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The Jinn Daughter
A stunning debut novel and an impressive feat of storytelling that pulls together mythology, magic, and ancient legend in the gripping story of a mother’s struggle to save her only daughter
Nadine is a jinn tasked with one job: telling the stories of the dead. She rises every morning to gather pomegranate seeds—the souls of the dead—that have fallen during the night. With her daughter Layala at her side, she eats the seeds and tells their stories. Only then can the departed pass through the final gate of death.
But when the seeds stop falling, Nadine knows something is terribly wrong. All her worst fears are confirmed when she is visited by Kamuna, Death herself and ruler of the underworld, who reveals her desire for someone to replace her: it is Layala she wants.
Nadine will do whatever it takes to keep her daughter safe, but Kamuna has little patience and a ruthless drive to get what she has come for. Layala’s fate, meanwhile, hangs in the balance.
Rooted in Middle Eastern mythology, Rania Hanna deftly weaves subtle, yet breathtaking, magic through this vivid and compelling story that has at its heart the universal human desire to, somehow, outmaneuver death.
The Jinn Daughter was a finalist for the 2024 Indie Book Award for Fantasy, an Amazon Editor’s Fantasy Pick, and received a starred review from Foreword Reviews.
Nadine is a jinn tasked with one job: telling the stories of the dead. She rises every morning to gather pomegranate seeds—the souls of the dead—that have fallen during the night. With her daughter Layala at her side, she eats the seeds and tells their stories. Only then can the departed pass through the final gate of death.
But when the seeds stop falling, Nadine knows something is terribly wrong. All her worst fears are confirmed when she is visited by Kamuna, Death herself and ruler of the underworld, who reveals her desire for someone to replace her: it is Layala she wants.
Nadine will do whatever it takes to keep her daughter safe, but Kamuna has little patience and a ruthless drive to get what she has come for. Layala’s fate, meanwhile, hangs in the balance.
Rooted in Middle Eastern mythology, Rania Hanna deftly weaves subtle, yet breathtaking, magic through this vivid and compelling story that has at its heart the universal human desire to, somehow, outmaneuver death.
The Jinn Daughter was a finalist for the 2024 Indie Book Award for Fantasy, an Amazon Editor’s Fantasy Pick, and received a starred review from Foreword Reviews.
274 pages, Hardcover
First published April 2, 2024
20 people are currently reading
3704 people want to read
About the author
Rania Hanna
1 book81 followersRania Hanna is a Syrian-American writer and researcher. She is a neuroscience doctoral student based in northern Virginia.
The Jinn Daughter is her debut novel.
She loves to read deliciously dark books, drink black tea with saffron sugar, and take solitary walks in the local cemetery when the wind's blowing just so and a storm is on the horizon.
The Jinn Daughter is her debut novel.
She loves to read deliciously dark books, drink black tea with saffron sugar, and take solitary walks in the local cemetery when the wind's blowing just so and a storm is on the horizon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
December 28, 2023
This is such a lovely story about a mother's love for her daughter.
I can't personally relate to motherhood at all, which is a testament to the author's skill in writing and developing the relationship between mother and daughter, Nadine and Layala.
I really enjoyed this take on jinns, along with the death magic and the dead and undead. This was really creative and well done. The settings feel very isolated, which really added to the FMC's feeling of being trapped in her role as Hakawati. While some characters felt one-dimensional (mainly the men, which, tbh, I didn't really care too much about), I did appreciate how the story didn't try to take on more than it could handle. A minimalist setting and a small number of characters were perfect for this story.
The writing is also quite poetic with the ability to get the story across. It strikes the perfect balance between literary fiction and fantasy.
I'd love to read more from this author! Such a great new talent!
Thank you to Hoopoe and Edelweiss for this arc.
I can't personally relate to motherhood at all, which is a testament to the author's skill in writing and developing the relationship between mother and daughter, Nadine and Layala.
I really enjoyed this take on jinns, along with the death magic and the dead and undead. This was really creative and well done. The settings feel very isolated, which really added to the FMC's feeling of being trapped in her role as Hakawati. While some characters felt one-dimensional (mainly the men, which, tbh, I didn't really care too much about), I did appreciate how the story didn't try to take on more than it could handle. A minimalist setting and a small number of characters were perfect for this story.
The writing is also quite poetic with the ability to get the story across. It strikes the perfect balance between literary fiction and fantasy.
I'd love to read more from this author! Such a great new talent!
Thank you to Hoopoe and Edelweiss for this arc.
August 5, 2024
My, oh, my.
