Scan barcode
lunartrashbin's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
4.25
The beginning was kinda slow for me personally but once the action started I was definitely more invested
deadly_kitten777's review against another edition
Never got into it, was just really depressing and slow at the beginning
katpeaspanen's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
katlib's review against another edition
5.0
Somehow I went into Nura and the Immortal Palace expecting a High Fantasy, with little to no trace of our world, so when it opens in Pakistan tackling child labor, global systems of capitalism, and the cycle of poverty right from page one I was astonished and delighted. To make things better, both the fantastical and surreal world of the jinn as well as Nura's hometown are vividly written, drawing me into both equally.
Nura is a wonderful protagonist whose flaws spring the plot into motion and whose heroism kept me turning page after page. Her best friend Faisel is a well-crafted foil to her, shy where Nura is brash, cautious where Nura is daring. The jinn also steal the show, from the sinister doubles to the more friendly jinn of the Hotel.
But what Khan does best of all is use fantasy to critique complex unjust social systems. As I said at the beginning of this review, this is the kind of book that fantasy-lovers will flock too and learn about exploitation, child labor, and more broadly the dangerous nature of continuous consumption under capitalism.
A fantastic debut and I am so excited to see what Khan writes next!
Nura is a wonderful protagonist whose flaws spring the plot into motion and whose heroism kept me turning page after page. Her best friend Faisel is a well-crafted foil to her, shy where Nura is brash, cautious where Nura is daring. The jinn also steal the show, from the sinister doubles to the more friendly jinn of the Hotel.
But what Khan does best of all is use fantasy to critique complex unjust social systems. As I said at the beginning of this review, this is the kind of book that fantasy-lovers will flock too and learn about exploitation, child labor, and more broadly the dangerous nature of continuous consumption under capitalism.
A fantastic debut and I am so excited to see what Khan writes next!
monarchsandmyths's review against another edition
5.0
very solid middle grade fantasy novel with some really great themes!!
daniel_ov's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
zeebookdragon's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I loved the world building and the centering of Eid as a holiday that crosses all borders. I struggled with the main character. She had grit and ingenuity, but she tended to steam roll those around her.
debitoni's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5