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The Djinn
A Holy Land...A Holy War...An Unholy Terror
In the final years of the first Kingdom of Jerusalem, in a vault, hidden deep beneath the Temple Mount, Baron Gregory De L'Ombre has made an astonishing discovery. Imprisoned within the vault are twelve monstrous abominations, created by one of King Solomon's wives as a final act of revenge. The secrets of the vault will ensure Gregory's absolute power and forever enslave the Outremer--the Holy Land. No man dares stand against him.
But the Djinn is no mere man.
A creature of smoke and shadow... a living legend... only the Djinn grasps the full scope of the baron's plans. Only he can save the Holy Land from a fate more terrible than anyone imagines.
In the final years of the first Kingdom of Jerusalem, in a vault, hidden deep beneath the Temple Mount, Baron Gregory De L'Ombre has made an astonishing discovery. Imprisoned within the vault are twelve monstrous abominations, created by one of King Solomon's wives as a final act of revenge. The secrets of the vault will ensure Gregory's absolute power and forever enslave the Outremer--the Holy Land. No man dares stand against him.
But the Djinn is no mere man.
A creature of smoke and shadow... a living legend... only the Djinn grasps the full scope of the baron's plans. Only he can save the Holy Land from a fate more terrible than anyone imagines.
268 pages, Paperback
First published March 15, 2012
About the author
Kent Holloway
38 books75 followersInternational bestselling author Kent Holloway lives on death. Literally. With more than twenty-two years’ experience in forensic death investigations, he’s seen it all. Experienced the worst that life has to give and never let it dim his sense of wonder or humor. Now, he brings all this experience, along with a zeal for uncovering the folklore and superstitions of death, to the written page as author of mysteries, forensic crime fiction, and paranormal thrillers!
He is the author of six paranormal thrillers, including his highly acclaimed Ezekiel Crane series, as well as his forensic thriller, CLEAN EXIT. He’s also written his first installment of the Baron Tombstone adventures—a series that steps directly into the world of the dead—in the shared pirate world series, Tattered Sails.
Death investigations isn’t his only foray into the darker side of life. He's also an adjunct professor of criminal justice at St. Johns River State College in Florida. He’s worked as a private investigator and a newspaper reporter covering the crime beat in Florida. When he’s not writing, designing book covers, or investigating deaths, he spends much of his spare time researching folklore, as well as investigating ghosts and cryptids throughout northeast Florida.
Find Kent at his website: www.kenthollowayonline.com.
He is the author of six paranormal thrillers, including his highly acclaimed Ezekiel Crane series, as well as his forensic thriller, CLEAN EXIT. He’s also written his first installment of the Baron Tombstone adventures—a series that steps directly into the world of the dead—in the shared pirate world series, Tattered Sails.
Death investigations isn’t his only foray into the darker side of life. He's also an adjunct professor of criminal justice at St. Johns River State College in Florida. He’s worked as a private investigator and a newspaper reporter covering the crime beat in Florida. When he’s not writing, designing book covers, or investigating deaths, he spends much of his spare time researching folklore, as well as investigating ghosts and cryptids throughout northeast Florida.
Find Kent at his website: www.kenthollowayonline.com.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 4, 2014
This is an Audio Book review:
The book starts off creepily and sucks you in. It is intriguing, and I wanted to listen and hear more. The first few chapters were all from different POV's, creating different angles of the story. It did make it a little bit complicated to follow initially, but after a few more changes I connected with the characters. I loved the clues and hooks that are dropped throughout the story. Holloway constantly keeps you guessing and intrigued.
Narration: 4/5
Initially I had my doubts about a male narrator, especially when it came to acting out a female character. I was pleasantly surprised at the diversity of Wayne's voice, and how he could change his accents as the characters required. Wayne really did a great job bringing the characters to life, and created the feel and setting of the book superbly.
Characters: 4/5
Holloway creates interesting characters that surprise you and keep you glued to the story.
Djinn - I loved the Djinn character from the beginning - he was not at all what I expected. He has a good sense of humor, and he comes across as neither good nor evil. (But he seems good to me.) He is my favourite character in the book and really makes the story and keeps it interesting.