Necromancy + Arabic mythology + Stories within stories - these are a few of my favorite things.
This was such a niche story, but it is my kinda niche.
A perfect shorter pick between my heavier reads. 🥰
Necromancy + Arabic mythology + Stories within stories - these are a few of my favorite things.
This was such a niche story, but it is my kinda niche.
A perfect shorter pick between my heavier reads. 🥰
September 24, 2024
captivating and I cried and called my mom when I finished
November 13, 2023
The Jinn Daughter was a captivating standalone fantasy story. I loved the way Middle Eastern mythology was woven through the tale, and the action proceeded at a good pace throughout that always kept me turning the pages. The characters were memorable and well presented, and the prose was simple yet engaging with some lovely descriptive passages. The ending felt satisfying on all fronts, and I would definitely pick up further works by this author in the future. Recommended if you like mythology-inspired standalone fantasy novels with strong female characters. I am giving it four stars.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
April 13, 2024
Rating: Solid Book, 3 Stars
This is a case of me reading outside my comfort zone, and it not fully hitting for me. I am so glad though that I read this. It is a literary fantasy rooted in Middle Eastern mythology.
Nadine is a Hakawati jinn, meaning that she is tasked with telling the stories of the dead so that they can pass on to the next life. She gathers the pomegranate seeds each morning and tells each soul's story. She lives a quiet life on the outskirts of a village with her daughter Layala. Until one day, the seeds do not fall. Death comes to them because her soul is sick and Death is dying. She approaches Layala with a proposition that she take her place as Death. Nadine is adamant that this will not happen and sets out to ensure her daughter can continue to live her life as one of the living.
I thought that this was beautifully written. I really enjoyed all the stories that were told throughout the story, woven in with the narrative of Nadine and her daughter. Ultimately, this is a story of a mother's love and just how far she is willing to go for her child. I don't think that any of these characters is very likable, but it was an engaging story and I was very curious to see how it went. I enjoyed the magical aspects of this world and the journey through Death very much.
Ultimately what didn't work for me just overshadowed the pieces that I did very much enjoy. I think the main thing is that it read much more like literary fiction with speculative elements than a fantasy with literary elements. I have never been a big reader of literary fiction, so some of these pieces just went a little above my head or I didn't care as much about them. I felt like the way it was written, while beautiful, did keep the characters a little bit at arms length. It felt more like reading an old fable where the characters are more archetypes and meant to represent something than being fully fleshed out characters. In conjunction with some of the other elements, it was just more difficult for me to connect to the characters and their motivations, especially when they were making poor choices.
Overall though, this was a lovely little novel that I am glad that I read. I think that there are readers who will connect with it more than me. I received an early copy of this from Kaye Publicity. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is a case of me reading outside my comfort zone, and it not fully hitting for me. I am so glad though that I read this. It is a literary fantasy rooted in Middle Eastern mythology.
Nadine is a Hakawati jinn, meaning that she is tasked with telling the stories of the dead so that they can pass on to the next life. She gathers the pomegranate seeds each morning and tells each soul's story. She lives a quiet life on the outskirts of a village with her daughter Layala. Until one day, the seeds do not fall. Death comes to them because her soul is sick and Death is dying. She approaches Layala with a proposition that she take her place as Death. Nadine is adamant that this will not happen and sets out to ensure her daughter can continue to live her life as one of the living.
I thought that this was beautifully written. I really enjoyed all the stories that were told throughout the story, woven in with the narrative of Nadine and her daughter. Ultimately, this is a story of a mother's love and just how far she is willing to go for her child. I don't think that any of these characters is very likable, but it was an engaging story and I was very curious to see how it went. I enjoyed the magical aspects of this world and the journey through Death very much.
Ultimately what didn't work for me just overshadowed the pieces that I did very much enjoy. I think the main thing is that it read much more like literary fiction with speculative elements than a fantasy with literary elements. I have never been a big reader of literary fiction, so some of these pieces just went a little above my head or I didn't care as much about them. I felt like the way it was written, while beautiful, did keep the characters a little bit at arms length. It felt more like reading an old fable where the characters are more archetypes and meant to represent something than being fully fleshed out characters. In conjunction with some of the other elements, it was just more difficult for me to connect to the characters and their motivations, especially when they were making poor choices.
Overall though, this was a lovely little novel that I am glad that I read. I think that there are readers who will connect with it more than me. I received an early copy of this from Kaye Publicity. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 24, 2024
REVIEW
Thank you @rania_the_writer for sending me a copy of your book 💕 #gifted
The Jinn Daughter
Rania Hanna
"A stunning debut novel and an impressive feat of storytelling that pulls together mythology, magic, and ancient legend in the gripping story of a mother’s struggle to save her only daughter."
