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Farrah Noorzad #1
Farrah Noorzad and the Ring of Fate
A 12-year-old girl discovers her true jinn heritage when a birthday wish gone wrong traps her father in a magical ring, sending her on an epic quest to free him. This richly imagined fantasy series inspired by Persian mythology and Islamic lore is filled with action, magic, and self-discovery.
“A jewel of a fantasy novel that shines with adventure and sparkles with humor.”
—A.F. Steadman, New York Times Bestselling author of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief
Farrah sees her father just one day every year—her birthday. But this year, her wish to bring them closer goes wildly awry when Farrah discovers she is a half-jinn...and her father is one of the seven great jinn kings. Her wish traps her father inside a legendary ring, and the other six jinn kings will follow unless Farrah can rectify her mistake.
Pursued by menacing shadow jinn, Farrah’s quest takes her to a floating mountain range. Joined by Idris, the jinn boy whom she inadvertently freed from the ring, and her newly discovered half-brother, Yaseen, Farrah must find a way to navigate the mysteries and dangers of her new world in order to save her father and face the most devious jinn lord of all.
“A jewel of a fantasy novel that shines with adventure and sparkles with humor.”
—A.F. Steadman, New York Times Bestselling author of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief
Farrah sees her father just one day every year—her birthday. But this year, her wish to bring them closer goes wildly awry when Farrah discovers she is a half-jinn...and her father is one of the seven great jinn kings. Her wish traps her father inside a legendary ring, and the other six jinn kings will follow unless Farrah can rectify her mistake.
Pursued by menacing shadow jinn, Farrah’s quest takes her to a floating mountain range. Joined by Idris, the jinn boy whom she inadvertently freed from the ring, and her newly discovered half-brother, Yaseen, Farrah must find a way to navigate the mysteries and dangers of her new world in order to save her father and face the most devious jinn lord of all.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published July 2, 2024
8 people are currently reading
321 people want to read
About the author
Deeba Zargarpur
3 books56 followersDEEBA ZARGARPUR is an Afghan-Uzbek American. She credits her love of literature across various languages to her immigrant parents, whose eerie tales haunted her well into the night. If given the choice, Deeba would spend her days getting lost in spooky towns with nothing but a notebook and eye for adventure to guide her.
Her debut YA novel, House of Yesterday, releases from FSG BYR in Fall 2022.
Her debut MG novel, Farrah Noorzad and the Ring of Fate, releases from Labyrinth Road in Summer 2023.
Her debut YA novel, House of Yesterday, releases from FSG BYR in Fall 2022.
Her debut MG novel, Farrah Noorzad and the Ring of Fate, releases from Labyrinth Road in Summer 2023.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
February 26, 2024
Wow!!!! What a gorgeous and dazzling new MG fantasy, one I can’t wait to share with my own kid and middle school students (AND I CANT WAIT FOR BOOK TWO!)!
Synopsis: Farah’s parents are not married and she feels lost between the epic fantasy tales her dad tells her of jinn and her Madar who seems to want to ground her in reality.
On her one day visit from her dad of the year, she is given a ring- and when she makes a wish- her world explodes!!
Farah has to figure out that her wish may have been inside her all along- and she has to step into her power and find her confidence in those who love her!
I truly did enjoy this book thoroughly. I have a feeling middle grade readers who love fantasy are going to eat this up. I hate to compare books to each other because it might box them in, but I did feel like it had certain elements that are present in Percy Jackson, but in a fresh way. The plot moved quickly, and the action was wonderful and the twists were numerous- all marks of a good fantasy read!
I also really loved the cultural touches in the story! We need more diverse fantasy reads for sure!
Can’t wait to get my hard copy in the mail- and hurry on book two please!
Synopsis: Farah’s parents are not married and she feels lost between the epic fantasy tales her dad tells her of jinn and her Madar who seems to want to ground her in reality.
On her one day visit from her dad of the year, she is given a ring- and when she makes a wish- her world explodes!!
Farah has to figure out that her wish may have been inside her all along- and she has to step into her power and find her confidence in those who love her!
I truly did enjoy this book thoroughly. I have a feeling middle grade readers who love fantasy are going to eat this up. I hate to compare books to each other because it might box them in, but I did feel like it had certain elements that are present in Percy Jackson, but in a fresh way. The plot moved quickly, and the action was wonderful and the twists were numerous- all marks of a good fantasy read!
I also really loved the cultural touches in the story! We need more diverse fantasy reads for sure!
Can’t wait to get my hard copy in the mail- and hurry on book two please!
July 3, 2024
This was along the lines of books from the Rick Riordan Presents imprint, although this is not part of that line. This is the author's middle school novel debut and incorporates Afghan/Islamic culture and Persian Mythology. While I have read other books that include Afghan/Islamic culture, I haven't read many (any?) about Jinn, so that made this story particularly interesting for me. I also thought Farrah, Idris, Yaseen to be solid characters with each having a personal journey that needed to happen before the group could accomplish the task. While Farrah's best friend Arzu seemed in some ways to be an unnecessary add-on, I was glad to see her part of the journey as she grounded Farrah and reminded her of what she had to fight for.
This is a story of a girl who learns about her true Jinn heritage when she accidentally traps her Jinn father in a ring. It's the story of a girl who has struggled all her life with only seeing her father once a year, and who often feels like someone who doesn't belong, no matter where she is. While she loves her mother and grandparents, because she was born out of wedlock, she feels "forbidden", like she shouldn't exist. This is a story for those who struggle with this feeling, for those of mixed heritage who have trouble belonging in either side of their cultures.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and look forward to future books in this series!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is a story of a girl who learns about her true Jinn heritage when she accidentally traps her Jinn father in a ring. It's the story of a girl who has struggled all her life with only seeing her father once a year, and who often feels like someone who doesn't belong, no matter where she is. While she loves her mother and grandparents, because she was born out of wedlock, she feels "forbidden", like she shouldn't exist. This is a story for those who struggle with this feeling, for those of mixed heritage who have trouble belonging in either side of their cultures.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and look forward to future books in this series!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 27, 2024
Farrah only sees her father on the day of the Winter Solstice, which also is her birthday. She knows nothing about his life, if he has another family, or if she has siblings, and he wont’ tell her. Finally, she is given a magic ring, as a birthday present, and she wishes on it, wishes that she was not hidden, that she had a different fate.
This is the beginning of her journey to save her father, because she has changed fate. She has changed who she will be, and who her father will be, and she discovers that he is one of the Great Jinn Kings, and she is forbidden to exist, because of a prophecy about half-jinn children.
This reads as though it is either the start of a series, or the start of a trilogy, which would be good, because Farrah grows and learns things, and loses things, but there is a hint that there is more yet to come.
What I like is that her running away to find out about her father makes her mother file a missing persons amber alert, so that when she comes back to the human world, people are looking for her. I also like that she confides in her best friend, who joins her in her journey to rescue her father from the evil rings magic.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book will be published on the 2nd of July 2024.
