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Baba Ali and the Clockwork Djinn: A Steampunk Faerie Tale
Come, Best Beloved, and sit you by my feet. I shall tell you a tale such as sister Scheherazade could have scarce imagined. A tale of wonders, of deeds both great and grievous, of courage that defies description, and above all, Child of Adam, I shall tell you a tale of love.
The night is for the telling of tales to which the morning may bear Truth. In the oldest of days and ages and times, there was, and there was not, a great evil that reached across the desert and beyond…
In the Nejd there is nothing at all…except secrets. A band of thieves wish such secrets to remain hidden.
In England, far from his desert home, Ali bin-Massoud serves as apprentice to the famed Charles Babbage. One night a mysterious box is delivered by a clockwork falcon and Ali’s world is never the same again. Heartache, danger, and thieves mark his journey as Ali is summoned home at the death of his father.
It will take faith, knowledge, and yes, love to realize his destiny, and more than a little skill with steam-driven technology. Can he unravel the mystery of the puzzle box and the clockwork djinn before it is too late? An ancient legacy and Ali's very life depend on his success.
Hear you the tale of Baba Ali and the Clockwork Djinn.
The night is for the telling of tales to which the morning may bear Truth. In the oldest of days and ages and times, there was, and there was not, a great evil that reached across the desert and beyond…
In the Nejd there is nothing at all…except secrets. A band of thieves wish such secrets to remain hidden.
In England, far from his desert home, Ali bin-Massoud serves as apprentice to the famed Charles Babbage. One night a mysterious box is delivered by a clockwork falcon and Ali’s world is never the same again. Heartache, danger, and thieves mark his journey as Ali is summoned home at the death of his father.
It will take faith, knowledge, and yes, love to realize his destiny, and more than a little skill with steam-driven technology. Can he unravel the mystery of the puzzle box and the clockwork djinn before it is too late? An ancient legacy and Ali's very life depend on his success.
Hear you the tale of Baba Ali and the Clockwork Djinn.
229 pages, Paperback
First published June 4, 2014
5 people are currently reading
763 people want to read
About the author
Danielle Ackley-McPhail
116 books207 followersAward-winning author, editor, and publisher Danielle Ackley-McPhail has worked both sides of the publishing industry for longer than she cares to admit. In 2014 she joined forces with husband Mike McPhail and friend Greg Schauer to form her own publishing house, eSpec Books (www.especbooks.com).
Her published works include eight novels, Yesterday's Dreams, Tomorrow's Memories, Today’s Promise, The Halfling’s Court, The Redcaps’ Queen, Daire’s Devils, The Play of Light, and Baba Ali and the Clockwork Djinn, written with Day Al-Mohamed. She is also the author of the solo collections Eternal Wanderings, A Legacy of Stars, Consigned to the Sea, Flash in the Can, Transcendence, Between Darkness and Light, The Fox’s Fire, The Kindly One, and the non-fiction writers’ guides The Literary Handyman, More Tips from the Handyman, and LH: Build-A-Book Workshop. She is the senior editor of the Bad-Ass Faeries anthology series, Gaslight & Grimm, Side of Good/Side of Evil, After Punk, and Footprints in the Stars. Her short stories are included in numerous other anthologies and collections.
In addition to her literary acclaim, she crafts and sells original costume horns under the moniker The Hornie Lady Custom Costume Horns, and homemade flavor-infused candied ginger under the brand of Ginger KICK! at literary conventions, on commission, and wholesale.
Danielle lives in New Jersey with her husband and fellow writer, Mike McPhail and four extremely spoiled cats.
Her published works include eight novels, Yesterday's Dreams, Tomorrow's Memories, Today’s Promise, The Halfling’s Court, The Redcaps’ Queen, Daire’s Devils, The Play of Light, and Baba Ali and the Clockwork Djinn, written with Day Al-Mohamed. She is also the author of the solo collections Eternal Wanderings, A Legacy of Stars, Consigned to the Sea, Flash in the Can, Transcendence, Between Darkness and Light, The Fox’s Fire, The Kindly One, and the non-fiction writers’ guides The Literary Handyman, More Tips from the Handyman, and LH: Build-A-Book Workshop. She is the senior editor of the Bad-Ass Faeries anthology series, Gaslight & Grimm, Side of Good/Side of Evil, After Punk, and Footprints in the Stars. Her short stories are included in numerous other anthologies and collections.
In addition to her literary acclaim, she crafts and sells original costume horns under the moniker The Hornie Lady Custom Costume Horns, and homemade flavor-infused candied ginger under the brand of Ginger KICK! at literary conventions, on commission, and wholesale.
Danielle lives in New Jersey with her husband and fellow writer, Mike McPhail and four extremely spoiled cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
August 25, 2014
Thank you NetGalley for awarding me this tale to read!
Danielle Ackley-McPhail and co-author, Day Al-Mohamed created a re-telling of Ali Baba and the 40 thieves, with steampunk twisted throughout! Fantastic idea!
So lovingly were the characters created I enjoyed this very much!
Descriptions were perfect, I was able to see Ali's journey's all the way from foggy London (nicely detailed on how he kept to his traditional clothing, even though he was abused by people for it) to the sand swept desert and his fight to get home.
I like that she used words I was unfamiliar with and explained them.
I would love to hear further stories of Usted Babbage, Baba Ali & the 2 clockwork Djinn.
Everything seemed seamlessly worked out, and flowed from beginning to the ending of the tale in a hypnotic way that kept me reading it any chance I could get.
Ali's struggles to keep his faith and not fall into any type of greed that would displease Allah.
The family tradition that Ali must be loyal to in his followings.
The love to a brother that has only ever hated him.
The unfolding of his father's gifts, and his grandfather's also.
The way he treated his sister-in-law who was a completely foolish woman at every turn of her dealings, he was kind respectful, yet in charge always.
In the beginning I thought of Ali as an apprentice, a young kid, learning his craft in a strange surrounding, but loving what he did and his teacher so much - his journey showed him growing into a man to be reckoned with!
A cool use of magic interwoven throughout. The carpets made me laugh!
I love the ways of the Djinn, their interactions with all humans - and how it was shown that they think about situations. How Ali was so kind to the Djinn with his gifts to her, but it was not as if he was trying to do anything more than please her.
I would love a follow up book about them!
Danielle Ackley-McPhail and co-author, Day Al-Mohamed created a re-telling of Ali Baba and the 40 thieves, with steampunk twisted throughout! Fantastic idea!
So lovingly were the characters created I enjoyed this very much!
Descriptions were perfect, I was able to see Ali's journey's all the way from foggy London (nicely detailed on how he kept to his traditional clothing, even though he was abused by people for it) to the sand swept desert and his fight to get home.
I like that she used words I was unfamiliar with and explained them.
I would love to hear further stories of Usted Babbage, Baba Ali & the 2 clockwork Djinn.
Everything seemed seamlessly worked out, and flowed from beginning to the ending of the tale in a hypnotic way that kept me reading it any chance I could get.
Ali's struggles to keep his faith and not fall into any type of greed that would displease Allah.
The family tradition that Ali must be loyal to in his followings.
The love to a brother that has only ever hated him.
The unfolding of his father's gifts, and his grandfather's also.
The way he treated his sister-in-law who was a completely foolish woman at every turn of her dealings, he was kind respectful, yet in charge always.
In the beginning I thought of Ali as an apprentice, a young kid, learning his craft in a strange surrounding, but loving what he did and his teacher so much - his journey showed him growing into a man to be reckoned with!
A cool use of magic interwoven throughout. The carpets made me laugh!
I love the ways of the Djinn, their interactions with all humans - and how it was shown that they think about situations. How Ali was so kind to the Djinn with his gifts to her, but it was not as if he was trying to do anything more than please her.
I would love a follow up book about them!
April 5, 2014
I was able to read this book before publication - author perk - Danielle and her co-author Day Al-Mohamed (don't know why she isn't listed) are friends of mine. They asked me to provide a blurb for the book. I enjoyed it very much and this is the blurb, I provided:
"This unique twist on Ali Baba will keep you riveted. Rich with Steampunk, magic, and an enchanting setting, this story casts a spell and won’t let go until the very last page!"
It was so refreshing to read a Steampunk story not set in Europe - yes, I know that's where it all started with Jules Verne - but I like it when authors take the familiar and do something unique. The main character, Ali bin-Massoud is a tinkerer and has been sent to London to apprentice with a master tinkerer. But he doesn't stay in London long as Ali's father is murdered and he receives an order from his brother to come home. The rest of the story takes place in a fictional city in Persia.
I found Ali's character to be very enlightening and I liked it best when he and his mentor, Charles Babbage were together - strict science vs. a more magical/religious while still being scientific view of the world.
The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars - the ending. It didn't disappoint, it just felt very rushed and I'd like to have read more about the one character who comes in later in the story. She is vital to the outcome of the story and I would have loved to read more about her background, thoughts, etc... so I could empathize with her - or get to know her better - so I would be more vested in the ending events. At this point I'm still not sure about her - or sure I like her. But you know me - I'm hard on endings so you may not agree with me :).
