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Nura and the Immortal Palace
Aru Shah and the End of Time meets Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away in this mesmerizing portal fantasy that takes readers into the little-known world of Jinn.
Nura longs for the simple pleasure of many things—to wear a beautiful red dupatta or to bite into a sweet gulab. But with her mom hard at work in a run-down sweatshop and three younger siblings to feed, Nura must spend her days earning money by mica mining. But it’s not just the extra rupees in her pocket Nura is after. Local rumor says there’s buried treasure in the mine, and Nura knows that finding it could change the course of her family’s life forever.
Her plan backfires when the mines collapse and four kids, including her best friend, Faisal, are claimed dead. Nura refuses to believe it and shovels her way through the dirt hoping to find him. Instead, she finds herself at the entrance to a strange world of purple skies and pink seas—a portal to the opulent realm of jinn, inhabited by the trickster creatures from her mother’s cautionary tales. Yet they aren’t nearly as treacherous as her mother made them out to be, because Nura is invited to a luxury jinn hotel, where she’s given everything she could ever imagine and more.
But there’s a dark truth lurking beneath all that glitter and gold, and when Nura crosses the owner’s son and is banished to the working quarters, she realizes she isn’t the only human who’s ended up in the hotel’s clutches. Faisal and the other missing children are there, too, and if Nura can’t find a way to help them all escape, they’ll be bound to work for the hotel forever.
Nura longs for the simple pleasure of many things—to wear a beautiful red dupatta or to bite into a sweet gulab. But with her mom hard at work in a run-down sweatshop and three younger siblings to feed, Nura must spend her days earning money by mica mining. But it’s not just the extra rupees in her pocket Nura is after. Local rumor says there’s buried treasure in the mine, and Nura knows that finding it could change the course of her family’s life forever.
Her plan backfires when the mines collapse and four kids, including her best friend, Faisal, are claimed dead. Nura refuses to believe it and shovels her way through the dirt hoping to find him. Instead, she finds herself at the entrance to a strange world of purple skies and pink seas—a portal to the opulent realm of jinn, inhabited by the trickster creatures from her mother’s cautionary tales. Yet they aren’t nearly as treacherous as her mother made them out to be, because Nura is invited to a luxury jinn hotel, where she’s given everything she could ever imagine and more.
But there’s a dark truth lurking beneath all that glitter and gold, and when Nura crosses the owner’s son and is banished to the working quarters, she realizes she isn’t the only human who’s ended up in the hotel’s clutches. Faisal and the other missing children are there, too, and if Nura can’t find a way to help them all escape, they’ll be bound to work for the hotel forever.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published July 5, 2022
72 people are currently reading
9190 people want to read
About the author
M.T. Khan
2 books142 followersM.T. Khan is a speculative fiction author with a penchant for all things myth, science, and philosophy. She focuses on stories that combine all three, dreaming of evocative worlds and dark possibilities.
When she's not writing, M.T. Khan has her nose deep in physics textbooks or glued to her CAD computer as she majors in Mechanical Engineering. Born in Lahore, Pakistan, she currently resides in Toronto, Canada, with a hyperactive cat and an ever-increasing selection of tea.
When she's not writing, M.T. Khan has her nose deep in physics textbooks or glued to her CAD computer as she majors in Mechanical Engineering. Born in Lahore, Pakistan, she currently resides in Toronto, Canada, with a hyperactive cat and an ever-increasing selection of tea.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 283 reviews
July 15, 2022
In a Nutshell: A children’s fantasy from the Indian subcontinent – what a welcome change and a novel experience!
Story Synopsis:
Most of the children’s books I have read in my childhood had some or all of the following: Magical adventures; Best friends and squabbling but sweet siblings; Excitement for Christmas; biblical values; cakes and pies; pretty dresses for parties; elves/gnomes. The first two elements remain the same in this book but the rest transform into an experience closer to home: excitement for Eid; Islamic values; gulab jamuns, lehengas and jinn! I can't tell you how wonderful it felt to read a children's book with the protagonist drooling for gulab jamuns. The fact that this was set in a rural village in Pakistan made its freshness even more appealing.
Nura and Faisal’s characters are created very well. Nura’s aggressive nature balances Faisal’s demure spirit. This was again a nice change, seeing the girl protagonist in charge while the boy follows her lead.
The descriptions of the jinn realm were astounding. The Sijj hotel had vibes of Las Vegas, but its realms were complicated. The author doesn’t take her little readers for granted nor does she spoonfeed them – that’s for sure. The writing is intricate and incorporates many atmospheric flourishes, making you feel one with Nura and Faisal in wanting to escape from the jinn realm.
There are so many memories the book triggered in my head – Spirited Away (for the portal realm), Journey to the Centre of the Earth (the underground world), Hotel Magnifique (a legendary magical hotel with VIP guests and enslaved labourers). The book does justice to almost all the expectations it creates through these parallels.
Though a middle grade fiction, the book doesn’t go all light and fluffy. There are several dark themes and important topics such as the value of education and the prevalence of child labour. The author’s note at the end casts further light on these topics and is a must-read.
All in all, a fabulous magical adventure with ‘desi’ vibes and an important message as well. Definitely a yes. I’d love to read more books by this young Pakistani author. You’ve earned yourself a fan in India. 💕
4.25 stars.
My thanks to Walker Books and NetGalley for the DRC of “Nura and the Immortal Palace”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Facebook | Twitter
Story Synopsis:
Twelve year old Nura works in a mica mine for long hours. She is determined to find a legendary treasure known as ‘The Demon’s Tongue’, and thus provide respite to her widowed mother and four younger siblings from the drudgery of poverty and struggle. However, one day, she gets too carried away while digging and ends up triggering a collapse in the mines, resulting in some of the child labourers, including her best friend Faisal, being declared dead. Nura is determined to save her friend, but in attempting this rescue, she lands up through a portal in the world of the jinn. Is Faisal here? Is the ‘Demon’s Tongue’ here? Can Nura save herself and her friend from the evil jinn?
The story comes to us in the first person perspective of Nura.
