This Woven Kingdom
by Tahereh Mafi

I received an ARC copy through #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, and #ThisWovenKingdom was an ok read. There isn't much pizazz or anything else that really stands out in this book.

There's Alizeh, a young woman, a jinn queen, hiding as a servant, and like all servants she covers her face with a snoda, a sheer piece of cloth, which is the best hiding place for her since she needs to hide her face so not to be recognized, even if it means being abused by others, though it's illegal to abuse the servants or jinns.

Then there's Kamran, human, or clay as called in the book, who is the prince of the kingdom where the story takes place. And the clays hate the jinns and tried to wipe them out, (the reason is an interesting spin) but now there is (pretend) peace. 

It's a pretty normal storyline for its genre, told in 3rd person between these two, about kingdoms, politics, hatred, and of course forbidden romance, with a dash of a devil.

Nothing of the characters stands apart from other stories, the prince, Kamran is handsome and a fighter, and Alizeh, the jinn queen, is very breathtakingly beautiful, and she can also fight, trained by her parents to defend herself, but she is overly nice and forgiving.

And while there are a lot of setting descriptions, some really good, others too wordy, it was not the same with the minor characters, they all seemed to blend in with each other with general details like hair and skin color.

The major disappointment was that the story ended in a cliffhanger, but I'm not attached enough to the characters or story for it to matter.

3 stars

Thoroughly enjoyable and incredibly unique fantasy about an empire, a prophesy, and a prince stuck in the middle of duty and perhaps love. With an MC everyone will root for, and a very well-constructed world complete with it's own politics, magic, and lore, this series is off to a great start. I'm definitely hooked and can't wait for the next one!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Whew, this book. What a ride. A very promising start to what will probably be a very excellent series. I loved the bits of Persian mythology woven throughout. I always love a new, good take on mythology, especially when it’s one that I’m unfamiliar with (no disrespect to Greek and Roman mythology, but they have been done to death.)

I can’t wait for the next book in the series to come out so I can absolutely devour it!

A beautifully written and compelling series opener that showcases Mafi’s range as a storyteller brilliantly.

This book has so many beautiful aspects. The prose is exquisite, the worldbuilding is detailed and unique, and the characters are so compelling. I particularly loved the strength, competence, and intensity of both the main characters, but how these aspects were also balanced by deep kindness, compassion, and loyalty. There was also so much political intrigue—complete with hidden identities, competitions agendas, and so many twists and turns. Of course, there are some YA tropes here, but they are an excellent example of how to do tropes well.

And with that ending, I am eagerly awaiting the sequel!

This Woven Kingdom is a beautifully written tale of a Jinn named Alizeh and a Prince named Kamran. Plauged by the devil, Alizeh is constantly on the run, taking jobs that hide her true identity until she can earn enough money to leave for good. Through a series of events Kamran and Alizeh's stories become intertwined, weaving a rich tale that will keep you guessing until the very end. This Woven Kingdom contains rich prose, full of dynamic characters, in a fresh new fantasy world woven seamlessly by Tahereh Mafi. Mafi's writing style is nothing short of poetic, making this book a delightful read. My only complaint is that the book is over, I'm already scouring the internet for the release date of book 2.

This book gets off too a pretty slow start. While I understand books with slow beginnings really put emphasis on world building and character development, I still felt like nothing was happening. So little actually took place other than chapters just about thoughts. I will say, the ending made it all well worth it! The romance felt authentic and magnetic! The world building was captivating! The twists and turns were so fun and the surprise on the last page definitely has me craving the next book!

BUT I do feel that how fast paced the book becomes in the last quarter does feel like whiplash compared to the rest of the book. Overall, I’m really glad I read this book!

Tahereh Mafi did not disappoint with this one. I gave This Woven Kingdom 4.5 stars. Before I begin with an actual review, I just want to say that I do not like the cover. It is so blindingly yellow. I am a cover buyer and I honestly don't know if I will buy the book simply because I cannot stand the cover. I am hoping there will be an alternate cover. Okay, I will probably still buy it.

This Woven Kingdom will appeal to audiences that read YA Fantasy without a doubt. I am a major fan of Tahereh's Shatter Me series so I came in with very little knowledge of the plot on purpose because I didn't want to compare the two. As much as I love that Warnette and that series I really wanted this series to stand out on it's own so I am extremely pleased that to say that it did.

