The River of Silver: Tales from the Daevabad Trilogy

by S. A. Chakraborty, Shannon Chakraborty

Overview

Bestselling author S. A. Chakraborty’s acclaimed Daevabad Trilogy gets expanded with this new compilation of stories from before, during, and after the events of The City of Brass, The Kingdom of Copper, and The Empire of Gold, all from the perspective of characters both beloved and hated, and even those without a voice in the novels. The River of Silver gathers material both seen and new—including a special coda fans will need to read—making this the perfect complement to those incredible novels.

Now together in one place, these stories of Daevabad enrich a world already teeming with magic and wonder. Explore this magical kingdom, hidden from human eyes. A place where djinn live and thrive, fight and love. A world where princes question their power, and powerful demons can help you…or destroy you.

A prospective new queen joins a court whose lethal history may overwhelm her own political savvy…

An imprisoned royal from a fallen dynasty and a young woman wrenched from her home cross paths in an enchanted garden…

A pair of scouts stumble upon a secret in a cursed winter wood that will turn over their world…

From Manizheh’s first steps towards rebellion to adventures that take place after The Empire of Gold, this is a must-have collection for those who can’t get enough of Nahri, Ali, and Dara and all that unfolded around them.  

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780063093744
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	10/11/2022
Series:	Daevabad Trilogy Series
Sold by:	HARPERCOLLINS
Format:	eBook
Pages:	256
Sales rank:	90,470
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Shannon Chakraborty is the author of the critically acclaimed and internationally bestselling Daevabad Trilogy. Her work has been translated into over a dozen language and nominated for the Hugo, Locus, World Fantasy, Crawford, and Astounding awards. You can find her online at www.sachakraborty.com or on Instagram and Twitter as @SAChakrabooks.

Editorial Reviews

08/15/2022

Chakraborty returns to the world of her beloved Daevabad trilogy (first visited in The City of Brass) with 15 shorts, many of them cut scenes from the novels, that enrich the worldbuilding and provide extra insight into the characters. The myriad perspectives here (each story is named after the POV character) allow readers a behind-the-scenes glimpse of characters’ psyches and motivations. In “Manizheh,” the cruel oppression of the djinn king Ghassan sparks a desire for vengeance in the eponymous goddess. The would-be queen in “Hatset” has a surprisingly frank discussion with Ghassan to set clear expectations before their marriage. In “Ali,” Prince Alizayd rescues a missing girl at the bottom of a river and discovers a kingdom frozen in time where he must use his newfound powers to fight a demon’s army. Two scouts of the Royal Guard encounter a nightmare of legend in the rural countryside in “The Scout.” Perhaps most exciting for fans will be “An Alternative Epilogue to The Empire of Gold,” which offers a different end to the series as a whole. Though this collection should not be anyone’s introduction to this world, it will be a treat for series devotees. Agent: Jennifer Azantian, Azantian Literary. (Oct.)

Publishers Weekly

If this is the last we see of Chakraborty’s wildly unique magical world, it is certainly a gleaming and precious gift.” — Paste Magazine on The River of Silver

"This story compilation is a must-have ... as it showcases her amazing characters and lush world one more time." — Library Journal on The River of Silver

“I loved the protagonist, there was a nice cast of supporting characters, and the plot had some twists and turns that I did not see coming… Her style is vivid and colourful and very readable. The best thing, though, was the setting. Instead of drawing on the European Dark Ages and Middle Ages, Chakraborty evoked the flavours of the Middle East and Arabian Knights and the legends of the djinns. I enjoyed the novel hugely, and I just ordered the second and third books in the trilogy so I may continue the adventure.” — George R. R. Martin on City of Brass

“The City of Brass reads like an invitation for readers from Baghdad to Fairbanks to meet across impossibly divergent worlds through the shared language and images of the fantastical.” — New York Times Book Review

“Chakraborty writes a winning heroine in Nahri—flawed but smart and engaging. And her portrayal of the cultural conflicts in the magical city of Daevabad and of Ali’s inner turmoil is compelling and complex, serving as a strong counterpoint to the thrilling action.” — Washington Post on City of Brass

"With musical prose, majestic settings, and an epic story, Chakraborty’s finale to a trilogy will ignite passion in her many fans. Fervidly recommended to all readers of the fantasy genre." — Booklist (starred review) on Empire of Gold

