Books Like...

The Empire of Gold is the concluding book in The Daevabad Trilogy by S.A. Chakraborty. The story continues with Ali and Nahri in Egypt after the fall of Ali's father while Dara supports the takeover by Maniseh, Nahri's mother. The plot unfolds with a complicated situation that becomes even more intriguing as the characters' paths intersect, leading to a powerful and engaging climax. The book features intricate world-building, magical elements, and complex character dynamics, all woven together in a captivating narrative style.

The Kingdom of Copper, the second book in The Daevabad Trilogy by S.A. Chakraborty, continues the story with a focus on palace intrigue, political manipulation, and the consequences of power struggles among djinn in the city of Daevabad. The plot revolves around the main characters, Nahri, Ali, and Dara, as they navigate complex relationships, societal tensions, and personal growth amidst a backdrop of war, love, and betrayal. The writing style is described as richly imagined, with intricate world-building, multi-dimensional characters, and thought-provoking themes of prejudice, conflict, and the struggle for peace in a fantastical setting inspired by Middle Eastern culture and mythology.

'Lady of the Reeds' by Pauline Gedge is a historical novel set in ancient Egypt, focusing on the life of Thu, a peasant girl who rises to become a favorite in the Pharaoh's harem. The story follows Thu's journey from a dusty village to the Pharaoh's court, showcasing her ambition, intelligence, and ruthless nature. The narrative is rich in details of Egyptian life, politics, and the vast divide between social classes, all brought to life through Gedge's vivid and immersive writing style.

Thu's character is portrayed as complex, with a mix of intelligence, ambition, naivety, and impulsiveness. As she navigates through the intrigues of the court and her own desires for power and recognition, readers are taken on a journey filled with twists, turns, and unexpected outcomes. Gedge's fine prose allows the story to unfold naturally, drawing readers into Thu's world and the ancient Egyptian setting with remarkable depth and authenticity.

'Child of the Morning' by Pauline Gedge is a historical fiction novel that vividly brings to life the story of Queen Pharaoh Hatshepsut, the only woman to ever reign as Pharaoh of Egypt. Set in the 15th century BC, the book portrays Hatshepsut's journey from being trained to rule Egypt by her father to her struggles against her brother's attempts to take the throne from her. The author's writing style immerses the reader in the ancient Egyptian culture, painting a detailed picture of the time period with descriptions that evoke the sights and scents of the era.

The novel combines fiction with historical facts, showcasing Hatshepsut as a strong and tenacious woman who defied societal norms to rule Egypt for twenty years. The plot delves into the power struggles within the royal family, the political maneuvering to maintain control, and the challenges Hatshepsut faced during her reign, including threats from her nephew and the need to balance her personal desires with her responsibilities as Pharaoh. Despite some discrepancies with historical accuracy, the book captivates readers with its portrayal of an enigmatic historical figure and the ancient world she inhabited.

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.

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 Egyptian' by Mika Waltari is a historical novel set in ancient Egypt, mainly during the reign of the pharaoh Akhenaton. The story follows Sinuhe, a physician who rises to become an advisor and friend to pharaohs and kings. Through Sinuhe's travels from Egypt to various other regions, including Syria, Babylon, Hattusa, and Crete, the novel paints a timeless human story of ideologies, religion, and the brutal reality of human civilization. The narrative delves into the themes of change, decision-making, and the personal and broader implications of historical events, set against a backdrop of ancient Egypt's political and religious turmoil.

The writing style of 'The Egyptian' is described as dark, atmospheric, educational, and livened by humor. The novel is praised for its epic sweep, philosophy, and good writing based on sound research, capturing the essence of life in ancient Egypt. Waltari's intelligent guesses and detailed descriptions provide a rich and immersive reading experience, offering insights into how ideologies and religion shape a nation and its people. The story is narrated in the first person by Sinuhe, providing a unique perspective on the historical events and personal struggles during a pivotal point in Egypt's history.

"Mornings in Jenin" by Susan Abulhawa tells the story of a Palestinian family, the Abulhejas, spanning generations from 1948 to 2003. The narrative is centered around the protagonist, Amal, who experiences the displacement of her family from their ancestral olive farm in Ein Hod to the refugee camp in Jenin. The novel portrays the struggles, tragedies, and resilience of the family as they navigate life amidst the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, capturing the heart-wrenching details of war, loss, and hope. Through vivid storytelling, the author sheds light on the Palestinian perspective, providing a powerful and emotional account of the impact of conflict on individuals and families.

The writing style of "Mornings in Jenin" is described as compelling, powerful, and beautifully done. The author seamlessly weaves together historical events with personal narratives, creating a story that draws readers in and makes the Palestinian side of the conflict real and relatable. explores themes of loss, survival, forgiveness, and the human experience within the backdrop of ongoing conflict, offering a perspective that challenges readers to rethink their understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

'River God' by Wilbur Smith is set in ancient Egypt and tells the story through the eyes of a talented slave named Taita. The plot focuses on the forbidden love between a young girl and boy amidst an invasion of Egypt, leading to a tale of true love and the challenges faced to protect it. The writing style is described as accessible and engaging, with a mix of romance, adventure, and action that brings ancient Egypt to life vividly.

"The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms" by N.K. Jemisin is a fantasy novel that follows the story of Yeine Darr, a young woman who is summoned to the court of her powerful grandfather and named as his heir. As she navigates palace politics and grapples with living deities, Yeine discovers a complex web of family love and hate, devotion and betrayal. The plot unfolds in the majestic city of Sky, where power struggles between three gods shape the destiny of a hundred thousand kingdoms. Jemisin's writing style is immersive and intricate, weaving together themes of power, identity, and compassion as Yeine uncovers her true heritage and faces the challenges that come with it.