Ask My Shelf
Log in Register
Ask My Shelf

Share your thoughts in a quick Shelf Talk!

Alif The Unseen by G. Willow Wilson

Have you read this book? Just a few quick questions — it takes about a minute. Share what you liked (or didn’t), and we’ll use your answers to recommend your next favorite read!

Love Alif The Unseen but not sure what to read next?

These picks are popular with readers who enjoyed this book. Complete a quick Shelf Talk to get recommendations made just for you! Warning: possible spoilers for Alif The Unseen below.

In Alif The Unseen, did you enjoy ...

... the blend of Middle Eastern folklore, djinn lore, and rich setting?

The City Of Brass by S. A. Chakraborty

If you loved the way Alif the Unseen wove together modern technology and ancient Arabian mythology, you'll be drawn into The City of Brass. Nahri, a street-smart con artist in 18th-century Cairo, stumbles into a world of djinn, political intrigue, and magic rooted in Islamic legend. The lush worldbuilding and intricate societies of Daevabad will resonate with your appreciation for stories where myth and reality collide.

... urban fantasy with hidden magical societies beneath the surface of a real-world city?

Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman

If the secret, magical city beneath Alif's Middle Eastern metropolis captivated you, you'll love Neverwhere. Richard Mayhew's ordinary life in London is upended when he discovers London Below—a parallel world of magic, danger, and unforgettable characters. Gaiman's inventive take on urban fantasy and his blend of the everyday with the wondrous will appeal to your taste for hidden worlds.

... the intersection of folklore, immigrant experience, and unlikely friendship?

The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker

If Alif's journey through a world shaped by myth and technology struck a chord, you'll be enchanted by The Golem and the Jinni. Set in 19th-century New York, it follows two supernatural beings—a golem from Jewish lore and a jinni from Syrian legend—as they navigate human society and their own identities. The book is a beautiful exploration of cultural diversity, folklore, and personal growth.

... morally complex protagonists navigating modernity and ancient myth?

American Gods by Neil Gaiman

If you were fascinated by Alif's ethical dilemmas and the blurred lines between hero and antihero, American Gods offers a similarly compelling protagonist in Shadow Moon. As he journeys across America amidst a war between old gods and new, Shadow is forced to navigate shifting loyalties and his own ambiguous morality. The book's blend of myth, modernity, and complex characters will keep you enthralled.

... the fusion of political intrigue, speculative fiction, and a vividly imagined alternate society?

The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon

If you enjoyed the political scheming and alternate realities in Alif the Unseen, you'll appreciate The Yiddish Policemen's Union. Detective Meyer Landsman investigates a murder in a Jewish settlement in Alaska, uncovering conspiracies and navigating a richly built alternate history. Chabon's blend of noir mystery, speculative worldbuilding, and social commentary will appeal to your love of multi-layered, thought-provoking fiction.

Unlock your personalized book recommendations! Just take a quick Shelf Talk for Alif The Unseen by G. Willow Wilson. It’s only a few questions and takes less than a minute.