Author Saladin Ahmed's debut novel envelops the reader in a fantastical adventure straight into the Crescent Moon Kingdoms where djenn and ghuls, holy warriors and heretics, find themselves in a power struggle involving powerful and brutal Khalif and a thief known as the Falcon Prince. During the struggle, a series of murders occur that are supernatural in origin. As more is revealed, we find out there is a plot for the THRONE OF THE CRESCENT MOON that will not only ruin the city of Dhamsawwaat, but potentially the entire world.

This book is a powerhouse of heart and soul packed into an unsuspecting nice, neat little package. To say that Ahmed is a good writer is a mute point to those who are familiar with his Hugo and Nebula award nominated short fiction and this novel carries on his tradition with its chin held high, wading through the competition with ease. The familiar elements of action and fantasy are here, but there's so much more. A surprising element that Ahmed incorporated into this tale was one of religiosity; or is it a social decree? Beneath the elegant fantasy story there is a strong message. Don't take me wrong, this is no propaganda; this is prose. You will find no pablum here, only beautifully written, engaging storylines and arcs that are written with a tenacious talent that permeates the pages.

THRONE OF THE CRESCENT MOON is one of my top five books read so far this year, and I have read a lot. I wish I could buy copies of this one and give them away to all of my friends and other readers. Yes, it's that good.