Netgalley provided me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

What I expected from this book; A historical fiction with a fantasy twist. I picked it up believing there would be characters of not only a different faith, but also a different background, culture. I believed, given the setting (the Sultan's palace) there would be POC in the main cast.

I didn't get everything I expected. Even the main story, by the end, had shifted from Fatima and Hassan's escape to something entirely different. Also, throughout the entire book I kept wondering why the author went out of her way to have a 95% white cast.

Before I address that: what went right with the story? Hassan is able to make maps of places he has never seen, and even places that have never existed. This magic opens doors to a world that isn't the human's, and opens doors to creatures that aren't human either. It's the main reason I kept picking up the book. That and the fact that Hassan not only has these abilities, but he is a homosexual man. Those two facts damn him when the Spanish Inquisition steps into the story. The book manages to show the beauty of Hassan's faith, the terrorizing nature of the Christian faith when zealots are involved, but doesn't make either faith or its followers one hundred percent a villain or a saint.

Fatima, a Sultan's educated concubine with a justified temper, has only chosen to love (platonic) one man; Hassan. She helps him escape the Inquisition, and then the book loses its amazing start. Good thing Vikram's character was introduced, or I might not have been able to hang on for the ride.

What started to go wrong;
-Fa and Hassan are at each other's throat for a large section, or super loving, and neither moment seems to change either character or help them grow, They are virtually the same, especially in their outlook towards each other, at the ending.
-With the Sultan and his mother left behind in the escape; there are no more POC characters in a setting and time of history that demands it. Hassan is described as fairer than even the Spanish with red hair (and sometimes he's described in almost an insulting way by an equally fair woman--Fatima). And the author continues to compound the fact of his whiteness by not only bringing it up over and over, but by explaining that he had one grandmother with red hair and he is the ONLY grandchild to get her coloring. So that means all his family is a POC, but not our main character Hassan. He has to be white and have red hair. If the author hadn't gone out of her way to show this fact, I don't think I would have noticed (as quickly) that not only is our main cast 100% white, but so is everyone they cross paths with after until the very end of the book.
-The ending is not only rushed, but a complete 180 of what the story was about. No spoilers, but the book ends on a very apathetic note that left me with the sense of nothing for the character. No hope for a legacy. No completed arc. No opportunity for character growth or life changes in the "after" the story.

Although the first half of the book is amazing, the lovely prose regarding the Muslim faith and faith in general is beautiful, and Fatima and Hassan are interesting, I don't think I could recommend the book based on the second half and the list above. Read it though, support the author who is an beautiful writer (I have tons of proses highlighted for their beauty), and formulate your own opinion. .

**I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

I have very mixed feelings about this book. There were some things I loved and others I didn't understand. This book has a great concept and really vivid characters. However, I didn't really understand their motivations for a great deal of the book. It had a great start and a confusing ending. I do think it is worth the read if you are interested in reading about the Inquisition and the Christian/Muslim tensions of the time from a fantasy-based perspective!

This book excels in the setting, atmosphere, characters, and prose. I loved the palace setting in Granada, and eventually the adventures on ship. The characters were also really three-dimensional and easily likable. Wilson's writing is stunning throughout the novel, and I found myself highlighting so many quotable lines. There were some beautiful takeaways from the prose and overall message of the book.

Where I think this book struggled was in plot. I don't think the character motivations were clear from the beginning, so I didn't understand 'why' they made many of the choices they did. The romantic aspect of this book is also very confusing and didn't have a clear relation to the overall plot. Towards the end, I grew a little puzzled about the conclusion. However, it was definitely readable, and I was curious as to what would happen next. I just didn't totally 'get' it by the end.

Overall, I gave this book four stars for having a unique setting, beautiful writing, interesting characters, and for holding my interest throughout. I would recommend it to anyone looking for Muslim #ownvoices books with a magical atmosphere and some great quotable lines.

The Bird King is unlike anything I’ve read, it reminds me of storytime as a child, it feels like a fable passed down through generations. It is beautifully written and descriptive and whilst we navigate through the journey of Fatima, a sultan concubine and Hassan, the palace cartographer, it’s easy to imagine you are really there. Their journey to escape the inquisition is treacherous and though I didn’t feel the ending was worthy, I still enjoyed reading The Bird King.

Rich in history and lightly touched in magic, G. Willow Wilson’s return to fiction is a triumph for fans of magical realism.

