The Forbidden Wish | This Book > Disney’s Aladdin! {Review}

Title: The Forbidden Wish

Author: Jessica Khoury

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Arabian Nights Retelling, #diversebooks

When Aladdin discovers Zahra’s jinni lamp, Zahra is thrust back into a world she hasn’t seen in hundreds of years—a world where magic is forbidden and Zahra’s very existence is illegal. She must disguise herself to stay alive, using ancient shape-shifting magic, until her new master has selected his three wishes.

But when the King of the Jinn offers Zahra a chance to be free of her lamp forever, she seizes the opportunity—only to discover she is falling in love with Aladdin. When saving herself means betraying him, Zahra must decide once and for all: is winning her freedom worth losing her heart?

As time unravels and her enemies close in, Zahra finds herself suspended between danger and desire in this dazzling retelling of Aladdin from acclaimed author Jessica Khoury

• Aladdin has always been my thing. Everyone else was swooning over the Little Mermaid but not me no siree I HAD MY ALADDIN. So seeing my favorite child tale expanded and developed and reimagined from a delicious doodle into this beautiful masterpiece? HECKING YES!!

• The star of this story is Zahra and she is THE COOLEST JINNI YOU EVER DID SEE. Because a) GUYS SHE IS A JINNI and b) A+ character development. She’s badass but not in a “strong female character” mold kinda way, in a “I am a stunningly strong and clever and kind and original character created with dimensions and care. I rock btw.”
• As a jinni, Zahra can shape-shift. I’m not much of a superhero type, but if were I’d capture the power of shape-shifting because friends, it’s THE BOMB DOT COM. From tigers to sparrows, I got so giddy whenever Zahra did her thang.
• While sparse as it’s featured only through flashbacks, a luxurious female friendship glides through this tale. The friendship is sweet and genuine, I only wish there could’ve been more of it.
• The plot is a “holy crap” plot. The blessed balance of artful action and alluring political intrigue (MY FAVE) paces the pages.

• Of course we’ve gotta talk bout the best part: DIVERSE BOOKS WAHOO!! As this book is inspired by an Arabian Nights tale and sets its story in the Middle East, YA CAN’T REALLY GET MORE DIVERSE THAN WITH THIS BEAUTY. The lovely author, Jessica Khoury, is even half-Syrian!!

• The romance actually felt random, EEK. I believed it not too well-written; the feelings of love were a bit sudden and startling. Maybe I’m just a grump, but please?? Developed romances?? Is it too much to ask??

IT’S ALADDIN BUT IN A BOOK AND 81919% BETTER. THIS BOOK SHOWED DISNEY UP AND I REVERE DISNEY RIGHT UNDER THE ALMIGHTY FATHER.

What are your favorite retellings? What emojis describe it? Do you know any Arabian Nights retellings? DO YOU LOVE ALADDIN OR? (If the answer is no—LEAVE. Kidding. But many minor therapy is for you?)

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