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A review by nclcaitlin
A Master of Djinn by P. Djèlí Clark
3.5
In Cairo, Djinn live among humans, work with them. Fatma el-Sha'arawi, first and youngest woman special investigator with the Egyptian Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments, and Supernatural Entities investigates the murder of 24 members of a secret occult Brotherhood full of influential figures.
This is fascinating as it poses the question of oppression, corruption, and police violence from the other side. Fatma works for the authorities and the come-again prophet is sowing discontent and strife, yet is supported by the public and appears to be speaking the hidden truth.
Per usual, Clark offers relevant and poignant commentary on gender, expectations, and foreign relations. He highlights the historical significance of foreign men committing theft. Pilfering what they would from other lands and make themselves a new power.
There are strong characters and fascinating steampunk world-building. Whilst not a five star as I hoped for, this was a riveting read!
“Usually the secrets we keep deep down, ain't meant to hurt other people," he said. "Not saying they won't, but not through intentions. Those deep secrets, we hide away because we're afraid what other people might think.
How they might judge us, if they knew. And nobody's judgment we scared of more than the one we give our hearts to.”
I would recommend reading the two novellas first!!
This is fascinating as it poses the question of oppression, corruption, and police violence from the other side. Fatma works for the authorities and the come-again prophet is sowing discontent and strife, yet is supported by the public and appears to be speaking the hidden truth.
Per usual, Clark offers relevant and poignant commentary on gender, expectations, and foreign relations. He highlights the historical significance of foreign men committing theft. Pilfering what they would from other lands and make themselves a new power.
There are strong characters and fascinating steampunk world-building. Whilst not a five star as I hoped for, this was a riveting read!
“Usually the secrets we keep deep down, ain't meant to hurt other people," he said. "Not saying they won't, but not through intentions. Those deep secrets, we hide away because we're afraid what other people might think.
How they might judge us, if they knew. And nobody's judgment we scared of more than the one we give our hearts to.”
I would recommend reading the two novellas first!!