Beginning in Granada in the final days of the Reconquista, the story follows Fatima, a concubine born in the Alhambra, a palace she’s never left. Servant to the sultan’s mother, and the Sultan himself, Fatima’s only friend is Hassan, the royal mapmaker whose maps can open secret passages or trace lands he’s never seen. When emissaries of Ferdinand and Isabella arrive before the Sultan, they bring with them the Inquisition’s threat to Hassan’s safety and Fatima’s way of life. Fatima must then fight to define for herself the meaning of love, friendship, and freedom, and how far she’ll go to preserve them. Layered into the story is the intersectionality of religions and cultures of the 15th century Iberian peninsula, as well as touches of Persian literature and Islamic mythology, all of which combine to create a compelling miniature epic and an epic heroine in Fatima. A definite recommendation for fans of The City of Brass.

Tenía ganas de adentrarme en la obra de G. Willow Wilson, así que cuando vi la oportunidad de leer The Bird King, no lo dudé. Además, ese escenario en plena decadencia del reino de la Alhambra, donde Boabdil está a punto de rendirse ante los Reyes Católicos me resultó irresistible.
La fantasía de The Bird King es medieval y árabe, mezclando djinns con la Santa Inquisición. Esta presencia de la magia es sutil en un principio y luego se va complicando. Me recuerda un poco a Baudolino, de Umberto Eco.
La relación entre Fátima y Hassan es la base sobre la que bascula la narración. Su amistad y lealtad va evolucionando a través del libro, hasta llegar a algo más complejo que resulta difícil de definir, pero que es muy atractivo.
Me gustó sobre todo el ambiente decadente de la corte granadina, donde se sabe que la derrota está cerca pero aún así se sigue viviendo como si el destino todavía no se hubiera manifestado. El viaje que afronta la protagonista de la novela junto con sus compañeros me resulta familiar por visitar lugares muy conocidos, pero también me extraña que algunos topónimos sean modernos y otros antiguos (Salobreña y Husn Al Nunakkab, por ejemplo).
Este aire de fantasía antigua se presenta al lector de múltiples formas, en la ambientación ya mencionada y también en la ingenuidad de los personajes, que observan el mundo y sus relaciones de una forma mucho más simple que en la actualidad. Pero me temo que también exige al lector entrar en este juego de confianza, de no pensar en profundidad en las consecuencias que deberían tener para los personajes las decisiones que toman. Si el lector se deja llevar, disfrutará de una novela pausada y reflexiva, pero si se pone a examinar en profundidad la trama, verá que hay algunos agujeros.
The Bird King es más una historia mítica que una novela fantástica habitual, con sus pros y sus contras. Para adentrarse en su lectura hay que tener presente esta distinción y dejarse llevar.

This book could be separated into three distinctive parts. The first one, which is my favourite, takes place into a very atmospheric setting, the palace court of the last sultan of the Iberian Peninsula. We're introduced to the protagonist and her friend, Hassan, and we already begin getting a sense of the depth of their relationship that comes to be fully understood at the end of this part.

In the second fragment we get to meet some new, appealing characters, and to explore the ones we've already encountered as the action slowly becomes more prevalent to the detriment of the overall vibe or emotional investement. Don't get me wrong. Saying that this story is fast-paced or action-packed is far from the truth, but somewhere along the way it got lost in its own threads and failed to mantain my attention. During the last third of the book it even got a bit rushed and it turned into something quite different from where we started or where I hoped it would go.

Despite my slight disappointment with certain events and particularly with the conclusion, there are many enjoyable aspects one can find in "The Bird King" and it was a very pleasant reading experience thanks to them. The writing style is so marvelous I could probably fill a few pages with quotes from the book, even though not all resonated with me. Learning more about that period and the culture from an unique angle was another perk along with the themes explored throughout it. I appreciated its diversity offered by the perspective of marginalised groups of people captured during a time when their stories were overlooked, the way it portayed and discussed love, and the female empowerment.

THE BIRD KING is a sweeping, ambitious novel of historical fantasy, and G. Willow Wilson makes it beautifully come alive.

