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A review by bookterror
The Perfect Assassin by K.A. Doore
4.0
I received an advanced reading copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is story about a young boy just starting his life as an assassin in a desert city.
It took me a hot minute to get into but the more I read the more enamoured I was with this world.
First of all, the setting is rich and extreme. The ideas of cities on stilts hovering over the desert, sand creeping into every corner and crevice, the sun burning from above and heat smothering you was a unique setting and had me feel thirsty the entire time I was reading. It also lends itself for the inspiration when it comes to the culture. People were tagels around their faces to protect them from the heat and white (clean) is the colour for mourning. Water is a rare resource and much of the daily life revolves around having enough to last the season; storms are a cause a cause for celebration.
There are also small amounts of magic that reminded me a little bit of the waterbenders in ATLA which is always a pluspoint to me. Then there are of course the jaan, demons/souls who are not quieted and terrorize the city. I am excited to learn more about them.
In general, I liked that this is more of a small scale fantasy. It focuses only on Ghadid. While there is mention of other cities and the empire, the story is confined to the city, making it easy to follow along and learn the intricacies of everything. It's a beautiful set up for more intrique and expansion in the next book.
Now to our main character: Amastan is very level-headed if unsure at times and it was very interesing to be in his head and follow his thoughts as he tries to solve the most recent murder. We learn just as much about the city's leader as about being raised as an assassin. Doore struck a good balance to only share necessary information but mix it up enough for it not to get boring. I loved his little exploration into romance (gay and ace CONFIRMED) while struggling to accept his fate.
The side characters were just as rich and diverse. We get people from many classes and professions. I think Thana and Yufit are probably my favourites, with Meena close after.
I am excited to see where this story will go.
This is story about a young boy just starting his life as an assassin in a desert city.
It took me a hot minute to get into but the more I read the more enamoured I was with this world.
First of all, the setting is rich and extreme. The ideas of cities on stilts hovering over the desert, sand creeping into every corner and crevice, the sun burning from above and heat smothering you was a unique setting and had me feel thirsty the entire time I was reading. It also lends itself for the inspiration when it comes to the culture. People were tagels around their faces to protect them from the heat and white (clean) is the colour for mourning. Water is a rare resource and much of the daily life revolves around having enough to last the season; storms are a cause a cause for celebration.
There are also small amounts of magic that reminded me a little bit of the waterbenders in ATLA which is always a pluspoint to me. Then there are of course the jaan, demons/souls who are not quieted and terrorize the city. I am excited to learn more about them.
In general, I liked that this is more of a small scale fantasy. It focuses only on Ghadid. While there is mention of other cities and the empire, the story is confined to the city, making it easy to follow along and learn the intricacies of everything. It's a beautiful set up for more intrique and expansion in the next book.
Now to our main character: Amastan is very level-headed if unsure at times and it was very interesing to be in his head and follow his thoughts as he tries to solve the most recent murder. We learn just as much about the city's leader as about being raised as an assassin. Doore struck a good balance to only share necessary information but mix it up enough for it not to get boring. I loved his little exploration into romance (gay and ace CONFIRMED) while struggling to accept his fate.
The side characters were just as rich and diverse. We get people from many classes and professions. I think Thana and Yufit are probably my favourites, with Meena close after.
I am excited to see where this story will go.