The Fire Wish by Amber Lough (review)

Najwa has spent nearly her entire sixteen years training to enter the Eye of Iblis Corps, a group of powerful jinni who study the mortal world and use their knowledge to fight the ongoing war with humans. Zayele, a human, wants nothing more than to remain in her small village of Zab, but her father has essentially bartered her off as a bride to the prince in Baghdad, where she’s certain she’ll live her days out in a gilded prison. A reconnaissance trip to the surface of the mortal world brings Najwa in contact with Zayele, who wishes to change places with the jinni, who happens to look exactly like her. The wish is granted, of course, and it sets in motion a series of events that affect the two girls, their warring worlds, and the development of a weapon that would effectively destroy the jinni realm. Debut author Lough proves to be a deft hand at pacing, carefully doling out details of both worlds and the girls’ backstories to create a compelling and captivating experience. Narration alternates between Najwa and Zayele, which is initially confusing given that they’re both in a bit of a panicked state after the switch happens, but as they become distinct characters in their own right, their voices gain strength and clarity. An unresolved ongoing war, the possibilities of not one but two romances, and the promises of more secrets to be revealed hint toward a sequel, a wish that readers will want to see fulfilled.