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The Kingdom Over the Sea #1
The Kingdom Over the Sea
‘Enchanting, immersive and beautifully imagined. Once I’d finished, I couldn’t stop dreaming of this magnificent magical world’ A.F. Steadman, author of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief
A breathtaking adventure for fans of Kiran Millwood Hargrave, Sophie Anderson and Eva Ibbotson – perfect for intrepid young explorers age 9+!
My own Yara, if you are reading this, then something terrible has happened, and you are on your own. To return to the city of Zehaira, you must read out the words on the back of this letter . . . Good luck, my brave girl.
When Yara’s mother passes away, she leaves behind a letter and a strange set of instructions. Yara must travel from the home she has always known to a place that is not on any map – Zehaira, a world of sorcerers, alchemists and simmering magic. But Zehaira is not the land it used to be. The practice of magic has been outlawed, the Sultan’s alchemists are plotting a sinister scheme – and the answers Yara is searching for seem to be out of reach.
Yara must summon all of her courage to discover the truth about her mother’s past and her own identity . . . and to find her place in this magical new world.
A breathtaking adventure for fans of Kiran Millwood Hargrave, Sophie Anderson and Eva Ibbotson – perfect for intrepid young explorers age 9+!
My own Yara, if you are reading this, then something terrible has happened, and you are on your own. To return to the city of Zehaira, you must read out the words on the back of this letter . . . Good luck, my brave girl.
When Yara’s mother passes away, she leaves behind a letter and a strange set of instructions. Yara must travel from the home she has always known to a place that is not on any map – Zehaira, a world of sorcerers, alchemists and simmering magic. But Zehaira is not the land it used to be. The practice of magic has been outlawed, the Sultan’s alchemists are plotting a sinister scheme – and the answers Yara is searching for seem to be out of reach.
Yara must summon all of her courage to discover the truth about her mother’s past and her own identity . . . and to find her place in this magical new world.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 2, 2023
45 people are currently reading
6746 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
April 30, 2023
The Kingdom Over the Sea is the kind of book that has the power to transport you to a whole new world whilst you're sat at your desk during your lunch break or at home on the sofa on a chilly evening, which is exactly what it did for me. I flew through this fantastical adventure in just one day, a feat which isn't something I'm able to do often but Zohra Nabi's smooth prose and exciting storytelling demanded it of me.
The Kingdom Over the Sea has magic, hidden powers, long forgotten family, mysterious secrets and Jinn. It's also got heartache, loss and displacement. It's a story of the power of language and the desire for a sense of belonging, just as much as it is an action packed magical adventure and I think Nabi did an excellent job balancing these two aspects of Yara's story.
With magic carpet rides, a brave heroine and a loyal goat Jinn, Zohra Nabi has written a magical and transportive adventure I'd happily recommend.
The Kingdom Over the Sea has magic, hidden powers, long forgotten family, mysterious secrets and Jinn. It's also got heartache, loss and displacement. It's a story of the power of language and the desire for a sense of belonging, just as much as it is an action packed magical adventure and I think Nabi did an excellent job balancing these two aspects of Yara's story.
With magic carpet rides, a brave heroine and a loyal goat Jinn, Zohra Nabi has written a magical and transportive adventure I'd happily recommend.
March 5, 2023
Ohhhh I loved this book! It's so gorgeously written, warm and magical and intensely compelling, with an underlying structure that's satisfyingly rooted on classic fairytale beats but with a very modern heroine I absolutely adored. (One of my favorite lines in the first chapter: "Another twelve-year-old might have been daunted by the task, but Yara, who had been helping organise protest campaigns since she was old enough to understand that there were people in the world who wanted to *shut down libraries*, got to work.")
I loved Yara's uncompromising kindness and her passion for justice. I adored (and laughed a lot over) the wonderful familial relationship she builds with a fabulous jinn in the magical world she returns to after a childhood spent in hiding in Bournemouth, in our world. (And the description of the travel between worlds is so epically magical and breathtaking!) (I also love that our contemporary world WAS her family's portal fantasy - the other world is the one that needs returning to.) I loved the whole community of characters that forms around her, and ohhhh the last line of the book made tears come to my eyes in the best possible way.
I can't wait for Book 2 in this series! And I can already tell that this will be one of my favorite books (in any genre) that I read this year.
I loved Yara's uncompromising kindness and her passion for justice. I adored (and laughed a lot over) the wonderful familial relationship she builds with a fabulous jinn in the magical world she returns to after a childhood spent in hiding in Bournemouth, in our world. (And the description of the travel between worlds is so epically magical and breathtaking!) (I also love that our contemporary world WAS her family's portal fantasy - the other world is the one that needs returning to.) I loved the whole community of characters that forms around her, and ohhhh the last line of the book made tears come to my eyes in the best possible way.
I can't wait for Book 2 in this series! And I can already tell that this will be one of my favorite books (in any genre) that I read this year.
January 17, 2024
3,5
Reseña completa http://letraslibrosymas.blogspot.com/...
¡Vaya cucada de libro! Ha sido genial adentrarme entre sus páginas sin conocer a penas nada porque me ha sorprendido para bien y lo he disfrutado como una enana.
