On This Page
Description
Mythology. Romance. Young Adult Fiction. Young Adult Literature. HTML:"Lush, romantic, and exquisitely written . . . a rare, glittering jewel of a novel."—Sarah J. Maas, author of the New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series"This is Aladdin like you've never imagined."—Renée Ahdieh, author of The Wrath and the Dawn
She is the most powerful Jinni of all. He is a boy from the streets. Their love will shake the world. . . .
When Aladdin discovers Zahra's jinni lamp, Zahra show more 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 the Aladdin story from acclaimed author Jessica Khoury.. show less
Tags
Recommendations
Member Recommendations
gryphonous Also explores friendship between djinn and humans, from a djinni's perspective.
Member Reviews
I love Disney movies, but I never really watched Aladdin when I was growing up. A travesty I know. It’s only been in the last year or so that I’ve come to love Aladdin and appreciate it’s amazingness. I had high expectations going into this adaption and I was not disappointed. Aladdin and Zahra are as compelling and entertaining as you’d expect and bring new life and history to a cherished duo.
Pros:
-Jinn Mythology. I LOVED everything about the Jinn and their magic. It was so unique and well crafted. The fact that each wish comes with a price is so compelling. It gives some power back to the enslaved Jinni crafting the wishes and acts as a punishment of sorts for those who make the wishes. It seems like it’s acting as a show more balance so no wish grants may too much power - the magic may be used and shaped, but not controlled or bound.
-Writing. The writing was so descriptive and colorful. The words weaved a beautiful story that pulled you in and enchanted you. Like Zahara’s smoke magic, the words crafted a reality you longed for.
-Zahara. This may be an Aladdin retelling, but Zahara is the star. A once powerful and arrogant queen, Zahara sacrificed herself to secure her kingdom’s safety and was made into a Jinn. Zahara has kept humanity in her heart and continually defies the Jinn’s highest law: Do not fall in love with a human. Zahara’s love for both Aladdin and Roshana allow her to become more that a pawn to be used by Nardukha; she become her own master and it’s very inspiring to see.
Cons:
-Flashbacks. I wish there was more flashbacks to establish Zahara and Roshana’s relationship. I did believe that they loved each other, but I wished we saw more of their interactions. We saw a handful of their moments together and then how their relationship was torn apart. We get just enough to buy their relationship, but I would have liked to see more to their development. It would have made Zahara’s actions more impactful and her history more tragic.
-Time Confusion. This is two-fold. Sometimes in the story it seemed like only a few hours had passed, but then a character mentioned days had passed - or vice versa. I don’t know if I was just not paying enough attention or if it was actually unclear. The other issue I had was in the action of the final battle.When Zahar is battling Nardukha and pulls on the threads of time, I couldn’t tell if she actually went back in time, or if she just sent the ring back in time to be found and set the events of the story into motion. There was so much action happening at one time it was a little overwhelming, but I did appreciate the cyclical structure her actions created.
The Forbidden Wish is a story full of magic, action, and romance. We see characters fight for what they believe in, defy what is expected of them, and strive for happiness when they are surrounded by darkness. The action and magic blend near seamlessly and the romance enhances and empowers the characters and story. I would definitely recommend this story to anyone who loves fairy tales, fairy tale retellings and stories full of action, magic and hope. show less
Pros:
-Jinn Mythology. I LOVED everything about the Jinn and their magic. It was so unique and well crafted. The fact that each wish comes with a price is so compelling. It gives some power back to the enslaved Jinni crafting the wishes and acts as a punishment of sorts for those who make the wishes. It seems like it’s acting as a show more balance so no wish grants may too much power - the magic may be used and shaped, but not controlled or bound.
-Writing. The writing was so descriptive and colorful. The words weaved a beautiful story that pulled you in and enchanted you. Like Zahara’s smoke magic, the words crafted a reality you longed for.
-Zahara. This may be an Aladdin retelling, but Zahara is the star. A once powerful and arrogant queen, Zahara sacrificed herself to secure her kingdom’s safety and was made into a Jinn. Zahara has kept humanity in her heart and continually defies the Jinn’s highest law: Do not fall in love with a human. Zahara’s love for both Aladdin and Roshana allow her to become more that a pawn to be used by Nardukha; she become her own master and it’s very inspiring to see.
