I really wanted to enjoy this one. The premise and the beginning started out well enough - a queen in hiding, riddles from the devil, a jinn MC (and all around the jinn history, magic, etc.). I think it generally had a good foundation.

But then the MMC's entire personality is "privileged boy learns about the real world" to the extent that my eyes hurt from the amount of eye-rolling, the FMC's storyline just felt like empathy manipulation of how HARD her life was and how much pain she went through, which is effective in the beginning and in moderation but this almost felt excessive. By 75% I honestly did not care for either of them. What REALLY got me, though, was the dialogue. I am all about the dialogue, I love character interactions much more than long descriptive scenes. And the dialogue in this book felt like my high school essays when I would look up synonyms to add in big words to make myself sound smart. And it was the worst when the two main characters interacted.

I also realized, nothing really happened in this book. It was all character development (???) to set up for book two? I'm honestly not sure. I'm kinda curious where it goes because the last 10% actually had some action going on but will probably just get a summary about it from someone else.

This was one of my most anticipated books of the year and it far exceeded my expectations. The writing was beautiful, the story was addicting and the characters were fascinating.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for providing me an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Alizeh is used to living life unnoticed. As a servant, she does her best to avoid unnecessary interactions, while also trying to launch her dreams of becoming a self-sufficient seamstress. One day, Kamran, the crown prince, notices her - and he suspects her of being a traitor to the crown.

I love Tahereh Mafi, and I was so excited to read this series. She definitely switches up writing styles in this book - Alizeh's voice in this is so different from Juliette's in Shatter Me (so if you weren't a fan of how that was written, I would still definitely recommend reading this). Like Shatter Me, though, there is emphasis placed on language in this novel - though here it's more on the ability to speak sophisticatedly - and I really appreciate the way Mafi uses this in her novel.

Though I really liked the book overall, there were certain moments in the series where I was questioning character actions, a lot of which were motivated by what felt like insta-love. Despite this, though, I feel like Tahereh Mafi's going to pull a switch on the male love interest (or maybe I'm just hoping she does) because I felt like I saw a lot of themes in the main relationship that reminded me of Juliette and Adam. For instance, Alizeh fell for the first boy who really just showed interest in her, questioned how he 'saw the worth in her', and when she's with him she has no desire for power. Kamran falls for the version of Alizeh who's innocent, kind, and just wants a quiet life. All of this is giving me MAJOR vibes that she'll switch the love interest in the next book.

Overall, I really like that Tahereh Mafi is exploring Persian mythology, and I think she does it well. I can't wait to read the next one. 3.5 stars.

3.75/5

Going into an atmospheric fantasy world inspired by Persian mythology, it was an immersive read that was created. The book did seem too lush for me as it ended up with a slower reading pace, which dragged parts of the book until the explosive ending.

The protagonist Alizeh, is no simpleton; she's educated, sharp, and has a heart willing to help others. She's a secret Jinn queen, hidden in plain sight as a servant, and simply wished for a quiet life. However, being part of a prophecy that predicts the death of the human king, assassins are sent to harm Alizeh. I found her as a strong female character with compassionate ideals, but she won't hesitate to kill when prompted. As a Jinn, ice flows through her veins giving her super strength, invisibility, and eyes that shift colours.

Kamran, the second perspective we follow, is the crown human prince of the most powerful kingdom. He's blinded by his privilege, but means well for his people while combating against his king grandfather's rule. A strange girl with fascinating eyes attracts his attention (Alizeh) and their relationship is one that is a slow burn.

This does read as a fantasy romance as it is described. I was hoping for more movement within the plot, but we do get a lot of politicking with Kamran. I did enjoy learning of the history between the Jinns and "Clay" (humans) as well. I hope the sequel picks up in its pacing and progression in character development.

Clashing empires, forbidden romance, and a long-forgotten queen destined to save her people—bestselling author Tahereh Mafi’s first in an epic, romantic trilogy inspired by Persian mythology.

