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A Master of Djinn
Group Reads Discussions 2021
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"A Master of Djinn" First Impressions *No Spoilers*
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30 percent done with the audio book. Well done narration . So far I have found it a fun read. Certainly lighter than some of the other books I've been reading like Pump Six and Other Stories.
Mod
Quite pleased with the intrigue, the colourful and imaginative scenery, and surprising character exchanges thus far.
i'm captivated by the world and characters so far, almost halfway through. Interested in seeing where this goes and its a quick and easy read which is enjoyable.
I want to read the other 2 first, so I’m not sure I’ll get to this right away. Looking forward to it though.
Right, I meant to pop in here to say that if you haven't read A Dead Djinn in Cairo and The Haunting of Tram Car 015, maybe read at least the first before the novel? You don't have to, but there are many references to things that happen, and some background information, and of course you get introduced to all the characters. Dead Djinn is very short, available free online, and there's a buddy read (linked in the first post), so no reason not to read at least that one :) Tram Car has a different protagonist, who is a side character in the novel, and the case that's solved in that one gets mentioned a bit, but it's not essential to have read it before, I feel.That said, you don't have to have read either to be able to enjoy the novel!
Thanks for that, Anna!
I liked, but didn't love Tram Car. Worried that this one might be similar, I feel like detective type stories can be more formulaic than most. That said, I'm giving it a shot!
I read it a while back and thought it pretty good. “We may be forced into the shadows, but the Eye of Ra pierces all.”
Mod
Anna wrote: "Right, I meant to pop in here to say that if you haven't read A Dead Djinn in Cairo and The Haunting of Tram Car 015, maybe read at least the first before the novel?..."I read those stories. To be completist, I may also listen LeVar Burton reading another short story from this world, "The Angel of Khan el-Khalili"
Here is URL but probably best to use your usual podcast app to subscribe or download
LeVar Burton Reads | July 20, 2021 episode.
https://www.stitcher.com/show/levar-b...
https://overcast.fm/+WaIUmYvj4
Christopher wrote: "I liked, but didn't love Tram Car. Worried that this one might be similar, I feel like detective type stories can be more formulaic than most. That said, I'm giving it a shot!"I am in the same boat, Chris. I read both those stories and (if we had half stars) would give them 2.5. I liked the world, the setup, the cool premise (genies/occult stuff leaking into our world, the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments and Supernatural Entities!), the idea of the detective and minister characters... but then didn't think the stories were very interesting. Does that mean I liked the muscles and hair, but not the bones? Some metaphor about writing that I am reaching for here.
That said, it's our monthly book, the world is fun, and certainly Mr. Clarke's writing could be developing over time, so I also am giving it a shot!
The Angel story didn’t seem to have anything to do with the novel, that’s why I didn’t mention it. I did listen to it just last week though, and it was good! But unless I missed something, it stands pretty much alone, just set in the same world.
To make up for my disses I am back to say 1. how much fun Chapter 2 is. Several lines made me smile or chuckle.
Their heads swiveled about like meerkats.Hee!
2. Everything is described so colorfully and vividly. People, otherworldly beings, clothing, decor, architecture, surroundings... makes me want to visit this Cairo.
Bonnie wrote: "To make up for my disses I am back to say 1. how much fun Chapter 2 is. Several lines made me smile or chuckle. Their heads swiveled about like meerkats.Hee!
2. Everything is described so colorful..."
My feelings too on reading in as far as you are sharing here.
I am about 90 pages in and I love how the book constantly surprises you.
Mod
a little halfway through, I am loving the Egypt and Arabic themes honestly very much a departure from what I've been reading a lot recently. I'm not sure about the actual story yet, starting to get a bit on the boring side the characters don't seem to pop out to me. The environments though wow.
One chapter in and agree with everyone about the world building—-very vivid.
Not really pertinent to anything, but was thinking about a book titled “A Master of Gin”. Maybe about some sort of expert mixologist?
Or a healer who specializes in treating malaria?
“A Master of Gym” about a P.E. Teacher? Ok I’ll stop, think I’ve gotten this out of my system.
And "A Master of Din" is a muffler manufacturer? (I would not read this book.)
Mod
Mod
Melanie can be A Master of Hymns. And Hims.
A Master of Brims for whoever has the best hat collection.
A Master of Limbs for puppeteers and gymnasts.
A Master of Bins to the mod that trashes this derail.
Mod
Piranesi could be alternately titled: "A Master of Plinths"
But who is the Master of Chin?
Christopher wrote: "Piranesi could be alternately titled: "A Master of Plinths""Haha! Hilarious!
About a third of the way through. So far the book this most reminds me of is “City of Stairs”.
A couple of chapters in. The first chapter left me rather cold, but once we were in Fatma's point of view I was engaged. The steampunk elements, the djinn, Fatma's role as a fantasyland bureaucrat, are all interesting threads. I never read the cover copy until I'm a substantial ways into the book, so I'm curious about what the main story is about and what Fatma's role in it will be.
Anna wrote: "Right, I meant to pop in here to say that if you haven't read A Dead Djinn in Cairo and The Haunting of Tram Car 015, maybe read at least the first before the novel?..."Followed your advice and read A Dead Djinn in Cairo first. Now, I've started chapter two A Master of Djinn and am really glad to see Fatma again. The world is also pretty cool, so I'm hopeful.
I tried, I really did...but I gave up on this book. I hate to say it, but it didn't poke my brain in the right spots. A totally personal rejection - nothing against the writing, the story, the mystery, the world...it just wasn't my thing.
Mod
I finished the book too loved the world and writing but the characters weren't for me. I'll go with what the other mat said lol.
Ellen wrote: "30 percent done with the audio book. Well done narration . So far I have found it a fun read. Certainly lighter than some of the other books I've been reading like Pump Six and Other Stories"I just read that too. Agreed, bleak. I posted some in the group discussions. Necro-posted!
You can find the links at the bottom of the Pump Six web page, "Discuss this book, Topics," or under 2014 group reads discussions :
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/group...
I just bought this on Audible. I listened to two of the shorts in the world on Scribd, and loved them. Looking forward to listening.
SciFi and Fantasy Book Club
Books mentioned in this topic
Pump Six and Other Stories (other topics)A Dead Djinn in Cairo (other topics)
The Haunting of Tram Car 015 (other topics)
A Master of Djinn (other topics)
A Dead Djinn in Cairo (other topics)
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A Dead Djinn in Cairo buddy read is here.
Content warnings for those who want them: (view spoiler)[ Misogyny, Racism, Colourism Colonialism, Gambling addiction, Self-mutilation, Blood & gore depiction, Police brutality, Immolation (provided by Trigger Warning Database) (hide spoiler)]