The beginning was quite slow and the writing was very straightforward which was disappointing at first, but it steadily picks up the pace. Tahereh's writing gets stronger and lusher as she goes on as if she gained the confidence to tell the story. It was lovely. We are introduced to Alizeh and Kamran who both have their own POV which was fantastic. Hearing from both sides was absolutely necessary and made the story well rounded. The banter was A+ and I need more! The side characters, plot and all the twists and turns of the story were fun and kept you on your toes. I am extremely honored to have gotten an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!

Tahereh Mafi is one of my favorite young adult authors and I was so excited to hear she was writing a fantasy book. The world she has built along with the characters and language are beautiful and will be sure to captivate anyone who loves high fantasy.

While the beginning was slightly confusing with who the main character was and what her powers were, it started to become more explained how the magic in this book works. The interactions between Kamran and Alizeh have the romance butterflies that Mafi writes so well and she leaves us with a great cliffhanger and I'm guessing will be a love triangle?? I will definitely be purchasing this for my library and waiting not so patiently for the sequel. :)

I finished "This Woven Kingdom" out of breath and in disbelief at Mafi's brilliance. Since first falling in love with her ability to portray deep and disparate points of view in "Shatter Me," I've read everything she writes. This is without question my favorite of her books. Mafi's exquisite use of words combined with world-building concepts I've never encountered before had me reading slowly to enjoy every page. Many authors you read because you love their ability to tell a story and others you read just because you love how they write. Very few can draw me because they can do both. The fantasy world is created effortlessly without tedious narration, and the heroine is revealed at a pace that will keep you waiting for the next bit of insight into her identity and powers. Be prepared to finish with your heart in your throat.

Wow! Mafi's new book is her best yet! She is gifted in the way she not only builds a world but also in each word choice. I did not want to put this book down; it has it all: fascinating characters, a captivating plot, and the twist I never saw coming. This book deserves all the stars!!!

i was intrested in the story because of it having insperation from Persian Mythology, Mafi has a very flowery writing style that I have enjoyed when reading her book Furthermore. This book seemed to have elements from other book I read (chosen girl ect) and other fantasy (cinderella type character or story). This book has a lot of worlbuilding and set up for future books, but i found the story to be a bit messy, there was a lot of things and pieces are happening at the same time. I had a hard time getting into this, but if you liked Mafis other work I would recomend it.

At 512 pages this teen/YA fantasy book immerses you in the lives of two characters pitted against one another that are inevitably, drawn to each other.  The world building is slow, as it seems to spend more time character building and shaping the magical Jinn filled world around the characters, through their eyes, and their interactions, than simply building a world, and then dropping characters in it.  It never seems to drag, but the rising action is not concluded, it in fact ends on a cliff hanger raising the expectation for the next book in the series to take the story toward more action, emotion, and twists.  I absolutely love and applaud the author's note that articulates and clarifies that this book is not religious in nature and that threads of Islam and Persian culture are just reference points for this completely fictionalized tale.  There is a passionate kiss, and violence, but this book is remarkably clean and an enjoyable read for ages 14 and up.  

SYNOPSIS:

The story opens with Alizeh sitting by the fire sewing.  She is freezing, she is always freezing, she is a Jinn, but her veins are ice.  Completely alone, she is working as a maid, but as she is on probation, she lodges in a tiny closet away from the other service members, and is deathly afraid of the dark.  Her loving parents raised her and nourished her, she is educated and strong, but since their deaths she has been on the run, trying simply to survive in a world where Clays forbid Jinn from using their magic.  Alizeh is no ordinary Jinn though, the earth has chosen her to be the future Queen, her ever-changing eyes prove it, but for now, she has no kingdom, no family, no friends, no hope to lead.  Only cryptic riddles given to her by Iblees that she dreads and fears, but warn her of impending dangers.

