chrstn's review against another edition
2.0
Wow. I’m so glad it’s over. What a disappointment. I really enjoyed the novellas in this series, but this was a meandering, slooooow story. The atmosphere was there in spades and that’s really the only positive thing I can think to say. Unfortunately, the characters were flat and the mystery was rather basic.
bbtatertot's review against another edition
Although the world was highly intriguing with a magic system I easily could have remained invested in, the world immersion was too much and lost me. I was frequently confused, reading words and phrases left and right that not only I didn’t know but that were never explained. I recognize that the setting of the book is outside my culture, so of course there will be words I don’t understand. But this ended up feeling like I was accidentally reading the second in a series where the first one could have cleared this all up. My focus just wasn’t going to be maintained long enough to finish this.
m0ckingjay's review against another edition
adventurous
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
3.75
flashlamagot's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
iffer's review against another edition
3.0
I loved the descriptions and world-building of this book. I think that it would make an amazing movie or TV series, the latter of which would be awesome, because it would allow us to learn more about the characters. That said, I had a hard time paying attention to the prose, perhaps because there were a lot of action scenes, which oftentimes make my mind wander if they run long. The author intentionally inserts cheeky, sharp statements criticizing colonialism, sexism, homophobia, and religious hypocrisy, among other things. I didn't mind, though I'm not generally a fan of wink-wink 4th-wall-breaking prose. However, the author and I have similar political and social leanings, and I couldn't help being a little happy at times that a historical retelling steampunk (but not really because there is magic, but not really gaslamp because it's set later in the early 1900s) story, which are usually too "glorifying Victorian era England while forgetting about colonialism, racism, sexism, and classism."
caitann's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
This is a master class in utterly transportive world-building and atmosphere - I loved exploring this alternate Cairo alongside the characters! Also I’m always on board for a magic-mystery-murder mashup so this was automatically a joy. Lastly, the narrator for this audiobook was fantastic - she brought so much energy and style to the narration that I can’t recommend this audiobook experience enough!
taryn_reads_b00ks's review against another edition
4.0
4.4/5
So much fun! Steampunk mystery set in an alternate 1920’s Cairo, Egypt. Really enjoyed- unfortunately I didn’t love it as much as I was hoping I would. The characters were interesting and the plot kept the momentum going. However, the descriptions were lacking at some points throughout the book.
So much fun! Steampunk mystery set in an alternate 1920’s Cairo, Egypt. Really enjoyed- unfortunately I didn’t love it as much as I was hoping I would. The characters were interesting and the plot kept the momentum going. However, the descriptions were lacking at some points throughout the book.
rachaeltobindodd's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
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? No
5.0
Simply amazing. A slow start but I was hooked by the end of chapter one. A delightful mystery set in a magical clockwork world that was has poignant critic of colonialism and capitalism and racism. I want to read everything by P Djèlí Clark now! His prose are beautiful and funny and thought provoking. Definitely adding all
His works to my tbr.
His works to my tbr.
hanahf's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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
3.75