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The Bruising of Qilwa

By Naseem Jamnia
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3.75 goodreads logo

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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The novel The Bruising of Qilwa by Naseem Jamnia is set in a richly imagined world where an exiled healer named Firuz-e Jafari navigates the challenges of a city beset by plague. Firuz discovers a unique blend of magic and medicine to uncover the truth behind the mysterious affliction. As tensions rise between migrants and locals, Firuz must protect their loved ones while confronting their own identity and hidden powers.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you love stories that seamlessly blend magic with deep explorations of identity and belonging. It's a captivating tale set in a richly built world where themes of migration and cultural resilience come to life, making it a perfect choice for those fascinated by complex characters and thought-provoking narratives.

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Firuz-e Jafari was able to escape the slaughter of traditional blood magic practitioners by immigrating to the city-state of Qilwa. But now a terrible disease is spreading through the city, and Firuz believes it comes from ineptly performed blood magic. Now they must find a way to break a cycle of prejudice in order to survive.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

In this intricate fantasy novella, a nonbinary refugee practitioner of blood magic encounters a strange disease that causes political rifts in their new homeland. Persian-American author Naseem Jamnia is a vital new voice who has crafted a gripping narrative layered with themes of persecution, healing, and family. The Bruising of Qilwa is the newest arrival in the era of new fantasy classics such as the Broken Earth Trilogy, The Four Profound Weaves, and Who Fears Death.

Firuz-e Jafari is one of the fortunate ones who have emigrated to the Democratic Free State of Qilwa. Firuz has escaped the slaughter of other traditional Sassanid blood-magic practitioners. They have a good job at a free healing clinic in Qilwa, a kindly new employer, Kofi, and a gifted new student, Afsoneh, a troubled orphan refugee.

But Firuz and Kofi have discovered a terrible new disease which leaves mysterious bruises on its victims. The illness is spreading quickly through Qilwa, and there are dangerous accusations of ineptly-performed blood magic. In order to survive, Firuz must break a deadly cycle of prejudice while finding a fresh start for both their blood and found family.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Bruising of Qilwa by Naseem Jamnia has received widespread acclaim for its intriguing storyline and richly built world. Praise is given to its nonbinary protagonist and the Persian-inspired setting, which many find refreshing in the Sci-Fi & Fantasy genre. Readers appreciate the seamless integration of a medical mystery with themes of identity, belonging, and community, and commend the book's sensitive portrayal of queer characters. The novel's blend of magic, science, and social commentary is highlighted as a unique and engaging experience.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781616963781

Publisher: Tachyon Publications

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 09 August 2022

Country: United States

Imprint: Tachyon Publications

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 127.0mm

Height: 203.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 176

Collections

Fantasy Fiction General Fiction Naseem Jamnia Sci-Fi & Fantasy

About the Author

Naseem Jamnia is is a queer, nonbinary, trans Persian writer from Chicago. They are a former neuroscientist and a recent MFA graduate from the University of Nevada, Reno. Their work has appeared in the Washington Post, Cosmopolitan, The Rumpus, The Writer's Chronicle, and other venues. They have received fellowships from Bitch Media, Lambda Literary, and the Otherwise Award, and they recently received the inaugural Samuel R. Delany Fellowship. Jamnia is the managing editor at Sidequest, an independent gaming-criticism website that centers the voices of queer and marginalized genders, and they are also an author mentor through Author Mentor Match. A Persian-Chicagoan and child to Iranian immigrants, Jamnia now lives in Reno with their husband, dog, and two cats.

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