"This unique twist on Ali Baba will keep you riveted. Rich with Steampunk, magic, and an enchanting setting, this story casts a spell and won’t let go until the very last page!"
It was so refreshing to read a Steampunk story not set in Europe - yes, I know that's where it all started with Jules Verne - but I like it when authors take the familiar and do something unique. The main character, Ali bin-Massoud is a tinkerer and has been sent to London to apprentice with a master tinkerer. But he doesn't stay in London long as Ali's father is murdered and he receives an order from his brother to come home. The rest of the story takes place in a fictional city in Persia.
I found Ali's character to be very enlightening and I liked it best when he and his mentor, Charles Babbage were together - strict science vs. a more magical/religious while still being scientific view of the world.
The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars - the ending. It didn't disappoint, it just felt very rushed and I'd like to have read more about the one character who comes in later in the story. She is vital to the outcome of the story and I would have loved to read more about her background, thoughts, etc... so I could empathize with her - or get to know her better - so I would be more vested in the ending events. At this point I'm still not sure about her - or sure I like her. But you know me - I'm hard on endings so you may not agree with me :).
June 4, 2014
Billed as "a steampunk faerie tale", but the fairy tale isn't well mated with the rest of the story.
Ali bin-Massoud has a head for gearwork, so he's in England apprenticing with the famous Charles Babbage. Then a clockwork falcon drops him an antique magical puzzle-box, which sends him running back home to deal with his father's death and -- eventually -- a bottled djinn, a cave of treasure with forty thieves in it, and a number of other familiar story elements.
The storytelling is pretty good. The steam/magical gimcrackery is also pretty good. This is an alternate world where England has automata in common use, Afsharid Persia has charms and coal-powered cameloids, and it all fits into the familiar story better than you might think. The problem I had was the antagonists. Ali's brother Kassim is a nasty greedy monster; he has little point in the story but to show off how pious and good-hearted Ali is by contrast. Then there's Rassul, the chief thief, who is nasty, greedy, sadistic, and prone to Darth-Vadering his own subordinates at the slightest disappointment. Kassim's wife Malakeh is the only one who shows any depth (she's greedy but not just an extension of her husband's existence).
Cartoon villains are okay for a fairy tale, but this book seems to be aiming at more complexity. It generally succeeds when portraying Ali, who is a good Muslim without being cartoonish about it. Ali has moments of weakness, but regrets them. He has moments of cultural blindness -- treating Malakeh peremptorily because she is a woman -- but this is appropriate for his character, and not treated shallowly either. (There is a plot point of whether he will marry his brother's wife after his brother comes to a well-deserved end. Culturally appropriate, as I said.)
And then there is the djinn, who is not very human -- good -- but not very interesting to me either.
So, overall, a nice fantasy portrayal of the Ali Baba story, but with gaps. And I don't think Babbage needed such a large part. He didn't add much.
(Modern steampunk mythology forces me to wonder where Ada Lovelace is hiding during all the Babbage scenes. I think this book is set well after her death.)
Ali bin-Massoud has a head for gearwork, so he's in England apprenticing with the famous Charles Babbage. Then a clockwork falcon drops him an antique magical puzzle-box, which sends him running back home to deal with his father's death and -- eventually -- a bottled djinn, a cave of treasure with forty thieves in it, and a number of other familiar story elements.
The storytelling is pretty good. The steam/magical gimcrackery is also pretty good. This is an alternate world where England has automata in common use, Afsharid Persia has charms and coal-powered cameloids, and it all fits into the familiar story better than you might think. The problem I had was the antagonists. Ali's brother Kassim is a nasty greedy monster; he has little point in the story but to show off how pious and good-hearted Ali is by contrast. Then there's Rassul, the chief thief, who is nasty, greedy, sadistic, and prone to Darth-Vadering his own subordinates at the slightest disappointment. Kassim's wife Malakeh is the only one who shows any depth (she's greedy but not just an extension of her husband's existence).
Cartoon villains are okay for a fairy tale, but this book seems to be aiming at more complexity. It generally succeeds when portraying Ali, who is a good Muslim without being cartoonish about it. Ali has moments of weakness, but regrets them. He has moments of cultural blindness -- treating Malakeh peremptorily because she is a woman -- but this is appropriate for his character, and not treated shallowly either. (There is a plot point of whether he will marry his brother's wife after his brother comes to a well-deserved end. Culturally appropriate, as I said.)
And then there is the djinn, who is not very human -- good -- but not very interesting to me either.
So, overall, a nice fantasy portrayal of the Ali Baba story, but with gaps. And I don't think Babbage needed such a large part. He didn't add much.
(Modern steampunk mythology forces me to wonder where Ada Lovelace is hiding during all the Babbage scenes. I think this book is set well after her death.)
May 20, 2015
Disclaimer: ARC read via Netgalley.
Everyone should know the story of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. It’s a wonderful story; largely because of the servant woman who saves her master though her intelligence. This short novel is a steampunk version of a tale, which means that Ali is an inventor who as the story opens is apprenticed to Charles Babbage.
And there are airships.
Which are cool because some of the scenes with Babbage and the pilot of an airship are quite good.
The novel is good, enjoyable if not great. What stops it from being truly outstanding are the cliché types (or almost cliché types). Perhaps it is unfair to criticize a fairy tale retelling for the overuse theme of bad older brother, Kassim, picking on his saintly younger sibling, Ali but retellings should bring something more to the tale than just set it in a different setting. It is true that there is some redemptive feeling in the relationship between brothers, but having Kassim even strike his wife feels too much like a cliché. Kassim doesn’t truly have a redeeming feature, and though his character is given some shading Dirk Dastardly, strangely, is who springs to mind when picturing Kassim.
The other issue is the relationship between Ali and Morgiana which is more complicated than a simple master/servant relationship. There is more a slave/master aspect so it makes the love story seem a bit, well, controlling. It is a problem that many retellings of such tales would have, many historical fiction works as well. If there is a master/slave relationship, how equal are the lovers to modern sensibilities. A master/servant relationship has more of a sense of, if not equality, of choice to it. In fairness, there is some adjustment of Morgiana’s character to adjust for this change in status. Morgiana is very much like her original in terms of intelligence, and like the original tale, is the more fascinating character than Ali Baba.
The setting is wonderfully described and a sense of place is conveyed by the word choices, actually using correct technical words to describe Eastern dress and custom (with a glossary at the book if a reader needs it).
Everyone should know the story of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. It’s a wonderful story; largely because of the servant woman who saves her master though her intelligence. This short novel is a steampunk version of a tale, which means that Ali is an inventor who as the story opens is apprenticed to Charles Babbage.
And there are airships.
Which are cool because some of the scenes with Babbage and the pilot of an airship are quite good.
The novel is good, enjoyable if not great. What stops it from being truly outstanding are the cliché types (or almost cliché types). Perhaps it is unfair to criticize a fairy tale retelling for the overuse theme of bad older brother, Kassim, picking on his saintly younger sibling, Ali but retellings should bring something more to the tale than just set it in a different setting. It is true that there is some redemptive feeling in the relationship between brothers, but having Kassim even strike his wife feels too much like a cliché. Kassim doesn’t truly have a redeeming feature, and though his character is given some shading Dirk Dastardly, strangely, is who springs to mind when picturing Kassim.
The other issue is the relationship between Ali and Morgiana which is more complicated than a simple master/servant relationship. There is more a slave/master aspect so it makes the love story seem a bit, well, controlling. It is a problem that many retellings of such tales would have, many historical fiction works as well. If there is a master/slave relationship, how equal are the lovers to modern sensibilities. A master/servant relationship has more of a sense of, if not equality, of choice to it. In fairness, there is some adjustment of Morgiana’s character to adjust for this change in status. Morgiana is very much like her original in terms of intelligence, and like the original tale, is the more fascinating character than Ali Baba.
The setting is wonderfully described and a sense of place is conveyed by the word choices, actually using correct technical words to describe Eastern dress and custom (with a glossary at the book if a reader needs it).
Read
December 10, 2014I won a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
There's a lot to love about this retelling of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, but with a steampunk twist. Foremost is the main character, Ali. He's an artificer and a good sort of guy. I really loved that he was a devout Muslim; it's great to see faith handled in a positive way, especially when it's mixed with magic. The very real character if Babbage plays an important part, though I was disappointed by how that was handled. He vanished for much of the book and didn't end up playing as much of a role as I hoped for.
The book begins in England--with Ali very much out of place--and returns to Arabia. While still in England, Ali is gifted with a mysterious puzzle box that was his father's legacy. As he returns to Arabia by his brother's order, he's under constant threat by people who want to take the box. Ali's brother isn't very nuanced, but he fits in well with the fairy tale vibe. The voice of the book is fantastic and makes it a cozy blend of steampunk formality and fairy tale-style casual storytelling.