Cons:
-Flashbacks. I wish there was more flashbacks to establish Zahara and Roshana’s relationship. I did believe that they loved each other, but I wished we saw more of their interactions. We saw a handful of their moments together and then how their relationship was torn apart. We get just enough to buy their relationship, but I would have liked to see more to their development. It would have made Zahara’s actions more impactful and her history more tragic.
-Time Confusion. This is two-fold. Sometimes in the story it seemed like only a few hours had passed, but then a character mentioned days had passed - or vice versa. I don’t know if I was just not paying enough attention or if it was actually unclear. The other issue I had was in the action of the final battle.
The Forbidden Wish is a story full of magic, action, and romance. We see characters fight for what they believe in, defy what is expected of them, and strive for happiness when they are surrounded by darkness. The action and magic blend near seamlessly and the romance enhances and empowers the characters and story. I would definitely recommend this story to anyone who loves fairy tales, fairy tale retellings and stories full of action, magic and hope. show less
Zahra is a jinni, cursed to reside in a lamp for thousands of years and resigned to a lonely life granting wishes. However, the discovery of her lamp by Aladdin, a daring young thief, and a bargain made with the King of the Jinn offers her an opportunity to secure her freedom. But the last thing Zahra expects is to develop feelings for the headstrong, flirtatious Aladdin. Faced with an impossible dilemma, Zahra must choose between betraying the man she is growing to love and forfeiting her chance for a new life.
This was simply lovely. Khoury's writing and lush descriptions are intoxicating. Mystical, enthralling, and a stunning re-imagining of the classic tale of Aladdin. The Forbidden Wish is heavy on the romance, but a charming, show more gorgeously crafted story heaped with fierce warrioresses (is this a word? If not, needs to be) and strong female friendships. A bright, lavish story filled with magic and one worth savoring. show less
This was simply lovely. Khoury's writing and lush descriptions are intoxicating. Mystical, enthralling, and a stunning re-imagining of the classic tale of Aladdin. The Forbidden Wish is heavy on the romance, but a charming, show more gorgeously crafted story heaped with fierce warrioresses (is this a word? If not, needs to be) and strong female friendships. A bright, lavish story filled with magic and one worth savoring. show less
**More of a 4.5 stars**
Shout out to Disney for making me crush on an animated Aladdin, and shout out to this book for putting a stunning twist onto the story.
The characters of Aladdin and Zahra were realistic, and I felt like their relationship grew slowly and nicely without feeling like insta-love.
I loved the strategy and intrigue of the story and how every move the characters made felt like a chess game of choices.
Most of all I really appreciate that this is a standalone fantasy book!!!! Can there be more of standalone fantasy books please and thank you
Shout out to Disney for making me crush on an animated Aladdin, and shout out to this book for putting a stunning twist onto the story.
The characters of Aladdin and Zahra were realistic, and I felt like their relationship grew slowly and nicely without feeling like insta-love.
I loved the strategy and intrigue of the story and how every move the characters made felt like a chess game of choices.
Most of all I really appreciate that this is a standalone fantasy book!!!! Can there be more of standalone fantasy books please and thank you
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: Gorgeous retelling of Aladdin that I adored. With epic romance, action packed adventure, great humor, and spectacular worldbuilding, this is sure to be a huge hit with all YA fantasy fans.
Opening Sentence: I sense the boy the moment he sets foot in the cave.
The Review:
Zahra has been trapped in her lamp for 500 years. She was buried beneath what was once the greatest city in the world. It was ruled by a beautiful and generous queen whom was Zahra’s master and friend. But it is forbidden for jinni’s to love a human and the one time Zahra broke that rule it cost her dearly. Now all these years later she finally has a new master. An infuriating boy named Aladdin who is smart, handsome show more and dangerous.
The world is different then Zahra remembered and it is now forbidden to use jinni magic. The humans and Jinni’s are at war and it isn’t safe for anyone to know Zahra’s true identity. As she waits for Aladdin to ask for his three wishes she is offered a deal she can’t refuse. The king of the Jinn will grant Zahra her freedom for help with rescuing his son. This deal should be a no brainier except it will require her to betray Aladdin and Zahra has started to fall for him. Will she take the deal or will she risk it all for love?
