The Djinn Entrapment: A Thrilling Genie Romantic Adventure

by Leigh Eskin Mascolino

A WORLD UNSEEN. A LOVE UNEXPECTED. A POWER UNBOUND.

Melody Thompson has carried a haunting secret since childhood — She sees terrifying smoke-like creatures and commands unexplained abilities. When her mother is murdered before her eyes, Melody alone knows the true cause behind the tragedy.

Years pass, and a veil of uncertainty shrouds Melody's existence until a mysterious stranger enters her life, promising her the key to unlocking the origins of her powers and her family's secretive past.

But there's a catch – She must help him save the very creatures she has feared her entire life.

Thrust into the mesmerizing realm of the Djinn and an ancient power struggle, Melody is presented with an extraordinary task — to Entrap a Jinni and harness its otherworldly powers as her own.

As her past unravels and an unexpected love blossoms, will she find the strength to seize control of her destiny, or be consumed by the powers that seek to destroy her?

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 15, 2023

Reviews

[Dee Hancocks]

A fun YA fantasy mystery with elements of romance.
I really loved how the Djinn are presented in this book, the descriptions are vivid and come to life. The way the story starts and unfolds is perfectly paced. I read the book in one sitting.
The FMC goes on a journey, she experiences grief and overcomes a lot. She is likeable and kind hearted despite the adversity she faces.
The romance is well done and you really root for them. The MMC is protective and sweet, if the age gap doesn’t put you off.
There are action scenes, magic, auras, djinns, lovely friendships and strife.
I think this would make a great graphic novel!
I would recommend to any young adult who enjoys fantasy or a mystery.

[Steph Yager]

Such an enjoyable and thrilling read! I would recommend this book to both adults and young adults.

This book had a refreshingly unique plot line that I couldn’t put down. I couldn’t wait to find out what would happen next! The ending did not disappoint and tied up all the loose ends.

[Newton Kimberly III]

A stellar debit novel! A fun and well paced coming of age story that will have you thirsty for the next page! I love the Djinn in this book and the abilities of the main character have me wanting a new superpower! The romance is a bit out of my element and comfort zone but it was enjoyable!
A great read for everyone!

[Keni]

This is a captivating young adult fantasy novel that will sweep you away on an enchanting journey with action, adventure, magic, and romance. Written by Leigh Eskin Mascolino, an exciting new talent, this book tells a story about Melody and how her life forever changed when she encountered a powerful Djinn.

This book is an absolute page-turner that had me hooked from the very first chapter. It's got a very original storyline that is not like the other YA novels I've read recently. A wonderful blend of magical adventure and a heartfelt romance between Melody and the Djinn, I found myself completely immersed in their world, feeling their happiness and their pain. Once you pick up this book it'll be hard to put back down! Leigh's skillful storytelling and richly imagined world will transport you to a realm where wishes come true and danger lurks around every corner. Trust me, once you start reading, you won't want to stop until the very last word!

[Dee Hancocks]

A fun YA fantasy mystery with elements of romance.
The Djinn in particular are described so vividly and come to life. How the story starts and unfolds is perfectly paced. I read the book in one sitting. The FMC goes on a journey, she experiences grief and overcomes a lot. She is likeable and kind hearted despite the adversity she faces.The romance is well done and you really root for them. The MMC is protective and sweet, if the age gap doesn’t put you off.
There are action scenes, magic, auras, djinns, lovely friendships and strife.
I think this would make a great graphic novel!
I would recommend to any young adult who enjoys fantasy or a mystery.

[Jayra]

Maybe the writing style is just not for me. It sparks enough for curiosity to what happen next but it just fell flat to me.

But overall, it was okay and interesting concept. Romance was fast as well but I have no problem with that.

Thank you NetGalley & publisher for this eARC.

[Margaret Brandt]

This book was such a fun read! The writer creates a vivid world within our own, about a topic I hadn’t read about before. The twists kept me hooked while I rooted for the characters. This would make a good book club read.

[Mary]

This book was such a fun read! The characters were refreshingly believable - not perfect - and the book showcased strong relationships amongst family and girlfriends. The ending wrapped up beautifully; I hope there will be a sequel!