The story follows Nadine, mother to Layala, and jinn, tasked with telling the dead's stories so they can cross over to the afterlife. But when Kamuna, Death herself, visits, set on making Layala her successor, Nadine will stop at nothing to protect her child.
Rooted in Middle Eastern folklore, The Jinn Daughter is a breathtaking novel that blends literary fiction and magical realism. It's dark and moody, and beautifully examines the nuanced complexities of mother-daughter relationships, and more specifically, the delicate and often shifting line between a parent's protection and control. Though the novel is centered on mythology, as a mother, I found its message surprisingly relatable.
The Jinn Daughter's greatest strength is its lyrical prose. I highlighted dozens and dozens of passages that spoke to me. At under 300 pages, this short novel delivers an unforgettable story of a mother's love, sacrifice, and determination. Do yourself a favor and add it to your TBR. ♥️
📌 Available now!
Thank you @rania_the_writer for sending me a copy of your book 💕 #gifted
The Jinn Daughter
Rania Hanna
"A stunning debut novel and an impressive feat of storytelling that pulls together mythology, magic, and ancient legend in the gripping story of a mother’s struggle to save her only daughter."
The story follows Nadine, mother to Layala, and jinn, tasked with telling the dead's stories so they can cross over to the afterlife. But when Kamuna, Death herself, visits, set on making Layala her successor, Nadine will stop at nothing to protect her child.
Rooted in Middle Eastern folklore, The Jinn Daughter is a breathtaking novel that blends literary fiction and magical realism. It's dark and moody, and beautifully examines the nuanced complexities of mother-daughter relationships, and more specifically, the delicate and often shifting line between a parent's protection and control. Though the novel is centered on mythology, as a mother, I found its message surprisingly relatable.
The Jinn Daughter's greatest strength is its lyrical prose. I highlighted dozens and dozens of passages that spoke to me. At under 300 pages, this short novel delivers an unforgettable story of a mother's love, sacrifice, and determination. Do yourself a favor and add it to your TBR. ♥️
📌 Available now!
May 5, 2024
This is written so beautifully it’s incredible. The way this has elements of speculative and literary fiction but also fantasy is *chefs kiss*. As a mother this also forced me to do a lot of introspection and reflection on my own mothering. Part of me wishes I could gate keep this book. Such a refreshing read in the sea of popular booktok books I get recommended and read on a daily basis. Well done Rania.
November 13, 2023
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, and truly, this book SUNG! From the very first sentence the prose struck me like music notes, weaving together an absolute symphony of a book. I adored the mythology and fairytale vibes of the book. It truly felt like reading some ancient tome filled with fables and fairytales. It was So. Beautiful. And heartbreaking. The ending was crafted masterfully. Truly a stunning literary debut and I cannot wait to see what this author does next!!
May 19, 2024
Struggling between 4-5 stars but honestly this book made me feel so much it deserves the 5 stars. And I think as Miss Hanna writes more her stories will surpass the 5 stars. What it lacked in seasoned writing it made up for in soul & story. Though Nadine did many questionable things- it was always to be with her daughter. And being a parent I felt it deep in my bones. Knowing it isn’t right but it’s your child. There were many unanswered questions I wonder if she’ll write a sequel and answer… like did Rami kill both girls?? On accident?? On purpose? Why is Earth such a bitch? Will the witches be a great as I think they are? Why did the witch hate Rami??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2024
This was another excellent book. The Jinn Daughter is a beautiful story about loss and family told with folklore. I especially enjoy how each soul has a story that ordinarily presents itself in the fashion of a folk tale passed down via oral tradition.
April 24, 2024
“What does it mean to be a parent?”
Books that emphasize this question are of particular interest to me — I’m always curious to see how their answers are shaped around whatever genre, culture, politics, etc that they’re rooted in.
Weaving in elements of motherhood, stories within stories, and a world unbound by the dead and the undead, Rania Hanna skillfully crafts a timeless story that explores Nadine’s unrelenting love for her daughter. One can’t help but question exactly how far Nadine will go when the very world she inhabits is unbound by this Middle-Eastern-inspired mythology.
The contours of this book are primarily shaped around a kind of unconventional story structure that breaks away from the traditional structure that tends to dominate this intersection between fantasy and literary fiction. Of course, that’s not to say one is better than the other but the one that Hanna leverages is so well suited to the story she’s telling that in the end it only enriches the narration.