Zahra is an amazing character that I loved instantly! She has a feisty personality and I really enjoyed how witty she is. She’s super intelligent, gorgeous, kind, and very relatable. Being a jinni means she has to grant her masters wishes but she always puts her own flair on the wishes she grants. She has had so much heartache in her life and it was easy to sympathize with her. She is an all powerful jinni but for most of her existence she has been lonely and unhappy. She is far from perfect but she honestly tries to do the right thing in every situation. She is a heroine you can respect and I loved everything about her.
Aladdin is just as dreamy in the book as he was in the Disney show, actually he might even be more dreamy! He has that confident almost cocky attitude that I find irresistible, but at the same time he has a really good heart. He is smart, resourceful, charming, funny, and just an all around great guy. His relationship with Zahra is electric and they complement each other perfectly. Aladdin has had a very sad past so he has guarded his heart for a long time but Zahra seems to tear down all his walls without even trying. I loved the romance between them, it was sexy and sweet! Overall, I adored Aladdin and he was the perfect swoon worthy love interest!
The Forbidden Wish is a gorgeous retelling of Aladdin and this book is easily one of my favorite reads of the year. I was instantly hooked from the very first page and found that when I wasn’t reading it, I was constantly thinking about it and wondering what was going to happen next. The pacing is spot on, there is amazing action, epic romance, a beautiful setting, phenomenal world building, and just an overall spectacular story. One of my favorite things was how Khoury created a completely fresh and new version of the story but she also blended moments from the original tale into her version so you knew it was an Aladdin retelling. Another thing I loved about this book was that it was a standalone. Now don’t get me wrong, I really enjoy series but every once in a while it’s refreshing to just be able to sit down and finish a story and not have to wait years for the ending. This is the first book I have read from Khoury, but rest assured after finishing this story I will definitely be checking out her other books. This book doesn’t hit shelves until February, but trust me when I say you should pre-order this one right now. It is now one of my most anticipated reads of 2016 and I would highly recommend it to all YA fantasy fans!
Notable Scene:
“Stop.” I dropped my wrists and step away, and he does the same, still caught up in mirroring me. Except that he is breathing heavily, his chest rising and falling with exertion, his eyes filled with a strange, wondrous, curious look as he stares at me. He moves closer, his eyes fixed on mine, and despite myself I cannot look away.
Aladdin raises a tentative hand to my cheek. Immobile with both dread and longing. I can only stare up at him, flushing with warmth when he gently runs his hand down the side of my face. I shut my eyes, leaning into his touch just slightly, my stomach leaping. Longing. Wishing.
I feel him leaning closer, bending down, his face drawing nearer to mine.
FTC Advisory: Razorbill/Penguin Teen provided me with a copy of The Forbidden Wish. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review. show less
Quick & Dirty: Gorgeous retelling of Aladdin that I adored. With epic romance, action packed adventure, great humor, and spectacular worldbuilding, this is sure to be a huge hit with all YA fantasy fans.
Opening Sentence: I sense the boy the moment he sets foot in the cave.
The Review:
Zahra has been trapped in her lamp for 500 years. She was buried beneath what was once the greatest city in the world. It was ruled by a beautiful and generous queen whom was Zahra’s master and friend. But it is forbidden for jinni’s to love a human and the one time Zahra broke that rule it cost her dearly. Now all these years later she finally has a new master. An infuriating boy named Aladdin who is smart, handsome show more and dangerous.
The world is different then Zahra remembered and it is now forbidden to use jinni magic. The humans and Jinni’s are at war and it isn’t safe for anyone to know Zahra’s true identity. As she waits for Aladdin to ask for his three wishes she is offered a deal she can’t refuse. The king of the Jinn will grant Zahra her freedom for help with rescuing his son. This deal should be a no brainier except it will require her to betray Aladdin and Zahra has started to fall for him. Will she take the deal or will she risk it all for love?