My praise:
- I loved the setting for this story. It takes place in the late 15th century on the Iberian peninsula, and it primarily follows two Muslim characters during a time of Christian expansion and the Inquisition. That setup alone offers plenty of conflict within the narrative, and it’s easy to feel for the main characters whose lives get completely upturned.
- The friendship between Fatima (a straight girl) and Hassan (a gay boy) was one of my favorite aspects of the book. Their bond is at the heart of this story, and it’s a true driving force. I adore the dynamic between them! (Well, except during one scene, but more on that below.)
- I will read anything that includes long sailing segments, and those chapters were hands-down my favorites in the whole novel. They were written SO well, with accurate nautical terminology and plenty of seafaring excitement. Love, love, love!
- The historical aspects were richly rendered and seemed well-researched, but I can’t say exactly how accurate they were. I would’ve appreciated an author’s note about those elements, but I understand if Wilson chooses not to do that. Regardless, I greatly enjoyed how Wilson brought magic into this setting, and there was a good balance of history vs. fantasy. Some parts have a fairytale/fable-like quality to them, and they were integrated wonderfully.
- The majority of side characters were fantastic. They were unique, memorable, and had depth. If anyone is looking for a story with a jinn character that’s written in a respectful (not culturally appropriative) way, definitely check out this book.
- The story raised thought-provoking questions about identity, religion, reality, and more.
- It also showed how there are many different types of love, and they are all important.
- I appreciated getting to read a main character who didn’t want kids.


My criticism:
- I couldn’t get a handle on Fatima’s character. Her personality and actions were all over the place. And of course people can be multifaceted, but I didn’t understand the decisions or impulses behind why she was sometimes so selfish and other times so selfless. It seemed random. I do know Fatima’s personal history, but if someone asked me to describe her personality, or predict how she might react in a certain situation, I wouldn’t know what to tell them.
- Once the main characters reached their destination, everything after that was rushed and confusing and illogical. Especially the battle—how can I care about the fates of all these side characters, when I’ve barely just met them? I’m also baffled by why Fatima would trust her greatest enemy with something so important at the end of the novel. Yes, Fatima’s enemy was injured and uttered a few sentences about being remorseful, but what happens when she regains her strength? She’s deceived before; who says she won’t do it again? I would’ve preferred for the book to end right after Fatima reached her destination, and then maybe a sequel could focus on Fatima’s adventures in that location and really flesh them out.
- The sex scene could’ve been handled a lot better. I generally appreciate when casual sex is normalized in novels, but the way it was handled in this one left a bad taste in my mouth. At some point I think it was stated that Fatima’s lover was young; the problem is, his personality and dialogue were written more like an old, grizzled, celibate, fisherman-turned-monk father figure. So the sex weirded me out, especially because it came out of no where. There was no sexual or romantic tension between these two characters (at least from my perspective), and then suddenly they’re having sex. On top of that, Fatima (who’s straight) knew it would hurt Hassan (her gay best friend)—who was RIGHT there within hearing range while they were doing the deed. And afterward, Fatima wasn’t even kind about it to her BFF; she just ordered Hassan to physically carry her lover. I normally enjoy “unlikable” characters, but the way Fatima treated her gay best friend made me dislike her TOO much. I know humans make mistakes, but Fatima never apologized for snapping at Hassan or for ordering him to do something she knew would hurt him even more. Because of that, frankly, I stopped rooting for her and stuck to just rooting for Hassan.
- The word “sodomite” did not need to be in there. Sure, maybe it would’ve been used during that time period, but it wasn’t at all necessary in this particular story. It’s just another microaggression that queer readers don’t need in our lives.

Even with the above criticism, I did really enjoy this novel. It’s broad in scope but also gets deeply personal. It’s lush, charming, gorgeous, adventurous, captivating, and so much more. I absolutely recommend it.

ARC provided by Grove Atlantic/Grove Press via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

3.5 stars. By 1492, the great empire of Al-Andalus has shrunk to a thin strip of land along the bottom of the Iberian peninsula, harried by the forces of the Christian kings Ferdinand and Isabella. Yet, within the harem of the palace in Granada, life keeps its languid pace. While siege closes in on the city outside, the women continue their petty rivalries, their music and their poetry, under the sharp eye of the Lady Aisha, the Sultan's mother. The concubine Fatima - sharp, irreverent, and beautiful - diverts herself with secret visits to her childhood friend Hassan, the Sultan's mapmaker, who is gifted with an extraordinary ability to invent doors where there were none before. As their world crumbles, these two dreamers realise that the only life they've known is on the verge of becoming a nightmare; and that sometimes safety lies beyond the reach of any map.

