I’ve been an avid reader of fantasy, and after a while, it really does all blend in to the same thing. It’s usually some blend of European, set in the medieval era. Sure, fantasy is a genre, it does have a very set formula, and sometimes that’s exactly what I’m looking for….but after a while, it can get stale.
So what makes a fantasy novel different?
Alif the Unseen is definitely a different kind of fantasy novel. As a friend put it, it’s about hackers and jinn. Literally. Now that was a riveting read. G. Willow Wilson wove a story based in an imaginary Middle Eastern city, with the backdrop of the Arab Spring. Her characters are flawed, compelling, and the non-human ones are particularly riveting!
I haven’t read Throne of The Crescent Moon, but the reviews look amazing! I’m liking this new trend of Arabian-inspired fantasy novels…looking forward to seeing what else is coming up!
Raidah Shah Idil 