renpuspita's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
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
If I can give all the 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 in the world for this book, I would. I can't fathom what I feel after finish reading this one, except intense and full of mind-blowing moment. To say my review didn't do justice for the story of The Kingdom of Copper is an understatement. You must experience it yourself, since I have a feeling that The Daevabad Trilogy might be one of my favorite epic fantasy trilogy and favorite read for this year!
The Kingdom of Copper is the second installment of The Daevabad Trilogy and the event in this book is happened 5 years after The City of Brass with the exception of the prologue that told days after the event that decide our protagonist's fate, Nahri, Alizayd and Dara. Nahri is now fully embraced her role as Daeva's healer, Banu Nahida, while constantly under King Ghassan's watchful eyes and constant pressure. Ali was banished from his Princely duty and must go to Am Gezira to avoid assassination attempt to his life while try to mastering his new ability that connected to the Marid. However, Dara find himself changed entirely, and must serve another Banu Nahida, Manizheh that plan to seize Daevabad when they celebrate Navasatem, Djinn celebration for their ending service to Prophet Suleiman. The book told form those 3 PoVs, Nahri, Ali and Dara respectively, but don't worry, you will not get confused because Nahri and Ali's PoV often overlapping especially when Ali finally come back to Daevabad, while Dara's will offer reader a glimpse into his new form and also Manizheh.
I found myself keep holding my breath while reading this. The political intrigue, the family drama, especially Qahtani's family! I found myself warming toward Zaynab that at first I think as spoiled princess, but in this book she's matured and somehow become Nahri's ally. We also will get introduced to Ghassan's second wife, Queen Hatset. I'm almost afraid that, being Ayanlee, Hatset will be as cunning and ruthless as her husband. Imagine my surprise when yes, Hatset is cunning, but she's also a loving mother to Ali and reasonable mother in law to Nahri. She will do anything to keep her children alive, including bring Ali to Ayanlee scholar in regard to Ali's forbidden Marid ability. I'm become thoroughly disgusted with the way Ghassan treat his objects, his tyranny is so apparent compared to book 1 in which he will not hesitate to execute the shafit over one or two rebellion to teach them a lesson. Completely different from his ancestor, Zaydi Al Qahtani that decide to rebel againts Nahid Council because of their treatment to the shafit. I'm sometimes wondering, why Ghassan rule the shafit with iron fist and in the other side he easily threatened Daeva if Nahri dare to defy him. He always said that Daevabad come first, so from where all this obsession about Daevabad come? I can's see him as a wise king, because just like Ali, what Ghassan did to shafit is beyond horrible. Meanwhile, I'm also not impressed with Muntadhir, especially with his treatment to Ali. Gone the Big Brother that always protect Ali in book 1, Muntadhir in this book is despicable. I got that he's worried about Jamshid and with their forbidden feeling to each other, but I feel like Muntadhir is so pathetic in this one. Muntadhir did get his redemption arc, albeit too late, so right now he's my least favorite character. However, Jamshid (beside Ali) become my favorite character. He's so preciousss and I pray that he will come alive unscathed, especially after his unknown fate when Daevabad got sacked.
Some events that happen in The Kingdom of Copper are mirroring the event in real life, I found myself to take a breath and closed my eyes, try to not crying because of the unfairness that happen in Daevabad. I feel like history always repeat itself. The shafit, the Daeva, the Gezziri, and many others. How I can totally see the conflict and the conspiracy in this book can totally happen in real life. How for the interest for their tribe, the Daeva is willing to sacrifice theirs and blamed the shafit for that. How the Daeva's view about shafit, dirt blood, lower caste and all make me sick to the stomach. Reading this book is not easy. I praise for Chakraborty's ability to wring my emotions, to feel what her characters feel, the injustice, the despair, but also cheer when they finally triumphs againts their adversaries and then succumb again to despair reading their fate, lol. I also like that bit by bit, Chakraborty reveal the truth behind Suleiman's seal. The cause about why Prophet Suleiman punish the daevas, their connection with marid and ifrit. There's also a glimpse in how Anahid cross the marid lake and build Daevabad.
