All This Twisted Glory

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of graphic violence and death by suicide.

Alizeh notes that she is a queen with “no throne, no army, no plan” (19), yet thousands of Jinn are flocking to her in search of inspiration. In your opinion, what gives Alizeh the cultural legitimacy to lead her people? How does Alizeh’s claim to queendom challenge traditional notions of political and royal power? Support your answer with examples from the text.

The first three books of the Woven Kingdom series position Cyrus and Kamran as rival love interests for Alizeh. In your opinion, which of the two men is a better romantic interest for Alizeh and why? Support your reasons with examples from the text.

From the Simorgh to the Jinn, Mafi uses many elements from Persian mythology and culture to inform the world of her novel. Identify five such allusions in the novel, and discuss how they enrich its world-building and themes. Please use textual and online research to illustrate your answer.