Book Review: City of Brass (Daevabad Triolgy #1) by S. A. Chakrabroty
(Four Stars)
“Earn this. I don’t care if you have to dance on my grave.”
Excellent fantasy set in the hidden kingdom advanced beyond the historic 18th century world around it. (An Islamic Wakanda, if you will.) Bounces between two main characters with widely divergent agendas and loyalties. Good plotting and characterization. All the better considering this is Chakrabroty’s freshman effort.
“This is how lovesick idiots ruined their lives.”
Islamic culture adds a rich atmosphere to the language, dress, and attitudes: except that Daevabad’s Prophet Suleiman came 1800 years before Mohammed. Some aspects of Daeva culture or actions are incompatible with Islam. Maybe they get a bye because they aren’t humans.
“I would never do the things you did.” “Pray you’re never asked to.”
Quibble: Why can’t the healer heal herself of intoxicants and poisons as easily as she does of internal wounds?
“They’re demons. All they do is deceive and manipulate. They do it to humans, they do it to daevas.”
Unfortunately, the story doesn’t end so much as stop. This is a common fault of series writers; apparently they’re focused on connecting to the next book and neglect closing this one
“Greatness takes time. Often the mightiest things have the humblest beginnings.”
As a Matter of Fancy 
Looks like an interesting book. Not ready for another series right now, but maybe later. Thanks.
I wonder if a knowledge of Islam is a hindrance or a help to this kind of a book? I’ve always loved Dune, the first three books best, and of course my favorite is the initial volume. When I first read it, I had no idea where Herbert got so many pieces that I’ve understood better on rereading.
I agree with you that not finishing a volume with an earned by that volume is almost a crime. Leave readers wanting the next one, yes, but don’t cheat them out of the present. Not even in a trilogy which will be the complete story.