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A review by samiism
Alif the Unseen by G. Willow Wilson
5.0
As I was finishing this book, I decided that I was going to go with a random Spotify playlist. Afternoon Acoustic, for some reason. That's what I picked. And as I read the final paragraph, the happy beat of "Pumpin Blood - Acoustic" by NONONO seemed perfect for the way this book ended. Just a head's up.
So, what did I think about this book? A myriad of thoughts and feelings. Mainly that I absolutely love it. The cover didn't immediately entice me, and I only knew of this book because of its similarities to [b:The Golem and the Jinni|15819028|The Golem and the Jinni|Helene Wecker|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1349205573s/15819028.jpg|21547736], an all-time favorite of mine. This copy had been sitting in my library for months until I finally ran across it on a slow afternoon.
Not even 50% in, I knew I had to get a physical copy. That's how I know this book deserves 5 stars. Shelf space in my tiny apartment is sacred, and this book earned it.
Middle Eastern-set urban fantasy wasn't my preferred genre. I still approach it gingerly, in fact. But there's just something about Alif that gripped me, kept me from abandoning the story.
The characters are not annoying AT ALL. G. Willow Wilson has an uncanny ability to weave flaws and imperfections in a way that makes even the most despicable character human (or non-human...?) This book is a masterpiece. I can't even fully grasp the metaphors it presented. In a way, Alif is the real life version of the Alf Yeom.
I will probably spend the next few days lamenting over the end of my many adventures with Alif and his friends. It had been an exciting week of reading for me.
So, what did I think about this book? A myriad of thoughts and feelings. Mainly that I absolutely love it. The cover didn't immediately entice me, and I only knew of this book because of its similarities to [b:The Golem and the Jinni|15819028|The Golem and the Jinni|Helene Wecker|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1349205573s/15819028.jpg|21547736], an all-time favorite of mine. This copy had been sitting in my library for months until I finally ran across it on a slow afternoon.
Not even 50% in, I knew I had to get a physical copy. That's how I know this book deserves 5 stars. Shelf space in my tiny apartment is sacred, and this book earned it.
Middle Eastern-set urban fantasy wasn't my preferred genre. I still approach it gingerly, in fact. But there's just something about Alif that gripped me, kept me from abandoning the story.
The characters are not annoying AT ALL. G. Willow Wilson has an uncanny ability to weave flaws and imperfections in a way that makes even the most despicable character human (or non-human...?) This book is a masterpiece. I can't even fully grasp the metaphors it presented. In a way, Alif is the real life version of the Alf Yeom.
I will probably spend the next few days lamenting over the end of my many adventures with Alif and his friends. It had been an exciting week of reading for me.