The Jinn Daughter is not even 300 pages but every page is lyrical, meaningful, and incredibly symbolic. Hanna crafts an emotional depth that is developed further through the many snippets of short stories incorporated.
Overall, this was such an enjoyable debut book and I can’t wait to see what Hanna writes next!
Books that emphasize this question are of particular interest to me — I’m always curious to see how their answers are shaped around whatever genre, culture, politics, etc that they’re rooted in.
Weaving in elements of motherhood, stories within stories, and a world unbound by the dead and the undead, Rania Hanna skillfully crafts a timeless story that explores Nadine’s unrelenting love for her daughter. One can’t help but question exactly how far Nadine will go when the very world she inhabits is unbound by this Middle-Eastern-inspired mythology.
The contours of this book are primarily shaped around a kind of unconventional story structure that breaks away from the traditional structure that tends to dominate this intersection between fantasy and literary fiction. Of course, that’s not to say one is better than the other but the one that Hanna leverages is so well suited to the story she’s telling that in the end it only enriches the narration.
The Jinn Daughter is not even 300 pages but every page is lyrical, meaningful, and incredibly symbolic. Hanna crafts an emotional depth that is developed further through the many snippets of short stories incorporated.
Overall, this was such an enjoyable debut book and I can’t wait to see what Hanna writes next!
May 8, 2024
As a mother, I understood Nadine’s love and determination to protect her daughter. She will do whatever it takes to make sure her daughter is happy and healthy even if it means defying death itself.
“The Jinn Daughter” is rooted in Middle Eastern mythology, which I’ve never read before. I had heard of Jinns, which to my understanding are sort of like genies, but never about ones who had the power to guide souls into the afterlife. Perhaps that’s why I felt some disconnect to the story because a few of the magic’s “rules” didn’t make sense. Without mentioning any spoilers, I’ll generically say that despite a “spell” being executed the same way, the results were not the same.
Though I could connect with Nadine over her love for her child, I didn’t agree with the lies she told her daughter. Also, it wasn’t just the lies she told to her daughter that bothered me. It seemed like Nadine was a pathological liar who lied to every character in this book. Lying is one of my pet peeves so I didn’t appreciate her continued dishonesty. Sure, some of the lies were told to protect her daughter, but others seemed unnecessary.
Overall, I did enjoy reading about a different culture’s mythology. I would love to read other books that include Middle Eastern myths to learn more about those stories and read about them from a different perspective.
“The Jinn Daughter” is rooted in Middle Eastern mythology, which I’ve never read before. I had heard of Jinns, which to my understanding are sort of like genies, but never about ones who had the power to guide souls into the afterlife. Perhaps that’s why I felt some disconnect to the story because a few of the magic’s “rules” didn’t make sense. Without mentioning any spoilers, I’ll generically say that despite a “spell” being executed the same way, the results were not the same.
Though I could connect with Nadine over her love for her child, I didn’t agree with the lies she told her daughter. Also, it wasn’t just the lies she told to her daughter that bothered me. It seemed like Nadine was a pathological liar who lied to every character in this book. Lying is one of my pet peeves so I didn’t appreciate her continued dishonesty. Sure, some of the lies were told to protect her daughter, but others seemed unnecessary.
Overall, I did enjoy reading about a different culture’s mythology. I would love to read other books that include Middle Eastern myths to learn more about those stories and read about them from a different perspective.
July 9, 2025
Beautifully written — contains adventure, self-development, and character growth wrapped in beautiful lyrical writing that grabs you in from the first page. Can’t wait to read more by this author!!
Edit July 2025:
1- My initial review was after just having read the book. I wanted to add to it because I don’t understand some of these reviews — it doesn’t make sense honestly to have a bad review because you didn’t like how a character acts…putting aside that the mother was acting in a very human and imperfect way. Books are supposed to make you feel something and often times to strike up discussion within yourself. Most of the books I read have very imperfect characters trying to do what they believe is the right thing. You evaluate the book based on the writing, the plot, and how well developed the characters are…if you want something with more of a black-and-white approach to “good” and “bad” and THAT being the goal maybe find genres that adhere to that as the goal?
2- That’s point one. Point two is that most parents are imperfect. Sometimes they mean well and when they try to protect out of fear they can make the wrong decisions. The journey comes from coming to that realization. The mother-daughter relationship is a great representation of that in this book.
