

“No girl in her right mind would volunteer to die.”

It talks about the first time Khalid met shahrzad. She was so brave. Her head, high. Proud.

[Fatima Havilliard · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Do not fear what the setting sun may bring. Where there is a setting sun, there is also a rising one.”

This is too short... D':

Excluding the really short length I enjoy really much this short story. It was interesting to be inside of Khalid's head. Also this reminded me how much I love The Wrath and the Dawn.

I can't say other thing more than May come fast please!!
------------------------------------------------
Wait... I just saw this and I'm sure the rating will be 5 stars. I mean is Renee Ahdieh I would be happy just with read her shopping list. And if it were not enough the story is about Khalid!!

[Mikee (ReadWithMikee) · Rating 4 out of 5]

WHAT IN THE WORLD...?

Why is this so short? Just when I started to become fully immersed into the story, it ended just like that!

I loved reading the story through Khalid's POV and I honestly wouldn't mind a whole book dedicated to his POV alone. Actually, the full, detailed story of how the curse came to be written in Khalid's POV would be such a treat!

This novella didn't do a thing to satisfy my withdrawals! It was a tease. And now my withdrawals are even more intensified. However, I do look forward to the next novellas especially the one with Despina and Jalal because I just can't get enough of this world and these characters!

Thank you for making my withdrawals even worse, Renee Ahdieh. :'(

[Simona B · Rating 1 out of 5]

I knew I wasn't going to like this.

(V.O.): Why did you read it, then?

I have a slight fever, my eyes are stinging like crazy and this novella is ridiculously short, I had already downloaded it and I had basically nothing better to do at the moment. I apologise to the fans.

(V.O.): But you liked First Impressions, and that one was even shorter and just as useless.

Marguerite and Paul are cute. Shahrzad and Khalid give me the effin' creeps. Most screwed up relationship ever.

Sorry not sorry.

[Maryam Rz. · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS! I'd needed this.

“Do not fear what the setting sun may bring. Where there is a setting sun, there is also a rising one.”

I'm emotional. A short revealing novella to be read after The Wrath and the Dawn.


Storyline & Storytelling

The Crown & the Arrow follows Khalid Ibn al-Rashid, the King of Kings, as he first meets Shahrzad the night they wed. A chapter of The Wrath and the Dawn from his POV.

Her hate was a thing of glory.
She was not afraid.
Why isn’t she afraid?

I'd been wondering at his thoughts that dusk, and I was absolutely thankful to have the chance to see it from his eyes! It makes me understand him even more.

I also understand why this couldn't be a part of the the original book, because if it was added in its own place it would've been too revealing; and later there was nowhere to put it. It gave me everything I wanted with a moving writing style andunmatched storytelling!


Characterization

In this short addition to the duology, I love seeing the shahrban's loyalty, captain Jalal's steady support, the handmaiden and spy Despina's curiosity, my glorious queen Shahrzad's pride and strength, and Khalid's everything.

These are characters I won't be forgetting anytime soon :)


Companions

Related books:
(recommended reading order)
• The Wrath & the Dawn (The Wrath and the Dawn, #1) [ MY REVIEW ]
• The Moth & the Flame (The Wrath and the Dawn, #0.25) [ MY REVIEW ]
• The Crown & the Arrow (The Wrath and the Dawn, #0.5) [ MY REVIEW ]
• The Mirror & the Maze (The Wrath and the Dawn, #1.5) [ MY REVIEW ]
• The Rose & the Dagger (The Wrath and the Dawn, #2) [ MY REVIEW ]

Book playlist:
• “Enough” by The Tech Thieves

[Emily May · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two stars means "it was ok" and that's exactly what this was. It's just a very short prequel to The Wrath and the Dawn where Khalid first meets Shahrzad and can tell she hates him with a burning passion. I know it's just supposed to be a glimpse into his first impression of her, but I couldn't help thinking "is that it?"

It just didn't really add anything.

[Chantal · Rating 2 out of 5]

That's it?



I mean, I don't know what I expected from such a short story but this was just so utterly unnecessary. I didn't dislike it, it's free on Amazon and will take you all of 5 minutes to read so no harm done, but I'm still not sure if I would recommend this. There's nothing here that we didn't know already from The Wrath and the Dawn.

The story takes place just before Khalid meets Shahrzad but told from Khalid's POV. That's pretty much it. Hopefully The Moth and the Flame will add more to the story so that the pain of waiting for The Rose & the Dagger won't be as acute. Can't wait for April 26th!

[Radmila · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 +++ STARS

Do not fear what the setting sun may bring. Where there is a setting sun, there is also a rising one.








When I saw this book today, I couldn't believe my eyes.







This is a short story about first meeting between Khalid and Shazi on their wedding day. One of the reason why I enjoy this story is because it was written in Khalid's POV. I can't wait to read more from this author.