Con una ambientación árabe tipo Aladdin, un mundo nuevo repleto de magia, criaturas, objetos mágicos como alfombras voladoras y peligros por doquier nos encontramos ante un libro autoconclusivo middle grade de fantasía muy muy imaginativa y que atrapa desde la primera página. La forma de narrar de la autora es sencilla y amena, pero le otorga sentimientos y profundidad y por ello te atrapa sin remedio y consigue que el libro se devore, es que aparte de ser finito te mantiene en tensión y estás tan metido en la historia que sin darte cuenta lo acabas. Que no es el mejor libro del mundo y probablemente sea un poco predecible e infantil, pero el viaje de Yara me ha gustado mucho, no sé si por la historia en sí, si porque necesitaba algo así y ha llegado en el momento oportuno o qué ha pasado pero a mí me ha ganado.
La trama está bien hilada con el descubrimiento de Yara de ese reino nuevo, ir conociendo cosas de su pasado y creciendo poco a poco. Las intrigas, la magia y lo que sucedió se va desvelando poco a poco y al final todo cobra sentido, pero es cierto que para ser un libro independiente el final te deja con cosas sin resolver, me hubiese encantado algo más contundente y más respuestas.
Un middle grade de fantasía muy mono y adictivo.
Reseña completa http://letraslibrosymas.blogspot.com/...
¡Vaya cucada de libro! Ha sido genial adentrarme entre sus páginas sin conocer a penas nada porque me ha sorprendido para bien y lo he disfrutado como una enana.
Con una ambientación árabe tipo Aladdin, un mundo nuevo repleto de magia, criaturas, objetos mágicos como alfombras voladoras y peligros por doquier nos encontramos ante un libro autoconclusivo middle grade de fantasía muy muy imaginativa y que atrapa desde la primera página. La forma de narrar de la autora es sencilla y amena, pero le otorga sentimientos y profundidad y por ello te atrapa sin remedio y consigue que el libro se devore, es que aparte de ser finito te mantiene en tensión y estás tan metido en la historia que sin darte cuenta lo acabas. Que no es el mejor libro del mundo y probablemente sea un poco predecible e infantil, pero el viaje de Yara me ha gustado mucho, no sé si por la historia en sí, si porque necesitaba algo así y ha llegado en el momento oportuno o qué ha pasado pero a mí me ha ganado.
La trama está bien hilada con el descubrimiento de Yara de ese reino nuevo, ir conociendo cosas de su pasado y creciendo poco a poco. Las intrigas, la magia y lo que sucedió se va desvelando poco a poco y al final todo cobra sentido, pero es cierto que para ser un libro independiente el final te deja con cosas sin resolver, me hubiese encantado algo más contundente y más respuestas.
Un middle grade de fantasía muy mono y adictivo.
March 16, 2023
It's packed with magical elements, endearing characters, and surprising twists and turns.
I had no idea I'd have so much fun following Yara's adventures; at first, I was sceptical, but it was all worth it by the end. Yara's friendship with others is endearing, and there is a strong family element to it. I liked how her character develops at a leisurely pace.
I couldn't put this book down because of the mystery surrounding Yara's identity; all of my assumptions about her were incorrect. The plot is solid, and the ending teases a sequel, which hopefully will be better than the first. I give it 4.2 out of 5. Thanks to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Children's UK for the eARC!
I had no idea I'd have so much fun following Yara's adventures; at first, I was sceptical, but it was all worth it by the end. Yara's friendship with others is endearing, and there is a strong family element to it. I liked how her character develops at a leisurely pace.
I couldn't put this book down because of the mystery surrounding Yara's identity; all of my assumptions about her were incorrect. The plot is solid, and the ending teases a sequel, which hopefully will be better than the first. I give it 4.2 out of 5. Thanks to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Children's UK for the eARC!
June 20, 2023
Absolutely amazing first book for author Zohra Nabi, I was gripped by the first page! Fun story and lovely characters.
While reading I really got a Disney feel for it, with how magical and fun it was!
Would make a awesome Disney movie ! I’ll start a petition haha 😂
Tiny spoiler
I absolutely loved the pictures in the book! I didn’t know they was coming, so it was a lovely surprise while reading
While reading I really got a Disney feel for it, with how magical and fun it was!
Would make a awesome Disney movie ! I’ll start a petition haha 😂
Tiny spoiler
I absolutely loved the pictures in the book! I didn’t know they was coming, so it was a lovely surprise while reading
April 9, 2024
*3.5 Stars
“The only true measure of our character is how we respond to someone who needs our help.”
I'd like to thank Simon & Schuster for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
Instagram Post
Blog Post
Content Warnings: death of a parent, death, violence
This book was packed with magic! It was filled with rich world-building and an intriguing history of the kingdom it takes place in. I could easily imagine it being real as there were distinct traditions and customs as well as lore woven throughout the story. That being said it did feel as though the action took a while to get started. At some points, the plot dragged a bit but otherwise, it was full of action and adventure! The magical creatures were exciting to learn about and added another intriguing element to the story. I especially enjoyed learning about the jinn and the familiars. The Kingdom Over the Sea also talks about grief and the pain of going through it as a child. The importance of family and friends and finding a place where you belong is also explored and I really enjoyed seeing Yara grow. I'm excited to see how the story continues in the next book in the series! Filled with magic, adventure, grief, and self-determination, readers everywhere will be swept into a magical world with The Kingdom Over the Sea.
“The only true measure of our character is how we respond to someone who needs our help.”
