Summer is here, and it’s the perfect time to dive into some captivating reads that transport you to different worlds, filled with magic, mystery, and unforgettable characters.
In this post, we explore three books that did catch my attention: “Wolfsong” by TJ Klune, “The Book of Azrael” by Amber Nicole, and “A Master of Djinn” by P. Djèlí Clark. However I’ve had a mixed response to all of them. Whether you’re into emotional werewolf tales, dark fantasy, or steampunk adventures, these mini reviews will give you a glimpse into each book. 📖✨
🐺 Wolfsong by T J Klune
(Affiliate Links)
The characters in this book really sparked significant controversy for me. Central to the narrative is Ox, who is groomed by the Bennet pack and eventually enters a romantic relationship with Joe, the youngest member of the pack. This relationship, marked by a substantial age gap, has an uncomfortable resemblance to werewolf imprinting as seen in Twilight. The dynamic is troubling, particularly since the characters meet when Joe is 10 and Ox is 16, with romantic developments starting when they are 17 and 22, respectively. This dynamic made it difficult for me to invest in the main couple, which is crucial for enjoying the book.
The story centres around the romantic relationship between Ox and Joe, which I found uncomfortable due to the age difference and the grooming implications.
The plot itself doesn’t kick in until more than halfway through the book, contributing to a sense of boredom. The story’s primary focus on the controversial romance overshadowed other potential plot elements, making it hard to engage with the narrative.
The writing style was a mixed bag for me. Some parts felt lyrical, while others seemed corny and overly repetitive. The humour did not resonate with me, often coming across as cringeworthy. Additionally, the portrayal of female characters was disappointing, as they primarily served as emotional support for male characters without having their own personalities.
The book tackles themes of destiny and possessive love, but these themes were not well-received by me. The possessive nature of the romance, with quotes depicting a desire to mark and claim the partner physically, was particularly disturbing. This intense and primal approach to love felt more unsettling than romantic, detracting from the overall enjoyment of the story.
The book fits within the paranormal romance genre but with a twist that didn’t sit well with me. The werewolf imprinting trope and the intense, possessive romantic elements are characteristic of the genre but were handled in a way that felt problematic. If you are sensitive to age gaps and possessive dynamics in romance, you might find this book challenging to enjoy.
Overall, the book did not fare well for me, and I couldn’t finish it (DNF). The discomfort with the age gap and the grooming implications of the central relationship overshadowed other aspects of the book. Additionally, the slow plot development and writing style further detracted from my enjoyment. This book may appeal to fans of intense, possessive paranormal romances, but I found it problematic due to its controversial themes and character dynamics.
💓 The Book of Azrael by Amber Nicole
The characters in “The Book of Azrael” left me deeply unsatisfied. Dianna, the female main character, was particularly frustrating. Her behavior was inconsistent, and she often threw temper tantrums over minor issues, which started after she met Liam, the male main character. She constantly overreacted to being called a beast, even though that’s her nature, and seemed to have a chip on her shoulder, often talking down to Liam despite his centuries of experience. Her interactions with him were annoyingly rude, especially when he was being kind.
On the other hand, Liam was the book’s only somewhat redeeming character. He wasn’t just a typical broody alpha male; his character had some depth and unique qualities that I appreciated. However, the relationship between Dianna and Liam felt forced and juvenile, detracting from any potential growth or depth in their characters.
(Affiliate Links)
The plot of “The Book of Azrael” was a confusing mess that failed to engage me. The premise revolved around the mysterious Book of Azrael, but instead of a gripping storyline, I was bombarded with irrelevant banter, poorly executed jokes, and an overwhelming number of flashbacks.
The first half of the book could easily have been condensed, as it was filled with unnecessary filler material, including a tedious sleepover saga and redundant information about Dianna’s relationship with her sister, Gabby.
Despite the potential for an intriguing plot involving lore, betrayals, and a journey full of fantastic creatures, the story was bogged down by repetitive and irrelevant details that made it difficult to stay interested.
The writing style was one of the biggest disappointments in this book. The dialogue felt robotic and awkward, with poorly placed contractions and stilted conversations that made the characters come across as illiterate. The narration was overly verbose, with constant repetition of information and unnecessary details that added nothing to the story. The world-building was clumsily handled, often feeling like an info dump rather than a natural unfolding of the setting.
Additionally, the editing was subpar, with numerous misspellings and repeated paragraphs that disrupted the flow of the narrative. The writing failed to impress, and the overall quality of the prose was lacking.