He would learn the truth.
Tonight he would flout his own rules. Meet the girl alone.
Ask her a single question.
He could afford that.

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

i just remembered i preordered this. i just love khalid. if you LOVED the wrath and the dawn this is worth the read plus it's only 9 pages.

[Isa Cantos (Crónicas de una Merodeadora) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Do not fear what the setting sun may bring. Where there is a setting sun, there is also a rising one”.

Después de amar con todo mi corazón The Wrath and the Dawn, el retelling de Las Mil y Una Noches, no pude evitar leer esta pequeña precuela. En The Crown and the Arrow nos encontramos con la perspectiva de Khalid sobre el día de su boda con Shahrzad. Ese día que cambiaría para siempre el rumbo de la maldición que Khalid, a costa de sí mismo, está intentando romper.

No se imaginan lo que hizo este pequeño relato en mí. Si pensaba que amaba locamente a Khalid por haber leído el libro principal, esta historia me demostró que es aun más increíble de lo que lo recordaba. Y leer cómo fue el primer encuentro entre Khalid y Shahrzad me demostró que podría leer un libro completo desde su punto de vista. Todo lo que siente, piensa y ve es tan intenso y tan enfocado hacia no sentirse un monstruo que se me rompía el corazón.

¡Necesito leer ya mismo la segunda parte de la bilogía porque quiero que sean felices por siempre jamás!

[P · Rating 3 out of 5]

Khalid's story

Nothing important. Just another little extension of this beautiful story.

[Stacee · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS WAS ABSOLUTELY NOT ENOUGH.

However, it was quite interesting to get a brief glimpse into Khalid's head. Now I want more.

[enqi ☾⋆˚*̣̩✩ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do not fear what the setting sun may bring. Where there is a setting sun, there is also a rising one.

Review to come!

[Minne · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5 STARS

❓❓❓ IS THAT IT?

❗❗❗ I AM GOING TO GROW OLD SEARCHING FOR THE REST OF THE BOOK.


❎❎❎❎❎ ANNE'S CHECK LIST OF DISAPPOINTMENT
☑ Beautiful writing - 5 ✔✔✔✔✔
☑ Intriguing Perspective - 2.5 ✔✔❓❗
☑ Narrator - 5 ✔✔✔✔✔ But could be just bias speaking ▪▪ snorts ▪▪
☑ Length - 0 ❌
☑ Significance - 0 ❌
☑ Necessity - 0 ❌
☑ Pointlessness - 5 ✔✔✔✔✔
☑ Frustration - 5.36557840 ✔✔✔✔✔✔❌❌❓❓❓❗❗
☑ How much bothers I give - 0 ❌
JUST LOOK AT ME

SO UNINSPIRED

[Neil Franz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Eh?

[Vanessa J. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. Honestly, this wasn't necessary. It didn't add anything new to the story, and besides, it was too short. The writing was still as beautiful as the one in The Wrath and the Dawn, but now instead of Shazi's POV, we have Khalid just before meeting her. I expected Khalid's first thoughts about Shazi would be more interesting, but this story only states the obvious. That doesn't mean it was bad, because it wasn't - I just felt its existence was pointless. Hopefully The Moth and the Flame will be better.

[Brittany (Hiatus-On/Off) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my short review for this short story and the quotes that stood out to me in it:

1. "Do not fear what the setting sun may bring. Where there is a setting sun, there is also a rising one." I just realized this quote can mean so many things! Do not fear tomorrow, do not fear the dark, there is always hope, and probably more!

2. "They pierced through him like arrows." Okay, so if your like me and only realized what the title meant half way through this novella, here is what it means, to me at least. The Crown being Khalid and the Arrow being Shahrzad's eyes when she looks at him.

3. "She was indeed of small stature. But not a girl to be dismissed. Not at all." Completely agree with ya!

4. "This girl hated him with all the violence Khalid felt in his heart. Hated the very sight of him. Hated everything he was with everything she had." Or so she and he thought... ;-)

You also really get to see how afraid (I think that is the correct word I want to use)...Khalid is of the darkness...inside and out. Although I don't think there is any darkness inside Khalid. *hugs* :)

Darkness can only rule if there is no light of course... ;-)

[Kyla Spackman (ourbookworlds) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Where there is a setting sun, there is also a rising one.”

I love Khalid and so of course I loved these nine short pages of getting to be in his head. I adore Renee's writing the way she words things is beautiful.

"And he would not do her the dishonor of speculating. The dishonor of presumption."

"In Khalid’s experience, only two things prompted people to such drastic measures. Love. And hate."

I love how deep Khalid thinks. He is not lightly passing by this world living the moment. He is down to earth and so emotional.. love emotional guys XD

[Andreea Pop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sadly, I cannot give this one 5 stars simply because it is too freaking short.

But it is beautiful. Haunting. Powerful. Sorrowful to the nth degree.

Khalid, stop playing with my heart. I'm afraid I cannot handle your perfection.

[Anniebananie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Netter Einblick in Chalids Gedanken und Gefühle zur ersten Begegnung mit Sharzad. Aber ernsthaft: er fragt sich echt warum sie ihn hasst? Seriously?! Warum wohl?! *kopfschüttel* Ich bin und bleibe weiterhin ein Fan von Ahdiehs Scbreibstil!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was short but sweet. I finally found out why he chose to see her that night. It was nice to actually get some background information as to why he chose her.

[⊱ Poppy ⊰ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Khalid took to studying the rays of sun shifting through the carved screens. The way the light danced and folded itself.
"What's her name?" he finally asked his uncle.
"Shahrzad al-Khayzuran."
Khalid committed the name to memory. Another life lost. Another family shattered.
The seventy-second one.

Phew. Oh my this book did NO good with my obsession of Khalid. It even give more fire to it. My Love for Khalid is endless. & this book gave us the insight from Khalid's POV on the day of wedding. Now I know why Khalid went to meet the new chalipha Shahrzad. because as always "Curiosity kills the cat"

“He was good at that. Good at robbing the world of light, even in its barest measure.”

OH my baby you're NOT a Monster. You're just a Pure-broken soul. Everything of Khalid interests me. and OH how much this book made me want a book from Khalid's POV. But I know that's just impossible.

“A monster did not deserve to consider the motivations of his prey.”

THIS WAS ABSOLUTELY NOT ENOUGH. NOW I NEED TO READ The Rose & the Dagger ASAP.

“Her hate was a thing of glory. She”

I WANT MOREE.. THIS WAS NOT ENOUGH!

[beep ☀︎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it! it was awesome to read Khalid's thoughts and know a bit about what happened before the wrath and the dawn. although it was only 9 pages! Way to short!

[✨ A ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Do not fear what the setting sun may bring. Where there is a setting sun, there is also a rising one.”

Khalid Ibn al-Rashid, the Caliph of Khorasan despises himself. He is being punished for failing his first wife and everyone has to suffer if he doesn't pay the price.

There were only a few parts in the Wrath and the Dawn that were Khalid's POV. And he remained a mystery because he isn't very expressive and he keeps secrets. This short story was so heartbreaking, he believed he is a monster. Just like his father was a monster.

My poor Khalid was ready to sacrifice so much for the mistake he made, willing to do anything for his people.

________
My reviews for:
0.25. The Moth and the Flame
1. The Wrath and the Dawn
1.5 The Mirror and the Maze
2. The Rose and the Dagger

[Fafa's Book Corner · Rating 2 out of 5]

Review posted on Fafa's Book Corner !

Beware spoilers ahead!

Despite the fact that I didn't enjoy The Wrath and the Dawn I wanted to read this. Now when I first read the synopsis I thought that this would be about Khalid and Shiva. I don't know why I thought this but I did. So when I saw it was free on Kindle and iBooks I went for it. When I started reading it I realized that this book is about Khalid meeting Shazi. Not Shiva. Looking back at it now it's pretty funny. But at the time I was so disappointed.

The book begins with Khalid yet again getting married and lamenting over the fact that he had to kill another girl. Although he is happy that he's nearly done and then he can be free as well as his kingdom safe. He doesn't really care that they see him as a monster. He understands why they despise him but he's doing what's best for them.

His Uncle the General comes to get him and they walk over to his soon to be wife. The two converse and Khalid notices that his Uncle is hiding something. Khalid asks his Uncle to tell him what is wrong and he informs Khalid that his new bride has volunteered.

Khalid is baffled because why would anyone want to marry the him even though it is well known that he kills all of his brides. He tries to tell himself to not think about it. But that all changes when he meets her. The girl looks at Khalid with challenge and pure hatred in her eyes. Khalid knows that he didn't kill anyone from her family. He made sure to tell his cousin Jalal not to choose two girls from the same family.

Khalid notices that Despina the girl's to be handmaiden is very curious. He decides to have her find out his new brides motives. Curiosity gets the best of him and he ultimately decides to visit this girl tonight to understand her reasons for volunteering.

I didn't really enjoy this story. I found that it was completely useless and you don't really find out anything new about the series. It was interesting to read in Khalid's point of view. As it would turn out Khalid is very melodramatic. The author did a good job writing his point of view. Despite the fact that I didn't enjoy this I will be reading the other short story about Despina and Jalal.

Overall this was a useless short story. I recommend it to anyone looking for something very short to read (it's 8 pages).

[Irene ➰ · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a pretty interesting prequel but waaay too short!
I liked the POV a lot though 👌🏻