Books matching: middle eastern setting
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- #1
The City of Brass is a fantasy novel set in a world of Devas and Djinn, following the journey of Nahri, a young girl with mysterious powers, as she navigates through complex politics, magic, and society. The plot unfolds in a Middle Eastern-inspired setting, where Nahri discovers her heritage and connection to the magical beings, while facing challenges of power, intrigue, and romance in a richly detailed world filled with historical and supernatural elements.
Nahri smiled behind her veil, watching the two men bicker as they approached her stall. The younger one glanced anxiously down the alley while the older man—her client—sweated in the cool dawn air. Sa... - #2
Throne of the Crescent Moon by Saladin Ahmed is a fantasy novel set in an Arabian Nights-style environment, featuring a group of characters including an aging monster hunter, his apprentice, an orphaned Bedouin, and older comrades who embark on a desert fantasy adventure to solve a mystery and save their city. The plot involves a mix of religion, magic, and politics with an Islamic background and customs, providing a quick-paced adventure filled with interesting characters and settings. The writing style is noted for its unique Middle Eastern-inspired setting, engaging narrative, and well-written heroes who, despite seeming somewhat one-dimensional, propel the story forward with confrontations leading up to a climactic battle with an evil villain.
He held them close as a handful of dinars. Counted them over and over. Nine days. Nine days. Nine days. If he could remember this until he died he could keep his soul whole for God’s sheltering embrac... - #3
In an alternate history of Cairo, set in the early 1920s, magical creatures like djinn coexist with humans. The story follows Senior Agent Hamed Nasr and his partner, Agent Onsi Youssef, as they investigate a haunted tram car, navigating through a world filled with supernatural entities and political intrigue. The novella combines elements of steampunk, mystery, and fantasy, creating a vivid and immersive world where the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments, and Supernatural Entities handles cases involving the supernatural.
The writing style of the book is described as charming and engaging, with a mix of humor, suspense, and intricate world-building. The author, P. Djeli Clark, skillfully blends historical details with fantastical elements, creating a unique setting where magic and social issues intertwine seamlessly. The plot unfolds as a fast-paced detective story, offering a fresh take on the police procedural genre within a fantastical Cairo filled with diverse and intriguing characters.
The office of the Superintendent of Tram Safety & Maintenance at Ramses Station had all the decor befitting someone who had been elevated—or likely pushed along the lines of patronage—into such a vaul... - #4
The Bird King by G. Willow Wilson is a historical fiction novel set in late 15th-century Granada, Spain, during the time of the Spanish Inquisition and the fall of the Muslim stronghold. The story follows Fatima, a concubine, and Hassan, a mapmaker with a magical gift, as they escape the palace and embark on a journey to find the mythical island of the Bird King. The novel seamlessly blends historical events with elements of magical realism, introducing readers to a world rich in detail, diverse characters, and fantastical creatures. Wilson's writing style is described as lush, captivating, and evocative, drawing readers into a world of intrigue, friendship, and survival.
He was not on his knees, however, nor bowing toward the gold-painted medallion in the southeast corner of his workroom that marked the direction of Mecca: instead, he sat on a cushion in the sun with ... - #5
Set in an alternate history of 1912 Cairo, "A Dead Djinn in Cairo" follows Fatma el Sha'arawi, a special investigator with the Egyptian Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments, and Supernatural Entities. The story revolves around her investigation into the murder of a dead djinn, leading her to uncover hidden plots and nefarious foes in a steampunk world filled with djinns, angels, ghouls, and other mythical creatures. With a compelling mystery and intriguing characters, the novella offers a unique blend of fantasy, supernatural elements, and detective work, all set in a richly detailed and atmospheric Cairo.
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A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini is a heart-wrenching tale that follows the intertwined lives of two Afghan women, Mariam and Laila, who find themselves married to the same abusive man, Rasheed. Set against the backdrop of war-torn Afghanistan from the 1970s to the 2000s, the book delves into the struggles and sacrifices these women endure, shedding light on the harsh realities of life in a male-dominated society. The narrative captures the strength, resilience, and unlikely friendship that blossoms between the two women amidst the turmoil they face, painting a vivid picture of the oppressive conditions and violence experienced by women in the region.
