I gave this book a shot, not really knowing what I was getting into. I wasn't able to connect with the characters or her style of writing. I think this could be a good book for some, it just wasn't for me.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book!

The Black Crescent is set in a time and place that I knew nothing about going into it. The world and culture of Morocco is enchanting and engaging. The way that Jane Johnson writes pulls you into the world, you can smell the spices, taste the food and hear the calls to pray. Even without this book being a fantasy, it feels magical.

If you like to travel to exotic places and discover the culture of those places then this book will surely be a favourite on your list.

I’m not going to lie i couldn’t get into this book. I have been having a book slump reading books lately so taht might have been the problem. I’m so sorry!

Title: The Black Crescent
Author: Jane Johnson
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: 3.50
Pub Date: March 5, 2024

I received a complimentary eARC from Simon & Schuster Canada via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Gifted #Ad

T H R E E • W O R D S

Atmospheric • Detailed • Lengthy

📖 S Y N O P S I S

Hamou Badi is born in a village in the Anti-Atlas Mountains with the markings of the zouhry on his hands. In Morocco, the zouhry is a figure of legend, a child of both humans and djinns, capable of finding treasure, lost objects, and even water in the worst of droughts. But when young Hamou finds the body of a murdered woman, his life is forever changed.

Haunted by this unsolved murder and driven by the desire to do good in the world, Hamou leaves his village for Casablanca to become an officer of the law under the French Protectorate.

But Casablanca is not the shining beacon of modernity he was expecting. The forcible exile of Morocco’s sultan by the French sparks a nationalist uprising led by violent dissident groups, none so fearsome as the Black Crescent. Torn between his heritage and his employers, Hamou will be caught in the crossfire.

The lines between right and wrong, past and future, the old world and the new, are not as clear as the magical lines on his palms. And as the danger grows, Hamou is forced to choose between all he knows and all he loves.

💭 T H O U G H T S

I have previously read and enjoyed Jane Johnson's work so when I was offered an ARC of The Black Crescent I gratefully accepted, especially considering this one sounded like it would have a side of magical realism.

Each of Jane Johnson's novels is vastly different, covering a variety of historical contexts, yet she delivers culturally rich stories filled with vivid detail where the reader is transported directly into the story. There is no doubt in my mind (once again) that she has done her research. With that being said, the pacing is incredibly slow and at times, I found myself skimming. It is so descriptive, I ended up being drawn out of the narrative completely. Additionally, the pacing felt disjointed between the first and second halves, which left me somewhat confused.

From reading the synopsis, I was desperately hoping for more of a magical realism centric plot than what I actually got. The historical detail really overtakes the narrative and the djinn doesn't figure into the story as much as I was hoping for. In my opinion, this was a missed opportunity.

Despite appreciating learning about Morocco's fight to gain independence, in my opinion, The Black Crescent is the weakest of Jane Johnson's works I have read so far. The ending tied things about a little too nicely, and I had really been hoping for more of the magical aspect. Regardless, I will continue to keep an eye on what she publishes next because I love exploring and learning about less covered parts of history.

📚 R E A D • I F • Y O U • L I K E
• learning new parts of history
• furry companions

⚠️ CW: racism, xenophobia, islamophobia, colonization, death, violence, gun violence, police brutality, rape, sexual assault

This is the story of Hamou Badi, from a rural village in Morocco who does well enough in school that his parents manage to send him to Casablanca to become a police officer, one of the few government positions available under French colonial rule. Ever since he found a dead woman as a boy and her demise was never investigated, he has wanted to set that aright and use law enforcement as a way of helping people. Unfortunately that does not turn out to be the case with the French - both the laws and the enforcement are strictly for the advantage of the French. With increasing rebellion to authoritarian rule rising up around him, Hamou is torn between the French and his job, and the people he loves.
This was good historical fiction, but not great. It is slow and meandering for the first half, and Hamou's hesitant nature can be annoying. Every bit of local color and culture is necessary to keep the reader interested until the story really starts to take off once Hamou finally makes a decision of sorts. Hamou's blossoming in his new position once he returns to his village (a rather weak plot twist) is vastly more interesting and entertaining, as are the secondary characters there. First half 3 stars, second half 4 stars.

