The Forbidden Wish by Jessica Khoury review

The Forbidden Wish - Jessica Khoury
standalone
YA Aladdin retelling/Fantasy
Publisher: Razorbill (February 23, 2016)
Rated 4/5 stars

 Synopsis:
When Aladdin discovers Zahra's jinni lamp, Zahra is thrust back into a world she hasn't seen in hundreds of years -- a world where magic is forbidden and Zahra's very existence is illegal. She must disguise herself to stay alive, using ancient shape-shifting magic, until her new master has selected his three wishes. 



But when the King of the Jinn offers Zahra a chance to be free of her lamp forever, she seizes the opportunity—only to discover she is falling in love with Aladdin. When saving herself means betraying him, Zahra must decide once and for all: is winning her freedom worth losing her heart?

As time unravels and her enemies close in, Zahra finds herself suspended between danger and desire in this dazzling retelling of Aladdin from acclaimed author Jessica Khoury.

My Thoughts:
This story was a little different as the jinni was female and a little darker. The Princess and Aladdin don't fall in love but he does help her fight for her throne. I enjoyed this book very much.

February 2016 Book haul featuring Rascal the cat

January 2016 BIG book haul

Salt To the Sea - Ruta Sepetys review

Salt to the Sea - Ruta Sepetys
Standalone
Young Adult Historical Fiction
 Publisher: Philomel Books (February 2, 2016)
Rating: 5 stars

Synopsis:
 World War II is drawing to a close in East Prussia and thousands of refugees are on a desperate trek toward freedom, many with something to hide. Among them are Joana, Emilia, and Florian, whose paths converge en route to the ship that promises salvation, the Wilhelm Gustloff. Forced by circumstance to unite, the three find their strength, courage, and trust in each other tested with each step closer to safety.

Just when it seems freedom is within their grasp, tragedy strikes. Not country, nor culture, nor status matter as all ten thousand people—adults and children alike—aboard must fight for the same thing: survival.

MY Thoughts:
Set in Winter 1945 world war II. We follow 4 teenagers with 4 secrets. The chapters alternate between the 4 teenagers point of view. Each one from a different homeland and affected by tragedy, lies and war. They all happen to show up at the same place and try to survive. This book was gripping and I had such emotions for each character. The ending was happy and sad. I started the book with low expectations of liking it as I don't always like historical fiction and figured I would get to maybe 50 pages and stop. I was surprised how much I loved this book and got sucked right in.

The Siren by Kiera Cass review

The Siren - Kiera Cass
Publisher: HarperTeen (January 26, 2016)
Genre: YA, Folklore, Fantasy
Rating: 4/5 stars

Synopsis:
Kahlen is a Siren, bound to serve the Ocean by luring humans to watery graves with her voice, which is deadly to any human who hears it. Akinli is human—a kind, handsome boy who's everything Kahlen ever dreamed of. Falling in love puts them both in danger . . . but Kahlen can't bear to stay away. Will she risk everything to follow her heart?


My Thoughts:
I loved the story. There are 4 Sirens and one is at the end of her 100 year serving as a siren. She gets to become human and she will lose her memory of being a siren. Kahlen still has 20 years to go when she meets Akinli. I love the friendship between the 4 sirens. Also the love story between Kahlen and  Akinli. I found this a fun and fast read.