It feels imperative that I start this review with my biggest gripe with the book, namely, that it ended. And it didn’t just end at a point that allows me to go on with my life without basically writing fanfic in my head about where this is going, no. It ended when I was most invested in what was coming next. That’s both a storytelling triumph and the single most frustrating thing as a reader.

However, even that single frustration just masks a deep love for the story Mafi is telling in This Woven Kingdom. If I hadn’t fallen so deeply in love with the story, and most importantly, with the characters, I wouldn’t mind the long wait towards the sequel.

There’s a lot about this book that feels familiar. It’s YA, there’s a long-lost Queen, there’s a Prince, there are sparks between them. And yet there’s so much about this book that feels unique, from the setting, to the mythology to the sense that both those things don’t make the story any less relatable — if anything, they just make it more so.

PEOPLE ARE PEOPLE, AND FEELINGS ARE FEELINGS. WELL, THAT AND WELL-TOLD STORIES WILL GET YOU, EACH AND EVERY TIME.

It should come as no surprise to anyone that Mafi is able to weave an interesting tale, or create compelling characters. This is the same author that had me changing my allegiances in the middle of her Shatter Me series, something that typically doesn’t happen to me. But the fact that she manages to do both those things while drawing from myths and legends that some of us might not be as familiar with is something to be celebrated.

Reading has, for me, always been a source of connection, but also of knowledge. I’ve learned of cultures and places I’ve never been, and I think reading has, on the whole, made me a more open and loving person. Every time I put down a book and I’m eager to find out more about the inspirations behind it, I feel like I have won, and that’s exactly what I left This Women Kingdom feeling like.

The book’s true triumph, however, isn’t in the setting or the storytelling — particularly as it feels there’s so much of this tale we don’t know yet — but in the characters. Alizeh is powerful, vibrant, scared, loving, and infused with so much warmth that you cannot help but want good things for her. She’s also, unlike so many heroines of fantasy, the smartest person in the room, at all times, which makes it so much easier to root for her to just …trust her instincts.

Kamran, on the other hand, who could be cold and cruel, is both the hero of romance novels and a flawed character with his own faults, and desires. I typically can get through books as long as the heroine works, but it’s hard to truly love one if the hero doesn’t work and Kamran …he works.

Plus together …well, together they’re magic, the kind we didn’t get nearly enough of, but that when we did, made me feel like I was reading a romance novel, in all the good ways.

Books that make you care about the inspiration while engaging in the world they’ve built are rare. Books that manage to do that while making you connect with the characters and care about the relationship they’re trying to develop? Those are one of a kind. Whatever you’re doing, it’s time to pause and take the time to go read This Woven Kingdom. You won’t regret it.

Thanks to the HCC Frenzy Team and HarperCollins Canada for giving me the chance to read and review this E-ARC. This review will be posted to Goodreads, My Instagram, and Various Shops (Amazon Canada/Barnes & Noble/ Indigo Canada).

This is hands down, my favorite book written by Tahereh Mafi. The storyline, characters, and the world itself were beautifully fleshed out. Mafi's writing style is gorgeously poetic.

Both the main and side characters came to life in this book. I felt connected to Alizeh, as easily as I felt connected to Huda's personality. Even the fireflies were a delight in this story. The romance was amazing! It was slow-burn (and I mean slow slow burn) and enemies to lovers type romance. I loved the dual perspectives. I felt both Kamran's and Alizeh's voices came across beautifully in This Woven Kingdom. I loved Kamran! He is my latest fictional crush. Hazan should get a pay raise!

The ending was perfect, while at the same time torturous. Where is book 2? How could Mafi end on a cliffhanger? I need answers. I cannot wait until 2023 for these answers. I have tons of theories about how this series will move forward, and I can't wait to see if I am right or wrong.

Mafi did an amazing job at balancing the character development, with the plot development. I felt everything move seamlessly. The characters, and the world they lived in, came to life on the pages. I was invested in both the plot and the characters. I could not put this book down! It was addicting and fast-paced.

