anni_swanilda's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Self harm, and Suicide
Moderate: Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Blood, Death, and Gun violence
wilybooklover's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
4.0
Very interesting worldbuilding and characters, especially for such a short story. I am intrigued!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicide, Body horror, and Gore
Moderate: Violence and Blood
Minor: Sexism and Misogyny
alayamorning's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Misogyny, and Violence
naika's review
fast-paced
3.75
I picked this up after reading "Ring Shout", P. Djeli Clark's latest book, earlier today. It was my first time reading from the author and I was utterly impressed by him. I wanted to explore his writing more because I was certain I would continue to be wowed; I was not disappointed.
In "A Dead Djinn in Cairo", we are introduced to Fatma, a female Special Investigator for the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments and Supernatural Entities. In 1912 Egypt, a female investigator is quite unheard of and Fatma experiences her fair share of sexism. Not only is she in an unexpected career, she further subverts the accepted customs and wears English-style men suits, bowler hats, and a cane. She knows she is dapper and makes no excuses for it. Basically, she is a badass.
As the title suggests, she (and a local constable) are investigating the death of a djinn. The circumstances around its death seems especially peculiar to Fatma. Determined to uncover the truth, Fatma finds herself quickly embroiled in some unexpected, fantastical situations.
Having very limited knowledge of Egypt and it mythologies, I was excited to be thrown into this supernatural world. I often found myself looking up the various people, creatures, things, etc. introduced. In no way did that take away from my reading experience. In fact, it played an integral part in my enjoyment because I was being both entertained and educated. That's always a win in my book.
I honestly can't wrap my head around how in less the 50 pages, a complete world was built with such intrigue. This moved fast and did not let you go until the end. (Admittedly, sometimes I got a little lost in all the action, but this is not my typical read so I expected some confusion and an adjustment period).
Things were hinted at that I would have loved to see developed more - especially with regards to the side character, Siti. A whole series of short stories (or novels) following Fatma and Siti as they contend with the magical world would be greatly appreciated.
In "A Dead Djinn in Cairo", we are introduced to Fatma, a female Special Investigator for the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments and Supernatural Entities. In 1912 Egypt, a female investigator is quite unheard of and Fatma experiences her fair share of sexism. Not only is she in an unexpected career, she further subverts the accepted customs and wears English-style men suits, bowler hats, and a cane. She knows she is dapper and makes no excuses for it. Basically, she is a badass.
As the title suggests, she (and a local constable) are investigating the death of a djinn. The circumstances around its death seems especially peculiar to Fatma. Determined to uncover the truth, Fatma finds herself quickly embroiled in some unexpected, fantastical situations.
Having very limited knowledge of Egypt and it mythologies, I was excited to be thrown into this supernatural world. I often found myself looking up the various people, creatures, things, etc. introduced. In no way did that take away from my reading experience. In fact, it played an integral part in my enjoyment because I was being both entertained and educated. That's always a win in my book.
I honestly can't wrap my head around how in less the 50 pages, a complete world was built with such intrigue. This moved fast and did not let you go until the end. (Admittedly, sometimes I got a little lost in all the action, but this is not my typical read so I expected some confusion and an adjustment period).
Things were hinted at that I would have loved to see developed more - especially with regards to the side character, Siti. A whole series of short stories (or novels) following Fatma and Siti as they contend with the magical world would be greatly appreciated.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Death, Gore, Misogyny, and Sexism
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