Most of the children’s books I have read in my childhood had some or all of the following: Magical adventures; Best friends and squabbling but sweet siblings; Excitement for Christmas; biblical values; cakes and pies; pretty dresses for parties; elves/gnomes. The first two elements remain the same in this book but the rest transform into an experience closer to home: excitement for Eid; Islamic values; gulab jamuns, lehengas and jinn! I can't tell you how wonderful it felt to read a children's book with the protagonist drooling for gulab jamuns. The fact that this was set in a rural village in Pakistan made its freshness even more appealing.
Nura and Faisal’s characters are created very well. Nura’s aggressive nature balances Faisal’s demure spirit. This was again a nice change, seeing the girl protagonist in charge while the boy follows her lead.
The descriptions of the jinn realm were astounding. The Sijj hotel had vibes of Las Vegas, but its realms were complicated. The author doesn’t take her little readers for granted nor does she spoonfeed them – that’s for sure. The writing is intricate and incorporates many atmospheric flourishes, making you feel one with Nura and Faisal in wanting to escape from the jinn realm.
There are so many memories the book triggered in my head – Spirited Away (for the portal realm), Journey to the Centre of the Earth (the underground world), Hotel Magnifique (a legendary magical hotel with VIP guests and enslaved labourers). The book does justice to almost all the expectations it creates through these parallels.
Though a middle grade fiction, the book doesn’t go all light and fluffy. There are several dark themes and important topics such as the value of education and the prevalence of child labour. The author’s note at the end casts further light on these topics and is a must-read.
All in all, a fabulous magical adventure with ‘desi’ vibes and an important message as well. Definitely a yes. I’d love to read more books by this young Pakistani author. You’ve earned yourself a fan in India. 💕
4.25 stars.
My thanks to Walker Books and NetGalley for the DRC of “Nura and the Immortal Palace”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Facebook | Twitter
July 3, 2022
➵ the theme of poverty as a vicious cycle impressed me the most, especially how easily it's conveyed through a middle-grade story. rtc.
17.08.2020 an ownvoices muslim mg fantasy set in a rural town of pakistan where a luxury jinn hotel holds dark secrets? i mean, how do I skip an entire year so I can pick up this book right now—
January 31, 2022
This book was so fun and creepy, and I really loved the way it handled the very difficult issue of child labour, which is something I've actually never read about in a book. Definitely not in an MG one. A really fantastic debut with such brilliant writing and captivating characters. And I also loved how unapologetically Muslim and Pakistani it was.
June 27, 2022
read this review on my blog!
Having read this book I can vouch that the Spirited Away comparison is so apt! Nura and the Immortal Palace is a middle grade fantasy about 12 year old Nura, who works in the mica mines to support her family but when the mine collapses and her friends disappear, she finds herself whisked away into a secret world ruled by the jinn. What follows next is Nura’s race to get herself out of the jinn hotel before it’s too late.
magically written
One of the best things about Nura and the Immortal Palace is how vividly the setting has been described. My South Asian heart absolutely adores the Islam religion and Pakistani culture influences in the book, be it about festivals, the mouth watering food, the dances, the faith or the sense of family among the characters. I love how unapologetically Muslim it is and how the culture blends with the magical elements.
Even when Nura winds up in another realm, the beauty of the descriptions remains the equally imaginative. We’re introduced to the world of the jinn and the hotel Nura and other kids are stuck in and the magical nature is brought to life by M.T. Khan—be it the food competitions, the glamour or the liveliness through which Nura is lured into the faux sense of security. The atmosphere is bright and colourful but the realistic undertones are not to be missed among the glitters.
tackles themes of child labour and importance of education
I really admire how a Middle Grade fantasy manages to include important topics of the vicious cycle of exploitation as well as prevalent child labour practices in parts of the world. Without is seeming heavy on the readers. It shows how carefully crafted this story is! There’s a smooth blend of the shining world in the story with insights into how mere kids are exploited and how the rich turn the poor against each other for their benefit. So while we’re lost in an adventurous tale, it doesn’t fail to shatter the truth about the illusions.
By the end, Nura and the Immortal Palace also makes the readers realise why being educated is important. From revolting against going to school to acknowledging the benefits of being a capable literate, Nura’s growth arc develops subtly but strongly.
engaging characters
Nura is such a delightful voice to read through the book! I was impressed with how determined she was to earn for her family even if it meant grappling with the mica mining. And later on, I appreciated how she absorbed the lessons from different encounters, she always has her family as her priority. She’s a protective elder sister and daughter but also a caring friend.
Faisal, a side character and Nura’s closest friend shines throughout the story too, despite being a side character. He’s anxious and cautious but his bond with Nura is heartwarming, supporting each other through thick and thin.
If all of that hasn’t convinced you yet, this book is for the gulab jamun lovers. Be sure to check out this book for a determined protagonist, her soft boy companion, their adventure into a jinn world and a glimpse into workings of the real world!
thank you netgalley and little brown books for the ARC!
Having read this book I can vouch that the Spirited Away comparison is so apt! Nura and the Immortal Palace is a middle grade fantasy about 12 year old Nura, who works in the mica mines to support her family but when the mine collapses and her friends disappear, she finds herself whisked away into a secret world ruled by the jinn. What follows next is Nura’s race to get herself out of the jinn hotel before it’s too late.
magically written
One of the best things about Nura and the Immortal Palace is how vividly the setting has been described. My South Asian heart absolutely adores the Islam religion and Pakistani culture influences in the book, be it about festivals, the mouth watering food, the dances, the faith or the sense of family among the characters. I love how unapologetically Muslim it is and how the culture blends with the magical elements.
Even when Nura winds up in another realm, the beauty of the descriptions remains the equally imaginative. We’re introduced to the world of the jinn and the hotel Nura and other kids are stuck in and the magical nature is brought to life by M.T. Khan—be it the food competitions, the glamour or the liveliness through which Nura is lured into the faux sense of security. The atmosphere is bright and colourful but the realistic undertones are not to be missed among the glitters.
tackles themes of child labour and importance of education
I really admire how a Middle Grade fantasy manages to include important topics of the vicious cycle of exploitation as well as prevalent child labour practices in parts of the world. Without is seeming heavy on the readers. It shows how carefully crafted this story is! There’s a smooth blend of the shining world in the story with insights into how mere kids are exploited and how the rich turn the poor against each other for their benefit. So while we’re lost in an adventurous tale, it doesn’t fail to shatter the truth about the illusions.