I would not discuss about the world building, since its already established in book 1. I also liked how Chakraborty write, simple yet engaging. I said that in book 1, she write many compelling male characters, but in book 2, the girls is shine through. Nahri, pragmatist as she is, finally decide enough is enough with Ghassan and openly defied him while still maintain her wits. Her friendship with Ali is still raw after what Ali did to Dara, but I liked that they try to make amend eventhough Nahri is still sore about the past. It's also seems that she still care about Dara and maybe Dara too have feeling for her, if only his emotional baggage not that big as the Sahara. But I'm surprised to see Nahri and Muntadhir's marriage is... well put. I'm expect they will hate each other and become grumpy, but to see that they act civilized to each other and Nahri still visit Muntadhir's bed despite she know about Muntadhir's feeling to Jamshid, is speak volume. I dislike Muntadhir, yes, but I can see that both Nahri and Muntadhir are victim to Ghassan's many schemes. The other female characters is pretty much well written, like Zaynab, Queen Hatset, the shafit doctor, Sen, that Nahri befriend in order to help her in the Nahid hospital, Razu and, even Manizheh. I think that there's something sketchy about Manizheh and her connection to Nahri.
One of my favorite narrative is Ali's and I have heart for this guy, maybe because he's idealistic, he's remind me of myself back then. He's also underdog, getting hate from his own family, punished for his vision to see the wellness of the shafit. I want to said "OMG, please stop torturing him, already!". While I know many prefer Dara, I think Ali is more suitable for Nahri compared to the Afshin. Yeah, Dara and Nahri has history, but I hope the platonic relationship between Nahri and Ali can develop more. I'm smiling when see Ali's reaction to Nahri's wardrobe or when they become close because it's apparent that he's smitten by her while Nahri is still oblivious not mention still seethe to Ali because Ali's role in Dara's demise. But seeing they cooperate with each other, like when building the hospital and when Daevabad's got attacked, make me giddy, lel.
The Kingdom of Copper make me lose my sleeping time, and I will said, it's worth it. The book's climax is very much well written, intense and full of action, wits and revelation (not mention, some of characters end up dead :') ). The story end with a cliffhanger and I'm glad that I decide to wait until The Empire of Gold released, so I don't need to wait that long! I'm very much recommend to start with The City of Brass and be prepared to swept away in the world of the Djinn that full of wonder but also political intrigue!
The Kingdom of Copper is the second installment of The Daevabad Trilogy and the event in this book is happened 5 years after The City of Brass with the exception of the prologue that told days after the event that decide our protagonist's fate, Nahri, Alizayd and Dara. Nahri is now fully embraced her role as Daeva's healer, Banu Nahida, while constantly under King Ghassan's watchful eyes and constant pressure. Ali was banished from his Princely duty and must go to Am Gezira to avoid assassination attempt to his life while try to mastering his new ability that connected to the Marid. However, Dara find himself changed entirely, and must serve another Banu Nahida, Manizheh that plan to seize Daevabad when they celebrate Navasatem, Djinn celebration for their ending service to Prophet Suleiman. The book told form those 3 PoVs, Nahri, Ali and Dara respectively, but don't worry, you will not get confused because Nahri and Ali's PoV often overlapping especially when Ali finally come back to Daevabad, while Dara's will offer reader a glimpse into his new form and also Manizheh.
I found myself keep holding my breath while reading this. The political intrigue, the family drama, especially Qahtani's family! I found myself warming toward Zaynab that at first I think as spoiled princess, but in this book she's matured and somehow become Nahri's ally. We also will get introduced to Ghassan's second wife, Queen Hatset. I'm almost afraid that, being Ayanlee, Hatset will be as cunning and ruthless as her husband. Imagine my surprise when yes, Hatset is cunning, but she's also a loving mother to Ali and reasonable mother in law to Nahri. She will do anything to keep her children alive, including bring Ali to Ayanlee scholar in regard to Ali's forbidden Marid ability. I'm become thoroughly disgusted with the way Ghassan treat his objects, his tyranny is so apparent compared to book 1 in which he will not hesitate to execute the shafit over one or two rebellion to teach them a lesson. Completely different from his ancestor, Zaydi Al Qahtani that decide to rebel againts Nahid Council because of their treatment to the shafit. I'm sometimes wondering, why Ghassan rule the shafit with iron fist and in the other side he easily threatened Daeva if Nahri dare to defy him. He always said that Daevabad come first, so from where all this obsession about Daevabad come? I can's see him as a wise king, because just like Ali, what Ghassan did to shafit is beyond horrible. Meanwhile, I'm also not impressed with Muntadhir, especially with his treatment to Ali. Gone the Big Brother that always protect Ali in book 1, Muntadhir in this book is despicable. I got that he's worried about Jamshid and with their forbidden feeling to each other, but I feel like Muntadhir is so pathetic in this one. Muntadhir did get his redemption arc, albeit too late, so right now he's my least favorite character. However, Jamshid (beside Ali) become my favorite character. He's so preciousss and I pray that he will come alive unscathed, especially after his unknown fate when Daevabad got sacked.