Read if you like: character-driven stories, slow-paced.
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The book follows Hamou Badi, a member of the French police in Morocco, even though he is also a Moroccan who wants to see an independent Morocco. We read about his life and his experiences, both in Casablanca and in the countryside.
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I was really excited about this book and it was an interesting exploration of Badi's experiences, but I wanted to see more about The Black Crescent, which was the nationalist group fighting for independence. Badi was not a member and was minimally connected, and I expected more as it was the title of this book.

This novel transported me to the setting in Morocco following a young Moroccan man, who is a zhoury. I thought he was a vivid character, and the plot was intriguing from page one. However, I felt that the two halves of this novel were disjointed. There was a shift from this intense journey to a calmer resolution for the main character. However, this transition was not seamless taking away from my enjoyment of the novel as a whole.

I just finished The Black Crescent by Jane Johnson and here are my musings.

I love historical fiction and this one had the promise of some fantasy thrown in there too. Hamou finds the body of a dead murdered woman and it sets him on a journey to become an officer of the law so he leaves him home intending to do good in the world.

Realizing that the world isn’t as clear cut as good and evil, right and wrong has Hamou caught in a dangerous crossfire during a time of great turmoil.

Hamou is touched by the djinn so I was expecting some more fantasy than I got from this book. The pace was relatively slow and that was a real shame because the plot had amazing potential but it missed the mark a bit for me.

The book is set in Morocco in the 50s when the country is trying to free itself from French rule. That part was great, I think if you go in looking for a solid historical fiction, you won’t be disappointed but if it's a fantasy you want… Well I probably wouldn’t recommend it.

I was hoping for a bit more from this book but it was well written and the research must have taken a lot of time and honestly, I am glad I read it.

3.5 stars

Thank you @simonschulsterca for my gifted copy and to @netgalley for my digital copy.

This book was incredibly interesting. The overall complexities of the cultures of the Moroccan people and the French overseers is intriguing. You follow a fantastically written character, Hamou, from being a police officer (for the French) to a village go-to-guy (zouhry). The character development is so well done! This is a fantastic character driven novel filled with culture, customs and politics.

Hamou Badi is born in a village in the Anti-Atlas Mountains with the markings of the zouhry on his hands, which mark him as connected to humans and djinns. In Morocco, he finds the body of a murdered woman, and the path his life will take is forever altered. He is haunted by this murder, and ends up in Casablanca as an officer of the law where he finds himself caught between the culture he grew up in and the culture of his adulthood, a choice between his Moroccan heritage and the French law he has sworn to observe.

Unfortunately, I had high hopes for this title that did not come to fruition. I think that the writing style was good, I just struggled to engage with the plot. I found that I was unsure of the direction the story was going, and struggled to connect with any of the characters. I really wanted to understand more about the uprising and Morocco's fight for independence but found myself skim reading throughout the story. I think that I expected more magical realism and slightly less history, and so it struggled to hold my attention. I am intrigued however, by the strength of the writing and the uniqueness of the story and would definitely read more by this author!

Thank you to Netgalley and Simon Buddy Books for my copy in exchange for an honest review!

I don’t think the book’s official synopsis matched the actual events that took place, which meant there was a gap between my expectations and the plot. The synopsis led me to believe there was more magical realism, mystery, and possibly espionage in this book than there was (there was effectively none of the former and very little of the latter two). While I found the historical context and setting of the book interesting (post-war Morocco is something I know almost nothing about), the plot was often too slow to hold my attention. Even though this book wasn’t for me, Hamou Badi’s story was still powerful and heartbreaking. I appreciated learning more about Morocco’s fight for independence through the eyes of Hamou– a decent man stuck in the middle of the conflict.

Set in 1950's Casablanca during the French Occupation of Morocco, and the revolution of it's people that followed.

We follow out main character Hamou Badi, he grew up in the mountains, with his mother and sisters. From a young age he was told he has the markings of the zouhry on his hands. A figure of legend said to be able to find treasure and lost objects. The only thing he finds as a kid is the body of a forgotten woman, that shapes his life forever.

Hamou's experience as a child influenced him to join the police force in Casablanca, the French Protectorate. And just as he is proving himself to be a fair a true officer, the sulan is exiled, and the people of Morocco begin to rebel against the French. He finds himself caught between duty, and teh responsibility to his family, community, and roots.

