The Jinn

by Stephen Guth

Three American girls fresh out of college join the Peace Corps and travel together to Morocco. Inseparable since middle school, it's their last big adventure together before starting their careers. While living with their host family in the ancient border city of Oujda--known as the City of Fear for its bloody past--the girls become ensnared in the supernatural world of the Jinn. These most feared demons of Islam, the Jinn, existed before man and live on Earth in a world parallel and normally unseen to mankind. Jealous of both man and angels, the lesser Jinn are commanded by Sakhr, servant to Iblis the Shaitan, to harvest the souls of mankind in the Jinn's quest for power and revenge. As the girls encounter the terror of the Jinn and each face their fiery destinies, one girl is aided by an unexpected ally to fight the Jinn. Her search to defeat the Jinn leads to the crypts of saints in the oasis of Sidi Yahia and the haunted catacombs of the Beni-Snassen mountains. Will she come to terms with her secret past and survive the wrath of the Jinn?

Genres: Horror, Fiction

262 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 14, 2011

Reviews

[Neil Ahluwalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up expecting a simple supernatural story, but it honestly got under my skin more than I thought it would. The whole idea of jinn being this ancient, patient force felt very real in a way that’s hard to explain. Carrie didn’t feel like some perfect hero either, she’s confused, scared, and makes choices that actually have weight. The Morocco setting added a lot too, it didn’t feel like just a backdrop, more like part of the story itself. Some parts dragged a tiny bit, but then it would suddenly get intense again. I liked how friendship was still central, even with all the horror going on. By the end, it left me thinking about sacrifice in a heavy way. Not an easy read emotionally, but worth it.

[Anaya Singhal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one surprised me. I thought it would be another fantasy with familiar tropes, but the use of jinn mythology made it feel fresh and honestly unsettling. There’s something about ancient beings that don’t think like humans that really worked here. Carrie’s journey felt messy and real, not some clean heroic arc. The stakes kept building slowly, then all at once. I did feel a bit lost in some of the lore sections, but it also added depth so I didn’t mind too much. The friendships felt believable, like actual people about to drift apart after graduation. And then everything goes wrong. It’s not just horror, it’s more about what you’re willing to lose to protect people. That part stuck with me more than anything.

[Rajveer Tandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this over a couple of nights and kept thinking about it during the day. The atmosphere is probably the strongest part, there’s this constant sense that something ancient is watching. Not in a cheap jump scare way, but something heavier. Carrie isn’t overly likable all the time, which I appreciated. She reacts like a normal person thrown into something way beyond her. The setting in Morocco felt vivid, almost like you could feel the heat and dust. Some pacing issues here and there, but nothing that ruined it. The mythology was interesting, especially how it ties into older texts and beliefs. It made the story feel grounded in something bigger. Definitely darker than I expected, and it doesn’t hold your hand.

[Kavya Narain · Rating 5 out of 5]

What stood out to me was how personal the story felt despite the huge supernatural scale. You’ve got ancient forces, centuries of history, all that, but it still comes back to one person trying to understand why this is happening to her. Carrie’s fear and confusion felt real. The friendship dynamic in the beginning was actually one of my favorite parts, it made everything that follows hit harder. The jinn are not romanticized at all, which I lyked. They feel dangerous, unpredictable. There were moments where I had to pause just to process what was happening. It’s not a light read, and some parts get pretty intense. But if you like stories that mix mythology with emotional stakes, this does it well.

[Saanvi Chaturvedi]

I went into this mostly blind and I’m glad I did. The story builds slowly at first, almost like a travel story, then it shifts into something much darker. The transition was done really well, it didn’t feel forced. The idea of being chosen by something ancient without understanding why is honestly terrifying. Carrie’s struggle with that felt believable. I liked that the book didn’t rush explanations, even if it made things confusing at times. The Moroccan setting added a lot of uniqueness, not somethng you see oftn. The horror elements were more psychological than graphic, which worked for me. It leaves you with this uneasy feeling that doesn’t go away quickly. Not perfect, but definitely memorable.