The magic system, and the difference between the Jinn and the Clay, were well explained. The political turmoil was easy to follow along to in this novel. Mafi did a great job at world-building and bringing this fictional world to life.

Overall, this is a must-read for anyone who adores fantasy books and enemies to lovers' romances. This novel will keep you hooked from start to finish. It has loveable characters, an interesting plot, swoon-worthy romance, and plot twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The ending will leave you dying for more from Tahereh Mafi. Here is to a long book hangover until 2023.

☆☆☆☆,25 /5
(english review below)

J'ai tellement aimé ce roman, olala. Et dire que ce n'est qu'un premier tome.
¤
Pour le monde entier, Alizeh est une servante jetable, pas l'héritière perdue depuis longtemps d'un ancien royaume djinn forcé de se cacher à la vue de tous.
Le prince héritier, Kamran, a entendu les prophéties annonçant la mort de son roi. Mais il n'aurait jamais pu imaginer que la servante aux yeux étranges, la fille qu'il ne peut chasser de son esprit, déracinerait un jour son royaume et le monde.
¤
J'ai terminé tout récemment ce nouveau roman de Tahereh Mafi, une autrice dont j'entends énormément parler depuis des années. J'appréhendais ma lecture avec toute la hype qu'il y avait autour. J'essayais de ne pas avoir trop d'attentes... Mais même en ayant des attentes, cette lecture est allée au-delà.
Dans ce roman, l'autrice nous expose un nouvel univers, s'inspirant de la mythologie perse. Un nouvel univers attrayant dont j'ai pris plaisir à imaginer les différents paysages tant les descriptions étaient graphiques. Le style d'écriture est fluide, poétique et facile à lire. J'aurais peut-être en savoir plus sur le fonctionnement du royaume.
Alizeh et Kamran sont des personnages qui m'ont beaucoup fait sourire et rire, parfois lever les yeux au ciel dans leurs interactions, mais surtout, ils ont été attachants. Leur relation se construit progressivement dans le roman et j'ai beaucoup aimé la manière dont l'autrice a développé leurs dialogues.
C'est une très bonne lecture pour un premier tome. J'ai accroché au style d'écriture de l’autrice et à son univers, même si j'ai manqué de quelques informations à certains moments.

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ENGLISH REVIEW

I loved this book so much, olala. And to think that this is only a first book.
¤
To all the world, Alizeh is a disposable servant, not the long-lost heir to an ancient Jinn kingdom forced to hide in plain sight.
The crown prince, Kamran, has heard the prophecies foretelling the death of his king. But he could never have imagined that the servant girl with the strange eyes, the girl he can’t put out of his mind, would one day soon uproot his kingdom—and the world.
¤
I recently finished this new book by Tahereh Mafi, an author I've been hearing a lot about for years. I dreaded my reading with all the hype that was around. I was trying not to have too many expectations... But even having expectations, this read went above and beyond.
In this story, the author exposes us to a new universe, inspired by Persian mythology. A new attractive universe of which I took pleasure in imagining the different landscapes as the descriptions were graphic. The writing style is fluid, poetic and easy to read. Maybe I should know more about how the kingdom works.
Alizeh and Kamran are characters who made me smile and laugh a lot, sometimes rolling my eyes in their interactions, but above all, they were endearing. Their relationship is built gradually in the story and I really liked the way the author developed their dialogues.
This is a very good read for a first book. I got hooked on the author's writing style and her universe, even if I missed some information at times.

I love everything about this book. There is truly nothing to fault, the pacing, characters, and plot were all excellent. The slow pacing didn't feel slow at all as I flew through this and felt fully immersed in the world. I personally love books that involve fashion and the way it was woven into the fantasy and bigger plot points were seamless. The characters are unique and work together very well, I am invested in everyone's journey. I truly can not wait for the continuation of this series as the final chapter had me shouting in the best possible way.

