Title: The Fire Wish (The Jinni Wars #1)Author: Amber Lough
Publication Date: July 22, 2014
Genre: YA Fantasy
Rating: 3.5 stars
A jinni. A princess. And the wish that changes everything. . . .
Najwa is a jinni, training to be a spy in the war against the humans. Zayele is a human on her way to marry a prince of Baghdad—which she’ll do anything to avoid. So she captures Najwa and makes a wish. With a rush of smoke and fire, they fall apart and re-form—as each other. A jinni and a human, trading lives. Both girls must play their parts among enemies who would kill them if the deception were ever discovered—enemies including the young men Najwa and Zayele are just discovering they might love. -Goodreads
Najwa is a jinni, training to be a spy in the war against the humans. Zayele is a human on her way to marry a prince of Baghdad—which she’ll do anything to avoid. So she captures Najwa and makes a wish. With a rush of smoke and fire, they fall apart and re-form—as each other. A jinni and a human, trading lives. Both girls must play their parts among enemies who would kill them if the deception were ever discovered—enemies including the young men Najwa and Zayele are just discovering they might love. -Goodreads
I just finished The Fire Wish a couple weeks ago, and OH MY GOD YOU GUYS HAVE TO READ THIS. There are Jinnis, princesses, princes, magic, palaces - basically, if you love fantasy, this book will satisfy you and go above and beyond your expectations. Yes, there are flaws, but most of them I was able to ignore.
Here are 3 Reasons to Read The Fire Wish!
1. Because it's far more authentic than the watered down Disney version (ahem, Aladdin)
My family is originally Middle-Eastern. I practically grew up on stories of Jinn and Shaytan - naturally, I know a bit about the topic. (Side note: there were some weird stories of Jinn I heard of as a kid. One particular story said that if I don't cut my nails, Jinn/Shaytan would live under it. O_o) And I know that if the author portrayed something completely wrong, I would've been all nit-picky and pissed.
Obviously, I wasn't.
Obviously, I wasn't.
I'm not saying that the book strictly follows the popular belief on Jinn - at least, not entirely. The basic mythology is there, but Lough adds her own magic to make the story uniquely her own. I love how the plot has some basis in reality - because while it is believed that there are both "good" and "bad" Jinn and that they have free will, they are usually considered a bad omen. I applaud the author for showing a knowledge of this, while at the same time respecting culture.
This ain't a tale of blue guys and flying carpets; this is the real deal.
Also: SHE SPELLED JINN RIGHT! I don't really know where the term "genie" comes from, because it's definitely not pronounced like that.
2. Because diversity.
Big publishing houses like Random House don't publish diverse fiction very often, but I am so glad that this diverse piece was published. It's sad that the Middle East and its rich culture isn't written about as much as I'd like, (aside from "oppressed women" - but that's a topic for another day) and I'm glad that Lough has written what I've been craving and has created a fantasy world that is not based in Europe.
3. Because the writing + setting.
I'll give it to the author; her writing is superb. It gives a magical and whimsical feel to the Baghdad setting and does the rich city justice. The Jinni kingdom is described even more beautifully, and I can honestly say that I have not read of a fantasy world similar to this.
The only main problem I had while reading was the insta-love between Zayele and Atish. It proved to be so bothersome that I dreaded reading her POV at times. I much preferred Najwa's chapters.
Despite this, I thoroughly enjoyed myself while reading The Fire Wish. It felt very genuine and the author clearly has done a lot of research on the topic. It was a cute and simple novel that was entertaining to read and fangirl about.
So, when can Isteal get the next installment?
The only main problem I had while reading was the insta-love between Zayele and Atish. It proved to be so bothersome that I dreaded reading her POV at times. I much preferred Najwa's chapters.
Despite this, I thoroughly enjoyed myself while reading The Fire Wish. It felt very genuine and the author clearly has done a lot of research on the topic. It was a cute and simple novel that was entertaining to read and fangirl about.
So, when can I
Giveaway:
Thank you Random House for generously hosting this giveaway!
Rules:
Thank you Random House for generously hosting this giveaway!
Rules:
- Sorry guys, giveaway is US only.
- You must be older than 13 or have parental permission to enter.
- NO CHEATING! I will check to make sure you did what you entered!
- Random House is not responsible for the prize being lost in the mail.
- Winner has 48 hours to respond, otherwise I will choose a new winner.
This book looks so good!! I am in love with fantasy books lately and this one looks right up my alley. I am so glad it releases soon!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway :D
I've been waiting months for this book to finally come out. Can't wait to read a middle eastern fantasy done right :)
ReplyDeleteEverything you've listed has me sold on this book. Jinn are always interesting and different to read about.
ReplyDelete