I originally read S.A. Chakroborty’s first book, The City of Brass, on a complete whim. I didn’t expect to find such adventure or political intrigue to be woven so wonderfully together. Which is why I was devastated to learn after finishing that I would have to wait for The Kingdom of Copper to release in January 2019.
Roughly six months later, with life back home in Chicago finally feeling settled, I sat down and gave The Kingdom of Copper my full attention… and proceeded to read it in a day.
Yes. The second book of the Daevabad Trilogy is that good.
This review is difficult to write because I don’t want to spoil anything from this magnificent piece of work. What I will say: if you are craving a new fantasy and characters to fall in love with—this series must be your next read.
The only reason this story didn’t receive a perfect 10 is that I felt for some readers, the world building might be a little intense/intimidating. This isn’t the type of series to put down and pick up whenever you want, because you very well may forget important details or terminology. However, if you’re up for a challenge, Chakraborty’s website has a thorough guide to help keep you abreast in her fantastical world. She offers visuals with maps of the world and the main place setting, a breakdown of the tribes of djinn, and a glossary of terms! All of which can be found >> here.
Nahri’s life changed forever the moment she accidentally summoned Dara, a formidable, mysterious djinn, during one of her schemes. Whisked from her home in Cairo, she was thrust into the dazzling royal court of Daevabad—and quickly discovered she would need all her grifter instincts to survive there.
Now, with Daevabad entrenched in the dark aftermath of a devastating battle, Nahri must forge a new path for herself. But even as she embraces her heritage and the power it holds, she knows she’s been trapped in a gilded cage, watched by a king who rules from the throne that once belonged to her family—and one misstep will doom her tribe.
Meanwhile, Ali has been exiled for daring to defy his father. Hunted by assassins, adrift on the unforgiving copper sands of his ancestral land, he is forced to rely on the frightening abilities the marid—the unpredictable water spirits—have gifted him. But in doing so, he threatens to unearth a terrible secret his family has long kept buried.
And as a new century approaches and the djinn gather within Daevabad’s towering brass walls for celebrations, a threat brews unseen in the desolate north. It’s a force that would bring a storm of fire straight to the city’s gates . . . and one that seeks the aid of a warrior trapped between worlds, torn between a violent duty he can never escape and a peace he fears he will never deserve.
Amazon | Nook | Kobo | iBooks | Google Play
Not convinced, or don’t want to spend the money? That’s okay! Remember, for any book you’re on the fence about, check to see if your local library has it and save some of your hard-earned cash!
xxx
Rebecca
Psst: Find the first book here: https://www.harpervoyagerbooks.com/book/9780062678102/the-city-of-brass/