Throne of the Crescent Moon, Saladin Ahmed

First off, how cool was it to have a fantasy book with Islamic background tied to it? I really enjoyed that and I'll certainly be snatching up any of the rest of the series. I want to know what happens to everyone involved in this story, even if it wasn't really very fast paced.

"The boy saved my fat ass. I'd be dead if not for him." p9
It was refreshing to see such modern conversation among friends, especially in a book that throws back to non-modern elements.

What mattered here, though, was that it had nearly killed a girl in the home of her and her husband's closest friend. That made it their problem, too. p123
Again with the deep bonds of friendship. You really feel the connection between characters in this book. I can't say that enough.

"And books are like spies' reports frozen in amber." p222
How true this is.

Ahead of them, Litaz spoke softly to Zamia and Raseed, but Dawoud and his old friend kept silent as they strode, saving their breath for breathing. p185
Just an example of the writing there that makes you smile.

I loved this book... purely and simply it was amazing. I keep meaning to look up the author and see if he's written the next one in the series yet. This was a breath of fresh air into the fantasy genre.

According to his blog, it's out next year. Sort of an odd post, but... I suppose I understand.