Master of Djinn, A (Dead Djinn Universe, 1)

Audiobook. I really enjoy stories with strong and intelligent female characters who boldly move about in their world. This story delivers that in spades. The narration is excellent, including a variety of accents, tones and personas. Basically a mystery novel with fantastical situations that are steadily dissected by a relentlessly logical and fearless heroine and her somewhat magical sidekick (who is a force in her own right). Solid worldbuilding with reasonable explanations for existing magic seasoned with the flavor of Middle-eastern culture presented in a positive light.

4.5 stars!

I loved the premise and setting for this book. We so rarely get books set in Egypt, and not only is this story set in Egypt, but Egypt is a leading world power in this alternate universe. The inclusion of djinn and Egyptian lore and beliefs was something that fleshed out the world and drew me into it even further. And the commentary on colonialism and the idea of the "white savior" was super apt and perfect without feeling like I was being hit over the head with it. Basically, I am obsessed with the lore and world that this book established, and I want - no, need - the author to write a sequel set in the same world with the same characters.

Speaking of the characters, the main character is just perfect. I loved her (and her gf!) and her determination, grit, and just general badassery. I wish that her partner had gotten a little more screentime in the story, because it still felt like she was relegated to the background quite a bit, but if there's a sequel (hint hint), maybe she will be featured more. And Sita (the girlfriend) was so fun! But not just fun, she had her own secrets and insecurities while bringing some humor to the story. The relationship between her and Fatima was everything I would want in a LGBT fictional relationship.

And of course, the plot was so fun! A lot of that just came from the way that the author played in the world that he created. While djinn are not a new concept, the way they were used and the alternate Egypt the author created felt so original and compelling. Also I sort of mentioned this, but the commentary on how white people use and villainize people of color for their own gains in different ways (power, a surface obsession with their "foreign" cultures, etc) was really great without being too pushy.

Give! Us! More! Djinn! Universe! Books!

This was a delight ! Masterful world building. Classic type of good vs evil, but with many lovely twists : steampunk representation of pre-WWI Cairo felt exotic; a magical ministry ; a savvy, sassy heroine ; an LGBTQ romance; world domination from a surprising source and many small puzzles to solve along the way. I really enjoyed this one !

Just delightful! Not typically my vibe, as there’s some steampunk elements to it but this is written so well and the universe is so interesting—where magical djinns have entered the world and we co-exist and oh, yeah, it’s set in Cairo. If you’re an Egypt documentary girlie (me) and love sapphic (me), then this book should make its way to the top of your TBR. It’s been out for a while and honestly, my only flaw was that the ending was too short. The final scenes felt a little short, with everything going on. And it’s such an EPIC book. The author does a great job keeping the pacing up, even through politics and backstory. The love story is a strong subplot but it’s not spicy, which helps because the author does identify as a man. And that’s where my initial hesitation was—but have no fear. Both Fatma and Siti are well rounded characters that feel complicated and more than their romance to another. Anyway, read this book if you love history; the cultural explosion of this part of the world and women. If the author ever writes any sequels, I will pick them up. There’s also a few novellas with the same characters that are technically prequels but weren’t required reading for this book. Gotta love a talented author!