The City of Brass

Nahri has always done what she’s needed to survive, using her abilities to con nobles. She’s never believed in magic or the stories of the djinn until, in an attempt to heal a sick girl, Nahri calls forth a djinn warrior named Dara. He reveals the truth of her origins and the revelation that she’s the last of her kind. After ghouls and demons attack, the pair flees into the desert, heading for the only place where she can be safe: Daevabad. Settling into the city isn’t what she expects as she befriends the youngest prince and plays a dangerous political game with the king.

S.A. Chakraborty weaves together a spectacular story full of myth, magic, danger, and politics. The plot balances between Nahri, a thief who grew up on the streets, and Ali, the youngest prince who works against his father with the Tanzeem, a grassroots group. Nahri and Dara’s journey to the city is reminiscent of folklore as they battle against demons and other creatures and even take a ride on a flying carpet. Daevabad is filled with corruption, discrimination, and prejudices and is still in ways recovering from a centuries-old war. One part adventure and one part politics, The City of Brass is a riveting tale with stunning prose, a gritty world rich in history, and layered characters.

The City of Brass is the first book in the Daevabad trilogy.