The Candle and the Flame written by Nafiza Azad, reviewed by Rebecca Lowe

Summary: Noor is a city on the Silk Road still recovering from the Shayateen djinn killing everyone except for Fatima, her sister, and one other survivor. Now ruled by a new maharaja and protected by the Ifrit djinn, Noor is again under threat due to rebels seeking to undermine the maharaja, the Shayateen, and monstrous Ghuls. When a powerful Ifrit dies, Fatima is left changed and becomes further involved in the intrigues of the city. Working with the Ifrit commander Zulfikar and trying to navigate a complicated relationship with her sister, Fatima must learn who she is and harness her power to save the city. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: A lush world filled with many sensory details, high level vocabulary and many terms related to life in a middle eastern culture given without definitions may prove a challenge for readers unfamiliar with the setting. This could prove an opportunity to learn new vocabulary and research The Silk Road. Many review sources list the book for grades 7 and up but writing style and vocabulary indicate an older intended audience. Themes of grief and trauma are sensitively handled. Issues of gender roles in society are also touched on.