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…

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The High House by James Stoddard,

The Victorian mansion, Evenmere, is the mechanism that runs the universe.

The lamps must be lit, or the stars die. The clocks must be wound, or Time ceases. The Balance between Order and Chaos must be preserved, or Existence crumbles.

Appointed the Steward of Evenmere, Carter Anderson must learn the…

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