William - I felt sorry for him and really liked his character. He was dealt a tough hand, as Gregory's brother as well as the leprosy. He is kind and wise. I definitely enjoyed his role throughout the story.
Gregory - Gregory is cunning, determined and misguided. His lust for power controls him, and in my opinion he is the villain along with Gerard. He does make a really good villain and is easy to dislike most of the time. In his 'weaker' moments I did feel quite sorry for him, and connected with him when it came to how he felt about his family.
Gerard - I don't like Gerard. From the beginning I thought he was a slimeball. To me he is the true villain in this story - he serves Gregory as his mercenary.
Isabella - What a beautiful, soft, yet strong woman. She doesn't take a lead role initially in the story but I was continually intrigued by her, as she is Gregory's daughter and the obsession of Gerard's affections.
Plot & pace: 4/5
The Djinn is an Intriguing and interesting story. The story has a good pace. I really enjoyed the feel and setting of the book. The world building is fantastic. The plot is filled with little twists and hooks. Holloway weaves a beautiful gripping story with historical features and fascinating characters.
Final thoughts:
This was a great Audio book and I really enjoyed the story and narration thereof.
Cover talk: 3.5/5
The cover and the blurb were catching enough to grab my attention while scrolling though the list of Audio books available for request.
Final Thoughts: I am so glad I requested this book. I would definitely pick up another book from J Kent Holloway and would be happy to listen to Wayne Farrell narrate another book.
** Note **
I received this audiobook free from the Audio Jukebox Solid Gold Reviewer Program and Seven Realms Publishing in exchange for an honest review. I received no chocolate or any other compensation in exchange for my review.
The book starts off creepily and sucks you in. It is intriguing, and I wanted to listen and hear more. The first few chapters were all from different POV's, creating different angles of the story. It did make it a little bit complicated to follow initially, but after a few more changes I connected with the characters. I loved the clues and hooks that are dropped throughout the story. Holloway constantly keeps you guessing and intrigued.
Narration: 4/5
Initially I had my doubts about a male narrator, especially when it came to acting out a female character. I was pleasantly surprised at the diversity of Wayne's voice, and how he could change his accents as the characters required. Wayne really did a great job bringing the characters to life, and created the feel and setting of the book superbly.
Characters: 4/5
Holloway creates interesting characters that surprise you and keep you glued to the story.
Djinn - I loved the Djinn character from the beginning - he was not at all what I expected. He has a good sense of humor, and he comes across as neither good nor evil. (But he seems good to me.) He is my favourite character in the book and really makes the story and keeps it interesting.
William - I felt sorry for him and really liked his character. He was dealt a tough hand, as Gregory's brother as well as the leprosy. He is kind and wise. I definitely enjoyed his role throughout the story.
Gregory - Gregory is cunning, determined and misguided. His lust for power controls him, and in my opinion he is the villain along with Gerard. He does make a really good villain and is easy to dislike most of the time. In his 'weaker' moments I did feel quite sorry for him, and connected with him when it came to how he felt about his family.
Gerard - I don't like Gerard. From the beginning I thought he was a slimeball. To me he is the true villain in this story - he serves Gregory as his mercenary.
Isabella - What a beautiful, soft, yet strong woman. She doesn't take a lead role initially in the story but I was continually intrigued by her, as she is Gregory's daughter and the obsession of Gerard's affections.
Plot & pace: 4/5
The Djinn is an Intriguing and interesting story. The story has a good pace. I really enjoyed the feel and setting of the book. The world building is fantastic. The plot is filled with little twists and hooks. Holloway weaves a beautiful gripping story with historical features and fascinating characters.
Final thoughts:
This was a great Audio book and I really enjoyed the story and narration thereof.
Cover talk: 3.5/5
The cover and the blurb were catching enough to grab my attention while scrolling though the list of Audio books available for request.
Final Thoughts: I am so glad I requested this book. I would definitely pick up another book from J Kent Holloway and would be happy to listen to Wayne Farrell narrate another book.
** Note **
I received this audiobook free from the Audio Jukebox Solid Gold Reviewer Program and Seven Realms Publishing in exchange for an honest review. I received no chocolate or any other compensation in exchange for my review.
April 27, 2015
This was another great adventure from J Kent Holloway! The story was intense and intriguing and once again the narration by Wayne Farrell was brilliant. The characters were great and the story was fast-paced. I absolutely loved the ending!
March 17, 2019
This is my first book from J. Kent Holloway... and it most certainly will NOT be my last!
The action starts off with King Solomon (you know, ancient Jewish king, Son of David, Solomon's Temple, all that jazz) thirsting for knowledge - and nearly paying for it with his life.
Several centuries later, during the Crusades, a new man - Baron Gregory - seeks the same knowledge. He has been sent to Jerusalem, blessed by the Vatican with the mission of finding the Urim and Thummim... except that isn't why he's *really* in Jerusalem.
As he nears completion of his actual goal, a specter begins showing up and kidnapping his men. Those few who see it and remain to tell the tale speak of a living shadow that smells of brimstone. They call it... The Djinn, based on Saracen/ Muslim folklore of spirit beings between humans and angels.
What is The Djinn? What is its goal? You'll just have to read the book to find out. Well paced with lots of intrigue and action, as I noted in the title of this review, this is a book you REALLY don't want to put down!
*Note: I received my copy of the book free from the author (who happens to also be the publisher) in exchange for an honest review.
The action starts off with King Solomon (you know, ancient Jewish king, Son of David, Solomon's Temple, all that jazz) thirsting for knowledge - and nearly paying for it with his life.
Several centuries later, during the Crusades, a new man - Baron Gregory - seeks the same knowledge. He has been sent to Jerusalem, blessed by the Vatican with the mission of finding the Urim and Thummim... except that isn't why he's *really* in Jerusalem.
As he nears completion of his actual goal, a specter begins showing up and kidnapping his men. Those few who see it and remain to tell the tale speak of a living shadow that smells of brimstone. They call it... The Djinn, based on Saracen/ Muslim folklore of spirit beings between humans and angels.
What is The Djinn? What is its goal? You'll just have to read the book to find out. Well paced with lots of intrigue and action, as I noted in the title of this review, this is a book you REALLY don't want to put down!
*Note: I received my copy of the book free from the author (who happens to also be the publisher) in exchange for an honest review.
March 16, 2014
Legend comes to life.
The setting is Jerusalem during the Crusades. Baron Gregory and his soldiers have control of the city. Baron Gregory, at the insistence of the Pope, he has been excavating under the palace Solomon’s palace. What he finds is something unexpected, twelve 9 foot statues, golems. Everyone thought they were myths. It sends him on a search for a special ring, Solomon’s seal and a parchment that has the instructions for bringing the golems to life. Baron Gregory has also made an agreement with an agent of Saladin. Baron Gregory and Saladin’s agent have their own agendas that doesn’t have anything to do with what their superiors want.
Enter into this, the Djinn. He has Baron Gregory’s soldiers spooked. He keeps attacking them and they disappear. With his glowing eyes, dark cloak, and ability to melt into the shadows, he is very hard to define. He is an amazing fighter. But what is his purpose?
Other characters in the book are Isabella, Baron Gregory’s daughter; William, Baron Gregory’s estranged brother, who has leprosy; William’s doctor; Gerard, Baron’s right hand man; Horatio, a knight in Baron Gregory’s army and a good friend of William’s; and Sebastian, Horatio’s squire and cousin.
With this cast of characters, Kent Holloway weaves a story that twists and turns, treasure hunting, magic, and monsters. It’s a great adventure with a fabulous hero. Many of the characters display good values. I enjoyed the story very much. The introduction of the Djinn right at the start of the story grabbed me and kept me hooked. I believe that anyone who picked this book up would enjoy it very much.
The setting is Jerusalem during the Crusades. Baron Gregory and his soldiers have control of the city. Baron Gregory, at the insistence of the Pope, he has been excavating under the palace Solomon’s palace. What he finds is something unexpected, twelve 9 foot statues, golems. Everyone thought they were myths. It sends him on a search for a special ring, Solomon’s seal and a parchment that has the instructions for bringing the golems to life. Baron Gregory has also made an agreement with an agent of Saladin. Baron Gregory and Saladin’s agent have their own agendas that doesn’t have anything to do with what their superiors want.
