Before I get into my full review, lemme just say this: READ THIS BOOK. Buy it, borrow it from the library, convince your auntie to gift it to you, do whatever you have to do, y’all. Looking for a historical fantasy with spirit magic? Read this book. In the mood for any genre but itching for 1920s vibes and an exploration of class and colorism in the Black community? Read this book. Searching for a fantasy with a heist element that’ll keep you needing to know what happens next and reluctant wielders of magic due to complex and rich backstories? Read this book. And if all of that didn’t convince you, keep on reading to find out why you should most definitely pick up THE MONSTERS WE DEFY 😉 

I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning TWO nights in a row because I couldn’t put this book down. I finished it in two sittings, and only because my body dared to start feeling sleepy towards the end of the first sitting. THE MONSTERS WE DEFY boasts an excellent balance of character work and a larger plot; I was invested in not just our main character Clara but in our crew of heist members. The mystery aspect is perfectly plotted and the reluctant friendship between Clara and Zelda is heartwarming. Perfect for fans of The Conductors by Nicole Glover; Conjure Women by Afia Atakora; Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia; and A Master of Djinn by P. Djèlí Clark!

I jumped head first into this fantasy novella and was not at all disappointing. Following a “nonbinary refugee practitioner of blood magic,” we join Firuz as they attempt to parse through the deadly disease ravaging their new home. With excellent pacing, an intriguing magic system, and carefully layered world-building, THE BRUISING OF QILWA is, quite simply, impossible to put down once you start reading it. I wanted to know what would happen to these characters, how it all connected, and what the end result of the slight mystery would be. Plus, it’s a daring exploration of the complexities of immigration and the pinpricks of xenophobia. I’m looking forward to more work from this author!