I received an advanced reader coy of The City of Brass, in my November Illumicrate box. TBH I had not heard about the book before, but once I had read the synopsis I was very intrigued.
Nahri has grown up on the streets of 18th Century Cario only believing in herself a not magic. She is a con woman with unbelievable skills, which allow her to con money out of Ottoman nobles. When in the middle of one of her Cons Nahri accidentally summons a Dijnn warrior Dara, who informs her that she has Dijnn blood and need to go Daevabad her ancestral home. Nahri has to come to terms that the magical stories she heard as a child are true. As they cross the desert Dara tells more tells as they try to get to Daevabad before they are caught by the ifrit.
Once they reach Daevabad behind the Brass gates is welcoming in the world of the Dijnn and its six tribes. Nahri dreams have all come true, but as the saying goes be careful what you wish for. As Nahri learns that true power is fierce and brutal. That magic cannot shield her from the dangerous web of court politics. That it doesn’t matter how clever a con is they are deadly consequences.
I have a passion for books that show us different religion and cultures, I was fascinated with the mythology of the Djinn and how it worked with the muslin religion. I would look for more books now with Djinns in. Another part of the story that really affected me, is the class system that they have in Daveabad.
I really enjoyed that this story that had a strong female muslin character in Nahri. Nahri is cleaver, tough and very resourceful. Some people may not like her as a character she is very headstrong, but that is one of my favourite things about her.
The book splits itself between Nahri and Ali the second prince of Daevabad. Ali was a character that my opinion change frequently when I was reading the book. I am glad that author has created a character that was not so clear-cut if going to be a good or bad guy. I think this quote from Dava to Ali sums up Ali very we
“I was also once a young warrior from the ruling tribe. It’s a privileged position. Such utter confidence in the rightness of your people, such unwavering belief in your faith.”
I enjoyed the book as a whole, but I did prefer the first half of the story before Dava and Nahri reached Daevabad. I love the tales and the romantic tension between Dava and Nahir.
In conclusion
This book is prefect for fans of fantasy, head strong woman with some romance mixed in. The book ended with a great twist and I am excited to read what happens next in The Kingdom of Copper which is due out later this year.
I give this book 4.8 out of 5
If you would like to find out more about the author S. A. Chakraborty click HERE.
Thanks for reading.
Gem x
