P. Djèlí Clark

Phenderson Djèlí Clark is an American author known for his speculative fiction, including works that blend elements of fantasy, science fiction, and historical fiction. He has received critical acclaim for his unique storytelling and richly developed worlds.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. A Master of Djinn

    Set in an alternate Cairo at the turn of the 20th century, where magic and steampunk technology infuse the air, the story follows Fatma el-Sha’arawi, the youngest woman working for the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments and Supernatural Entities. When someone claiming to be al-Jahiz, the famed Sufi mystic who opened the veil to the magical realm forty years prior, returns to wreak havoc in the form of a murderous cult, Fatma must unravel the mystery behind this imposter. With the help of her new partner, a clever ministry bureaucrat, and her girlfriend, an enigmatic lounge singer, Fatma delves into a world of djinn and gods to prevent the imposter's diabolical plot from unleashing chaos upon the world.

    The 7676th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. The Dead Cat Tail Assassins

    In the ancient city of Tal Abisi, Eveen the Eviscerator is a skilled and discreet assassin, part of a guild known as the Dead Cat Tail Assassins. Despite their name, they are neither cats nor do they have tails, but they are indeed resurrected and deadly. Bound by three unbreakable vows, Eveen must ensure her contracts are just, only target those specified, and complete every mission she accepts. As the Festival of the Clockwork King unfolds, Eveen is thrust into a mission that challenges her vows and confronts her with memories of a past she was meant to forget.

    The 14925th Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. Ring Shout

    Or, Hunting Ku Kluxes in the End Times

    Set in an alternate 1920s America, this gripping tale weaves together history, horror, and fantasy as it follows Maryse Boudreaux, a fearless monster hunter, and her band of resistance fighters. They battle against supernatural Ku Klux Klan members, who are not just men but demonic creatures known as "Ku Kluxes." As Maryse wields her magical sword and taps into the power of ancient African traditions, she uncovers a sinister plot that threatens to unleash an unimaginable evil upon the world. The story is a powerful exploration of racism, resistance, and the enduring strength of community and culture.

    The 17035th Greatest Book of All Time
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  4. 4. Germs, Genes, & Civilization

    How Epidemics Shaped Who We Are Today

    This insightful exploration delves into the profound impact that infectious diseases have had on the course of human history, shaping civilizations and influencing the rise and fall of empires. By examining the interplay between germs and human societies, the narrative reveals how pathogens have driven genetic evolution and cultural transformations. Through a blend of historical analysis and scientific inquiry, the book uncovers the hidden forces that have molded the world, offering a fresh perspective on the interconnectedness of biology and the development of human civilization.

  5. 5. The Haunting Of Tram Car 015

    In an alternate 1912 Cairo where a government Ministry polices magic and the supernatural, two pragmatic investigators, Hamed Nasr and Onsi Youssef, are dispatched to probe eerie reports surrounding tram car 015—passengers vanish, strange phenomena occur, and fear spreads through the city. Combining policecraft, occult knowledge, and quick thinking, they chase clues through Cairo’s streets and undercurrents, confronting a cunning supernatural force whose motives tie into the city’s social and political tensions. The investigation forces the partners to balance bureaucratic procedure, personal loyalties, and moral choices as they race to protect the public and uncover the truth.

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  6. 6. A Dead Djinn In Cairo

    In an alternate 1912 Cairo where magic and modern technology coexist, Fatma el-Sha'arawi, an investigator for the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments and Supernatural Entities, is called to solve the impossible: a djinn has been murdered. As she follows forensic traces, bureaucratic leads, and dangerous secrets through the city, she uncovers a conspiracy that entwines political intrigue, colonial power plays, and illicit supernatural weaponry, relying on sharp wit, skillful magic, and relentless determination to bring the truth to light.

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  7. 7. The Angel Of Khan El Khalili

    A brisk alternate-history mystery set in a supernatural Cairo, in which a resourceful agent from a government bureau that polices magic is sent into the labyrinthine Khan el-Khalili market to investigate the appearance of a strange angelic being; as she navigates crowded streets, colonial intrigue, and ancient powers, she must unravel who — and what — is behind the phenomenon before the city's fragile peace is shattered.

  8. 9. The Black God's Drums

    In an alternate, steam-powered 19th-century New Orleans, a bold street orphan nicknamed Creeper teams up with a charismatic airship captain to steal a mysterious drum-powered weapon tied to a powerful loa whose awakening could upend the region’s balance of power; amid airship chases, political intrigue, and the legacies of slavery and resistance, Creeper confronts danger and discovers courage, loyalty, and the meaning of freedom in a tight, atmospheric adventure that blends magic and history.

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