This is an interesting alternate take on the Persian empire, bringing in Alexander the Great of Macedon.
Nazafareen’s sister was taken by a druj (demon), and she joins the Water Dogs to try to avenge her death. The Water Dogs bind to daevas, who they are told are also druj, but there’s clearly more going on there that’ll be explored in future books.
The romance is very underplayed, which is actually nice, because this could go star crossed lovers with all the angst very easily. I very much enjoyed the set up, and will read more. (This was a free book, but I have read this author before, I had a feeling it would be worth it.)