Book Review: The Fire Wish (The Jinni Wars #1) by Amber Lough

Summary: 

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.

Release Date: July 22, 2014

Age Group: YA

Source: Review copy from publisher

Reviewed By: Evan

Review:

How long do we have to wait for book two?  There better be a book two, I loved this! The plot reminded me of similar ones I have enjoyed. You might think that would make it a bore, not the case! The characters are original, intense, and well developed. Quickly there is an emotional connection between them and the reader. That’s a must if I am to stay interested in, and recommend a book. 

Here two girls, Zaylee and Najwa,­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ magically switch places “In a rush of smoke and fire, they fall apart and re-form- as each other”.  I don’t want to give too much away but I want to make it clear that this is not a “Parent Trap” type of swap. If you like mystery, magic and fantasy, with a hint of romantic conflict, this is a great book for you. At the end of each chapter the point of view changed to the other girl’s. So many times in the last few days I have said, SERIOUSLY, yes out loud, because I wasn’t ready. At the end of the next chapter I would have the same reaction.  It was like going to commercial break during an intense part of your favorite T.V. drama. 

The girls, who are in their late teens, cannot let anyone know they are not who they pretend to be. That said, the only flaw I found was at a few points one of them slipped up without arousing suspicion. I found myself thinking, Atish (one of the great supporting characters) ­­­would have caught that.

I hope to read more about these characters, and soon.