When a delegation arrives in Granada from Queen Isabella of Castile, Fatima is initially charmed by the beautiful courtier Luz. But looks can deceive, and by the time Fatima realises that Luz's open friendliness hides a threatening agenda, it's too late, and Hassan's strange gift has been betrayed. With the Inquisition on the tail of the young 'sorcerer', Fatima and Hassan desperately try to escape, finding help in the most unexpected places, and realising that the boundaries between this world and the next are as fluid and unpredictable as the doorways Hassan draws in his maps. As they flee across the fragmenting land of Al-Andalus, guided by a mercurial jinn, Fatima and Hassan find comfort in dreams, fables and the old story of the King of the Birds, whose tale takes on new significance as the world they know ceases to exist.

This novel really did feel very different from anything else I've read. It cheerfully disregards genre divisions, resulting in a unique story which begins as historical fiction, slips into magical realism, moves to outright fantasy and ends as a kind of allegory, without ever losing its sense of itself. To what extent are our narrators reliable? Does everything actually happen as we're told it, or are we in fact watching Fatima and Hassan withdrawing deeper and deeper into the stories within their minds, as a way to escape the cruelties of the world around them? Is the fabled land of Qaf, an island which isn't present on any map (but one), really a place? Or is it a kind of paradise? How far is our heroes' journey to be understand as fact, and how far as metaphor?

As I came towards the end, I found myself hoping against hope that this might be the first of multiple books featuring the same characters, but the end feels conclusive: there's no hint of continuation, which is a shame, because the world is so full of potential. I suppose it feels so unusual to me because Wilson draws on the myths and legends of the Islamic world, rather than the more familiar corpus of references in Western fantasy. And I wanted to know so much more about Hassan's gift, and the things he could do with it, and to understand more about the jinn (especially Vikram, who I thought was a wonderful character), and how their world intersected with the human one. Maybe I just have to keep my fingers crossed that we haven't seen the last of Wilson's characters.

I'm actually rather ashamed not to have recognised Wilson's name when I requested this book, because it turns out that she's a distinguished author of comics, having created Ms Marvel as well as writing the current Wonder Woman comics. Plus, she's the author of Alif the Unseen, which I've spotted several times in the library but haven't yet got round to reading. Does she ever sleep? I'll certainly pick up Alif next time I see it, as I'm eager to read more of her work. Her prose has moments of incandescent loveliness: 'her beauty was something too remote for poetry, a tilting symmetry of jaw and cheekbone and dark brow'. It's perfectly pitched for this exotic tale of the unexpected.

The novel will be published next year, and it comes recommended for those who'd like a bit of history with their fantasy or vice versa, though you, like me, may be left feeling that the story is somehow incompletely realised, with so much more to be said. A rich, captivating and fecund imaginative world - and a welcome introduction of other cultures and values into the fantasy genre.

See the post on my blog:
https://theidlewoman.net/2018/10/21/the-bird-king-g-willow-wilson/

I'd really enjoyed this author's previous book, Alif the Unseen, so was delighted to see she was back to writing novel-length work again, though I have to say I've also been loving her work with Ms Marvel... All of which meant I was more than delighted when my Netgalley request for an ARC of The Bird King was accepted and happily settled down this week to reading it.

The basic premise of The Bird King is that it's set in the time when the Moors were losing their grip on Spain, initially taking place in the court of the emperor in Granada. Our main character, Fatima, is one of the emperor's concubines - she was born within the palace's confines and has never known the outside world, her best friend being Hassan the cartographer who she visits illicitly. Hassan has a special gift, in that he is able to use the maps he makes to connect places together and Fatima uses this to obtain a little insight into the world outside the one she knows.

When the would-be Spanish monarchy come calling, with the Inquisition in tow, Hassan's life is threatened and Fatima decides that the best thing to do is for both of them to run away. Aided by a djinn that they discover has been living in the palace, they decide to head for the island occupied by the eponymous king of the birds, the subject of a story they had both grown up with. Neither Fatima or Hassan are particularly equipped for such a journey, in more ways than one, but they head out anyway since they have very few other options that don't involve Hassan being burnt alive for sorcery.

This is such a beautifully-written book, striking just the right balance between getting the details precise and making a drama of how much research must have been required. Fatima, in particular, is a great character and stands out from the page - she doesn't always make the right decision but you believe the ones she does make. Hassan and the other characters are strong too, including the main antagonist and that's not always something writers manage to do well. Moustache-twirling evil is much easier than banal belief that you're doing the right thing and everyone else ought to fall in line.

Anyway, in short: I hope The Bird King is the first of many more novels from this author and I can't wait to get my hands on a paper copy when it goes on sale next year.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Absolutely beautiful, filled with stunning imagery. Almost fable like, with simple story telling and compelling characters. The roots in various mythologies and religions are strong and interesting, and there's much to be said about seeing past all that to the person within.