This is the beginning of her journey to save her father, because she has changed fate. She has changed who she will be, and who her father will be, and she discovers that he is one of the Great Jinn Kings, and she is forbidden to exist, because of a prophecy about half-jinn children.
This reads as though it is either the start of a series, or the start of a trilogy, which would be good, because Farrah grows and learns things, and loses things, but there is a hint that there is more yet to come.
What I like is that her running away to find out about her father makes her mother file a missing persons amber alert, so that when she comes back to the human world, people are looking for her. I also like that she confides in her best friend, who joins her in her journey to rescue her father from the evil rings magic.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book will be published on the 2nd of July 2024.
July 30, 2024
4.25/5
Farrah Noorzad and the Ring of Fate by Deeba Zargarpur is a highly entertaining and engrossing middlegrade fantasy inspired by Persian mythology and Islamic folklore. It's the story of a 12 year old Farrah whose birthday wish for her father to stay with her and not disappear every year after celebrating her birthday goes wrong. That ends up trapping her father in a ring and leads her on a wild journey during which she discovers that she is a half jinn, her father being one of the seven jinn kings. To rescue her father from the shadow jinn and keep the other six jinn kings safe, she embarks on an adventure with a mysterious jinn boy, her best friend and her half brother. It's a magical experience.
This is my second book by Deeba Zargarpur and very quickly this author has solidified a place on my auto-buy authors list. I highly recommend this book.
Farrah Noorzad and the Ring of Fate by Deeba Zargarpur is a highly entertaining and engrossing middlegrade fantasy inspired by Persian mythology and Islamic folklore. It's the story of a 12 year old Farrah whose birthday wish for her father to stay with her and not disappear every year after celebrating her birthday goes wrong. That ends up trapping her father in a ring and leads her on a wild journey during which she discovers that she is a half jinn, her father being one of the seven jinn kings. To rescue her father from the shadow jinn and keep the other six jinn kings safe, she embarks on an adventure with a mysterious jinn boy, her best friend and her half brother. It's a magical experience.
This is my second book by Deeba Zargarpur and very quickly this author has solidified a place on my auto-buy authors list. I highly recommend this book.
January 22, 2024
This was such an entertaining and wholesome read 😭 <333
-- found family and friendship
-- bonding with a sibling
-- the complexities of family relationship (this is all I can say without spoiling 🥲)
-- The presence of jinn and their magic, and the rules governing their interaction (well, lack of) with mortals
-- an adventurous quest in the mortal + "unseen" jinn world
The resolution of the quest was simply brilliant, combining both Farrah's intelligence and empathy! I can't wait for book two, the epilogue was so intriguing!
TWs - loneliness, abandonment by a parent
-- ty to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy!
-- found family and friendship
-- bonding with a sibling
-- the complexities of family relationship (this is all I can say without spoiling 🥲)
-- The presence of jinn and their magic, and the rules governing their interaction (well, lack of) with mortals
-- an adventurous quest in the mortal + "unseen" jinn world
The resolution of the quest was simply brilliant, combining both Farrah's intelligence and empathy! I can't wait for book two, the epilogue was so intriguing!
TWs - loneliness, abandonment by a parent
-- ty to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy!
September 1, 2024
Pretty decent MG romp! The world of jinn is fun and interesting, and the themes of family and community are great. I as always don't really care for story set ups that heavily rely on parents and kids not being honest with each other, but otherwise it was a fun book.
March 30, 2024
E ARC provided by Netgalley
Because her parents weren't married when they had her, and this is considered less than optimal in Muslim culture, Farrah only sees her father once a year. He's a judge in the UAE, and her mother lives with her parents in Philadelphia. Farrah usually is fine with this, but when her father is visiting on her birthday, they have some squabbles when they are rock climbing at Wissahickon Valley Park. Farrah impulsively wishes that her fate would be rewritten and she would be a part of her father's world. A ring he has given her glows oddly, and before she knows it, her father is changing into a jinn with blue skin and disappears. Of course, no one believes her, and her mother and grandparents don't want to talk about it. There is some mention of leaving Philadelphia and living with an aunt in New York so that Farrah's father can't find her. Since some odd things have been happening to her, Farrah decides to run away to try to find her father. Instead, she is chased by creepy shadow jinn and helped by the mysterious Idris. He lets her know that she is part jinn, and offers to take her to the Qaf mountains to talk to the jinn kings who might be able to help get her father back, since he is one of them. The two magically fly there, but their meeting with the kings doesn't go smoothly. One hundred years ago, there was a rule made that any part human jinn would be banished, and since Farrah's father is the judge, the kings don't want to accept Farrah at all. She eventually meets with Yaseen, whose father is another of the kinds, and he tells them that in order to revoke her wish, she'll need to travel to the Realm Beneath the Unseen and meet with Azar, an ancient jinn who made the ring. It's not as easy place to get to, but Yaseen is willing to help... because he's Farrah's half brother. He attends a school of magic for royal children, and uses his knowledge to try to make an amulet of protection so that they can travel to the realm beneath. Nothing goes right, and the trio ends up traveling back to Philadelphia to try to get help from Farrah's mother. Instead, they run into Farrah's best friend Arzu, who joins their quest. This takes them into the countryside near Lancaster, has them travel on a train, and sends them back into the magical world. There are secrets from Idris' past that come to light, and Farrah and Yaseen both struggle with their identities as well. Will they be able to free Farrah's father from the ring before figuring out how to deal with their jinn identities?
Strengths: There are very few books that have characters that are Afghan American, and this is the first fantasy I have read that seems to involve Persian jinn. Farrah's parentage is interesting, and her desire to be closer to her father will resonate with many readers. Idris and Yaseen are interesting characters who bring an extra element of tension to the travels, and all of the complicated relationships and secrets will keep readers turning the pages. There's plenty of fun magical traveling, and an evil nemesis in Azar. This is the first book in a series.
Weaknesses: Having the trio travel back to Philadelphia didn't seem to have much purpose other than to add Arzu to the group, and just made the quest more complicated. Perhaps Arzu could have run away with Farrah from the beginning.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who can't get enough magical adventures, like Steadman's Skandar and the Unicorn, or culturally connected fantasy quests like Brown's Serwa Boateng's Guide to Vampire Hunting or Villanueva Lulu Sinagtala and the City of Noble Warriors. Since there are already a lot of culturally connected fantasy series in my school library that are gathering dust, I will probably not purchase this, although will definitely keep it in mind if I have students who want books with Persian (Afghan) folklore and mythology.
Because her parents weren't married when they had her, and this is considered less than optimal in Muslim culture, Farrah only sees her father once a year. He's a judge in the UAE, and her mother lives with her parents in Philadelphia. Farrah usually is fine with this, but when her father is visiting on her birthday, they have some squabbles when they are rock climbing at Wissahickon Valley Park. Farrah impulsively wishes that her fate would be rewritten and she would be a part of her father's world. A ring he has given her glows oddly, and before she knows it, her father is changing into a jinn with blue skin and disappears. Of course, no one believes her, and her mother and grandparents don't want to talk about it. There is some mention of leaving Philadelphia and living with an aunt in New York so that Farrah's father can't find her. Since some odd things have been happening to her, Farrah decides to run away to try to find her father. Instead, she is chased by creepy shadow jinn and helped by the mysterious Idris. He lets her know that she is part jinn, and offers to take her to the Qaf mountains to talk to the jinn kings who might be able to help get her father back, since he is one of them. The two magically fly there, but their meeting with the kings doesn't go smoothly. One hundred years ago, there was a rule made that any part human jinn would be banished, and since Farrah's father is the judge, the kings don't want to accept Farrah at all. She eventually meets with Yaseen, whose father is another of the kinds, and he tells them that in order to revoke her wish, she'll need to travel to the Realm Beneath the Unseen and meet with Azar, an ancient jinn who made the ring. It's not as easy place to get to, but Yaseen is willing to help... because he's Farrah's half brother. He attends a school of magic for royal children, and uses his knowledge to try to make an amulet of protection so that they can travel to the realm beneath. Nothing goes right, and the trio ends up traveling back to Philadelphia to try to get help from Farrah's mother. Instead, they run into Farrah's best friend Arzu, who joins their quest. This takes them into the countryside near Lancaster, has them travel on a train, and sends them back into the magical world. There are secrets from Idris' past that come to light, and Farrah and Yaseen both struggle with their identities as well. Will they be able to free Farrah's father from the ring before figuring out how to deal with their jinn identities?
Strengths: There are very few books that have characters that are Afghan American, and this is the first fantasy I have read that seems to involve Persian jinn. Farrah's parentage is interesting, and her desire to be closer to her father will resonate with many readers. Idris and Yaseen are interesting characters who bring an extra element of tension to the travels, and all of the complicated relationships and secrets will keep readers turning the pages. There's plenty of fun magical traveling, and an evil nemesis in Azar. This is the first book in a series.
Weaknesses: Having the trio travel back to Philadelphia didn't seem to have much purpose other than to add Arzu to the group, and just made the quest more complicated. Perhaps Arzu could have run away with Farrah from the beginning.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who can't get enough magical adventures, like Steadman's Skandar and the Unicorn, or culturally connected fantasy quests like Brown's Serwa Boateng's Guide to Vampire Hunting or Villanueva Lulu Sinagtala and the City of Noble Warriors. Since there are already a lot of culturally connected fantasy series in my school library that are gathering dust, I will probably not purchase this, although will definitely keep it in mind if I have students who want books with Persian (Afghan) folklore and mythology.
June 5, 2024
What worked:
The world of jinn isn’t as common as other magical settings so the story feels newish. Jinn in other books grant wishes and seem to have great magical powers but their abilities are limited in this book. There are seven jinn gods this time and Farrah’s father is one of them, along with being the presiding judge in the jinn supreme court. Jinn are not supposed to associate with humans so Farrah’s existence as a half-jinn means she’s going to have a lot of trouble rescuing her father. It will also mean big trouble for her father if the other jinn gods find out. Gods in middle-grade novels are often pompous and self-centered and that tradition continues.
Farrah suffers from feelings of inadequacy when it comes to her father due to his demands for excellence and following rules. She’s supremely confident about hiking and climbing but his comments still cause her to falter. However, she only gets to see him once a year so she misses having a normal relationship with her father. The decision to meet once a year is his choice and her mother and grandparents think that’s one time too many. Farrah wonders if they’re aware her father is a jinn king and she’s surprised and hurt when she begins to unravel the truth. Discovering she has a half-brother confuses matters as he doesn’t hide his disdain and anger toward her. Her family life is complicated but Farrah learns that she’s not the only one with parent issues.
As with most books, the main character is part of a trio trying to fulfill some kind of mission. Farrah is joined by a jinn boy named Idris who she accidentally frees from the magical ring. Then, she discovers her half-brother Yaseen, and her dysfunctional group is complete. Idris helps Farrah out of obligation and Yaseen reluctantly helps because he wants to rescue his father. Yaseen’s been taught that humans are worthless so he aids Farrah because he doesn’t think she is capable of saving their father. Idris and Yaseen don’t like each other either so developing any sense of teamwork seems impossible. Although Farrah is hard on herself, she has faith in others which ultimately helps in the end.
What didn’t work as well:
It’s surprising that Farrah doesn’t confide in her best friend or ask for her help early in the book. Arzu is like a sister to Farrah so why doesn’t Farrah ask for her assistance and advice, especially in matters involving family? Arzu provides valuable contributions later in the story despite being a worthless, full-blooded human.
The final verdict:
The book presents a creative world of jinn featuring a story with adventure, family, and friendship. Including Persian cultural details adds flavoring while Farrah’s confusing emotions will develop empathy in readers. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot.
The world of jinn isn’t as common as other magical settings so the story feels newish. Jinn in other books grant wishes and seem to have great magical powers but their abilities are limited in this book. There are seven jinn gods this time and Farrah’s father is one of them, along with being the presiding judge in the jinn supreme court. Jinn are not supposed to associate with humans so Farrah’s existence as a half-jinn means she’s going to have a lot of trouble rescuing her father. It will also mean big trouble for her father if the other jinn gods find out. Gods in middle-grade novels are often pompous and self-centered and that tradition continues.
Farrah suffers from feelings of inadequacy when it comes to her father due to his demands for excellence and following rules. She’s supremely confident about hiking and climbing but his comments still cause her to falter. However, she only gets to see him once a year so she misses having a normal relationship with her father. The decision to meet once a year is his choice and her mother and grandparents think that’s one time too many. Farrah wonders if they’re aware her father is a jinn king and she’s surprised and hurt when she begins to unravel the truth. Discovering she has a half-brother confuses matters as he doesn’t hide his disdain and anger toward her. Her family life is complicated but Farrah learns that she’s not the only one with parent issues.
As with most books, the main character is part of a trio trying to fulfill some kind of mission. Farrah is joined by a jinn boy named Idris who she accidentally frees from the magical ring. Then, she discovers her half-brother Yaseen, and her dysfunctional group is complete. Idris helps Farrah out of obligation and Yaseen reluctantly helps because he wants to rescue his father. Yaseen’s been taught that humans are worthless so he aids Farrah because he doesn’t think she is capable of saving their father. Idris and Yaseen don’t like each other either so developing any sense of teamwork seems impossible. Although Farrah is hard on herself, she has faith in others which ultimately helps in the end.