One thing that threw me out of the book was how the thieves somehow managed to not know where Ali's brother lived. They track Ali to England but don't know where his family resided in the nearest town. That struck me as rather contrived for the sake of stretching the plot.
I would love to read more set in this world. There's so much potential here with the culture, the mechanical camelids, or even the history of the djinn.
There's a lot to love about this retelling of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, but with a steampunk twist. Foremost is the main character, Ali. He's an artificer and a good sort of guy. I really loved that he was a devout Muslim; it's great to see faith handled in a positive way, especially when it's mixed with magic. The very real character if Babbage plays an important part, though I was disappointed by how that was handled. He vanished for much of the book and didn't end up playing as much of a role as I hoped for.
The book begins in England--with Ali very much out of place--and returns to Arabia. While still in England, Ali is gifted with a mysterious puzzle box that was his father's legacy. As he returns to Arabia by his brother's order, he's under constant threat by people who want to take the box. Ali's brother isn't very nuanced, but he fits in well with the fairy tale vibe. The voice of the book is fantastic and makes it a cozy blend of steampunk formality and fairy tale-style casual storytelling.
One thing that threw me out of the book was how the thieves somehow managed to not know where Ali's brother lived. They track Ali to England but don't know where his family resided in the nearest town. That struck me as rather contrived for the sake of stretching the plot.
I would love to read more set in this world. There's so much potential here with the culture, the mechanical camelids, or even the history of the djinn.
April 30, 2020
Baba Ali and the Clock Work Djinn by Danielle Ackley-McPhail & Day Al-Mohamed a refreshing four-star read. This was my first read by these co-authors and I was so surprised by their descriptive powers, you can mentally picture the scenes so well. Considering this covers so many genres all wrapped into one story it could get so confusing but the authors do a great job of keeping the pace and plot so you don’t get lost it was very well done. It did start a little slow, but it picked up so well that I really enjoyed it. I also really enjoyed the way the authors have of revealing surprising elements was really well done, they don’t just drop the mike, they build to it and then boom major drop. If you like a fantasy re-telling with steampunk elements then pick this up.
January 17, 2021
A retelling of Ali Baba & the Forty Thieves, paired with steampunk fantasy. It's an interesting premise and I really enjoyed the setting of this book. Everything is described in a rich manner, giving details to the steampunk world. Mixing a classic tale with steampunk and magic is something I find very creative. It's the first time I read something in the steampunk genre and I find myself curious to read more about it.
Although I really enjoyed the setting and idea, it felt slow to read through. The first half of the book revolves around Ali being chased and attacked. It felt repetitive and I feel like half of those scenes could have been removed and later replaced with more tales of the magic system being presented.
The variety of POVs is very nice. The writing is very descriptive, yet poetic, with inner dialogues like: For a very long time, Ali knew nothing but his own heartache". Ali's character was the one that gripped me the most and I felt hungry for more of his POV, rather than jumping to another (sometimes quickly). I keep wondering how I would have experienced this book if it was solely written from Ali's perspective. I suspect it would offer more room to mystery and eerie atmosphere, as it would offer a "go on an adventure, purely with this character alone".
To summarize: Ali and Morgiana's relationship remained flat and I felt hungry for more elaboration on the magic system in contrast to mechanics. I think there was room for more depth if the first half of the book had gotten less attacks on Ali. I also found myself regularly going out of focus because the short paragraph style.
Thank you to, eSpec Books and Netgalley, for an e-copy of this book.
Although I really enjoyed the setting and idea, it felt slow to read through. The first half of the book revolves around Ali being chased and attacked. It felt repetitive and I feel like half of those scenes could have been removed and later replaced with more tales of the magic system being presented.
The variety of POVs is very nice. The writing is very descriptive, yet poetic, with inner dialogues like: For a very long time, Ali knew nothing but his own heartache". Ali's character was the one that gripped me the most and I felt hungry for more of his POV, rather than jumping to another (sometimes quickly). I keep wondering how I would have experienced this book if it was solely written from Ali's perspective. I suspect it would offer more room to mystery and eerie atmosphere, as it would offer a "go on an adventure, purely with this character alone".
To summarize: Ali and Morgiana's relationship remained flat and I felt hungry for more elaboration on the magic system in contrast to mechanics. I think there was room for more depth if the first half of the book had gotten less attacks on Ali. I also found myself regularly going out of focus because the short paragraph style.
Thank you to, eSpec Books and Netgalley, for an e-copy of this book.
May 2, 2020
I enjoyed this very inventive retelling of "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves", and how the steampunk elements were woven throughout. It was also cool to see a steampunk novel with primarily Muslim characters.
I liked the use of real-life figure Charles Babbage as Ali's mentor -- which also served to explain what Ali was doing in London at the start of the book, in a nod to the urban English setting of so many steampunk novels -- but there was arguably a little too much of him, where it would have been nicer to see more of the female characters instead. I was actually pretty surprised to see how underdeveloped the female characters were, and how little agency they had. Some of this comes down to how closely the events of the story were hewn to the original Ali Baba tale, but this seems more like an excuse than a true explanation, especially considering that the book's two authors are both women.
I would have liked to see morals muddled a little bit more, for this is a story where the "good" are unerringly good and the "bad" are more or less irredeemable. But on the other hand, that's one of the things that makes it a classic fairytale!
Overall I'd give this 3.5 stars.
** I received a Review Copy of this book via NetGalley **
(2014 edition)
I liked the use of real-life figure Charles Babbage as Ali's mentor -- which also served to explain what Ali was doing in London at the start of the book, in a nod to the urban English setting of so many steampunk novels -- but there was arguably a little too much of him, where it would have been nicer to see more of the female characters instead. I was actually pretty surprised to see how underdeveloped the female characters were, and how little agency they had. Some of this comes down to how closely the events of the story were hewn to the original Ali Baba tale, but this seems more like an excuse than a true explanation, especially considering that the book's two authors are both women.
I would have liked to see morals muddled a little bit more, for this is a story where the "good" are unerringly good and the "bad" are more or less irredeemable. But on the other hand, that's one of the things that makes it a classic fairytale!
Overall I'd give this 3.5 stars.
** I received a Review Copy of this book via NetGalley **
(2014 edition)
August 23, 2014
I received of copy on Netgalley for review.
Oh this book. How I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love a good fairy tale and let me tell you, this is a fine one. It fuses the wonders of a good novel and a good fairy tale into one. Realistic characters and emotions and awesome steampunk with fanciful perfection and happiness.
The main character is really wonderful. He evolves over the book and you can really notice that he's turned from a boy into a man. He's intelligent and wonderful. Earlier in my reading, when I was about half way, I had a qualm and it was that there were no kick-ass female characters. Well, basically, I was later proved wrong (as I had hoped) and everything was wonderful. So if you're worried about that, you might have to wait a bit, but it's definitely worth it.
I really loved the incorporation of the story-style of the fairy tale. The little things that are so interestingly orderly to the point of nonsense. But it didn't detract at all from this book. It was, in fact, part of the immense charm. The title already tells you to expect a fairy tale so it's actually really exciting when you notice the obvious aspects drawn from the style.
A really wonderful book that makes its way to my favourites list. Very happy this exists.
Oh this book. How I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love a good fairy tale and let me tell you, this is a fine one. It fuses the wonders of a good novel and a good fairy tale into one. Realistic characters and emotions and awesome steampunk with fanciful perfection and happiness.
The main character is really wonderful. He evolves over the book and you can really notice that he's turned from a boy into a man. He's intelligent and wonderful. Earlier in my reading, when I was about half way, I had a qualm and it was that there were no kick-ass female characters. Well, basically, I was later proved wrong (as I had hoped) and everything was wonderful. So if you're worried about that, you might have to wait a bit, but it's definitely worth it.
I really loved the incorporation of the story-style of the fairy tale. The little things that are so interestingly orderly to the point of nonsense. But it didn't detract at all from this book. It was, in fact, part of the immense charm. The title already tells you to expect a fairy tale so it's actually really exciting when you notice the obvious aspects drawn from the style.
A really wonderful book that makes its way to my favourites list. Very happy this exists.
November 17, 2014
Magic is the primary tone of this tome, with a traditional taste of steampunk in clockwork figures and airships in the Victorian era. Ali is a standout character, and beautifully developed from start to finish.
Read full review in the 2014 November issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2014 November issue of InD’tale Magazine.
April 21, 2020
4 Stars
Baba Ali and the Clockwork Djinn: A Steampunk Faerie Tale is by Danielle Ackley-McPhail and Day Al-Mohamed. It is an intriguing steampunk fantasy, with plenty of action, adventure, danger, heartache, clockwork ‘technology’, mystery magic, and more. It’s a clever retelling of the classic story “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves.
As this is my first book from either of these authors, I really didn’t know what I would find between the covers of this interesting looking book. What I discovered is a wonderful blend of faerie tale, steampunk, magic, and mystery. There is plenty of dramatic developments which kept me avidly reading- I enjoyed the authors take on the classic story.
The story was a little slow in places, but overall, it kept me engaged and interested in how everything would play out. I will be going back to investigate what other titles these two authors have available, and look forward to exploring more of their books in the future.
Thank you, Danielle Ackley-McPhail & Day Al-Mohamed.
Baba Ali and the Clockwork Djinn: A Steampunk Faerie Tale is by Danielle Ackley-McPhail and Day Al-Mohamed. It is an intriguing steampunk fantasy, with plenty of action, adventure, danger, heartache, clockwork ‘technology’, mystery magic, and more. It’s a clever retelling of the classic story “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves.
As this is my first book from either of these authors, I really didn’t know what I would find between the covers of this interesting looking book. What I discovered is a wonderful blend of faerie tale, steampunk, magic, and mystery. There is plenty of dramatic developments which kept me avidly reading- I enjoyed the authors take on the classic story.
The story was a little slow in places, but overall, it kept me engaged and interested in how everything would play out. I will be going back to investigate what other titles these two authors have available, and look forward to exploring more of their books in the future.
Thank you, Danielle Ackley-McPhail & Day Al-Mohamed.
April 25, 2020
A nicely done steampunk retelling of the tale of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. The story opens in Victorian England and we meet a young man named Ali who is apprenticed to Charles Babbage. Ali soon learns his father has passed away and he's inherited a puzzle box. He decides to make the trek home to the Middle East. Meanwhile, back in England, thieves break into Babbage's house, which sets Babbage himself on Ali's trail. Once home, Ali finds himself not entirely welcome. He leaves his brother's house for new quarters and soon begins to explore old haunts. While out and about, he discovers the famous cave that has become the lair of those thieves who are after him. This steampunked tale from the Arabian Nights was an enjoyable read.
January 24, 2021
Astounding! Very well told, a classic among new fairytales. The setting is as much a character as the people. The heart and soul in this story is potent and made me extremely happy
October 2, 2014
Full review posted at Story and Somnomancy.
Lately I’ve been breaking my stories down to things I loved, things I had love/hate relationships to, and things that didn’t fly for me. It was harder for Baba Ali and the Clockwork Djinn because while I liked the idea and premise of the retelling (I mean, come on, Ali Baba on an airship–how cool is that?!), I didn’t think much of the tale itself changed because of the steampunk elements. For me, it really did just feel like throwing in steampunk elements in a story that would have gone the same route without the clockwork boxes and automaton djinn. I would have liked to actually have seen Ali solve more of the problems using his tinkering, even though the original turns Ali into a background character by the second half of the story.
Then there’s Morgiana herself. I’ve always been a fan of Morgiana in the Ali Baba tale. Something to do with the fact that she manages to hold her own and rises out of her station as a slave/servant/submissivethingymajig. In this story, she’s a djinni of unknowable powers (no, seriously, I have no idea what her limits are and what she can actually do, since it’s not very clear). Trapped by the “King of Thieves” (he’s actually not called thus, but he’s certainly a leader among the thieves), Morgiana is freed by Ali and willingly serves him in his household. What gets me is the fact that she’s a djinni. With powers. I know she’s grateful to Ali and all, but really? There must have been some other rank in the household that lets her protect Ali without setting herself down as a servant. Heck, her frelling kindred-djinni was a badass clockwork falcon. Instead Morgiana gets stuck in a rather limited female robot body. I wonder as well where her personality went afterward, because she went from “dangerous-flashy-eyed-djinni” to “bland-as-a-rock.” Even Malekeh was more intriguing as a female, and she wasn’t perfect.
Which brings me to the characters. I liked a number of them, but I felt that the retelling was much too short and there were too many characters that got spread too thin as far as development went. I loved the Langstroms, and Babbage was pretty fantastic in the scenes he was in. Malekeh was a standout character, though as I said, there wasn’t much story to flesh any of the characters out besides Ali. And even then Ali wasn’t very inspiring of a character. The only thing I knew about him in the end was that he was a really good tinker and he made the body of a perfect woman in order to hold the terrible unfathomable power of a djinni. Which is a shame, really.
As far as the steampunk went…as I said, I thought it was an added bonus, but I also thought it didn’t quite reconcile with the fairy tale. The story itself wasn’t really altered, everything still happened within the pattern, and I was really hoping I’d have gotten some major changes in the tale. But maybe that’s just wishful thinking.
Lately I’ve been breaking my stories down to things I loved, things I had love/hate relationships to, and things that didn’t fly for me. It was harder for Baba Ali and the Clockwork Djinn because while I liked the idea and premise of the retelling (I mean, come on, Ali Baba on an airship–how cool is that?!), I didn’t think much of the tale itself changed because of the steampunk elements. For me, it really did just feel like throwing in steampunk elements in a story that would have gone the same route without the clockwork boxes and automaton djinn. I would have liked to actually have seen Ali solve more of the problems using his tinkering, even though the original turns Ali into a background character by the second half of the story.
Then there’s Morgiana herself. I’ve always been a fan of Morgiana in the Ali Baba tale. Something to do with the fact that she manages to hold her own and rises out of her station as a slave/servant/submissivethingymajig. In this story, she’s a djinni of unknowable powers (no, seriously, I have no idea what her limits are and what she can actually do, since it’s not very clear). Trapped by the “King of Thieves” (he’s actually not called thus, but he’s certainly a leader among the thieves), Morgiana is freed by Ali and willingly serves him in his household. What gets me is the fact that she’s a djinni. With powers. I know she’s grateful to Ali and all, but really? There must have been some other rank in the household that lets her protect Ali without setting herself down as a servant. Heck, her frelling kindred-djinni was a badass clockwork falcon. Instead Morgiana gets stuck in a rather limited female robot body. I wonder as well where her personality went afterward, because she went from “dangerous-flashy-eyed-djinni” to “bland-as-a-rock.” Even Malekeh was more intriguing as a female, and she wasn’t perfect.
Which brings me to the characters. I liked a number of them, but I felt that the retelling was much too short and there were too many characters that got spread too thin as far as development went. I loved the Langstroms, and Babbage was pretty fantastic in the scenes he was in. Malekeh was a standout character, though as I said, there wasn’t much story to flesh any of the characters out besides Ali. And even then Ali wasn’t very inspiring of a character. The only thing I knew about him in the end was that he was a really good tinker and he made the body of a perfect woman in order to hold the terrible unfathomable power of a djinni. Which is a shame, really.
As far as the steampunk went…as I said, I thought it was an added bonus, but I also thought it didn’t quite reconcile with the fairy tale. The story itself wasn’t really altered, everything still happened within the pattern, and I was really hoping I’d have gotten some major changes in the tale. But maybe that’s just wishful thinking.
October 4, 2015
As you should be able to tell from the title, Baba Ali and the Clockwork Djinn is a steampunk retelling of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, with some magic thrown in. From the synopsis: “In England, far from his desert home, Ali bin-Massoud serves as apprentice to the famed Charles Babbage. One night a mysterious box is delivered by a clockwork falcon and Ali’s world is never the same again. Heartache, danger, and thieves mark his journey as Ali is summoned home at the death of his father.”
I’ve read short story retellings of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves before, but this was the first novel length re imagining of the tale that I’ve encountered. I thought it did some things well. I liked the use of mechanisms and magic, for one. The historical settings were well drawn. The characterization of Ali was good. However, Baba Ali and the Clockwork Djinn left me unsatisfied in a lot of ways.
The first was that I felt the book had a very slow start. The first half of the novel is mostly Ali being attacked by random, cardboard cut out bad guys and being saved by a mechanical eagle. Part of this time, he’s traveling from England to Arabia. The book doesn’t really get interesting until half way through when he actually gets back home and discovers the cave with the treasure. I definitely think that some of the beginning sections could have been cut or condensed. Better characterization when it comes to the villains is also needed. They were all utterly disposable and forgettable, and I had a hard time keeping them straight.
I mentioned that I liked the use of magic, but I actually would like to know more about it, especially when it comes to the history of the djinn. I felt like there were a lot of elements that were introduced here that were never fully explored. Additionally, there were some unanswered questions about the clockwork eagle. I’m also not wholly comfortable with the power dynamics of the relationship between Ali and the imprisoned djinn. I think the focus was supposed to be on how he’s setting her free, but he’s still the one with the power to do so in the first place. There’s too much of a master slave dynamic for my liking.
Additionally, there was some strangeness in relation to the ending. It felt a lot like deus ex machina, and I would have liked a better explanation.
Finally, I don’t know if it was just a problem with my ebook format, but the novel didn’t include any spaces or ways to mark POV shifts, even when it was jumping between characters in England and Arabia. It was really disorienting to rind myself in England in one paragraph and someplace completely different the next.
Overall, I’m not sure if I would recommend Baba Ali and the Clockwork Djinn. If you really like fairy tale retellings or want to read steampunk set outside Europe, I might cautiously recommend it.
Originally posted on The Illustrated Page.
I’ve read short story retellings of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves before, but this was the first novel length re imagining of the tale that I’ve encountered. I thought it did some things well. I liked the use of mechanisms and magic, for one. The historical settings were well drawn. The characterization of Ali was good. However, Baba Ali and the Clockwork Djinn left me unsatisfied in a lot of ways.
The first was that I felt the book had a very slow start. The first half of the novel is mostly Ali being attacked by random, cardboard cut out bad guys and being saved by a mechanical eagle. Part of this time, he’s traveling from England to Arabia. The book doesn’t really get interesting until half way through when he actually gets back home and discovers the cave with the treasure. I definitely think that some of the beginning sections could have been cut or condensed. Better characterization when it comes to the villains is also needed. They were all utterly disposable and forgettable, and I had a hard time keeping them straight.
I mentioned that I liked the use of magic, but I actually would like to know more about it, especially when it comes to the history of the djinn. I felt like there were a lot of elements that were introduced here that were never fully explored. Additionally, there were some unanswered questions about the clockwork eagle. I’m also not wholly comfortable with the power dynamics of the relationship between Ali and the imprisoned djinn. I think the focus was supposed to be on how he’s setting her free, but he’s still the one with the power to do so in the first place. There’s too much of a master slave dynamic for my liking.
Additionally, there was some strangeness in relation to the ending. It felt a lot like deus ex machina, and I would have liked a better explanation.
Finally, I don’t know if it was just a problem with my ebook format, but the novel didn’t include any spaces or ways to mark POV shifts, even when it was jumping between characters in England and Arabia. It was really disorienting to rind myself in England in one paragraph and someplace completely different the next.
Overall, I’m not sure if I would recommend Baba Ali and the Clockwork Djinn. If you really like fairy tale retellings or want to read steampunk set outside Europe, I might cautiously recommend it.
Originally posted on The Illustrated Page.
July 8, 2015
Originally posted on Tales to Tide You Over
Baba Ali and the Clockwork Djinn caught my eye as a perfect crossover of my fascination with Middle Eastern tales and steampunk. I was surprised and dismayed when I had trouble getting into it, though, the blend of non-Western storytelling with a main character steeped in Islamic tradition making the beginning slow. The reader knows more than the main character practically from the start and Ali lets tradition drive his actions with no real sense of self. He read passive even though I understood and recognized the traditions he drew from. Luckily, I persisted because what follows is a rich and fascinating steampunk retelling of the story of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves.
There are interesting happenings, a glimpse into the nature of being an Arab in historical England, and gadgets and gears from the very start. Still, it’s not until Ali’s ticket home comes that the story became dynamic, his duty compelling him to act without denying his history or traditions.
The story is salted (if you’ll excuse the pun) with elements of traditional Middle Eastern folklore from puzzle boxes, the many levels of djinns, and the use of salt itself. I loved how it incorporates both historical and steampunk elements to provide a complicated blend of reality and fantasy in both the people and events. For example, Ali apprentices to none other than Charles Babbage, a connection that results in more than one clash between faith and materialistic perspectives. That there is a lovely dose of philosophy and human weakness thrown in makes it all the stronger.
Between the non-Western storytelling and non-Western values, some aspects of Ali’s character might be difficult for Western readers to grasp at first, but he’s not portrayed as a perfect follower of Islamic traditions either. He might be above the simple weaknesses of lust for gold, but he has his own flaws that carry a risk almost as great.
I did have some difficulty with some of the things he took responsibility for while it seemed few others in the story held to the traditions, but that didn’t weaken the story and added to the sense of frustration for his sake. Besides, we got to meet a wonderful cast of people, had harrowing adventures, and got to see the creation of all manner of wonderful things. Despite the slow beginning, this is very much worth the read, and I say this having consumed who knows how many versions of the Ali Baba tale, up to and including a farcical play called Ali Baba and the Four Tea Thieves. This is not a story for very young children as some of the events depicted are graphic, but older children and adults could definitely enjoy the visit to a non-Western philosophy wrapped in a tale of danger, adventure, and even love.
P.S. I received this title from the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Baba Ali and the Clockwork Djinn caught my eye as a perfect crossover of my fascination with Middle Eastern tales and steampunk. I was surprised and dismayed when I had trouble getting into it, though, the blend of non-Western storytelling with a main character steeped in Islamic tradition making the beginning slow. The reader knows more than the main character practically from the start and Ali lets tradition drive his actions with no real sense of self. He read passive even though I understood and recognized the traditions he drew from. Luckily, I persisted because what follows is a rich and fascinating steampunk retelling of the story of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves.
There are interesting happenings, a glimpse into the nature of being an Arab in historical England, and gadgets and gears from the very start. Still, it’s not until Ali’s ticket home comes that the story became dynamic, his duty compelling him to act without denying his history or traditions.
The story is salted (if you’ll excuse the pun) with elements of traditional Middle Eastern folklore from puzzle boxes, the many levels of djinns, and the use of salt itself. I loved how it incorporates both historical and steampunk elements to provide a complicated blend of reality and fantasy in both the people and events. For example, Ali apprentices to none other than Charles Babbage, a connection that results in more than one clash between faith and materialistic perspectives. That there is a lovely dose of philosophy and human weakness thrown in makes it all the stronger.
Between the non-Western storytelling and non-Western values, some aspects of Ali’s character might be difficult for Western readers to grasp at first, but he’s not portrayed as a perfect follower of Islamic traditions either. He might be above the simple weaknesses of lust for gold, but he has his own flaws that carry a risk almost as great.
I did have some difficulty with some of the things he took responsibility for while it seemed few others in the story held to the traditions, but that didn’t weaken the story and added to the sense of frustration for his sake. Besides, we got to meet a wonderful cast of people, had harrowing adventures, and got to see the creation of all manner of wonderful things. Despite the slow beginning, this is very much worth the read, and I say this having consumed who knows how many versions of the Ali Baba tale, up to and including a farcical play called Ali Baba and the Four Tea Thieves. This is not a story for very young children as some of the events depicted are graphic, but older children and adults could definitely enjoy the visit to a non-Western philosophy wrapped in a tale of danger, adventure, and even love.
P.S. I received this title from the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
September 1, 2014
The tale of Aladdin and the forty thieves retold with a clockwork/steampunk element to the world. A tale that has dangers at the turn for Ali and his family, and I liked it for it.
****FULL REVIEW****
Eighteen year old Ali bin-Massoud is visited by a mechanical falcon while in England apprenticing under Ustad Babbage. The falcon leaves him a gift, a puzzle box - something he's loved for years - inscribed in his home language with his name. This one is more special as it's crafted with clockwork and magic. Kassim, Ali's older brother, rudely is awaken in the night to find his fathers horse has returned, riderless and blood soaked. Ali had his own plans for his life, until he is called home by his brother to help with the home. Kassim has his own motives for calling his brother home, the greed for something he heard his father talk of with his younger brother. But the family's hidden secret and honor surfaces, following Ali and after the pieces that have surfaced. Ali has the mind for mechanics, and a profession from the family's past that needs nurtured to clear the dishonor in the family. Along with taking care of the family secret.
The culture and structure of living is strongly projected here in this story. The second son of a successful merchant, Ali would have to find his own way in life as his older brother inherits the business. We even see the prejudice that's present toward Ali and his difference in dress and skin tone in a different nation, bringing a feel of real to Ali.
The story twists magic and clockworks together, even some steampunk elements. There is talk of magic found in England along with that at the desert. But we see the magic more in the desert with the djinn. Clockworks become a magic of their own in this world too. Something wondrous to others not of the mechanical mind thinking.
The writing is artfully descriptive. The story of Ali and the forty thieves is one well know. Danielle and Day twist that tale with a bit of truth, magic, and mechanical for us to hear.
We get the story from Ali's and Kassim's point of view, even from another's later on. It makes sense why it's shift to the other character after you meet them. But it's the view of the whole world and happenings. It explains what is happening and why. I wonder if Ali realizes how lucky he is in avoiding the tortures and death on numerous occasions, thanks to his kind heart and friends he makes.
An old tale remastered to include magics of different kinds. Sit back and relax with this old tale.
****FULL REVIEW****
Eighteen year old Ali bin-Massoud is visited by a mechanical falcon while in England apprenticing under Ustad Babbage. The falcon leaves him a gift, a puzzle box - something he's loved for years - inscribed in his home language with his name. This one is more special as it's crafted with clockwork and magic. Kassim, Ali's older brother, rudely is awaken in the night to find his fathers horse has returned, riderless and blood soaked. Ali had his own plans for his life, until he is called home by his brother to help with the home. Kassim has his own motives for calling his brother home, the greed for something he heard his father talk of with his younger brother. But the family's hidden secret and honor surfaces, following Ali and after the pieces that have surfaced. Ali has the mind for mechanics, and a profession from the family's past that needs nurtured to clear the dishonor in the family. Along with taking care of the family secret.
The culture and structure of living is strongly projected here in this story. The second son of a successful merchant, Ali would have to find his own way in life as his older brother inherits the business. We even see the prejudice that's present toward Ali and his difference in dress and skin tone in a different nation, bringing a feel of real to Ali.
The story twists magic and clockworks together, even some steampunk elements. There is talk of magic found in England along with that at the desert. But we see the magic more in the desert with the djinn. Clockworks become a magic of their own in this world too. Something wondrous to others not of the mechanical mind thinking.
The writing is artfully descriptive. The story of Ali and the forty thieves is one well know. Danielle and Day twist that tale with a bit of truth, magic, and mechanical for us to hear.
We get the story from Ali's and Kassim's point of view, even from another's later on. It makes sense why it's shift to the other character after you meet them. But it's the view of the whole world and happenings. It explains what is happening and why. I wonder if Ali realizes how lucky he is in avoiding the tortures and death on numerous occasions, thanks to his kind heart and friends he makes.
An old tale remastered to include magics of different kinds. Sit back and relax with this old tale.
September 16, 2014
Authors Danielle Ackley-McPhail and Day Al-Mohamed’s collaboration whisks you away to Persia on a magic carpet.
Baba Ali and the Clockwork Djinn is a beautiful retelling of the classic Ali Baba and the Forty thieves. Shortly after a run in with a mystical figure. Ali is faced with an onslaught of problems that challenge his faith, his mind, and his heart. The story tracks his progress as he attempts to solve a relentless onslaught of problems.
The mental imagery I had was truly inspiring, and I thank the authors for such a vivid experience! I enjoyed the way the authors have written this book. I was never confused about what was going on, or what was being said by who. A few pages in, and I was hooked. The momentum in this book continues to increase until the last period. The story was exciting and kept me on the edge of my seat, craving more.
I was also pleasantly surprised at how well they delivered the steampunk elements of this story. I personally feel like Persia and steampunk belong together after reading this.
If I were to get nitpicky, some of the things I disliked: the lack of explanation as to why the thieves were so loyal to their master?
It’s not something that really impacts the main focus of the story, more so a personal question. If everything were explained in full precise detail, the story I suppose could get boring, so I can understand keeping some things simple.
One final thing that did bother me : the few curse words that are in the story felt forced into the natural narration. It could have been kept clean and not affected the desired ferocity for which they were being used.
I look forward to reading another story from this team, and I highly recommend Baba Ali and the Clockwork Djinn to anyone who loves a good fairy tale.. that’d be everyone accept Charles Babbage!
Baba Ali and the Clockwork Djinn is a beautiful retelling of the classic Ali Baba and the Forty thieves. Shortly after a run in with a mystical figure. Ali is faced with an onslaught of problems that challenge his faith, his mind, and his heart. The story tracks his progress as he attempts to solve a relentless onslaught of problems.
The mental imagery I had was truly inspiring, and I thank the authors for such a vivid experience! I enjoyed the way the authors have written this book. I was never confused about what was going on, or what was being said by who. A few pages in, and I was hooked. The momentum in this book continues to increase until the last period. The story was exciting and kept me on the edge of my seat, craving more.
I was also pleasantly surprised at how well they delivered the steampunk elements of this story. I personally feel like Persia and steampunk belong together after reading this.
If I were to get nitpicky, some of the things I disliked: the lack of explanation as to why the thieves were so loyal to their master?
It’s not something that really impacts the main focus of the story, more so a personal question. If everything were explained in full precise detail, the story I suppose could get boring, so I can understand keeping some things simple.
One final thing that did bother me : the few curse words that are in the story felt forced into the natural narration. It could have been kept clean and not affected the desired ferocity for which they were being used.
I look forward to reading another story from this team, and I highly recommend Baba Ali and the Clockwork Djinn to anyone who loves a good fairy tale.. that’d be everyone accept Charles Babbage!
April 15, 2014
Open Sesame and steam-powered camels! In the mood for Victorian England? Or perhaps a blast of hot wind from the deserts of Arabia? Love airships and tales of intricately-crafted gadgets? The tale you seek is Baba Ali and the Clockwork Djinn!
New from Palomino Press, Baba Ali and the Clockwork Djinn by Danielle Ackley-McPhail and Day Al-Mohamed is a steampunk tale of a thoughtful and clever young man and his adventures outwitting the Forty Thieves. Ali is a gentle soul with a talent for making and crafting. His father, eager for his younger son prosper, sent him to England to study with the great craftsman and inventor, Charles Babbage.
His studies with this most accomplished teacher are interrupted by the arrival of a clockwork falcon bearing an intricate box and a thug seeking the same box. When news comes of Ali’s father’s death, the young man realizes that it was his father who sent the falcon. Leaving England, he returns to his homeland. But others are after the treasure hidden in the box. Ali can trust no one—except the lovely djinn held prisoner in a strange cavern in the desert that can only be opened with a magic word.
A charming retelling of the famous classic, with many small touches recalling the original tale as it appears in A Thousand and One Arabian Nights. Whether you are a fan of Steampunk, of exotic fairytales, or just of good writing, this story should delight.
New from Palomino Press, Baba Ali and the Clockwork Djinn by Danielle Ackley-McPhail and Day Al-Mohamed is a steampunk tale of a thoughtful and clever young man and his adventures outwitting the Forty Thieves. Ali is a gentle soul with a talent for making and crafting. His father, eager for his younger son prosper, sent him to England to study with the great craftsman and inventor, Charles Babbage.
His studies with this most accomplished teacher are interrupted by the arrival of a clockwork falcon bearing an intricate box and a thug seeking the same box. When news comes of Ali’s father’s death, the young man realizes that it was his father who sent the falcon. Leaving England, he returns to his homeland. But others are after the treasure hidden in the box. Ali can trust no one—except the lovely djinn held prisoner in a strange cavern in the desert that can only be opened with a magic word.
A charming retelling of the famous classic, with many small touches recalling the original tale as it appears in A Thousand and One Arabian Nights. Whether you are a fan of Steampunk, of exotic fairytales, or just of good writing, this story should delight.
June 20, 2020
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Baba Ali and the Clockwork Djinn by Danielle Ackley-McPhail and Day Ali-Mohammad is a fantastical book about combining both a fairy tale and a steampunk in this neat journey filled text. This book is a retelling of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves.
Will Ali figure out the meaning of the clues his father left him? And can he keep that a secret?
Ali
Ali bin-Massoud is our main character, and he has a love for machinery. I love that he is different than his brother and father even though Ali and his brother, Kassim, don't get along very well. The reason for that lies in the intricate plot of the book, so I can't dive into that. Ali is an excellent character as he is devoted to his religion and to his culture instead of trying to fit in while he was in London. His love of machinery and tinkering around is great to see, as it is always the case for a steampunk book. I like how it was at the forefront of the novel as well.
Massoud
His father, Massoud bin-Farzeen, did something that I didn't think sit very well for me, but now that I am thinking about it over while writing this review, it might be something that is in the culture for back then. He treated his first son, Kassim, different that his second born. Massoud gave Kassim whatever he wanted and teaches him all about the trading world and their family business. However, unbeknown to him, Kassim did hear when he was little that his new sibling was more the apple of Massoud's eye than Kassim was. Massoud probably didn't realize that he created this barrier between his two sons, but he seems like he was a gentle soul from the memories that we get to see with each son.
Kassim
Kassim bin-Massoud is the first son of Massoud and the heir to everything but what he wanted more. He wants the black diamonds that his father kept from him. He is a bit of a spoiled brat in my mind as with everything else that he does. Let's just say that he didn't end things right. Kassim is also a character that I think the ends justify the means with what happened to him.
Malakeh
Malakeh is Kassim's wife, and I thought that their marriage just happened to be of duty-bound than real love. Kassim didn't treat Malakeh well at all, and I was again surprised that she let that happen. Then still, I had to think about the culture and how that happens. Malakeh is a character that will surprise you as she is smart. She knows about being a merchant's wife and balancing not only the house's finances but also that of a merchant's money for wares. I liked that she is that way since it proves that she is more than just being someone's wife. I do feel bad for her as she had to deal with a husband like Kassim, even though she did like him.
Rassul
Rassul is our bad guy and the leader of the forty thieves that he had in his arsenal. He stole a lot from Ali's family and wasn't happy that he couldn't find a box that was taken from him. Rassul is a ruthless guy that can control magic but can't seem to control the djinn that he locked in the control mechanism for the door of the little treasure cove that he manages. He is a guy that I wouldn't want to cross, but that is the way a bad guy is supposed to be. Rassul is one of those people who you wouldn't want to meet ever under any circumstances.
Clockwork Djinn
In this book, we have two djinns. One that is in a falcon mechanical body, and the last one is in vapor form. These two are brother and sister djinn that are two separate guardians that are tasked with two different things. The falcon is with a box that is supposed to help whoever to find the treasure cove. The vapor djinn is with the treasure cove, and whoever is supposed to keep that secret. Well, they both are to help protect that person whomever it may be. I love these two djinns as they are both unique and are both excellent characters. The two of them provide a lot of help for our main character Ali in a lot of ways.
Four Stars
Baba Ali and the Clockwork Djinn by Danielle Ackley-McPhail and Day Ali-Mohammad have combined what they do best to make a book that is a good read. I liked a lot about it and the characters. Along with the exciting way that they showed the two djinns and how they made it different. The plot, the story, and the characters are all vastly different from each other that it made you feel like you were there experiencing the same things that they were. I learned a lot about the culture and the religion that Baba Ali was practicing.
I am giving this book four stars and recommending it to anyone that wants to read a steampunk version of Ali Baba.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Baba Ali and the Clockwork Djinn by Danielle Ackley-McPhail and Day Ali-Mohammad.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
Will Ali figure out the meaning of the clues his father left him? And can he keep that a secret?
Ali
Ali bin-Massoud is our main character, and he has a love for machinery. I love that he is different than his brother and father even though Ali and his brother, Kassim, don't get along very well. The reason for that lies in the intricate plot of the book, so I can't dive into that. Ali is an excellent character as he is devoted to his religion and to his culture instead of trying to fit in while he was in London. His love of machinery and tinkering around is great to see, as it is always the case for a steampunk book. I like how it was at the forefront of the novel as well.
Massoud
His father, Massoud bin-Farzeen, did something that I didn't think sit very well for me, but now that I am thinking about it over while writing this review, it might be something that is in the culture for back then. He treated his first son, Kassim, different that his second born. Massoud gave Kassim whatever he wanted and teaches him all about the trading world and their family business. However, unbeknown to him, Kassim did hear when he was little that his new sibling was more the apple of Massoud's eye than Kassim was. Massoud probably didn't realize that he created this barrier between his two sons, but he seems like he was a gentle soul from the memories that we get to see with each son.
Kassim
Kassim bin-Massoud is the first son of Massoud and the heir to everything but what he wanted more. He wants the black diamonds that his father kept from him. He is a bit of a spoiled brat in my mind as with everything else that he does. Let's just say that he didn't end things right. Kassim is also a character that I think the ends justify the means with what happened to him.
Malakeh
Malakeh is Kassim's wife, and I thought that their marriage just happened to be of duty-bound than real love. Kassim didn't treat Malakeh well at all, and I was again surprised that she let that happen. Then still, I had to think about the culture and how that happens. Malakeh is a character that will surprise you as she is smart. She knows about being a merchant's wife and balancing not only the house's finances but also that of a merchant's money for wares. I liked that she is that way since it proves that she is more than just being someone's wife. I do feel bad for her as she had to deal with a husband like Kassim, even though she did like him.
Rassul
Rassul is our bad guy and the leader of the forty thieves that he had in his arsenal. He stole a lot from Ali's family and wasn't happy that he couldn't find a box that was taken from him. Rassul is a ruthless guy that can control magic but can't seem to control the djinn that he locked in the control mechanism for the door of the little treasure cove that he manages. He is a guy that I wouldn't want to cross, but that is the way a bad guy is supposed to be. Rassul is one of those people who you wouldn't want to meet ever under any circumstances.Clockwork Djinn
In this book, we have two djinns. One that is in a falcon mechanical body, and the last one is in vapor form. These two are brother and sister djinn that are two separate guardians that are tasked with two different things. The falcon is with a box that is supposed to help whoever to find the treasure cove. The vapor djinn is with the treasure cove, and whoever is supposed to keep that secret. Well, they both are to help protect that person whomever it may be. I love these two djinns as they are both unique and are both excellent characters. The two of them provide a lot of help for our main character Ali in a lot of ways.
Four Stars
Baba Ali and the Clockwork Djinn by Danielle Ackley-McPhail and Day Ali-Mohammad have combined what they do best to make a book that is a good read. I liked a lot about it and the characters. Along with the exciting way that they showed the two djinns and how they made it different. The plot, the story, and the characters are all vastly different from each other that it made you feel like you were there experiencing the same things that they were. I learned a lot about the culture and the religion that Baba Ali was practicing.
I am giving this book four stars and recommending it to anyone that wants to read a steampunk version of Ali Baba.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Baba Ali and the Clockwork Djinn by Danielle Ackley-McPhail and Day Ali-Mohammad.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
July 12, 2014
This is a delightful fairy tale with magic and machinery thrown in. And Charles Babbage! I love the combination of folklore and Victorian setting, and both the Eastern and Western settings are clearly well researched and well loved. Recommended!
May 10, 2020
What a fabulous little piece of treasure this book is!! We all grew up reading Alibaba and the forty thieves. And I never knew that there was a term called “steampunk” to describe a retelling of a fable or a story. I do not have any other word than “brilliant” for this book.
“Steampunk” means a genre of science fiction that has a historical setting and typically features steam-powered machinery rather than advanced technology. So, anything which is magical or ancient in the original fable is replaced by a work of engineering. A Djinn, instead of being a magical entity is a machine, an intelligent robot.
Ali is in London taking apprenticeship from his Ustaad, until one day, a falcon, with mechanical wings, leaves a box on his window sill. Troubles ensue once the mysterious box is delivered. There are thefts and attacks. Soon after, he gets the news that his father has expired and his brother Kasim commands him to come back home to take up family business.
Ali’s journey back home is filled with danger and adventure. At every step, he finds he is always on the run. Someone is on his heels to steal the box. He finds himself drawn into the world of magic and ancient secrets.
Unable to decipher the box itself, he also faces sibling rivalry with his greedy brother, who does not want even a single penny bequeathed to his brother. Ali rents a separate home, and slowly one after another, the mystery unfolds and he finds himself in front of the cave and we all get to hear the famous magic words “Open Sesame”.
And then we all know the story. There is treasure, there are thieves and there is a Djinn trapped inside the cave. Ali gets the treasure, goes back home. Kasim gets greedy and gets killed. The servant girl, who happens to be the Djinn whom Ali saves, is smart enough to fool the thieves.
And everything ends on a happy note! It is a beautiful retelling of the fable and I loved every bit of it!
We find very few books like this and I hope to read more from this author!
May 6, 2020
“Come, Best Beloved, and sit you by my feet. I shall tell you a tale such as sister Scheherazade could have scarce imagined”. Ali bin-Massoud is living in England away from his desert home as he serves as an apprentice to the famed Charles Babbage. Then one night a mysterious box is delivered by a clockwork falcon and Ali's world is never the same again. Ali has been summoned home on the death of his father and as he makes his journey home he faces much danger, heartache and has to battle thieves. The journey takes all his faith, knowledge and his skill with steam-driven technology, and with a little love he realises his destiny. Ali also has to solve the mystery of the puzzle box and the clockwork djinn as an ancient legacy and his life are at stake.
I found this to be an intriguing read, I liked how the authors wove the retelling of the faerie tale into a new story with a steampunk vibe. The characters were well defined and I fell in love with Ali and I felt invested in his journey and adventures as he looked for answers and returned home. The world Ali lived in was wonderfully created by the authors and I felt totally immersed in this world, I could see, smell, and feel what he did. I’ve not read a steampunk genre book before, however I enjoyed this one and although it was a different type of story for me personally it is one which I am glad I have read as it was an original story and it definitely had me hooked from beginning to end.
I found this to be an intriguing read, I liked how the authors wove the retelling of the faerie tale into a new story with a steampunk vibe. The characters were well defined and I fell in love with Ali and I felt invested in his journey and adventures as he looked for answers and returned home. The world Ali lived in was wonderfully created by the authors and I felt totally immersed in this world, I could see, smell, and feel what he did. I’ve not read a steampunk genre book before, however I enjoyed this one and although it was a different type of story for me personally it is one which I am glad I have read as it was an original story and it definitely had me hooked from beginning to end.
April 11, 2020
Baba Ali and the Clockwork Djinn: A Steampunk Faerie Tale
By Danielle Ackley-McPhail and Day Al-Mohamed
5 out of 5 stars
The story Baba Ali and the Clockwork Djinn: A Steampunk Faerie Tale by Danielle Ackley-McPhail and Day Al-Mohamed is a wonderful book to read. It pulls you in right from the beginning and doesn’t let you go until the final page. It is a story that has adventure, danger, and magic. It is a book which tells the story of Ali bin-Massoud and how in one night in which he receives a mysterious box, his life is never the same. I found that I liked the character of Ali bin-Massoud and wanted him to succeed in unraveling the mysteries of a puzzle box and the clockwork djinn. He finds himself summoned home after the death of his father. He has to beware of thieves and those who wish to do him harm. Will he realize his destiny? Read the full story to see what happens to Ali bin-Massoud. The book is never boring and very entertaining. It is written in such a way that I felt I was right there with the characters. Many additional characters are introduced, and they are helpful to Ali bin-Massoud. There are also those whose only thought is of themselves. This is a wonderful book that will take you from England to the sands of the desert. I would recommend reading it.
