Books As You Know It: Blog Tour: Becoming Jinn by Lori Goldstein {Review+Giveaway}

Becoming Jinn (Becoming Jinn #1)
by Lori Goldstein
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Release Date: April 21st 2015

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Magic, Mythology

Rate: 3.5 STARS

Synopsis:

Forget everything you thought you knew about genies!

Azra has just turned sixteen, and overnight her body lengthens, her olive skin deepens, and her eyes glisten gold thanks to the brand-new silver bangle that locks around her wrist. As she always knew it would, her Jinn ancestry brings not just magical powers but the reality of a life of servitude, as her wish granting is controlled by a remote ruling class of Jinn known as the Afrit.

To the humans she lives among, she’s just the girl working at the snack bar at the beach, navigating the fryer and her first crush. But behind closed doors, she’s learning how to harness her powers and fulfill the obligations of her destiny.

Mentored by her mother and her Zar “sisters”, Azra discovers she may not be quite like the rest of her circle of female Jinn . . . and that her powers could endanger them all. As Azra uncovers the darker world of becoming Jinn, she realizes when genies and wishes are involved, there’s always a trick.

I was so excited to see the rise of jinn/genie books this year. Becoming Jinn was totally different from what I expected. Although a paranormal book, it had a very contemporary feel (which was surprising since I figured it would lean more towards paranormal). This, of course, doesn't mean it neglected the jinn aspects but it was very free flowing and lighter. I really liked learning about the world but I have so many questions now, which I hope get answered in future books. The whole idea of the sisters was quite interesting and new for a paranormal book. And just as well with teens and mothers, there's bound to be drama but also close friendships and frenemies.

One of my favorite parts of this book was seeing Azra's and her mom's relationship. I loved how much it was emphasized and how everyone kind of compared the two (power wise). There's confrontation between the two but also love on both accounts. It was easy to understand any frustrations Azra had about all the secretiveness between her mom and some of her Zar sisters. Azra was a character who definitely had an arc throughout the story. We see more of Azra developing her powers and dealing with them, creating new friends, re-strengthening friendships, and just taking a whole new step in her life. I would have loved it more if parts of the plot sped up more because that should have been the prime driving force.

As for the guys, I will have to say that I didn't really feel much for any of them. Nate and his role in the story confused me because I'm not entirely sure how relevant he even was but at the same time I'm not sure if he will eventually play a bigger role than he did in this book. Anyways, they're both the kind of guy I see with Azra as just friends and nothing more. This might just be me but I'm hoping we meet a new guy that has more chemistry with her XD

The end definitely cemented by interest for the next book. Love the direction it's heading in and I'm hoping for more magic and a plot driven book. Becoming Jinn is something of a mix of paranormal and contemporary (mood wise) so anyone who's interested? Try it and I hope you enjoy :) Happy Readings! (Isn't that cover gorgeousss?! And the names in this book are awesome!!)

Click here for more information about the Pre-order giveaway hosted by Lori Goldstein.

My debut novel, the Young Adult Contemporary Fantasy Becoming Jinn, is a modern spin on the traditional tale of wish-granting genies. It will be released on April 21, 2015, by Feiwel and Friends, an imprint of Macmillan Children’s. The sequel will follow in Spring 2016. I am represented by Lucy Carson of The Friedrich Agency.

Too much of my day involves chatting books, obsessing over The Vampire Diaries, and perfecting the art of efficient writing through Twitter.