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emily_mh's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This was another fantastic novella from Clark set in his alt-history steampunk 1910s Cairo! I’m truly in love with the setting of this world, and in this book it was really brought to the forefront, the plot being focussed on this Cairo’s network of aerial trams!!
The plot further expands the world-building in how it ties in the religious and political diversity and tensions of the setting. There’s a particular focus on women (and how AMAZING they are), as Egypt’s women are fighting for suffrage, and womanhood is otherwise tied into the story. Ironically, our MC and his investigative partner are men, though they are very endearing ones at that. Furthermore, the pacing of the plot was once again well-executed.
I was really intrigued by the brief commentary on this Cairo’s thinking machines. The narrative poses the question: if they can think, are they beings in their own right, and thus is our use of them enslavement? The parallels were AI are striking.
Overall, this was thoroughly enjoyable and well-done.
Rep: Muslim Egyptian MC, Egyptian SCs
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pregnancy, Sexism, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Kidnapping, Violence, Child death, and Animal death
Minor: Alcoholism, Addiction, Death, Misogyny, Infertility, Blood, Gore, Vomit, Gun violence, Ableism, Alcohol, Racism, Colonisation, Mental illness, Slavery, and Fire/Fire injury
surdiablo's review
adventurous
funny
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
4.0
That was pretty fun! It's not as great as Ring Shout but considerably better than the previous 2 short stories set in the same universe, with more fleshed-out details and intriguing detective work. As usual, the setting/environment stands out most, and the book had me laughing occasionally which was a pleasant surprise. The lack of djinns/angels was noticeable since they took a backseat this time, and the main character is somewhat lackluster, but the side characters and plot are interesting enough to keep you entertained still. I'm eagerly looking forward to reading the next book, as I believe this world has the potential to be something even more amazing as a fully-fledged novel.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death and Sexism
fox_at_the_circus's review
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-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
4.0
Really like the setting of this story and how the discovery of Djinn changed society and world history. Loved seeing the suffragete movement here and all the powerful working women in this book.
I also liked the characters. I especially loved Onsi and his loved/need for philosophical debate, so entertaining and interesting! And also a great way to show more of the world within this shorter story. Also the genderfluid Djinn, amazing!
I also liked the characters. I especially loved Onsi and his loved/need for philosophical debate, so entertaining and interesting! And also a great way to show more of the world within this shorter story. Also the genderfluid Djinn, amazing!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Sexism
thereaderfriend's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Had higher expectations for this :/ the potential was there but not executed well. Did like the wacky mysterious vibes. Didn't like the women's suffrage subplot to the main plot. That wasn't good. Didn't like the MC but the rest of it was decent. Definitely a starting novella for the author. Liked the monster action and world building. Looking forward to Fatma's book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy, Sexism, and Miscarriage
Moderate: Violence, Gore, and Animal death
Minor: Blood, Misogyny, and Xenophobia
aardwyrm's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
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? It's complicated
4.0
I really like Clark's work and all the weirdness and reflection on human frailty and fundamental potential for goodness and cool monster action is here, though you can kinda tell it's an earlier work (lot of "as you know, Bob" dialogue), the exposition dumps sit lightly because the bizarre worldbuilding is a large part of the draw.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Pregnancy, Sexism, Blood, Cannibalism, and Gore
_forestofpages's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-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: Sexism
Moderate: Death and Violence
awpatton's review
adventurous
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
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage, Pregnancy, and Sexism
Moderate: Animal death, Blood, and Gore
montereads's review
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage
Moderate: Gore, Pregnancy, Misogyny, and Sexism
obscurepages's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
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
5.0
P. Djèlí Clark just knows how to surprise you. He knows how to build curiosity and tension, create momentum, and then surprise you with the best twist there is. He did it in A Dead Djinn in Cairo, and he did it again here in The Haunting of Tram Car 015. And y'all, I love it! I love it so much, AAAHHHH.
I immediately fell in love with the world in A Dead Djinn in Cairo, I knew I just had to get back to this universe (and I'm so glad we're finally getting a full novel? HELLOOOOO). Though this one has a different set of main characters, it still has the same action and humor and otherworldly mystique the first novella has. Apart from the paranormal and the exciting plot, I loved the focus on women and equality as well. I really enjoyed reading this one.
And now, I am ready to read Master of Djinn! And thank goodness I have an e-arc, AAAAAHHHHHH
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
I immediately fell in love with the world in A Dead Djinn in Cairo, I knew I just had to get back to this universe (and I'm so glad we're finally getting a full novel? HELLOOOOO). Though this one has a different set of main characters, it still has the same action and humor and otherworldly mystique the first novella has. Apart from the paranormal and the exciting plot, I loved the focus on women and equality as well. I really enjoyed reading this one.
And now, I am ready to read Master of Djinn! And thank goodness I have an e-arc, AAAAAHHHHHH
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Content Warnings
Minor: Violence, Misogyny, and Sexism
beholderess's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism and Violence