Some events that happen in The Kingdom of Copper are mirroring the event in real life, I found myself to take a breath and closed my eyes, try to not crying because of the unfairness that happen in Daevabad. I feel like history always repeat itself. The shafit, the Daeva, the Gezziri, and many others. How I can totally see the conflict and the conspiracy in this book can totally happen in real life. How for the interest for their tribe, the Daeva is willing to sacrifice theirs and blamed the shafit for that. How the Daeva's view about shafit, dirt blood, lower caste and all make me sick to the stomach. Reading this book is not easy. I praise for Chakraborty's ability to wring my emotions, to feel what her characters feel, the injustice, the despair, but also cheer when they finally triumphs againts their adversaries and then succumb again to despair reading their fate, lol. I also like that bit by bit, Chakraborty reveal the truth behind Suleiman's seal. The cause about why Prophet Suleiman punish the daevas, their connection with marid and ifrit. There's also a glimpse in how Anahid cross the marid lake and build Daevabad.
I would not discuss about the world building, since its already established in book 1. I also liked how Chakraborty write, simple yet engaging. I said that in book 1, she write many compelling male characters, but in book 2, the girls is shine through. Nahri, pragmatist as she is, finally decide enough is enough with Ghassan and openly defied him while still maintain her wits. Her friendship with Ali is still raw after what Ali did to Dara, but I liked that they try to make amend eventhough Nahri is still sore about the past. It's also seems that she still care about Dara and maybe Dara too have feeling for her, if only his emotional baggage not that big as the Sahara. But I'm surprised to see Nahri and Muntadhir's marriage is... well put. I'm expect they will hate each other and become grumpy, but to see that they act civilized to each other and Nahri still visit Muntadhir's bed despite she know about Muntadhir's feeling to Jamshid, is speak volume. I dislike Muntadhir, yes, but I can see that both Nahri and Muntadhir are victim to Ghassan's many schemes. The other female characters is pretty much well written, like Zaynab, Queen Hatset, the shafit doctor, Sen, that Nahri befriend in order to help her in the Nahid hospital, Razu and, even Manizheh. I think that there's something sketchy about Manizheh and her connection to Nahri.
One of my favorite narrative is Ali's and I have heart for this guy, maybe because he's idealistic, he's remind me of myself back then. He's also underdog, getting hate from his own family, punished for his vision to see the wellness of the shafit. I want to said "OMG, please stop torturing him, already!". While I know many prefer Dara, I think Ali is more suitable for Nahri compared to the Afshin. Yeah, Dara and Nahri has history, but I hope the platonic relationship between Nahri and Ali can develop more. I'm smiling when see Ali's reaction to Nahri's wardrobe or when they become close because it's apparent that he's smitten by her while Nahri is still oblivious not mention still seethe to Ali because Ali's role in Dara's demise. But seeing they cooperate with each other, like when building the hospital and when Daevabad's got attacked, make me giddy, lel.
