*4.5

Let me tell you, when I heard this was a debut novel, I couldn't believe it. Like, how? Just... how?
The City of Brass didn't have me hooked at the first page: it took me a while to get into the story, maybe because we're not really in it until we cross Daevabad's gates. The journey prior to this event was not really it for me. It was interesting, sure, but the characters didn't have that 'woah' factor that made me care for them (and I doubted they would). Boy, was I wrong. Every single one of them gave me whiplash, at the end. Not to say I like them all, because that's a fat lie, but as characters? Well-rounded and well-written. Grey characters galore!
The worldbuilding is gorgeous. That's it, I don't have anything else to say. The history of the place, the culture, the differences between the clans. Even the descriptions of Cairo were vivid and atmospheric. As I said, gorgoeus.
The plot is slow-going and a bit confusing at times, but if you're here for political intrigue, this is absolutely yhe book for you. If that's not your cup of tea, the middle part of this one might bore you, but I would still give it a chance.
I don't think I'm ready for the sequel, please tell me it will be easier on the heart. Lie, if you must.