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Bashir Boutros and the Jewel of the Nile: A Middle Grade Fantasy for Kids (Ages 8-12) About Discovering a Jinn and Battling Demons to Rescue Kidnapped Parents
From George Jreije, author of the acclaimed Shad Hadid and the Alchemists of Alexandria series, comes the first book in a new high-stakes middle grade fantasy. Perfect for fans of Percy Jackson and the Rick Riordan Presents line!
Shy, eleven-year-old Bashir Boutros dreads going back to America after an amazing summer in Lebanon. He’s always felt invisible back home, where he doesn’t have any real friends. Then, Bashir makes a lucky discovery—a long-lost ring containing a jinn whose magical aura brings power to those who wield it.
But the ring’s untold power makes Bashir a target for monsters—including Ali Adin, the world’s most dangerous demon. When Ali Adin kidnaps Bashir’s parents, Bashir joins forces with an ancient society sworn to protect the world from supernatural beings. Together, they set off on a race to stop Ali Adin from conquering the world as Bashir attempts to harness the ring’s abilities.
But great power comes at what cost?
Shy, eleven-year-old Bashir Boutros dreads going back to America after an amazing summer in Lebanon. He’s always felt invisible back home, where he doesn’t have any real friends. Then, Bashir makes a lucky discovery—a long-lost ring containing a jinn whose magical aura brings power to those who wield it.
But the ring’s untold power makes Bashir a target for monsters—including Ali Adin, the world’s most dangerous demon. When Ali Adin kidnaps Bashir’s parents, Bashir joins forces with an ancient society sworn to protect the world from supernatural beings. Together, they set off on a race to stop Ali Adin from conquering the world as Bashir attempts to harness the ring’s abilities.
But great power comes at what cost?
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 27, 2025
7 people are currently reading
2449 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 7, 2024
A boy who finds a jinn in a ring? You can't go wrong with that! If you're a fan of the Percy Jackson series, or want a fun tale immersed in Arab culture (and yes, that means delicious food), then THIS is a book I'm excited for you to dive into!
June 6, 2025
BASHIR BOUTROS AND THE JEWEL OF THE NILE is a vivid, imaginative, and gorgeous middle grade novel about bashir, a lebanese-american boy who finds a golden ring that happens to contain a jinn and embarks on an adventure involving secret societies, supernatural beings, and finding his place in the world. brimming with the gorgeous culture (and mouthwatering food) of lebanon, george jreije's latest is an action packed, refreshing, and wildly entertaining book perfect for fans of rick riordan and his imprint, offering a classic fantasy adventure with much-needed arab representation!
January 5, 2025
An action packed adventure for kids and adults alike, this book gave me the same feeling I felt when reading Percy Jackson as a kid. I couldn’t put it down!
November 29, 2025
This was a different sort of fantasy title. The author seems to be trying to teach the hero (and middle grade readers) basic yoga philosophy of ahimsa, non-violence, while at the same time, writing a story of violence against the bad guys which turns the most famous jinn in western society into an evil character. Ali Adin, more famous to readers as Aladdin, is a jinn but is a power hungry jinn, looking for jewels of power that can be managed by the jinn in the ring Bashir Boutros just inadvertently found. Bashir is convinced that the only way to live is without beating people up while all the magical creatures around him including magi, are anxious to prove him wrong. Yani, the jinn in the ring, takes a lot of convincing that non-violence is the way to go. Will the author succeed in showing youth that the non-violent philosophy is the way to go? Can gentle uncertain insecure Bashir survive this adventure?
Why was the kid expelled from school, then accepted back in, with no fuss made? It seemed to be a completely unneeded event, at both ends.
I enjoyed this and, I’ll likely read the next one. I’m not ready to yet give this more than 3 stars but might come back and raise it after more reflection.
Why was the kid expelled from school, then accepted back in, with no fuss made? It seemed to be a completely unneeded event, at both ends.
I enjoyed this and, I’ll likely read the next one. I’m not ready to yet give this more than 3 stars but might come back and raise it after more reflection.