The Kingdom of Copper make me lose my sleeping time, and I will said, it's worth it. The book's climax is very much well written, intense and full of action, wits and revelation (not mention, some of characters end up dead :') ). The story end with a cliffhanger and I'm glad that I decide to wait until The Empire of Gold released, so I don't need to wait that long! I'm very much recommend to start with The City of Brass and be prepared to swept away in the world of the Djinn that full of wonder but also political intrigue!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Death, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Child death and Death of parent
brynalexa's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I was consistently shocked through the entire book. The story never goes where you’re expecting it to. Somehow a cast of treacherous characters making terrible decisions works. Brilliant.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Genocide, Religious bigotry, Self harm, Sexism, Racial slurs, Xenophobia, Emotional abuse, Confinement, Death, Gore, Kidnapping, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Police brutality, Pregnancy, Rape, Toxic relationship, Violence, Classism, Racism, Sexual violence, Abandonment, Alcoholism, Bullying, Child death, Mass/school shootings, Misogyny, Stalking, Body horror, Cursing, Death of parent, Grief, Gun violence, Hate crime, Infidelity, Medical content, Addiction, Alcohol, Blood, Child abuse, Mental illness, Medical trauma, Sexual assault, Suicide, War, Miscarriage, Slavery, and Torture
madamenovelist's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
sad
tense
slow-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Classism, Child death, Death, Racial slurs, Genocide, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Racism, Gore, War, Xenophobia, Violence, Fire/Fire injury, Death of parent, Gun violence, Religious bigotry, and Grief
mxpringle's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Violence, Xenophobia, Medical content, Injury/Injury detail, Gore, Domestic abuse, Alcohol, War, Torture, Murder, Genocide, Emotional abuse, Death, Classism, Blood, and Alcoholism
Moderate: Sexual content and Sexual harassment
laurenkimoto'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? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Spoiler
wow I’ve been reading too much contemporary romance that I forgot that high fantasy has themes and/or acts of genocide</>spoiler
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Fire/Fire injury, Gore, Genocide, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Murder, Racism, Violence, Alcoholism, Blood, Child death, Classism, Colonisation, Torture, Xenophobia, Confinement, Cultural appropriation, Death, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Grief, Hate crime, Medical content, Medical trauma, Sexism, Slavery, and War
Moderate: Ableism, Adult/minor relationship, Gun violence, Homophobia, Alcohol, Cursing, Drug abuse, Drug use, Infidelity, Abandonment, Addiction, Bullying, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, Infertility, Misogyny, Physical abuse, and Religious bigotry
dealingwithdragons's review against another edition
adventurous
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Slavery, Body horror, Animal death, Xenophobia, Medical content, Hate crime, Death, Confinement, Blood, Gun violence, War, Violence, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Alcoholism, Alcohol, and Death of parent
While Chakraborty's characters are djinn from fantasy tribes, the tribes they are from correspond to real world ethnic groups. The narrative is clearly against racism and xenophobia, but the depictions could potentially be triggering.ok7a's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia and Blood
Moderate: Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Hate crime, Alcohol, and Colonisation
Minor: Infidelity, Child death, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, and Self harm
claudiamacpherson's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Blood, Body horror, Child death, Classism, Colonisation, Cursing, Death, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Genocide, Grief, Gore, Hate crime, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Medical trauma, Murder, Religious bigotry, Toxic relationship, Trafficking, Violence, War, and Xenophobia
Minor: Gun violence, Police brutality, Self harm, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, and Torture
just_one_more_paige's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
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? It's complicated
4.0
It has been, embarrassingly, years since I read City of Brass. In my defense, this book wasn't published yet, at the time, for me to have continued with the series then (though I do remember wishing it was). Anyways, as with The Poppy War series, I waited wayyyy too long between the first and second books (I had to find more than one summary/review, outside of my own, to read and recap so I remembered enough of the characters and details to feel ready to continue). But, silver lining (in both cases actually), the third and final book has also been published now, so I can jump right to it! And let me tell you, I plan to do just that.
While the novel starts with a short intro that gives some small insight into the immediate aftermath of the events of book one (Nahri's marriage, Dara's death, Ali's banishment), it jumps very quickly to "five years later." Nahri is doing her best to survive her life at court, basically confined to her healing rooms both physically and in action/attention, without any of the allies that made her first days in court bearable, trapped and powerless within the city and palace that are hers by right. Ali managed to survive a brutal introduction to the arid lands of his ancestors, as well as a slew of assassins, and has made a sort of life for himself, leaning into (while keeping very secret) the water-based gifts given to him by the marid. Dara was brought back from the dead (again) by a very unexpected hand, to help train and lead a force (of partially dubious provenance) with the goal of returning Daevabad's riginaly rulers to their rightful place. These three storylines unfold simultaneously, and slowly in convergence, against a complex political/religious/personal backdrop, coming to a head with violent consequences as a once-per-century djinn celebration kicks off.