What didn’t work as well:
It’s surprising that Farrah doesn’t confide in her best friend or ask for her help early in the book. Arzu is like a sister to Farrah so why doesn’t Farrah ask for her assistance and advice, especially in matters involving family? Arzu provides valuable contributions later in the story despite being a worthless, full-blooded human.
The final verdict:
The book presents a creative world of jinn featuring a story with adventure, family, and friendship. Including Persian cultural details adds flavoring while Farrah’s confusing emotions will develop empathy in readers. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot.
June 29, 2024
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Farrah Noorzad and the Ring of Fate by Deeba Zargarpur is a first person-POV Middle Grade SWANA-American contemporary fantasy. Pennsylvania native twelve-year-old Farrah only sees her father once a year on her birthday. After they go climbing, her father gives her a mysterious ring but doesn’t elaborate on what it can do or why he’s giving it to her. When Farrah makes a wish to dissolve the things keeping them apart, her father is revealed to be a jinn king and from a different world before being trapped in the ring.
One of the really cool things that Deeba Zargarpur did was explore the complex relationships of siblings who didn’t know the other existed. Farrah meets her brother, Yaseen, in the jinn world and both are shocked to meet each other. Despite knowing that her father was married to someone else, Farrah hadn’t really contemplated her father having other children or if they might know that she exists as a child born out of wedlock, which Farrah notes is not something good Muslims do. Yaseen isn’t a fan of Farrah originally because she is half-human and he’s hurt that he didn’t know about this other person in his father’s life. I liked seeing how Farrah and Yaseen grow to respect each other after a period of distrust; it felt realistic to their mutual goal of saving their father while still having those strange feelings of suddenly having to share your father’s love with someone else that you didn’t even know was in the picture.
Idris, who was trapped in a ring held by Farrah’s father and released when Farrah’s father disappeared, is a mature straight-man to Farrah and Yaseen’s bickering, but has his own secrets. Idris is the one who directs Farrah around the jinn world at first and we get a lot of the worldbuilding from him, particularly in regards to scent being the main way jinn can tell someone is human or half-human and peeling back layers of the world’s history.
The jinn world and the human world used to be one but because of a prophecy that a mixed jinn-human would destroy their world, the two species were separated with humans forgetting that jinn really did exist. Magic powers the jinn world rather than electricity or coal or trees but they don’t have video games or TV. As Farrah is a gamer, she spends a bit of her time explaining to Idris and Yaseen what video games are. Given how many kids are currently really into video games, I think this detail helps make Farrah relatable without alienating readers who are not gamers themselves.
I would recommend this to readers looking for a SWANA Muslim-led Middle Grade contemporary fantasy, fans of MG books that explore complex family relationships, and those who want more books about jinn.
Farrah Noorzad and the Ring of Fate by Deeba Zargarpur is a first person-POV Middle Grade SWANA-American contemporary fantasy. Pennsylvania native twelve-year-old Farrah only sees her father once a year on her birthday. After they go climbing, her father gives her a mysterious ring but doesn’t elaborate on what it can do or why he’s giving it to her. When Farrah makes a wish to dissolve the things keeping them apart, her father is revealed to be a jinn king and from a different world before being trapped in the ring.
One of the really cool things that Deeba Zargarpur did was explore the complex relationships of siblings who didn’t know the other existed. Farrah meets her brother, Yaseen, in the jinn world and both are shocked to meet each other. Despite knowing that her father was married to someone else, Farrah hadn’t really contemplated her father having other children or if they might know that she exists as a child born out of wedlock, which Farrah notes is not something good Muslims do. Yaseen isn’t a fan of Farrah originally because she is half-human and he’s hurt that he didn’t know about this other person in his father’s life. I liked seeing how Farrah and Yaseen grow to respect each other after a period of distrust; it felt realistic to their mutual goal of saving their father while still having those strange feelings of suddenly having to share your father’s love with someone else that you didn’t even know was in the picture.
Idris, who was trapped in a ring held by Farrah’s father and released when Farrah’s father disappeared, is a mature straight-man to Farrah and Yaseen’s bickering, but has his own secrets. Idris is the one who directs Farrah around the jinn world at first and we get a lot of the worldbuilding from him, particularly in regards to scent being the main way jinn can tell someone is human or half-human and peeling back layers of the world’s history.
The jinn world and the human world used to be one but because of a prophecy that a mixed jinn-human would destroy their world, the two species were separated with humans forgetting that jinn really did exist. Magic powers the jinn world rather than electricity or coal or trees but they don’t have video games or TV. As Farrah is a gamer, she spends a bit of her time explaining to Idris and Yaseen what video games are. Given how many kids are currently really into video games, I think this detail helps make Farrah relatable without alienating readers who are not gamers themselves.
I would recommend this to readers looking for a SWANA Muslim-led Middle Grade contemporary fantasy, fans of MG books that explore complex family relationships, and those who want more books about jinn.
August 8, 2024
Actual Rating 3.5
Farrah only sees her father on her birthday every year because he’s got another family and is a busy judge. On her twelfth birthday, she makes a wish to become a bigger part of his life and world. Little does she know that her wish will have dangerous consequences and that she’ll have to set off on a quest to try and save her father before time runs out.
This is definitely one of those MG works where the child runs off without telling any adults and “has to do everything on their own.” I’m not the biggest fan of this trope, but it didn’t really detract much from the read. This work explores the theme to never interfere with fate even if you have the option to wish for anything you want.
The author made an odd choice in keeping Farrah’s time in the jinn city short and instead spending much more time back in Philadelphia. It seemed like the only real reason for this was to add another character into their group, so it was disappointing to lose out on the magical worldbuilding of a cool new place. Another related thing I noticed was that there wasn’t much action but rather a lot of pursuing answers or chasing after things, which did lead to some parts of the book feeling too slow and made it difficult to really lose myself in the book.
Overall, the characters were good. I wanted Farrah to be a little more developed as a character, but as this is only book one in a series, I imagine she’ll have some more in book two. The villain also felt a little generic and I would have liked to see more depth or something new in relation to that aspect. I also wasn’t sure why the author chose to not have Farrah tell her best friend (basically sister) early on in the book what was happening and include her from the beginning, rather than bringing her back in near the end. This was definitely a missed opportunity to highlight a strong female friendship that could have added much to the story.
The book does resolve some things but is a setup for a sequel. If you’re interested in a MG fantasy that focuses on jinn and some Persian mythology, then you may love this one. My thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children’s for allowing me to read and review this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Farrah only sees her father on her birthday every year because he’s got another family and is a busy judge. On her twelfth birthday, she makes a wish to become a bigger part of his life and world. Little does she know that her wish will have dangerous consequences and that she’ll have to set off on a quest to try and save her father before time runs out.
This is definitely one of those MG works where the child runs off without telling any adults and “has to do everything on their own.” I’m not the biggest fan of this trope, but it didn’t really detract much from the read. This work explores the theme to never interfere with fate even if you have the option to wish for anything you want.