The themes in “The Book of Azrael” were overshadowed by the poorly executed plot and writing. There were attempts to explore themes of power, immortality, and the consequences of one’s actions, but these were undermined by the inconsistent character development and repetitive storytelling.
Dianna’s inner conflict regarding her relationship with Kaden had the potential to delve into themes of coercion and power dynamics, but it was overdone and lacked the subtlety needed to make it impactful. The theme of betrayal was also present but became predictable and repetitive, losing its emotional weight as the story progressed.
As a fantasy novel, “The Book of Azrael” struggled to fit comfortably within the genre. While it had elements of urban fantasy, with its mix of modern and fantastical elements, the execution left much to be desired.
The inclusion of various creatures and a complex pantheon of gods had the potential to create a rich and immersive world, but the inconsistent world-building and lack of coherence made it difficult to fully engage with the fantasy aspects.
The novel’s length and meandering plot detracted from its ability to deliver a compelling fantasy experience.
Overall, “The Book of Azrael” was a significant disappointment. Despite some potential in the characters and the premise, the execution fell flat in almost every aspect. The poorly developed characters, convoluted plot, awkward writing style, and lack of coherent themes made it a frustrating read.
The book’s excessive length and repetitive storytelling only added to the dissatisfaction. While there were a few redeeming moments, particularly in Liam’s character, they were not enough to salvage the overall experience. I would rate this book 1.5 out of 5 stars, as it failed to deliver on its promises and left me feeling more frustrated than entertained.
✨ A Master of Djinn by P Djèlí Clark
(Affiliate Links)
In “A Master of Djinn,” the characters are vividly drawn and engaging. Fatma, the main protagonist, is a special investigator with the Egyptian Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments, and Supernatural Entities. She’s intelligent, capable, and fiercely independent, often seen in her fabulous suits.
Her relationship with her new partner, Hadia, evolves throughout the story, adding depth to her character. The supporting characters, like Hadia, bring their own charm and add to the rich tapestry of the story.
Siti, Fatma’s sort-of girlfriend, is another standout character with enhanced strength and combat abilities. I loved the chemistry between Fatma and Siti, and every scene with Siti was memorable.
The story is set in an alternate 1912 Cairo, where magic and steampunk elements blend seamlessly. The plot revolves around a murder mystery that Fatma is tasked with solving.
The pacing is superb, and the narrative is filled with tension and well-plotted action scenes. The world-building is intricate, with magic affecting different countries in various ways.
The plot expands beyond a simple murder investigation, delving into themes of international politics and colonialism, which sometimes felt a bit scattered. However, the main storyline kept me hooked, and the climax was both epic and satisfying.
Clark’s writing style is luxurious and immersive, capturing the essence of Cairo’s culture, customs, and folklore. The prose is descriptive, making it easy to visualise the bustling streets, ancient temples, and sleek airship towers.
Clark’s ability to blend steampunk and supernatural elements with historical fiction is impressive. However, there were moments when the use of non-English words felt excessive, disrupting the flow of the narrative. Despite this, the writing overall contributed to a vivid and atmospheric reading experience.
The novel explores numerous thought-provoking themes, including colonialism, imperialism, sexism, and racism. These themes are woven into the narrative through Egypt’s relationship with other countries and internal societal dynamics.
Fatma’s job as a special investigator and her treatment in the workplace reflect broader issues of gender inequality. The story also touches on the politics of respectability and the fear of judgment, especially in personal relationships. These themes add depth to the characters and the world they inhabit.
A Master of Djinn fits perfectly within the fantasy genre, with its rich world-building, supernatural elements, and steampunk aesthetic. The blend of historical fiction and fantasy creates a unique setting that feels both familiar and fantastical. The murder mystery plot adds a layer of intrigue, making it a compelling read for fans of both fantasy and detective genres. The novel’s exploration of themes like colonialism and sexism also gives it a contemporary relevance that resonates beyond its genre.
I would rate A Master of Djinn 4.5/5 stars. The world-building is outstanding, and the characters are engaging and well-developed. While the plot occasionally felt scattered and the use of non-English words sometimes disrupted the flow, the overall narrative was captivating and immersive.
I’m looking forward to future installments in this series and would definitely recommend this book to fans of fantasy and historical fiction.
Happy Reading 📚✨
If you enjoy content on Uptown Oracle consider supporting us:
Ko-fi | PayPal
