This Woven Kingdom

By Author / Illustrator

Tahereh Mafi

Genre

Fantasy

Age range(s)

14+

Publisher

Egmont UK Ltd

ISBN

9780008512392

Format

Hardback

Published

03-02-2022

Synopsis

Clashing empires, forbidden romance, and a long-forgotten queen destined to save her people-New York Times bestselling author Tahereh Mafi's first novel in this epic, romantic fantasy series 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.

'Gut-wrenchingly beautiful.' - Kirkus Reviews. "In a tale as exquisitely crafted as one of Alizeh's own garments, Mafi weaves a spell of destiny and danger, forbidden love and courtly intrigue, magic and revolution."-Cassandra Clare, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Last Hours

Full series: This Woven Kingdom (book 1); These Infinite Threads (book 2, This Woven Kingdom); All This Twisted Glory (book 3, This Woven Kingdom)

Download Extract

Reviews

Alizeh is a low status servant girl who has a secret that if found out, will cost her her life... she is a Jinn, the heir to a long lost kingdom of powerful people that are feared and hunted. Alizeh is not just any Jinn, she has ice that runs through her veins. Is she the 'monster' that the current King of Ardunia has been looking for to destroy?

Kamran is the Crown Prince of the kingdom and has grown up hearing tales about this legendary 'monster' that is coming to kill the King; is this monster the girl he has just encountered on the streets of his city? Is he willing to give up all that he believes in order to save her?

I have not read this author before and I have to say to myself, why? Her writing / world building is beautiful, she clearly knows how to immerse the reader into her stories which are full of plot twists and likeable characters. This wonderful story is the first in a trilogy. The 494 pages are full of hidden truths, forbidden romance and clashing empires that will keep any 12+ reader that enjoys fantasy adventures (you could almost say this book is also a retelling of Cinderella) engaged, with an ending that leaves you wanting more!

512 pages / Reviewed by Linda Brown, school librarian