Enter into this, the Djinn. He has Baron Gregory’s soldiers spooked. He keeps attacking them and they disappear. With his glowing eyes, dark cloak, and ability to melt into the shadows, he is very hard to define. He is an amazing fighter. But what is his purpose?
Other characters in the book are Isabella, Baron Gregory’s daughter; William, Baron Gregory’s estranged brother, who has leprosy; William’s doctor; Gerard, Baron’s right hand man; Horatio, a knight in Baron Gregory’s army and a good friend of William’s; and Sebastian, Horatio’s squire and cousin.
With this cast of characters, Kent Holloway weaves a story that twists and turns, treasure hunting, magic, and monsters. It’s a great adventure with a fabulous hero. Many of the characters display good values. I enjoyed the story very much. The introduction of the Djinn right at the start of the story grabbed me and kept me hooked. I believe that anyone who picked this book up would enjoy it very much.
June 20, 2015
I read this book from star to finish, I just couldn't bear to put it down. It was fun, interesting, well written and action-packed with wonderful characters. I laughed, cried and even had a gasp or two. J.Kent Holloway sure knows how to grab a readers attention and he doesn't let go until the final word. Everyone should give his books a shot, I can pretty much guarantee you'll enjoy it.
May 28, 2014
I'm not usually a fan of books set in historical times, but this one was great. The Djinn himself was an amazingly well-written character who kept you guessing from the very beginning. I especially loved the ending that showed that the fight will always continue of good vs evil. A great read and just another big tick in the "Kent Holloway is a fantastic writer" column!
June 12, 2014
Listened to this one via Audible and I have to say that this is an excellent book. Action-packed and lots of twists and turns to the plot. Throw in the fantasy element and this is a winner for me!
May 2, 2015
This is filled with anachronisms, inconsistencies, and scenes lifted from bad movies.
January 8, 2022
Okay so this book started off very strong, it engage me with mystery and intrigue of the Djinn character and what it was exactly.
Than it threw it all out of the window in favour of telling the audience that the Djinn was nothing but a man using science and parlour tricks to fool his enemies into believing he was an actual spirit of Vengeance.
This made no sense considering the Djinns feats, the way it moved and zipped around, how it seemed to be a shadow which formed a man. The Djinn was described as he looks on the cover, a moving, man-shaped shadow with glowing green eyes, he was even described at the start to be 10 feet tall and seemed to be able to change his size and also just evaporate into shadowy mist!
He performed all manner of miraculous and superhuman feats which were explained away with herbs and fungi, I'm sorry man but there is no mushroom on Earth that can give you superpowers like Black Panther. I hate this fucking cop-out because it's just so goddamn boring especially after what we were originally given; a mystical, mysterious otherworldly creature! To explain it away with science which is bullshit means you might as well have stuck to the magic because it's just as believable. I signed up for a book about DJINN not a cheap middle eastern black panther knock off!
And what's worse is that magic actually exists in this universe, it starts off in the Prologue with Solomon awakening stone/clay golems with his ring which all goes to shit and these monsters serve the plot as invincible killing machines everyone covets.
This book also had some confusing shit in it, like the author couldn't decide if he was actually writing a fantasy book or not, the main antagonist CONSTANTLY belittles and disbelieves the stories of the mysterious Djinn hunting him as pure fantasy, propping himself up as a man of reason and logic, also an atheist by the way because again the thought of a God doesn't fit his worldview where Magic doesn't exist YET his entire motivation is to get Solomons magical ring and a Grimoire so he can take control of the Golems Solomon sealed away as his personal giant stone invincible henchmen, and also to make many more of them to create an army.
The character simultaneously believes in Golems and Magic but also does not believe in Djinn and Magic. This was a glaring contradiction, as well as the many mystical and superhuman feats the Djinn accomplished, and among other things made me believe the author had no fucking idea what he was doing. It's like he started off writing a fantasy book and went "oh no I want it to be more grounded and therefore boring" and changed it half way through, stuck it together as a Frankenstein mess and then published it!
