Book excerpt: Wahid’s father was a textile merchant in Karachi. His mother, however, is a djinn. Growing up in a city rife with corrupt cops and religious extremists can be challenging, and it gets downright dangerous once the djinns start hunting Wahid. To survive beings made of smokeless fire, women with feet turned the wrong way, and a violent terrorist sent to kill him, Wahid has to turn to the devil himself for help. But can Iblis be trusted? What starts as a quest to save the soul of the girl he loves, ends up on the road to the dark heart of Pakistan’s nuclear fears, and the coming of the Islamic apocalypse. Islamic mythology blended with South Asian urban horror, Sami Shah’s epic novel is filled with vivid insights into life in Pakistan, and a whole new pantheon of mythical creatures. Boy of Fire and Earth brings together Sami Shah’s Fire Boy and Earth Boy into one unputdownable volume. Praise for Sami Shah ‘His characters — human and otherwise — are skilfully drawn, and the vibrant streets of Karachi are vividly brought to life.’ —Maxine Beneba Clarke ‘Captivating. Sami Shah’s imagination is a place of wonder and terror.’ —Kamila Shamsie ‘Bold, compelling fantasy with a truly original setting.’ —Saladin Ahmed ‘I was enchanted by his lyrical and atmospheric prose — he brings the streets of Karachi to life with a deft hand, ancient folklore colliding with the modern internet age.’ —Kylie Chan