afinalgirl's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
in my quest to enter my djinn era, i added fire boy to my list of books to read. the plot sounded interesting; a boy living in karachi that just wants to play D&D but can see djinn. after a car accident that changes everything, wahid has to go on a quest to find a djinn to help him solve everything.
first of all, i LOVED this book. it was way more intense than i expected it to be, it’s violent and gory and very creepy. every few chapters there is a little interlude of djinns being mostly fucked up that i was just living for!
secondly, it ends very abruptly. it’s not even really an ending, it just feels like the end of a chapter - HOWEVER that’s because this is a duology; and i cannot wait to get my hands on the second 🔥
i adored that it was set in pakistan, i loved learning so much more about what day to day life is like there and i loved how much religion was interspersed into it. our teen main character is gangly, allergic to everything, and just wants to sort everything out - except there‘s a reason he can see jinn and it’s probably exactly what you think 🔥
read this book, let’s start a djinn club 😏
theshenners's review against another edition
5.0
it's been a while since I've read something so immensely creepy, intense, and suspenseful. This book transports you onto the streets of Karachi and probes into the darkest parts of the city's landscape. o.o
shelleygrace's review against another edition
4.0
“I fell in love with ... the beautiful descriptions of a bustling Karachi, punctuated by the unfortunate reality of violence and war that stains the landscape. Shah peppers descriptions of gunfire and destruction between the storyline, and it adds to the thrilling atmosphere of the book.”
read the full review on the Underground Writers website: https://bit.ly/2HIyqWC
read the full review on the Underground Writers website: https://bit.ly/2HIyqWC
reading_rainbeau's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
rheam1224's review against another edition
3.0
A young man trying to be a gentleman to impress a girl he really likes, only to end up having to find her soul after it got kidnapped by a djinn in retribution to his unbelievable actions.
This was a really fast, fun read. I enjoyed the concept, the imagination, the lore, and Iblis (is that okay for me to say? Haha). When I first heard about a book that was going to deal with Islamic mythology and from someone who knows and understands the cultural background of this, it made me excited. I thought to myself, "I gotta go and show some support!" I only got a tip-of-iceberg exposure to Islam when I was in AP World History in high school and I am so glad my teacher was so amazing, because she was able to help me understand and put aside my own biases about it.
The small vignettes about djinns in daily life in the beginning of the story was so interesting. I mean, of course it is tragic because people are dying, but it's a glimpse of how the stories came to be born. Shadows in the little slips of reality and supernatural where people accidentally trespass on and are never heard from again.
My favorite parts were Hamza, the King of Karachi in his kingdom, and Iblis. Hamza because he was such a go-getter and he honestly gave me such Stiles Stilinski vibes? The fact that he was ready to go back into his body to go help save Wahid, like bro, that's a best friend right there. He is legit ride or die! The King of Karachi was just hilarious and really interesting. Such a young kid in charge of a bunch of other young kids, wild but strategic, playful but hardened by the ways of the real world. Then there's Iblis...dude, he is the Devil, basically, and this guy should not be as funny as he was in the book. Every other line, I was guffawing like a mess! So freaking hilarious!
Now, I've only read Fire Boy. I'm going to get started on Earth Boy next after this review.
I will say, it was weird that this story is split into a duology when it really didn't feel like a duology? The way Fire Boy ended just ended like a chapter instead of a book. I like that I was able to find a version that had both books in one volume so it flowed a bit better. But yeah, I would read this book as a single thing instead of a duology...
A major critique that I have so far in this story (first book) is the main character, Wahid. Personally, I do not find him to be an engaging, initiative character. Things seem to HAPPEN to him, instead of him trying to make things happen. For example, when after the accident with Maheen and Arif, Wahid was told to stay in the house, he did (with the exception of going to the university to find the scientist about the djinn with Hamza). Then when his life was being threatened, everyone else told Wahid to leave, so he did. Then when he's at the outhouse, yes, he does go around to try to find answers but because he doesn't have a lot of resources he cannot fulfill his ambitions completely. So he goes between the house and the bookstore/internet cafe for his research. When he's walking home, he literally runs into a supernatural being who decides to help him because he's being a gentleman (which is fine, I'm saying, he's not really excelling the story forward?). Things come to him because he calls to them. I don't know if this is because of his ancestry so he has this ability to call into the spaces between the mortal world and the supernatural, but my goodness, these beings are definitely faster than Amazon Prime!
Not to mention that the urgency at which Wahid is trying to get Maheen's soul back, is not as urgent as I want it to be. I think what would've really scared the shit out of Wahid, to really get him desperate, shouldn't be his crush on Maheen (though ofc it's a great supporting factor) but of the threat on his life by Maheen's father. I don't think there was a scene where Maheen's dad just fucking scares the shit out of Wahid. Wahid is already scared of him by like name and authority, that's fine, but I wish there was a scene where the dad got Wahid alone and just laid it on thick. Of course, there is the concept of corruption of authority due to the father's status as a highly regarded general, however it would bring depth to both the father's and Wahid's characters.