I'd like to thank Simon & Schuster for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
Instagram Post
Blog Post
Content Warnings: death of a parent, death, violence
This book was packed with magic! It was filled with rich world-building and an intriguing history of the kingdom it takes place in. I could easily imagine it being real as there were distinct traditions and customs as well as lore woven throughout the story. That being said it did feel as though the action took a while to get started. At some points, the plot dragged a bit but otherwise, it was full of action and adventure! The magical creatures were exciting to learn about and added another intriguing element to the story. I especially enjoyed learning about the jinn and the familiars. The Kingdom Over the Sea also talks about grief and the pain of going through it as a child. The importance of family and friends and finding a place where you belong is also explored and I really enjoyed seeing Yara grow. I'm excited to see how the story continues in the next book in the series! Filled with magic, adventure, grief, and self-determination, readers everywhere will be swept into a magical world with The Kingdom Over the Sea.
May 6, 2023
Such a wonderfully imaginative debut. Can't wait to see where the story goes.
May 24, 2023
not that bad for a kids book
January 21, 2024
Adorable middle grade book with a lot of diversity and LGBTQ rep!
Magic, different worlds and well written characters.
Magic, different worlds and well written characters.
May 20, 2023
My daughter read this in one day, told me I needed to read it! And loved it highly recommend it!
January 8, 2023
{1/2023} 3.5/5🌟 Fantasy | 337 pages
Hello, everyone and welcome to my first review of 2023!
My first review is going to be a debut by a new writer, Zohra Nabi, who started her journey in writing when she started inventing stories for her two younger sisters. I am still in between 3.5 and 4 stars rating for this read.
It’s a story about a girl, Yara Sulimayah who one day was left with a letter from her mama after her demise, instructing her to return to the city of Zeheira to find a sorceress by the name of Leyla Khatoun, whom she wrote, would be able to help her. Where was Zeheira and how was she supposed to get there? And what was the sorceress supposed to help her with?
She had to get to Zeheira through magic. Yes, she read her mama’s letter a great number of times, and yes - she read everything correctly. She would have to recite magic spells. It was unbelievable but she knew she had to do it. It was a decision between living with a foster family or going to an unknown city of Zeheira. Yara chose the latter.Moreover, she had always wanted to know her ancestry. Yara had always known she and her mama were different than other people, living in a city like London. However, her mama kept changing the discussion every time Yara asked about it. She knew she had to get to Zeheira. She somehow knew there were secrets she needed to unbury.
Never would Yara know that there would be secrets, magic, friendship, family and lies waiting for her in Zeheira.
This is a story with a heavily cultural influence, rich with its traditional nuances and heritage. Perhaps of a Middle-Eastern customs and lifestyle based on the descriptions of attire and food. I love the friendship between Yara and Ajal the jinn, it kinds of reminded me to Suraya and Pink in Hanna Alkaf’s “The Girl and the Ghost”. The world building was so magical and mesmerising. I kept thinking of a lot colours to describe Zeheira. At one point I kept thinking of the background setting of the Aladdin movie, especially the parts where Yara and her friends were running away from the guards and the flying carpet. You will have to read this to understand what I mean.
The story also seriously discussed social issues particularly about generation gaps between young and old - that it’s never wrong for the older ones to listen and learn from the young ones without the latter disrespecting the former; family ties that could never be severed; how kindness would always prevail despite evil lurking from all corners; respecting differences of opinions and views; and how the power of supremacy should never be used in order to diminish the minority.
Too bad I am reading the ARC, as I know the published copy would be wonderfully added with images and maps that would enhance the reading of the story based on the placement instructions. I also particularly love the concept of poetry used in all the spells and incantations. I wish this part was elaborated more.
The ending of the first book seems to hint for a sequel but I guess we will just have to wait and see! Though it’s targetted for middle grade readers, I would specifically recommend this to anyone who loves magic and fantasy.
Thank you #pansing for this review copy in exchange of an honest review. This book will be available in all good bookstores very soon.
#JanuaryReads #JanuaryTBRs #justreaddontbawang #bookmehnia #bookstagrammalaysia #bookstagrammy #malaysiamembaca #bookstagrammer #bookgram #bibliophile #bibliophilemy #bookish #bookaddict #bookaesthetic #bookish #readersofinstagram #goodreads #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookworm #zohranabi #kingdomoverthesea #simonandschuster
Hello, everyone and welcome to my first review of 2023!
My first review is going to be a debut by a new writer, Zohra Nabi, who started her journey in writing when she started inventing stories for her two younger sisters. I am still in between 3.5 and 4 stars rating for this read.
It’s a story about a girl, Yara Sulimayah who one day was left with a letter from her mama after her demise, instructing her to return to the city of Zeheira to find a sorceress by the name of Leyla Khatoun, whom she wrote, would be able to help her. Where was Zeheira and how was she supposed to get there? And what was the sorceress supposed to help her with?
She had to get to Zeheira through magic. Yes, she read her mama’s letter a great number of times, and yes - she read everything correctly. She would have to recite magic spells. It was unbelievable but she knew she had to do it. It was a decision between living with a foster family or going to an unknown city of Zeheira. Yara chose the latter.Moreover, she had always wanted to know her ancestry. Yara had always known she and her mama were different than other people, living in a city like London. However, her mama kept changing the discussion every time Yara asked about it. She knew she had to get to Zeheira. She somehow knew there were secrets she needed to unbury.
Never would Yara know that there would be secrets, magic, friendship, family and lies waiting for her in Zeheira.