May 28, 2025
This book was kind of a mixed bag. On the one hand, the constant harping over what a forgettable loser Bashir was—frequently done in his presence—really began to grate on me. I get it. No one likes him. Everyone overlooks him. He’s completely ordinary. On the other hand, his insistence on doing as little harm as possible was a refreshing change. Despite having a great deal of power at his disposal (once he figured out how to use it), he managed not to let it go to his head.
Another drawback is the frequent reliance on “instincts” and “gut feelings.” A little bit is fine. But it becomes a crutch for allowing Bashir to take actions he couldn’t otherwise explain.
There are some typical tropes here: kidnapped parents, a surprise betrayal. There’s a pretty equal balance of female and male characters, which is commendable.
The adventure of overcoming obstacles, finding pieces of the Jewel of the Nile, and defeating the bad guy is all fine. My problems lie more in the execution.
Possible Objectionable Material:
Mythological creatures, including demons. Battles. Kids running around unsupervised. No swearing, nothing too gory.
Who Would Like This Book:
Those who like stories based in mythology. If you like seeing the “little guy” gain confidence, you’ll enjoy Bashir.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a digital advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
This book is also reviewed at https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2...
Another drawback is the frequent reliance on “instincts” and “gut feelings.” A little bit is fine. But it becomes a crutch for allowing Bashir to take actions he couldn’t otherwise explain.
There are some typical tropes here: kidnapped parents, a surprise betrayal. There’s a pretty equal balance of female and male characters, which is commendable.
The adventure of overcoming obstacles, finding pieces of the Jewel of the Nile, and defeating the bad guy is all fine. My problems lie more in the execution.
Possible Objectionable Material:
Mythological creatures, including demons. Battles. Kids running around unsupervised. No swearing, nothing too gory.
Who Would Like This Book:
Those who like stories based in mythology. If you like seeing the “little guy” gain confidence, you’ll enjoy Bashir.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a digital advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
This book is also reviewed at https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2...
February 23, 2025
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Bashir has spent the summer in Lebanon, hanging out with his best friend Farrah and putting up with his unpleasant cousin Wassim. When Wassim pushes him into the water, he finds a gold ring, which he keeps as a momento. On the flight back to the US, he is attacked by a flight attendant who is a witch. There is a jinn in the ring, Yani al-Kabir, who informs Bashir that all manner of demons and evil creatures will be trying to get the ring back from him. After his parents are taken from their Concord, Massachusetts home by Ali Adin, a demon who once possessed the ring and had Yani in thrall to him, Bashir must team up with Farrah as well as magi Alina and Ziad to get them back. Bashir is a particularly reluctant hero who struggles with anxiety and poor self esteem. The Magi are the two remaining members of the Council of magic who are fighting against Ali Adin's attempt to get all ten pieces of the Jewel of the Nile back so that he has a lot of power. An epic journey, complete with battles, ensues. The ending of the book leaves the story open to another volume, but this could also be a stand alone.
Readers who enjoy culturally based fantasies like Pahua and the Soul Stealer, Kagawa's Shinji and the Mark of the Coatl, or Hoang's The Crossbow of Destiny will enjoy Bashir's journey.
Bashir has spent the summer in Lebanon, hanging out with his best friend Farrah and putting up with his unpleasant cousin Wassim. When Wassim pushes him into the water, he finds a gold ring, which he keeps as a momento. On the flight back to the US, he is attacked by a flight attendant who is a witch. There is a jinn in the ring, Yani al-Kabir, who informs Bashir that all manner of demons and evil creatures will be trying to get the ring back from him. After his parents are taken from their Concord, Massachusetts home by Ali Adin, a demon who once possessed the ring and had Yani in thrall to him, Bashir must team up with Farrah as well as magi Alina and Ziad to get them back. Bashir is a particularly reluctant hero who struggles with anxiety and poor self esteem. The Magi are the two remaining members of the Council of magic who are fighting against Ali Adin's attempt to get all ten pieces of the Jewel of the Nile back so that he has a lot of power. An epic journey, complete with battles, ensues. The ending of the book leaves the story open to another volume, but this could also be a stand alone.
Readers who enjoy culturally based fantasies like Pahua and the Soul Stealer, Kagawa's Shinji and the Mark of the Coatl, or Hoang's The Crossbow of Destiny will enjoy Bashir's journey.
