Book cover of The Bruising of Qilwa

Book description

“I loved this gorgeous book about blood magic, chosen family and refugees in a hostile city. Naseem Jamnia has created a rich, complex world.”
―Charlie Jane Anders, author of All the Birds in the Sky

[STARRED REVIEW] “A delight to read. Highly recommended.”
―Library Journal

In this intricate debut fantasy…

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Why read it?

1 author picked The Bruising of Qilwa as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I listened to this audiobook on my drive to and from work—and often found myself taking the long route home! Narrator Fajer Al-Kaisi brought an incredible story to the next level. This was an exhilarating five hours of blood magic, deeply nuanced explorations of axes of oppression, and queer normative, Persian-inspired worldbuilding.

One of my favorite parts of this book is the relationship between trans siblings Firuz and Parviz as they navigate trying to get Parviz access to gender-affirming healthcare. I appreciated being able to sit with this very real challenge outside of the context of the transphobia I see…

If you love The Bruising of Qilwa...

Book cover of The Rosewood Penny

The Rosewood Penny by J.S. Fields,

2023 Queer Indie Award Nominee!

The dragons of Yuro have been hunted to extinction.

On a small, isolated island, in a reclusive forest, lives bandit leader Marani and her brother Jacks. With their outlaw band they rob from the rich to feed themselves, raiding carriages and dodging the occasional vindictive…

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