3- And I’m surprised how many people think being 14 years old is old enough to make your own life decisions in every aspect of your life. You’re still a kid, unable to even legally drive in most countries, to give some perspective. Most 14 year old are still figuring out who they are, which is exactly what they should be doing — not making lifelong career decisions esp if that career involved you dying. Even 18 year old struggle with this. And yeah, the mother may have delayed some of that when trying to protect her from dying…but that’s what parents do. We all need guidance and protection, especially when you are that young. I don’t get it how some reviews believe a kid should be able to take on adult responsibilities and decisions. They should learn and explore options in a safe and age-appropriate way.
The author talks about a lot of these points in her interviews, as well.
But again…my main confusion is why whether a character is good or bad defines whether the book itself is good or bad. Most books have complex characters and that’s what makes them interesting and in many cases timeless throughout history.
Edit July 2025:
1- My initial review was after just having read the book. I wanted to add to it because I don’t understand some of these reviews — it doesn’t make sense honestly to have a bad review because you didn’t like how a character acts…putting aside that the mother was acting in a very human and imperfect way. Books are supposed to make you feel something and often times to strike up discussion within yourself. Most of the books I read have very imperfect characters trying to do what they believe is the right thing. You evaluate the book based on the writing, the plot, and how well developed the characters are…if you want something with more of a black-and-white approach to “good” and “bad” and THAT being the goal maybe find genres that adhere to that as the goal?
2- That’s point one. Point two is that most parents are imperfect. Sometimes they mean well and when they try to protect out of fear they can make the wrong decisions. The journey comes from coming to that realization. The mother-daughter relationship is a great representation of that in this book.
3- And I’m surprised how many people think being 14 years old is old enough to make your own life decisions in every aspect of your life. You’re still a kid, unable to even legally drive in most countries, to give some perspective. Most 14 year old are still figuring out who they are, which is exactly what they should be doing — not making lifelong career decisions esp if that career involved you dying. Even 18 year old struggle with this. And yeah, the mother may have delayed some of that when trying to protect her from dying…but that’s what parents do. We all need guidance and protection, especially when you are that young. I don’t get it how some reviews believe a kid should be able to take on adult responsibilities and decisions. They should learn and explore options in a safe and age-appropriate way.
The author talks about a lot of these points in her interviews, as well.
But again…my main confusion is why whether a character is good or bad defines whether the book itself is good or bad. Most books have complex characters and that’s what makes them interesting and in many cases timeless throughout history.
June 19, 2024
I may have developed a knack for folklore. After reading Polish folklore, reading this Arabic folklore was refreshing.
What to expect from this book? This is actually about parent & child relationship but more specifically mother and daughter relation with a touch of middle eastern fantasy and thrill.
I was hooked from the start, intrigued by the situation of the seeds disappearance and Layala’s strange behavior. Fortunately, the suspense didn’t let me down at all. The mythical creatures, like the jinn, Earth, and ghouls, and the world-building were vivid. There was no problem getting engrossed in the story.
Next, I like Nadine and Layala relationship. Layala always wanted to take a dangerous path to prove herself but Nadine as her mother wouldn’t allow because she feared Layala would get hurt. What Nadine and Ilyas (Layala’s father) did for Layala was out of desperation to save their child and it was understandable. However, I think Layala was right at some point too.
Anyways, I also liked the character of Kamuna. Her point was, I think, 50% valid but still she was better than that witch Earth 😂. There was something wrong with Earth’s psyche.
So, in short or long, I didn’t find any character boring at all. On the contrary, they were full of mysteries.
There were a few unexplained things at the end like about Rami, Ilyas and that witch Earth 😂. I hope there will be a second book too because I want to solve this mystery now.
What to expect from this book? This is actually about parent & child relationship but more specifically mother and daughter relation with a touch of middle eastern fantasy and thrill.
I was hooked from the start, intrigued by the situation of the seeds disappearance and Layala’s strange behavior. Fortunately, the suspense didn’t let me down at all. The mythical creatures, like the jinn, Earth, and ghouls, and the world-building were vivid. There was no problem getting engrossed in the story.
Next, I like Nadine and Layala relationship. Layala always wanted to take a dangerous path to prove herself but Nadine as her mother wouldn’t allow because she feared Layala would get hurt. What Nadine and Ilyas (Layala’s father) did for Layala was out of desperation to save their child and it was understandable. However, I think Layala was right at some point too.
Anyways, I also liked the character of Kamuna. Her point was, I think, 50% valid but still she was better than that witch Earth 😂. There was something wrong with Earth’s psyche.
So, in short or long, I didn’t find any character boring at all. On the contrary, they were full of mysteries.
