A Master of Djinn

Books | Fiction / Fantasy / Historical

4.3

(267)

P. Djèlí Clark

Nebula, Locus, and Alex Award-winner P. Djèlí Clark goes full-length for the first time in his dazzling debut novel, A Master of Djinn.Cairo, 1912: Though Fatma el-Sha’arawi is the youngest woman working for the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments and Supernatural Entities, she’s certainly not a rookie, especially after preventing the destruction of the universe last summer.So when someone murders a secret brotherhood dedicated to one of the most famous men in history, al-Jahiz, Agent Fatma is called onto the case. Al-Jahiz transformed the world forty years ago when he opened up the veil between the magical and mundane realms, before vanishing into the unknown. This murderer claims to be al-Jahiz, returned to condemn the modern age for its social oppressions. His dangerous magical abilities instigate unrest in the streets of Cairo that threaten to spill over onto the global stage.Alongside her Ministry colleagues and a familiar person from her past, Agent Fatma must unravel the mystery behind this imposter to restore peace to the city—or face the possibility he could be exactly who he seems...A Nebula Award WinnerA Ignyte Award WinnerA Compton Crook Award for Best New Novel WinnerA Locus First Novel Award WinnerA RUSA Reading List: Fantasy WinnerA Hugo Award FinalistA World Fantasy Award FinalistA NEIBA Book Award FinalistA Mythopoeic Award FinalistA Dragon Award FinalistNovellas by P. Djèlí ClarkThe Black God's DrumsThe Haunting of Tram Car 015Ring ShoutThe Dead Djinn Universe contains stories set primarily in Clark's fantasy alternate Cairo, and can be enjoyed in any order.At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

Fantasy

Lgbtq+

High Fantasy

Mystery

Dark Fantasy

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More Details:

Author

P. Djèlí Clark

Pages

464

Publisher

Tor Publishing Group

Published Date

2021-05-11

ISBN

1250267676 9781250267672

Ratings

Google: 4

Community ReviewsSee all

"Oh Fatma, how you amuse me. I hope this becomes a series."

Jennifer

"Very fun steampunk fantasy "

Mike Parrone

"More ppl should know about this! Murder mystery in Cairo, Egypt with Djinn magic. Just some good fun! New perspectives all around, lgbtq romance, hugo nominee, black author— whats not to love?"

Storymapper

"It feels very authentic in it's Egyptian culture and I think it's that, and well executed artistry by the author, that keeps it from feeling like just Shadowrun in 1920s Egypt...mostly. It feels unique and like the alternate history vibe. It's funny, before I read it I watched, or at least began, several reviews on YouTube and came away disgusted. Everyone wanted to talk about the sexuality of the main character and race and all that and I'm just like "yeah, but what about the actual story?" Fortunately, it never feels like the author is trying to club you with that information. That stuff is there and it's significant to the story but it doesn't feel preachy or overdone. The Cairo in this story is a complex melange of exotic spices and I'm so here for it. A steampunk novel that I mention in comparison to Shadowrun lore has no right to be this good, this well done."

Kel

"Ambitious and creative world-building. This cis-white reader also enjoyed the diversity of the characters and the commentary on colonialism. It was somewhat predicatable--at times reading like a young adult adventure a la Harry Potter. But, consistently good to the end. Would make a great source for a movie."

Rayray Goreng

"A queer detective of the supernatural in an alternate, steampunk Cairo full of djinn in 1912!? Yes please!! This book delivered on all fronts. Most of the main characters were women of various backgrounds and religions striving to succeed in a Cairo thrown into modernity by the gift (or curse) of the mysterious Al-Jahiz. I loved the scathing commentary on colonialism, colorism, and sexism along with the all of the evils that come with modernity and “progress.” I loved Fatma, Siti, and Hadia!! They were all complex characters who had to go through some growth throughout the book, and the romance was amazing. I appreciate the blending of Arabic culture and Islam with the re-emergence of the ancient Egyptian religions. While the true monsters in this book are the colonizers, the angels scared the heck out of me they were so disturbing. I’m super excited to read the short stories associated with Clark’s universe, and I sincerely hope he choose to add more books to this universe. I need more Fatma, Hadia, and Siti (and maybe Aasim!)."

Madeline

"A thorough read! Enjoyed it. The world building detailed in the novel is breathtaking. A recommended read! "

Ireland

"7/16"

J C

JeLlana C

"I quite enjoyed the prequel, [b:A Dead Djinn in Cairo|29635542|A Dead Djinn in Cairo (Dead Djinn Universe, #0.1)|P. Djèlí Clark|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1459173382l/29635542._SX50_.jpg|49993780], but this full length outing is even better! Fatma is a refreshingly un-sterotypical character: a young Middle Eastern, women-loving-woman who battles otherworldly villain while attired in impeccably tailored suits and her trademark bowler hat. Clark surrounds her with an eclectic cast of friends and opponents: stuffy British colonials, a bibliophile djinn, a crocodile god, fiery ifrits, and clueless police officers. Best of all are Fatma's two female besties: Hadia, a traditional hijabi with mad fighting and detection skills, and Siti, Fatma's mysterious here-and-gone lover, who may be more than what meets the eye. A delightful genre and gender bending romp."