This is another winner by Tahereh Mafi, her writing style is so wonderful. Add in magic, mythology, and seamstresses and this is right up my alley. The characters are all wonderful, I don't even know if I can pick a favorite...well I can but that might be spoiler.

Basically, I will be lining up for the next book to find out what's next on this journey for all of our lovely characters.

I was lucky enough to get an arc of this book. While my tbr pile keeps while piling up a friend asked me about it so of course it moved up the list. This book is awesome it has a hidden princess who can walk through fire, a crazy prince the devil isn’t like you normally know him. It’s a solid 4/5 until I can get my hands on the next book, I’m not a big fan of cliffhangers and this book made sure to leave you going seriously as a reader. I think that Hazan or Omid might have been my favorite characters even though they were only supposed to be side characters. Dean made me laugh for sure though such a common name for this type of story.

I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book of this series (all opinions are my own as a reader)

I very much enjoyed the characters, the world-building, the inspiration from Persian mythology, and the overall atmosphere of the story. I disliked the romantic storyline, as it felt too "insta-love," and also because I just couldn't quite connect with Kamran in the same way that I could with Alizeh. Overall, though I would absolutely recommend this to fans of Sabaa Tahir's Ember series and S. A. Chakraborty's Daevabad Trilogy.

I was tired of Ms. Mafi's previous works so I thought with myself "I should give her one more chance" and I did this with This Wovem Kingdom, but now I regret the decision I made.
Yeah, I get it: it's new world, new characters, new plots, but Mafi's writing seems like that didn't got better, like, I felt I was reading something by a debut author. Don't get me wrong, her writing it's not that bad, it's just a boring one.
The characters are bland, without personality. The world-setting is weak. The plots are good but nothing spectacular. Overall: her fans will liked this one because it's like her other books but with a different title.

A beautiful high fantasy from the author of the wildly popular Shatter Me series (that have had a resurgence thanks to BookTok). It's got all of the pillars of a great series starter - it's giving An Ember in the Ashes/The Prison Healer/Poison Study vibes. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

“One day…this world will bow to you.”

“This Woven Kingdom” by Tahereh Mafi is the first book in a new romantic and intriguing young-adult fantasy trilogy with inspiration derived from Persian Mythology. A tale of hidden royalty, enemies-to-lovers tension, battles of trust, and kingdoms, followed in a unique dual-pov telling.

The story follows the female heroine, Alizeh, a long-lost heir of a Jinn kingdom, concealing herself as a simple servant and seamstress, and male hero, Kamran, crown prince of the kingdom of Arduina, who has recently returned home in need of a bride. The story alternates between their perspectives after Alizeh's first brush with death and Kamran's first glance at a girl who would soon consume his mind and body. Blood that runs clear, laced with ice, and an overwhelming scent of roses overwhelming the kingdom alongside a fight of fate and love, life and death, health and magic. What is he willing to risk? What is she hiding?

The beginning of this book was slow for me, but it did not take long until I was fully immersed in this new world Tahereh created. The descriptions in this book were breathtaking; how each character viewed their surroundings had me lost in the pages in the best possible ways. The female heroine was fiery yet kind-hearted, and I fell absolutely in love with her. She was compliant though bold, allowing me to connect with her in a remarkable way I could not even begin to describe. Kamran, in all honesty, surprised me. His love for art had my heart in a chokehold. Everything about him exceeded my expectations chapter by chapter. The dynamic the main characters shared was captivating, from angst and pining to bickering and simple laughs. I was entirely consumed by the two together. "This Woven Kingdom" is the first fantasy book I have read in a while, and it did not let me down.

Plot-twists and Cliffhangers. Fairytale Essence. Drama and Romance. Tension and Angst. This book is sure to have you hooked and wanting more as the series continues and after that cliffhanger? I am at a loss for words, desperately hoping the next book is nearly here, because...This Woven Kingdom was simply an incredible start to an addictive fantasy series.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to hccfrenzy and netgalley for this arc!