Kamran is the second storyline that builds the world of Ardunia.  As the crown prince, and future king, he has returned from touring the country and has had his eyes opened to the forces threatening the empire, the inevitable war that is looming, and the shortage of resources that threaten them all.  He is irritable and brooding and acting out of character when he intervenes in an altercation in the streets between a servant girl and a young boy.  This sets off a series of events that will bring Alizeh and Kamran into direct conflict as their worlds intertwine and their passions build.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I love the clarification at the beginning, stating that this is not Islamic and that religious and cultural inspiration was just that, inspiration. It allowed me to get comfortable and enjoy the tale for what it is.  I wasn't worried about checking things, or worrying about religious impressions and accuracy, it was so freeing, thank you.  I really hope that there is a map in the final physical copy, because I just really like maps.  I liked the Persian numbers and script on the chapters and the references make the book that much richer and fleshed out.

I am admittedly fairly new to fantasy, so I enjoyed the slower pace and character building.  I found it enveloping and smooth, there were small conflicts, but the subtle world building through understanding the characters, and their perspectives, was a nice framing for a story that very easily could have dragged, but in reality flew by.  The only point that I found unrefined, was how much Alizeh knew of her past and the impact it had on her current situation.  There seemed to be a bit of a disconnect in teasing that thread.  The reader knows who she is, so I'm not sure why she seems to not know, and then proves that she does, there is no subtlety in that regard.  And the only character, that seemed underdeveloped was that of Hazan, his banter with the Kamran grated on my nerves, and I didn't understand the abruptness of his and Alizeh's relationship, it seemed forced.  Nearly everything else in the book was very organic and gently referenced and established very deliberately, but it almost seemed like I missed a chapter or two, when all of a sudden Hazan emerges as being such a main character in Alizeh's life.  Undoubtedly it was a surprise for the reader, but some nuance in the revelation through Alizeh's eyes, would have assisted in the continuity of the character and tone of the book.

FLAGS:
A kiss, and attraction, talk of illegitimate children.  There is killing and violence, attempted assault: physical and sexual, not detailed, but referenced as a fear as she walks alone at night.  There is darkness and talk of the devil, deceit, lying, plotting.  Nothing an early teen could not handle.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

I would have to delay deciding if I could do this as a book club selection until I read the next book.  There is so much potential, that I truly hope that I can introduce the series to young readers to enjoy, get lost in, and discuss.

Wow! This story held me in its clutches from the very first page and I found myself sucked into the world and emotionally invested in what happens!

Islamic Screening: One steamy kissing scene. Mentions of Jinn and Iblees (although I really appreciated that the author’s note stressed that this is not Islamic cannon and only a fantasy world inspired by stories)

Alizeh is a Jinn, but not an ordinary one. She has ice in her veins, and this makes her unique: a target for danger. Her parents were killed when she was 11 and she has been on the run since, being a servant and sewing clothes for a living. She lives in the world of Clay, human beings, who ever since the peace accords in the war between Clay and Jinn, coexist with but dislike that Jinn have powers and so discriminate against them. Alizeh is almost attacked by a street urchin, and her defense of herself is noticed by Prince Kamran. He seeks her out, unknowingly bringing attention to her and a prophecy, that just might be the end of her…

I really don’t wanna spoil this book, as honestly, I enjoyed every second of reading it, gasping out loud at the surprises and twists. The story is masterfully written, and it is super clean and teen friendly for a fantasy. It blends real life into imagination, and the world-building was superb. The romantic connection between Alizeh and Kamran was sweet and the action of the main plot was very exciting to read.

This is not a Muslim/Islamic story, but a fantasy by a Muslimah Author. I enjoyed seeing Persian culture sprinkled throughout like the food and Persian numbers!There was nothing really religious, although the story did reference Iblees’s expulsion from the heavens to Earth and the effect that humankind’s creation had on the Jinn. Nothing I thought was problematic at all, just a fun fantasy that is very enjoyable to read!

The story did end on a cliffhanger, and so I am excited and waiting for book two, as I am genuinely invested in finding out what happens to Alizeh and Kamran and the kingdoms.

This was an ARC from Netgalley, the book releases Feb 1, so make sure to preorder to read for yourself!

A servant girl who is much more than what meets the eye does her best to get by and stay hidden, until she is attacked by a hungry young boy and has the attention of the crown prince drawn to her.

The cover is stunning, it's what first drew me to this book honestly, that and the title and of course the author. I have yet to read the Shatter Me series, but it is on my shelf waiting to be read.

