Book Review - The Kingdom of Copper by S.A. Chakraborty

I have heard a lot about "The City of Brass" and I also knew about the release of the sequel "Kingdom of Copper". But I was not aware that the review copy of the same will reach to us. I would like to thank Harper Collins India for the same. Frankly speaking, I had my reservations for this book, when I was offered a review copy in exchange for an honest review. There were two reasons for my reservations

1. I haven't read the first part. Many reviewers recommended to read it.
2. I have relatively fewer books on reading shelf by a foreign author. This was more of a personal phobia which anyway I wanted to get away from.

The chance of not having/reading any part didn't look good. And nobody was/is going to stop me if I want to read part-1 with/before/after part 2. So, at last, I said yes.

When I received the copy in my hand, I knew I didn't get any normal book, it was a special one. With 650+ pages the book is longest in my 2019 portfolio. And not a single slow page.

Many reviewers and bloggers have given plot details so I won't focus much on that. But I cannot just ignore it as well. The story started around 5 years after the first part. By then Nahri was married to Muntadhir (Ali's brother), heir to the kingdom. Her marriage was more of a political alliance. Her power as a magical healer had given her some hope. She wanted to redevelop a hospital where she can bring non-magical healers as well. Together she wanted to work for the betterment of the citizens. Otherwise, Ali banished prince, who was constantly under radar of assassin, started utilizing his new power of locating water. He again got in the mission of Nahri. Lastly, Dara, a Djinn, who was shown killed in part one, was brought back to world/life. He was forced to assist Manizheh to reclaim the throne of Daevabad. Read the book to know more.

You may say this is a short plot then why 650+ pages? Well, my friends, great stories won't go alone, it is a group of multiple small-big stories written with a central theme and direction that makes it great. Same way book is covering so many aspects that its usage of 650+ pages is justified.

My observations

1. Hazzy cover. I thought I got a misprinted cover book. But this edition cover (checked online) are the same hazzy. I am not sure about the reason behind it.
2. For me, the language was obstruction initially not due to heavy or too much literary prowess. But due to my habit of reading Indian authors majorly.
3. A medium paced story.
4. A wonderful way of showing the characters' journey through the oppressive environment.
5. Language usage is adequate for seasonal & light readers.
6. Details full with the violent and abusive scene, not recommended for 16 below.
7. Wonderful conceptualization of magic, djinn, tribe and all.
8. Though shown as a fictional story, many things can be related to today's world scenario perfect. Like racism, oppression, caste/tribe conflicts.

Overall a must read for seasonals. Recommended read for occasional as well. Ratings

1. Cover - 3.5/5
2. Concept - 4.5/5
3. Character - 4.5/5
4. Content - 4.5/5
5. Overall - 4.25/5

Book can be found at Amazon & Flipkart

Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads