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The Candle and the Flame
The Candle and the Flame | Nafiza Azad
Azad's debut YA fantasy is set in a city along the Silk Road that is a refuge for those of all faiths, where a young woman is threatened by the war between two clans of powerful djinn.
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Gissy
Candle and the Flame | Nafiza Azad
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#AutumnPlease Day 3 #CandleFlame

This candle smell so good and I need to read that tagged book another oldie in my tbr😬

@Eggs @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

JessieKB Love that kind of smell!!!! 14mo
Gissy @JessieKB It‘s the perfect sweet scent
🕯😌 🧡💛🤎
14mo
Eggs Love vanilla scent—beautiful photo with velvety pumpkins 🎃 🥰👍🏼 14mo
See All 7 Comments
Gissy @Eggs Thank you! I love this scent🤎💛🧡 14mo
mabell Your box was going to get there just in time for you to open on your birthday! 🎂 But I had to request a replacement book today because it was damaged 😭 It will be there close! 14mo
Gissy @mabell Ohhhh, thank you in advanced. I‘m always late in my packages 😳🙄But it will be there. How old is Sophie? How is that relation with your pets and her? I have watched some lovely videos with dogs and new babies. ♥️ 14mo
mabell She‘s 7 months now today! So far the older “kids” aren‘t too in love with her 🤣 She is a little loud for them right now 😂 14mo
35 likes7 comments
review
Marialou
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Pickpick

Fantastic book. Really nice to read a standalone fantasy for a change rather than a series.

This book is beautifully written and the descriptions of the world, people, clothing and food are stunning and vivid. The story is compelling and the characters fully developed. Loved it.

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humouress

“Let me hear the tune first,” she says.
There is a pause and then comes the sound of the oud. The three witnesses...maintain straight faces, but the Alif sisters do not even bother. Azizah is snickering while Adila has buried her face in her hands though her shaking shoulders give away her mirth. Amirah has stuck her fingers into her ears. The Emir‘s oud playing is that atrocious.
Thankfully the piece the Emir is butchering is a short one.

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humouress

Suddenly...the two soldiers standing before her fade into shadowy outlines. Each of them has a golden name embedded in the skin above their hearts. Each name has a different meaning, a different shape...The qualities that compose this Ifrit are in his name...The names glint...Fatima realizes that hundreds of gold tensile strings extend from the names and appear to shape the Ifrit who are no longer shadowy outlines but man-shaped smokeless fire.

blurb
humouress

At around the 10% mark; it‘s interesting but a bit slow - not helped by the welter of non-English language words (Arabic, Hindi, Punjabi etc). There is a glossary but it‘d be easier to hold 2 pages open to flip between with a physical book than with the e-book.
There‘re also a corresponding heap of religions.

humouress At around the 20% mark it morphed into a page-turner (at least, so far) 3y
humouress It‘s written in the present tense, so I have to make a mental adjustment every time I come back to reading it. 3y
humouress Although I‘m interested in the story and want to find out what happens, I‘m not truly invested in the characters. I think the unknown words and the present tense serve to keep them at a distance as we watch what happens to them - rather than feeling it, if it had been reported in the past tense. 3y
humouress The spoiled princess turning into a savvy politician was plausible but could have been more convincing with more/ earlier groundwork. (edited) 3y
humouress Oh look, another oud (I'm reading 'The Candle and the Flame' soon after 'Seraphina') 3y
2 likes5 comments
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humouress
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“The books on the shelves of the mahal library all belong to the Name Giver, who, in Zulfikar‘s private opinion, has gone out of control where his book buying is concerned.”