Well, if I finished the first book thinking that Chakraborty was a star with world-building, I am finishing this second book convinced that very few are as good as she is. The setting is so alive. Daevabad itself remains as vivid and gilded as before, but with 600 more pages of layered history, descriptions, and interactions of the peoples. Plus, we get additional "outside the city" perspectives and growth more here as well, with Ali's time in Am Gezira and his mother's home (Ta Ntry) and tribe (the Ayaanle). As a major part of this spectacular world-building, I must mention the complex and detailed political (and religious, though mostly in overlap) maneuvering/machinations/plotting/scheming. There is so much “trading decency for a throne” …or power in these pages. You can, quite simply, lose yourself in it. But like, in the best way. With this comes some very deep familial cruelty and misguided loyalty that is heartbreaking to read at times. We always hurt the ones we love the most, when threatened. And so many times here, acting to protect someone you love, especially by withholding truth/information, ends up doing more harm than good. Thematically tough, but so real. Overall, just some of the most lush world-building I've ever read.
Character-wise, I have only similar praise to give. Nahri, Ali and Dara all benefit greatly, in terms of depth, throughout this novel. And I remain very into the way they subvert what the normal love triangle looks like. There is additional attention paid to side characters, originals like Muntadhir and Zaynad and Hatset and Jamshid and Kaveh, but also some newly introduced ones like Aqisa, the ifrit, some shafit, and a few others that I won't necessarily name, in order to avoid spoilers. I loved it all. And I have to say, I was least into Nahri's development, honestly. I wanted her to be...more. But I guess I understand her constraints, she did stay consistent with her goal of saving lives (any lives), and she did have a few breakout moments towards the end, so I am hoping that the final book does her arc a little more justice.
As far as the plot is concerned, I almost have to say that, at least for the first like two thirds of the novel, there wasn't one. Now, don't get me wrong, I was deeply invested in the development of place and character, and the build-up of it all, because I knew something was coming. There was a deep feeling of unrest, almost anticipatory uneasiness, both in the story/characters and within myself as a reader. And I loved the way that feeling escalated as we got closer and closer to what I just knew was impending doom. However, outside that feeling, very little actually happened...so I would caution you to be sure that's the type of book you are in the mood for, before picking this one up. However, of note, when the action began, with about a quarter of the book left (ish), things got real. The pacing, with perspectives jumping from Dara to Ali to Nahri with perfect timing, was phenomenal. Edge of one's seat type reading. Worth the wait in the build-up for sure. And with the cliffs that each of our main characters end on (plus, some additional "characters to watch," including both of Ali's siblings, Zaynab and Muntadhir, as well as Jamshid and Aqisa), I am quite ready to pick up the final installation, and watch the ending unfold, as soon as possible.
Chakraborty puts a deep focus on uncovering/unveiling the truth of history and the stories that are now accepted as truth, despite what the reality actually was, for reasons of maintaining power or avoiding guilt. She really demonstrates how only with the correct information can current consequences of violent/unfair history be rectified. Because after generations and centuries of curses and revenges and betrayals and death, how else (better than the endless examples of how those who are oppressed and given no other option/recourse will rise up with violence, without mercy) can people(s) overcome a legacy like that? (Ummmm, sound familiar to present day much? I think big yes.)
With captivating storytelling, intricate political and locational detail, discerning character development, and well-paced (when it arrives) action, Chakraborty transports the reader on a fantastic Middle Eastern history and culture inspired journey. It's a mythical, magical and entirely absorbing adventure. I cannot wait to see how it ends!
“People do not thrive under tyrants, Alizayd; they do not come up with innovations when they're busy trying to stay alive, or offer creative ideas when error is punished…”
“You don’t need to be a weapon to be an asset.”
“I’m tired of everyone in this city feeding on vengeance. I'm tired of teaching our children to hate and fear other children because their parents are our enemies. And I'm sick and tired of acting like the only way to save our people is to cut down all who might oppose us, as if our enemies won't return the favor the instant power shifts.” (Basically, sums up all of Ali/Dara/Nahri's vibes in this book.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Blood, Death, Death of parent, Gore, Grief, Hate crime, Injury/Injury detail, Medical trauma, Medical content, Murder, Religious bigotry, Toxic relationship, Trafficking, Violence, War, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Colonisation, Confinement, Infidelity, and Slavery
readandfindout's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Style/writing: 4.5 stars
Themes: 4 stars
Characters: 4.5 stars
Plot: 4.5 stars
Worldbuilding: 4.5 stars
Themes: 4 stars
Characters: 4.5 stars
Plot: 4.5 stars
Worldbuilding: 4.5 stars
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Confinement, Death, Genocide, Gore, Gun violence, Hate crime, Medical content, Murder, Police brutality, Slavery, Torture, Violence, War, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child death, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Grief, Infidelity, Religious bigotry, and Sexism