S. A. Chakraborty's The City of Brass is lauded for its rich world-building, cultural depth, and complex characters, captivating fantasy readers. Critics appreciate the intrigue and political nuances in the narrative. Some, however, note the story's pacing issues and dense exposition. Overall, it's a compelling start to the Daevabad Trilogy that promises an immersive experience.

Readers who relish detailed world-building, Middle Eastern folklore, and complex characters will enjoy The City of Brass by S. A. Chakraborty. Fans of The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker and The Daevabad Trilogy will find its blend of myth and magic particularly captivating.

The City of Brass by S. A. Chakraborty follows Nahri, a young woman in 18th-century Cairo with mysterious healing powers, who accidentally summons a djinn named Dara. Together, they journey to the hidden magical city of Daevabad, where Nahri discovers her heritage and gets entangled in the city's complex politics and power struggles involving various magical tribes. The novel explores racism, enslavement, and misogyny, and discusses murder, rape, and self-harm.

Mysterious / Fantastical / Adventurous / Dark

- S. A. Chakraborty initially self-published The City of Brass as a way to explore her personal interest in Middle Eastern history and Islamic folklore before it was picked up by a publishing house.
- The novel blends elements of historical fiction and fantasy, drawing inspiration from stories like the One Thousand and One Nights to craft its magical world.
- S. A. Chakraborty's meticulous world-building in The City of Brass is influenced by her background in medieval history and her extensive research into the cultures and mythologies of the Middle East.

**Nahri**  
A skilled con artist and healer from Cairo who discovers her connection to a magical world, navigating her newfound identity and power with humor and resilience.

**Ali**  
The principled second son of Daevabad’s king, grappling with his mixed heritage and strong sense of morality as he becomes entangled in political and social conflicts.

**Dara**  
A mysterious warrior with a complex past who serves as both ally and protector to Nahri, struggling with his own history and identity within the magical society.

**Muntadhir**  
The crown prince of Daevabad, known for his charm and political savvy, who faces pressure from both family obligations and personal desires.

**Ghassan**  
The authoritative and strategic king of Daevabad, balancing the needs of his kingdom while maintaining control over its complex political landscape.

**Nisreen**  
A dedicated healer and mentor to Nahri, offering guidance and support while holding deep loyalty to her own tribe and values.

**Kaveh**  
An influential advisor to the king, deeply committed to his daeva tribe and involved in political maneuvering to support their interests.

**Jamshid**  
A brave and gentle warrior connected to the central characters, whose mysterious background and actions have a significant impact on the unfolding events.

**Zaynab**  
The confident and socially adept sister of Ali and Muntadhir, using her wit and charm to navigate and influence the dynamics of the court.

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Chapters 1-5

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