There were a few unexplained things at the end like about Rami, Ilyas and that witch Earth 😂. I hope there will be a second book too because I want to solve this mystery now.
April 25, 2025
What a beautiful story! This definitely makes me think of Vaishnavi Patel’s Kaikeyi and Goddess of the River in terms of storytelling and prose. I definitely feel like I would have appreciated it a bit more if I was a parent, but I definitely enjoyed the story regardless.
I LOVED the descriptions of the drink of the souls—I’m not sure why, but the idea of lemon combating sadness just really resonates with me. Associating emotions and feelings with scents and tastes tickled my brain in the best way, and then wrap that up into stories within the story? Absolutely sold.
I LOVED the descriptions of the drink of the souls—I’m not sure why, but the idea of lemon combating sadness just really resonates with me. Associating emotions and feelings with scents and tastes tickled my brain in the best way, and then wrap that up into stories within the story? Absolutely sold.
April 24, 2025
Succinct with well-written, sensual imagery. I enjoyed the folkloric voice in the storytelling. I also liked every character; each one had a unique voice with their own motivations and drive. I wished there was more story with Rami specifically because he was the mysterious favorite.
October 6, 2025
Very unique fantasy book with beautiful images and a great storyline. Sometimes the magic system was confusing and I think there were a few plot holes with it or things that didn’t make sense especially when it comes to the sacrifices but I still enjoyed it.
May 14, 2024
Lyrical writing and beautiful imagery. This one is less fantasy and more folklore. It reads like stories passed down through generations and put to paper, and that kept me incredibly captivated the entire time.
The story of a mother making tough (and potentially questionable) decisions to protect her daughter at all cost really hit home for me. I love a family story and the beauty of this one is that it comes with a unique cultural perspective that is not well represented in today’s literature.
Pick this one up if you’re a fan of mythology and folklore, magic, cultural storytelling or strong female leads
The prose and storytelling were both phenomenal. My minor qualm was the bit of redundancy that made it feel like it would work best as a short story vs. a novel. But it’s still one I would recommend!
The story of a mother making tough (and potentially questionable) decisions to protect her daughter at all cost really hit home for me. I love a family story and the beauty of this one is that it comes with a unique cultural perspective that is not well represented in today’s literature.
Pick this one up if you’re a fan of mythology and folklore, magic, cultural storytelling or strong female leads
The prose and storytelling were both phenomenal. My minor qualm was the bit of redundancy that made it feel like it would work best as a short story vs. a novel. But it’s still one I would recommend!
July 22, 2024
3.5 stars
A very profound read on motherhood and makes you feel more empathetic to the plights of motherhood.
I just felt the ending was super rushed and too easy. I also wasn’t super invested in it at any point.
A very profound read on motherhood and makes you feel more empathetic to the plights of motherhood.
I just felt the ending was super rushed and too easy. I also wasn’t super invested in it at any point.
July 20, 2024
While I liked the set-up of the story, it fell a bit flat in different ways. The way the stories were relevant to whose they were was sometimes confusing, because it wasn't the people's actual story, but portrayed their feelings? It wasn't ever made clear. Also I did love the way that the mom loved her daughter, but sometimes I feel like she went too far and not in a way that I could really approve of, because it was unreasonable.
I did like the ending though in its bitterweetness.
I did like the ending though in its bitterweetness.
November 6, 2024
Oh this was so so so beautiful!!! I fell in love with this story, and I had tears running down my face in the final pages. I do think the ending felt a bit rushed, and it didn’t really feel believable that after all that she was no longer bothered by the townspeople and they just left her alone??? But I adored this overall!!!
April 13, 2024
Enchanting and haunting, Rania Hanna’s The Jinn Daughter, elegantly weaves magic, mythology, and a mother’s unrelenting love into a timeless story. This book is absolutely extraordinary and I couldn’t put it down. Each sentence is layered in meaning and is beautifully written. I felt so deeply connected to the characters and story. This book pulled at my heartstrings and had me reflect so much on my own experience as a mother raising my own daughters. I felt very connected to Nadine’s mission and the theme of grief in this book is depicted so realistically.
The world and setting of this book is so rich and vivid. As a reader, I could picture the scenes so clearly and felt I was transported on the mountain, right there with Nadine and Layala.
My favorite part of this book is how it is layered with so many symbolic stories of the dead. I found myself reflecting on these stories and it gave such a deeper meaning to the plot and character arcs. I would love to reread the book now that I know the ending to read those smaller stories from a new perspective. I also loved how the author created a surprisingly comforting and beautiful portrayal of the afterlife which was very thought-provoking.
This book is a must-read for all. The story is so very powerful and captivating.
The world and setting of this book is so rich and vivid. As a reader, I could picture the scenes so clearly and felt I was transported on the mountain, right there with Nadine and Layala.
My favorite part of this book is how it is layered with so many symbolic stories of the dead. I found myself reflecting on these stories and it gave such a deeper meaning to the plot and character arcs. I would love to reread the book now that I know the ending to read those smaller stories from a new perspective. I also loved how the author created a surprisingly comforting and beautiful portrayal of the afterlife which was very thought-provoking.
This book is a must-read for all. The story is so very powerful and captivating.
August 11, 2024
This book and I, we just dint vibe 😐
December 11, 2023
First off, it's the writing itself that makes it a strong read. It's lyrical, and there's something about the cadence of the writing that pulls you in.
Second, the characters are well-drafted. The MC, Nadine, and her daughter, Layala, are molded in a believable and likable way.
The only thing I'd say is that I wanted more of the history of the Jinn wars between humans, since it was mentioned but wasn't really drawn out. But that could be a sequel :)
Second, the characters are well-drafted. The MC, Nadine, and her daughter, Layala, are molded in a believable and likable way.
The only thing I'd say is that I wanted more of the history of the Jinn wars between humans, since it was mentioned but wasn't really drawn out. But that could be a sequel :)
June 4, 2024
Rania Hanna’s storytelling is a rich tapestry, bringing fierce heroines, a mother’s deep and abiding love, Arabic folklore and oral tradition to the page with beautiful, lyrical prose. There’s grief and sacrifice but also triumph.
July 15, 2024
As someone who is part Lebanese, I am a sucker for books featuring Middle Eastern folklore/mythology, so I was very much looking forward to reading The Jinn Daughter. It follows a Hakawati Jinn who shepherds the souls of the dead into the afterlife. One day, she wakes to find that there are no souls and it thrusts her whole world into collapse.
I thought the MC was a pretty compelling character. Her emotions, especially regarding her family were very realistic and portrayed well. I love that she was so loving and protective of her daughter, but was also in some ways a morally grey character due to the lies she tells to keep her child safe. It definitely made her more complex than I initially thought she was.
I also really enjoyed the incorporation of stories within this book. As our MC eats pomegranate seeds to release souls to the afterlife, she tells their stories. These little stories within the main story were a nice touch.
The descriptive prose was also lovely and I always had a clear visual of what was going on or where a scene was taking place. It created a really vivid, lovely reading experience. It also helped really bring some of the fantasy elements to life.
Unfortunately, I felt that this book struggled with its editing. I will try not to be overly critical as this is an Indie publisher, but there were some fairly significant structural issues that affected the reading experience.
In my opinion, this book has far too many plot lines and not enough space to explore them. I felt a bit like I had whiplash as on one page our MC would say she was going to do something and then on the next page she would do the exact opposite without any time for the reader to understand why she’d changed her mind. This left me feeling emotionally detached and disconnected from the characters for most of the book.
I also felt like a couple of the plot points (Ex: the whole situation with the grandfather) were included for no reason. The outcomes did not affect the conclusion of the story nor did they enhance the story. Had these unnecessary plot points been trimmed out, the story would have been much more streamlined and effective.
That said, I did enjoy this book. I think it is an ambitious debut novel that clearly shows Hanna’s talent. I look forward to seeing how her writing grows with her next book. If you enjoy a fast read with Jinn, Ghouls, and other Middle Eastern folklore, you may enjoy this book.
*Thank you to the author, Rania Hanna, for a free ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
I thought the MC was a pretty compelling character. Her emotions, especially regarding her family were very realistic and portrayed well. I love that she was so loving and protective of her daughter, but was also in some ways a morally grey character due to the lies she tells to keep her child safe. It definitely made her more complex than I initially thought she was.
I also really enjoyed the incorporation of stories within this book. As our MC eats pomegranate seeds to release souls to the afterlife, she tells their stories. These little stories within the main story were a nice touch.
The descriptive prose was also lovely and I always had a clear visual of what was going on or where a scene was taking place. It created a really vivid, lovely reading experience. It also helped really bring some of the fantasy elements to life.
Unfortunately, I felt that this book struggled with its editing. I will try not to be overly critical as this is an Indie publisher, but there were some fairly significant structural issues that affected the reading experience.
In my opinion, this book has far too many plot lines and not enough space to explore them. I felt a bit like I had whiplash as on one page our MC would say she was going to do something and then on the next page she would do the exact opposite without any time for the reader to understand why she’d changed her mind. This left me feeling emotionally detached and disconnected from the characters for most of the book.