This is my first Tahereh Mafi book and it did not disappoint. I had been wanting to read the Shatter Me series for quite some time now, but I’m so happy that This Woven Kingdom was my introduction to Tahereh Mafi’s work instead, as I loved every single second.

If you don’t know, this is the first book in a new YA fantasy series, and a very promising start to say the least. We follow Alizeh, the long-lost heir to an ancient kingdom, and Kamran, the crown prince to his kingdom. If you like duo-pov’s, the knife-to-throat trope, royal intrigue, forbidden romance, magic, and plot twists to keep you on your toes, do not miss out on this book!

The progression of the book was done really well, giving some world building at the beginning, but not too much, so that there was still plenty to learn as the story went on. Right from the first chapter there were things happening to keep me very intrigued. Tahereh Mafi did not give all the answers to questions right at the beginning, but rest assured you will get those answers, and when you do, it will be so worth it. The first half of the book may seem slow, but I liked getting to know the characters and the world, and see the action increase bit by bit as the book went on (and those last few chapters- oh boy, I stayed up till 4am to finish because I couldn’t put it down!)

And now for Alizeh and Kamran… these characters have my whole heart! Alizeh is one of my new favourite female protagonists. She is super compassionate and caring, but also strong and powerful. I love seeing female characters who stand up for their beliefs, are kindhearted, and can take out 6 men with nothing but sewing supplies (a badass queen if you ask me). And Kamran, well let me just say that if you like the brooding, I hate-everyone-but-you type of guys, and full on simp, you’ll love him. Oh and the guy falls first trope… exhibit a)

“Though if you mean to take me captive, you need only ask. I would come willingly.”

I loved seeing their relationship develop through the book. Although, I will admit, that while it technically is a forbidden romance, it felt more insta-lovey rather than the forbidden romance I was expecting. I still enjoyed them and their banter though, and am very excited to see what direction the next books take us.

This Woven Kingdom feels like the type of series you need to binge read. The first book can’t be self contained in my opinion, like a lot of other first books in the series can. It finished at a part that didn’t feel like the end of a book, but rather the middle of one. Especially considering most of the action happened at the end of the book (but still with enough sprinkled throughout to balance it). That being said, I don’t think this is always a bad thing. It just means that the wait for the next book after that cliffhanger will be so worth it!

It was a fast and easy read, and I’m so excited for the rest of the series (and my eventual binge re-read because I can already feel that this is the perfect YA fantasy series to read in one weekend).

Before I end this absurdly long review (I definitely did not mean to write this much… oops), just know that if you like lush magical fantasies set in worlds that you wish you could visit, characters with depth that will make you feel all the emotions, and a Cinderella type feel, this is for you.

I’m so excited to continue with Alizeh and Kamran’s story and see their relationship grow. And to get answers after that ending. I had to put the book down and stare at the ceiling for a solid few minutes when I finished because I was not expecting that last chapter (and that final line… iconic). I’m so excited and very intrigued to see where the next book will go… already making my predictions! And to end this off, I’ll just leave one more quote that I loved to convince you to read it if I haven’t so far:

“I think I might fetch you the moon if only to spare your tears again.”

(It was so hard to pick one last one because this book was full of so many good ones)


note: all quotes used are from the ARC version of This Woven Kingdom, and may differ in the final copy

If you're a lover of destiny, Persian mythology, and two characters yearning for a forbidden love, Tahereh Mafi's This Woven Kingdom is perfect for you! The style is reminiscent of well-loved stories like The Arabian Nights and The Shahnameh. Set among clashing empires, it also parallels the court intrigue that Games of Thrones is known for... Though the beginning was a bit slow to get into, I ended up loving it as it gave me a chance to really get to know the characters and see their respective perspectives.

I absolutely loved the shatter me series so when I learned Tahereh was coming out with a YA Fantasy I was over the moon. and she did not disappoint. This story was written beautifully and Alizeh was a wonderful protagonist. I truly loved the story and it was easy to keep track of what was going on. That ending had my head reeling. Loved this book!!!

