Court intrigue, magic and forbidden romance collide in this absorbing Persian mythology-inspired YA fantasy.
The Jinn, "an ancient race" of beings "forged from the essence of fire," owned the world until humans emerged to challenge their dominance. In the Ardunian empire, the Fire Accords ended millennia of bloodshed at a high cost: the Jinn were forced to deny "at all times the inherent powers of their race," or face death. Alizeh is a Jinn with a dark past forced to disguise herself as a servant. Her secret is threatened by a chance encounter with Kamran, Ardunia's imperious crown prince. Kamran knows that Alizeh is connected to a prophecy foretelling the death of his grandfather King Zaal, but he cannot shake his fascination with the mysterious girl. As Ardunia's neighbors threaten war, and tensions once again rise between humans and Jinn, Alizeh and Kamran may be one another's best hope of survival.
Tahereh Mafi (Shatter Me series; A Very Large Expanse of Sea) uses lyrical prose to craft an entrancing and atmospheric fantasy world. The burgeoning star-crossed romance between Alizeh and Kamran creates high emotional stakes while moments of romantic banter leaven the mood. This Woven Kingdom, propelled by its protagonists' emotional journeys, patiently builds to an explosive conclusion that will leave readers clamoring for a sequel. --Alanna Felton, freelance reviewer