This is a story with a heavily cultural influence, rich with its traditional nuances and heritage. Perhaps of a Middle-Eastern customs and lifestyle based on the descriptions of attire and food. I love the friendship between Yara and Ajal the jinn, it kinds of reminded me to Suraya and Pink in Hanna Alkaf’s “The Girl and the Ghost”. The world building was so magical and mesmerising. I kept thinking of a lot colours to describe Zeheira. At one point I kept thinking of the background setting of the Aladdin movie, especially the parts where Yara and her friends were running away from the guards and the flying carpet. You will have to read this to understand what I mean.
The story also seriously discussed social issues particularly about generation gaps between young and old - that it’s never wrong for the older ones to listen and learn from the young ones without the latter disrespecting the former; family ties that could never be severed; how kindness would always prevail despite evil lurking from all corners; respecting differences of opinions and views; and how the power of supremacy should never be used in order to diminish the minority.
Too bad I am reading the ARC, as I know the published copy would be wonderfully added with images and maps that would enhance the reading of the story based on the placement instructions. I also particularly love the concept of poetry used in all the spells and incantations. I wish this part was elaborated more.
The ending of the first book seems to hint for a sequel but I guess we will just have to wait and see! Though it’s targetted for middle grade readers, I would specifically recommend this to anyone who loves magic and fantasy.
Thank you #pansing for this review copy in exchange of an honest review. This book will be available in all good bookstores very soon.
#JanuaryReads #JanuaryTBRs #justreaddontbawang #bookmehnia #bookstagrammalaysia #bookstagrammy #malaysiamembaca #bookstagrammer #bookgram #bibliophile #bibliophilemy #bookish #bookaddict #bookaesthetic #bookish #readersofinstagram #goodreads #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookworm #zohranabi #kingdomoverthesea #simonandschuster
March 9, 2024
This one was a kid's book of the month at work a while ago and I seemed to have picked up a copy then completely forgot about it! Either way, it was about time this one got read - though it took a while to pick up, this book is a truly unique and awesome fantasy, and I'm in love with the world created.
When Yara's mother dies, she leaves her detailed instructions on how to return to her mysterious and magical homeland and to find someone called 'Leyla', who will help her. Yara dives into a magical new world of sorcerers, magic and sinister schemes, as she learns there is more to the kingdom of Zehaira than she previously realised...
This book was awesome! I really love diving into a good fantasy and this book did not let me down on that part.
All the characters are awesome and iconic. Whilst it takes us some time to establish who Yara is, aside from looking for Leyla, she proved to be compelling, bold and couragous and a great icon for this series. I also did love Mehnoor and Rafi - Mehnoor was they ray of sunshine I need in my life. And of course we must give Ajal the 'goat' a shout out!
Both a positive and a qualm was that I needed this book to be soooo much more developed! I kept on forgetting I was reading a kid's book and wanted the full high fantasy world building! From the beautiful map on the front page, that details the lands of Zahaira and the Russlands (I want to uncover more of this map!) to the magic lore surrounding the sorcerers and the alchemists and the part they play in Zahairain society - it's such a beautiful and unique concept, I loved this world so much and just wanted more!
I also loved learning more about Yara's culture. I found myself Googling words I'd never heard before, like niqab and salwar qamis, and engrossing myself into a new and exciting culture.
My only real issue with this book is how long it took to get going. It took quite a bit of time to establish what the stakes were, what our plot was going to be and what the goal of the whole book was. It wasn't until about 2/3rds of the way through did I feel we have any direction. Once it picked up, it was amazing but until then... I struggled to see some direction.
Overall, a wonderful read. I will admit that it took a bit to get going and I did have to push through a bit but I'm glad I did. A wonderful fantasy book that left me wanting more... thank goodness another one is set to come out!
When Yara's mother dies, she leaves her detailed instructions on how to return to her mysterious and magical homeland and to find someone called 'Leyla', who will help her. Yara dives into a magical new world of sorcerers, magic and sinister schemes, as she learns there is more to the kingdom of Zehaira than she previously realised...
This book was awesome! I really love diving into a good fantasy and this book did not let me down on that part.
All the characters are awesome and iconic. Whilst it takes us some time to establish who Yara is, aside from looking for Leyla, she proved to be compelling, bold and couragous and a great icon for this series. I also did love Mehnoor and Rafi - Mehnoor was they ray of sunshine I need in my life. And of course we must give Ajal the 'goat' a shout out!
Both a positive and a qualm was that I needed this book to be soooo much more developed! I kept on forgetting I was reading a kid's book and wanted the full high fantasy world building! From the beautiful map on the front page, that details the lands of Zahaira and the Russlands (I want to uncover more of this map!) to the magic lore surrounding the sorcerers and the alchemists and the part they play in Zahairain society - it's such a beautiful and unique concept, I loved this world so much and just wanted more!
I also loved learning more about Yara's culture. I found myself Googling words I'd never heard before, like niqab and salwar qamis, and engrossing myself into a new and exciting culture.
My only real issue with this book is how long it took to get going. It took quite a bit of time to establish what the stakes were, what our plot was going to be and what the goal of the whole book was. It wasn't until about 2/3rds of the way through did I feel we have any direction. Once it picked up, it was amazing but until then... I struggled to see some direction.
Overall, a wonderful read. I will admit that it took a bit to get going and I did have to push through a bit but I'm glad I did. A wonderful fantasy book that left me wanting more... thank goodness another one is set to come out!
June 8, 2023
What an amazing debut by Zohar Nabi!
Yara’s mother passed away, leaving her with a letter to return to Zehaira, an enchanted land with sorceresses, alchemists and flying carpets. While there she will discover her heritage and fulfill her destiny. Going from a normal life to a land no one would find on a map, Yara finds herself on an adventure she didn’t see coming.
I loved everything about this book. The characters… the magic… & the beautiful descriptions of the setting. Also the fact that it was a portal fantasy. I have high hopes to continue the adventure with Yara and hopefully Rafi and Mehnoor… it seemed like the ending left it open to a possible sequel.
Yara’s mother passed away, leaving her with a letter to return to Zehaira, an enchanted land with sorceresses, alchemists and flying carpets. While there she will discover her heritage and fulfill her destiny. Going from a normal life to a land no one would find on a map, Yara finds herself on an adventure she didn’t see coming.
I loved everything about this book. The characters… the magic… & the beautiful descriptions of the setting. Also the fact that it was a portal fantasy. I have high hopes to continue the adventure with Yara and hopefully Rafi and Mehnoor… it seemed like the ending left it open to a possible sequel.
August 4, 2024
“Because the only true test of your character is how you respond to someone who needs your help…”
A fantastic MG fantasy set across the sea - on a land of spells and secrecy and so many secrets Yara needs to navigate on her own as her mum passed away.
Almost like an eastern fantasy with alchemist, magic and sorcerers - a story full of adventure, suspense and awesome characters along the way.
Highly recommend!
A fantastic MG fantasy set across the sea - on a land of spells and secrecy and so many secrets Yara needs to navigate on her own as her mum passed away.
Almost like an eastern fantasy with alchemist, magic and sorcerers - a story full of adventure, suspense and awesome characters along the way.
Highly recommend!
June 23, 2024
I hadn't heard of this book until I joined a challenge and I looked it up and thought it sounded cute. It was better then cute it was really a good story. I would love for my middle grade kids to pick this up. It had plenty of adventure and action. I loved the world and the magic. The characters I LOVED so much
Yara grew up with her mom in the world we live in but when her mother died she found a note telling Yara to go to this pier and to be firm and to get passage. Where to Yara was going to find out. It brought her to a world full of magic and Sultan's and Grand High Sorceress's and alchemists trying to rid the world of magic. It even had a magic flying carpet. SO GOOD!!!
Yara grew up with her mom in the world we live in but when her mother died she found a note telling Yara to go to this pier and to be firm and to get passage. Where to Yara was going to find out. It brought her to a world full of magic and Sultan's and Grand High Sorceress's and alchemists trying to rid the world of magic. It even had a magic flying carpet. SO GOOD!!!
April 25, 2023
When Yara’s mum dies, she leaves a strange set of instructions behind that lead Yara away from the home she’s always known in England to a parallel realm across the sea and the city of Zehaira.
In Zehaira, Yara discovers that the person she was supposed to find has been banished and the city itself has been torn apart by a power struggle between sorcerers and alchemists. Zara must journey into the wilderness to join up with the outcast sorcerers and find out who she really is.
‘The Kingdom Over the Sea is a lyrical and spellbinding story of friendship, found family and finding your feet in a dazzling new world. Zohra Nabi is a marvellous storyteller and after that cliffhanger ending I hope book 2 isn’t too far away!
In Zehaira, Yara discovers that the person she was supposed to find has been banished and the city itself has been torn apart by a power struggle between sorcerers and alchemists. Zara must journey into the wilderness to join up with the outcast sorcerers and find out who she really is.
‘The Kingdom Over the Sea is a lyrical and spellbinding story of friendship, found family and finding your feet in a dazzling new world. Zohra Nabi is a marvellous storyteller and after that cliffhanger ending I hope book 2 isn’t too far away!
June 2, 2023
I liked it because it was magical. There was a good twist as well
November 5, 2023
This was fantastic middle grade fantasy. Loved the setting and characters especially.
January 11, 2024
Del todo una historia sencilla al modo de un cuento de hadas.
December 7, 2024
I completely fell in love with this book. So much mystery, magic and heartwarming moments. I fell in love with all the characters especially Yara. Some twists I didn’t see coming. Can’t wait to see what happens next.
February 7, 2025
4.5
Love!!
Love!!
March 5, 2023
Wow.. i’d say that for a debut novel it’s quite good!! I don’t expect much actually, but turned out i love it!
The story is about Yara, a girl who doesn’t take a no for an answer, suddenly need to make a journey to the land she never knew before. Along the way, she met a djinn, new friends and new family in her journey, and also find the truth about herself. I’m hoping there will be more stories about Yara-Ajal relationship, because i’m such a djinn lover (good natured djinn obviously!) Also, i feel that Meri-Leyla relationship is a bit too forced. And i think the characters could get more development in the sequel, because for sure i’m hoping for a sequel to come!! Towards the end i feel the story is a lil bit rushed but i still enjoy it so much! Thanks NetGalley for granting me this e-ARC!
The story is about Yara, a girl who doesn’t take a no for an answer, suddenly need to make a journey to the land she never knew before. Along the way, she met a djinn, new friends and new family in her journey, and also find the truth about herself. I’m hoping there will be more stories about Yara-Ajal relationship, because i’m such a djinn lover (good natured djinn obviously!) Also, i feel that Meri-Leyla relationship is a bit too forced. And i think the characters could get more development in the sequel, because for sure i’m hoping for a sequel to come!! Towards the end i feel the story is a lil bit rushed but i still enjoy it so much! Thanks NetGalley for granting me this e-ARC!
July 12, 2024
Está muy bien, para un@ lector@ lo arrecomiendo 💯
April 3, 2024
"Let my power take root. Let it spread deep in the earth, in the wind in the trees, in the fire on the mountain, in the running of the stream. Let it send the darkness back, back, until the rivers run clear and the flowers bud and bloom and our people are free."
This was a very pleasant surprise!
It was - what did you expect? - the cover that attracted my attention, because this is a pretty one too! The title itself isn't too original, unfortunately. That could have been a bit better. But thankfully, the story makes up for it.
This is one of those books where you don't even have the time to take a breath when you start reading. From the very first page, there is something happening. There is a prologue, which (praise the lord) is actually relevant to the rest of the story, but after that you get immediately thrown into the action again twelve years later. In the very first chapter, Yara, the main character, runs away to follow her destiny after her mother has died. No rest for the wicked - I mean, the reader.
And it just goes on like that. The Kingdom over the Sea is over 300 pages filled to the brim with action and more action, one scene after the other. There is so much going on, I wouldn't even know where to start. There are so many different storylines running through each other and combining, it's incredible. And never once does it get complicated.
It is clear from the very start that there is something going on with Yara's background, and although I had my suspicions, I never really pieced everything together right up to before the moment when Yara herself figures everything out. There are several plot twists spread out across the book, the biggest ones obviously more towards the end. Especially the final chapters are, simply put, amazing, and blew me away.
Yara is an incredible character, just like everyone else, really. I love the way she doesn't hesitate to act and just goes for it. That she loves to cook, is something you only rarely see in books, and the way it's used in scenes to develop her and other characters'... character... makes it even better. The jinn (Ajal) was fun to read about as well. And I loved all the scenes with Leyla; she reminds me a bit of Marcia Overstrand from the Septimus Heap series by Angie Sage, who is one of my all-time favourite characters. (Leyla doesn't quite succeed in achieving her level, to be fair, but she was still great, a very well-formed person.)
The world is clearly based on the islamic world and its mythology, with alchemists, viziers and magic carpets. It was so well-written, you could almost feel as if you were travelling through Zehaira and further onwards with Yara. The differences between sorcerers and alchemists was also very original. The way the magic works is very different than in most fantasy novels as well.
There is still a lot that needs to be resolved at the end of this book, so thankfully there's a sequel in the works. I can't wait to read more about this world and follow these characters as they continue to develop; I am definitely curious to find out what else Zohra Nabi has in store for Yara, Leyla, and... other characters about whom I shall keep quiet for the moment. Really, the only reason why this book isn't getting five stars is just because I have this vague feeling that something just could have been added, although I don't know what that could be. Like I said, it's a feeling. Maybe those five stars are for Book 2.
8.3/10
This was a very pleasant surprise!
It was - what did you expect? - the cover that attracted my attention, because this is a pretty one too! The title itself isn't too original, unfortunately. That could have been a bit better. But thankfully, the story makes up for it.
This is one of those books where you don't even have the time to take a breath when you start reading. From the very first page, there is something happening. There is a prologue, which (praise the lord) is actually relevant to the rest of the story, but after that you get immediately thrown into the action again twelve years later. In the very first chapter, Yara, the main character, runs away to follow her destiny after her mother has died. No rest for the wicked - I mean, the reader.
And it just goes on like that. The Kingdom over the Sea is over 300 pages filled to the brim with action and more action, one scene after the other. There is so much going on, I wouldn't even know where to start. There are so many different storylines running through each other and combining, it's incredible. And never once does it get complicated.
It is clear from the very start that there is something going on with Yara's background, and although I had my suspicions, I never really pieced everything together right up to before the moment when Yara herself figures everything out. There are several plot twists spread out across the book, the biggest ones obviously more towards the end. Especially the final chapters are, simply put, amazing, and blew me away.
Yara is an incredible character, just like everyone else, really. I love the way she doesn't hesitate to act and just goes for it. That she loves to cook, is something you only rarely see in books, and the way it's used in scenes to develop her and other characters'... character... makes it even better. The jinn (Ajal) was fun to read about as well. And I loved all the scenes with Leyla; she reminds me a bit of Marcia Overstrand from the Septimus Heap series by Angie Sage, who is one of my all-time favourite characters. (Leyla doesn't quite succeed in achieving her level, to be fair, but she was still great, a very well-formed person.)
The world is clearly based on the islamic world and its mythology, with alchemists, viziers and magic carpets. It was so well-written, you could almost feel as if you were travelling through Zehaira and further onwards with Yara. The differences between sorcerers and alchemists was also very original. The way the magic works is very different than in most fantasy novels as well.
There is still a lot that needs to be resolved at the end of this book, so thankfully there's a sequel in the works. I can't wait to read more about this world and follow these characters as they continue to develop; I am definitely curious to find out what else Zohra Nabi has in store for Yara, Leyla, and... other characters about whom I shall keep quiet for the moment. Really, the only reason why this book isn't getting five stars is just because I have this vague feeling that something just could have been added, although I don't know what that could be. Like I said, it's a feeling. Maybe those five stars are for Book 2.
8.3/10
February 20, 2025
Enjoyed the audio
February 11, 2023
I read this astonishing debut while curled up in bed, transported to a whole new world while being reminded of everything I love about children’s literature. The Kingdom Over the Sea is a stunning story of the power of words and standing up for what’s right. Yara Sulimayah is a Lyra Belaqua for a new generation. Absolutely magnificent.
When Yara’s mother dies, she leaves behind a letter guiding Yara to a world of sorcerers, alchemists and magic. But in the city of Zehaira, magic is outlawed by the Sultan, and Yara finds secrets at every turn.
The undercurrent of protest and collective power runs through this story as much as the strength we can find in the right words, as magic in this universe is poetical spellwork.
It’s also a rollicking adventure — lost family, mysterious messages, an untamed power and dark workings against the people by the oppressors. Yara is a brilliant, stubborn, clever girl who readers will immediately fall in love with. Obviously I also love Ajal the goat jinn.
It is everything I love about fantasy stories — the characters! the magic! the fighting back against oppressors! heaps of heartache! — delivered in the most gorgeous prose, really one for the Millwood Hargrave, Rundell, Bushby, McNicoll fans.
I am absolutely desperate to read more by Zohra Nabi, who I think is a tremendous talent, and I can’t wait for more adventures with Yara in 2024. The Kingdom Over the Sea is out in May this year and is going to be beloved by so many of all ages.
When Yara’s mother dies, she leaves behind a letter guiding Yara to a world of sorcerers, alchemists and magic. But in the city of Zehaira, magic is outlawed by the Sultan, and Yara finds secrets at every turn.
The undercurrent of protest and collective power runs through this story as much as the strength we can find in the right words, as magic in this universe is poetical spellwork.
It’s also a rollicking adventure — lost family, mysterious messages, an untamed power and dark workings against the people by the oppressors. Yara is a brilliant, stubborn, clever girl who readers will immediately fall in love with. Obviously I also love Ajal the goat jinn.
It is everything I love about fantasy stories — the characters! the magic! the fighting back against oppressors! heaps of heartache! — delivered in the most gorgeous prose, really one for the Millwood Hargrave, Rundell, Bushby, McNicoll fans.
I am absolutely desperate to read more by Zohra Nabi, who I think is a tremendous talent, and I can’t wait for more adventures with Yara in 2024. The Kingdom Over the Sea is out in May this year and is going to be beloved by so many of all ages.
April 28, 2023
This 336 page middle grade fantasy book had a lot of promise for me, but ultimately fell a little flat. The protagonist was likeable, there was emotion, the story was compelling, and I know it is widely said that debut novels tend to be a little weak or be underdeveloped or having pacing problems, yet I hesitate these days to use this as an excuse. I've been around the industry a few years and it seems many author's debut novel, is not, in fact, the first book they've written or even the first book they've "sold." Books are written and finalized years before they are released for some genres particularly of late, so I'm trying not to let myself get caught up in the author's writing journey (I'm sure I'm all sorts of wrong about what I think it would be anyway), and just review the book in front of me. This book has no religion, and I don't know if the author identifies as Muslim. There are a hodgepodge of Arab and Desi cultural references in the characters' names, and in the sprinkling in of salwar qamis, abaya, head scarf, sambusak, and there is a ma'a salama at one point along with the presence of jinn (not religiously referenced). There is also mention of medicinal wine, magic, a lady who has a crush on another lady in her youth, music, and dancing. The book held my interest as I wanted to see how it unraveled, and I recognize that there is a book two, so some of my thoughts might be premature, but I struggled with the premise of the protagonist trying to understand the journey her deceased mother has sent her on, and how the person she was supposed to find for the answers simply won't talk, even though the two are living together. It made the story really drag in places and seem underdeveloped. The world building, the backstories, the adventure at hand, really is imaginative, but the development of the relationships in the story are absolutely non existent, and the book overall suffers because of it. Also the ease in which rising action is resolved is often the kids just throwing an idea out and it being right. I read and review through a critical lens and many recent middle grade fantasy books have been absolutely incredible, perhaps it isn't fair to compare, but this book just came up short for me in developing memorable characters and plot, even though all the elements were present, capitalizing on bringing it all together stayed just out of reach unfortunately.
SYNOPSIS:
Yara's mother has died and when she finds a letter with instructions of what to do and where to go should this moment arrive, she decides to dodge her social worker and journey to a world of magic across the sea. Unsure of her own background, she thinks she might be Iraqi, but doesn't speak Arabic, she longs to find a place to belong, and when she arrives in Zehaira and hears the language of her mother, she is hopeful that this Leyla Khatoun, who lives in the third to last house on Istehar Way, will provide her with answers. But alas Leyla is not there, the Sultan's alchemists are, and Yara is now on the run in a foreign land. Help finds her and with a little magic she finds Leyla. Leyla begrudgingly takes her in, but refuses her any insight into her past, her relationship with her mother, or why the letter directed Yara to her. As the alchemists poison the sorcerers, Leyla and some other kids (friends?) have to find a way to save the settlement and magic in the land.
WHY I LIKE IT:
Yara as a character is likeable, she is plucky, resourceful, determined, and despite her circumstance does not want or need pity or handouts. She advocates for animals, the poor, is a grassroots organizer, and unapologetic in how she carries herself. I love that she isn't whiney or helpless, and that she trusts herself to problem solve and isn't afraid to think outside the box, while maintaining her kindness and appreciation for those around her.