By the end, Nura and the Immortal Palace also makes the readers realise why being educated is important. From revolting against going to school to acknowledging the benefits of being a capable literate, Nura’s growth arc develops subtly but strongly.
engaging characters
Nura is such a delightful voice to read through the book! I was impressed with how determined she was to earn for her family even if it meant grappling with the mica mining. And later on, I appreciated how she absorbed the lessons from different encounters, she always has her family as her priority. She’s a protective elder sister and daughter but also a caring friend.
Faisal, a side character and Nura’s closest friend shines throughout the story too, despite being a side character. He’s anxious and cautious but his bond with Nura is heartwarming, supporting each other through thick and thin.
If all of that hasn’t convinced you yet, this book is for the gulab jamun lovers. Be sure to check out this book for a determined protagonist, her soft boy companion, their adventure into a jinn world and a glimpse into workings of the real world!
thank you netgalley and little brown books for the ARC!
December 12, 2022
this is definitely the kind of book i wish i'd had as a kid when i would devour books about white children going on magical adventures without realizing someone like me could too. also, pakistani media is woefully lacking in middle grade/young adult fiction aimed towards young people so it's really nice to see mainstream fantasy fiction featuring pakistani muslim kids (including ms. marvel).
personally, i wish the theme of education was tackled with more nuance and framed a bit differently (with the onus being more on government/structural failures rather than the protagonist's individual choice) but i understand that's unfair to expect from a short middle grade book.
all in all, i'm glad desi muslim kids can get to see themselves in a fantasy book.
personally, i wish the theme of education was tackled with more nuance and framed a bit differently (with the onus being more on government/structural failures rather than the protagonist's individual choice) but i understand that's unfair to expect from a short middle grade book.
all in all, i'm glad desi muslim kids can get to see themselves in a fantasy book.
June 23, 2022
this book was amazing!! NURA AND THE IMMORTAL PALACE is like desi spirited away and i love that.
December 31, 2022
Disclaimer: I received this E-ARC via the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review and this blog tour post.
Trigger Warning(s): Death of a parent, child labor, grief, and exploitation.
Rep: Pakistani Muslim characters.
My Thoughts Before Reading: When I first heard about this book I was excited! But I at the time had no intention to read it. I knew it was going to be dealing with a heavy subject matter and I wasn’t sure that I was prepared to read that.
I changed my mind on the urging of my sister. I am happy to say that I adored this book!
What I Liked: The plot was fantastic! It was fast paced, there was never a dull moment. I was at the edge of my bed anticipating all the high stakes.
The world building was superb! I loved reading about the imagery and magic of the Sijj palace. The dijjn’s and their powers were so cool to read about.
I loved that child labor and exploitation was explained in an accessible way! Of course it was a heavy subject matter and such matters should be published for every age group. That being said I truly believe middle grade authors have some sort of secret power in how they write their novels. They truly can write anything and it just turns out to make perfect sense and is done so well.
I really liked how the Sijj palace mirrored our own world. I won’t get into spoilers so the only thing I will say is that a lot of the circumstances are very similar to our world.
Nura’s relationship with her family was so lovely to read about! I loved how close she was to her mother, how she treated her siblings, and how much she cared about her family. The devotion and love she had for her family is something that readers will love reading about.
Nura’s relationship with Faisal was so cute! They were such good friends always having each others back, bringing out the best in each other whilst also calling out the other ones faults.
I loved the role Islam played! Whenever Nura would feel helpless she always thought about her religion. Ayat al-Kursi was actually written in the novel and it made my day when I read it.
Nura’s character development was fantastic! I loved how she grew and learned from her mistakes. She did make some rash decisions as well as assumptions (but who doesn’t) and she learns to acknowledge that.
My Criticism(s): Absolutely nothing!
What I’m Looking Forward To: I’m really looking forward to the sequel!
Conclusion: Overall I loved Nura and the Immortal Palace! I highly recommend this book to everyone.
Trigger Warning(s): Death of a parent, child labor, grief, and exploitation.
Rep: Pakistani Muslim characters.
My Thoughts Before Reading: When I first heard about this book I was excited! But I at the time had no intention to read it. I knew it was going to be dealing with a heavy subject matter and I wasn’t sure that I was prepared to read that.
I changed my mind on the urging of my sister. I am happy to say that I adored this book!
What I Liked: The plot was fantastic! It was fast paced, there was never a dull moment. I was at the edge of my bed anticipating all the high stakes.
The world building was superb! I loved reading about the imagery and magic of the Sijj palace. The dijjn’s and their powers were so cool to read about.
I loved that child labor and exploitation was explained in an accessible way! Of course it was a heavy subject matter and such matters should be published for every age group. That being said I truly believe middle grade authors have some sort of secret power in how they write their novels. They truly can write anything and it just turns out to make perfect sense and is done so well.
I really liked how the Sijj palace mirrored our own world. I won’t get into spoilers so the only thing I will say is that a lot of the circumstances are very similar to our world.
Nura’s relationship with her family was so lovely to read about! I loved how close she was to her mother, how she treated her siblings, and how much she cared about her family. The devotion and love she had for her family is something that readers will love reading about.
Nura’s relationship with Faisal was so cute! They were such good friends always having each others back, bringing out the best in each other whilst also calling out the other ones faults.
I loved the role Islam played! Whenever Nura would feel helpless she always thought about her religion. Ayat al-Kursi was actually written in the novel and it made my day when I read it.
Nura’s character development was fantastic! I loved how she grew and learned from her mistakes. She did make some rash decisions as well as assumptions (but who doesn’t) and she learns to acknowledge that.
My Criticism(s): Absolutely nothing!
What I’m Looking Forward To: I’m really looking forward to the sequel!
Conclusion: Overall I loved Nura and the Immortal Palace! I highly recommend this book to everyone.
July 5, 2022
THANKS TO TBR AND BEYOND TOURS AND NETGALLEY FOR GIVING ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO HOST THIS TOUR.
Nura, along with other kids, works in mica mines so her family can survive. Education is not an option for these kids, they spent their day in a struggle to collect the most mica to earn more. Nura's father lost his life working in mines. Nura's mother wants her kids to get an education but it seems luxury when it is hard to meet their basic needs. Nura grew up listening to demon tongue's myth- a hidden treasure, somewhere in mines, that can change her days. The efforts to find this treasure led her to a new world.
Nura and the Immortal Palace made it on my tbr list from the day I saw it on the author's Twitter account and I am more than glad that it was everything it promised to be. Nura as a character sometimes came a bit arrogant but she is a lovely daughter and sister, her efforts toward friendship with Faisal were also a new element that I've rarely read in any middle grade. I love that Nura was unapologetically Muslim and showed it with her actions. I was pleasantly surprised to read direct Islamic and Quranic references as the majority of Muslim books are white-washed for sake of the majority of readers.
The story was so beautiful and sad at the time. I wasn't expecting a middle grade to touch on so many sensitive and important topics. This book advocates the importance of education at every chance it gets along with the opposition to child labor. The world-building of the palace was magical and can easily transport a reader, on the other hand, the way Meera bagh was portrayed transported me to a calm and small village in Pakistan. It made me think that sometimes simple is enough if done brilliantly.
It is definitely that kind of book I'll like my niece and nephews to read.
Nura, along with other kids, works in mica mines so her family can survive. Education is not an option for these kids, they spent their day in a struggle to collect the most mica to earn more. Nura's father lost his life working in mines. Nura's mother wants her kids to get an education but it seems luxury when it is hard to meet their basic needs. Nura grew up listening to demon tongue's myth- a hidden treasure, somewhere in mines, that can change her days. The efforts to find this treasure led her to a new world.
Nura and the Immortal Palace made it on my tbr list from the day I saw it on the author's Twitter account and I am more than glad that it was everything it promised to be. Nura as a character sometimes came a bit arrogant but she is a lovely daughter and sister, her efforts toward friendship with Faisal were also a new element that I've rarely read in any middle grade. I love that Nura was unapologetically Muslim and showed it with her actions. I was pleasantly surprised to read direct Islamic and Quranic references as the majority of Muslim books are white-washed for sake of the majority of readers.
The story was so beautiful and sad at the time. I wasn't expecting a middle grade to touch on so many sensitive and important topics. This book advocates the importance of education at every chance it gets along with the opposition to child labor. The world-building of the palace was magical and can easily transport a reader, on the other hand, the way Meera bagh was portrayed transported me to a calm and small village in Pakistan. It made me think that sometimes simple is enough if done brilliantly.
It is definitely that kind of book I'll like my niece and nephews to read.
July 8, 2022
"History repeats itself. Once again, we fall to chaos. But we'll rise again. And again. And once more."
Comparing a book to a Studio Ghibli movie will always, always put that book on top of my to-read list. And the comparison of Nura and the Immortal Palace to Spirited Away had me so excited to get my hands on it. Reader, this book did not disappoint.
My favorite things about this book:
➛ Nura is exactly the kind of fiercely protective eldest sister main character that I adore soooo much
➛ The emphasis on the cycle of exploitation and how the wealthy pit the powerless against each other so they won't realize the effectivity of banding together and rising up against their oppressors
➛ The underlying message of the importance of education
➛ The absolutely magical descriptions of the hotel...
➛ ...before the facade is peeled back and you see the darkness that lies beneath.
I'm glad I decided to make this one of my API Heritage Month 2022 reads. Can't wait for this to come out so I can get myself a finished copy!
🌿 Read my full review at my blog, Your Tita Kate! 🌿
Comparing a book to a Studio Ghibli movie will always, always put that book on top of my to-read list. And the comparison of Nura and the Immortal Palace to Spirited Away had me so excited to get my hands on it. Reader, this book did not disappoint.
My favorite things about this book:
➛ Nura is exactly the kind of fiercely protective eldest sister main character that I adore soooo much
➛ The emphasis on the cycle of exploitation and how the wealthy pit the powerless against each other so they won't realize the effectivity of banding together and rising up against their oppressors
➛ The underlying message of the importance of education
➛ The absolutely magical descriptions of the hotel...
➛ ...before the facade is peeled back and you see the darkness that lies beneath.
I'm glad I decided to make this one of my API Heritage Month 2022 reads. Can't wait for this to come out so I can get myself a finished copy!
🌿 Read my full review at my blog, Your Tita Kate! 🌿
June 27, 2022
SO GOOD AND FUN AND IMPORTANT rtc!!
Want to read
January 8, 2022- luxury jinn hotel
- a fierce girl and soft boy
- ghibli vibes
- family angst
- morally grey jinn
- a dark and twisted portal world
- about the cycle of child labor and how the wealthy pit the poor against each other
honestly what more can we ask for
- a fierce girl and soft boy
- ghibli vibes
- family angst
- morally grey jinn
- a dark and twisted portal world
- about the cycle of child labor and how the wealthy pit the poor against each other
honestly what more can we ask for
February 21, 2022
"If anyone says that they work for passion or world peace and not the delicious food on their plate, they're lying."
Where do I even start? This book is quite possibly the perfect concoction of every element I love in a story. I cannot help but wish that younger me—Kurdish and Muslim me—could pick up this book and read it for the first time again. It feels both like coming home and entering into a whole new world.
The atmosphere is cozy and daunting, colourful yet dark + explores family, faith, and fear (of jinn). It feels like the stories we all remember being told as a child... the same stories that linger and creep in our shadows as we get older. I am so, so excited for people to read this.
I received an eARC from NetGalley. All opinions are my own. And my honest opinion is that you need to pre-order this book immediately.
Where do I even start? This book is quite possibly the perfect concoction of every element I love in a story. I cannot help but wish that younger me—Kurdish and Muslim me—could pick up this book and read it for the first time again. It feels both like coming home and entering into a whole new world.
The atmosphere is cozy and daunting, colourful yet dark + explores family, faith, and fear (of jinn). It feels like the stories we all remember being told as a child... the same stories that linger and creep in our shadows as we get older. I am so, so excited for people to read this.
I received an eARC from NetGalley. All opinions are my own. And my honest opinion is that you need to pre-order this book immediately.
June 28, 2022
There's truly nothing better than when a Studio Ghibli comparison checks out and I'm happy to say, M.T. Khan 1000% came through with the Ghibli vibes.
With her brilliantly vivid descriptions - be it food, Jinn or the hotel itself - M.T. Khan whisks her readers to the dark and magical world of a luxury Jinn hotel in a cinematic and captivating way. It's a world that's vibrant and daunting, endearing and dangerous. I came away with such a vivid image of every room and every piece of drool enticing food Khan described in a way that left me feeling like I'd watched a movie.
This was snappy and action packed right from the first page until the last. I also think the way M.K. Khan tackled the topic of child labour/exploitation with a sensitivity and honesty that perfectly matches its middle grade market without sugar coating its dangers and wrongness. Nura was a courageous, fierce and determined character to follow and I absolutely adored her sass.
All in all, this was a truly magical adventure with a fantastic message and one I have no doubt will capture the imagination and hearts of readers both young and old.
With her brilliantly vivid descriptions - be it food, Jinn or the hotel itself - M.T. Khan whisks her readers to the dark and magical world of a luxury Jinn hotel in a cinematic and captivating way. It's a world that's vibrant and daunting, endearing and dangerous. I came away with such a vivid image of every room and every piece of drool enticing food Khan described in a way that left me feeling like I'd watched a movie.
This was snappy and action packed right from the first page until the last. I also think the way M.K. Khan tackled the topic of child labour/exploitation with a sensitivity and honesty that perfectly matches its middle grade market without sugar coating its dangers and wrongness. Nura was a courageous, fierce and determined character to follow and I absolutely adored her sass.
All in all, this was a truly magical adventure with a fantastic message and one I have no doubt will capture the imagination and hearts of readers both young and old.
July 4, 2022
Nura and the Immortal Palace is a stunning middle grade fantasy that takes you on a fantastical adventure, while weaving in some important, real-world issues with the story.
full review to come!
Thank you TBR & Beyond Tours and Little, Brown Books for my e-ARC through Netgalley!
full review to come!
Thank you TBR & Beyond Tours and Little, Brown Books for my e-ARC through Netgalley!
August 7, 2022
“But sometimes,” he sighs, ruffling my hair, “if you dig hard enough, you can find sparkles in the dirt, can’t you?”
Rating: 5/5
★★★★
Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for presenting me with an ARC of this book in exchange of a honest review.
read the full review over at my blog!
Nura and the Immortal Palace is a middle grade fantasy set in a rural town in Pakistan. The book follows our protagonist, Nura, who works in the mica mines to help provide for her family. Her life changes one day, when the mines collapse and four children, including her best friend Faisal are said to be dead. And it was all her fault. Reluctant to believe that her best friend is now dead, she digs deeper in hopes of finding him, but instead discovers a magical real home to the djinn.
What makes this book unique and different from the other books is that it treads on much darker themes carefully while also making it action-packed and a worthy read. The prose reads smoothly, it definitely was evident in some places that it was a debut, but nevertheless I loved it, especially the quotes!
A gripping read with a plot that flows consistently, I adored how many turns the story took. It was all reasonable, yet so surprising. The pace is straightforward and doesn’t fail to shine where it needs to. In all honesty, I couldn’t believe such a heavy yet light story could be contained in the span of 270 pages but Maeeda Khan really delivered it!
The way the author stresses education in this book was so powerful! The author’s note really had me thinking about how many children in the world don’t have access to education and that’s just heartbreaking. Nura was the kind of character who entirely gives up on knowledge because she just can’t afford it. But her experiences in the djinn realms made her think otherwise and I’m very sure everyone reading this book would be so proud of her once the reach the end.
Lastly, I really hope everyone reading this review will pick up Nura and the Immortal Palace, because I cannot stress how awesome of a read this was! From Nura to Faisal, everyone in the book was memorable and made up a large part of the story! If you’re interested in Pakistani middle grade fantasies, this is a treat for you.
September 21, 2022
rep: muslim, pakistani
jinn are characters in stories for human kids when they don’t listen to adults. in human’s imagination, they are scary and feared by all. when nura’s excitement caused the collapse of the mica mine, she along with the rest of the kids were transported into another world, into a luxury hotel with jinn roaming freely. however, when she tries to leave, nura finds herself stuck. is she cursed or is this magic?
after the 3 days of eid celebration, if the kids still can’t escape this immortal palace, nura and the rest will find themselves stuck forever. never to return to their families, never to return to their reality. forced to work in the jinn’s realm, nura and faisal tries to find a way out.
i loved the story because it highlights a lot on nura’s nature of being risky and reckless. because of her actions, the mine collapsed, her friends buried under, going missing and landing up at the jinn hotel. however, it was also that that propelled nura to do everything and anything she can to get everyone out. her friendship with faisal is adorable. even though faisal isn’t brave enough in some situations, nura doesn’t blame him and instead, gave him the support. they are total opposites. their belief in one another helped them survive this ordeal. also, the theme of family lingers behind each of the kids’ mind. desperate to get home, they want to escape.
overall, it was incredibly entertaining. something is always happening and i’m always finding out new things about the realm. in nura and the immortal palace, the author emphasised on child labor and education. nura and the rest of the kids in the mica mines risk their lives everyday to earn a little bit so that they can provide extra for the family. because of this, they aren’t attending school and are exploited instead.
i had a wonderful time!
jinn are characters in stories for human kids when they don’t listen to adults. in human’s imagination, they are scary and feared by all. when nura’s excitement caused the collapse of the mica mine, she along with the rest of the kids were transported into another world, into a luxury hotel with jinn roaming freely. however, when she tries to leave, nura finds herself stuck. is she cursed or is this magic?
after the 3 days of eid celebration, if the kids still can’t escape this immortal palace, nura and the rest will find themselves stuck forever. never to return to their families, never to return to their reality. forced to work in the jinn’s realm, nura and faisal tries to find a way out.
i loved the story because it highlights a lot on nura’s nature of being risky and reckless. because of her actions, the mine collapsed, her friends buried under, going missing and landing up at the jinn hotel. however, it was also that that propelled nura to do everything and anything she can to get everyone out. her friendship with faisal is adorable. even though faisal isn’t brave enough in some situations, nura doesn’t blame him and instead, gave him the support. they are total opposites. their belief in one another helped them survive this ordeal. also, the theme of family lingers behind each of the kids’ mind. desperate to get home, they want to escape.
overall, it was incredibly entertaining. something is always happening and i’m always finding out new things about the realm. in nura and the immortal palace, the author emphasised on child labor and education. nura and the rest of the kids in the mica mines risk their lives everyday to earn a little bit so that they can provide extra for the family. because of this, they aren’t attending school and are exploited instead.
i had a wonderful time!
July 15, 2022
4.5 Stars
This was one of my anticipated reads of this year and I am glad to say that it did not disappoint. While written in first-person present, it flowed so naturally that it took several chapters for me to even realize that it wasn't in past tense like what I usually read. The descriptions are very vivid in a childlike sense (after all, it is written for children), but I enjoyed it very much, especially not having to think too deeply while reading. While I wish the voicing/narration child was more...spunky, not quite sure how to describe it, it's still a very solid debut and I'm excited to read more from this author. This story is beautiful and innocent while dealing with the horrendous evils of child labor, and the way M.T. Khan pulls this balance off is very well done.
This was one of my anticipated reads of this year and I am glad to say that it did not disappoint. While written in first-person present, it flowed so naturally that it took several chapters for me to even realize that it wasn't in past tense like what I usually read. The descriptions are very vivid in a childlike sense (after all, it is written for children), but I enjoyed it very much, especially not having to think too deeply while reading. While I wish the voicing/narration child was more...spunky, not quite sure how to describe it, it's still a very solid debut and I'm excited to read more from this author. This story is beautiful and innocent while dealing with the horrendous evils of child labor, and the way M.T. Khan pulls this balance off is very well done.
June 11, 2022
I love this book more than I love Gulab Jamun
Want to read
August 14, 2020A Pakistani middle grade book, written by a Pakistani author? My crops are watered.
June 28, 2022
[This review can also be found on my BLOG]
**I was provided an ARC through Netgalley for a blog tour with Lonely Pages Book Tours in exchange for an honest review**
CW: child labour, grief, death of parent (off page), fire
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An enchanting portal fantasy full of hope but one that also brings to light the harsh realities of poverty that are present around the world.
Nura and the Immortal Palace follows Nura, a 12 year old girl who is one of countless children working in the mica mines of Meera Bagh to help her single mother support their family. Whispers of the Demon’s Tongue, a priceless treasure that would solve anyone’s money problems have been circulating for some time and when Nura’s mother tells her to stop working, it only heightens her ambitions to find it.
However, a mining accident that buries some of the children including Nura’s best friend Faisal shifts her desperation into finding him. What she finds as she digs deep into the mines though, are a pink sea, a purple sky and the realm of the jinn. In awe of all the desires and luxuries this magical world has to offer she goes in search of Faisal however, she must remember to heed the warnings from her mother stories of the jinn and their trickery.
Pairing Islamic mythology with endearing characters and beautifully vivid settings, M. T. Khan’s middle grade debut is equally delightful and enlightening. Despite being for a younger audience I found myself absolutely captivated by this adventure that not only transports you to a world rich in South Asian culture but also imparts significant commentary on child labour and the cycle of exploitation that many families face in the real world.
Nura is fiercely protective of her loved ones and would do anything to get her hands on some gulab jamun and I absolutely loved her. Khan has done a brilliant job in capturing both her boldness and the naivety she has about the world and I really valued the subtler message on the importance of education that is brought into the narrative as we follow her on her journey in this story too.
The two things that I appreciated on a more personal level with this book though were the big sister figure that Nura embodied because as an eldest child myself I saw my younger self in her, and also the depiction of day to day life in a Muslim community. From the prep and excitement for Eid, to the jinn stories told by families and the mention of stories from the Quran and praying Ayat al-Kursi for protection, it just warmed my heart seeing such wholesome representation.
If I could travel back in time right now this is the book that I would immediately hand to younger me. However, this is a book that I believe will be enjoyed by readers of all ages.
Final Rating – 4.5/5 Stars
**I was provided an ARC through Netgalley for a blog tour with Lonely Pages Book Tours in exchange for an honest review**
CW: child labour, grief, death of parent (off page), fire
--
An enchanting portal fantasy full of hope but one that also brings to light the harsh realities of poverty that are present around the world.
Nura and the Immortal Palace follows Nura, a 12 year old girl who is one of countless children working in the mica mines of Meera Bagh to help her single mother support their family. Whispers of the Demon’s Tongue, a priceless treasure that would solve anyone’s money problems have been circulating for some time and when Nura’s mother tells her to stop working, it only heightens her ambitions to find it.
However, a mining accident that buries some of the children including Nura’s best friend Faisal shifts her desperation into finding him. What she finds as she digs deep into the mines though, are a pink sea, a purple sky and the realm of the jinn. In awe of all the desires and luxuries this magical world has to offer she goes in search of Faisal however, she must remember to heed the warnings from her mother stories of the jinn and their trickery.
“History repeats itself. Once again, we fall to chaos… but we’ll rise again. And again. An once more.”
Pairing Islamic mythology with endearing characters and beautifully vivid settings, M. T. Khan’s middle grade debut is equally delightful and enlightening. Despite being for a younger audience I found myself absolutely captivated by this adventure that not only transports you to a world rich in South Asian culture but also imparts significant commentary on child labour and the cycle of exploitation that many families face in the real world.
Nura is fiercely protective of her loved ones and would do anything to get her hands on some gulab jamun and I absolutely loved her. Khan has done a brilliant job in capturing both her boldness and the naivety she has about the world and I really valued the subtler message on the importance of education that is brought into the narrative as we follow her on her journey in this story too.
“There is the wealth of money, but even greater is the wealth of mind. People will descend back into disorder if they don’t hone their wits.”
The two things that I appreciated on a more personal level with this book though were the big sister figure that Nura embodied because as an eldest child myself I saw my younger self in her, and also the depiction of day to day life in a Muslim community. From the prep and excitement for Eid, to the jinn stories told by families and the mention of stories from the Quran and praying Ayat al-Kursi for protection, it just warmed my heart seeing such wholesome representation.
If I could travel back in time right now this is the book that I would immediately hand to younger me. However, this is a book that I believe will be enjoyed by readers of all ages.
Final Rating – 4.5/5 Stars
July 6, 2022
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
more like a 4.5
TW: grief
I immediately loved Nura's character. She is ambitious and compassionate even if her desires sometimes lead her in the wrong direction. Growing up in child labor working in the mines, she just wants to steal slivers of happiness. Moments where she has the agency over her own life. A hand in her own fate. Even more than that, she wishes for things to be easier for her family, for her siblings to go to school, for security. While she can act first, and think about the consequences afterwards, Nura is a middle grade heroine I would have loved as a child.
Beginning with immediate action, Nura and the Immortal Palace is sure to sweep readers off their feet. It balances adventures and riddles to be solved with real conversations about child labor and about poverty. Of not wanting to fall into another trap of servitude which preys on children, their naivety, their hope, and their love. At the same time, Nura and the Immortal Palace examines generalizations. How we can believe we know everything there is about people and really know nothing at all.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
more like a 4.5
TW: grief
I immediately loved Nura's character. She is ambitious and compassionate even if her desires sometimes lead her in the wrong direction. Growing up in child labor working in the mines, she just wants to steal slivers of happiness. Moments where she has the agency over her own life. A hand in her own fate. Even more than that, she wishes for things to be easier for her family, for her siblings to go to school, for security. While she can act first, and think about the consequences afterwards, Nura is a middle grade heroine I would have loved as a child.
Beginning with immediate action, Nura and the Immortal Palace is sure to sweep readers off their feet. It balances adventures and riddles to be solved with real conversations about child labor and about poverty. Of not wanting to fall into another trap of servitude which preys on children, their naivety, their hope, and their love. At the same time, Nura and the Immortal Palace examines generalizations. How we can believe we know everything there is about people and really know nothing at all.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
July 5, 2022
with mouthwatering foods and fascinating lore, M.T. Khan spins a magical story that is rich in themes of friendship, family, and hope. it’s incredibly imaginative, funny, heartwarming, and full of characters to root for. a magical and enthralling adventure rooted in muslim culture and tradition is just exactly what i need right now. nura & faisal my bffs forever!
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rtc that was beautiful… and right before eid al-adha in a few days too.. love it <3
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rtc that was beautiful… and right before eid al-adha in a few days too.. love it <3
July 14, 2024
This was such a breath of fresh air after reading a bunch of adult books!
OK, sure, the writing was a little clunky at times. Particularly, when it came to the themes Khan was trying to convey through the book. Not that they weren't effective, but maybe not as smooth as I hoped. And the book took a while to really warm up for me.
All that being said, Nura and Faisal were such fun characters to read. They really developed over the course of the book in dynamic ways, without completely losing who they were at the beginning. The setting was beautiful and I loved learning about Pakistan culture. It really felt like a movie! I hope we get to see these characters again soon 😄
OK, sure, the writing was a little clunky at times. Particularly, when it came to the themes Khan was trying to convey through the book. Not that they weren't effective, but maybe not as smooth as I hoped. And the book took a while to really warm up for me.
All that being said, Nura and Faisal were such fun characters to read. They really developed over the course of the book in dynamic ways, without completely losing who they were at the beginning. The setting was beautiful and I loved learning about Pakistan culture. It really felt like a movie! I hope we get to see these characters again soon 😄
July 12, 2022
loved this so so much i would have loved it even more as a kid
June 27, 2022
I've only been getting into middle grade books recently, but this one is already one of my favourites! The story is so good and fun with beautiful writing and unique worldbuilding... and the message attached to it all is SO important.
I'm absolutely in awe of this stunning book. Can't wait to collect future M. T. Khan books!
I'm absolutely in awe of this stunning book. Can't wait to collect future M. T. Khan books!
June 27, 2022
I got to read an arc of this book, and I was so charmed by the characters and the magic and the lush world of the Djinn! Nura is such a fierce heroine with such a beautiful heart. I was enthralled by the mysterious magical figures in the Immortal Palace. This book is truly amazing!!
September 17, 2022
trigger warning
One day, Nura finds her way to a magical hotel for jinn, where she has the chance to gain immense riches that will allow her and her family to leave poverty behind. But can it really be so simple?
Let me preface this that my current mood is not great and my patience is not as long as it usually would be, so it might be that had I read this book at another time, I would have liked it more.
We have a first person narrator, a pakistani girl who works in a mica mine because her family can't live on her mom's wage alone. Not only child labour, horrible working conditions on all fronts. Nura tries to be edgy and ruthless and street wise, hardened by her suffering, yet when she meets the jinn and is presented with being able to participate in games where the winner will get filthy rich, she believes everything she is told. Told by creatures she grew up being wary of, because everyone only says that they're always up to tricks and no human should trust their word. I get that she focuses only on the money and the possibilities it would bring, but it feels at odds with the picture the author tried to give of a girl who has always been exploited, has family and friends who constantly get exploited, learns every day not to trust.
If you ignore that characterisation, it should at least be adressed in the narrative how ambivalent the character is.
There was a makeover and I am not fond of those, but the following scene with people randomly bursting into song felt very much like a Bollywood trope, so I am not sure if the makeover is a thing that happens in those movies, too.
I guess this book just didn't work for me. I constantly felt like I'd much rather re-watch Spirited Away, and was constantly comparing those two. Chihiro gets in a similar situation where she was to work as a servant/slave to supernatural beings and loses her memory the longer she remains, but that happens to no fault of her own while Nura just was being dumb and had to deal with the consequences.
If you still think the premise sounds great and you look for a middlegrade story set in Pakistan, just go for it and see if it's up your alley.
The arc was provided by the publisher.
One day, Nura finds her way to a magical hotel for jinn, where she has the chance to gain immense riches that will allow her and her family to leave poverty behind. But can it really be so simple?
Let me preface this that my current mood is not great and my patience is not as long as it usually would be, so it might be that had I read this book at another time, I would have liked it more.
We have a first person narrator, a pakistani girl who works in a mica mine because her family can't live on her mom's wage alone. Not only child labour, horrible working conditions on all fronts. Nura tries to be edgy and ruthless and street wise, hardened by her suffering, yet when she meets the jinn and is presented with being able to participate in games where the winner will get filthy rich, she believes everything she is told. Told by creatures she grew up being wary of, because everyone only says that they're always up to tricks and no human should trust their word. I get that she focuses only on the money and the possibilities it would bring, but it feels at odds with the picture the author tried to give of a girl who has always been exploited, has family and friends who constantly get exploited, learns every day not to trust.