I also felt like a couple of the plot points (Ex: the whole situation with the grandfather) were included for no reason. The outcomes did not affect the conclusion of the story nor did they enhance the story. Had these unnecessary plot points been trimmed out, the story would have been much more streamlined and effective.
That said, I did enjoy this book. I think it is an ambitious debut novel that clearly shows Hanna’s talent. I look forward to seeing how her writing grows with her next book. If you enjoy a fast read with Jinn, Ghouls, and other Middle Eastern folklore, you may enjoy this book.
*Thank you to the author, Rania Hanna, for a free ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 22, 2024
ARC received from Hoopoe Fiction!
The cover of this book is absolutely stunning, and I'll forever treasure how gorgeous it looks.
The story itself is quite unique: an Arab mythological fantasy (but not Muslamic), a Jinn mother trying to protect her half-Jinn daughter from taking on the mantle of Death, and finding herself embarking on a dangerous journey to do it.
The pomegranate symbolism reminded me of the story of Persephone and Hades (one of my faves), while the rivers of death and death-raising evoked the Abhorsen series (another one of my faves).
I really love the core of this story - a mother's love - but I do feel that the writing needed some more development editing for fleshing things out, stronger world-building/ backstory, and ensuring that all story threads were tightly woven together.
All in all, I did enjoy this! It's also YA appropriate, so I'd easily recommend it for 14+.
The cover of this book is absolutely stunning, and I'll forever treasure how gorgeous it looks.
The story itself is quite unique: an Arab mythological fantasy (but not Muslamic), a Jinn mother trying to protect her half-Jinn daughter from taking on the mantle of Death, and finding herself embarking on a dangerous journey to do it.
The pomegranate symbolism reminded me of the story of Persephone and Hades (one of my faves), while the rivers of death and death-raising evoked the Abhorsen series (another one of my faves).
I really love the core of this story - a mother's love - but I do feel that the writing needed some more development editing for fleshing things out, stronger world-building/ backstory, and ensuring that all story threads were tightly woven together.
All in all, I did enjoy this! It's also YA appropriate, so I'd easily recommend it for 14+.
June 25, 2024
I know books can’t sing but my god The Jinn daughter might as well have. A fun fact many people might not know is that the highest quality Arabic prose has a melodic almost ethereal feel to it. Rania Hanna’s prose is probably the first English book I’ve read that was able to replicate that feeling. No, I’m not overselling this, the prose in this book can only be described as magical.
But enough gushing about the prose. What about the story itself? The Jinn Daughter at its core is a story about the relationship between a mother and her daughter. This might seem simple but it’s the layers of the characters and the vividness of the world and its creatures that turned this story into something truly magical.
If you want a tale inspired by Middle Eastern folklore, a heartfelt story that will leave you with tons of feelings, or you just want to enjoy the melodies of Hanna’s prose, The Jinn Daughter is a book that will leave you in awe.
But enough gushing about the prose. What about the story itself? The Jinn Daughter at its core is a story about the relationship between a mother and her daughter. This might seem simple but it’s the layers of the characters and the vividness of the world and its creatures that turned this story into something truly magical.
If you want a tale inspired by Middle Eastern folklore, a heartfelt story that will leave you with tons of feelings, or you just want to enjoy the melodies of Hanna’s prose, The Jinn Daughter is a book that will leave you in awe.
April 23, 2024
The Jinn Daughter is a "retelling" of the myth of Persephone, but with a Syrian spin. This "retelling" was more of a new story slightly inspired by the myth, and it was fabulously done. It was so beautiful and atmospheric, and I was really intrigued by the world Hanna created. You follow the main character in a story deeply connected to love, loss, and motherhood, and it was truly an enchanting debut. Highly recommend.
Thank you to Hoopoe and Edelweiss for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Hoopoe and Edelweiss for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 8, 2024
Enjoyed all the smaller stories contained within the main story.
I didn't really find the main character sympathetic - whether that was intentional or just because I'm not a mother, I can't say. (It very well could be the latter.)
I still enjoyed the story, the world building, and learning something about a different folklore than my own. I wouldn't be opposed to reading more about some of the other characters and the general backstory.
I didn't really find the main character sympathetic - whether that was intentional or just because I'm not a mother, I can't say. (It very well could be the latter.)
I still enjoyed the story, the world building, and learning something about a different folklore than my own. I wouldn't be opposed to reading more about some of the other characters and the general backstory.
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