Prepare for a story with political intrigue, forbidden love, and a forgotten queen's destiny. Alizeh, pretending to be a servant girl, actually holds a secret as the lost heir to an ancient Jinn kingdom. The tale, inspired by Persian myths, follows her as she lives a double life.
Meanwhile, Crown Prince Kamran learns about predictions of his father's fate. Little does he know, the mysterious servant Alizeh is set to shake up not just his kingdom but the entire world. As Kamran becomes more interested in Alizeh, their journey tests their loyalty and makes them confront who they are and what they want.
Book Details
This Woven Kingdom
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Author: Tahareh Mafi (Bestselling Author)
Publication Date: February 1, 2022
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Fantasy, Persian Mythology, Romance
This Woven Kingdom Series: Book 1 (It was initially set to be an epic, romantic trilogy but was announced in an interview that there will be more books to this series)
Other Books in the Series: These Infinite Threads (Book 2) and All This Twisted Glory (Book 3)
Spice Level: Zero. There is a kissing scene
*If you like Leigh Bardugo, Tomi Adeyemi or Sabaa Tahir check out this series
Spoiler-free Review
Welcome to the section with no spoilers. Further down the page, you can find a more detailed review, but exercise caution to avoid spoilers.
I am impressed by Alizeh; even though she is under the radar as a disposable servant I am glad she is a strong woman. Her well-developed character and backstory only increase my admiration for her. Kamran's honesty was a highlight, especially in his conversations with his grandfather, King Zaal. Their toxic relationship adds an intriguing element to the story.
Tahereh's writing in "This Woven Kingdom" blew me away. It feels like reading poetry; it's beautifully written. The dynamic between Kamran and Alizeh is a standout, and I appreciate the way Persian culture is represented. The unexpected plot twists were shocking and the ending was amazing. Also, I liked how the romance was a satisfying subplot in the story.
In-Depth Review
Hey, before I get started, be warned that there are spoilers ahead. If you haven't caught up with the book I'm discussing, you might want to hold off on reading further to avoid any plot revelations. I'll be diving into details and twists that could spoil your experience if you're not up to date.
Plot Summary:
In a world where humans and Jinn don't get along, Alizeh, a Jinn servant and seamstress working for Duchess Jamilah, faces a tough life. Because of her Jinn background, people, especially the housekeeper, don't trust her. Alizeh's life takes a turn when she meets Prince Kamran of Ardunia. Kamran, dealing with a falling empire and a strict grandfather, thinks Alizeh might be a spy because she seems mysterious.
Alizeh and Kamran's lives become mixed up after an attack by a street kid named Omid. Both are dealing with personal troubles. A prophecy tags Alizeh as a threat to the king because of her "icy blood." Alizeh discovers she's the last of an ancient royal family with a powerful destiny, trying to understand her hidden Jinn powers while leading a quiet life as a servant and seamstress.
Kamran, already struggling with his family's strong beliefs, faces more problems when King Zaal orders Alizeh's execution, fearing she could spark rebellion. Amid their complicated worlds, Alizeh and Kamran feel a growing romantic tension, making their interactions more complex. The story reaches its peak when Tulanian King Cyrus arrives, exposing Zaal's dark secret: a pact with Iblees (the devil) to prolong his life by consuming children's brains. Alizeh's true Jinn identity is revealed in a duel that interrupts Kamran and Cyrus.
Things take another turn when Iblees, the mastermind, seeks revenge against humans. He plans for Alizeh to marry King Cyrus and become a powerful Jinn queen, creating complications in politics, love, and duty. Just as chaos seems inevitable, Alizeh falls from a dragon, leaving her fate and the stability of both human and Jinn worlds uncertain.
My Thoughts:
I was immediately drawn to This Woven Kingdom, not just because of the hype around it, but also because I'm a fan of mythology about different cultures and the idea of a long-lost heir hidden in plain sight. The book started slowly but picked up pace around the halfway mark.
I appreciated how this story took its time with the information, rather than overwhelming it with too much at once, which can often happen in fantasy books. I liked the amazing world in this book. Tahereh Mafi's lovely writing style and rich-world descriptions were so interesting.
Alizeh's character in the story is fascinating. She's smart and determined but also has a mysterious quality that makes me curious about her. I'm drawn to her, wondering about all she's capable of. As I continued reading, I grew to love Alizeh even more. Her hidden life has given her a unique perspective on the world, exposing the corruption, unjust rules, and mistreatment on the streets.
I have mixed feelings about Kamran's character. His actions seem driven by anger, so it's hard to see his relationship with Alizeh as real love. It feels more like an obsession. But I hope his feelings for Alizeh are true and that his character changes for the better.
While I have mixed feelings about Kamran's intentions due to his anger, I still have a soft spot for him. He appears sincere in wanting what's best for the kingdom, and I believe that the events toward the end of the book will likely only add to his anger. What I truly admired about him was his fearlessness in speaking his mind, even when it came to Alizeh- it was truly a breath of fresh air.
I'm hoping that the next book will provide more world-building and plot development. There is a hint of a love triangle and I can't help but feel disappointed if that is the case but it will make for a juicy love story for sure.
Also, I'm looking forward to delving deeper into Cyrus's character. I'd be disappointed if he becomes a love interest in the second book unless, of course, there is more than meets the eye with him.
The ending and plot twists took me by surprise. I'm eager to see how Kamran deals with everything that happened towards the end in the next installment. I highly recommend this book and look forward to the entire series.
Thank you for reading!