[Selene Kavanagh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn’t the kind of book you read just for fun, it asks a bit more from you. The themes of sacrifice and being chosen for something you don’t understand are handled in a pretty heavy way. Carrie felt like a real person dealing with something impossible. The jinn are portrayed as something truly ancient and dangerous, not just magical beings. That made the story stand out. I liked the setting a lot, it felt immersive and different. Some parts were slower than I would’ve liked, especially in the middle. But the tension builds in a way that pays off later. It’s one of those stories where you’re not sure how to feel at the end, and I think that’s intentional. Overall, a solid and thought-provoking read.

[Niklas Brenner]

I didn’t expect this story to feel so heavy, honestly. It starts off likea normal trip with friends, and than slowly everything starts to feel off. The shift into something darker was done really well. Carrie felt like someone real, not overly brave, not overly special at first. Just thrown into something she doesn’t understand. The jinn mythology added a lot, it didn’t feel fake or exaggerated, more like something old and serious. There were moments where I felt a bit lost with the deeper lore, but I still kept going. The emotional side of the story is what stayed with me. Especially the idea of sacrifice that isn’t clean or heroic. It’s messy, painful. Not a perfect book, but definitely one I won’t forget anytime soon.

[Amara Lef · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I liked most here was the atmosphere. There’s this constant tension, like something is just beneath the surface waiting to break through. It’s not fast-paced all the time, but that actually helped build the unease. Carrie’s character felt grounded, she reacts the way most people would, confused and scared. The friendships in the beggining made everything feel more real, and a bit sad knowing things are about to change. The mythology was detailed, maybe a bit too much in places, but still interesting. It didn’t feel like typical fantasy creatures, more like something you shouldn’t mess with. The setting in Morocco was vivid and different. Overall, it’s a slow burn with some strong emotional momonts that hit harder than expected.

[Theo Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had mixed expectations going into this, but it turned out to be a pretty unique read. The blend of travell, friendship, and ancient horror was not something I see often. The pacing is uneven at times, I will admit that. Some parts move slowly, then suddenly everything escalates. But I didn’t mind it too much. Carrie isn’t written as a flawless character, which I appreciated. She struggles, doubts, and makes mistakes. The jinn felt genuinely threatening, not just background creatures. Theres a seriousness to how they r portrayed. The story also touches on fate and responsibility in a way that feels personal. It’s not just about saving the world, it’s about what that costs you. That part stayed with me after finishing.

[Ingrid Dahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tis book felt more intense than I expected. Not just in terms of horror, but emotionally too. The idea of being tied to something ancient without fully understanding why is explored really well. Carrie’s confusion and fear felt beleivable throughout. I liked that the story didn’t rush to explain everything. It keeps you a bit uncertain, which adds to the tension. The Moroccan setting gave it a different flavor compared to typical fantasy stories. Some of the mythology was dense, I won’t lie, but it also made the world feel richer. The friendships added a layer of realism that made later events more impactful. It’s not a light read, and it doesn’t try to be. But it’s definitely engaging in its own way.

[Mara Santori]

Theres somethingg abt this book that feels quietly unsetling. It’s not loud or overly dramatic, but it stays with you. The story starts simple enough, then slowly pulls you into something much darker. Carrie’s character felt relatable, especially in how she deals with uncertainty. The friendships at the beginning were well done, they felt natural, not forced. The mythology was interesting, though at times a bit overwhelming. Stilll, it added depth to the story. The setting in Morocco was a strong point, it made everything feel more immersive. The pacing is not perfect, but the emotional weight of the story makes up for it. It’s one of those books that lingers in your thoughts after you finish.

[Julien Cort · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up because the premise sounded interesting, and it delivered in a way I didn’t fully expect. It’s not just about supernatural threats, it’s about how people deal with them. Carrie’s reaxtions felt very human, she doesn’t suddenlly become fearless or all-knowing. The jinn mythology was probably the highlight for me. It felt grounded in something older, not just invented for the story. The pacing had some rough spots, especially in the middle. But the tension keeps building underneath everything. I also lyked how the story handled the idea of sacrifice, it’s not glorified. Its shown as something painful and complicated. The ending left me with a lot to think about. Not perfect, but definitely worth reading.

[Annbhav Cedâr · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s a lot going on in this book, but somehow it mostly works. The mix of mythology, history, and modern characters could have been messy, but it felt surprisingly cohesive. Carrie is not your typical strong lead, she doubts herself constantly, and that made her more relatable. The jinn are portrayed in a way that feels closer to folklore than fantasy, which I appreciated. It made everything more eerie. I did feel like some sections could have been tighter, especially in the middle. But the emotional payoff towards the end made up for it. The idea that saving people might cost more than your life is explored in a way that sticks. It’s the kind of story that lingers after you finish.

[Weaver's Experience · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this more than I expected, though it’s not an easy read. It deals with fear in a very quiet, creeping way. Not loud or dramatic, just constant tension. Carrie’s story felt grounded even when things got supernatural. Her relationships, especially with her friends, felt real and a bit messy. The setting was one of the highlights for me, it added texture and authenticity. The mythology might be a bit dense for some readers, I had to reread a couple parts. But it also made the world feel deeper. The ending was heavy, not neatly wrapped up, which I actually liked. It fits the tone of the story. Definitely not something I’d call light entertainment, but it’s worth reading.

[Pandit Krishna Tiwari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book left me with mixed feelings, but in a good way. It’s unsettling, emotional, and sometimes frustrating, but that feels intentional. Carrie isn’t always making the “right” choices, and that made the story feel more human. The jinn mythology was probably the strongest part, it felt ancient and serious, not just fantasy decoration. The pacing was uneven at times, I won’t lie. But when it picks up, it really pulls you in. I also liked how the story explored the idea of destiny versus choice. Are you chosen, or just trapped? That question comes up a lot. The setting in Morocco was vivid and different from what I usually read. Not perfect, but it stayed with me longer than most books do.

[Adrien Moreau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciated how this story didn’t try to simplify things too much. It throws you into a world with deep mythology and expects you to keep up. That might not work for everyone, but I liked it. Carrie’s journey is not straightforward, she’s scared, confused, and sometimes overwhelmed. It felt honest. The horror elements were subtle but effective, more about atmosphere than action. I did wish for a bit more clarity in certain parts, but at the same time, the mystery is part of the appeal. The friendships at the start added emotional weight to everything that follows. By the end, it feels like a completely different story from where it began. It’s dark, thoughtful, and a bit haunting.

[Leona Veldt]

This was a slower read for me, bt not in a bad way. It takes its time building the world and the tension. The story feels layered, with mythology, history, and personal struggles all mixed together. Carrie is not written as some perfect chosen one, which I liked. She questions everything, and that felt realistic. The jinn are portrayed in a way that feels ancient and a bit terrifying. Some of the lore sections were a bit dense, I had to slow down to follow. Bt they added depth. The setting in Morocco made the story stand out from others in the genre. By the end, it leaves you with a sense of unease and reflection. Not an easy story, but a memorable one.

[Reyansh Bhasin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book caught me off guard in a few ways. I expected more action, but what I got was something slower and more thoughtful. The horror is there, but it’s not constant. It builds gradually. Carrie’s journey is more about understanding and accepting what’s happening than fighting it head-on. That felt different. The mythology was detailed and clearly researched, though sometimes a bit heavy. The Moroccan setting added a lot of atmosphere, it felt vivid and real. I did feel the pacing dip in the middle, but the later parts picked up again. The emotional stakes were strong, especially towards the end. It’s not a perfect book, but it has a depth that’s hard to ignore.

[Ishika Agarwal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think what stood out most to me was how grounded everything felt despite the supernatural elements. Carrie feels like a normal person dealing with something way beyond her control. Her reactions aren’t always strong or brave, and that made the story more believable. The jinn mythology added a unique layer, it didn’t feel like typical fantasy. There’s a seriousness to it that made everything more intense. The pacing had its ups and downs, but the overall story kept me engaged. The friendships at the beginning added emotional weight that carried through the whole book. It’s not a light or fast read, but it’s one that makes you think about what you’d do in a similar situation.

[Elias Beaumont · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wld not call this an easy read, bt it’s definitely an interesting one. The story mixes real world settings with deep mythology in a way that mostly works. Carrie isn’t a typical hero, she’s unsure and often overwhelmed. That made her feel more real to me. The jinn are portrayed as something genuinely dangerous, not romanticized or softened. That addd to the tension. Some parts of the book felt a bit slow, especially when diving into lore. But it also made the world feel more believable. The emotional side of the story, especially around sacrifice and responsibility, was handled well. It’s not a story that wraps everything up neatly, and I actually appreciated that.

[Sara Meehan · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Jinn" is an old horror story with a new twist.

Stephen Guth's novel focuses on a trip three young American women (Carrie, Kitty and Julie) take to Morocco. Odd things begin happening to them as soon as they reach their destination, and before long, they learn the hard way that Carrie is being targeted by supernatural forces. With the help of Sanah and Hassan, the children of the family they're staying with, they set out to learn what makes Carrie so special - and how they can save themselves from the Jinn.

So, we've got the chosen one who must prevent an ancient evil from being released into the world; it's not an uncommon horror plot. This time, though, it's not demons doing the tormenting: It's the Jinn, Islamic supernatural beings similar to fallen angels. They're admittedly similar to their Christian counterparts, but the religious background and the Moroccan setting keep the novel from feeling like a retread. It's an inspired choice and makes for some creepy reading, as Guth handles the "shocker" scenes well:

What Carrie saw next made her wonder if her mind was refusing to process the tragedy in front of her. There was a large mass of flames on the woman's back, going from the top of her head down to the back of her legs. In those flames, Carrie could see the outline of a figure tightly embracing the woman from behind. The figure didn't seem to be just covered in flames like the woman - it appeared to be a part of the flames.

Nobody's safe in this book. The first meaningful death came early (and was surprisingly gory), leaving the reader unsure throughout the rest of the book about if, or when, other characters would die. As I was reading, in fact, I kept thinking how much like a B-grade horror movie this book felt. The appearances by the Jinn, the death scenes, the pacing - it all fits. (That's not intended as a criticism. I'm a lifelong fan of good horror, cheesy horror and downright ridiculous horror. They all have their places.)

As in a B-grade horror movie, however, the exposition can be clunky, and the relationships between the characters develop illogically fast. Case in point: After having known the girls only a couple of days, Sanah decides to open up about her father's suicide, something she has refused to share with girls she's known her whole life. Scenes like that pop up frequently, and they detract from the overall reading experience.

Guth has the makings of a very good novel here; with the help of a content editor and perhaps a bit more fleshing out, it could easily be twice the book it already is. I'll be watching for any future books he puts out.

[James Jr. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I quickly snatched up "The Jinn" by Stephen Guth because it looked to be one of those novels, claiming to be about real supernatural things which have been in the world all along. I love that sort of angle. I agree with a previous reviewer about the plot. I loved being in a part of the world which we do not often hear about, namely Morocco. I really liked experiencing the culture, people and practices as the plot unfolded. I really wanted to fall in love with the story, but found myself falling just short of that. Sometimes it seemed to be two seperate books and not quite the crossover that I think it could be. It did have many fantastic elements and I will certainly be looking out for what the author has planned next.