A review by schnaucl
A Master of Djinn by P. Djèlí Clark

adventurous medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

I really liked it, though I think I would have benefited from reading the short story set in the universe first.  I actually liked the fact that certain things (mostly related to fashion) weren't explicitly explained for an audience who may not be familiar with it 

The idea that America would be very anti-magic seems fitting. 

I think the politics will be fascinating since not only is there the introduction of magic about 40 years ago, but it looks like World War I never happened.   Egypt is a great power.   Britain's power is waning for but for somewhat different reasons than happened in reality.

It's always interesting to explore the mythologies, magic traditions, and religions of other places and cultures.  Lots of interesting stuff about colonial power, race, gender and religion to chew on.

I really liked the Jasmine Club.  

I was a little frustrated, that Fatma didn't pick up on the fact that Siwa was trying to give them clues the only way he could the first time.  I didn't understand the clues, but I figured that's what was happened.   I also thought his second attempt where he was literally like here's a story about a woman dressed as a man doing a thing was pretty on the nose.  Then again, I figured out who the true culprit was as soon as the doctor explained about the mask, since Fatma took her information from the person who first described the mask to her.
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