Questions About The Bird King

by G. Willow Wilson (Goodreads Author)

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about The Bird King, please sign up.

Answered Questions (5)

I don't really understand about the worm in Luz's eye. Towards the end of the book Vikram says Fatima and Hassan "unleashed evil" and it went to Luz, but I don't remember when or how this happened. Can anyone tell me what part of the book it's in?

Jalilah I'll answer my own question! I just re-read and it's on pages 95 and 96 when they are escaping the Alhambra. I did not make the connection the first t…moreI'll answer my own question! I just re-read and it's on pages 95 and 96 when they are escaping the Alhambra. I did not make the connection the first time around! (less)

flag

I liked Alif the Unseen well enough, but it was too close to a YA fantasy tale rather than a novel for me (I realize others had a different reading experience). The historical setting of this new one attracts me but how fantasy/magical is it compared to Alif?

Gregory Mele Definitely an adult fairy-tale. Beautifully written, but not historical fiction.

flag

Is this a YA novel?

Christina I don't think so. I wouldn't have a problem giving it to a mature older teenager but it's definitely geared toward adults.
* violence - it is set duri…moreI don't think so. I wouldn't have a problem giving it to a mature older teenager but it's definitely geared toward adults.
* violence - it is set during the Inquisition
* threat of violent rape
* main character Fatima is a concubine so while her sultan isn't violent with her (their relationship is more complicated and nuanced than that) it's not like she can say no. :-/

There's also a bit of consensual sex too, which I guess some people might object to for YA.(less)

flag

Is there a eunuch character?

Arturo Serrano An in-text search on Google Books says no.

flag

I saw this is described in places as a "spin off" of Alif the Unseen- is it necessary to read that book first?

Diana It's a completely separate story, and you don't have to read Alif first. (But consider reading it eventually, because it's both a good book and a fun …moreIt's a completely separate story, and you don't have to read Alif first. (But consider reading it eventually, because it's both a good book and a fun book.(less)

flag

Unanswered Questions (1)

This question contains spoilers... (view spoiler)

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more