What a joke!
Stick to your fucking guns man you had an awesome story to start off with I was so invested and then you just flopped it, terrible, absolutely terrible! I very rarely write negative reviews or give less than 3 stars most of my reviews are 4-5 but this just doesn't deserve any of my respect. It set itself up so well and intriguing and then just bumbled it. Don't set up fantasy elements just to pull them out from under our feet. I wanted a book about Djinn, I wanted what was promised. I almost feel like my time was wasted.
Than it threw it all out of the window in favour of telling the audience that the Djinn was nothing but a man using science and parlour tricks to fool his enemies into believing he was an actual spirit of Vengeance.
This made no sense considering the Djinns feats, the way it moved and zipped around, how it seemed to be a shadow which formed a man. The Djinn was described as he looks on the cover, a moving, man-shaped shadow with glowing green eyes, he was even described at the start to be 10 feet tall and seemed to be able to change his size and also just evaporate into shadowy mist!
He performed all manner of miraculous and superhuman feats which were explained away with herbs and fungi, I'm sorry man but there is no mushroom on Earth that can give you superpowers like Black Panther. I hate this fucking cop-out because it's just so goddamn boring especially after what we were originally given; a mystical, mysterious otherworldly creature! To explain it away with science which is bullshit means you might as well have stuck to the magic because it's just as believable. I signed up for a book about DJINN not a cheap middle eastern black panther knock off!
And what's worse is that magic actually exists in this universe, it starts off in the Prologue with Solomon awakening stone/clay golems with his ring which all goes to shit and these monsters serve the plot as invincible killing machines everyone covets.
This book also had some confusing shit in it, like the author couldn't decide if he was actually writing a fantasy book or not, the main antagonist CONSTANTLY belittles and disbelieves the stories of the mysterious Djinn hunting him as pure fantasy, propping himself up as a man of reason and logic, also an atheist by the way because again the thought of a God doesn't fit his worldview where Magic doesn't exist YET his entire motivation is to get Solomons magical ring and a Grimoire so he can take control of the Golems Solomon sealed away as his personal giant stone invincible henchmen, and also to make many more of them to create an army.
The character simultaneously believes in Golems and Magic but also does not believe in Djinn and Magic. This was a glaring contradiction, as well as the many mystical and superhuman feats the Djinn accomplished, and among other things made me believe the author had no fucking idea what he was doing. It's like he started off writing a fantasy book and went "oh no I want it to be more grounded and therefore boring" and changed it half way through, stuck it together as a Frankenstein mess and then published it!
What a joke!
Stick to your fucking guns man you had an awesome story to start off with I was so invested and then you just flopped it, terrible, absolutely terrible! I very rarely write negative reviews or give less than 3 stars most of my reviews are 4-5 but this just doesn't deserve any of my respect. It set itself up so well and intriguing and then just bumbled it. Don't set up fantasy elements just to pull them out from under our feet. I wanted a book about Djinn, I wanted what was promised. I almost feel like my time was wasted.
September 3, 2013
This review was originally published on my Alaskan Bookie Website at: http://alaskanbookie.com/review/the-d...
My Review
This was such an awesome story woven into tales of biblical times to modern day. The Djinn is a boogeyman type character, told to children to get them to behave, but as with most legends, a hint of truth will keep the adults wondering. When mysterious things start happening around Baron Gregory’s men, whispers of the Djinn start to come out everywhere. Even those who don’t believe will question themselves over the mysterious happenings. The closer the Baron gets to the discovering the mysteries of the vault, the more the Djinn is determined to stop him.
The Djinn used the old legends surrounding his existence, the shadows, and the sword to discourage any discoveries. He knew the dangers involved in awakening the abominations and tried to make the Baron see the danger too. The Baron was set on discovering the power that the clay men would give him and was determined not to let any mystical creature, such as the Djinn, stop him from obtaining it.
The ending was totally awesome! I won’t give it away, but the ending took me by surprise. It wasn’t that the author took some little known thing and stuck it in but that the culmination of the story ended with a perfectly rounded tale. Just like when you are making brownies, the brownie batter is delicious on its own, but once baked in the oven … Awesomeness!!
