The Forbidden Wish (The Forbidden Wish, #1) by Jessica Khoury

This is a retelling of the classic Aladdin tale that really lived up to the challenge. Khoury's tale brings Aladdin and his Genie into a whole new level of story telling. In this version Aladdin is not just a cheeky street rat but a young man who's failure to be the follow up to his father the people want him to be drives him into reckless thievery. Zahra, the geni is not just waiting patiently in the lamp for her next master but has been cast into the lamp as punishment for an act of betrayal that set off historical ramifications across her world. Her story starts even before when a decision made was shown to be a foolish choice within itself. When Aladdin frees her, her only thought is how to manipulate him to gain her freedom. Anything else is out of the question. And Princess Caspida is so much more than just the daughter to an ailing king. She is the last line of defense between her people and the cruel intents of her Uncle Sulifer and his son Darian. She is the personification of her people's last embers of hope.

This is a truly classic tale of love, desire, greed, and forgiveness. Well worth reading and adding to your shelf. Khoury has used her love of stories and understanding of people's relationships to bring you a tale of folklore to treasure.