"Chakraborty (The City of Brass) brings her epic fantasy series to a stunning conclusion. Rich details, familial ties, and magical politics sing in this lush world built from Middle Eastern history and imagination." — Library Journal (starred review) on Empire of Gold

“Chakraborty combines the plot’s many surprises with vivid prose, and leavens the action with wry humor. There is enough material here—a feisty, independent lead searching for answers, reminiscent of Star Wars’s Rey, and a richly imagined alternate world—to support a potential series.” — Publishers Weekly on City of Brass

“This lyrical historical fantasy debut brings to vivid life the ancient mythological traditions of an Islamic world...Chakraborty’s grasp of Middle Eastern history, folklore, and culture inspires a swiftly moving plot, richly drawn characters, and a beautifully constructed world that will entrance fantasy aficionados.” — Library Journal (starred review) on City of Brass

“Vivid descriptions percolate the lush prose, and a final twist leaves room for a sequel. Recommend this scintillating, Middle Eastern fantasy to fans of thoughtful, mystical adventures.” — Booklist

“The City of Brass is more than a promising debut — it beguiles all the way...Chakraborty’s research and imagination are equally strong, and she deftly sets up a rich world — and ample suspense — for the rest of this trilogy.” — Variety

“Chakraborty’s first book in her in Daevabad Trilogy introduces an enchanting world of magic and treachery that will leave you clamoring for book two.” — Paste Magazine

“No series since George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire has quite captured both palace intrigue and the way that tribal infighting and war hurt the vulnerable the most.” — Paste Magazine

“[The Kingdom of Copper] is epic fantasy that is shrunk to the perspective of the individual. If you’re looking for a compelling, heart-rending drama that just happens to also be one of the most thought-provoking epic fantasies to come out in a long time, look no further.” — BookPage

“It was a treat to return to Chakraborty’s richly drawn world. [...] engaging, satisfying, and left me looking forward to what comes next.” — The Speculative Shelf

“Chakraborty plunges right back into the action set up in The City of Brass [...] This intriguing fantasy series appears to be well on its way to an exciting conclusion.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“With gorgeous world building, compelling characters, and clashing schemes, the second in Chakraborty’s Daevabad trilogy will thrill her many fans.” — Booklist (starred review)

“The second installment of Chakraborty’s stunningly rendered Middle Eastern fantasy trilogy...As good or better than its predecessor: promise impressively fulfilled.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“With a richly immersive setting and featuring complex familial, religious, and racial ties and divides, Chakraborty’s second book in the trilogy wraps readers in a lush and magical story that takes over all the senses.” — Library Journal (starred review)

“Chakraborty manages what many epic fantasy writers have never achieved: a world where everyone can see themselves not only mirrored, but powerful.” — New York Journal of Books

“The centuries-long power struggle for the magical kingdom of Daevabad comes to a head in this marvelous final adventure in Chakraborty’s Daevabad trilogy...This mammoth finale is a worthy finish to a beloved series.”

— Publishers Weekly

From the Publisher

The City of Brass is more than a promising debut — it beguiles all the way...Chakraborty’s research and imagination are equally strong, and she deftly sets up a rich world — and ample suspense — for the rest of this trilogy.

Variety

I loved the protagonist, there was a nice cast of supporting characters, and the plot had some twists and turns that I did not see coming… Her style is vivid and colourful and very readable. The best thing, though, was the setting. Instead of drawing on the European Dark Ages and Middle Ages, Chakraborty evoked the flavours of the Middle East and Arabian Knights and the legends of the djinns. I enjoyed the novel hugely, and I just ordered the second and third books in the trilogy so I may continue the adventure.

George R. R. Martin on City of Brass

Vivid descriptions percolate the lush prose, and a final twist leaves room for a sequel. Recommend this scintillating, Middle Eastern fantasy to fans of thoughtful, mystical adventures.

Booklist

"With musical prose, majestic settings, and an epic story, Chakraborty’s finale to a trilogy will ignite passion in her many fans. Fervidly recommended to all readers of the fantasy genre."

Booklist (starred review) on Empire of Gold

Chakraborty writes a winning heroine in Nahri—flawed but smart and engaging. And her portrayal of the cultural conflicts in the magical city of Daevabad and of Ali’s inner turmoil is compelling and complex, serving as a strong counterpoint to the thrilling action.