April 30, 2025
A mix of adventure, magic and humour (not to forget a sprinkle of love), it is a warm tale revolving around an uprooted Lebanese boy, Bashir, who lives in America with his parents. Bullied and friendless for being ‘different’, or rather ‘himself’, the occasional visit to his home town is his only relief. It is here that the shy, introverted and essentially peace-loving boy stumbles across a magic ring containing a jinn. Life turns upside down for him.
What's in it?
The author portrays a vivid image of the exquisite Lebanese culture, taking us through its flavour, aesthetics and its rich history. The imagination takes flight in the fascinating image of the underworld, the demonic creatures and beasts, making it a wonderful read.
Though it is a serious mission, the wit and humour give a tickle, making it savouring. That, however, does not undermine the liminal position of Bashir and the challenges he faces in the alien soil – the cultural discrimination and displacement. He voices the diasporic experience of many.
It's a long novel, and at one or two places it seems just a bit stretched, but it soon picks up the pace.
What stands out is that it is not just the typical superhero story where an ordinary boy gains superpowers, but focuses on one’s inner self, the inner aura within ourselves, which is the greatest power.
A delightful read, highly recommended for Percy Jackson fans!
What's in it?
The author portrays a vivid image of the exquisite Lebanese culture, taking us through its flavour, aesthetics and its rich history. The imagination takes flight in the fascinating image of the underworld, the demonic creatures and beasts, making it a wonderful read.
Though it is a serious mission, the wit and humour give a tickle, making it savouring. That, however, does not undermine the liminal position of Bashir and the challenges he faces in the alien soil – the cultural discrimination and displacement. He voices the diasporic experience of many.
It's a long novel, and at one or two places it seems just a bit stretched, but it soon picks up the pace.
What stands out is that it is not just the typical superhero story where an ordinary boy gains superpowers, but focuses on one’s inner self, the inner aura within ourselves, which is the greatest power.
A delightful read, highly recommended for Percy Jackson fans!
January 28, 2025
This was so much fun! Loved how Bashir discovered a magical ring and the gasp I made when the demon was named. Just epic. And the jinn whispering in Bashir's ear with his commentary was so amusing. But most of all, I loved how Bashir and his new friends came together to stop that demon from conquering the world. Also, loved all the food talk. It definitely made me hungry. Looking forward to book 2.
I received an arc from the publisher but all opinions are my own.
I received an arc from the publisher but all opinions are my own.
May 18, 2025
Thank you HarperAudio Children’s, HarperCollins, and NetGalley for the advanced electronic audio review copy of this book. I adored this beautiful story where magic, action, adventure, and humor intertwine. So much fun! Can’t wait for book 2.
May 31, 2025
An exciting adventure weaving together history and mythology. You never know what is going to happen in this book as characters that have traditionally been heroes might not be in this story. It's a fun ride that fantasy fans will enjoy. This book is perfect for fans of the Rick Riordan Presents books.
Thank You to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC copy.
Thank You to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC copy.
June 20, 2025
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. Sometimes heroes are the most unassuming people and that violence doesn’t solve everything. This book turns the story of Aladdin on its head.I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
July 9, 2025
What a fun book! Full of adventure and found family, this was such a joy to read. Being Lebanese, I especially loved all of the references to Lebanese culture, language, and food. This is the kind of book I wish I had when I was young.
July 16, 2025
The book I wished I could’ve read when I was growing up as a Lebanese boy who loved fantasy stories! An absolute must-read, a super fun main character and Middle Eastern inspired magic unlike anything else I’ve read before!
November 29, 2025
4.5 stars and rounded up to 5.
September 23, 2025
Shy, 11-year-old Bashir is on his way back to America after a fantastic summer in Lebanon when a witch disguised as a flight attendant tries to kill him. It’s all the fault of a cool ring he found at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea the day before; the witch can sense it, and she wants it. As Bashir quickly learns, this ring grants him incredible powers. It also contains a highly-opinionated jinn, Yani.
The witch is only the first monster to come after him. Bashir hasn’t been home a week before the dread demon Ali Adin (aka Aladdin) kidnaps his parents, demanding the ring as ransom. Bashir must now join forces with the Magi, an ancient order sworn to protect the human realm, if he wants to save his parents and defeat Ali’s plot to conquer the world.