By Danielle Ackley-McPhail and Day Al-Mohamed
5 out of 5 stars
The story Baba Ali and the Clockwork Djinn: A Steampunk Faerie Tale by Danielle Ackley-McPhail and Day Al-Mohamed is a wonderful book to read. It pulls you in right from the beginning and doesn’t let you go until the final page. It is a story that has adventure, danger, and magic. It is a book which tells the story of Ali bin-Massoud and how in one night in which he receives a mysterious box, his life is never the same. I found that I liked the character of Ali bin-Massoud and wanted him to succeed in unraveling the mysteries of a puzzle box and the clockwork djinn. He finds himself summoned home after the death of his father. He has to beware of thieves and those who wish to do him harm. Will he realize his destiny? Read the full story to see what happens to Ali bin-Massoud. The book is never boring and very entertaining. It is written in such a way that I felt I was right there with the characters. Many additional characters are introduced, and they are helpful to Ali bin-Massoud. There are also those whose only thought is of themselves. This is a wonderful book that will take you from England to the sands of the desert. I would recommend reading it.
May 4, 2020
4 stars!
I never thought this genre would hold my interest but I was intrigued and thoroughly entranced in this story. This book is about Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves but with a steampunk twist. First off, I have never read the original story, so I have nothing to compare this retelling against. This story took me to a fantastical world with magic and adventure. It is fun to see how Ali reacts and solves the mysterious puzzle box he receives. Ali is on his way home after his father’s death and seems to be the only one able to restore his family’s name and honor, and proves time and time again that he can handle anything that life throws at him, seeing as how he is attacked multiple times on his journey home. It was also interesting to see someone of Arab descent in England and how he lived at that time, that aspect plus the magical element made the story that much more interesting for me. Throughout the book Ali encounters magical and mechanical creatures, which I thought were nicely written into the story. I wish there was a little more in the lines of romance but, even without, it was still very fun. I would definitely recommend this book.
I never thought this genre would hold my interest but I was intrigued and thoroughly entranced in this story. This book is about Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves but with a steampunk twist. First off, I have never read the original story, so I have nothing to compare this retelling against. This story took me to a fantastical world with magic and adventure. It is fun to see how Ali reacts and solves the mysterious puzzle box he receives. Ali is on his way home after his father’s death and seems to be the only one able to restore his family’s name and honor, and proves time and time again that he can handle anything that life throws at him, seeing as how he is attacked multiple times on his journey home. It was also interesting to see someone of Arab descent in England and how he lived at that time, that aspect plus the magical element made the story that much more interesting for me. Throughout the book Ali encounters magical and mechanical creatures, which I thought were nicely written into the story. I wish there was a little more in the lines of romance but, even without, it was still very fun. I would definitely recommend this book.
May 6, 2020
I love to use my imagination when reading books like these as I travel to other places, new and exciting. This book takes us into a magical place and teaches us some valuable lessons along the way. Prepare to be taken away as sister Scheherazade could have scarce couldn’t have dreamed of. A tale of glorious, afflicting, tenacity and of course a great tale of devotion.
As they sleep through the night to tale sweet little lies, their truth comes out in daybreak. In ancient times, there was such a thing as corruption spanned through the desert.
Ali bin-Massoud is on assignment in England far from his home as a pupil to Charles Babbage. A clockwork falcon drops off a peculiar box but it changes Ali’s life in unexpected ways. Distress, endangerment, and poachers are on his trek as Ali is summoned home for the death of his father.
It will take conviction, comprehension, devotion and serendipity and more than a little mastery with steam-driven automation. Can he unravel the mystery of the puzzle box and the clockwork djinn before time runs out? An ancient patrimony and Ali's very life depend on his victory.
As they sleep through the night to tale sweet little lies, their truth comes out in daybreak. In ancient times, there was such a thing as corruption spanned through the desert.
Ali bin-Massoud is on assignment in England far from his home as a pupil to Charles Babbage. A clockwork falcon drops off a peculiar box but it changes Ali’s life in unexpected ways. Distress, endangerment, and poachers are on his trek as Ali is summoned home for the death of his father.
It will take conviction, comprehension, devotion and serendipity and more than a little mastery with steam-driven automation. Can he unravel the mystery of the puzzle box and the clockwork djinn before time runs out? An ancient patrimony and Ali's very life depend on his victory.
Read
July 1, 2020I was completely enthralled in this tale. It is a retelling of Ali Baba and the 40 theives. It's Aladdin meets steampunk meets Pinocchio. Baba Ali, the main character in this story, has a knack for mechanical things. That is all he wants to do, just learn this trade with his teacher, Babbage. But he is pulled into this other world when a giant mechanical bird shows up at the window of Babbage's workshop. After that this story is high speed. Action packed, with bad guys and good guys and some that are somewhere in the middle. I found myself wondering who to trust, looking suspiciously at some of the characters. There was such a wide variety of characters. Some I did feel like slapping, others I wanted to reach out and hug.
There was action, intrigue, mystery, and even a bit of romance. I loved the descriptions and the customs and richness of the whole story. I would definitely suggest you read it if you are a fan of fables and steampunk. This takes you from England to Wadi Al-Nejd where Ali is from. I loved that some of the characters sprinkled throughout are real historical figures. That added weight to this fanciful tale.
There was action, intrigue, mystery, and even a bit of romance. I loved the descriptions and the customs and richness of the whole story. I would definitely suggest you read it if you are a fan of fables and steampunk. This takes you from England to Wadi Al-Nejd where Ali is from. I loved that some of the characters sprinkled throughout are real historical figures. That added weight to this fanciful tale.
May 4, 2020
Baba Ali and the Clockwork Djinn
By Danielle Ackley-McPhail and Day Al-Mohamed
4 stars
Baba Ali and the Clockwork Djinn was a really interesting read. I’ve not read many steampunk genre books before but I really like the re-telling’s of fairy tales and other storied from my childhood so I really wanted to give this book a try and I actually really enjoyed it. The writing was great, I like it when dual authors work together and you can’t tell – their writing styles complemented each other perfectly. The characters were great, well thought out and planned and the detail and descriptions were fantastic, I could definitely imagine what I was reading.
Overall I thought that this was a wonderful read, captivating and exciting the whole way through. I would definitely like to read more from these authors again in the future and I absolutely would recommend this book to other readers.
By Danielle Ackley-McPhail and Day Al-Mohamed
4 stars
Baba Ali and the Clockwork Djinn was a really interesting read. I’ve not read many steampunk genre books before but I really like the re-telling’s of fairy tales and other storied from my childhood so I really wanted to give this book a try and I actually really enjoyed it. The writing was great, I like it when dual authors work together and you can’t tell – their writing styles complemented each other perfectly. The characters were great, well thought out and planned and the detail and descriptions were fantastic, I could definitely imagine what I was reading.
Overall I thought that this was a wonderful read, captivating and exciting the whole way through. I would definitely like to read more from these authors again in the future and I absolutely would recommend this book to other readers.
May 8, 2020
Baba Ali and the Clockwork Djinn: A Steampunk Faerie Tale by Danielle Ackley-McPhail and Day Al-Mohamed
4 Stars!!!!
I adore finding new authors. This was just right up my alley although not my usual genre but I love anything with the middle eastern theme. I found this book to be a breath of fresh air. The book is just rightly balanced with drama and just the slightest hint of romance.
I really loved that it was full of wonder and had a djinn after all what middle eastern theme wouldn't be complete without it. I loved the steampunk theme as well. The way that it brings the old with the new and entwines the British and Arabian cultures as well just brings so much to the book. I loved all the characters and was just glued to the book. I will definitely read more from
the authors in the future.
4 Stars!!!!
I adore finding new authors. This was just right up my alley although not my usual genre but I love anything with the middle eastern theme. I found this book to be a breath of fresh air. The book is just rightly balanced with drama and just the slightest hint of romance.
I really loved that it was full of wonder and had a djinn after all what middle eastern theme wouldn't be complete without it. I loved the steampunk theme as well. The way that it brings the old with the new and entwines the British and Arabian cultures as well just brings so much to the book. I loved all the characters and was just glued to the book. I will definitely read more from
the authors in the future.
April 12, 2020
This is my first book by this author, I enjoyed it from beginning to end. This is a little different than I am used to reading but it did keep me turning pages. This is a well developed story that has characters that brought the story to life for me. I could imagine being there with them and felt as if I was on the adventure with Ali. When a mysterious box gets delivered to Ali, her world is about to be turned upside down. Not only that but he is summoned home for his father’s death. He is faced with a mystery to solve of the box and clockwork djinn but may just take faith, knowledge and destiny to solve it. This is a great story I found hard to put down once I got into it. I enjoyed the author’s creation of the characters that kept me reading. I highly recommend this book.
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