The Kingdom of Copper

The Kingdom of Copper by S. A. Chakraborty is the richly layered second novel in The Daevabad Trilogy, expanding its lush world of djinn magic, court politics, and ancient rivalries. Set five years after the events of The City of Brass, the story explores the long-term consequences of revolution and the fragile nature of peace.

Nahri has claimed her place within Daevabad, but power brings new dangers. As a healer and a figure tied to a controversial royal lineage, she becomes a symbol caught between competing factions. Her ideals are tested as she navigates the realities of governance, where good intentions often collide with centuries of resentment and injustice.

Meanwhile, Ali is exiled and struggling to reconcile his faith, his loyalty, and the truths he has uncovered about Daevabad’s history. His journey beyond the city reveals the suffering of those forgotten by its rulers, adding emotional weight and moral urgency to the narrative. Dara, once a figure of mystery and menace, grapples with guilt and identity, forcing readers to reconsider past actions through a more complex lens.

Chakraborty excels at weaving Political Intrigue, Morally Grey Characters, and Found Family into a story driven by difficult choices rather than simple heroics. The magic system remains deeply rooted in bloodlines, belief, and history, while the novel’s pacing allows relationships and tensions to simmer before erupting into conflict.

Thematically rich and emotionally resonant, The Kingdom of Copper examines colonialism, power, and the cost of reform. It refuses easy resolutions, instead highlighting how systems of oppression persist even after the fall of tyrants. With vivid world-building and nuanced character arcs, this sequel elevates the series, setting the stage for an unforgettable conclusion in The Empire of Gold.