A combination of real and fantasy in a time where war is common. The Bird King is like a metaphor for freedom maybe, or seeing a place where there is no suffering. Although it is unique and interesting, I feel that their journey was long. The stakes might be high ( avoiding death is best reason of all) but what is the price of freedom?
It gets you thinking, what they had to go through when Spain had a change of power like that? Forcing people to stop believing in their faith because you think yours is better, in the end it was the power that lies within believing. Of course, the Bird King is not a story about religion, but the faith that life is more than that. Not sure if I would recommend this though, I feel that it is a little rough around the edges. Still a good book, nothing to crow about.

3.5

this is a difficult review to write. the book started off strong, but then turned into something else entirely, which was very disappointing.

fatima and hassan are both members of the royal court of granada. she is a concubine and he is a cartographer who can use maps to create places and paths. when members of the spanish monarchy come to negotiate a surrender, they see hassan’s gift as sorcery, and try to execute him. but fatima and hassan manage to get away and make their way across spain.

everything to do with the royal court was amazing. the setting, atmosphere and characters and their interactions were phenomenal. but once fatima and hassan leave, the main focus is on their journey, which was honestly boring. i struggled to keep reading

when they get to their destination, i felt like i was reading an entirely different book — i didn’t understand what was happening, and i honestly didn’t see the point of it. nothing made sense and everything was rushed.

but i enjoyed the first half of the book so much, hence the rating.

The author has sewn magic with her words in The Bird King. The way in which she has described the historical rule of the Sultan is profound. Although the book is tough to read owing to the usage of a lot of Arabic words, it is a worthy read as it expands ones vocabulary at the same time.

It is set in the time when the then Iberia was looking at a change in rule from the Muslim Sultanate to the Christian rulers. The plot is strong since it is based on the backdrop of true events that changed the course of the Iberian Peninsula and the rest of the world. The imaginative story formed around the thick plot is an add-on.

I also found traces of similarity with the Hindu mythology because of the name of the jinn in the book who carries the protagonist on his shoulders at several instances. It reminded me of Vikram Betaal, but with roles reversed as the human was the one doing the lifting as per Hindus.

The book widely accesses various emotions that emerge as part of love, longing, and suffering, The author has discussed the pain so succinctly than one cannot help but feel it deep within, feel for the protagonists and the antagonist as well.

I also took the book as an opportunity to brush up some history about the region, and how it transformed into the modern day Spain, Portugal, France, and Morocco as seen on the world map. Then there is also the mention of the legend called Antillia, and its interpretation in the context of the story.

I cannot make up my mind as to which genre to file this book in. It is well suited to be under historical fiction, or action and adventure. It also has traces of fantasy. I see this diverse nature of the book as a plus point as it made the story intriguing.

All-in-all, a very well researched book. Definitely worth ones time irrespective of its thickness.

I'd like to thank the author and the publisher for the ARC.

Verdict: Highly recommended.

I loved this novel. Simply put, it enthralled me, from the descriptions of the palace to the diverse and complex characters, it was such a rich and beautiful story. I don't think it's for everyone as it has some quite unusual plot twists and elements but if you connect with it, be prepared for a moving journey.

I loved how the central theme of the story was the strength of the friendship between the two main characters: Fatima and Hassan. It was refreshing to see a relationship between a male and female character, where it was strictly platonic but still deeply loving at the same time. The bond they share was enjoyable to read, and also heartbreaking at times as they have such a beautiful but also very flawed relationship.

The folklore or mythology involving Jinn alongside the story of the Bird King is so engaging and I liked the fact that it had Islamic elements too. I feel like there were so many references in this book which I connected with. I believe even to someone who is unfamiliar with these stories or cultural elements, it will be just as fascinating.

The depth of this complex world, intertwined with real historical events drew me in. The novel starts off in Spain, during the last vestiges of Muslim rule, a section of history in which I am particularly interested. Although I'm not sure how factually accurate the novel is, it did teach me some new information about the period.

It felt sort of like a magical realist novel, as I feel like I need to re read it again to get the full message at times but I always enjoy a book which makes me think deeper and look beyond the surface.

The last few chapters were so intense and hit me hard, I'm a sensitive person by nature but these chapters and the end had me in tears - in the best way possible. It was such a fitting end to the tale of Fatima and Hassan and I felt deeply warmed by it.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a compelling and all encompassing story. This book reinforces everything I love about literature and how powerful it is. It had such an effect on me and I know I'll carry The Bird King and it's characters with me for a long time to come.

