The Forbidden Wish by Jessica Khoury

  I read this book for my reading challenge - fairy tale from another culture.  It could also satisfy the "book set in Asia"  category.

This, essentially, is a retelling of the Aladdin story.     Aladdin is just a poor boy, street rat who finds a ring that leads him to something greater - a lamp with a jinni who is ready to grant three wishes.    I won't tell you what those wishes are, after all, that would be giving too much of the story away.

This book isn't pulitzer material; however, it is a creative retelling of a familiar story.   The jinni was relatable and likable.  So was the princess and her circle of female warrirors.  Loved that twist.  Of course there is a villian - several, in fact.  But the main character her isn't Alladin but Zahra, his jinni.

I also enjoyed the lush setting and vivid descriptions.  This book is an entertaining YA romance.  I gave it three stars.   Worth reading if you like that sort of thing.