But can he harness the ring’s powers to defeat his enemies? Should he? At the end of the day, Bashir must find the confidence to be true to his ideals… no matter the cost.
With a clear sense of place and plenty of action to keep readers engaged, Jreije’s writing feels fit for the screen as much as the page. Bashir is a relatable tween protagonist—nerdy, insecure, and still developing his personal worldview—whose crush on his friend, Farrah, is a minor undercurrent throughout the novel. The romance subplot is light enough that it shouldn’t bother readers who don’t enjoy love stories. Young readers who like romance, however, will root for the two friends to find their way together.
Small details lend authenticity to Bashir’s Lebanese-American identity and experiences. (Note: Jreije is Lebanese-American himself.) And what a delight to encounter a pacifist protagonist in a middle grade fantasy novel! While Bashir’s beliefs are periodically challenged, the narrative ultimately vindicates his insistence on nonviolence, kindness, and forgiveness—even as it acknowledges their limits.
The novel doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, but it is clear Bashir Boutros and the Jewel of the Nile is meant to be the first installment in a series.
Fans of Percy Jackson and the ‘Rick Riordan Presents’ line of books will eat up this fast-moving, Lebanese-influenced supernatural story. Recommended for purchase for ages 8-11.
[Diversity Note: Most of the human characters in this novel are from the Middle East, or have Middle Eastern or Arab heritage. Bashir, his immediate and extended family (including his cousin and sometimes bully, Wassim), and Farrah are all Lebanese or Lebanese-American. Ziad, one of the two teen Magi Bashir befriends, reads as Palestinian-American. Alina, the other teen Magi, has red hair but is otherwise not described.]
[Trigger warnings: Non-graphic violence (generally supernatural rather than realistic) and threats of violence.]
Thanks to HarperCollins for the copy via the Southeast Ohio Young Adult Media Group.
The witch is only the first monster to come after him. Bashir hasn’t been home a week before the dread demon Ali Adin (aka Aladdin) kidnaps his parents, demanding the ring as ransom. Bashir must now join forces with the Magi, an ancient order sworn to protect the human realm, if he wants to save his parents and defeat Ali’s plot to conquer the world.
But can he harness the ring’s powers to defeat his enemies? Should he? At the end of the day, Bashir must find the confidence to be true to his ideals… no matter the cost.
With a clear sense of place and plenty of action to keep readers engaged, Jreije’s writing feels fit for the screen as much as the page. Bashir is a relatable tween protagonist—nerdy, insecure, and still developing his personal worldview—whose crush on his friend, Farrah, is a minor undercurrent throughout the novel. The romance subplot is light enough that it shouldn’t bother readers who don’t enjoy love stories. Young readers who like romance, however, will root for the two friends to find their way together.
Small details lend authenticity to Bashir’s Lebanese-American identity and experiences. (Note: Jreije is Lebanese-American himself.) And what a delight to encounter a pacifist protagonist in a middle grade fantasy novel! While Bashir’s beliefs are periodically challenged, the narrative ultimately vindicates his insistence on nonviolence, kindness, and forgiveness—even as it acknowledges their limits.
The novel doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, but it is clear Bashir Boutros and the Jewel of the Nile is meant to be the first installment in a series.
Fans of Percy Jackson and the ‘Rick Riordan Presents’ line of books will eat up this fast-moving, Lebanese-influenced supernatural story. Recommended for purchase for ages 8-11.
[Diversity Note: Most of the human characters in this novel are from the Middle East, or have Middle Eastern or Arab heritage. Bashir, his immediate and extended family (including his cousin and sometimes bully, Wassim), and Farrah are all Lebanese or Lebanese-American. Ziad, one of the two teen Magi Bashir befriends, reads as Palestinian-American. Alina, the other teen Magi, has red hair but is otherwise not described.]
[Trigger warnings: Non-graphic violence (generally supernatural rather than realistic) and threats of violence.]
Thanks to HarperCollins for the copy via the Southeast Ohio Young Adult Media Group.
July 4, 2025
Loved this tale with secret societies and jam-packed adventure. It was a quick read and couldn't put it down.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews