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perfectcupoftea's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Child death, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Genocide, Homophobia, Infidelity, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Slavery, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Medical content, Kidnapping, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Alcohol, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Minor: Torture
chrisb913's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was an epic story for me. I was hooked from the very first page and did not want to put it down Chakraborty has a way of writing characters, plot, and world building that just sucks you in.
First, the world building is top notch. She incorporates so many fantasy elements into real world history and blends the religions and history fo the time period so seamlessly for me. I was mesmerized not only by the real world depictions but also the way she uses the characters to almost tell stories about the history of Djinn and Daevas.
Second, the plot was plottin all over the place. There were twists I didn't see coming and even the ones I did, her descriptions of the story just were chef's kiss.
Lastly, the characters were so complex and brought to life. Every single character had strengths and weaknesses and I could not figure out who were the good guys and who were bad.
First, the world building is top notch. She incorporates so many fantasy elements into real world history and blends the religions and history fo the time period so seamlessly for me. I was mesmerized not only by the real world depictions but also the way she uses the characters to almost tell stories about the history of Djinn and Daevas.
Second, the plot was plottin all over the place. There were twists I didn't see coming and even the ones I did, her descriptions of the story just were chef's kiss.
Lastly, the characters were so complex and brought to life. Every single character had strengths and weaknesses and I could not figure out who were the good guys and who were bad.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Slavery, Religious bigotry, and War
Minor: Rape
cpratreads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
4.75
I really really liked this book. I loved the two POVs, the story was really engaging, and I am fighting the urge to immediately go buy the second book.
I was worried halfway through the action was going to slow down but I was very wrong. There were 3 pages near the end where I went on an "emotional rollercoaster" (my partners words). I thoroughly enjoyed this and think it is a spectacular adult fantasy.
I was worried halfway through the action was going to slow down but I was very wrong. There were 3 pages near the end where I went on an "emotional rollercoaster" (my partners words). I thoroughly enjoyed this and think it is a spectacular adult fantasy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, and War
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Rape
jovanh's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Not a bad book at all. Just not my genre and didn't grab my interest. Good world-building, and character motivation.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Genocide, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, Fire/Fire injury, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Body horror, Racial slurs, Slavery, Torture, and Police brutality
karydiazc's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
- 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
4.0
I remember seeing this book on social media and thought the cover looked cool, so I got it on audiobook.
I really enjoy the worldbuilding this book has, I don't think it's very detailed in some aspects, but still I like it. I must admit I know little to nothing about the regions and religions in which this book is based, so I had a hard time following all the concepts and beings mentioned. I think I'll get the ebook and read along the audio, so I can stop at every concept I don't know, so I'll have a better understanding of the story and mithology.
The characters were good, they felt interesting and tridimensional. We as readers still don't know much about Dara, so I hope the author gives us more info in the next book. I find Ali quite charming and I definitely want to see what happens to him after that ending.
Now, I feel like Nahri didn't grow much as a character during this book, but I feel like we'll see a lot more of development in the next one.
I've seen comments saying her POV was boring and while I wouldn't call it that, I do recognize she wasn't the most interesting person in the book. I believe she'll grow out of necessity due to the position she was put in.
I really enjoy the worldbuilding this book has, I don't think it's very detailed in some aspects, but still I like it. I must admit I know little to nothing about the regions and religions in which this book is based, so I had a hard time following all the concepts and beings mentioned. I think I'll get the ebook and read along the audio, so I can stop at every concept I don't know, so I'll have a better understanding of the story and mithology.
The characters were good, they felt interesting and tridimensional. We as readers still don't know much about Dara, so I hope the author gives us more info in the next book. I find Ali quite charming and I definitely want to see what happens to him after that ending.
Now, I feel like Nahri didn't grow much as a character during this book, but I feel like we'll see a lot more of development in the next one.
I've seen comments saying her POV was boring and while I wouldn't call it that, I do recognize she wasn't the most interesting person in the book. I believe she'll grow out of necessity due to the position she was put in.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexism, Slavery, Violence, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Genocide, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Trafficking, Murder, and War
matcha_pages's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This could have been a great book for me except I was confused half the time. There's an overwhelming amount of world building and politics going on. If I re-read this then the politics would make more sense, but I don't have time for that.
Honestly, if it wasn't for the end of the book I probably wouldn't have enjoyed the book as much. I'm on the fence about continuing the series, I want to know what happens but do I really want to read another 2 books?
