Book Review: This Woven Kingdom by Tahereh Mafi
This Woven Kingdom by Tahereh Mafi
What a great start to this new Persian-inspired fantasy series! I was hooked in chapter 1. By chapter 2, I was entranced. Between mention of what seemed like fire magic, the shadowy and mysterious appearance of the devil and an origin story all in the first 3 chapters — I knew this was going to be a story I would devour and crave more of! There’s Jinn, warring kingdoms, a forbidden love story, royalty in hiding, and prophesies, oh my. So much goodness, and of course, Tahereh’s signature focus on mental health awareness. Let’s review This Woven Kingdom by Tahereh Mafi!
“As always, the girl would have to carry herself.”
About The Book
This new fantasy series is inspired by Persian mythology and has a swoony forbidden romance, royalty in hiding, deception, secrets and sinister plots. And oooh the twists!! It's heavily character driven but with just enough plot development and enchanting mysteriousness to keep you turning page after page!
Book Details
Title: This Woven Kingdom
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Publication Date: February 1, 2022
Genres: Young Adult, Persian Mythology, Fantasy
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5
Purchase a copy: Amazon | Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository
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Synopsis
Clashing empires, forbidden romance, and a long-forgotten queen destined to save her people—bestselling author Tahereh Mafi’s first in an epic, romantic trilogy inspired by Persian mythology.
To all the world, Alizeh is a disposable servant, not the long-lost heir to an ancient Jinn kingdom forced to hide in plain sight.
The crown prince, Kamran, has heard the prophecies foretelling the death of his king. But he could never have imagined that the servant girl with the strange eyes, the girl he can’t put out of his mind, would one day soon uproot his kingdom—and the world.
Perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo, Tomi Adeyemi, and Sabaa Tahir, this is the explosive first book in a new fantasy trilogy from the New York Times bestselling and National Book Award-nominated author Tahereh Mafi.
“I haven’t the slightest idea what we’re doing,” he said softly. “Though if you mean to take me captive, you need only ask. I would come willingly.”
The Story
spoiler-free
Alizeh, long-lost heir to an ancient Jinn kingdom, is forced to live her life on the run and hide in plain sight when her path unexpectedly collides with Kamran, crown prince and heir to the reigning kingdom of Ardunia. Their distinctly divided lives can't help but keep crossing as rumors swirl and prophesy Ardunia's downfall - with them both at the center of it all.
READ THIS IF YOU LIKE:
lush, magical fantasy worlds
Persian mythology
dual POVs
jinn x ancient kingdoms
fire? ice? magic
origin stories
warring kingdoms x courtly intrigue
forbidden love x royalty in hiding
prophecies x foretellings
woven things x fireflies
body positivity
magical artifacts
DRAGONS
The Characters
There are a lot, but these are the main players!
Alizeh, long lost heir to the ancient Jinn kingdom, she’s hiding in plain sight and forced to live on the run. She’s intelligent and kind and strong.
Kamran, heir to the ruling kingdom of Ardunia, he has a haunted past and when his path collides with Alizeh there’s no turning back for him.
The King, Kamran’s grandfather, is harsh and direct with a sinister secret that will leave you reeling.
Hazan, Kamran’s closest “friend” and advisor, there is definitely something he’s hiding.
The Devil, a mysterious and sinister figure of the Jinn community, he randomly appears to Alizeh and speaks to her in riddles.
Steamometer
❤️ - NICE AND SWEET
But with some intense kissing scenes and heavy chemistry and attraction.
For those who are unfamiliar with my Steamometer, check it out below (it’s ever-evolving lol)!
❤️ NICE AND SWEET
💃🏼 SASSY SPICE
🔥 STEAMYYYY GOODNESS
🥵 MY OVARIES ARE BURSTING
🌋 my whole body is on fire and I’m melting
🖤 SMUTASTIC
Content Warnings
I always like to mention ones that stand out to me. There may be more, there may be less, depending on your life experiences. And, keep in mind, this is young adult fantasy, so none of these are explicit or in detail, more mentions and recollections, but sometimes that’s all it takes!
self harm
depression/hopelessness
fear of the dark
grief
suicide attempt
suicidal thoughts
Overall Thoughts
This was such a great beginning to Tahereh’s new fantasy series! Tahereh’s writing is just so eloquent, intelligent, and beautiful - the prose is a breeze to read with thought-provoking impact. Overall, I loved it. The beginning grabbed me immediately. I was SO intrigued with the mention of Jinn, the devil and his origin story, and what seemed to be something like fire magic! The story / plot itself, at times, felt a little slow to me - there was some big build up and setting-of-the-stage in the beginning with heavy internal character dialogue. But every chapter ended on a baby cliffhanger which kept me turning page after page, and there was just enough plot development and twists and turns - while subtle and the-sneak-up-on-you kind - that kept me hooked! I’m definitely looking forward to the next installment! And that ending!!! Beware the cliffhanger - it’s big!
“Let us hope for the day when we might all remove our masks, sir, and live in the light without fear.”
About The Author
About Tahereh Mafi:
Tahereh is the New York Times bestselling and National Book Award nominated author of books for children and young adults. She currently resides in Southern California with her husband, fellow author Ransom Riggs, and their daughter. Her most recent novel, An Emotion of Great Delight, is on shelves now. Look out for the first book in her new fantasy series, This Woven Kingdom, in February 2022. Her work is represented by Jodi Reamer of Writers House, LLC.
Website | Instagram | Goodreads | Twitter
*Pic and bio Courtesy of her website
This Woven Kingdom is out now!
Thank you so much Epic Reads and Harper Collins for the advanced galley and review copy.
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I’m Leah. Cozy connoisseur and bountiful book buyer. I have a minor obsession with getting lost in the pages of a good book, guzzling coffee, and thriving at home. Leggings, wine, and essential oils are also my jam. I'm truly just a bookworm and homebody at heart with a knack for content creation & cozy shots. This is my creative space.
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I love this feeling when I’m reading a book. Nothing compares! This sense of being completely immersed and lost inside the pages of the story — like you could live there endlessly, never get enough of the plot and characters and yearn to get more of the story once you’re finished. Here are the last 3 books that made me forget I was reading.