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Book Review: Djinns & Kings by Shabbeer Ahmed MS

Djinns & Kings is an enchanting fantasy novel featuring an array of characters like Djinns, aquatic and non-aquatic mythical beasts and creatures along with humans. The storyline has multiple PoVs, and it traverses across various kingdoms and seas…and amidst all Rhuzbeh remains the central character.


Those who are familiar with Eastern and Arabian folklores like Alif Laila, Sindabad the Sailor, Aladdin and his Lamp…may gel with the story immediately as Djinns prevail in that as a popular figure. As the novel commences, the Djinn king of Afra-Zun unites all sorts of Djinns in one kingdom. There they try to live peacefully but fail; subsequently, a beautiful and mystical sea creature named Zoa is killed, well before it could die, Djinns are thrown in a curse…they won’t be able to live peacefully until three gems (sanaa) are found and given to them by a human. Will there come any human that can bring all sanaa to them from oceans and land?

Rhuzbeh is an orphan. He turned fearless and ruthless after the death of his parents. His ascension to the position of king of many kingdoms is one of the compelling aspects of the novel. Rhuzbeh marks his adventurous journey by joining the Zanda army as a foot soldier. He is shrewd and cunning that when his army loses a battle, he escapes and lives a wandering life on his own terms. And then begins the adventure of his heroic acts. Rhuzbeh tames different creatures and beasts in sea and on land, and from that he keeps collecting powers like gazmuk, gus ambergris, and even sanaa…and so on. After a time, he becomes fearless and so powerful that some admire him while many see him as an enemy.

Love, magic, mystery, adventure, loss, betrayal, and revenge are the befitting themes in the novel that prevail from time and again. Unspeakably, the storyline is divided in two parts. The first half witnesses the perilous but adventurous journey of the lead character, confronting sorceress, queer beasts, creatures…building his power. And in the second part, when he is stagnant at his kingdom and growing old, his family members…sons Axer, Hittash, Tiran, and stepdaughter Darya plot against him. But why? That is filled with subplots and stories of the auxiliary characters that either blindly trusted him or got betrayed by him.

Rhuzbeh’s character is as powerful as enigmatic. Readers will take time to assess and define his idiosyncrasies. Well before old age he achieved a sort of invincible status and others turned jealous of it, including his immediate kins. The back stories behind siring children are engrossing but later on nudge the plot towards events of tragedies.

Shabbeer Ahmed didn’t include any familiar region or folklore to build a world of wonders and magical creatures. The backdrop of his novel is simply superb, beyond imagination, and as wonderful as dream. Despite a long cast of characters and many battle regions, the novel remains true to its core essence of plotline laced with the lives of Djinns intertwined with humans. Since the very first page, the novel draws readers in for an enchanting journey through Rhuzbeh’s world of wonders and dangers. The author’s poignant narrative is backed by lyrical prose and rich world-building lending readers an unforgettable experience.

We highly recommend Djinns & Kings by Shabbeer Ahmed to readers of all ages who enjoy a compelling and beautifully written fantasy story.

The novel is available to buy from Amazon/Kindle.

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