The Daughters of Izdihar

De: Hadeer Elsbai

Narrado por: Priya Ayyar, Nikki Massoud

From debut author Hadeer Elsbai comes the first book in an incredibly powerful new duology, set wholly in a new world, but inspired by modern Egyptian history, about two young women—Nehal, a spoiled aristocrat used to getting what she wants and Giorgina, a poor bookshop worker used to having nothing—who find they have far more in common, particularly in their struggle for the rights of women and their ability to fight for it with forbidden elemental magic

As a waterweaver, Nehal can move and shape any water to her will, but she’s limited by her lack of formal education. She desires nothing more than to attend the newly opened Weaving Academy, take complete control of her powers, and pursue a glorious future on the battlefield with the first all-female military regiment. But her family cannot afford to let her go—crushed under her father’s gambling debt, Nehal is forcibly married into a wealthy merchant family. Her new spouse, Nico, is indifferent and distant and in love with another woman, a bookseller named Giorgina.

Giorgina has her own secret, however: she is an earthweaver with dangerously uncontrollable powers. She has no money and no prospects. Her only solace comes from her activities with the Daughters of Izdihar, a radical women’s rights group at the forefront of a movement with a simple goal: to attain recognition for women to have a say in their own lives. They live very different lives and come from very different means, yet Nehal and Giorgina have more in common than they think. The cause—and Nico—brings them into each other’s orbit, drawn in by the group’s enigmatic leader, Malak Mamdouh, and the urge to do what is right.

But their problems may seem small in the broader context of their world, as tensions are rising with a neighboring nation that desires an end to weaving and weavers. As Nehal and Giorgina fight for their rights, the threat of war looms in the background, and the two women find themselves struggling to earn—and keep—a lasting freedom.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

amazing

very well paced and enthralling could not put it down. I will immediately start the sequel

Good character drama

I found myself drawn to both of the protagonists in this story. Nehal appears snobbish at first, but rounds out to a fierce and driven person. Giorgina, while lacking in social status, is also not meek. Her growth in self-assuredness is a strong theme. This is ultimately a character-driven story that hints at wider political conflict. The interplay of various socio-political figures, each with their own motivations and public perception of their motivations, is well executed. The world-building is interesting, but I'm not sure I understand how weaving dan be so common, and yet be considered such an oddity among the general populace.

A smart alternative fantasy

I'm always glad to experience both some non-western fantasy, and fantasy stories that are built around something other than saving the entire world.

This satifies both, and is a smart and entertaining story. It does a marvelous job of taking some characters that could easily be unlikable, and making you root for them.

I cannot wait for book 2!

Ms Elsbai brings her world to life. Superb book. I felt as if I knew the characters and lived in the cities.

Fantasy, but not fiction

Both narrators did a great job. I found their voices very appealing. The story had it's ups and downs; mostly I had to remind myself that 20 isn't that much more mature than 18 when some characters were very impulsive! That said, this is a story about women's rights and the fight for them. The fantasy setting allows it to be set apart from our world and not have to be caught up in actual history, so the story can flourish on it's own. It reminded me of "The Terrorists of Irustan" though with a more hopeful ending (in part since it leads to a sequel! I'm also getting said sequel after I finish this review). One of the things this book made me think of again is how men call women terrorists when they demand rights, yet men are the ones using violence to achieve their ends. In 2026, this topic is again relevant and voting is a right women are having to fight for. I recommend this book for anyone and everyone. Either it contains themes that resonate with you or can open your mind to what half the world's population deals with.