stephanelli's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
wraithofbooksandbones's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
hylianyan's review against another edition
4.0
Very easy to read story of a very determined and headstrong main character, the story is about real world issues and (according to many reviewers and some friends of mine) full of great representation of the Pakistani culture + Islamic religion! (if I said any of that wrong please let me know so I can educate myself). Definitely pick this up!
bibliophil_leah's review against another edition
4.0
A really interesting story. I quite enjoyed the characters and the storyline of Indian/Pakistani mythology. I really like mythology so it was very fun to discover a new one. I also appreciate that this book tackled difficult topics like poverty and child labour.
welcometomynirvana's review against another edition
challenging
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
girlreading's review against another edition
4.0
There's truly nothing better than when a Studio Ghibli comparison checks out and I'm happy to say, M.T. Khan 1000% came through with the Ghibli vibes.
With her brilliantly vivid descriptions - be it food, Jinn or the hotel itself - M.T. Khan whisks her readers to the dark and magical world of a luxury Jinn hotel in a cinematic and captivating way. It's a world that's vibrant and daunting, endearing and dangerous. I came away with such a vivid image of every room and every piece of drool enticing food Khan described in a way that left me feeling like I'd watched a movie.
This was snappy and action packed right from the first page until the last. I also think the way M.K. Khan tackled the topic of child labour/exploitation with a sensitivity and honesty that perfectly matches its middle grade market without sugar coating its dangers and wrongness. Nura was a courageous, fierce and determined character to follow and I absolutely adored her sass.
All in all, this was a truly magical adventure with a fantastic message and one I have no doubt will capture the imagination and hearts of readers both young and old.
With her brilliantly vivid descriptions - be it food, Jinn or the hotel itself - M.T. Khan whisks her readers to the dark and magical world of a luxury Jinn hotel in a cinematic and captivating way. It's a world that's vibrant and daunting, endearing and dangerous. I came away with such a vivid image of every room and every piece of drool enticing food Khan described in a way that left me feeling like I'd watched a movie.
This was snappy and action packed right from the first page until the last. I also think the way M.K. Khan tackled the topic of child labour/exploitation with a sensitivity and honesty that perfectly matches its middle grade market without sugar coating its dangers and wrongness. Nura was a courageous, fierce and determined character to follow and I absolutely adored her sass.
All in all, this was a truly magical adventure with a fantastic message and one I have no doubt will capture the imagination and hearts of readers both young and old.
jurgitasir's review against another edition
3.0
For me personally it felt a lot like "paint by numbers" unfortunately. As if author had a check list and they were trying to tick every box off. And I think I need to reread the ending to figure out if there's a point to it besides *spoiler alert* the key just being bejeweled. 3 stars are more like 2.5.
moonchildshine's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
"Do you trust me?" . "More than myself."
I swear Nura and Faisal's friendship is everything here!!! Nura is such a good protagonist. I love her and Faisal.
Okay, born and grew up as Muslim, the tale about Jinn, Qareen and their trickery is a familiar thing for me. I always associate them with horror and fear tho. I always find 'Fighting Jinn with Ayat Al-Kursi' in a type of exorcism horror, you know. Never I imagine reciting Ayat Al-Kursi can be happen in this isekai/portal fantasy type of story: A protagonist in her journey to find her lost bestfriend ended up stuck in a Jinn realm and tricked to hard-labor in a luxury Jinn Hotel. That screams doom. But Nura is no ordinary girl, alright? She's quick-witted and so smart (snarky, sassy and hilariously rude is a bonus). With her bestfriend, Faisal, and other human who's been stuck there before her, they fought to have their freedom and back to human realm.
I love this. And I love how this book talk about important things. Child labor and structural poverty are serious problem in this world and reading this books is like a slap to reality.
Okay, born and grew up as Muslim, the tale about Jinn, Qareen and their trickery is a familiar thing for me. I always associate them with horror and fear tho. I always find 'Fighting Jinn with Ayat Al-Kursi' in a type of exorcism horror, you know. Never I imagine reciting Ayat Al-Kursi can be happen in this isekai/portal fantasy type of story: A protagonist in her journey to find her lost bestfriend ended up stuck in a Jinn realm and tricked to hard-labor in a luxury Jinn Hotel. That screams doom. But Nura is no ordinary girl, alright? She's quick-witted and so smart (snarky, sassy and hilariously rude is a bonus). With her bestfriend, Faisal, and other human who's been stuck there before her, they fought to have their freedom and back to human realm.
I love this. And I love how this book talk about important things. Child labor and structural poverty are serious problem in this world and reading this books is like a slap to reality.
elizajaquays's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75