Djinns and Kings – The Curse of Zoa by Shabbeer Ahmed

Shabbeer Ahmed‘s debut novel “Djinns & Kings: The Curse of Zoa” is a dazzling tapestry of magic, intrigue, and the tangled threads of love and ambition. This sprawling epic whisks readers away to a world where djinns and humans coexist in an uneasy alliance, mythical beasts roam the earth, and ancient curses shape the fate of empires. It’s a heady brew, intoxicating and complex—that’ll leave you dizzy with its twists and turns.

At its heart, “Djinns & Kings” is a story about power—who wields it, who craves it, and the price we pay for it. Our hero (or is he?) Rhuzbeh starts as a humble orphan and rises to become a legendary figure, both revered and reviled. His journey from wide-eyed adventurer to ruthless conqueror is a fascinating study in the corruption of the soul. Ahmed doesn’t shy away from the darkness, showing how even the noblest intentions can lead us down treacherous paths.

But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s dive in, shall we?

A Realm of Wonder and Woe

Ahmed’s world-building is nothing short of breathtaking. The fallen city of Afra-Zun, cursed to ruin by the dying Zoa, is a marvel of the imagination. I could practically smell the exotic blooms and hear the tinkling of magical fountains as I read. The various djinn factions – from the noble janns to the mischievous ifrits – feel fully realized, each with their own motivations and quirks.

The human kingdoms are equally vivid. The mountain fortress of Hatasa, the bustling markets of Zanda, the mysterious island of the karkzeb sheep—each locale pulses with life and detail. Ahmed has a gift for sensory description that makes you feel like you’re right there, tasting the spices and feeling the desert wind on your face.

And oh, the creatures! Manticores that sing with women’s voices to lure their prey. The serpopard Ungaal, part snake, part leopard, all terror. The flying monkeys that are somehow both adorable and unsettling. Ahmed’s bestiary is a treasure trove of mythological deep cuts and original creations that’ll delight any fantasy fan.

A Hero’s Journey… or Is It?

Rhuzbeh’s quest to retrieve the three sanaa gems and lift the curse on Afra-Zun forms the backbone of the story. It’s a classic hero’s journey setup, but Ahmed constantly subverts our expectations. Just when you think you know where the story’s going, he pulls the rug out from under you.

What starts as a fairly straightforward adventure tale grows darker and more morally complex as it progresses. Rhuzbeh’s choices become increasingly questionable as he pursues his goals. Is he still the hero? Or has he become the very thing he set out to defeat? It’s a fascinating character study that’ll have you debating with your friends long after you finish the book.

The supporting cast is equally compelling. I particularly loved Darya, the powerful mage whose loyalty to her family leads her down a dangerous path. And Ghanazaqi, the wise djinn whose machinations drive much of the plot, is delightfully Machiavellian. Even minor characters feel fully fleshed out, with their own hopes and motivations.

Love in the Time of Djinns

For all its epic scope, “Djinns & Kings” is also a deeply personal story about love and its many forms. Rhuzbeh’s devotion to his beloved Ceba drives much of his early actions, for better or worse. But as the story progresses, we see how love can be twisted into possessiveness, used as a weapon, or become an excuse for terrible deeds.

Ahmed doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to the darker side of romance. There are moments of genuine tenderness, yes, but also betrayal, manipulation, and heartbreak. It’s a nuanced take on love that feels refreshingly grown-up for a fantasy novel.

The various romantic subplots add depth and texture to the larger narrative. I found myself genuinely invested in whether certain couples would end up together (no spoilers, but that centaur romance? Whew!). And the exploration of familial love—between parents and children, siblings, found families—is equally compelling.

A Feast for the Senses

One of the great joys of “Djinns & Kings” is Ahmed’s lush, sensory prose. His background as a professional MC really shines through in the way he crafts vivid imagery and memorable turns of phrase. There’s a musicality to his writing that makes even the exposition-heavy passages a pleasure to read.

I found myself constantly highlighting passages that were just… chef’s kiss. Like this description of the gus whale: “It blew great fountains of water, taller than the tallest of junipers, and with its great mouth wide open, it ascended in the middle of the night, swallowing phosphorescent krill in their multitudes with great relish.” I mean, come on! That’s just gorgeous.

Fair warning though – this richness of language means “Djinns & Kings” isn’t always a breezy read. It rewards close attention and savoring. This isn’t a book to skim through; it’s one to luxuriate in, like a warm bath scented with exotic oils.

A Tangle of Plots

If I have one quibble with “Djinns & Kings,” it’s that the plot can get a bit… unwieldy at times. There are so many factions, subplots, and magical MacGuffins to keep track of that I occasionally found myself flipping back to earlier chapters to refresh my memory. A dramatis personae or glossary would’ve been helpful for keeping all the djinn types straight.

The pacing also feels a bit uneven in places. The middle section, where Rhuzbeh is consolidating his power, drags a tad. And the final confrontation felt slightly rushed compared to the careful buildup. But these are minor nitpicks in an otherwise engrossing read.

I will say, don’t go into this expecting a neat, tidy ending where all loose ends are tied up with a bow. Ahmed leaves some threads deliberately dangling, which I found refreshingly realistic. Life rarely gives us perfect closure, after all.

A New Voice in Fantasy

“Djinns & Kings” marks Shabbeer Ahmed as an exciting new voice in fantasy. This is his debut novel, but it arrives fully formed, with the confidence of a much more experienced author. His blend of Middle Eastern folklore, original mythology, and political intrigue feels fresh and distinct in a genre that can sometimes feel same-y.

It’s hard to make direct comparisons, as Ahmed’s voice feels pretty unique. But fans of Guy Gavriel Kay’s historical fantasies or S.A. Chakraborty’s Daevabad Trilogy will find a lot to love here. There are echoes of “One Thousand and One Nights,” of course, but filtered through a modern sensibility.

I’m genuinely excited to see where Ahmed goes from here. “Djinns & Kings” feels like it’s barely scratched the surface of this rich world he’s created. There are so many tantalizing hints of history and mythology that I’m dying to know more about. Sequel please?

The Verdict: A Magical Debut

“Djinns & Kings: The Curse of Zoa” is a remarkable achievement, especially for a debut novel. Shabbeer Ahmed has crafted a rich, immersive world that feels both familiar and wholly original. His characters are complex and flawed, grappling with weighty themes of power, love, and destiny.

If you’re looking for a fantasy that goes beyond the usual medieval European trappings, “Djinns & Kings” is a must-read. It’s a book that’ll transport you to a world of magic and wonder, while never losing sight of the very human emotions at its core. Just be prepared to lose a few nights of sleep – once you start, it’s hard to put down!

So come, dear reader. Let the sanaa gems guide you to new realms of adventure. Just watch out for those manticores, yeah?