The Narration Review
This audiobook was narrated by Wayne Farrell and he was very clear and his voices and accents well done. His reading added all the right emotions to the tale, making it easy to follow along and be captivated by the story.
** Note **
I received this audiobook free from the Audio Jukebox Solid Gold Reviewer Program and Seven Realms Publishing in exchange for an honest review. I received no chocolate or any other compensation in exchange for my review.
My Review
This was such an awesome story woven into tales of biblical times to modern day. The Djinn is a boogeyman type character, told to children to get them to behave, but as with most legends, a hint of truth will keep the adults wondering. When mysterious things start happening around Baron Gregory’s men, whispers of the Djinn start to come out everywhere. Even those who don’t believe will question themselves over the mysterious happenings. The closer the Baron gets to the discovering the mysteries of the vault, the more the Djinn is determined to stop him.
The Djinn used the old legends surrounding his existence, the shadows, and the sword to discourage any discoveries. He knew the dangers involved in awakening the abominations and tried to make the Baron see the danger too. The Baron was set on discovering the power that the clay men would give him and was determined not to let any mystical creature, such as the Djinn, stop him from obtaining it.
The ending was totally awesome! I won’t give it away, but the ending took me by surprise. It wasn’t that the author took some little known thing and stuck it in but that the culmination of the story ended with a perfectly rounded tale. Just like when you are making brownies, the brownie batter is delicious on its own, but once baked in the oven … Awesomeness!!
The Narration Review
This audiobook was narrated by Wayne Farrell and he was very clear and his voices and accents well done. His reading added all the right emotions to the tale, making it easy to follow along and be captivated by the story.
** Note **
I received this audiobook free from the Audio Jukebox Solid Gold Reviewer Program and Seven Realms Publishing in exchange for an honest review. I received no chocolate or any other compensation in exchange for my review.
January 21, 2013
Djinn is one of those rare novels that captures the reader's attention from the very first sentence.. until the last breathless word! I love history.. and that the story takes place during the first Crusade! The characters are very well fleshed out and one finds themselves rooting for the good guys.. and hoping that the bad guys get what they have coming to them!
The story starts out with King Solomon creating a large "Golem" to serve as the warden to a small army of golems that one of his wives brought to life.. (King Solomon had a thousand wives) using mystical ancient magic.
'Djinn' quickly fast forwards to the First Crusade.. and the Knights who are searching all over the holy lands seeking specific artifacts for the Pope. The story is VERY believably set into the time era! A Djinn .. is what we've come to know as a genie. Though, this genie is not locked in a lamp! The author delves deeply in the mindset of the Knights as well as the Djinn. You come to learn a great deal about most of the characters.
If you love history served with a side dish of mystical overtones.. then this book is sure to please!
The story starts out with King Solomon creating a large "Golem" to serve as the warden to a small army of golems that one of his wives brought to life.. (King Solomon had a thousand wives) using mystical ancient magic.
'Djinn' quickly fast forwards to the First Crusade.. and the Knights who are searching all over the holy lands seeking specific artifacts for the Pope. The story is VERY believably set into the time era! A Djinn .. is what we've come to know as a genie. Though, this genie is not locked in a lamp! The author delves deeply in the mindset of the Knights as well as the Djinn. You come to learn a great deal about most of the characters.
If you love history served with a side dish of mystical overtones.. then this book is sure to please!
February 24, 2014
This is a fantastic adventure that weaves together the history surrounding historic Jerusalem, King Solomon, immortal Golem, and the legend of the powerful and mysterious Djinn. This book would make an amazing film!
January 19, 2016
This story is based in the old days of Jerusalem. Lots of action and adventure. The Djin is a myth - or is it.
I loved this story. It kept me on my toes and I kept trying to figure out how our dashing hero really was. . . Human or spirit.
I am looking forward to more of this story.
I loved this story. It kept me on my toes and I kept trying to figure out how our dashing hero really was. . . Human or spirit.
I am looking forward to more of this story.
January 12, 2013
Really ejoyed this one! The story kept me hooked right from the beginning with enough twists and turns to keep me guessing.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews