The City of Brass

Chakraborty masterfully includes history and cultural symbolism in this fantasy novel (for a peek into her research process, check out Chakraborty’s reading list). This book subverts expectations in the best way. Eighteen year old Nari makes her living as a con artist on the streets of Cairo. When a job goes horribly awry, she accidentally conjures a djinn warrior who transports her to the magical city of brass. If you love a feisty heroine and rich world-building, this is the book for you.