If you ignore that characterisation, it should at least be adressed in the narrative how ambivalent the character is.
There was a makeover and I am not fond of those, but the following scene with people randomly bursting into song felt very much like a Bollywood trope, so I am not sure if the makeover is a thing that happens in those movies, too.
I guess this book just didn't work for me. I constantly felt like I'd much rather re-watch Spirited Away, and was constantly comparing those two. Chihiro gets in a similar situation where she was to work as a servant/slave to supernatural beings and loses her memory the longer she remains, but that happens to no fault of her own while Nura just was being dumb and had to deal with the consequences.
If you still think the premise sounds great and you look for a middlegrade story set in Pakistan, just go for it and see if it's up your alley.
The arc was provided by the publisher.
August 3, 2022
Synopsis & A Spoiler Free Review ✨
🌺 Nura is 12 years old and has worked all her life in the mica mines, hoping to someday find a legendary buried treasure: the Demon's Tongue.
But when a terrible accident traps her best friend Faisal underground, she determines to save him - and crosses over into the magical and treacherous realm of the jinn.
🌺 Themes: Adventure, Friendship, Supernatural, Conflict, Child Labour, Education
🌺 Review: It was amazing to read a book featuring Pakistani characters. I’ve said this before, and I will say it again, I am soo grateful to be living in an era where diversity is finally being given the importance it deserves. Growing up, we did not have the luxury to read about characters who we could relate to in terms of tradition and culture. So, I am lapping it all in now 🤣
🌺 Pace: steady and engaging 👌🏼
🌺 Plot: enjoyable - there are a few hilarious moments that will make you LOL.
🌺 A memorable moment: when Nura recited Ayat-ul-Kursi - The Throne Verse 🥺❤️
🌺 A character I liked: Nura. She is witty and so I liked how perceptive she was, despite never having been to school.
🌺 Prose style: enjoyable (being a teacher of English of course I was making a mental note of each simile I read 🤣) I would love to teach this text to my year 7 students!
🌺 Nura is 12 years old and has worked all her life in the mica mines, hoping to someday find a legendary buried treasure: the Demon's Tongue.
But when a terrible accident traps her best friend Faisal underground, she determines to save him - and crosses over into the magical and treacherous realm of the jinn.
🌺 Themes: Adventure, Friendship, Supernatural, Conflict, Child Labour, Education
🌺 Review: It was amazing to read a book featuring Pakistani characters. I’ve said this before, and I will say it again, I am soo grateful to be living in an era where diversity is finally being given the importance it deserves. Growing up, we did not have the luxury to read about characters who we could relate to in terms of tradition and culture. So, I am lapping it all in now 🤣
🌺 Pace: steady and engaging 👌🏼
🌺 Plot: enjoyable - there are a few hilarious moments that will make you LOL.
🌺 A memorable moment: when Nura recited Ayat-ul-Kursi - The Throne Verse 🥺❤️
🌺 A character I liked: Nura. She is witty and so I liked how perceptive she was, despite never having been to school.
🌺 Prose style: enjoyable (being a teacher of English of course I was making a mental note of each simile I read 🤣) I would love to teach this text to my year 7 students!
Want to read
November 14, 2021This cover is just absolutely stunning. Oh my word.
Do we live in the best time for book covers or what!? All you artists out there, keep being you. You're amazing!!!
Do we live in the best time for book covers or what!? All you artists out there, keep being you. You're amazing!!!
July 2, 2022
This book was so fun and lovely! And the Studio Ghibli comparisons are completely apt: I can absolutely see this as a fantastic animated film! The setting and the background are just so immersive, and I loved seeing how the cultural details were incorporated. The descriptions of the clothes and foods, and even the buildings themselves were just so familiar to me, as well as the little details like mentions of Eid and Ayatul Kursi that show the practice of Islam in rural Pakistan. (Also, can we talk about how gorgeous the UK edition is, with its stepback cover and all the Islamic art??)
The story itself is a really quick and engaging read, with a fast-paced plot and endearing characters. I did think some things happened a little too fast, and the writing was a little choppy at times, but it was also beautiful, and the emotions came through perfectly nonetheless.
The theme of child labour and poverty were so well-done, and not something I’ve seen covered much in kidlit. I hadn’t quite realised from the synopsis that the world Nura comes from is our contemporary world (as opposed to a second fantasy world, à la The Stardust Thief), but I found the depictions of mica mining and sweatshops all the more powerful, and all the more heartbreaking, precisely for that realism. I’m not sure the theme of the importance of education came through quite as strongly as it was intended to, but the ideas of money, and greed, and the cycle of exploitation were wonderfully done, and in an age-appropriate way that I hope a lot of children will be able to understand.
The characters were also adorable. Nura was a bit irritating at times, but it was exactly the kind of stubbornness and slight egotism that would be realistic for a 12-year old forced to take on too much responsibility too early, and I loved that she ultimately was driven by love and care for her family and friends. Her best friend Faisal was such a sweetheart too, and their bond was so precious!
This book was just a joy to read, and I can’t wait to pass it on to my sisters!
CW: child labour; poverty
The story itself is a really quick and engaging read, with a fast-paced plot and endearing characters. I did think some things happened a little too fast, and the writing was a little choppy at times, but it was also beautiful, and the emotions came through perfectly nonetheless.
The theme of child labour and poverty were so well-done, and not something I’ve seen covered much in kidlit. I hadn’t quite realised from the synopsis that the world Nura comes from is our contemporary world (as opposed to a second fantasy world, à la The Stardust Thief), but I found the depictions of mica mining and sweatshops all the more powerful, and all the more heartbreaking, precisely for that realism. I’m not sure the theme of the importance of education came through quite as strongly as it was intended to, but the ideas of money, and greed, and the cycle of exploitation were wonderfully done, and in an age-appropriate way that I hope a lot of children will be able to understand.
The characters were also adorable. Nura was a bit irritating at times, but it was exactly the kind of stubbornness and slight egotism that would be realistic for a 12-year old forced to take on too much responsibility too early, and I loved that she ultimately was driven by love and care for her family and friends. Her best friend Faisal was such a sweetheart too, and their bond was so precious!
This book was just a joy to read, and I can’t wait to pass it on to my sisters!
CW: child labour; poverty
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