Throne of the Crescent Moon (The Crescent Moon Kingdoms, #1) in Sword & Sorcery: "An earthier sort of fantasy"

Mar 01, 2020 Jason Ray Carney rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy, sword-and-sorcery

This was published by DAW books in February of 2012). It is by Saladin Ahmed (b. 1975). According to Readinglength.com, it is approximately 88,885 words. It was nominated for several achievement awards: the Hugo Award for Best Novel (2013), the David Gemmell Morningstar Award (2013), the Nebula Award for Best Novel (2012), and it won the Locus Award for Best First Novel. I had heard a lot about this novel in online sword and sorcery communities.

Around 2010 I interacted with Saladin Ahmed online This was published by DAW books in February of 2012). It is by Saladin Ahmed (b. 1975). According to Readinglength.com, it is approximately 88,885 words. It was nominated for several achievement awards: the Hugo Award for Best Novel (2013), the David Gemmell Morningstar Award (2013), the Nebula Award for Best Novel (2012), and it won the Locus Award for Best First Novel. I had heard a lot about this novel in online sword and sorcery communities.

Around 2010 I interacted with Saladin Ahmed online. I used to keep a blog (long since erased), titled, Novum, where I wrote about sword and sorcery, fantasy roleplaying, and the so-called "Old School Renaissance" in Dungeons and Dragons. It just so happened I was serializing a sword and sorcery novel on my blog. Saladin Ahmed complimented it and shared it on his Twitter feed. This was before his novel was published. Even though I was flattered, it didn't seem like that big of a deal then.

Anyway, Throne of the Crescent Moon is an excellent example of sword and sorcery, and its distinctively Arabic / Islamic flavor really makes it stand out. The story was compelling: in the city of Dhamasawaat, an evil sorcerer, patron of the Rebellious Angel, plots to take over the kingdom. He is aided by his foul black magic and a shadowy “manjackal.” But, he is thwarted by a party of committed heroes: Leading the party is Doctor Adoulla, the Ghul Hunter (if he had a D&D class, it would be "Cleric"). The warrior is the pious dervish, Raseed, who gives off Paladin vibes. There is an intriguing "were-lion" character, Zamia, who comes from a quasi-barbaric tribe (compared to those who dwell in the city). Finally, there is an alchemist, Litaz, and a wizard, Dawoud. One of the great things about this novel is how all the characters work together; their skills truly harmonize. They are also very human, down-to-earth, and rendered as sincerely good and selfless. In this way, I would argue they are "heroes," although not "epic heroes."

Let me conclude by highlighting another strength: the secondary fantasy world, or, more specifically, the metropolis of of Dhamasawaat (where most of the action takes place). Although it reminds me of famous fantasy metropolises like Lankhmar and Waterdeep, it has its own distinctive personality.

I highly recommend this to any and all who love sword and sorcery (or heroic fantasy. In my opinion, nominations and awards were merited. ...more

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Jun 17, 2015 Peter rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, adventure, arabian, sword-and-sorcery

While most fantasy is based in Eurocentric quasi-medieval secondary worlds, Saladin Ahmed's Throne of the Crescent Moon is based in an Arabian Nights inspired secondary world. As a kid I loved The First Two Lives of Lukas-Kasha by Lloyd Alexander, with it's grand viziers sultans, caravanserais and bazaars. Later I played in (and mostly read) the Al-Qadim roleplaying game. It was a joy to return to a similar fantasy world.

The most refreshing part of Throne of the Crescent Moon is the setting. The ...more

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May 29, 2012 Joseph rated it really liked it

The protagonist is old, fat and crotchety, and the setting has a very definite & convincing Arabian feel to it, although it's an imaginary world rather than a historical setting. Interesting characters, plenty of action and complications will always ensue. ...more

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Jul 02, 2013 Jeb Boyt rated it really liked it

A fine read. A great story with humane and well-developed characters. Ahmed has done some excellent world-building, creating a setting that is rich with life, history, and possibility.

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Feb 17, 2017 Michael added it

Shelves: science-fiction-fantasy, fiction, gave-up

Meh. I read 20%and lost interest. Not very well written.

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Nov 08, 2012 Chris Conley rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy

The setting is different than the norm and handled quite well. The protagonist is also different and done well. The plot builds slowly, but the pay off is worthwhile, so this did work as a book one. The other characters grew on me as the story progressed. My main issue was that the writing felt excessive at times, but that was far from a deal breaker.

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Feb 01, 2017 Brett rated it it was amazing

This was so good. I was separated from my kindle during this period due to commitments, and my main wish was to return to the smoky streets of Dhamsawaat. This is different to, but evokes memories of, both Leiber and Harrison (M. John, not Harry). I can give no higher praise.

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