[Peter]

Fantasy adventure story with the power of Djinn bringing terror and possibilities. Are the Djinn evil, or mis-understood and mis-used? Melody’s past colours her experience to believe the former but future experience might alter that in the flash of a Djinn’s wish. This is the author’s first book, nurtured over many years before being released for public viewing. I’m glad she found the courage to do so. Thank you to Leigh Eskin Mascolino and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

[Audrey Bledsoe]

As an avid fan of many young adult novels that encompass fantasy, romance, and a quick-moving plotline, this brand new novel by Leigh Eskin Mascolino did not disappoint!! If you are someone who enjoys fiction such as Twilight or the Graceling series, this book is right up your alley. I loved how the main character, Melody, was so relatable. I often found myself agreeing with her, and relating to her personality quirks (like on page 265, Melody says, "Of course, as was my nature, when something good happened, I had to question it."--haha, so true!) She is not perfect, but she cares deeply about her friends and family. All the characters are well-developed, and make you want to get to know them in real life.
I love that this book takes you into a world where humans interact with unusual beings (called the Djinn--which are essentially genies), and you get a glimpse of what it might be like to have special powers and be able to cast spells, entrap one of these ethereal creatures (meaning you command the Jinni to do your bidding). I loved the interaction between Melody and Adin, especially as they explored what it would be like to willingly enter into an entrapment where Adin must obey every command of Melody's. What if you could be inside the mind of someone, and command them to do what you wanted? And what if you were attracted to (and falling in love with) a creature who is not human? It is unique and exciting to think about, and even though this story is fictional you feel as if everything in the book could actually happen. I also loved the vivid descriptions of Melody's ability to see auras--colors around humans that indicate their emotions. Wouldn't it be amazing to tell if someone was feeling sad simply by the color of their aura? This book brings to life so many cool and unique possibilities. And not only that, but it's well written and includes an antagonist and some plot twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end.
Do yourself a favor, and read this book! You will not regret it. :)

[Steph]

A fast-paced magical action romance about courage, growth, and friendship. Melody is an average teenager with a magical secret. After a personal tragedy, she is thrust into another world that she is depended on to save. Throughout the process, Melody falls in love with someone she never expected to in a charming story. Unlike many heroines of magical destiny, Melody is not alone; she is also able to consistently rely on the support of her friends and family to help her. She shows incredible courage and a beautiful heart as she fights for what is right. Along the way, she faces a variety of struggles, emotional and otherwise, but is able to rely on her powerful inner strength to overcome them.

It was hard to put the book down and take a pause from Melody’s story as reading it leaves you breathless and wondering what’s going to happen next. While at times it really feels like she got in over her head, the author resolves the conflicts in a way that is both believable and satisfying. The world of the djinn is magical and enchanting and it is hard not to imagine wishing yourself into the character’s shoes (when she’s not in danger!) to experience it.

If you want an adorable love story, an eldritch world of magic and djinn, optimistic and wholesome friendships, and a relatable and courageous heroine, this book is for you!

[Sara Hernandez]

Melody Thompson witnesses her mother’s death at a very young age and learns a terrifying secret: she can see djinn, inhuman spirit creatures with magical powers no one else can see. During a trip to New York with friends Melody meets Adin, a djinn who explains that not only does she have the ability to entrap and command the djinn, but that they need her help to free themselves from the evil Donnovan who wants to destroy them all.

The pacing of the book and the romance is a little fast. It actually takes place in about a week. For this reason every scene is action-packed and the romance blossoms very quickly. I found that Carrie and Zayn’s feelings happened a little more organically (or maybe just slow burn enemies-to-lovers is my favorite trope!).

Melody is a great pov character. Despite her fear and reasons for hating the Djinn (and later Donnovan) she always fights to overcome the horrible things that happen to her and free them rather than holding a grudge. She and her friends are super close and supportive in ways that not many people get to experience these days. The found family feels are rife throughout the book!

Overall a wonderful modern day adaptation of Arabian mythology meets Western witchcraft with just enough action and romance to keep you glued to the page the whole way through!

[Hailey MacGregor]

I will admit, I am not a huge person on fantasy novels but this was 10/10. The character development and the story development is amazing and easy to keep up with. The main character is relatable and true, it’s not where she gets powers and knows exactly what to do. You read as she learns, the relationship between all the characters are amazing and very well thought out. The plot…*chefs kiss*

I bought it early on but didn’t read it until recently and I quite literally could not put it down. It’s an easy read but tons of details that it pulls you in. I recommend reading this book even if you are not a huge fantasy reader. I want to read more like it now because of this book!

[Vincent Conley]

A page turner for fantasy and romance fans

I just finished the book today, and it was such a fun read! The characters are believable and the action never stops (once you get about 10 pages in). I found myself reading it late into the night because I did not want to put it down. The story follows Melody who is relatable but also has to grow into her own skin. A well crafted journey begins, and I loved the intrigue and romantic tension. If you like young adult science fiction, this book will not disappoint!

[Natalie]

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.

I really enjoyed this book. I have always loved tales of genies and djinn but often found some recent books featuring them to go right over my head with the lore. This was not that magic system was easy to understand and worked. Plot was very good and Ya. I love the main relationships between Adin and Melody. And Melody and her two friends. Villain twist was predicted as soon as I learned the backstory. But was very good. It was a one day read but a good bit of entertainment.

[Chelsea Smith]

This was a fun and interesting read. Once I got into it, like any great book, I couldn't put it down! There were lots of twists and turns, lots of layers to the plot, and good character development. By the end, I couldn't help but want to know when the sequel is coming out! I absolutely want to know what happens next and continue on this journey with these characters I've grown so fond of. If you like fantasy, you will enjoy this read!

[Literary Reviewer]

Leigh Mascolino’s The Djinn Entrapment offers a thrilling exploration into a unique realm of hidden creatures and uncharted dimensions. Our protagonist, Melody, is endowed with an extraordinary power she has guarded since childhood, a power allowing her to perceive unseen entities and glimpses from a realm beyond ours that holds implications for her everyday life.

Following the abrupt, devastating loss of her mother, Melody is confronted by her deepest dread – the Others, a group of enigmatic, perilous beings with a profound influence on her world and those dear to her. Despite swiftly resuming the rhythm of regular life, she continues to feel the ripple effects of her uncanny powers, leading her down a path to an unexpected odyssey.

The novel is a masterfully crafted piece, maintaining a smooth narrative pace and offering an engaging reading experience. Each character is meticulously fleshed out, assuming a significant role in Melody’s life, particularly as she comes to grips with an inescapable reality – she must face the Djinn. These elusive entities are implicated in her mother’s demise, and this revelation fuels Melody’s resolve to seek answers and confront these forces. As she grasps the magnitude of her quest, Melody is confronted with the substantial risks it presents and the necessity for successfully conquering her gravest fears.

Mascolino’s work shines as a sterling example of young adult fiction, effortlessly merging the exhilarating elements of the supernatural realm with quintessential coming-of-age challenges and the quotidian experiences of adolescence. This engaging read appeals to a broad spectrum of readers who relish sci-fi/adventure narratives with fantasy undertones. The dialogue is dynamic, authentic, and imbued with youthful energy, offering the reader a glimpse into the challenges of teenage life juxtaposed against Melody’s extraordinary journey to battle the Djinn.

The Djinn Entrapment is an enthralling page-turner that masterfully amalgamates elements of fantasy and adventure, drama, and a sprinkling of romance to weave a captivating narrative. I eagerly anticipate delving into more of Mascolino’s imaginative realm in her future works.

[Hannah Cox]

Fun YA Fantasy Book!

Get ready to dive into the realm of the Djinn!

It has all of the layers of an intriguing fantasy book. It is a modern depiction with most of the book told in our own world (if it had Djinn’s) as well as brief moments in different dimensions.
The main character Melody is what I would consider a “phoenix rising from the ashes.” She has a difficult past but does not let that define who she is or what she does. She is also quite mystical and powerful in her own right, not only being able to see the Djinni’s themselves but also auras. This element added even more complexity to Melody as she was able to read true intentions of those around her. I love this type of storyline in books and this was no exception!

I can tell Leigh has a bunch of ideas for this series. As a college student, I read a TON of fantasy books. They tend to be long and drawn out to add to the world building and character development. This book has a lot of action back to back which was a big change from the usual pace I read. At times I wished scenes were lengthened in terms of dialogue, either inner dialogue from Melody’s POV or between characters. However, this is coming from someone who is used to a completely different pace/style of books and doesn’t diminish my positive experience with this book!

I believe the Djinn Entrapment is a good book for younger audiences or those who want to dip their toes into fantasy! It’s an easy and quick read bound to get your imagination flowing! For a debut novel, Leigh sets herself up for future growth with the Embracing Flames series!

[Marta Cox]

Honestly I thought this was going to be a three but the closer I got to the end the more I enjoyed the story so a four it is ! Yes it’s a little YA and I didn’t particularly connect with the writing style but as a story of a young girl going in her own personal journey it really gave me all the feels as it progressed. Melody is I suppose you could say gifted because she sees things ordinary mortals do not and sadly that’s the monsters that killed her mother. Melody knows to ignore them and pretend not to see them but when on a trip with friends two of these creatures realise she can see them and they quite literally sniff her out ! Everything Melody thought she knew about herself gets completely turned on it’s head ! Far from running and wanting nothing to do with what she learns are actually Djinn, Melody agrees to help them but who can she really trust when there’s deceit and treachery close by !
I didn’t know what to expect from this and will say it was different, fun and even a little romantic. I loved the trust between friends and willingness to help and offer support. I kind of wanted more from
Melody’s father but without spoiling it he surprisingly saved the day in some ways ! The romance hmm sweet yes but kind of a little ick and scary but I guess the author ended it right. I was perturbed and a bit sad at the end but then something happened that definitely gives me hope for the next book.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

[Nextbookaroundthecorner]

Every once in a while I pick up a book from a new author. Because you never know if you are going to discover the next Jennifer Armentrout (one of my favorite YA writers).

