The Kingdom of Copper: A Novel

The Kingdom of Copper is a worthy successor to The City of Brass, in which we were introduced, along with Nahri, to the city of Daevabad, a magical city that has six djinn tribes living in a fragile relationship with one another, and in a hostile relationship with their mixed-race kin, called the shafits. Being an old city that has seen a lot of fights, bloodshed and grudges, it is a powder keg for a war, and this book has another one brewing. While the looming war is a major arc of the book, in the case of Ali and Nahri, their development is about them reconciling tribe loyalty and tradition with their personal beliefs. Ali, betrayed by his father and left to be killed by assassins, is forced to return to the city by the machinations of the Ayaanle side of his family, again, and his arrival is something Munthadhir is not pleased with. As he tries to reach his brother, Nahri is also trying to appeal to the better side of Munthadhir, as she expects him to stay by her side as she tries to change old traditions and work for a better life for the shafit. Both their powers are also growing, while they have to keep it hidden for their own safety. Speaking of growing powers and conflicted loyalties, Dara is once again bound by his duty as an Afshin and battling his conscience as he is forced to become a weapon for war again. I would like to say he grows, too, but it is more that he is growing into an anti-hero. The characterization of this book is also better this time around, as we see the complicated dynamics of relationships between the characters and their respective loyalties driving the political machinations. Queen Hatset was a delightful addition, and I loved seeing her interact with Ali. Also, Ali being terrified of every dominating woman was fun to watch, as was him being flustered every time the issue of him choosing a bride came. Additionally, more than the readers, it feels like nearly every character is shipping him and Nahri - a slow burn that is still at a low flame level, but is certainly developing very nicely, as their friendship is being redeveloped. Dara is also a complicated subject for Nahri, as she has to face the fact that she was attracted a version of the man who was a war criminal. And then there was Ghassan, who I had said was like lawful evil in the last book, but I have decided is more of a power-hungry tyrant who has no problem playing his sons against one another. The ending was a bit confusing, much like the ending of the first book, because I still can't understand how the seal and Daevabad work. There were many questions answered regarding the history of the city, as well as the original deal/curse, but there were so many more raised, and I really hope those answers are given in the final book of the trilogy. Overall, it was an 'Experience' to read this magical book, and I wholeheartedly recommend it if you love complicated political problems, well-written characterizations and an expansive world-building.

Wow. I loved this book! amazing characters, tenacious world building, and fierce heroines abound. not every book can make me actively angry when the protagonists are up to some shenanigans but this one did. extra points for the multicultural cast of characters, diverse world views that left me simmering and wanting for more...

This is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. The Author takes you to a place of magic & fantasy. I definitely recommend this book to teens & adults who love to read bout magic, fantasy & about different cultures and their faith. You will fall in love the characters and the scenery this book is set in. I did!