S. A. Chakraborty's The City of Brass is lauded for its rich world-building, cultural depth, and complex characters, captivating fantasy readers. Critics appreciate the intrigue and political nuances in the narrative. Some, however, note the story's pacing issues and dense exposition. Overall, it's a compelling start to the Daevabad Trilogy that promises an immersive experience.

Readers who relish detailed world-building, Middle Eastern folklore, and complex characters will enjoy The City of Brass by S. A. Chakraborty. Fans of The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker and The Daevabad Trilogy will find its blend of myth and magic particularly captivating.

The City of Brass by S. A. Chakraborty follows Nahri, a young woman in 18th-century Cairo with mysterious healing powers, who accidentally summons a djinn named Dara. Together, they journey to the hidden magical city of Daevabad, where Nahri discovers her heritage and gets entangled in the city's complex politics and power struggles involving various magical tribes. The novel explores racism, enslavement, and misogyny, and discusses murder, rape, and self-harm.

Mysterious / Fantastical / Adventurous / Dark

- S. A. Chakraborty initially self-published The City of Brass as a way to explore her personal interest in Middle Eastern history and Islamic folklore before it was picked up by a publishing house.
- The novel blends elements of historical fiction and fantasy, drawing inspiration from stories like the One Thousand and One Nights to craft its magical world.
- S. A. Chakraborty's meticulous world-building in The City of Brass is influenced by her background in medieval history and her extensive research into the cultures and mythologies of the Middle East.

S. A. Chakraborty

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The Daevabad Trilogy

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Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore The City of Brass and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The City of Brass Summary and Study Guide

Background

The City of Brass Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-5

The City of Brass Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-12

The City of Brass Chapters 6-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-18

The City of Brass Chapters 13-18 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 19-24

The City of Brass Chapters 19-24 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 25-Epilogue

The City of Brass Chapter 25-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The City of Brass Character Analysis

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Themes

The City of Brass Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The City of Brass Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The City of Brass Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The City of Brass Essay Topics

The City of Brass

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The City of Brass?

Reading Age

Book Details