Introduction

Plot

The central plot of the story is the killing of the magical aquatic creature, Zoa, during a battle between different factions of the djinns namey djinns, janns, pilafs, ifrits, etc. This magical creature happens to be the pride of the great djinn city of Afra-Zun, and just before its last breath, Zoa curses the city to utter destruction and ruin. The curse can only be broken by a human who can recover three lost gems known as the sanaa. Young Rhuzbeh is assigned by the djinns to find the sanaa and revive Afra-Zun. This leads him on an adventure of a lifetime where he will battle with the kings, slay demonic creatures, and rescue some rare fantastical creatures. But wait, if you think that’s all. For it isn’t! The author carefully weaves in an exotic story that has love, affection, trust, courage, thrill, at the heart of it, amidst a growing unrest and uncertainty owing to dark powers.

Certain places and animals exist but we cannot see or locate
them. Here we are able to see them only because the djinn has chosen to lead us to them.

Characters

Shabbeer Ahmed gives us pretty strong characters—both the central and the supporting ones. The characters are complex and multifaceted. The character of Rhuzbeh, described as a fat orphan boy is challenged with courage, bravery, and strength. His transformation is the highlight of the novel. Apart from this human character, other supernatural characters like djinns, treacherous villains, mythical creatures, and the interplay between the human and the mythical is explored very excitedly by Ahmed. Readers will particularly love Rhuzbeh, the protagonist, for he is as charming as he is cunning, as flawed as he is fabulous, and as inspiring as he is intriguing. His companion Nauzar who follows him on his adventures grows in the shadows of Rhuzbeh and is portrayed quite well too. Other characters such as Dahel, the sorcerer, Amirast, the jann king, Ghanaqazi, the great djinn hero, Darya, the mage, Axer, flit in and out of the story and enrich the reader’s imagination and journey like none other.

“Most people are not at peace.
That is because they want something to happen all the time.
A shepherd, on the other hand, although vigilant, must be supremely patient, and he must be at peace
with himself. That is why some of the greatest teachers and prophets were shepherds.
You are restless because you are not at peace with yourself.”

Settings

Settings are perhaps, the best part about this book yet. Shabbeer Ahmed’s world-building is the foundation of what makes this an entertaining and enchanting read. Ahmed crafts an imaginative landscape that is both enigmatic and equally dangerous. The blend of mythical and historical elements creates a unique backdrop that adds to the story’s fantastical atmosphere. The city of Afra-Zun is magical with many secrets and beyond its realms lie more mystical territories, creatures, and thus, more astonishing stories that rivet the mind. The author’s attention details adds authenticity to the setting, making it a significant character in its own right. Readers will crave to know more about the worlds Ahmed passionately creates, page after page in this epic saga. It is surprisingly as fresh as it is exotic.

“If you do the
same things, you will get the same result. Do not think from
the same perspective. Change your perspective.”

Language & Writing

It’s the writing that makes or breaks a story and the author sure knew what he was doing with this one. For some never-before experienced genius is laid bare with his exquisite writing skills. His knowledge of the subject coupled with the rare acumen of articulating thoughts creatively with the choicest of words and phrases creates a story beyond imagination. He employs a fast-paced writing style which doesn’t allow spaces for any unnecessary information or deliberate dragging of the plot. The subplots too don’t distract but merge well bringing together a seamless plot eventually to delight the reader. However, the lack of a glossary at the end felt amiss as that would assist readers in remembering the key elements of the story better.

The plot encompasses themes such as love, passion, compassion, but also death, deceit, discord, as is typical of fantasy worlds offering an absolute panorama of indulgence. Ahmed writes in descriptive language without being overwrought, allowing readers to visualize the scenes and the paint the worlds in their mind they’ll never soon forget. Moreover, the dialogues are well-written too, reflecting the personalities and emotions of the characters productively. Lastly, like any good storytelling, the story maintains a fair balance between action-packed sequences, magical and mythical scenes, peace and peril moments, and lots more.

“Be tranquil as a tree.
When the wind blows, swing with it; when the bird sings, enjoy the
song; watch the sheep eat contently at your feet.”

Final Verdict

Djinns & Kings by author Shabbeer Ahmed is a captivating read that will have all the fans of fantasy and adventure glued till the last written word. Shabbeer Ahmed has crafted a compelling tale with a richly imagined world, complex characters, and a plot filled with intrigue and intense thrill. Readers of fantasy will find solace to know that nothing you’ve read in fantasy in recent times, will ever come close to the adrenaline rush Djinns & Kings promises, and that will inspire you to pick this book right away. Everything about this book is exotic, and that perhaps, is its strongest selling point; for that revives the love for fantasy once again. Whether you’re a certified fantasy enthusiast or a newbie to the genre, this novel should be on your list for the sheer wonderment and imaginative bliss it leaves the readers with. Recommended for all ages.

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Author Profile

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Have you read ‘Djinns & Kings’? What did you think?