Novel Playlists from Fantasy Novelists treats each fantasy novel like a feature film and encourages the author to put together their own dream soundtrack. Stepping away from the realm of Adal to enter an Arabian Nights inspired corner of the continent, D. E. Olesen gets down and dirty with his thieves and cutthroats in this playlist. Also, some Sting. Listen to the playlist in Spotify here.

To stay alive, Jawad must succeed where all others have failed: he must catch the Prince of Cats. More legend than man, the Prince is draped in rumours. He can steal the silver teeth from your mouth in the blink of a smile. He is a ghost to walls and vaults, he laughs at locks, and Jawad must capture him before powerful people lose their patience and send the young rogue to the scaffold.

Ever the opportunist, Jawad begins his hunt while carrying out his own schemes. He pits the factions of the city against each other, lining his own pockets in the process and using the Prince as a scapegoat. This is made easy as nobody knows when or where the Prince will strike, or even why.

The Playlist

Takmilat Maqam Shad Araban – Moustafa Al Amri

An instrumental to set the scene. Imagine the bazaars and medinas of the Middle Eastern cities, crossroads of trade and culture.

I’m not Calling You a Liar – Florence + The Machine

This song fits two our of main characters, Zaida and Jawad, their complicated relationship, and what cannot be.

When You’re Evil – Voltaire

Let’s introduce the titular character, the dreaded Prince of Cats.

Thief – Imagine Dragons

At the end of the day, Jawad is a thief, and that’s what this story is about.

Desert Rose – Sting & Cheb Mami

Although the story takes place entirely in a city, the House of al-Badawi were desert dwellers once (hence their name), and their origins are tied to a mystical jewel and a djinni.

Black Honey – Thrice

Choices have consequences. As Jawad learns, sometimes stealing honey only gets you hornets, and he is forced to face some dark truths.

Here Comes the Rain Again (Live Acoustic Version) – Hypnogaja

In a city ruled by the sun, the rain is rare and precious, and its appearance in summer can seem nothing short of miraculous.

Sleep, Isabella – Abney Park

This song has Middle Eastern vibes and lyrics and progression to fit the final chapters. If the song title had only been Zaida, it would have been perfect.

Remember the Name – Fort Minor

A suitable outro. After this story, the citizens of Alcázar will never forget the Prince of Cats.

About the Author

Daniel E. Olesen is a Danish writer holding a Master’s degree in Comparative Literature. When not searching for inspiration in musty tomes, he travels around Europe looking for castles to explore and calling it research. His first novel, The Eagle’s Flight, is available for free from his site, which also includes extensive background information on the setting of his stories. Other than writing fiction, he also writes a blog discussing literary theory, usually as it pertains to fantasy, and a blog series discussing the image of the hero in Western society, from mythology and up to modern times.

He can be found online on his author website, on Facebook, and on Twitter.