4.5 Stars

Alizeh is a Jinn destined for greatness hiding as a servant after losing everyone she loves. Kamran is a reluctant crowned prince who is still struggling with his place years after the death of his father. When their paths cross, a prophecy is set into motion that will change the fate of the entire kingdom.

It often takes me a while to get into new worlds, but this book had me hooked at Chapter Four. It was completely un-put-downable, and I read the entire thing in one night. The romance is somehow both a slow burn and insta-love, with the characters not having a lot of page time together but making it count when they do. The only thing that slowed down my reading enjoyment were the sections of info-dumping, which often happens at the start of a series, and I'm hoping there's less of in book 2. Also, yes, the ending is as bananas as everyone is saying.

Thank you HarperCollins and NetGalley for sending this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, I already know this will be one of my favorite books of 2022! This Woven Kingdom comes out February 1, 2022.

I was granted eARC access to This Woven Kingdom by Tahereh Mafi through the HarperCollins Canada Influencer program after attending the HCC #FrenzyPresents YA winter catalogue preview event. Thank you for the ARC! My thoughts are my own and my review is honest.

I absolutely love books steeped in djinn lore and when I heard the preview presentation on this title I new this was going to be one of the books in this catalogue that I simply had to read. I'm so glad I got the chance!

You may have read other reviews on this book before mine. You may have noticed people screaming in excited confusion over "THAT ENDING!!!" I concur with those reviewers. Talk about abrupt twists! I wasn't sure if this was going to be a series at preview time but now I'm sure it will be and I need book two to be published right now. Immediately! Tell me what happens next!

But let's back track, shall we? Alizeh is a Djinn living in human society as the lowest of lowly servants and trying not to draw any notice at all. She just wants to survive, and she definitely won't if the wrong sort of person notices what she is. But it's not just what she is, a djinn, but WHO she is. She's the royal heir of the fallen Djinn kingdom and a threat to the human royal line.

Kamran, crown prince and next in line to the human throne, doesn't understand why his grandfather is calling for this beautiful servant's execution, and he's doing his best to make sure she survives. Unfortunately for both Kamran and Alizeh, however, his attention is constantly being pulled away by his grandfather's plans to marry him off as fast as possible now that he has returned home, much to Kamran's frustration.

This is YA-level Game of Thrones, but Persian, and I love it! The only reason this book isn't a solid 5 out of 5 stars for me is because it could really use another round of trimming edits. While I loved the story overall and really enjoyed the main characters, I found that some scenes dragged a bit, some side characters didn't seem very important, and some information got repeated from scene to scene. I think this is due to the vast worldbuilding efforts in this first book in a new series and I expect book two will be tighter.

If you're a YA fantasy reader or a fan of Persian/djinn mythology, read this book!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

I really like the premise. I love the story. It was a lot of world building but there was enough plot mixed in that you still get pulled into the story instead of getting lost in all the information. There’s a lot of twists and turns that keeps the readers entertained.

The characters have depth to them. Their backstories were very well created. The internal conflict that Karman goes through and the struggles that Alizeh has overcomes were just amazing. Karman struggles with having to be the king but it’s not what he wants. He’s very duty driven but not to the point that he just follows orders the way soldiers do. He has his own conscience and philosophy that he lives by and I like that. Alizeh, struggles between having to choose her survival and staying alive and having to fulfill a prophecy and her duty to the Jinn. She carries a lot of survivor’s guilt and fears that her actions would be shameful to her parents eyes. At the same time, she’s hopeful in trying to find a way to actually become the Queen her people needs to be. She just doesn’t know how.

This was definitely a slow build, I mean it was expected since it’s the first book of the series. This might be hard to read by some people, the way the characters spoke and their monologues were definitely old school? Very Shakespeare like or even Charles Dickens. Very formal? Which I mean since they are royalty, makes sense. I definitely learned a lot of new vocabulary words.

All in all, I really enjoyed reading the book. I can’t wait to read more.