Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Jreije (Shad Hadid and the Forbidden Alchemies) imbues a globe-trotting adventure across various Arab cities with a journey of self-confidence in this fantasy duology opener. When 11-year-old Bashir Boutros accidentally bonds with a centuries-old jinn housed in a gold ring retrieved from the ocean, he becomes a target for evil entities eager to feed on his aura, the mystical force that exists in everything. After a power-hungry demon lord named Ali Adin kidnaps Bashir's parents, Bashir teams up with slightly older Alina and teenage Ziad, members of the Magi, an ancient order sworn to protect humankind. As they race to find missing fragments of the magically powerful Jewel of the Nile before Ali Adin can claim them for himself, Bashir must determine how to save his loved ones, even as he struggles to believe he has the ability to do so. Ample humor and thrilling twists enliven Bashir's initially slow-moving quest. Via the protagonist's journey to overcome self-doubt, Jreije underscores themes of friendship, loyalty, and courage. Bashir is Lebanese American; supporting characters are of Arabic descent. Ages 8--12. Agent: Jennifer Azantian, Azantian Literary. (May)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
In this duology opener, an 11-year-old Lebanese American boy must travel to other realms and fight monsters and demons as he tries to save his parents--and possibly the world. Seventh grader Bashir Boutros and his best friend, Farrah, love spending summers in Lebanon with their families, just as they have every year since they were babies. On the day before his return home to Boston, Bashir's cousin accidentally pushes him into the Mediterranean Sea. He finds a golden ring in the seabed, which awakens a jinn named Yani. On the flight home, Bashir encounters a witch, just one of many monsters who want the ring. Panicked, he discovers that he's unable to remove the ring; he and Yani are bonded. When Ali Adin, or Aladdin, one of the four Demon Lords, kidnaps Bashir's parents and demands the ring in return, Bashir joins forces with 12-year-old Alina and high schooler Ziad, members of the Magi, who protect the human realm. They travel through a portal to recruit Farrah's help. If he's to rescue his parents, he must learn to harness the power of his aura--but can shy Bashir accomplish his goal while remaining true to his pacifist principles? His action-packed journey contains both a surprise plot twist and real character growth as Bashir's self-esteem, confidence, kindness, and care for his family, friends, and all living creatures grow stronger. An effective blend of excitement and strong characterization, with a message of remaining true to one's values.(Fantasy. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
