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What Members Thought
After falling in love with Ms. Marvel and Cairo, I knew I had to read this novel. And now I'm in that uncomfortable situation of liking a book so much that it's nearly impossible to write about it reasonably, my brain focusing on nit-picky details to avoid sounding like on big fangirl squee.
The wonderful thing about this book is that it was constantly surprising. Every single character turns out to be far more interesting than they seem at first glance, which is entirely appropriate in a book th ...more
The wonderful thing about this book is that it was constantly surprising. Every single character turns out to be far more interesting than they seem at first glance, which is entirely appropriate in a book th ...more
Oh, what a joy to read a contemporary fantasy that deal with a whole new mythology--new in terms of western literary tradition, that is. The Middle Eastern and Islamic folklore and mythology have so much to offer that remains untapped, unexplored, and this novel brings so much of it to light. Along with that, the very relevant connection to the turbulent contemporary historical moment--'Arab Spring'--adds so much value and importance to the story. I love the blending of old and new, Djinns and c
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What a beautiful, unique, magnificent book! All the excitement of a techno-thriller woven seamlessly with fantasy and peppered with deep insight into religion, philosophy, politics, and science. And all told from a completely authentic, heartfelt Middle-Eastern perspective. Connections between technology and magic, history and current events, belief and freedom, all so deep as to keep you thinking about the implications long after the book is finished. Too often the stories told about the Middle
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This is an unusual blend of technothriller/mystical-magical novel. I read quickly and didn't fret over the arcane details of Muslim theology and folklore that cluttered the story. I had some trouble connecting with the main character -- couldn't figure out how old he was for the longest time, for example. Still, once the story got moving it was interesting and exciting enough to propel me to the satisfying end.
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Reminded me a lot of Cory Doctorow's For the Win and Little Brother, but with a more fantasy-based setting and plot.
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Magical realism that works. Seriously good.
Jul 08, 2012
Kai
marked it as to-read
Aug 10, 2012
Laine
marked it as to-read
Oct 24, 2012
gwen g
marked it as to-read
Nov 30, 2012
Shannon
marked it as to-read
Feb 12, 2013
Rachel
marked it as to-read
Mar 31, 2013
Jessica
marked it as to-read
Aug 08, 2014
Natalie
marked it as to-read
Aug 10, 2014
Becca
marked it as to-read
Sep 30, 2014
Lisa
marked it as maybe-someday
Feb 19, 2015
Julie
marked it as to-read
Aug 02, 2016
teresa
marked it as to-read
Nov 17, 2016
Kirsten
marked it as to-read
Oct 28, 2017
Lauren loves llamas
marked it as to-read