This novel felt so well researched, the culture felt so rich throughout the story. This novel felt especially poignant now with it's themes of anti-colonialism, considering what is going on in Gaza. I have never been to Morocco, nor was I even aware of it's history, but this story did such a wonderful job of fully painting the picture for me. The characterization of Hamou was so masterfully done. Watching him be stuck between what his superiors are telling him to do at work, and staying true to himself and his people was complex but the author navigated it so well. There was so much intrigue, and I never felt like I was just reading a history lesson. I just wish there was a little bit more of the djinn and zouhry lore.

The Black Crescent is a captivating historical novel that transports readers to post-war Casablanca. This is a city simmering with intrigue, magic, and political upheaval. Jane Johnson weaves a tale of secrets, divided loyalties, and the blurred lines between past and future.

Meet Hamou Badi. Born in a remote village in the Anti-Atlas Mountains, bears the mystical markings of the zouhry on his hands. In Moroccan folklore, the zouhry is a child of both humans and djinns, possessing the ability to find treasure, lost objects, and even water during droughts. When Hamou discovers the body of a murdered woman, his life takes an unexpected turn. Driven by a desire to do good, he leaves his village for Casablanca, hoping to become an officer of the law under the French Protectorate.

But Casablanca isn't the modern paradise he envisioned. The forcible exile of Morocco's sultan by the French ignites a nationalist uprising led by the fearsome Black Crescent—a group determined to reclaim their country. Caught between his heritage and his loyalty to his employers, Hamou faces a perilous choice. The magical lines on his palms blur as danger looms, forcing him to decide between all he knows and all he loves.

The concept of the zouhry—a mystical figure straddling the human and djinn worlds—is intriguing. Johnson skillfully integrates Moroccan folklore into a historical context, immersing readers in a world where magic and politics collide.

Hamou Badi is a compelling protagonist. His struggle to reconcile tradition with the tumultuous present resonates. His links with the zouhry add depth, and we witness his internal conflict as he navigates treacherous waters. The ensemble cast, including the enigmatic Black Crescent, adds layers to the narrative.

Johnson's prose evokes the sights, sounds, and scents of Casablanca. She captures the city's vibrancy, from bustling markets to dimly lit alleys. The tension between tradition and progress permeates every page, creating an atmospheric backdrop.

The Black Crescent explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the clash between old and new. Hamou's journey mirrors Morocco's struggle for independence, and the novel invites readers to question allegiances and the cost of change.

While the magical elements remain subtle, Johnson introduces political intrigue. The Black Crescent's shadowy activities keep readers guessing, and the shifting alliances add suspense. However, some twists lack the impact I anticipated.

Hamou's emotional turmoil is palpable. His love for family, his connection to the zouhry, and his loyalty to conflicting forces create a rich emotional tapestry. The unresolved tension between Hamou and the Black Crescent fuels the narrative.

The pacing occasionally falters, especially during exposition-heavy moments. Some secondary characters lack development, leaving their motivations unclear. Additionally, the magical aspects could have been explored further.

The Black Crescent is a blend of historical fiction and subtle fantasy. While it doesn't fully exploit its magical premise, it offers a glimpse into a pivotal period in Moroccan history. Johnson's vivid prose and Hamou's internal struggle make this a worthwhile read for fans of evocative storytelling.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed that this book was set in Morocco during its 1950a civil unrest. Not knowing much about this time, I enjoyed all the factual details. This book was advertised as having a fantastical element which I found primarily absent. Pacing throughout the middle was also slow.

Thank you @simonandschuster and @netgalley for this complimentary arc.

The Black Crescent is the perfect book for those readers looking to read a different kind of historical fiction.

I was completely captivated by the story and its characters. The Black Crescent is perfect for bookworms looking to read historical fiction that is different from what is usually published (which is books set during World War II). Jane takes her readers to Morocco during the end of the French occupation. This was a turbulent time for the country. The French occupiers were often hostile and cruel to the Moroccans. The country was very divided during this time. I loved this story; it was interesting, heart-wrenching, and sometimes kind of funny. The Black Crescent is rich in detail; you can tell Jane has done her research and put a lot of thought into this book. I have to admit I know very little about this country and its history, which made its story more fascinating. You really become immersed in Moroccan culture when you read this book. The city of Casablanca just comes to life on the pages of this book. I loved that Jane wove magic throughout the story. I wouldn’t classify this book as a fantasy novel, but this story has a bit of magic. Its presence isn’t front and centred. Instead, it weaves itself into the plot in such a way that gives this story an extra layer of richness. It was just so wonderfully done.

Hamou was an interesting character. I enjoyed spending time with him, and you can really feel his struggles throughout this book. He is a good, kind man who values honour. Hamou is torn. He moved to Casablanca to become a policeman and worked for the French Surete. But he doesn’t feel comfortable working for the French and witnessing the horrors that are taking place in this city. There is this real internal struggle going on in Hamou’s head around being complicit in the horrible action of the French Surete. He is loyal to his fellow countrymen but also doesn’t want to go against the French. It was an interesting battle going on in his head, and it really showed how complicated it was for those who lived in Morocco during the occupation.

The Black Crescent is a breathtaking and fascinating novel set in Morocco during the French occupation.

I found this a really slow read. Although it felt like a very personal and important story to the author, it seemed that the incidents in the story weren't connected to Hamou, or somehow didn't cause growth and a character arc. There was so much room for tension and mystery. Hamou find that body at the beginning, apparently driving him to become a police officer in Casablanca, but that incident is barely mentioned again. Hamou isn't using spare time to poke into the mystery and try to find out who she might have been so I completely forgot about it.

Zina is another of the storylines that is really important when right in front of Hamou, but barely brought up again once Hamou goes back to Tiziane. And once he is back, his time in Casablanca is barely brought up. So each of these things that occur don't seem connected to one another, on to Hamou because they either happen to him, or he is present when something happens.

Because this story meant so much personally to the author, it disappointed me. The pieces in the story about the political unrest and the cost to the Morrocans were by far the best bits in the story. Those felt real and deep. They just felt disconnected from one another and the overall story of Hamou.

Thank you netgalley for sending me this book in advance copy of this book. I really enjoyed this concept and the characters. The world was very immersive and well written.

This was beautiful well written historical fiction. I didn’t know much about Morocco but I learned a lot. I was completely immersed in the culture.The Black Crescent is very well-researched, and it shows. the writing is beautiful and absorbing. I loved the descriptions of Morocco, I felt like I was there enjoying the food and the smells.

I was expecting more magic realism, but I still enjoyed it none the less. I definitely recommend this book and I can’t wait to see what else the author comes out with.

The Black Crescent showcases extensive research, particularly in its vivid portrayal of Morocco's scents, food, and culture. The glossary proves beneficial, but the absence of expected religious and mythological elements, as emphasized in the synopsis, is disappointing. While the writing and character development, especially the flawed main character, are commendable, the book could benefit from additional editing to enhance the overall reading experience. The predictable ending somewhat dampens the impact of an otherwise engaging story. My rating is 3 stars!

The Black Crescent's biggest hurdle is the incongruity between its content and its marketing. Though the cover, title, description, and author biography may lead you to believe it is a fantasy novel, it is not. This book is a work of historical fiction, taking place in Morocco at the tail end of the French occupation.

It is too bad that there is such a large gap between the marketing and that reality, because that is the best part! Coming into this novel, I had very little pre-existing knowledge of Morocco's history with French colonization and the ultimately successful resistance to it, and I would have read that book enthusiastically. Because I thought this would be a fantasy novel, however, the reality felt disappointing (I kept waiting for magic to appear!).

The Black Crescent follow our lead character, Hamou Badi, through three key eras of his life - 1) His childhood growing up in a small village in the mountains. 2) His experience serving in the French-led police force in Casablanca and struggling with the tension of having one foot in each world - reporting to French leadership and maintaining French order while also belonging culturally to the Moroccans he is policing and 3) Eventually returning back to that small village to take up a new government position that still relies on him being a liaison, but no longer being a member of the police force.

The best parts of the book are the rich historical details and Hamou's interesting position as being simultaneously too French and too Moroccan and also not enough of either. This duality is explored extensively through how others relate to him, but I wish we had a bit more insight into his internal conflict around it. The book struggled with pacing (I was shocked when I was three chapters from the end and a major plot point was introduced! At another point, a major character is presumed dead in a fire and then not mentioned again for several chapters) and many of the characters were not fully fleshed out. For example, we meet Hamou's primary love interest early on, but Hamou initially claims to not be interested. Without much transition, he then takes on significant risk to protect her only a few chapters later.

I am ultimately glad I read this novel, since I learned a lot (and I was very impressed with the bibliography in the Author's Note), but the plot itself often felt like a vehicle for the historic facts rather than the driving factor.