Reviews

Oh this book is GOOD! The way it explores its characters and its central themes, the way Naseem Jamnia creates and develops an entire world in so few pages... yes yes yes.

The blood magic was fascinating and dark, and I feel like we receive just enough information about it for its role in the story to land the way its supposed to. The main character and the antagonist are both well-meaning, flawed people. The plot didn't go the way I expected, and it was much more compelling than what I was expecting!

And I loved reading the author's afterword at the end of the book. I generally try to judge books on their own merits, but I do think that authorial intent is relevant, and I always love a thoughtful reflection on why something was written. It made me appreciate the book even more.

The beginning was a bit rough. I didn't get into the book right away. But was I was engaged, I finished the rest of it in one day. I look forward to more from this author/this world!

Content Warnings

froggysuprise's review against another edition

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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

4.25

brandleberry's review against another edition

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challenging reflective medium-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? Yes

4.5

sarahsbooksandmakeup's review against another edition

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4.0

This one was a really interesting read.

Set in a queernormative world, with a magic system based on give and take (example: you want fire, something else has to freeze), and a rac*st government trying to control (everything) healing facilities while a strange plague is running wild in the city.

It sure felt similar to very early c0v1d times, where the rich/government have the ability to stay fed and receive the best medical care while the poor/refugees are left in squallor to fend for themselves and keep working. 👀 (Sounds like America most days, but I digress.)

This story is also reflective of what is happening in Palest*ne. A gen*cide of a people, them having to run from their homes so they can just live and be safe.

The Bruising of Qilwa is about novella length, and the magic system is easily understood. It's not an overwhelming kind of fantasy world, so if you're not someone who easily grasps fantasy, this is a good world to dive into.

*** You might need to Google some things. This is a Persian-inspired world, and I am but an uneducated white person. Please, if you read this, Google the things you don't know. Don't give up or rate it poorly based on what you don't know. ***

I *wish* this book was longer! The ending went a little but fast, and I just wanted more from this world. There was a lot to learn from this story. I absolutely recommend this if you're looking for queernormative fantasy and reflective critical thinking.