Alternative history is one of the most underrated genres. When this genre is done right, it creates some of the best stories I’ve ever read. This book is no exception.

Set in the early 1900s in a world where the arrival of djinn in Egypt has propelled the country to be a world power, our female protagonist who prefers a bold patterned suit to a dress is an investigator of the magical. The female-led investigative team has to solve a murder mystery that, of course, compromises the fate of the entire world.

Not only that, but our main romantic relationship is depicted so well. The two women involved compliment each other perfectly, and you are rooting for them to be together forever.

The mystery aspect is done really well, and the villain is such a great villain. Don’t even get me started on the ending because I was diabolically laughing the entire time.

Not going to lie, everything about this book is amazing. This is the most excited I’ve been about a fantasy world in a long time. It is a breath of fresh air. The world Djeli Clark has created is one that is well-built without spending paragraphs upon paragraphs describing absolutely everything about the world. All of the characters are well-built with believable motives.

I could honestly gush about this book all day long. I just absolutely loved it, and I need more books.