Ngl, I would've preferred if Hamza was the main character because he was more initiative than Wahid. He was off-screen and still did his own research to bring back to Wahid when Wahid was on house arrest! I just....really like Hamza. Oh! Also, I don't totally understand Wahid's crush on Maheen? I mean, I get it. But I also don't? Which is why his efforts to trying to save her soul...did not...grip me as much? Sometimes I even forgot what we were doing in the book besides just chilling with Wahid and making sure he's not dead by Maheen's dad's hand.
I can't wait to keep reading and see what Wahid does to develop as a person. I just need more from him, more initiative and engagement. Can't wait to see Hamza again and Iblis (I'm serious, is it bad that I like this guy a lot more than the main character?)!
This was a really fast, fun read. I enjoyed the concept, the imagination, the lore, and Iblis (is that okay for me to say? Haha). When I first heard about a book that was going to deal with Islamic mythology and from someone who knows and understands the cultural background of this, it made me excited. I thought to myself, "I gotta go and show some support!" I only got a tip-of-iceberg exposure to Islam when I was in AP World History in high school and I am so glad my teacher was so amazing, because she was able to help me understand and put aside my own biases about it.
The small vignettes about djinns in daily life in the beginning of the story was so interesting. I mean, of course it is tragic because people are dying, but it's a glimpse of how the stories came to be born. Shadows in the little slips of reality and supernatural where people accidentally trespass on and are never heard from again.
My favorite parts were Hamza, the King of Karachi in his kingdom, and Iblis. Hamza because he was such a go-getter and he honestly gave me such Stiles Stilinski vibes? The fact that he was ready to go back into his body to go help save Wahid, like bro, that's a best friend right there. He is legit ride or die! The King of Karachi was just hilarious and really interesting. Such a young kid in charge of a bunch of other young kids, wild but strategic, playful but hardened by the ways of the real world. Then there's Iblis...dude, he is the Devil, basically, and this guy should not be as funny as he was in the book. Every other line, I was guffawing like a mess! So freaking hilarious!
Now, I've only read Fire Boy. I'm going to get started on Earth Boy next after this review.
I will say, it was weird that this story is split into a duology when it really didn't feel like a duology? The way Fire Boy ended just ended like a chapter instead of a book. I like that I was able to find a version that had both books in one volume so it flowed a bit better. But yeah, I would read this book as a single thing instead of a duology...
A major critique that I have so far in this story (first book) is the main character, Wahid. Personally, I do not find him to be an engaging, initiative character. Things seem to HAPPEN to him, instead of him trying to make things happen. For example, when after the accident with Maheen and Arif, Wahid was told to stay in the house, he did (with the exception of going to the university to find the scientist about the djinn with Hamza). Then when his life was being threatened, everyone else told Wahid to leave, so he did. Then when he's at the outhouse, yes, he does go around to try to find answers but because he doesn't have a lot of resources he cannot fulfill his ambitions completely. So he goes between the house and the bookstore/internet cafe for his research. When he's walking home, he literally runs into a supernatural being who decides to help him because he's being a gentleman (which is fine, I'm saying, he's not really excelling the story forward?). Things come to him because he calls to them. I don't know if this is because of his ancestry so he has this ability to call into the spaces between the mortal world and the supernatural, but my goodness, these beings are definitely faster than Amazon Prime!
Not to mention that the urgency at which Wahid is trying to get Maheen's soul back, is not as urgent as I want it to be. I think what would've really scared the shit out of Wahid, to really get him desperate, shouldn't be his crush on Maheen (though ofc it's a great supporting factor) but of the threat on his life by Maheen's father. I don't think there was a scene where Maheen's dad just fucking scares the shit out of Wahid. Wahid is already scared of him by like name and authority, that's fine, but I wish there was a scene where the dad got Wahid alone and just laid it on thick. Of course, there is the concept of corruption of authority due to the father's status as a highly regarded general, however it would bring depth to both the father's and Wahid's characters.
Ngl, I would've preferred if Hamza was the main character because he was more initiative than Wahid. He was off-screen and still did his own research to bring back to Wahid when Wahid was on house arrest! I just....really like Hamza. Oh! Also, I don't totally understand Wahid's crush on Maheen? I mean, I get it. But I also don't? Which is why his efforts to trying to save her soul...did not...grip me as much? Sometimes I even forgot what we were doing in the book besides just chilling with Wahid and making sure he's not dead by Maheen's dad's hand.
I can't wait to keep reading and see what Wahid does to develop as a person. I just need more from him, more initiative and engagement. Can't wait to see Hamza again and Iblis (I'm serious, is it bad that I like this guy a lot more than the main character?)!
littleelfman's review against another edition
5.0
Exciting, well paced and visceral. This book knows how to take ancient folklore and use it to grab your spine and make you pay attention. Fantasy that is foreign, fresh, and entirely engrossing. Filled with djinns (and some humans) that absolutely creeped me out. Highly recommended!
nashwa017's review
5.0
I initially thought that this book had two separate parts but then I realised I have the edition with both the books in it! So excited that I didn't have to wait!