Zahra is an amazing character that I loved instantly! She has a feisty personality and I really enjoyed how witty she is. She’s super intelligent, gorgeous, kind, and very relatable. Being a jinni means she has to grant her masters wishes but she always puts her own flair on the wishes she grants. She has had so much heartache in her life and it was easy to sympathize with her. She is an all powerful jinni but for most of her existence she has been lonely and unhappy. She is far from perfect but she honestly tries to do the right thing in every situation. She is a heroine you can respect and I loved everything about her.
Aladdin is just as dreamy in the book as he was in the Disney show, actually he might even be more dreamy! He has that confident almost cocky attitude that I find irresistible, but at the same time he has a really good heart. He is smart, resourceful, charming, funny, and just an all around great guy. His relationship with Zahra is electric and they complement each other perfectly. Aladdin has had a very sad past so he has guarded his heart for a long time but Zahra seems to tear down all his walls without even trying. I loved the romance between them, it was sexy and sweet! Overall, I adored Aladdin and he was the perfect swoon worthy love interest!
The Forbidden Wish is a gorgeous retelling of Aladdin and this book is easily one of my favorite reads of the year. I was instantly hooked from the very first page and found that when I wasn’t reading it, I was constantly thinking about it and wondering what was going to happen next. The pacing is spot on, there is amazing action, epic romance, a beautiful setting, phenomenal world building, and just an overall spectacular story. One of my favorite things was how Khoury created a completely fresh and new version of the story but she also blended moments from the original tale into her version so you knew it was an Aladdin retelling. Another thing I loved about this book was that it was a standalone. Now don’t get me wrong, I really enjoy series but every once in a while it’s refreshing to just be able to sit down and finish a story and not have to wait years for the ending. This is the first book I have read from Khoury, but rest assured after finishing this story I will definitely be checking out her other books. This book doesn’t hit shelves until February, but trust me when I say you should pre-order this one right now. It is now one of my most anticipated reads of 2016 and I would highly recommend it to all YA fantasy fans!
Notable Scene:
“Stop.” I dropped my wrists and step away, and he does the same, still caught up in mirroring me. Except that he is breathing heavily, his chest rising and falling with exertion, his eyes filled with a strange, wondrous, curious look as he stares at me. He moves closer, his eyes fixed on mine, and despite myself I cannot look away.
Aladdin raises a tentative hand to my cheek. Immobile with both dread and longing. I can only stare up at him, flushing with warmth when he gently runs his hand down the side of my face. I shut my eyes, leaning into his touch just slightly, my stomach leaping. Longing. Wishing.
I feel him leaning closer, bending down, his face drawing nearer to mine.
FTC Advisory: Razorbill/Penguin Teen provided me with a copy of The Forbidden Wish. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review. show less
This book is gold.
The characters are brought to life through both lovely reflective phrases as well as jaunty dialogue. Aladdin is the perfect amount of cocky and angry, of reckless and intelligent. Zahra is a strong, if reserved, narrator, sharp in her observations and flawed in her actions. Together, their scenes are a great blend of playful and yearning, sharp and sensual. But the great characterization doesn’t stop there! Alongside them is an exciting supporting cast, which is chock full of challenging, feminist characters! In fact, in many ways it is the princess Caspida who stole the crown for me (heh) through her no-nonsense intelligence, political talent, and sheer badassery.
Also, these characters are encased in a world that show more is brought to life through descriptions that hum with possibility. Zahra’s Neruby, Aladdin’s Parthenia, and the Shaitan’s Ambadya are created carefully, in language that feels ethereal and ancient all at once. Khoury’s writing is deliciously sensual. Every description is full of life, connects intimately together, and offers rich comparisons that I loved.
The only thing that I felt short-changed on was the pacing. The world is clearly so intricate, the motivations of the characters layered with such complexity. I could have spent so much more time getting to know them, watching them navigate their way through the amazing political backdrop, the forbidden desires. It would have been spectacular to see the kind of romance that burns achingly slow, building a sweet tension as it progresses. Frankly, with more than one fantastic, politically savvy villain and several fierce protagonists, this could have been an intricately plotted trilogy, or more. It could have been an epic. Instead, we went through the complex machinations of the villains and the painful struggles of our protagonists at a speed only slightly slower than that of a roller coaster. Don’t get me wrong — this didn’t mean the book wasn’t lovely and enjoyable for what it did have. And perhaps it’s a mark of the strength of everything else this story had to offer, that I’m disappointed it didn’t go slowly, so there would be more!