The author made an odd choice in keeping Farrah’s time in the jinn city short and instead spending much more time back in Philadelphia. It seemed like the only real reason for this was to add another character into their group, so it was disappointing to lose out on the magical worldbuilding of a cool new place. Another related thing I noticed was that there wasn’t much action but rather a lot of pursuing answers or chasing after things, which did lead to some parts of the book feeling too slow and made it difficult to really lose myself in the book.
Overall, the characters were good. I wanted Farrah to be a little more developed as a character, but as this is only book one in a series, I imagine she’ll have some more in book two. The villain also felt a little generic and I would have liked to see more depth or something new in relation to that aspect. I also wasn’t sure why the author chose to not have Farrah tell her best friend (basically sister) early on in the book what was happening and include her from the beginning, rather than bringing her back in near the end. This was definitely a missed opportunity to highlight a strong female friendship that could have added much to the story.
The book does resolve some things but is a setup for a sequel. If you’re interested in a MG fantasy that focuses on jinn and some Persian mythology, then you may love this one. My thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children’s for allowing me to read and review this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
July 2, 2024
I’ve really enjoyed the increasing offerings of novels based in mythologies beyond the Greek and Roman that I studied in high school. This one, based in Persian and Middle Eastern mythology, is no exception.
Farrah is understandably frustrated by the secrecy surrounding her father’s annual visits. She lives with her mother and grandparents, and life is pretty good, but still…she’d like to see more of her dad. He has taught her to be a proficient rock-climber and some self-defense, and encourages her to be strong. When he gives her a mysterious gift, the plot is set in motion.
Suddenly, shadow demons appear at her home, and the mysterious Idris appears to help her. While Farrah is suspicious of his motives, she has not choice but to accept his help. The revelation that her father has a whole separate life in the world of the djinn—and that Farrah has a half-brother—is a tough one for her, adding to her feeling of abandonment and need to prove herself to her father.
But to prove herself to him, she’s going to have to save him.
This is a fun adventure, and the addition of Farrah’s best friend into the mix adds some pizazz. There are lessons here about friendship, family, and parental love.
Possible Objectionable Material:
Magic and magical creatures. Sneaking around. Kids lie to adults and vice versa. Parental separation. Perilous situations and mild violence.
Who Might Like This Book:
Those who like stories based in mythologies. Those who like coming of age stories and stories about family.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
This book is also reviewed at https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2...
Farrah is understandably frustrated by the secrecy surrounding her father’s annual visits. She lives with her mother and grandparents, and life is pretty good, but still…she’d like to see more of her dad. He has taught her to be a proficient rock-climber and some self-defense, and encourages her to be strong. When he gives her a mysterious gift, the plot is set in motion.
Suddenly, shadow demons appear at her home, and the mysterious Idris appears to help her. While Farrah is suspicious of his motives, she has not choice but to accept his help. The revelation that her father has a whole separate life in the world of the djinn—and that Farrah has a half-brother—is a tough one for her, adding to her feeling of abandonment and need to prove herself to her father.
But to prove herself to him, she’s going to have to save him.
This is a fun adventure, and the addition of Farrah’s best friend into the mix adds some pizazz. There are lessons here about friendship, family, and parental love.
Possible Objectionable Material:
Magic and magical creatures. Sneaking around. Kids lie to adults and vice versa. Parental separation. Perilous situations and mild violence.
Who Might Like This Book:
Those who like stories based in mythologies. Those who like coming of age stories and stories about family.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
This book is also reviewed at https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2...
June 29, 2024
It was enlightening going along with Farrah on her adventure as she tries to undo a major mistake she made wishing for more time with her father and instead banishing him into a magic ring. Oops. As mistakes by twelve year olds go, that’s pretty bad, right? Watching Farrah learn more about her father and where he's from than she could have ever imagined as she tries to fix this situation is at times heart-breaking, at others very tense, and, in moments, heart-warming. Determining whether people she meets are new friends or foes, leaning on her long-time friend in a new way, and finding new strengths as she loses others, Farrah helps the reader see that courage comes in all forms. I particularly liked the understated, underlying theme of the role secrets play between adults and children and how that impacts relationships.
The author does an excellent job of naturally weaving Islamic and Persian culture and mythology into the story and dialogue in a way that others can understand without feeling like they are being directly instructed. I was a bit frustrated by the similarity between the names of Farrah’s best friend, Arzu, and the antagonist, Azar; why can’t authors just use distinct names for those of us who read really fast or to help those with dyslexia out? Lastly, I wanted more resolution for some of the family problems, but I foresee sequels coming for that. That said, I can’t wait to read about Farrah’s future feats.
Thank you to Random House Children's, Labyrinth Road, Netgalley, and the author for early access to this fantasy adventure perfect for middle schoolers.
The author does an excellent job of naturally weaving Islamic and Persian culture and mythology into the story and dialogue in a way that others can understand without feeling like they are being directly instructed. I was a bit frustrated by the similarity between the names of Farrah’s best friend, Arzu, and the antagonist, Azar; why can’t authors just use distinct names for those of us who read really fast or to help those with dyslexia out? Lastly, I wanted more resolution for some of the family problems, but I foresee sequels coming for that. That said, I can’t wait to read about Farrah’s future feats.
Thank you to Random House Children's, Labyrinth Road, Netgalley, and the author for early access to this fantasy adventure perfect for middle schoolers.
June 30, 2024
I am entering my middle grade reading era as an adult. It's been such a long time since I've picked one up and I am so glad I did.
"Farrah Noorzad and the Ring of Fate" by Deeba Zargarpur is a delightfully fun middle Grade contemporary fantasy and what I think is an excellent start to a new series ( I hope it's a series at least). Twelve-year-old Farrah, a Pennsylvania native, sees her father only once a year on her birthday. When Farrah wishes on a mysterious ring to break down the barriers keeping them apart, she discovers her father is a jinn king from another world trapped within the ring.
The book was a blast to read. It's filled with magic, adventures, riddles and obstacles to overcome. Apart from a really fun plot the book also explores some complex themes. What primarily stood out to me were the complex sibling dynamics and the exploration of straddling two worlds. Farrah is such a compelling character to follow. She's used to being the best and being indestructible. Throughout the book she realizes its okay to rely on her friends and family for help.
I also quite enjoyed the world building. After reading the Daevabad trilogy I've been looking for books with Djinn magic and muslim representation. Farrah Noorzad definitely scratched that itch.
As an adult, Im obviously not the intended reader for this book, however I found it to be such a fun and quick read. I would recommend it to adult readers who like to delve into middle grade books, and young readers who find themselves dreaming of one day waking up to find out your secretly magic.
