The Forbidden Wish Review

Title: The Forbidden Wish
Author: Jessica Khoury
Publisher: Razorbill
Genre: Young Adult, Retelling

I was very lucky to get this book in my Fairyloot subscription box (to see my unboxing click here). I knew the theme of the box was Retelling but when opened the box to find an Aladdin retelling. Well you could say I was a little excited.

Aladdin was my favourite Disney film growing up so I was really looking forward to reading a retelling of it. The Forbidden Wish is written from the perspective of the Jinni, Zahra. Aladdin finds her lamp and throws Zahra into a world she hasn’t seen in hundreds of years. A world which now hates Jinnis and magic with a passion. Zahra and Aladdin must keep their wits about themselves as they try and protect themselves from both humans and jinnis.

So if you are a fan of the film Aladdin I will warn you that Zahra is nothing like the Genie we know.

Obviously the main difference is that the Jinni is a woman. This was the first positive for me, as although I loved the film you have to admit it’s full of men. Even the animals all seem to be guys. So it was nice to see a little more girl power running through this story. Starting with the smart, powerful jinni Zahra. Although technically she is the slave of Aladdin until she can earn her freedom from the lamp. However, this doesn’t mean she lets him get away with anything. She is witty and a little sarcastic which I loved. She is also has the ability to get people to do what she wants them to do without them knowing. She is the perfect example of not underestimating a pretty face.

And yes that is exactly how I imagine Aladdin’s face on numerous occasion throughout the book. Now not only in the Jinni a badass female but the Princess and her watch maidens are a pack of fierce warriors. Think Valkyries in a handmaiden disguise.They may look sweet and innocent but they can take down groups of men twice their size without breaking a sweat. Another point for this book passing the Bechdel Test with flying colours. Their Princess Caspida is an amazing leader and is the definition of a Queen. She will do anything for her people, even if that means giving up apart of herself in the process. Trust me once you read this book you will understand why her Watch Maidens follow her without question.

So obviously you expect their to be a little romance in this book and there was in abundance. It is the sort of romance that leaves you routing for the couple long after you have finished reading.

So if you are a lover of retellings, fairytales or magic in general this is the book for you. Go grab a copy now and allow yourself to fall into a world of magic and adventure.

Rating – /5