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A review by dreareads_
A Master of Djinn by P. Djèlí Clark
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Ugh P. Djèlí Clark does it again.
This was an extremely fun mystery with badass lesbians, religious feminists (Hadia I love you), and an alternative history where djinn helped fight off the colonization of Egypt. Clark simply has a nack for writing interesting characters that even when they toe the line of caricatures he keeps the audience connected by the emotional heft built in each scene. In true Clark form, the book is filled with social and political commentary that sometimes is subtle and other it hits you across the face with it. For me that is not a problem, because it fits within the context of the story. For others? I am not sure.
There is a lot to love about this book but I particularly enjoyed the themes of understanding religion and faith in the context of a world where djinn and gods are real. The religious commentary throughout the book and its willingness to explore the intersections between faith, power, colonization, and manipulation really puts this book above other fantasy stories. The presence of a false prophet juxtaposed with the rest of the cast and their own believes creates the space for truly fascinating character dynamics.
I do think that the book suffers from what is known as the "MCU third act" problem where the big climax of the story feels like a random collection of action scenes that undercut some of the best parts of the book. I can see how, if you do not love the characters, the third act can feel rushed and too surface level compared to the first 75% of the book.
Anyways. I had a great time reading this book.
This was an extremely fun mystery with badass lesbians, religious feminists (Hadia I love you), and an alternative history where djinn helped fight off the colonization of Egypt. Clark simply has a nack for writing interesting characters that even when they toe the line of caricatures he keeps the audience connected by the emotional heft built in each scene. In true Clark form, the book is filled with social and political commentary that sometimes is subtle and other it hits you across the face with it. For me that is not a problem, because it fits within the context of the story. For others? I am not sure.
There is a lot to love about this book but I particularly enjoyed the themes of understanding religion and faith in the context of a world where djinn and gods are real. The religious commentary throughout the book and its willingness to explore the intersections between faith, power, colonization, and manipulation really puts this book above other fantasy stories. The presence of a false prophet juxtaposed with the rest of the cast and their own believes creates the space for truly fascinating character dynamics.
I do think that the book suffers from what is known as the "MCU third act" problem where the big climax of the story feels like a random collection of action scenes that undercut some of the best parts of the book. I can see how, if you do not love the characters, the third act can feel rushed and too surface level compared to the first 75% of the book.
Anyways. I had a great time reading this book.