The Anarchist Kosher Cookbook by Maxwell Bauman

Overall, the pace of this story was great. And since I am not a spoiler heavy reviewer, let's just say that things go down and the main character discovers she is actually Al-Kabar, a water dancer (or mage) that is set to seek revenge. Her family is introduced and the everyday sense of the setting is engaging. I really love the feel of this novel, the author draws you in immediately and sets the scene nicely with the main character meeting a potential suitor. There is deserts and magic and mages galore. And, when I get the opportunity to read a novel such as Al-Kabar, I really question why I don't read a lot more in this genre!Īl-Kabar is what I would consider Middle Eastern Fantasy. I haven't read a straight fantasy novel for what feels like the longest time ever. French shows us the possibilities in a society where there are few chances and few possibilities for females to be their true selves if that true self is a leader or fighter with Al-Kabbar, Fakhira and Jannat. Though, due to the time and place of the book, a woman would most likely never be a leader, French also shows us Jannat, a strong woman warrior. French plays with gender fluidity and sexual preferences.

Ultimately Fakhira was strong, yet still human.įrench featured the most interesting and twisted love triangle I’ve ever encountered in a book. I love how clever, thoughtful, and logical she is. She is a strong character even in situations where she cannot do anything but control her impulses and not let herself get caught. Fakhira is one of the role models for females. The story was more about Fakhira then about the time or the place. French did an amazing job of putting me exactly where her setting was and making me feel like I was there in the middle of the action. The time period and culture and writing style reminded me of the Women of Genesis series by Orson Scott Card.

The first page and then first chapter and then rest of the book were so very excellent. There was such great detail and the tone and environment of a culturally inspired Arabia in the 900’s was eloquently developed from the very beginning. This story sucked me in from the very first page.

What begins as hope for revenge will only end when Fakhira learns who she is and how she can lead a people to peace. Fakhira is devastated, but when she is chosen as the Champion of the Waters, she will rise to the challenge and the call to help those who can’t help themselves. Fakhira’s home and almost all the people she knew were slaughtered in the middle of a war for power between two power-hungry men.

The Anarchist Kosher Cookbook by Maxwell Bauman