"Farrah Noorzad and the Ring of Fate" by Deeba Zargarpur is a delightfully fun middle Grade contemporary fantasy and what I think is an excellent start to a new series ( I hope it's a series at least). Twelve-year-old Farrah, a Pennsylvania native, sees her father only once a year on her birthday. When Farrah wishes on a mysterious ring to break down the barriers keeping them apart, she discovers her father is a jinn king from another world trapped within the ring.
The book was a blast to read. It's filled with magic, adventures, riddles and obstacles to overcome. Apart from a really fun plot the book also explores some complex themes. What primarily stood out to me were the complex sibling dynamics and the exploration of straddling two worlds. Farrah is such a compelling character to follow. She's used to being the best and being indestructible. Throughout the book she realizes its okay to rely on her friends and family for help.
I also quite enjoyed the world building. After reading the Daevabad trilogy I've been looking for books with Djinn magic and muslim representation. Farrah Noorzad definitely scratched that itch.
As an adult, Im obviously not the intended reader for this book, however I found it to be such a fun and quick read. I would recommend it to adult readers who like to delve into middle grade books, and young readers who find themselves dreaming of one day waking up to find out your secretly magic.
December 18, 2023
I received an advance copy from the publisher via Netgalley for review purposes; this in no way influences my review.
Actual rating: 4.5
I was immediately intrigued by the premise of Farrah Noorzad and the Ring of Fate, as I’m fascinated by jinn lore. I love that this went in directions I hadn’t seen previously, and I love how much this is a story of figuring out your own power and strength while contending with complex feelings towards family members who don’t give you enough of their time and energy. Farrah’s relationship with her dad is complicated by how she is only able to see him once a year, on her birthday, and all she wants is to prove that she is worthy of being loved and seen by him. When she makes a wish to find her place in the world, and her father is pulled inside the ring of fate, she is suddenly forced onto a journey to save him, and perhaps the whole world, but most importantly save herself.
I really enjoyed the lore and world development, as well as Farrah’s relationships with Idris, Yaseen, and of course her best friend Azur. Seeing how the different dynamics develop over the course of their adventures and how they’re each forced to confront different truths they rather keep hidden. At its core this story really feels like a story of finding your inner strength by finding your inner truth, and finding the people who’ll love you regardless of those truths. I really enjoyed this and can’t wait to see what’s next for Farrah and her friends!
Actual rating: 4.5
I was immediately intrigued by the premise of Farrah Noorzad and the Ring of Fate, as I’m fascinated by jinn lore. I love that this went in directions I hadn’t seen previously, and I love how much this is a story of figuring out your own power and strength while contending with complex feelings towards family members who don’t give you enough of their time and energy. Farrah’s relationship with her dad is complicated by how she is only able to see him once a year, on her birthday, and all she wants is to prove that she is worthy of being loved and seen by him. When she makes a wish to find her place in the world, and her father is pulled inside the ring of fate, she is suddenly forced onto a journey to save him, and perhaps the whole world, but most importantly save herself.
I really enjoyed the lore and world development, as well as Farrah’s relationships with Idris, Yaseen, and of course her best friend Azur. Seeing how the different dynamics develop over the course of their adventures and how they’re each forced to confront different truths they rather keep hidden. At its core this story really feels like a story of finding your inner strength by finding your inner truth, and finding the people who’ll love you regardless of those truths. I really enjoyed this and can’t wait to see what’s next for Farrah and her friends!
March 10, 2025
Farrah Noorzad reminded me a bit of the Percy Jackson books. In this, which is presumably the first in a series about Farrah Noorzad, the young girl of 12 discovers that she is half jinn, half human. Jinns, or genies, are an important element in Persian and Afghani mythology, and the author is an Afghani-American. She relies heavily on her own cultural mythologies in this novel. The story begins on Farrah's birthday, when she is spending the day with her father. She is curious about him because she knows so little about him and his everyday life, and she is very resentful that he only seems to have time for her one day of the year, her birthday. When she tries to ask her mother and grandparents about him, they are very secretive and won't engage with her questions.
Then, poof! All of a sudden, her father disappears right before her very eyes, and we begin a journey with Farrah that is filled with adventure, danger, and fantasy. In the course of all this, she discovers a brother she never knew she had, a new friend, and lots of interesting information about her father and herself.
I am normally not a fan of fantasy fiction, but this author knows her stuff about building new worlds for the reader, while still maintaining the believability of her characters and their relationships with each other. The novel should appeal to all those kids who love Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, and other juvenile fantasy.
Then, poof! All of a sudden, her father disappears right before her very eyes, and we begin a journey with Farrah that is filled with adventure, danger, and fantasy. In the course of all this, she discovers a brother she never knew she had, a new friend, and lots of interesting information about her father and herself.
I am normally not a fan of fantasy fiction, but this author knows her stuff about building new worlds for the reader, while still maintaining the believability of her characters and their relationships with each other. The novel should appeal to all those kids who love Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, and other juvenile fantasy.
July 17, 2024
Farrah Noorzad is a 12 year-0ld girl who lives with her mother and grandparents; she sees her father once a year on her birthday. She is smart, fearless, and strong - and she has no idea why her father isn't around for the rest of her life. In Farrah Noorzad and the Ring of Fate, she finds out, and it's nothing she could have imagined. Her father, it turns out, is a jinn - and not just any jinn, but one of seven kings of the jinn.
This novel is based on pre-Islamic, Islamic, and Persian mythology, and blends all three into a fun fantasy adventure aimed at middle school students, but suitable for readers of all ages. Featuring a strong, independent, female protagonist, in a single-parent household with a largely-absent father, this is a story that many people will see bits of themselves within - not the mythical, magical jinn, but the common, everyday issues that surround anyone in a family with a missing parent, for whatever reason. Even without that, this is a rich adventures full of interesting characters and folklore. I look forward to the sequel that I hope will be quick in coming. Recommended for ages 10 through adult.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This novel is based on pre-Islamic, Islamic, and Persian mythology, and blends all three into a fun fantasy adventure aimed at middle school students, but suitable for readers of all ages. Featuring a strong, independent, female protagonist, in a single-parent household with a largely-absent father, this is a story that many people will see bits of themselves within - not the mythical, magical jinn, but the common, everyday issues that surround anyone in a family with a missing parent, for whatever reason. Even without that, this is a rich adventures full of interesting characters and folklore. I look forward to the sequel that I hope will be quick in coming. Recommended for ages 10 through adult.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 27, 2024
I received an electronic ARC from Random House Children's Publishers through NetGalley.
Farrah has a less than ideal relationship with her father and this leads to challenges with her mother also. She only sees her father once a year and he seems to vanish right away when their time is done. On his last visit, he brought her a gift but told her not to open it. What young teen could resist a gift from an absent father. She discovers a ring and makes a wish and sets off a complete new adventure for herself. Along the way, she finds new friends and has to deal with the jinn world in all its glory and nastiness. By the end, she has come to peace with what she really wants as her deepest wish and has rescued her father and the other jinn kings from their imprisonment. She rescues her long standing friend, a new one and the brother she discovered.
Zargarpur offers a look at this part of mythology and develops the kingdoms and characters so readers feel they are fully immersed in the journey. After the hints to end this one, I'm looking forward to the next book.
Farrah has a less than ideal relationship with her father and this leads to challenges with her mother also. She only sees her father once a year and he seems to vanish right away when their time is done. On his last visit, he brought her a gift but told her not to open it. What young teen could resist a gift from an absent father. She discovers a ring and makes a wish and sets off a complete new adventure for herself. Along the way, she finds new friends and has to deal with the jinn world in all its glory and nastiness. By the end, she has come to peace with what she really wants as her deepest wish and has rescued her father and the other jinn kings from their imprisonment. She rescues her long standing friend, a new one and the brother she discovered.
Zargarpur offers a look at this part of mythology and develops the kingdoms and characters so readers feel they are fully immersed in the journey. After the hints to end this one, I'm looking forward to the next book.
June 11, 2024
4/5 ⭐️
This was so fun. It is absolutely perfect for fans of Percy Jackson. While there are many similarities between that series and this one (Like half jinn. Dad wasn’t supposed to breed with mortals. Finds out. Rescue mission to save a parent. Quest), I loved seeing the similarities and then how this author made it her own. I loved the jinn and middle eastern element. I especially loved all the Pennsylvania references as a fellow Philly girl. I loved each and every one of the main kids and their relationships. They were so dynamic and felt like real 12 year olds. The only thing I didn’t love was the main villain. He felt kind of flat and a little generic. Other than that, I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loved Percy Jackson and wants more like it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's for providing an advance reader copy of this book for my honest review.
This was so fun. It is absolutely perfect for fans of Percy Jackson. While there are many similarities between that series and this one (Like half jinn. Dad wasn’t supposed to breed with mortals. Finds out. Rescue mission to save a parent. Quest), I loved seeing the similarities and then how this author made it her own. I loved the jinn and middle eastern element. I especially loved all the Pennsylvania references as a fellow Philly girl. I loved each and every one of the main kids and their relationships. They were so dynamic and felt like real 12 year olds. The only thing I didn’t love was the main villain. He felt kind of flat and a little generic. Other than that, I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loved Percy Jackson and wants more like it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's for providing an advance reader copy of this book for my honest review.
July 7, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley & Random House Children's for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book is akin to Riordan's Presents series--though it is not part of it. I'll definitely be recommending it for those hungering for more modern adaption of mythologies across the world.
I'd like to have rated it higher but something about it was missing...I'm not sure what. I loved that it was set in Pennsylvania and how Centralia was part of the journey but as much as I like my home state, I thought it was annoying we were in the magical Jinn city for 5 seconds before going back to Philly. Why build up this cool world and leave it immediately for the mundane world that we live in?
I did like the side characters--especially Idris. Farrah's human best friend was fun and all but I found it dull to get back to the boring human world in the middle of all the plot. Still, it was an entertaining read.
This book is akin to Riordan's Presents series--though it is not part of it. I'll definitely be recommending it for those hungering for more modern adaption of mythologies across the world.
I'd like to have rated it higher but something about it was missing...I'm not sure what. I loved that it was set in Pennsylvania and how Centralia was part of the journey but as much as I like my home state, I thought it was annoying we were in the magical Jinn city for 5 seconds before going back to Philly. Why build up this cool world and leave it immediately for the mundane world that we live in?
I did like the side characters--especially Idris. Farrah's human best friend was fun and all but I found it dull to get back to the boring human world in the middle of all the plot. Still, it was an entertaining read.
July 8, 2024
Language: PG (4 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG
Once a year on her birthday, Farrah (12yo) gets to see her dad. Their climbing trip this year is a little rocky, and then it takes a sudden turn for the worst when Farrah’s dad turns blue and disappears right before her eyes! Her family doesn’t believe her, so Farrah sets out by herself to find her dad, no matter what kind of magic trouble he’s involved in.
Zargarpur’s fantasy world is based in some Islamic mythology, specifically about jinn, and it was fun to see these mythical beings brought to life in a new way. Farrah’s whole story revolves around a wish to change her fate and her journey that reveals her true power—a power each of us could wield in our lives. Wishes sound great in theory, but we don’t need wishes to make our world better.
Farrah and Arzu are Muslim Afghan Americans. The violence rating is for fantasy violence and mentions of execution.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/
Once a year on her birthday, Farrah (12yo) gets to see her dad. Their climbing trip this year is a little rocky, and then it takes a sudden turn for the worst when Farrah’s dad turns blue and disappears right before her eyes! Her family doesn’t believe her, so Farrah sets out by herself to find her dad, no matter what kind of magic trouble he’s involved in.
Zargarpur’s fantasy world is based in some Islamic mythology, specifically about jinn, and it was fun to see these mythical beings brought to life in a new way. Farrah’s whole story revolves around a wish to change her fate and her journey that reveals her true power—a power each of us could wield in our lives. Wishes sound great in theory, but we don’t need wishes to make our world better.
Farrah and Arzu are Muslim Afghan Americans. The violence rating is for fantasy violence and mentions of execution.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/
July 20, 2024
3.5
I liked:
Farrah rock climbs as a hobby, which I don't think I've seen a in a book before.
The obnoxious character who knows what's going on but doesn't want to tell you anything is a boy instead of a girl.
The friendship love between Farrah and Arzu.
I didn't like:
Farrah roof jumps as a hobby. That's dangerous and not something kids should be encouraged to do.
Some parts near the beginning moved fast and were a bit confusing.
Farrah sometimes seemed very young and naive (at one point she was incredibly easily swayed by ice cream, and despite just meeting Idris and knowing next to nothing about him is constantly calling him her friend.
The audiobook narrator sounds very melancholy.
Parts of this reminded me of the Winnie Zeng series, but not in a good way.
I didn't know going in that this was a series, and I won't be in any hurry to pick up the next one.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy.
I liked:
Farrah rock climbs as a hobby, which I don't think I've seen a in a book before.
The obnoxious character who knows what's going on but doesn't want to tell you anything is a boy instead of a girl.
The friendship love between Farrah and Arzu.
I didn't like:
Farrah roof jumps as a hobby. That's dangerous and not something kids should be encouraged to do.
Some parts near the beginning moved fast and were a bit confusing.
Farrah sometimes seemed very young and naive (at one point she was incredibly easily swayed by ice cream, and despite just meeting Idris and knowing next to nothing about him is constantly calling him her friend.
The audiobook narrator sounds very melancholy.
Parts of this reminded me of the Winnie Zeng series, but not in a good way.
I didn't know going in that this was a series, and I won't be in any hurry to pick up the next one.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy.
July 3, 2024
*3.5*
What a fun middle grade adventure!