No such thing 😂

💖 💖 💖 💖 🤍

3 likes1 stack add
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SilverShanica
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I am posting one book per day from my to-be-read collection. No description and providing no reason for wanting to read it, I just do. Some will be old, some will be new - don‘t judge me I have a lot of books.
Join the fun if you want. This is day 155.
#bookstoread
#tbrpile
#bookstagram

3 likes1 stack add
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Eggs
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In Nafiza Azad‘s debut YA novel set in Noor on the Silk Road, she weaves a tale of magic and the importance of names; fiercely independent women; and, perhaps most importantly, the work for harmony within a city of a thousand cultures and cadences.
#candle #sleightheshelves @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @OriginalCyn620

rjsthumbelina I loved this one! 4y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks So pretty ❤️ 4y
OriginalCyn620 Sounds good! 4y
55 likes2 stack adds4 comments
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rjsthumbelina
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@InBooksILive The Candle and the Flame is on its way to you via UPS. I'm so sorry it took me so long to get it to you! I have a pretty cute excuse though. I meant to mail it on the 31st, but got admitted to the hospital bc of high blood pressure, where I was induced! Little man and I just got released yesterday, so I had my husband take it to UPS to try to get it mailed there more quickly! @suvata @Endowarrior21 @hwestfall #lmpbc #groupd

hwestfall Congratulations! What a sweetheart. I am glad that you and baby are doing well. You both are way more important than a book ❤️ 4y
LiteraryinPA Congratulations!! What a sweetheart! 4y
Seekingtardis He is absolutely adorable!!!! 4y
See All 15 Comments
wanderinglynn Congrats! What a sweet blessing! ❤️ 4y
Caroline2 Ahhhhh! Congratulations! 💖 4y
Shadowfat Congrats!! 4y
Lcsmcat Congratulations! What a sweetie! 4y
Sargar114 Awww yay, congrats!!!! 4y
MrsGagnonreads2024 Congrats 4y
suvata Congratulations 🎈 4y
marleed Congratulations! He‘s Beautiful! 4y
GingerAntics Congratulations!!! What a cutie!!! 4y
MaureenMc 💕💕💕 4y
sprainedbrain Oh congratulations!! 😍😍😍 4y
InBooksILive Oh my goodness! Congratulations!! He is precious ♥️ I wouldn‘t of been mad if he was mailed to me with the book 😆😆 looking forward to reading this one though! 4y
41 likes15 comments
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rjsthumbelina
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While I love when authors reply to my tweets, I'm sad that there's not more Noor on the way in the future...

@InBooksILive @hwestfall @Endowarrior21 just so you know, she is one of those authors that will respond to tweets when you all get to read it!

MrsGagnonreads2024 Nice but I only have IG I honestly hate twitter. 4y
rjsthumbelina @Endowarrior21 lol! I'm not a huge fan of it either. But I do occasionally like tweeting at authors 😁 4y
InBooksILive That‘s super awesome she replies back! Can‘t wait to read it! 4y
31 likes3 comments
review
rjsthumbelina
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Pickpick

I very much enjoyed my pick for #LMPBC #groupd. It was surprising in all the right ways. A lovely desert fantasy involving many different kinds of djinn and their interactions with humans. Includes heavy elements of found families, discussion of what it means to be evil, feminism, diversity, and a sweet romance. The only thing I'm disappointed by is the idea that as of now, there isn't a sequel planned!

I'll put the pretty jacket back on 🔽

rjsthumbelina (cont.) before I send it off to you on Monday, @InBooksILive! @hwestfall @Endowarrior21 4y
rjsthumbelina Read for the #readingrush for the book that starts with 'The.' It's also my first book completed for #24b4monday 4y
Andrew65 Well done 👏👏👏 4y
28 likes3 comments
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rjsthumbelina
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Okay, guys: I've been trying first chapters all week, and I have narrowed it down to these 2 possibilities! The Candle and the Flame is a desert fantasy that deals with djinn and other fantastical creatures, and Song Below Water is about modern-day sirens and includes a fair amount of social commentary.Candle and the Flame is longer and seems more complex, but a deeper fantasy.I can't choose! #LMPBC #groupd @Endowarrior21 @InBooksILive @hwestfall

