Wish: Twisted Tales of Familiar Faces

by Courtney Konstantin

Love. Possession. Murder.Alan, a homeless veteran struggling on the streets, acquires a cursed black bottle from a mysterious stranger. Inside lurks a malevolent djinn—a murderous spirit which possesses Alan.

When he crosses paths with Badora, the daughter of a powerful cartel leader, Alan saves her during a failed kidnapping, earning him a dangerous position under her father’s command.

As Alan struggles to protect Badora from both external threats and the djinn’s growing influence within, he desperately seeks a way to break the curse. Yet with each failed attempt, he inches closer to a horrifying the only way to stop the djinn’s reign of terror is to sacrifice himself.

Wish is a horror retelling of Aladdin. This morbid story is part of the Twisted Tales of Familiar Faces collection, featuring classic beloved characters twisted into terrifying nightmares.

89 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 18, 2025

About the author

As a child, Courtney always had aspirations of being a writer. She participated in journalism in school. At home, she wrote short stories, poetry and filled diary pages. Somewhere along the line becoming an adult took priority over her writing and she went to work in business operations.

Now as a mother to three beautiful children, she tells them all the time to follow their dreams, be whatever they want. Those lessons reminded her how much she loved writing. She finally opened the door to making writing a real priority in her life.

Living outside of Portland, Oregon she loves the green and beauty Oregon offers. When she’s not matching wits with her children, her crazy Siberian Husky or her bi-polar cats, she enjoys binge reading, hikes and touring wineries. Courtney and her husband, the love of her life, enjoy traveling the world whenever they can get a free moment. And cruises….she loves cruising. She’s especially fond of life, laughter and sarcasm – and she’s excited to share all of that and more with her readers!

Reviews

[Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this hours ago and couldn't decide what I wanted to rate it. Let alone how I feel about it. I enjoyed this one about as much as I expected to. I have loved everything this author has written. If you are someone that struggles with the PTSD trigger, tread lightly. I had to pause for a day while I processed that was going to be apart of this one. But it felt right for this story, so I warn those who can't get past that trigger. This twisted retelling has me wanting more from these characters. My favorite in this series so far.

[Karleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not the first book I’ve read by Courtney Konstantin and it sure will not be my last. I absolutely adore her works and the love she puts into every single one of her books

Wish is a fantastic scary retelling in modern times of Aladdin. The only thing I would love is for it to be a full novel and not a novella. I would love more of this story and characters.

[Christine Fancher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This twisted bloody version of Aladdin could easily be turned into a full book instead of a short story.
When Al has a Djinn enter his life as a homeless vet with ptsd, things change drastically. Some for the better, some for the worse.
This was not the most vicious of the series so far, but it definitely had some gore and potential triggers. The ending was quick and had a twist, but I wish that there was more! The end was sudden and felt like it could have had several more chapters. I liked the main characters chemistry would love an extended version if it ever came out.

[Stefanie Silvestri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a fast read for me due to its short length. It is an horror retelling of Aladdin, but with a dark and scary twist. Alan is living in a tent on the streets when he picks up a black bottle. Inside the bottle is a djinn and it takes over Alan‘s body and mind. The djinn makes Alan do things like do away with people. I definitely was not expecting the twist at the end of the story but it left me wanting more.

[Paris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED IT!!!

I don’t typically read horror, but this might have just turned me into a horror FAN!!! It was so good that I read it in one sitting. I couldn’t put it down. I am looking forward to her next book in the series “Steamboat”. I won’t say any spoilers, but for me, my favorite line was “I believe if I can see it, touch it, it’s real.”

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never in my wildest imagination could have pictured Aladdin in quite this way. I don't know quite what to say here that won't spoil it, but rest assured, this is not the tale you are familiar with.

[Terry M · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent, short horror. I liked the characters and the storyline. The pages are filled with compassion, possession, murder and violence, with a twist at the end that you do not see coming. Highly recommended. I received an ARC copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this was a different telling of the Aladdin tale for sure. I didn’t kknow what to make o it a first but it sorta made sense after a while. I have to say I liked it. Especially the twist at the end. Recommended read.

[Kenneth Lingenfelter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alan is living in the street and picks up a black bottle. When he opens the bottle, a djinn comes out and into his body. The djinn can control what Alan does. He makes Alan do things he would not normally do. Alan tries to find a way to rid himself of the evil djinn. An evil version of Aladdin.

[Riann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every minute that I spent reading this masterful horror retelling of Aladdin! I found the characters sympathetic and I really enjoyed the modern setting. The evil and manipulative Djinn proved to be a powerful foe. This is one read that can't be missed!

[Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing retelling of Aladdin. This retellings series is such a great idea and so well done! Each book is really a great read! All the characters are familiar yet different at the same time. Highly recommended!

[Marlys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story. This is a different spin on the Aladdin story.

[Clive Willcocks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story in the Twisted Tales series. This one is one of the better ones. I throughly enjoyed reading it. Well worth a read. Highly recommended.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable retelling of aladin. Twisted tales for sure.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and powerful story that will grab your attention. There’s no stopping until the last page.

[Valerie Earnest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I wasn't really expecting that. I will say I didn't want it to end. I want more, I need more!