Farrah Noorzad was pretty enjoyable; the plot, the characters, the mythology, everything! I know this book isn’t geared towards an adult like me but it would definitely enchant both the targeted audience and adults. This book set up the rest of the books to come and it will be a great journey for Farrah.
I wish we got a lot more of the Jinn world. With the books to follow, I’m sure we’ll get more of it so I’m not too worried. I loved the Muslim and Afghan American representation. We need more of these stories.
My only gripe if I have any is Farrah herself. There were a few moments where I found myself annoyed with her. I know that she’s only 12 so I don’t fault her too much on it.
Overall, a great start to a new series filled with magic and adventure.
What a fun middle grade adventure!
Farrah Noorzad was pretty enjoyable; the plot, the characters, the mythology, everything! I know this book isn’t geared towards an adult like me but it would definitely enchant both the targeted audience and adults. This book set up the rest of the books to come and it will be a great journey for Farrah.
I wish we got a lot more of the Jinn world. With the books to follow, I’m sure we’ll get more of it so I’m not too worried. I loved the Muslim and Afghan American representation. We need more of these stories.
My only gripe if I have any is Farrah herself. There were a few moments where I found myself annoyed with her. I know that she’s only 12 so I don’t fault her too much on it.
Overall, a great start to a new series filled with magic and adventure.
September 26, 2024
Farrah only gets to see her father once a year, and when he gives her a magical ring for her birthday, she wishes to be a bigger part of his life. The wish kicks in - trapping her father in the ring and expelling Idris from within. Farrah learns the her father is a jinn king, she is half jinn, and she is determined to free him from the ring - if only that was the only issue with the wish. Idris takes her to the jinn world where Farrah, as a half-breed, is not accepted, where she finds her half-brother, Yaseen. They team up in an action packed, mythlogical fantasy to stop the wish from fully taking form. Farrah is brave and hearty, determined to prove herself, and to return to all her family. The jinn are a little known PErsian myth and the mythology and worldbuilding Zargarpyr layers into the family and comung of age issues is vibrant and engaging.
November 8, 2024
I found this rather meh. The heroine has never noticed she is unusually agile and invulnerable to accidents. I liked that she enjoys climbing so much. That is a new twist. She only sees her Dad one day a year and they go climbing. Things happen and she discovers she has abilities because she is half jinn. She has to save the 7 kings of jinn world which includes her Dad. She’s pretty put out that both sides of her family has hidden the truth from her so long. She meets her half brother, and he and another jinn, her best friend, and she go on a quest to save the 7 jinn kings including her Dad. Will she learn the lesson she’s meant to learn? Will she save the jinn kings…and why should she?
This might mean more if you come from a Muslim tradition and know background to the jinn world. It didn’t do much for me. Not particularly recommended.
This might mean more if you come from a Muslim tradition and know background to the jinn world. It didn’t do much for me. Not particularly recommended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2024
I like to start with a caveat—I am not a middle-grader—but if I was, I would definitely be excited for this new series. I am, however, a huge fan of tales of the Jinn, so this book was a must for me to request on NetGalley. Zargarpur, in her middle-grade debut, offers a lively story with a hugely engaging cast of characters. She's created a deeply imagined world with plenty at stake for Farrah and her friends, new and old. And, as much as I liked Farrah, I also loved the many supporting characters who came along on her quest, each offering their own particular strengths and knowledge to the cause. This is a solid adventure that handles some heavy issues with compassion and grace. Can't wait for the next installment.
July 5, 2024
Maybe I've gotten used to an edge of humor that usually involves an animal sidekick for middle grade fantasy fiction or maybe I was looking for something with a little more intensity, but this one, while good, didn't sweep me up in the tales of jinn and family that I wanted it to. The lack of true action is the reason I can pinpoint and the slow unfolding of reveals left me impatient.
Farrah as a character was strong but not three dimensional enough especially as the title character. I know it'll be popular so I'm not taking it away from the book and the intrigue, especially as more stories are published featuring folklore, myth, and mythologies from around the globe.
Farrah as a character was strong but not three dimensional enough especially as the title character. I know it'll be popular so I'm not taking it away from the book and the intrigue, especially as more stories are published featuring folklore, myth, and mythologies from around the globe.
July 10, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
3.5/5 stars
I think this is lower rated for me simply because I've outgrown a lot of middle grade/YA - it's well written, I think young adults will love this, truly. But for me...I found myself annoyed at the predictability several times. But, I appreciated the story and the interesting characters. I look forward to my son being old enough to read stories like this (he's only 4, so it will be a while!) and I especially love that there is so much more diversity in the stories coming out for adults and kids these days.
Please check this out for your kiddos - they'll love it and it's important we support these diverse stories and authors!
3.5/5 stars
I think this is lower rated for me simply because I've outgrown a lot of middle grade/YA - it's well written, I think young adults will love this, truly. But for me...I found myself annoyed at the predictability several times. But, I appreciated the story and the interesting characters. I look forward to my son being old enough to read stories like this (he's only 4, so it will be a while!) and I especially love that there is so much more diversity in the stories coming out for adults and kids these days.
Please check this out for your kiddos - they'll love it and it's important we support these diverse stories and authors!
September 11, 2024
This was an excellent adventure! Farrah Noorzad is plucky and determined but also has some definite lessons to learn. Her best friend, the mysterious jinn boy, and her jinn brother make an excellent team that help balance her strengths and flaws. The world is wonderous and adventurous and full of magical surprises. The plot has surprising depth. I loved every second of listening to it and can't wait for the next one!
The audiobook is really well done. The characters have easily distinguishable and believable voices and the emotion comes through loud and clear.
*Thanks to Labyrinth Road for providing an early copy for review.
The audiobook is really well done. The characters have easily distinguishable and believable voices and the emotion comes through loud and clear.
*Thanks to Labyrinth Road for providing an early copy for review.
November 18, 2024
I really enjoy Middle Grade fantasy adventure books but there's often pieces of the story you have to gloss over and just accept in order for things to work. I didn't feel that at all when reading Farrah Noorzad and the Ring of Fate. The fantasy elements were built well without being too complicated for a child reader to understand. The story was engaging and Farrah's internal struggle was extremely relatable despite the magical circumstances. I really enjoyed Farrah's fierceness and her confidence in her own abilities. While she questioned her relationships she never doubted herself, which was great to see. I'm very excited to see what happens next in Farrah's story.
July 19, 2025
The Ring of Fate was an amazing book. Farrah learn of her heritage of being half Jinn, and embarks on a journey to save her father as she trapped him into the ring of fate by accident. Her father is also one of the seven Jiin kings, and by trapping him in the ring she ended up realising Idris a young jinn who had been trapped in the ring for a long time. With him she travels into the Jinn world meets her half jiin brother Yaseen and heads to free her dad from the ring, while the Jinn kings want her dead. Aaaaand i can sense some love tension between Idris and Farrah.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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