A Master of Djinn: 1 (Dead Djinn Universe)

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Plot, however, was problematic. While it initially seems to be a murder investigation, it turns out that a much larger game is afoot, one that ultimately (thematic spoiler) reminded me of a Scooby-Doo episode . At times, however, the story felt scattershot, too many asides that pulled focus away from plot. Halfway through, world politics were awkwardly inserted–perhaps as a way to up the tension–and it turns out now there's also goblins to contend with. Unfortunately, I ended up with more questions, having accepted the premise of the adjacent-world for the djinn. The short explanation didn’t square for me, but perhaps someone else will read it differently. “Folktales were collected and scoured for any practical use. Djinn were not native to the country, but there were other creatures–chief among them goblins… allowing [redacted] to rapidly grow in its magical and industrial expertise.”

Beneath Notice: At first, no one suspects Abigail is the lead imposter, because Al-Jahiz was male and they portrayed him as such in his “return”, but also she's a seemingly harmless woman. Al-Jahiz was one of the most famous men in history; fifty years ago, he transformed the world when he opened the veil between the magical and mundane realms then proceed to vanish. The year is now 1912, and when Maybe that’s why she gets partnered up with a rookie who’s way too perfect for a twenty-something new inexperienced grad — an unflappable eager badass in martial arts, and with a cousin in every important governmental department.

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And I found it pretty hard to care for Fatma. She just wasn’t a very compelling protagonist, despite the swagger and supposed badassery. I kept feeling like I’m really observing her from the distance. And that focus on her suits gave it less of a swagger vibe, honestly, and more of a parody feel. Maybe it’s supposed to show that she’s grounded in reality, as she alluded to in the end, but it seemed a bit too superficial and distracting. As bad as any London street urchin and will rob you blind if you let them.” Moustafa’s eyes shifted to Archibald, the barest smile on his full lips. Genie in a Bottle: One appears at the beginning of the book, but the only wish he grants the humans who woke him up is to choose how they will die. Gamal’s companion, who sat beside him, stopped chewing his nails long enough to mutter, “Let’s be done with it, okay?” The lanky youth looked even younger than Gamal, with jutting ears and a halo of coiled hair. His eyes never met Fatma’s, and she hoped it was because of the persona she worked to project: a young socialite willing to pay heavily for pilfered goods. Alternate History: It takes place in an alternate version of Egypt where magic is commonplace and was used to drive out the British colonizers.

Government Agency of Fiction: The Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments, and Supernatural Entities, the Egyptian agency in charge of dealing with all things magic. So here’s what happens now. You hand over that bottle. I give you half of what we agreed on—for making this difficult. And I won’t haul you in for questioning. We have a deal?” That was the thing a lot of people didn’t understand. Magic abhorred imbalance. And always exacted a price. I only seek to serve, Mr. Dalton.” Moustafa spoke in clipped English, taking the gloves and folding them within his blue robes. Dalton grunted. “Every hand out for a little bit of baksheesh.

One-Night-Stand Pregnancy: Siti was conceived as the result of one tryst her djinn father had with her human mother. With its richly imagined world and characters and its high-stakes and thrilling plot, this novel would make such a fantastic show in the vein of The Nevers and Carnival Row, but better.” - Buzzfeed Another bit of Cairene slang. Muhammad Ali Basha, the Great, was rumored to have consolidated his power with the help of a djinn advisor—who abandoned him in his greatest time of need, answering the old Khedive’s pleas with laughter that echoed un ceasing in his head. When the aging ruler was forced to abdicate, many blamed the djinn’s curse for weakening his mind.

Frame-Up: Abigail framed her brother Alexander, implicating him for the different crimes she committed, though it's discovered by Fatma. Butch Lesbian: Fatma likes to wear bowler hats, very nice suits and has a cane. She also wears her hair short and she works as a detective, being among the few women doing this. Due to this, she also gets mistaken for a handsome young man repeatedly, indicating her style makes her look bifauxnen. She's secretly lovers with Nubian woman Siti. Eldritch Abomination: The angels. Though they may or may not be actual angels, they're certainly powerful beyond human comprehension. The Nine Ifrit Kings are also an example, being massive fire djinn that ruled in ancient times.Sword Cane: Fatma has one, which serves as her personal weapon. It fits with her personal style of wearing a bowler hat and fine Western men's suit. We found it fishing. I was thinking it was meant to hold perfume or used by early alchemists. But this…” His hand went to a stopper at the bottle’s top, running along a jade ceramic seal engraved with a dragon. “Never seen its like before. Chinese maybe? Tang? Don’t recognize the writing either. And the wax is fresh, like it was just put on yesterday—” Saeed unslung a brown satchel from his shoulder and set it on the table. As he reached inside, Fatma found her hand gripping the lion-headed pommel of her cane. Patience. Lord Worthington inclined his head, holding up a goblet. “To peace.” The others followed, even senile old Pennington. Somewhere between, the old man sighted Archibald.