Washington Post on City of Brass

The City of Brass reads like an invitation for readers from Baghdad to Fairbanks to meet across impossibly divergent worlds through the shared language and images of the fantastical.

New York Times Book Review

Chakraborty’s first book in her in Daevabad Trilogy introduces an enchanting world of magic and treachery that will leave you clamoring for book two.

Paste Magazine

Vivid descriptions percolate the lush prose, and a final twist leaves room for a sequel. Recommend this scintillating, Middle Eastern fantasy to fans of thoughtful, mystical adventures.

Booklist

"I loved the protagonist, there was a nice cast of supporting characters, and the plot had some twists and turns that I did not see coming… Her style is vivid and colourful and very readable. The best thing, though, was the setting. Instead of drawing on the European Dark Ages and Middle Ages, Chakraborty evoked the flavours of the Middle East and ARABIAN KNIGHTS and the legends of the djinns. I enjoyed the novel hugely, and I just ordered the second and third books in the trilogy so I may continue the adventure."

George R. R. Martin

The City of Brass is more than a promising debut — it beguiles all the way...Chakraborty’s research and imagination are equally strong, and she deftly sets up a rich world — and ample suspense — for the rest of this trilogy.

Vulture (The Ten Best Fantasy Books of 2017)

Chakraborty writes a winning heroine in Nahri — flawed but smart and engaging. And her portrayal of the cultural conflicts in the magical city of Daevabad and of Ali’s inner turmoil is compelling and complex, serving as a strong counterpoint to the thrilling action.

Washington Post

[The Kingdom of Copper] is epic fantasy that is shrunk to the perspective of the individual. If you’re looking for a compelling, heart-rending drama that just happens to also be one of the most thought-provoking epic fantasies to come out in a long time, look no further.

BookPage

Chakraborty writes a winning heroine in Nahri — flawed but smart and engaging. And her portrayal of the cultural conflicts in the magical city of Daevabad and of Ali’s inner turmoil is compelling and complex, serving as a strong counterpoint to the thrilling action.

Washington Post

08/01/2022

When Chakraborty's 18th-century Cairo-set "Daevabad Trilogy" ended, fans were left with questions about how Nahri, Ali, Dara, and the others all came together and then travelled on through their journeys. These 15 stories, set before, during, and after the events of the trilogy, will give readers some answers as the beauty and conflict of the magical world of these powerful beings are revived once again. Chakraborty shows that her secondary characters have full lives, following Manizheh's path to rebellion, Dara's younger years in an ancient Daevabad, and Jamshid's route to Daevabad and Muntadhir, and to some surprising adventures following The Empire of Gold. Crafted from side quests, cut scenes, and chapters from the original books, these new perspectives culminate with an alternative epilogue featuring Nahri and Ali. Ordered chronologically, each of the stories includes a short introduction that situates its action in the timeline of the original trilogy. VERDICT This story compilation is a must-have in library collections that own Chakraborty's Hugo-nominated trilogy, as it showcases her amazing characters and lush world one more time.—Kristi Chadwick

Library Journal

Soneela Nankani narrates a collection of connected stories set in the world of the Daevabad Trilogy; familiar characters return, and new ones are introduced. Nankani brings a wide range of emotions to the various stories, tempered with the knowledge of what has already been revealed: hope to a young woman embarking on a journey of potential matrimony, the bittersweet ache of lovers who can't be together, the harsh remorse of a warrior who has caused harm, the cautious optimism of multiple characters for a better future now that the war is over. While the stories will be most meaningful to those familiar with the Daevabad Trilogy, Nankani’s performance is such that any listener will find much to appreciate. K.M.P. 2023 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine

JUNE 2022 - AudioFile

Soneela Nankani narrates a collection of connected stories set in the world of the Daevabad Trilogy; familiar characters return, and new ones are introduced. Nankani brings a wide range of emotions to the various stories, tempered with the knowledge of what has already been revealed: hope to a young woman embarking on a journey of potential matrimony, the bittersweet ache of lovers who can't be together, the harsh remorse of a warrior who has caused harm, the cautious optimism of multiple characters for a better future now that the war is over. While the stories will be most meaningful to those familiar with the Daevabad Trilogy, Nankani’s performance is such that any listener will find much to appreciate. K.M.P. 2023 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine

JUNE 2022 - AudioFile