This is a special book.

It covers the fall of an empire, the political dominance of the Catholic Church, and the dangers of being gay, or a woman or...different.

It’s also about magic. Something that you don’t understand doesn’t make it evil. We should all remember that.

But mostly it’s about love. Not romance - deeper than that. Love that can be painful, but is worth all the heartache.

As Fa and Hassan fled from the Inquisition, their only plan was to survive. But their journey changed their purpose as well as themselves. And all of it was beautifully told.

I’m not sure I understood the meaning of everything in this book. I probably should go back and reread it. It’s definitely thought provoking.

And then there was the end. It wasn’t bad...it was good actually. Well, you can read it and let me know what you think. And again, for the second time in a month, it reminded me of the show Lost.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for the ARC.

Powerful and working with culture and widespread themes, this book is lyrically written. This is my first discovery of G. Willow Wilson, a voice worthy of notice.

I found this book pretty hard to start, and I had to start it three times before I could get into it. That might however be more about my mood than anything, but I would like to point it out. The story was rich, beautiful and it made me cry at the end. I'm however a super emotional person, so you might not cry.

Fatima and Hassan was both very likeable and I found both of them engaging and fun to read. Their relationship was crafted beautifully and I absolutely liked the friendship aspect of the whole novel. I'd like to say that there is a diverse cast as far as I remember, and that people are represented in an organic fashion - rather than just being there as crops. However, Hassan refers to himself as an sodomite which was a bit. I don't know what to say about it, but I found it very gross in regards to the book but that is just my personal opinion. There is also some sexual encounters.

There is mentions of Fatima as a concubine and her feelings regarding the subject, and how she does not want kids.

All in all, beautiful story-telling and a beautiful done plot. I'm not sure however that I would read the book again, so I'm giving it a 4 star review but I'm still unsure and feel like I need to think a bit more on it.

This is a elegant, whimsical, history-rich, and satisfying novel of a young concubine and her best friend, a magical mapmaker, who escape the court of their sultan and the Inquisition with the help of a crafty djinn. The characters are well-drawn and complex, and the world--of courts, travelers, cities, seas, and islands--Wilson creates is a detailed and full of nuance and depth. There are surprises and unforeseen twists, and the ending is also a beginning that will keep readers thinking about the book for a long time.

4.5/5 stars

Overall, excellent. Kept me reading long into the night. The story follows Fatima, a sultan's concubine and Hassan, a mapmaker with some unusual abilities, escaping from fallen Granada and the Inquisition, which wants to kill Hassan for being a sorceror. I loved the prose. It's descriptive, quotable and just really pretty overall. The characters are great and the setting is interesting. Back then the Muslims were the more progressive/tolerant ones - Hassan, for example, is pretty openly gay right from the start and drinks wine while being one of the characters with the most faith.

The only complaint I have is perhaps the ending. The story kind of fizzled out and seemed to leave a lot of loose ends, leaving me slighly unsatisfied, which is a pity because the journey there was absolutely amazing.

I will post a longer review on my blog and elsewhere in February.

‘What if our stories are like my maps? What is a story but the map of an idea?’

Granada is the last remaining emirate on the Iberian Peninsula and is under siege by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain. Envoys arrive to negotiate the sultan’s surrender. Fatima is a concubine in the royal court of Granada. Hassan the palace mapmaker is her friend, and she cares for a stray dog that hangs around the harem.

‘Every hunter has his camouflage.’

Hassan is an especially skilled mapmaker: he can edit the shape of reality through his maps and he can draw maps of places he’s not seen. Fatima befriends Luz, one of the women who is part of the group of envoys, one sent personally by Queen Isabella. Luz, as a representative of their most Catholic majesties, see Hassan’s gift as sorcery and as a threat to Christian rule.

Fatima and Hassan flee the court. They will be helped at various stages by a friendly jinn (or two) as they search for the island of the Bird King. It’s a story that Hassan and Fatima have been making up, after reading the first few pages of a long poem. It’s a story where the divisions between belief and reality will become blurred and then obliterated.

I loved this novel. It started as historical fiction then moved into fantasy, peopled with diverse characters. Fatima and Hassan (and others) will undertake an epic voyage in search of safety in what may be myth (but could just be reality). After all, if you believe in yourself, anything is possible. This is a novel that I will be recommending to others. I’ll be buying a copy as well, so I can reread it at my leisure.

‘What is a kingdom if no one remembers it?’

Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith