The City of Brass

The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty invites readers into a world teeming with enchantment, peril, and the unimaginable allure of the unknown. Set in the vibrant and chaotic streets of eighteenth-century Cairo, the story follows Nahri, a con artist of great skill and ambition. Nahri is anything but ordinary; she possesses an inexplicable talent for healing and a knack for languages she has never studied. Yet, the magic that saturates Cairo is something she dismisses as mere fantasy.

Nahri dreams of leaving the city’s confines, seeking fortune and freedom far away. However, an accidental invocation during a seemingly routine con awakens a world she never believed could exist. Summoning a mysterious and dashing warrior djinn named Dara, her life takes an astonishing turn. Together, they embark on a dangerous journey to the legendary city of Daevabad, a place whispered of in ancient folklore — where the shimmer of gold intertwines with deadly power plays, and ancient grudges simmer just beneath the surface.

In Daevabad, Nahri is plunged into a realm of wondrous magic and complicated politics. She must navigate a divided world where warring djinni tribes vie for power, alliances are as fragile as glass, and every shadow conceals a secret. Here, magic flows like water from the hidden springs, yet it is also a weapon that can sear the soul.

S.A. Chakraborty's spellbinding narrative is an elaborate tapestry woven with rich detail and intoxicating intrigue. The City of Brass captivates as it explores themes of identity, belonging, and survival. It is a tale where lore and legend come alive, and where the price of wishes can be fatal. For Nahri, the path to freedom may demand a cost she is unprepared to pay.

Esteemed author Laini Taylor describes the novel as an "extravagant feast," a testament to its mesmerizing prose and Chakraborty’s masterful storytelling. Dive into this debut that promises a journey of breathtaking wonder and profound depth, leaving readers spellbound at every turn.