10/03/2022
Elsbai’s rocky epic fantasy debut and duology launch suffers from uneven worldbuilding that is simultaneously elaborately detailed in its Egyptian-styled setting and cartoonishly shallow in its presentation of misogyny and societal inequities. In Ramsawa, the power of weaving—elemental magic granted by the gods to only a few—is barely tolerated, and only truly accepted in men. Young noblewoman and waterweaver Nehal Darweesh grudgingly acquiesces to a financially driven arranged marriage to Nico Baldinotti after the pair agree to a deal: she’ll allow him to keep his lover, bookstore clerk Giorgina Shukry, as a concubine if he’ll sign the papers for Nehal to attend the newly opened Weaving Academy. Giorgina and Nehal meet through the Daughters of Izdihar, a group of radical women agitating for women’s right to vote, many of whom are hiding weaving abilities. Their involvement opens themselves to the wrath of powerful men in a country on the brink of war, but the camaraderie of the group helps them find the courage to defy expectations. It’s a promising premise, but there’s a frustrating lack of nuance to the gender relations. Meanwhile, a slight secondary arc about Nehal’s realization of her own queerness yields a depiction of cultural homophobia as hamfisted as the rest. This disappoints. (Jan.)
"A wondrously rich fantasy that highlights the true struggle to revolutionize a society. You will cheer and mourn alongside Nehal and Giorgina as they dare to discover new magic, fight for a more just society, and find love in unexpected places. A debut not to be missed!" — Shannon Chakraborty, bestselling author of The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi
"Forbidden magic, social revolution, and political intriguein The Daughters of Izdihar, author Hadeer Elsbai has written a powerful story of sisterhood, love, and struggle within a rich, vibrant world with complicated characters that leap from the page to smash the patriarchy!" — P. Djèlí Clark, author of A Master of Djinn
"The Daughters of Izdihar is a gorgeous, clever feminist fantasy novel rich with magic, politics, hunger and fire. An absolute must-read." — Tasha Suri, author of The Jasmine Throne
“Action-packed, magic-filled, and led by two fierce, vividly-rendered women, The Daughters of Izdihar is a compelling and empowering debut.” — Ava Reid, bestselling author of Juniper & Thorn
"The Daughters of Izdihar is a thrilling tale of two women’s fight for rights in their patriarchal society, peppered with elemental magic, politics, and a relentless desire for that which is wrongly forbidden. I loved the characters—each one flawed but also trying their hardest to make things right." — Andrea Stewart, author of The Bone Shard Daughter
"A powerful fantasy novel filled with clever magic, intriguing politics, and compelling characters who forge a path toward justice, no matter the obstacle." — Chelsea Abdullah, author of The Stardust Thief
"I had such a wonderful time with these ladiesthese magnificent, complex, compelling ladies, who yearn and strive and rage so vividly and relatably! I thrilled at their magical discoveries and relished the steel of their grim determination in the face of oppressive expectations and their own justified fears." — Davinia Evans, author of Notorious Sorcerer
"An absolutely enthralling tale of two women striving for a better world. Filled with magic and politics, The Daughters of Izdihar grips you and doesn't let go. I couldn't put it down!" — Sarah Beth Durst, award-winning author of The Queens of Renthia series