The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
A review by jxclecl
House of Badawi by C. J. Khemi
I not only received an ARC of this title, but was hired by the author to illustrate an exclusive print pre-release. Regardless, I am leaving this review voluntarily & it reflects my thoughts truthfully.
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As an Indo-Caribbean American who shares the author’s ethnic background & had yet to see our culture so much as mentioned in genres aside from non-fiction, I was so excited to find CJ’s TikTok page! Finally, an MC who could truly be me in a way other South Asian protagonists couldn’t would take center stage in a magical world inspired by the lands our ancestors found new life in.
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As an Indo-Caribbean American who shares the author’s ethnic background & had yet to see our culture so much as mentioned in genres aside from non-fiction, I was so excited to find CJ’s TikTok page! Finally, an MC who could truly be me in a way other South Asian protagonists couldn’t would take center stage in a magical world inspired by the lands our ancestors found new life in.
And while many believed it was the gods who carved out the tunnels, Valxina and her family knew the truth: It was not.
The rocks had been carved by the hands of the people, by the very folks of Lavenia, by the first who lived under Badawi rule. For Valxina, the history had been passed on through generations. Her ancestors had been brought to the island of Qeshm from the continent to labor and work the tunnels. They had migrated on contracts, with empty promises of a better life post-servitude. The Badawi promise of gold, of plots of garden lands, and of class - it was never fulfilled. But even them, even her ancestors were lucky, as they were left to live. Not all the folks brought to Qeshm to work the tunnels had the same ending. Not all had come on promises or signed contracts. But one this was true: It was the people, all of them, who built the tunnels, not the gods.
The rocks had been carved by the hands of the people, by the very folks of Lavenia, by the first who lived under Badawi rule. For Valxina, the history had been passed on through generations. Her ancestors had been brought to the island of Qeshm from the continent to labor and work the tunnels. They had migrated on contracts, with empty promises of a better life post-servitude. The Badawi promise of gold, of plots of garden lands, and of class - it was never fulfilled. But even them, even her ancestors were lucky, as they were left to live. Not all the folks brought to Qeshm to work the tunnels had the same ending. Not all had come on promises or signed contracts. But one this was true: It was the people, all of them, who built the tunnels, not the gods.
Brb, crying a little.
It’s indescribable just how much that paragraph alone means to me.
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Sentimentality aside …
HoB was an easy read that never felt sluggish or boring. That being said, I saw another reviewer mention that the story would benefit from an additional 100 pages dedicated to expanding upon relationships & I do agree.
There exist relationships between characters that predate the start of the novel, which is of course not unusual, but their few scenes together coupled with the relatively short length of the book restricted the amount of depth & understanding of their closeness we were able to get. I’m not sure whether we’ll be revisiting Val’s world, but a prequel and/or sequel would might help readers connect more with the characters.
I am by no means an editor, but I found there to be certain lines that could be reworked for clarity, completeness of thought, or more advantageous phrasing.
I loved the level of ethnic diversity CJ’s written into her world, and how it reflects the real communities of the Caribbean - our little colloquialisms & foods making an appearance was a lovely addition as well. A pan protagonist and potentially polyamorous relationship are also appreciated details I don’t see included often in fantastical reads.
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In all, “House of Badawi” was an enjoyable read & promising debut. I look forward to CJ’s future works.
Before reading, please see the author’s provided warnings for possibly triggering content.