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The Golden Scarab of Balihar
In the mythical setting of the Arabian Nights, a palace servant girl who's smitten with the prince gets what she wants when a botched spell makes him fall for her. The only problem -- she interfered with the vizier's plans and he wants her head. Now, she and the besotted prince must track down the magical Golden Scarab of Balihar to undo the spell and save the kingdom. Rating: PG
- GenresFantasy
293 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 16, 2022
13 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 9, 2024
A beautiful marriage between Aladdin and National Treasure, but with a much more satisfying plot and ending. I loved Nadim the most! The jinni was clever and fun in every way and all his stories were great. I was devastated when he had to disappear forever and was so happy he could come back. The story was captivating and I just couldn't put it down until I finished it.
There were a few parts that felt a little shallow or too convenient for the plot, such as how easily the vizier acknowledged defeat at the end when his character had been so arrogant and strong all along. Also when Zahra dropped Selene's gold hairpin in a puddle of muck in the prison cell as she was cleaning it, but left it there because even as a poor servant with nothin she didn't want to reach into the muck to retrieve a pure gold hairpin. And then out of all the prison cells, she was imprisoned into that exact one so she could use the hairpin to escape with Selene.
While I was reading the part when Nadim and Ghazi were battling, I thought to myself how bored Zahra would be after this if she sat in the palace as a princess instead of adventuring more, but I'd also been rooting for poor Amir to have a happy ending he deserved too. So I was really happy with how the ending played out, instead of the typical girl gets to marry the prince and live happily ever after. It was the best possible ending with promise of book two to come!
There were a few parts that felt a little shallow or too convenient for the plot, such as how easily the vizier acknowledged defeat at the end when his character had been so arrogant and strong all along. Also when Zahra dropped Selene's gold hairpin in a puddle of muck in the prison cell as she was cleaning it, but left it there because even as a poor servant with nothin she didn't want to reach into the muck to retrieve a pure gold hairpin. And then out of all the prison cells, she was imprisoned into that exact one so she could use the hairpin to escape with Selene.
While I was reading the part when Nadim and Ghazi were battling, I thought to myself how bored Zahra would be after this if she sat in the palace as a princess instead of adventuring more, but I'd also been rooting for poor Amir to have a happy ending he deserved too. So I was really happy with how the ending played out, instead of the typical girl gets to marry the prince and live happily ever after. It was the best possible ending with promise of book two to come!
October 4, 2023
The Golden Scarab of Balihar by Michael Grayford
Thank you for the arc for an unbiased review.
This book is very much set for teens drifting into the YA age brackets, and it is crafted well to fit into those ages. Yet, it is definitely written well enough should an adult decide to read this.
This is the 1st book in a series, and it definitely has the potential to go beyond the scope of this story.
But just what is this story about? If I had to sum it up, I would say it is about life lessons and while you think you are grown up, discovering that, in fact, you still have room to grow some more. And that some lessons are painful, but others can be more joyful.
It also has a nice mystery wrapped around conflict.
The overall balance and pacing of the book were great. It didn't ever feel bogged down or too lightweight or superficial. Characters were engaging, and descriptions were vivid and drew you in.
The book cover is one that definitely draws the eye and suits the story dynamics.
A book that certainly should become one for the readers it is designed for, but don't be surprised if it spills across to some adults' enjoyment.
A solid 5/5 stars 🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Thank you for the arc for an unbiased review.
This book is very much set for teens drifting into the YA age brackets, and it is crafted well to fit into those ages. Yet, it is definitely written well enough should an adult decide to read this.
This is the 1st book in a series, and it definitely has the potential to go beyond the scope of this story.
But just what is this story about? If I had to sum it up, I would say it is about life lessons and while you think you are grown up, discovering that, in fact, you still have room to grow some more. And that some lessons are painful, but others can be more joyful.
It also has a nice mystery wrapped around conflict.
The overall balance and pacing of the book were great. It didn't ever feel bogged down or too lightweight or superficial. Characters were engaging, and descriptions were vivid and drew you in.
The book cover is one that definitely draws the eye and suits the story dynamics.
A book that certainly should become one for the readers it is designed for, but don't be surprised if it spills across to some adults' enjoyment.
A solid 5/5 stars 🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟
March 9, 2025
This was like a reverse Aladdin story, with the prince and the servant girl.
It follows the tale of Zahra as she tries to break the spell that has been put on Prince Amir.
They have to embark on an adventure filled with magical caves, unexpected friendships, and a humorous—and only slightly annoying—jinni. He was my favourite character, so I adored all his little tangents and off-topic stories.
I enjoyed all of the characters and found their relationships believable. It’s such a warming story of found family and solving mysteries. I would love to read the next story in Zahra’s adventure!
I was kindly gifted this in exchange for an honest review.
It follows the tale of Zahra as she tries to break the spell that has been put on Prince Amir.
They have to embark on an adventure filled with magical caves, unexpected friendships, and a humorous—and only slightly annoying—jinni. He was my favourite character, so I adored all his little tangents and off-topic stories.
I enjoyed all of the characters and found their relationships believable. It’s such a warming story of found family and solving mysteries. I would love to read the next story in Zahra’s adventure!
I was kindly gifted this in exchange for an honest review.
September 22, 2023
A fresh take on an old story, which is hard to find midlife. I loved all of the surprises and turning old tropes on their head to reveal a healthier message to the young readers this series is geared towards. A lovely debut novel. Looking forward to Zahra's next adventure!
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
October 12, 2023
This was such a beautifully written story..by far one of the.best Aladdin retelling I have come across with a no nonsense heroine and her loyal admirer. The story was fast-paced and had a host of interesting characters. I absolutely loved it! I received a free copy of the book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
June 11, 2024
It was recommended to me through an ad, so I thought I may was well give it a chance. It was okay. Nothing special. I think the way the story wrapped up was interesting though. I couldn’t really get into the characters, but I liked Zahara and Rafi’s relationship
October 29, 2024
Couldn't even finish...
January 12, 2025
This was just a lovely read. It's a YA fanatsy Aladdin retelling. Full of just fun characters, funny quips, adventure, and twists and turns.
March 20, 2024
I received a complimentary copy from VRO.
This book was a beautiful read.
I enjoyed every single chapter.
The plot in this story was vastly different from most of my recent reads, thoroughly enjoyable, rich with elements of adventure, hijinx, demons, jinni, and giant scorpions in the desert.
I loved that the book gave me kind of Aladdin and secret garden vibes.(mostly near the end)
The characters were well developed and the multi POV weren't too excessive and I enjoyed hearing each characters voice.
This book felt really satisfying to read, it wasn't overly long and wasn't too short, I usually always wish that books were longer but this one sat with me like Goldilocks perfect porridge.
It had me chuckling, feeling wrath at some of the plot turns, and sighing contentedly at the ending.
I love a happy ending.
But it wasn't really the end was it.
So I will read book 2 and I am absolutely certain I will enjoy that as much as I did this one.
I long to know if anything shall come of Amir and Zahras friendship. After everything.
Thank you for giving me the chance to read this book. I will recommend.
Super solid 5* read.
This book was a beautiful read.
I enjoyed every single chapter.
The plot in this story was vastly different from most of my recent reads, thoroughly enjoyable, rich with elements of adventure, hijinx, demons, jinni, and giant scorpions in the desert.
I loved that the book gave me kind of Aladdin and secret garden vibes.(mostly near the end)
The characters were well developed and the multi POV weren't too excessive and I enjoyed hearing each characters voice.
This book felt really satisfying to read, it wasn't overly long and wasn't too short, I usually always wish that books were longer but this one sat with me like Goldilocks perfect porridge.
It had me chuckling, feeling wrath at some of the plot turns, and sighing contentedly at the ending.
I love a happy ending.
But it wasn't really the end was it.
So I will read book 2 and I am absolutely certain I will enjoy that as much as I did this one.
I long to know if anything shall come of Amir and Zahras friendship. After everything.
Thank you for giving me the chance to read this book. I will recommend.
Super solid 5* read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews