The Bruising of Qilwa, Naseem Jamnia
The Bruising of Qilwa, Naseem Jamnia
13 Rating(s)
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The Bruising of Qilwa

Author: Naseem Jamnia

Narrator: Fajer Al-Kaisi

Unabridged: 5 hr 4 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Tantor Media

Published: 11/08/2022

Categories: Fiction, Fantasy, Lgbtq+


Synopsis

In this intricate debut fantasy introducing a queernormative Persian-inspired world, a nonbinary refugee practitioner of blood magic discovers a strange disease that causes political rifts in their new homeland. Persian-American author Naseem Jamnia has crafted a gripping narrative with a moving, nuanced exploration of immigration, gender, healing, and family. Powerful and fascinating, The Bruising of Qilwa is the newest arrival in the era of fantasy classics such as the Broken Earth Trilogy, The Four Profound Weaves, and Who Fears Death.

Firuz-e Jafari is fortunate enough to have immigrated to the Free Democratic City-State of Qilwa, fleeing the slaughter of other traditional Sassanian blood magic practitioners in their homeland. Despite the status of refugees in their new home, Firuz has a good job at a free healing clinic in Qilwa, working with Kofi, a kindly new employer, and mentoring Afsoneh, a troubled orphan refugee with powerful magic.

But Firuz and Kofi have discovered a terrible new disease which leaves mysterious bruises on its victims. The illness is spreading quickly through Qilwa, and there are dangerous accusations of ineptly performed blood magic. In order to survive, Firuz must break a deadly cycle of prejudice, untangle sociopolitical constraints, and find a fresh start for both their blood and found family.

About Naseem Jamnia

Naseem Jamnia is a Persian-Chicagoan and former neuroscientist. They've received fellowships from Bitch Media, Lambda Literary, and Otherwise, and were named the inaugural Samuel R. Delany fellow. Jamnia is the managing editor at Sword & Kettle Press and currently lives in Reno, Nevada, with their husband, dog, and two cats.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Charlie on February 20, 2022

I loved this gorgeous book about blood magic, chosen family and refugees in a hostile city. Naseem Jamnia has created a rich, complex world in a very short space, and I am so into it. I've read a lot of books lately about empires and rulers and warfare, and it's so refreshing to read a book that's a......more

Goodreads review by Rachel (TheShadesofOrange) on July 28, 2022

3.5 stars I enjoyed the Persian inspired cultural elements of this fantasy novella. I love dark fantasy so I liked the use of blood magic. My favourite scenes were easily the ones involving the autopsies, which had some wonderful elements of body horror. I do wish there had been more character develo......more

Despite a rough start and a rushed conclusion, this Persian-inspired fantasy is a compelling story with a lot to say about queerness, family relationships, and the complexity of facing oppression as a member of a group that had oppressed others. The Bruising of Qilwa follows a non-binary immigrant a......more

Goodreads review by Queralt✨ on June 07, 2024

The Bruising of Qilwa is a novella about refugees, a pandemic, and blood magic. Firuz-e Jafari is a refugee in the city working at a clinic and, most importantly, they're an adept in blood magic at a time the citizens of Qilwa become inflicted with a strange disease: blood bruising. I don’t usually......more

Goodreads review by Jukaschar on April 19, 2023

Stunning novella set in a universe reminiscent of and based upon medieval Persia. There's much to praise, the representation is stellar in my opinion and the universe Naseem Jamnia creates is vibrant and stifling at the same time. I haven't read a lot of fantastical books where medicine plays a majo......more