Aliya to the Infinite City

Aliya to the Infinite City #1

by Laila Rifaat

Aliya's grandfather is her only family, but lately he has been acting strangely. He's forgotten her birthday and keeps disappearing. So when a mysterious gift arrives that seems to grant her wishes, Aliya uncovers a secret – she’s from a long line of illustrious time travellers. Whisked off by flying carpet to the Infinite City in a parallel Egypt, Aliya enrols at an extraordinary academy where she makes new friends at last. But the threat of magic is looming – rumours of the return of Dorian Dark, a devious master of time. And with Aliya’s special skills, he can twist history forever ...

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Childrens, Fiction, Young Adult

283 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2024

Reviews

[Lorie✧ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun & enjoyable romp. The story beats were rather familiar at times - Aliya, a child of parents dead under mysterious circumstances, learns of her connection to a famous family in a magical world, goes to magic school, comes to terms with legendary powers, learning under a mysterious mentor and facing off against a villain who everyone presumes is dead.

However, the futuristic time-travel-based Arabic fantasy setting really helps make this book not seem like a stale capitalisation on the well-worn chosen-one-in-a-magic-school trope. And even if a few of the plot point seem suspiciously similar to a certain famous series in a similar theme (Aliya's skill with flying carpets in particular might ring a few bells), that doesn't detract too much from the charm of the book.

My only negative besides the familiarity nitpick is that a lot of characters aren't very developed - Only Aliya, her friend Karima, and the villain are particularly important and therefore developed characters. Victoria, the bully, is a particularly egregious example of this, really just playing into the stereotype of the pretty mean white girl and serving no purpose other than to make a few snide remarks here and there.

However, it's a perfectly enjoyable book. Not groundbreaking for me, but a breath of fresh air for sure. I haven't read the other two books yet, but I am planning to.

[Mayken Brunings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love stories that allow me to discover other cultures. I love story that allow me to discover historical periods. I love fantasy and magic and mysteries.
Little did I know that I would find all this and more (fun, friendship, flying carpets...) in one single book. Like Aliya, I was whisked away to a place where all the different time periods of Egypt (about which I didn't know much outside of the pharaohs) coexist in one magical city. Did I mention flying carpets? Oh, and time travel students there come from different time periods as well. But back to the flying carpets - no, better read for yourself. It's a wild ride (and I mean the book, though ti applies to the carpets as well).
And there's going to be a sequel!!!

[B. Ware · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t read Aliya to the Infinite City… I lived and breathed it!!! Laila Rifaat has such an incredible way with words that she transports you straight inside this story from the very first page, allowing you to travel along aside her characters and experience their journey firsthand. I was gripped from the very first sentence and simply couldn’t put the book down until I’d finished it - despite the fact that I’d only intended to read a chapter or two at the time. Laila’s imagination is out of this world. The storyline is so well thought out, the humour is hilarious, and the characters are perfect for middle grade. This is a book every child will cherish and want to read over and over again. I can’t wait for the sequel, Aliya Aboard the Time Train!

[Alex Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like your adventures bursting with magic, then this is the story for you. Set in an academy for time-travellers in a parallel Egypt, this book is packed with gorgeous details, history and mythology. There’s lots of heart too, with an orphaned girl to root for and a mystery to solve.

But be warned, it’s also very funny. There’s Corpsy the corpseweed plant, a ghoulish matron who threatens to boil brains and serve them for afters, student assessments which include the Brain Freeze and the Shocker, not to mention officious sphinxes, creepy bedpost guardians and badly behaved magic carpets.

Prepare to get carried away. This story is an utter delight.

[Insiya Galely · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not much for fantasy but this book really piqued my interest as it intertwines Egyptian history to the plot. It’s a fast paced book which will keep young readers hooked. I appreciate the elements of humor which is not only for your middle schooler, but adults too. It’s a great pick for book clubs or class novels as there is quite a lot to unpick and reflect on! A great choice!

[Amie Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could add 2 5* reviews I would, since my son also read my proof copy after me, and then liked it so much that he sent me on a mission to get ahold of second copy so he could give it to the girl he likes for her birthday.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun adventurous book, very much a classic chicken house style children’s adventure. Lots of magic, intrigue, and curiosity with a beautifully crafted world steeped in Egyptian culture. It might have been a bit too long and a bit muddled in the end, but I still enjoyed the read!

[Matthew Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every page fizzes with invention - magic carpet rides, time travel, ghouls, genies, sphinxes - this is a feast for younger readers. One might as well call it the One Thousand and One Fantastical Ideas, such are Egyptian author Laila Rifaat's imaginative powers. And yet at heart it's a story of good versus evil, of following your own moral compass and choosing the right path... The fabric of the universe hangs in the balance.

[Nix Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast paced magical fantasy for 9+ adventurers. All the components of a great story - mystery, danger, friendship, moral dilemma, combined with time travel.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

the best book ive read this year !! full of adventure, humor, and lovable characters 😍😍

[Mrs Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a way to start a series!! For the beginning it was just packed with mystery and adventure. I loved watching Aliya develop as a character. Some great twists that I definitely didn’t see coming. Book two of the series is already pre-ordered.

[LudmilaM · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars.

[Serene In Wonderland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been putting off my review for this until I read them all and even then because I HAVE TOO MUCH TO SAY!

Until I get around to it I will just put here that I highly recommend this trilogy for 8+ fantasy lovers, Egyptians and anyone looking for a wholesome book that stays within Islamic boundaries.

This series is incredibly underrated and under celebrated, especially by Muslims. Read it!