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"A Dead Djinn in Cairo" by P. Djèlí Clark

Boop.


"A Dead Djinn in Cairo" is a speculative fiction short story by P. Djèlí Clark, available to read for free here: https://www.tor.com/2016/05/18/a-dead-djinn-in-cairo/

A few thoughts:
  • Vivid world-building; even without knowing the genre you can figure it out quickly and get your bearings
  • Good job setting up some realistic main characters through dialogue rather than excessive exposition
  • Does a good job introducing some fantasy elements without taking time out of the story
  • Good pacing
Overall it's what I would expect from a short story, interesting and whetted my appetite for more of the same world. It is on the longer side for what I would normally read on my phone; I had to take a screenshot to bookmark and come back for more later. Probably took on the order of an hour to read? After finishing this, I am interested in reading his other works (A Master of Djinn, The Haunting of Tram Car 015, and The Black God's Drums), which are set in the same world. I am told that A Master of Djinn even shares some of the same characters.

How I felt after: Cozy and excited to read more books!
Enjoyability: 😸😸😸😸
Cooperativity: 😸😸 (Solo activity, but fun to discuss later)

Recommend? Yes, it's not a very big time commitment and is a unique reading experience.
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