hwestfall I am good with either but if I had to choose it would The Candle and then Flame. 4y
InBooksILive I have been dying to read The Candle and the Flame so I‘ll pick that one. 4y
MrsGagnonreads2024 Both are on my to buy list so either is fine with me. 4y
rjsthumbelina Majority rules: The Candle and the Flame it is! I really enjoyed the beginning of it, so I'll start it in earnest either tonight or tomorrow! @hwestfall @InBooksILive @Endowarrior21 4y
InBooksILive Can‘t wait to read it ☺️ 4y
22 likes5 comments
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sherryvdh
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1) I enjoy washing my dishes by hand. I love brussel sprouts. I am 5'3".
2) Tagged!
3) This is hard. I'm torn between Charley Davidson from my current read because I love her sense of humor and shameless sense of self, or Armand Gamache because he seems like such a wise, calming presence.
#litsylearn @Alora

Alora Hey Sherry! I‘m going to guess the lie is that you love washing dishes by hand?! I don‘t have a dishwasher so I have to 😂 5y
sherryvdh @Alora you are correct! Lol. It's my least favorite housework task, and my dishwasher has been broken for months. 😞 5y
Alora Oh no that sucks :( I hope it gets fixed soon! I would say my least favourite task is laundry lol 5y
23 likes3 comments
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sherryvdh
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1. 🔝
2. On my couch, with a tea and a warm blanket
3. ☝️
4. That's a tough choice! I'll say Baby Groot.
#FriyayIntro @4thhouseontheleft @howjessreads

alisiakae Ahh, toddlers 😂😂 5y
26 likes1 comment
review
Sharanya
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Pickpick

First of all, the writing is damn good. A loving attention to craft + world building that‘s positively decadent. I did sometimes feel like the pacing was sacrificed for the setting. That could just be me though, since I‘m from the dominant culture being described in the story & therefore don‘t need detailed explanations of holiday rituals etc. A stunning, rich fairytale that centers women and explores the nuanced bonds of sisterhood. ★★★★☆.

7 likes1 stack add
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Sharanya
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#currentlyreading | “The desert sings of loss, always loss, and if you stand quiet with your eyes closed, it will grieve you too.”

... now THAT is an opening 😳

11 likes1 stack add
review
Naz786
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Pickpick

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟. I truly enjoyed the authors debut novel. Parts of me reminded of S.J. Mass's A Court of thorns series. I was captivated from the start. The detailed description of food would make anyone hungry lol and lets not forget women empowerment through out the book. Can't wait to read more books from the author:)

LibrarianRyan She‘s a litten. 5y
6 likes1 comment
review
Lindy
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Pickpick

A qualified pick, for its independent women & rich #fantasy setting: an Islamic trade route city in a desert, populated by humans & djinn. Also good: use of Indic & Arabic words throughout, the respect for women & importance of chosen family. Not good: cheesy writing: “The stars glitter, smug in the security of their existence.“ “He kisses her with a heart forevers are made of.” I don‘t have much tolerance for romantic nonsense. #YA #Canadian

Lindy Excellent #audiobook narration by Christine Tawfik. 5y
brilliantglow I LOVED this audio book! Absolutely fantastic 5y
Lindy @brilliantglow Yes, it‘s the first time I‘ve listened to anything narrated by Christine Tawfik. She‘s great. 5y
See All 10 Comments
Suet624 Have the stars not heard of black holes? 5y
Lindy @Suet624 😆 5y
LibrarianRyan The author is a Litten. 5y
Lindy @LibrarianRyan That‘s cool. 😎 5y
Nafiza Okay yes, I was surprised that last sentence was not flagged by the editor but she let it go so 🤷🏽‍♀️ Thank you for reading. 😁 5y
Reggie @Suet624 lololol 5y
Lindy @Nafiza Thanks for your comment. There‘s plenty of evidence that other readers wholeheartedly love your style. Being romance-averse, I am happy when there‘s enough in the other aspects of a novel that I can overlook the goopy parts. 🧞‍♂️😊 5y
44 likes1 stack add10 comments
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Lindy
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“Without her, the room was empty.”
“The idea of marrying [redacted] terrifies him, mostly because of how much he wants to.”

I‘m two thirds of the way through and the clichés are irritating, but the setting and characters are compelling enough for me to persevere with this audiobook.

46 likes2 stack adds
review
SassenachTheBookWizard
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Pickpick

3.5/5

Okay I definitely need to reread this. My brain kept checking out.

Honestly, I don't think the plot was particularly unique. It's definitely been written before. It's the setting and characters which were really the strength and truly the best part! It was a pretty enjoyable standalone that I didn't think was too ambitious but also too surface. For a debut and a standalone, it didn't fall into a lot of pits I find many debuts do.

85 likes1 stack add
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SassenachTheBookWizard
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beautifully designed book + a Canadian author = I need to read

LibrarianRyan She is also a Litten 5y
81 likes5 stack adds1 comment
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Sneakybea

“The way he looks at her makes her feel like a stranger in her own body. The rage persists even when she prays Zohr; she pours her heart out to her Creator and yet...
Does the rajkumar think she ought to feel flattered by his attentions? Or does he think she will automatically reciprocate his dubious affections?”
You tell ‘em, Fatima Ghazala.

review
KarynGood
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Pickpick

Listened to this debut YA by Canadian author Nafiza Azah and really enjoyed it. Engaging setting, complex characters, and plenty of action. #readthenorth

21 likes1 stack add
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DuskAngelReads
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How freaking stunning is this book! I got The Candle and the Flame in the mail today and I can‘t get over how beautiful this cover is?!

Has anyone read this? I don‘t know anything about it but I am so damn keen!!

LibrarianRyan I know the author is on Litsy. Does that count? I also have a copy but have not read it yet. 5y
ladym30 Great photo! 5y
DuskAngelReads @ladym30 thank you! 5y
10 likes3 comments
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sherryvdh
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It seems every time I read a book with a wazir in it, I always find him less than likeable. I'd love to find a book with a likeable (or female) wazir.
That being said, I'm loving this audio so far! I'm finding the characters intriguing, and the relationship dynamics between some of the characters is relatable to me. I've been very stressed and anxious the past month or so, and this is a great diversion from the overwhelming feelings.

StayCurious I can‘t get over this cover ❤️ 5y
37 likes1 stack add1 comment
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LibrarianRyan

B

WanderingBookaneer Cryptic. I like it. 😜 5y
Bookwormjillk To B or not to B 5y
LibrarianRyan Ummmm I didn‘t post this. I must have left Litsy open when I put my phone in my pocket. 🤣😁🤓. @Bookwormjillk @WanderingBookaneer 5y
See All 10 Comments
ravenlee 😂😂😂 5y
LeahBergen Are these two titles books you‘ve read at least?? 😂😂😂 5y
LibrarianRyan @LeahBergen it was the last book I bought. Does that count. I bought it this weekend. 5y
LeahBergen @LibrarianRyan Well, that‘s good. 😆😆 I thought it might have just posted two completely random book titles! 5y
Avanders 😆😆 this is awesome. 5y
Jas16 This is hilarious😂 5y
rubyslippersreads I‘m waiting for the day I set down my iPad with Litsy open and one of my cats posts. 😹 5y
38 likes10 comments
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LibrarianRyan
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Today‘s BN book purchase. I had to tech the puppy how to wait in the car. What better place? I can watch out the window. However I may need a sign that says “she‘s is okay. She whines at everything”. Flib was cool as normal giving Demon side eyes that say “would you shut up!” 😁

BTW this book is by a #litsyauthor for any of you trying to fill that hole in a challenge. @Nafiza

Nafiza Yay! I hope you enjoy Candle! 5y
Soubhiville What a beautiful book! That‘s a category I haven‘t read yet, so I‘m adding it to my list of possibilities 💕 5y
Chrissyreadit Added! 5y
90 likes9 stack adds3 comments
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Nafiza
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Officially released and on shelves!

LibrarianRyan Yeahhhhhhh 6y
KarouBlue Congratulations! 6y
13 likes2 comments
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Liberty
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?IT‘S NEW BOOK DAY!?Here are some of today‘s new books! There are several more out that I am excited about, including THE SATAPUR MOONSTONE by Sumatra Massey, THE CANDLE AND THE FLAME by Nafiza Azad, SHUT UP YOU‘RE PRETTY by Téa Mutonji, WE HUNT THE FLAME by Hafsah Faizal, NO SAVING THROW by Kristin McFarland, DISAPPEARING EARTH by Julia Phillips, and THE THINGS SHE‘S SEEN by Ambelin and Ezekiel Kwaymullina. What are you excited to read? ?❤️?

RealBooks4ever HOT COMB! 💜 6y
104 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Nafiza
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It‘s so pretty!

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LibrarianRyan
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I have this galley in my office, but it‘s not for me and I can‘t keep it. 😭. But it is as pretty as it looks.

May 14.

#CoverLove. #YAedition

SaturnDoo This one is ok. Don't know if I would read it or not. 🤔 6y
LibrarianRyan @SaturnDoo this one has been on my TBR for a while, but it‘s also in my wheel house of what I love. I can not wait to see what the actual book looks like. I hope it‘s not like The lanterns ember that was so promising on screen and a let down in person. 6y
SaturnDoo @LibrarianRyan Ohhhhh I like the cover of The Lanterns Ember on screen. 👎👎👎on it being a let down. 6y
See All 11 Comments
LibrarianRyan @SaturnDoo yeah. The actual cover is very flat. No shine. No texture. Nothing. And normally Holluck has shunning glitzy covers. I expected lanterns ember to be amazing in person. 🤢 6y
Nafiza I can totally vouch for its prettiness in the finished copy. 😁 The layout of the entire jacket is glorious. I hope you enjoy the story too. 6y
LibrarianRyan @Nafiza you joined Litsy!!!! yeahhh. Sorry if I am just now noticing. I usually see your posts on Twitter when I venture into the wasteland. (edited) 6y
LibrarianRyan @Nafiza and I‘m a ditz. Seems like I have been following you for a while. Pardon my lapse in memory. 6y
LibrarianRyan @Nafiza btw I am getting my own copy the week it comes out. I‘ve been trying not to read the galley since it is for a conference I run. 6y
Nafiza Oooh which conference is it? My academic side is all perked up. Thank you for the support. It means the world to me. 6y
LibrarianRyan @Nafiza your welcome. It‘s a small library support staff conference in Illinois. It‘s for the small libraries in central and southern Illinois. We try to make it like big conferences. I begged publishers for fall galleys. Scholastic sent this big box. Your book was already on my TBR but it was also in the box. If you want to check it out it‘s www.ReachingForwardSouth.org 6y
Nafiza Thank you! It sounds amazing. 6y
41 likes3 stack adds11 comments
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Nafiza
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I am annotating an ARC for a giveaway and it is superbly fun .

ardoomer !!! 6y
10 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Nafiza
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The ARCs arrived and I died. Haha. #yafantasy #diverselit #thecandleandtheflame

LibrarianRyan It‘s beautiful 6y
llwheeler Beautiful cover! 6y
humouress Gorgeous cover! 3y
15 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Well-ReadNeck
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#OctoberPutASpellOnYpu #Candle

Fellow Litten, @Nafiza has this book coming out in May. I‘ve stacked it based on the description and this gorgeous cover!!! Can‘t wait!!

Nafiza Thank you so so much! 6y
90 likes4 stack adds1 comment
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Nafiza
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I am DEAD. My book has an amazing cover and I am so incredibly thankful. The artist is Colombian and has done such an exquisite job. He has perfectly captured the essence of the protagonist.

#thecandleandtheflame #fantasy #feministfantasy

Well-ReadNeck Absolutely gorgeous!!! 6y
rockpools That's beautiful- and congratulations! 6y
Angieville Incredible 6y
JazzFeathers It is a beautiful cover 😍 6y
26 likes3 stack adds4 comments
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Nafiza
Candle and the Flame | Nafiza Azad
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A snippet of the back copy of my book. This is so wildly exciting.

16 likes1 stack add