Hosseini's storytelling in A Thousand Splendid Suns is described as captivating, moving, and powerful, as he skillfully weaves a narrative that explores themes of love, friendship, sacrifice, and resilience. Through the eyes of Mariam and Laila, the reader gains insight into the plight of women in Afghanistan, the impact of war and political unrest on ordinary people, and the enduring power of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The book offers a poignant and emotional portrayal of the struggles faced by its characters, providing a window into the complexities of life in Afghanistan during tumultuous times.
It happened on a Thursday. It must have, because Mariam remembered that she had been restless and preoccupied that day, the way she was only on Thursdays, the day when Jalil visited her at the kolba. ... - #7
Night's Master by Tanith Lee is a collection of interconnected stories set in a unique world where demons meddle in human affairs, showcasing a vast dark mythology covering thousands of years. The book follows Azhrarn, the Prince of Demons and Night's Master, who discovers and raises a human child, ultimately changing the destiny of the earth. Each tale weaves together themes of magic, love, grief, hate, and death, creating a richly luxuriant and passionate narrative. The writing style is described as dark, gothic, and full of vivid imagery and elegant prose, reminiscent of mythology and fairy tales.
ONE NIGHT, AZHRARN Prince of Demons, one of the Lords of Darkness, took on him, for amusement, the shape of a great black eagle. East and west he flew, beating with his vast wings, north and south, to... - #8
In "The Wrath and the Dawn," Shahrzad volunteers to marry the Caliph Khalid, a ruler who has been killing his brides each night, seeking revenge for her best friend's death. As she weaves stories to stay alive, she becomes drawn to the tormented ruler and begins to unravel the secrets he holds. The book is a retelling of One Thousand and One Nights, filled with hate, fear, resentment, friendship, respect, love, and sacrifice, set in a vividly described world with a tangle of beliefs, assumptions, and truths. The writing style is described as rich in detail, with a beautiful portrayal of the setting, characters, and emotions, capturing the exotic mystique of the Middle East.
A breeze gusted along the gossamer curtains lining the walls of the chamber. The sweet scent of citrus blossoms wafted through the carved wooden screens leading to the terrace, whispering of a freedom... - #9
'Rebel of the Sands' by Alwyn Hamilton is a fantasy novel set in a sultanate with a blend of American Old West elements. The story follows Amani, a sharpshooter disguising herself as a boy, who joins forces with Jin, a fugitive, to escape her town and avoid an arranged marriage. As they navigate a world of rebellion, magic, and mythical creatures, their journey is filled with daring escapes, gunfights, and a touch of romance. The book combines elements of Arabian mythology and Western themes, creating a unique and adventurous tale that captivates readers.
The plot of 'Rebel of the Sands' is fast-paced and filled with non-stop action, making it an engaging and thrilling read. The world-building, blending Middle Eastern and Wild West influences, adds depth and richness to the story, creating a unique setting for the characters to navigate. The characters, particularly Amani, are well-developed and relatable, with flaws and complexities that add depth to the narrative. The book offers a mix of adventure, romance, and rebellion, making it a captivating and mystical journey for readers.
I slid from Blue’s saddle and tethered her to a post behind some bar called the Dusty Mouth. The kid sitting against the fence was sizing me up suspiciously. Or maybe that was just his two black eyes.... - #10
The anthology 'The Djinn Falls in Love and Other Stories' by various authors explores diverse interpretations of djinn, jinn, and genies through a collection of short stories. Readers encounter tales that delve into themes of love, loss, redemption, and power dynamics, all set against a backdrop of supernatural elements and cultural influences. The writing style varies from poetic and introspective to witty and haunting, creating a rich tapestry of narratives that offer fresh perspectives on these mythical beings. From dystopian thrillers to modern-day retellings, each story presents a unique take on the concept of djinn, inviting readers to explore the complexities of human nature through the lens of fantastical creatures.