As someone who doesn't like Alice in Wonderland type stories, this book grounded the world building in an easily consumable way, so even though it is Yara leaving the UK and stepping into a new world, the functioning of the new world didn't feel random or surprising. While this was beneficial for someone like me, it made the focus of the story more on the characters' relationships in enhancing the plot, and the book wasn't strong in showing those connections. Yara meets a map maker for a moment and a cat, and months later recalls the cat and the map maker by name and face. A boy, Rafi, who is also studying magic and Yara don't get along, yet are friends because it says so, the book doesn't show us their bond. Rafi meets some great uncle and the great uncle is painfully underdeveloped (along with his "friend") and the tangent weak in reinforcing the major climax. The relationship between Yara and Leyla is the center of the story and so glossed over, there is no tangible connection, or cathartic release when details emerge, it was very disappointing to say the least. Yara and Ajal, the jinn, what is that relationship even, she frees him à la Aladdin freeing the Genie, but they are friends, not friends, he looks out for her, but doesn't like her, the telling and the showing don't align. Even Yara's relationship with the settlement and the inhabitants is disconnected from the plot of saving magic. The climax is weak because we, the reader, don't feel any connection to any magical folk. The emotion of the mother dying at the beginning and the slight retrospection (I'm not going to spoil it) of the mother's love at the end, was developed and made me invested in Yara, that same energy did not present itself, sadly, in any other relationships in the book.
FLAGS:
Death, loss, poison, imprisonment, magic, mention of medicinal wine, one line mention of a female character liking another female character as more than a friend, dancing, singing, jinn, torture, male and female friendships, destruction, lying, sneaking.
TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
I wouldn't use this as a book club selection and wouldn't go out of my way to shelve it in the school library or classroom library. I will probably read the second book though and see where the series goes and reevaluate. I will also probably read future works from the author as the sparks of good story telling and writing definitely show promise for the author even though this particularly book wasn't "magical" for me.
SYNOPSIS:
Yara's mother has died and when she finds a letter with instructions of what to do and where to go should this moment arrive, she decides to dodge her social worker and journey to a world of magic across the sea. Unsure of her own background, she thinks she might be Iraqi, but doesn't speak Arabic, she longs to find a place to belong, and when she arrives in Zehaira and hears the language of her mother, she is hopeful that this Leyla Khatoun, who lives in the third to last house on Istehar Way, will provide her with answers. But alas Leyla is not there, the Sultan's alchemists are, and Yara is now on the run in a foreign land. Help finds her and with a little magic she finds Leyla. Leyla begrudgingly takes her in, but refuses her any insight into her past, her relationship with her mother, or why the letter directed Yara to her. As the alchemists poison the sorcerers, Leyla and some other kids (friends?) have to find a way to save the settlement and magic in the land.
WHY I LIKE IT:
Yara as a character is likeable, she is plucky, resourceful, determined, and despite her circumstance does not want or need pity or handouts. She advocates for animals, the poor, is a grassroots organizer, and unapologetic in how she carries herself. I love that she isn't whiney or helpless, and that she trusts herself to problem solve and isn't afraid to think outside the box, while maintaining her kindness and appreciation for those around her.
As someone who doesn't like Alice in Wonderland type stories, this book grounded the world building in an easily consumable way, so even though it is Yara leaving the UK and stepping into a new world, the functioning of the new world didn't feel random or surprising. While this was beneficial for someone like me, it made the focus of the story more on the characters' relationships in enhancing the plot, and the book wasn't strong in showing those connections. Yara meets a map maker for a moment and a cat, and months later recalls the cat and the map maker by name and face. A boy, Rafi, who is also studying magic and Yara don't get along, yet are friends because it says so, the book doesn't show us their bond. Rafi meets some great uncle and the great uncle is painfully underdeveloped (along with his "friend") and the tangent weak in reinforcing the major climax. The relationship between Yara and Leyla is the center of the story and so glossed over, there is no tangible connection, or cathartic release when details emerge, it was very disappointing to say the least. Yara and Ajal, the jinn, what is that relationship even, she frees him à la Aladdin freeing the Genie, but they are friends, not friends, he looks out for her, but doesn't like her, the telling and the showing don't align. Even Yara's relationship with the settlement and the inhabitants is disconnected from the plot of saving magic. The climax is weak because we, the reader, don't feel any connection to any magical folk. The emotion of the mother dying at the beginning and the slight retrospection (I'm not going to spoil it) of the mother's love at the end, was developed and made me invested in Yara, that same energy did not present itself, sadly, in any other relationships in the book.
FLAGS:
Death, loss, poison, imprisonment, magic, mention of medicinal wine, one line mention of a female character liking another female character as more than a friend, dancing, singing, jinn, torture, male and female friendships, destruction, lying, sneaking.
TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
I wouldn't use this as a book club selection and wouldn't go out of my way to shelve it in the school library or classroom library. I will probably read the second book though and see where the series goes and reevaluate. I will also probably read future works from the author as the sparks of good story telling and writing definitely show promise for the author even though this particularly book wasn't "magical" for me.
November 5, 2024
“There are things you can pass on that are more important than magic… teaching your daughter that she must keep making demands of the world, no matter how often it denies her”
A heartwarming tale of friendship, finding yourself, magic, sorcery and belonging💖 my heart feels so full after this lovely story and I didn’t expect it to be a series, but now I have to read the second one!
I loved how beautiful the author wrote about their culture and traditions
A heartwarming tale of friendship, finding yourself, magic, sorcery and belonging💖 my heart feels so full after this lovely story and I didn’t expect it to be a series, but now I have to read the second one!
I loved how beautiful the author wrote about their culture and traditions
March 18, 2024
Good YA/ teen book. Was full of action and I really liked the world and how it was set. The writing is so fast pace and so easy to read!
Read
July 18, 2024the city of brass but a million times better tbh. middle grade at its finest.
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