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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
60 years ago, a man named al-Jahiz opened the portal between the magical and real worlds, and they have existed together. Now in 1912, keeping the peace is the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments, and Supernatural Entities, including Fatma, its youngest female employee and one of its most successful. When a magical man starts wreaking havoc, claiming himself to be al-Jahiz, Fatma is set on the case, alongside her brand-new and way-too-enthusiastic partner, Hadia.
I really liked the vibes of this story. The flavor is possibly its best selling point - it's historical with the djinn fantasy elements and a light steampunk twist. On another level, there's also a mix of the seriousness of the fantasy with plenty of humor, which gives the book a fairly unique tone. I liked the platonic grumpy-sunshine dynamic we got between Fatma and Hadia. They also have different religious beliefs which was talked about well. I also liked that the main relationship in this WAS platonic, even if Fatma is sapphic and has a relationship. Plot and mystery-wise, I think there could have been a couple more red herrings. It was very clear who was being set up as the bad guy, and there weren't many other options to choose from after them. I don't know that I will recall much of the actual plot itself in a few months. I may only remember the setting/characters if that, but not what they did. I also thought that - because of its goodreads listing as being #1 in a series - that it would be the first in a series, but instead it's a standalone novel that's connected to previous novellas. I feel like these characters and their journey could be expanded upon so I'd love to see a direct sequel!
Overall, this is an SFF to read for the vibes, and I can appreciate that.
I really liked the vibes of this story. The flavor is possibly its best selling point - it's historical with the djinn fantasy elements and a light steampunk twist. On another level, there's also a mix of the seriousness of the fantasy with plenty of humor, which gives the book a fairly unique tone. I liked the platonic grumpy-sunshine dynamic we got between Fatma and Hadia. They also have different religious beliefs which was talked about well. I also liked that the main relationship in this WAS platonic, even if Fatma is sapphic and has a relationship. Plot and mystery-wise, I think there could have been a couple more red herrings. It was very clear who was being set up as the bad guy, and there weren't many other options to choose from after them. I don't know that I will recall much of the actual plot itself in a few months. I may only remember the setting/characters if that, but not what they did. I also thought that - because of its goodreads listing as being #1 in a series - that it would be the first in a series, but instead it's a standalone novel that's connected to previous novellas. I feel like these characters and their journey could be expanded upon so I'd love to see a direct sequel!
Overall, this is an SFF to read for the vibes, and I can appreciate that.
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Definitely enjoyed this book! I loved the mystery and the magic dynamics, the ending was wild in a fun way, and I would definitely read the next one!
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
The great philosopher Ibn al-A’raabi also described fitna as a testing, a trial, to burn with fire. I see it similar to the ways of alchemy. To melt to such a heat as to separate the elements, much as one distinguishes the oppressor from the oppressed. That is what I bring to this city, to expose what ugliness lurks beneath this age of wonders. So that all with eyes and heart may see.
★★★★½
P. Djèlí Clark is an absolute KING of worldbuilding in sff and his debut novel serves as a testament to his genius. A Master of Djinn was a thrilling debut set in his reimagined Cairo universe where mystical djinn and humans live and work side by side and magic has propelled Egypt to the forefront of political power on the global stage. I am always blown away by the sheer depth of Clark's imagination and this book was certainly no exception. From household automatons called boiler plate eunuchs to towering mechanical angels - the way Clark seamlessly blends magic and technology with the ordinary sights and sounds of Cairo was just breathtaking.
This book starts off with a banger (an entire secret society is brutally murdered by a mysterious figure) and does an excellent job of keeping you in its thrall for the entire ride. Once I really got immersed into the universe again I flew through the story's nearly 400 pages. The charismatic agent Fatma, a dapper detective introduced in one of Clark's short stories "A Dead Djinn in Cairo," is tasked with investigating this horrible event and its connection to the second coming of the legendary figure, al-Jahiz, who tore down the barrier between the world of djinn and the world of man. She was such a fun protagonist to follow! If Fatma could just grant me a measly fraction of her suavity and charm I would be set for life. Clark just really knows how to write incredible female characters in general. I loved the other main characters Hadia and Siti as well. Hadia is an endearing rookie, Fatma's new partner in the field, and a total badass. Siti is a priestess of the old Egyptian goddesses and the baddest of asses. I loved her snark and ALSO she and Fatma were an absolute (sapphic!) power couple we love to see it
adventurous
mysterious
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:
No
“I don’t have sad tales to tell you. I’m not some tragic character from a story, lost between two worlds. I revel in who I am. What I am.”
There is something deeply addictive about the worldbuilding in this book. I found myself almost immediately enraptured by this fantasy, steampunk version of 1912 Cairo.
There is a lot going for this book: the deeply rooted mystery, the fascinating worldbuilding, the cast of interesting characters, and of course the prose that maintained an air of humour without.
It may not be a book without flaws. There were some noticeable cases of repetition throughout, both in the writing style and descriptions - as well as the characters themselves. Conversations that felt like they’d happened before and descriptions pulled out multiple times for the same characters or instances. But all in all, that worldbuilding though.
This is such a rich and fascinating world of magic, enchantment, and steampunk innovation. It is a world I could happily revisit again and again. And then you sprinkle on top the sapphic romance and the finely tailored suits! I did really enjoy this book, its mystery, its characters, and most importantly its world. And I sure do hope there is even more where that came from going forward.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Violence, Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Sexism, Slavery, Colonisation
Minor: Addiction, Confinement, Police brutality, Alcohol
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The good: queer historical fantasy, Egyptian mythology and history interwoven
The bad: the pacing. Oh my god the pacing.
The bad: the pacing. Oh my god the pacing.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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
Reading this was like getting cozy on the couch with a plate full of food and a full drama series on auto play.
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
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