This was an amazing read! I was reluctant to start it because how would a fantasy novel be if it was written by a Pakistani author and the answer is that it exceeded expectations!
The story is based on the supernatural as it is viewed in Islam with the concept of djinns, combined with urban legends we talk about it in Pakistan. It was researched exceptionally well, written for the Pakistani audience. The connections were smooth and the context could not be more accurate. The language, the humour and the setting made me feel right at home. After a recent trip to Karachi, I could relate to it even more! Parts of this book terrified me but there parts were I genuinely laughed out loud!
Everyone! read this book; even if you are a little unfamiliar with the local jargon!
This was an amazing read! I was reluctant to start it because how would a fantasy novel be if it was written by a Pakistani author and the answer is that it exceeded expectations!
The story is based on the supernatural as it is viewed in Islam with the concept of djinns, combined with urban legends we talk about it in Pakistan. It was researched exceptionally well, written for the Pakistani audience. The connections were smooth and the context could not be more accurate. The language, the humour and the setting made me feel right at home. After a recent trip to Karachi, I could relate to it even more! Parts of this book terrified me but there parts were I genuinely laughed out loud!
Everyone! read this book; even if you are a little unfamiliar with the local jargon!
leahkarge's review against another edition
4.0
Rep: Pakistani characters, Muslim characters
Warnings: explicit violence, abuse, misogyny, possession, exorcism, rape mention, torture, slurs, gendered slurs, ableism, self-harm
Warnings: explicit violence, abuse, misogyny, possession, exorcism, rape mention, torture, slurs, gendered slurs, ableism, self-harm
thebookedunicorn's review against another edition
4.0
I really don't think this is YA...the gore is too much but if you are a ballsy teen sure go right ahead and knock yourself out. Just remember to leave the lights on.
This book has been on my TBR for ages and i just decided to read it. I loved the mythology in it, it so refreshing learning about Islamic mythology and modern day Pakistan. I loved the scenery of Pakistan, its something that can only be described by someone who has lived there all their life, quite different from what you hear in the news. Granted you local news reporter doesn't tell you about djinns casually walking around and hanging out on trees. Speaking of Djinns, Aladinn lied to us all they are not blue, they are not cute, they pretty much want to kill you half the time.
Its a fast paced book and have i mentioned its GRUESOME AF because it is.
I recommend this if you love horror stories and you want to try reading a different type of mythology.
This book has been on my TBR for ages and i just decided to read it. I loved the mythology in it, it so refreshing learning about Islamic mythology and modern day Pakistan. I loved the scenery of Pakistan, its something that can only be described by someone who has lived there all their life, quite different from what you hear in the news. Granted you local news reporter doesn't tell you about djinns casually walking around and hanging out on trees. Speaking of Djinns, Aladinn lied to us all they are not blue, they are not cute, they pretty much want to kill you half the time.
Its a fast paced book and have i mentioned its GRUESOME AF because it is.
I recommend this if you love horror stories and you want to try reading a different type of mythology.
mjspice's review
3.0
3.5 stars.
So this was a wild ride. If you were expecting djinns like in City of Brass then you'd be disappointed. They're more the types that many South Asians grew up with. You'd also recognize some from Ali A Oolomi's popular twitter threads. (Highly recommend those)
Anyhow the reason why this doesn't get more stars is because of the pacing. Some of the stuff felt unnecessary and it made the story more bloated imo. Seeing as this was split into two in other countries, I'm guessing it was nothing more than page filling.
Another thing that bothered me was the characterization of the women. Wahid's mother Mumtaz is a cookie cutter character and Maheen is nothing more than a damsel in distress. The only female character who is seemingly fleshed out is the Chudail/Pichal Piaree but even her part in the story is minimal as most of the work is done by all the dude bros in the book.
Overall, it's still worth a read. Especially if you're looking for Pakistani based fantasy.
Oh and the Havelberg Jinn short story is also included in the acknowledgements if you haven't read it yet. Otherwise it's available here.
So this was a wild ride. If you were expecting djinns like in City of Brass then you'd be disappointed. They're more the types that many South Asians grew up with. You'd also recognize some from Ali A Oolomi's popular twitter threads. (Highly recommend those)
Anyhow the reason why this doesn't get more stars is because of the pacing. Some of the stuff felt unnecessary and it made the story more bloated imo. Seeing as this was split into two in other countries, I'm guessing it was nothing more than page filling.
Another thing that bothered me was the characterization of the women. Wahid's mother Mumtaz is a cookie cutter character and Maheen is nothing more than a damsel in distress. The only female character who is seemingly fleshed out is the Chudail/Pichal Piaree but even her part in the story is minimal as most of the work is done by all the dude bros in the book.
Overall, it's still worth a read. Especially if you're looking for Pakistani based fantasy.
Oh and the Havelberg Jinn short story is also included in the acknowledgements if you haven't read it yet. Otherwise it's available here.