The writing is immensely detailed, I found myself feeling as if I were truly seeing through the eyes of Alizeh and Kamran, both of which are compelling characters who's paths cross and become intertwined in a forbidden sort of way. Kamran is drawn to Alizeh from the start, unable to get her off his mind.

Alizeh is a beautiful, mysterious woman, at first she appears to be a snoda, a servant, and a seamstress. But underneath that exterior is someone born to be a queen. But there are those who don't want her to come to any sort of power.

The book was a bit slow at some points, but definitely picked up towards the end. I really enjoyed the world building, the magic and learning more about the history of the Jinn and Clay. I'm eager for more and can't wait to see more of this world in the future, to see what else is in store for both Alizeh and Kamran.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins Books for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Y'all this book is beautiful.

I've always loved Mafi's writing style, but she stepped it up in a BIG way for this novel. Her writing is elegant. It's so perfect for this world and it made this book incredibly hard to put down. I loved every single piece of it.

I was so caught up in it that I didn't even REALIZE IT WAS THE END.

For real though, it snuck up on me and I was not ready to say goodbye to these characters yet! I am already anxiously waiting for book 2!


Longer review to come!



Huge thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an eARC to review!

Please excuse me while I silently squeal into my pillow. This book was utterly amazing! I have to say, I was NOT expecting the build up to be that profound at the start of the book, but people, this book will leave your heart soaring with excitement.

A little bit of context without the spoils: the story is inspired by Jinn fairy tales. It at times feels sort of Cinderella-esque, but trust me, you will not mistake our strong female lead for a simpering Cinderella.

There's badass action commingling with supreme intellectual eloquence in all the right places. Bad boys and good guys equally intriguing. And a pursuing of birthrights and magic. Everything there is to like from this genre.

I would say more about our main characters, but I'd rather not ruin it for you all. As someone who has strong opinions about books, especially since it's so hard to find the perfect one these days, I'll just have to hope this post reaches the right people and urge them to not pass this one up!

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read an advanced copy in exchange for a review. Looking forward to more works from Tahereh Mafi.

In this Persian inspired story, Alizeh is the heir to a long forgotten Jinn empire and hiding in plain sight as a servant. The world-building is wonderful and the writing is beautiful. At times I got bogged down in the dialogue that is Pride & Prejudice -esque, but that's probably just a me problem. The story is slow to start, but picks up around the 50% mark.
I enjoyed the complexity of Alizeh and Kamren's characters
It ends on a wicked cliffhanger, and I can't wait to see where it goes next!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an early copy to review.

I don't know how Tahereh Mafi does it, but she has a unique voice in her writing that easily helps you immerse yourself in the story! One of the many things I noticed and loved most from this story is the poetic writing style applied to the world building. This element gave such a magical tone to the story that helped make the world feel real and the characters relatable!

First of all, thanks to NetGalley we received an ARC for an honest review.

I love Mafi’s Shatter Me series so I was excited going into this book. It is interesting, we have a Jinn Queen who is orphaned, a servant and has no kingdom to rule. She falls for the human Prince who’s grandfather is responsible for killing her parents, trying to kill her and putting Jinn at the bottom of the social ladder, treated terribly. We don’t get all the details of what Jinn can do nor do we know why she’s so special to be Queen.

The Prince’s grandfather made a deal with the devil (who is also a disgraced Jinn) to keep himself from aging by feeding children to snakes. And the King from a neighboring kingdom decides to out this secret at a ball and take the Queen with him (he also made a deal with the devil and has to marry her to start a war).

The story is unique but a little messy and hard to follow. Too many things and pieces are happening at the same time. The characters are likable and their backgrounds interesting but we don’t get a ton of depth into why they are the way they are or why our Queen and Prince even like each other.

Anyway, the book ends on a major cliffhanger with the rival King stealing her away on a dragon but she falls off. The ending didn’t do it for me either, felt like a too easy way to end the book and we don’t get nearly enough answers.

This is one of my favorite reads this year. Such a detailed fantasy world. I was swept up by the emotions of our MC feeling like she needed to hide from everyone and blend in never shining and just surviving. However, she is meant to shine and is more special then anyone could imagine. Tahereh knows how to weave a story and that ending took me by surprise. Such a fantastical read and is a must read!