Honestly, if it wasn't for the end of the book I probably wouldn't have enjoyed the book as much. I'm on the fence about continuing the series, I want to know what happens but do I really want to read another 2 books?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Violence
Moderate: Slavery and War
Minor: Rape
chloelai12's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Wow this woman can write politics. One of the most complicated and enriched fantasy worlds I’ve read.
I will start by saying I want Nahri to destroy the lives of every single one of those men. My girl didn’t deserve any of that. Dara had me in the first half and I was rooting for him whilst Ali annoyed me for 60% of the book. But you lost me at the forced coercion my guy. And actually, as much of a self righteous brat Ali could be, he was the only one was truthful to Nahri when everyone else lied to her face but still expected the most from her.
I hope if anything (though I doubt it will happen) that Nahri rinses these men for filth, takes over the city for herself but keeps Ali as a friend because she does not need that stress .
I’m still pretending those ears aren’t a thing.
ALSO IM RIHJT ABOUT THE UNCLE DAD?
I will start by saying I want Nahri to destroy the lives of every single one of those men. My girl didn’t deserve any of that. Dara had me in the first half and I was rooting for him whilst Ali annoyed me for 60% of the book. But you lost me at the forced coercion my guy. And actually, as much of a self righteous brat Ali could be, he was the only one was truthful to Nahri when everyone else lied to her face but still expected the most from her.
I hope if anything (though I doubt it will happen) that Nahri rinses these men for filth, takes over the city for herself but keeps Ali as a friend because she does not need that stress .
I’m still pretending those ears aren’t a thing.
ALSO IM RIHJT ABOUT THE UNCLE DAD?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Genocide, Gore, Hate crime, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Grief, Medical trauma, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Colonisation, War, and Injury/Injury detail
saracat's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-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
5.0
I devoured this book. If I had started this book at the beginning of a weekend, I would not have slept before finishing it.
I did listen to the audiobook, so sometimes I lost track of who was who since many of the characters have titles and/or nicknames that they are called by. But, typically, back tracking about 30 seconds after pausing to think about who was in the scene typically straightened things out for me.
I loved the main characters and was really drawn in to the story. I really appreciated how one of the main characters just didn’t automatically become perfect at something simply because of some innate abilities. I also loved how grey things felt.
I can’t wait to jump into the next book. Especially after the epilogue in this one.
I did listen to the audiobook, so sometimes I lost track of who was who since many of the characters have titles and/or nicknames that they are called by. But, typically, back tracking about 30 seconds after pausing to think about who was in the scene typically straightened things out for me.
I loved the main characters and was really drawn in to the story. I really appreciated how one of the main characters just didn’t automatically become perfect at something simply because of some innate abilities. I also loved how grey things felt.
I can’t wait to jump into the next book. Especially after the epilogue in this one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Slavery, Trafficking, Grief, Religious bigotry, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Genocide, Racism, Rape, Torture, Blood, Police brutality, Medical content, Murder, Abandonment, and Alcohol
ko_rax's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-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
4.5
The City of Brass by S. A. Chakraborty is the first part of The Daevabad Trilogy and accompanies two opposing figures: A con woman with a natural affinity for healing, who is swept up by a world of magic, mythological creatures and ancient djinn, and magical heritage, and a royal prince, who is torn between his morals and loyalties.
Oh, what a read! I was so invested and time flew by.
Truthfully, the world build is vast, and throughout the first ten chapters or so it was difficult for me to remember important details concerning the relation-& allyships between mythological beings. However, as the story advanced, things added up on their own. I also liked the pacing, it fit the events well. Personally, my favourite element of this book is its character building and development. The majority of the characters were believable to me, especially Alizayd(his inner turmoil made so much sense!) .
Will pick up the second book as well!
Oh, what a read! I was so invested and time flew by.
Truthfully, the world build is vast, and throughout the first ten chapters or so it was difficult for me to remember important details concerning the relation-& allyships between mythological beings. However, as the story advanced, things added up on their own. I also liked the pacing, it fit the events well. Personally, my favourite element of this book is its character building and development. The majority of the characters were believable to me, especially Alizayd
Will pick up the second book as well!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Slavery, Religious bigotry, and War
Minor: Rape and Self harm
drjoannehill's review against another edition
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Read for Close Encounters book club.
I was interested to read a fantasy set in the middle east but this confusing mess falls so short!
(Probably spoilers)
So there's an orphan young woman, Nahri, scraping a living in Cairo during the French occupation in the 18th century. That is the only time the 18th century will be relevant. She performs fake healing ceremonies to earn money, but somehow summons a magical person - how, and from where, we never know. He won't tell Nahri his name at first, again - who knows why. They are promptly chased by some reanimated corpses and a very violent magical thing who want to know what magical powers Nahri has. They flee Cairo and set off for a city Nahri has never heard of because it's hidden, I guess in the mountains of Iran or Turkmenistan judging from the map. But it's basically deserted desert the whole way there, no humans (sure). Nahri will be safe in Daevabad.
The magical person, oh, now he reluctantly says his name is Dara short for - no still can't tell you for an unknown reason. He drip feeds info about the hidden city Daevabad which is home to the djinn, he's a djinn, but oh no that's a rude slur, don't dare call him a djinn, say daeva, they're all daeva, Nahri included. But some are capital D Daeva, a tribe of daeva...? There are other tribes and there's some bizarre long term intrigue and occasional war going on between them. But wait because in Daevabad some actually do call themselves djinn but the Daeva don't. Still with me?
There's another main character, Alizayd. Just one thing to moan about his story line - he is referred to as religious all the way through, and that's a laughable thing to other characters. Which religion? - isn't said, you have to piece that together from how there are Muslim things like minarets and call to prayer in the book, and how Alizayd (from the Geziri tribe) calls the Daeva "fire worshippers" which is apparently a slur about their religion and is apparently derided by the Geziri (aren't all cultures derided in some way by their political rivals, so that's buyable as a plot line). However, Islam/Muslim is not mentioned by name at all until about 85% in, so it's one more thing to be confused about. At that point, it's dropped in that the daeva/djinn took the religion of their human neighbours (back when it was a new thing? Later? Who knows). Also for an unknown reason. This is very annoying and I can't make sense of it apart from the author wanting to represent Islam in fantasy (and doing a poor job of it).
So many names and ideas that I was in a spin. It's a good thing I had the e-book so I could search back through for references to things because so often a thing or person was thrown in and we're supposed to be "ooh that thing came up!" shock but instead I'm "wait what? Who?" flick back / search ... nope, none the wiser.
Unnecessary and weird romance like why do these two people like each other and where did that come from?
Longing for a Priory of the Orange Tree level of sensible and clear world building! Book club picks are disappointing me lately, but I am reading different things I guess.
I was interested to read a fantasy set in the middle east but this confusing mess falls so short!
(Probably spoilers)
So there's an orphan young woman, Nahri, scraping a living in Cairo during the French occupation in the 18th century. That is the only time the 18th century will be relevant. She performs fake healing ceremonies to earn money, but somehow summons a magical person - how, and from where, we never know. He won't tell Nahri his name at first, again - who knows why. They are promptly chased by some reanimated corpses and a very violent magical thing who want to know what magical powers Nahri has. They flee Cairo and set off for a city Nahri has never heard of because it's hidden, I guess in the mountains of Iran or Turkmenistan judging from the map. But it's basically deserted desert the whole way there, no humans (sure). Nahri will be safe in Daevabad.
The magical person, oh, now he reluctantly says his name is Dara short for - no still can't tell you for an unknown reason. He drip feeds info about the hidden city Daevabad which is home to the djinn, he's a djinn, but oh no that's a rude slur, don't dare call him a djinn, say daeva, they're all daeva, Nahri included. But some are capital D Daeva, a tribe of daeva...? There are other tribes and there's some bizarre long term intrigue and occasional war going on between them. But wait because in Daevabad some actually do call themselves djinn but the Daeva don't. Still with me?
There's another main character, Alizayd. Just one thing to moan about his story line - he is referred to as religious all the way through, and that's a laughable thing to other characters. Which religion? - isn't said, you have to piece that together from how there are Muslim things like minarets and call to prayer in the book, and how Alizayd (from the Geziri tribe) calls the Daeva "fire worshippers" which is apparently a slur about their religion and is apparently derided by the Geziri (aren't all cultures derided in some way by their political rivals, so that's buyable as a plot line). However, Islam/Muslim is not mentioned by name at all until about 85% in, so it's one more thing to be confused about. At that point, it's dropped in that the daeva/djinn took the religion of their human neighbours (back when it was a new thing? Later? Who knows). Also for an unknown reason. This is very annoying and I can't make sense of it apart from the author wanting to represent Islam in fantasy (and doing a poor job of it).
So many names and ideas that I was in a spin. It's a good thing I had the e-book so I could search back through for references to things because so often a thing or person was thrown in and we're supposed to be "ooh that thing came up!" shock but instead I'm "wait what? Who?" flick back / search ... nope, none the wiser.
Unnecessary and weird romance like why do these two people like each other and where did that come from?
Longing for a Priory of the Orange Tree level of sensible and clear world building! Book club picks are disappointing me lately, but I am reading different things I guess.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and War
Minor: Rape