Jauntily witty one moment and strikingly sensual the next, overall this book is a wonderful blend of strong (feminist!) characterization, great world-building, and ethereal writing. Read it! ★★★★☆. show less
The characters are brought to life through both lovely reflective phrases as well as jaunty dialogue. Aladdin is the perfect amount of cocky and angry, of reckless and intelligent. Zahra is a strong, if reserved, narrator, sharp in her observations and flawed in her actions. Together, their scenes are a great blend of playful and yearning, sharp and sensual. But the great characterization doesn’t stop there! Alongside them is an exciting supporting cast, which is chock full of challenging, feminist characters! In fact, in many ways it is the princess Caspida who stole the crown for me (heh) through her no-nonsense intelligence, political talent, and sheer badassery.
Also, these characters are encased in a world that show more is brought to life through descriptions that hum with possibility. Zahra’s Neruby, Aladdin’s Parthenia, and the Shaitan’s Ambadya are created carefully, in language that feels ethereal and ancient all at once. Khoury’s writing is deliciously sensual. Every description is full of life, connects intimately together, and offers rich comparisons that I loved.
The only thing that I felt short-changed on was the pacing. The world is clearly so intricate, the motivations of the characters layered with such complexity. I could have spent so much more time getting to know them, watching them navigate their way through the amazing political backdrop, the forbidden desires. It would have been spectacular to see the kind of romance that burns achingly slow, building a sweet tension as it progresses. Frankly, with more than one fantastic, politically savvy villain and several fierce protagonists, this could have been an intricately plotted trilogy, or more. It could have been an epic. Instead, we went through the complex machinations of the villains and the painful struggles of our protagonists at a speed only slightly slower than that of a roller coaster. Don’t get me wrong — this didn’t mean the book wasn’t lovely and enjoyable for what it did have. And perhaps it’s a mark of the strength of everything else this story had to offer, that I’m disappointed it didn’t go slowly, so there would be more!
Jauntily witty one moment and strikingly sensual the next, overall this book is a wonderful blend of strong (feminist!) characterization, great world-building, and ethereal writing. Read it! ★★★★☆. show less
I thoroughly enjoyed this retelling of Aladdin and the magic lamp. I loved that the story was narrated by Zahra, the female jinni. She was such a believable, compassionate, self-sufficient and powerful protagonist but at the same time suffered from regret and guilt because of her past. The writing was lush and exotic, the characters likeable and the dialogue humorous. It was terrific to have so many strong female characters who, instead of hating each other, supported and built each other up. The romance between Aladdin and Zahra was probably the weakest part of the story, but it was still cute and didn't detract from the story. Overall, an entertaining read.
See this review in its natural environment, Dani Reviews Things.
The Forbidden Wish was just what I needed when I needed it. After a series of contemporaries, I knew I needed to detox with a good YA fantasy, and this certainly did the trick. I was enamoured from the very beginning, and aside from a slight dip in the middle, I was captivated to the end.
The story is told from Zahra’s perspective, starting from when Aladdin finds her lamp in cavernous ruins of Neruby, a city destroyed half a century before. Much like in the movie, Aladdin picks up the lamp and triggers the ruins to collapse. Being a retelling, this is one of the few points where the book matches the Disney classic show more (which I know isn’t the origin of the story but is still my point of reference, kay?). Khoury makes the story her own, showing her own jinn magic through the exquisitely crafted narrative.
The book shines in many respects. Zahra is incredible, layered and interesting and just the right level of conflicted. (She also liked to transform into a tiger!) Aladdin is cheeky and cunning. There are incredible messages of female empowerment throughout, with Zahra and Rossana’s friendship, as well as Princess Caspida’s sisterhood of Watchmaidens. The writing is incredible, beautiful without being overwhelming. The world and the magic and the descriptions of the jinn are all woven into the story in just the right way that I could imagine it all and more, and all without being interrupted by information dumping.
All in all, I really enjoyed the book, but… and here is where I struggle to put my feelings into words… there was just something missing for me. I felt a bit detached from the story and the characters. Usually, the aim of a first-person narrative is to allow you to step into the character’s mind and really connect, but I felt more like Zahra was telling me what was happening and how she felt (as if I were her friend or therapist), instead of me feeling I was part of the action.
While I appreciated the romance and thought it was lovely, I don’t feel as if I was a part of the development. I could see it, but I couldn’t feel it. The sad thing is that, while it was supposedly building, I felt like the story was dragging a bit. There was action at the start and action at the end (which was all very exciting), but the middle was a teensy bit meh.
BUT. This book still has a home on my shelf for the foreseeable future. It’s got definite potential as a reread, and maybe I will get even more from it from a second read. It also has some serious role model material! I really, really enjoyed it, and I would recommend it to anyone who loves a well-crafted story, not just a YA fantasy retelling. There is so much to love!
I am a very good jinni, and that is a very bad thing.
The story is told from Zahra’s perspective, starting from when Aladdin finds her lamp in cavernous ruins of Neruby, a city destroyed half a century before. Much like in the movie, Aladdin picks up the lamp and triggers the ruins to collapse. Being a retelling, this is one of the few points where the book matches the Disney classic show more (which I know isn’t the origin of the story but is still my point of reference, kay?). Khoury makes the story her own, showing her own jinn magic through the exquisitely crafted narrative.
“As the poets say, stories are truth told through lies.”
The book shines in many respects. Zahra is incredible, layered and interesting and just the right level of conflicted. (She also liked to transform into a tiger!) Aladdin is cheeky and cunning. There are incredible messages of female empowerment throughout, with Zahra and Rossana’s friendship, as well as Princess Caspida’s sisterhood of Watchmaidens. The writing is incredible, beautiful without being overwhelming. The world and the magic and the descriptions of the jinn are all woven into the story in just the right way that I could imagine it all and more, and all without being interrupted by information dumping.
Time has a different meaning for me, and these events that seem so monumental in the moment will one day be nothing more than a line in a scroll. These humans are but letters to be inked into history. A hundred years from now, I will be free. I will have forgotten their names and faces, and the struggles they have will not matter. Time has a way of burying things, shifting like the desert and swallowing entire civilizations, erasing them from map and memory. Always, in the end, everything returns to dust.
All in all, I really enjoyed the book, but… and here is where I struggle to put my feelings into words… there was just something missing for me. I felt a bit detached from the story and the characters. Usually, the aim of a first-person narrative is to allow you to step into the character’s mind and really connect, but I felt more like Zahra was telling me what was happening and how she felt (as if I were her friend or therapist), instead of me feeling I was part of the action.
“And what do you know of love?”
“That it must be a choice.”
“Oh, my naive thief.” I pause briefly to meet his gaze. “Love is rarely a choice.”
While I appreciated the romance and thought it was lovely, I don’t feel as if I was a part of the development. I could see it, but I couldn’t feel it. The sad thing is that, while it was supposedly building, I felt like the story was dragging a bit. There was action at the start and action at the end (which was all very exciting), but the middle was a teensy bit meh.
BUT. This book still has a home on my shelf for the foreseeable future. It’s got definite potential as a reread, and maybe I will get even more from it from a second read. It also has some serious role model material! I really, really enjoyed it, and I would recommend it to anyone who loves a well-crafted story, not just a YA fantasy retelling. There is so much to love!
If you’re not free to love, you’re not free at all.show less
Members
- Recently Added By
Author Information
28 Works 2,839 Members
Jessica Khoury received a BA in English from Toccoa Falls College. She is the author of Origin, Vitro, Kalahari, and The Forbidden Wish. (Bowker Author Biography)
Awards and Honors
Awards
Distinctions
Series
Classifications
Statistics
- Members
- 494
- Popularity
- 60,779
- Reviews
- 31
- Rating
- (3.88)
- Languages
- English, German, Polish, Spanish
- Media
- Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 15
- ASINs
- 3
