lauraahyman's review against another edition
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
lilyrooke's review
2.0
Nonbinary refugee Firuz is a practitioner of blood magic living in Qilwa, working as a healer and supporting younger family members (both blood and found). When a new disease runs rampant across Qilwa, Firuz faces prejudiced accusations of being responsible, and must work to discover the truth before it's too late.
First, I have to say I loved how everyone in this book is queer, and I really liked the depiction of Firuz as a nonbinary aroace protagonist. My heart hurt for their brother and his struggles with dysphoria, and I thought the magic system had so much potential. The author's note at the end is one of the most moving and poweful I've ever read. I found myself wishing it had been written as lower YA or KidLit, because for me that fitted better with the content of the novel. There was so much incredible potential in this book, and if I was rating The Bruising of Qilwa on potential alone, I would give it infinite stars.
However, I struggled to know how to rate and assess the story. Based on the blurb, I was anticipating a potential favourite read of the year - certainly something dark, emotional, and firmly 'Adult' in terms of audience. For my personal tastes, I wish this had been a full-length novel, rather than a novella, and I wish the author had plunged right into the vicious potential of the storyline and themes. I did my best to check beforehand, and to my best knowledge, The Bruising of Qilwa isn't targeted at younger YA readers, or even marketed as Children's Fiction, but it did read that way to me throughout, because of the emotional distance and reluctance to include/engage with more mature content or themes. Overall, I felt I was missing huge swathes of worldbuilding, character development, and potentially thrilling plot. I would love it if The Bruising of Qilwa marked the 'prologue' of this world, and we saw more of it and Firuz in the future, without limitation.
I am grateful to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a free eARC of The Bruising of Qilwa. These opinions are my own.
First, I have to say I loved how everyone in this book is queer, and I really liked the depiction of Firuz as a nonbinary aroace protagonist. My heart hurt for their brother and his struggles with dysphoria, and I thought the magic system had so much potential. The author's note at the end is one of the most moving and poweful I've ever read. I found myself wishing it had been written as lower YA or KidLit, because for me that fitted better with the content of the novel. There was so much incredible potential in this book, and if I was rating The Bruising of Qilwa on potential alone, I would give it infinite stars.
However, I struggled to know how to rate and assess the story. Based on the blurb, I was anticipating a potential favourite read of the year - certainly something dark, emotional, and firmly 'Adult' in terms of audience. For my personal tastes, I wish this had been a full-length novel, rather than a novella, and I wish the author had plunged right into the vicious potential of the storyline and themes. I did my best to check beforehand, and to my best knowledge, The Bruising of Qilwa isn't targeted at younger YA readers, or even marketed as Children's Fiction, but it did read that way to me throughout, because of the emotional distance and reluctance to include/engage with more mature content or themes. Overall, I felt I was missing huge swathes of worldbuilding, character development, and potentially thrilling plot. I would love it if The Bruising of Qilwa marked the 'prologue' of this world, and we saw more of it and Firuz in the future, without limitation.
I am grateful to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a free eARC of The Bruising of Qilwa. These opinions are my own.
thesapphiccelticbookworm's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Xenophobia, and Racism
Moderate: Grief
youshouldreadthisif's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
hinoki's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
It wasn't bad or anything, but I guess I just wanted more. I picked up this book because the setting and the magic are unique (to me.) I've also never read a book with a non-binary protag (sorry.) So it was good to get out of my comfort zone.
I just got tired of this book, even though it was so short. I feel like nothing happened. I'll be honest, I didn't get the themes until I read the afterward.
I just got tired of this book, even though it was so short. I feel like nothing happened. I'll be honest, I didn't get the themes until I read the afterward.
marzi's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
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? No
5.0
mel_karibian's review
5.0
An incredible and lush world featuring a non-binary refugee, blood magic, and a plague that seeps within a city. Naseem Jamnia weaves an exquisite tale within a short span of pages. From protecting found and blood family, to mystery, to trauma and colonization this Persian-inspired Fantasy is a must-read. The afterword perfectly wraps up the story.
airazedy's review
adventurous
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
allmyfriendsareinbooks's review
3.0
Magic and the dynamics of immigrating are the focus of this debut fantasy. The use of inclusive pronouns made the story fuller. I really enjoyed this novella and hope to read more from the author in the future.