And boy, was I glad I read this debut from Leigh Eskin Mascolino! She gives the stories about genies and djinn’s a total new spin: are those all powerful beings the good guys or the bad guys?

Melody has believed her whole life, that they are the bad guys, responsible for killing her mother. So, she steers clear of them. But then, she is asked to entrap a djinn, to help him save other djinn’s. The story has a lot of twists and turns and keeps you guessing. So, you probably shouldn’t start the book in the evening or you may lose some sleep over it.

Absolutely a wonderful debut and I’m looking forward to reading more from Leigh! Four out of five stars from me and a special thank you for Netgalley for providing the arc.

[Abigail L.]

A spellbinding tale that seamlessly weaves together elements of fantasy, mystery, and romance. The story revolves around Melody Thompson, a young woman with a unique and haunting ability to see otherworldly creatures and command strange powers. When tragedy strikes her family, she becomes entangled in a web of secrets that stretches back generations. Mascolino's writing effortlessly transports readers into a mesmerizing world filled with ancient powers, enigmatic characters, and a love that defies the odds.

The intricate plot unfolds with skillful pacing, keeping readers engaged as Melody's journey takes unexpected turns. From the allure of the Djinn realm to the intensity of the power struggle, every aspect of the story is meticulously crafted. Melody's growth and transformation, both in her abilities and her relationships, add depth to the narrative.

[Maddie Cook]

I work closely with Leigh Eskin Mascolino, so when she told me about the book she had written, I was excited to read it and let me just say, I'm so happy I did. This book was action packed, right from the beginning in the Prologue. The action aspect never left. I also really enjoyed the romance aspects from it too. Mascolino did a really amazing job at keeping the readers interested and it was so good that as a reader, I felt the anxiety Melody felt when she was with the Others in the beginning and the heartbreak she felt with her mother. While reading, I never wanted to put the book down! This book was beautifully written and if you love action and romance with a little sprinkle of humor, then you should definitely purchase this amazing book!

[Attmay]

A gripping tale filled with deep characters, imaginative twists and turns, and intriguing, mysterious magic; it's hard to believe this is the author's first book - it reads like a book from a seasoned author. I don't read many books, but I ended up reading this in one sitting, cover to cover. I needed to know where the story led; how it came together. I was invested in Melody's story from the prologue until the last page. The writing is easy to follow and it keeps you wondering how it will resolve until the very end. I hope there will be more books to explore this world. Thank you for sharing this fantastic story!

[Aastha]

I think that this book is really good, but I felt like there is so much more to explore in this world that the book didn't really cover. I think that the book was missing something that really could have taken it from really good to amazing. I thought that the romance between Melody and Adin was cute, but wished they had more chemistry. I just wish it was part of a duology to further explore this world.

Thank you to NetGalley and author Leigh Eskin Mascolino for this digital advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Priscila Vera Schmidt]

Such a great book. I really like how all the characters are morally grey. Adin never gives Melody all the information, maybe he is trying to protect her in a certain way but I will always think the knowledge is power. Melody thinks in using the Djinn power, even if it's to help, for a minute she forgets about what's happening right there. I really enjoyed reading your book and I will love to read a sequel.

[Elaine Kirkbride]

I loved this book! I have never read a book about djinn or jinni but it made for an interesting read. The story unfolded with many twists and turns and the epilogue has me excited for when the next book comes out!

[Paul Stainker]

A fantastic dive into a different type of mystical world I hadn't experienced before. Mesmerizing storytelling and an obvious but still unique romance subplot keep the book fresh.

I'ma be real though the epilogue of this book is 100% the best part

[Jules Lapp]

My daughter and I loved this book. We both were excited for bedtime every night so we could read what happened next. It also kept us talking about the storyline throughout the day. The use of djinni was a fun twist on youth book characters. We can hardly wait for book 2!

[Sue]

Love the new cover and small updates.

Okay, I did not plan to binge-read this one, but here we are. Melody's life is chaos in the best magical way—secret powers, killer Djinn, and a dude who’s got danger vibes and deep secrets? Yes please. I was flipping pages like a maniac. This book is a full ride: spooky, swoony, and straight-up fun. If you like magic with a side of sass and heart-thumping suspense, you’re gonna love this. ✨🔥📖