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The Genie Game #1
The Genie Game
Harriet the Spy meets Black Mirror in The Genie Game, the start of a thrilling new middle-grade series from Jordan Ifueko, author of the New York Times bestselling fantasy Raybearer
Valentine Adesanya has two missions: 1) become a Feared and Fabulous Film Director and 2) find her missing big sister, Mango. She suspects The Trio Trust, a collection of creepy mega-companies that now rule the United States, made Mango disappear.
A text lures Valentine to a magical boba shop, which comes to life and tells Valentine she is now a a member of the General Employee Network of Immortal Engineers, an underground workforce run by the Trio Trust. Genies may only leave their bottles to grant the wishes of mortals. With each granted wish, The Trio Trust gains more magic, and so the Trio hosts a glamorous wish-granting competition, rewarding top players with fabulous prizes. The twist?
The greedy Trio forbids genies from using magic. Genies must grant wishes using nothing but smarts, luck, and elbow grease.
To free her sister Mango and escape the Genie Game, Valentine must score more wish-granting points than any other Genie. But how did the Trio Trust get so powerful in the first place? Why is a magical monster stomping through her home city of Gloss Angeles?
And why does the Trio Trust seem so afraid of 13-year-old Valentine Adesanya?
Valentine Adesanya has two missions: 1) become a Feared and Fabulous Film Director and 2) find her missing big sister, Mango. She suspects The Trio Trust, a collection of creepy mega-companies that now rule the United States, made Mango disappear.
A text lures Valentine to a magical boba shop, which comes to life and tells Valentine she is now a a member of the General Employee Network of Immortal Engineers, an underground workforce run by the Trio Trust. Genies may only leave their bottles to grant the wishes of mortals. With each granted wish, The Trio Trust gains more magic, and so the Trio hosts a glamorous wish-granting competition, rewarding top players with fabulous prizes. The twist?
The greedy Trio forbids genies from using magic. Genies must grant wishes using nothing but smarts, luck, and elbow grease.
To free her sister Mango and escape the Genie Game, Valentine must score more wish-granting points than any other Genie. But how did the Trio Trust get so powerful in the first place? Why is a magical monster stomping through her home city of Gloss Angeles?
And why does the Trio Trust seem so afraid of 13-year-old Valentine Adesanya?
368 pages, Hardcover
First published April 21, 2026
15 people are currently reading
3394 people want to read
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Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received this e-book as an ARC from the publisher.
She has always wanted to be a Director, but Valentina’s parents have higher aspirations for her and her sister, Vanessa. Once her sister graduates from college, though, they completely forget her – everyone does. Like gone – like she never existed. Until Valentina gets a gentle reminder that she and her sister used to be closer than close, and now she’s missing.
So begins the adventure that takes Valentina on a whirlwind journey through The Genie Game!
I thoroughly enjoyed bouncing through the ups and downs of this middle-grade story that while illustrating a glossy, consumeristic world, demonstrated just what it means to be family and how important real friendship is. From her friendship with Chrys, whose dedication and grounded nature is the perfect contrast to Valentina’s sometimes impulsive (but well-meaning) one, to her relationship with Vanessa which is at the forefront of everything she does, Valentina is a great example of how challenging life can be when conflicting priorities (and shiny baubles) can distract you from your true purpose, no matter how dedicated you try to be.
This book really speaks to the hearts of early teens who want to be seen as “grown up” and who already want to change the world around them for the better. While showing the cold under-belly behind the curtains of reality through maltreatment of immigrant labor and by taking advantage of inherent societal greed, Ms. Ifueko gives our potential heroine a choice, an option to take a different path even if it’s not the easy answer. The opportunity to choose and mold their future is one of the greatest gifts we can give the next generation.
She has always wanted to be a Director, but Valentina’s parents have higher aspirations for her and her sister, Vanessa. Once her sister graduates from college, though, they completely forget her – everyone does. Like gone – like she never existed. Until Valentina gets a gentle reminder that she and her sister used to be closer than close, and now she’s missing.
So begins the adventure that takes Valentina on a whirlwind journey through The Genie Game!
I thoroughly enjoyed bouncing through the ups and downs of this middle-grade story that while illustrating a glossy, consumeristic world, demonstrated just what it means to be family and how important real friendship is. From her friendship with Chrys, whose dedication and grounded nature is the perfect contrast to Valentina’s sometimes impulsive (but well-meaning) one, to her relationship with Vanessa which is at the forefront of everything she does, Valentina is a great example of how challenging life can be when conflicting priorities (and shiny baubles) can distract you from your true purpose, no matter how dedicated you try to be.
This book really speaks to the hearts of early teens who want to be seen as “grown up” and who already want to change the world around them for the better. While showing the cold under-belly behind the curtains of reality through maltreatment of immigrant labor and by taking advantage of inherent societal greed, Ms. Ifueko gives our potential heroine a choice, an option to take a different path even if it’s not the easy answer. The opportunity to choose and mold their future is one of the greatest gifts we can give the next generation.
April 23, 2026
Read: April 17th - April 22nd
Format: Audiobook
Rating: 4 Stars
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this ALC in exchange for an honest review!
I've heard a lot of good things about Ifueko's other series, Raybearer, so I was super excited to dive into this! I was also super impressed when I saw Ifueko also narrates the book. Doubly talented people are so unfair (said jokingly... mostly 🤣).
This is a really good book! It is this almost-dystopian type setting, but at the same time, is very much like the modern US... which is a very sad sentiment but accurate. There's also very interest magic mixed in, taking the concept of genies, mixing it with labor, and it's just overall very unique and fun.
Valentine is a very enjoyable protagonist to follow along with. She has spunk that manages to keep from being frustrating and overboard. She's also very creative and determined, traits she needs for the mission in front of her. The friends (and enemies) she makes along the way are unique in their own ways as well. I especially liked Merced, because characters that just genuinely have a good heart are 👌🏼
This book was very nearly a five star for just how viscerally it made me FEEL. It shone a light on so many of the issues we face today, caused by the greed of a select number of companies and the systems that keep them in power. It made me angry and sad and maybe a dash hopeful that change does exist. There were some bits where Valentine helped certain people facing some of these issues that felt solved a bit too easily, but it was done in a way appropriate for middle grade, I'd say.
That said, sometimes the tones would up the silliness a little TOO much, and I felt like it made the situation feel a little too light. Yeah, I know it's aimed toward pre-teens, but I still felt like it overcorrected on the dark topics with hijinks a bit TOO hard. And although a lot of the tough subjects were handled well, sometimes the moments were too on-the-nose and telly.
Those are the only reasons this isn't a five star for me personally, though. This was a very good book that I think would be very important for young teens to read. Yes, it shows a lot of the dark parts of the world, but it also offers hope that it can change, and that even when young, that doesn't mean you're powerless to influence that. I definitely hope to keep up with this series, and am even more convinced I need to pick up Raybearer!
Format: Audiobook
Rating: 4 Stars
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this ALC in exchange for an honest review!
I've heard a lot of good things about Ifueko's other series, Raybearer, so I was super excited to dive into this! I was also super impressed when I saw Ifueko also narrates the book. Doubly talented people are so unfair (said jokingly... mostly 🤣).
This is a really good book! It is this almost-dystopian type setting, but at the same time, is very much like the modern US... which is a very sad sentiment but accurate. There's also very interest magic mixed in, taking the concept of genies, mixing it with labor, and it's just overall very unique and fun.
Valentine is a very enjoyable protagonist to follow along with. She has spunk that manages to keep from being frustrating and overboard. She's also very creative and determined, traits she needs for the mission in front of her. The friends (and enemies) she makes along the way are unique in their own ways as well. I especially liked Merced, because characters that just genuinely have a good heart are 👌🏼
This book was very nearly a five star for just how viscerally it made me FEEL. It shone a light on so many of the issues we face today, caused by the greed of a select number of companies and the systems that keep them in power. It made me angry and sad and maybe a dash hopeful that change does exist. There were some bits where Valentine helped certain people facing some of these issues that felt solved a bit too easily, but it was done in a way appropriate for middle grade, I'd say.
That said, sometimes the tones would up the silliness a little TOO much, and I felt like it made the situation feel a little too light. Yeah, I know it's aimed toward pre-teens, but I still felt like it overcorrected on the dark topics with hijinks a bit TOO hard. And although a lot of the tough subjects were handled well, sometimes the moments were too on-the-nose and telly.
Those are the only reasons this isn't a five star for me personally, though. This was a very good book that I think would be very important for young teens to read. Yes, it shows a lot of the dark parts of the world, but it also offers hope that it can change, and that even when young, that doesn't mean you're powerless to influence that. I definitely hope to keep up with this series, and am even more convinced I need to pick up Raybearer!
Want to Read
April 4, 2026Normally I wouldn't pick up this type of middle grade, but I loved the Raybearer duology so much, I am willing to check it out.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Imagination soars in this original twist on genies, which mixes quirky moments, heart, and tons of surprises together to form an engaging read.
Valentine misses her older sister horribly. She disappeared about a year before, and for some reason, Valentine feels like she's forgetting that she even existed...kind of like her parents act like they already have. When Valentine suddenly receives an odd message from her older sister telling her to meet her at a boba shop, Valentine knows something about it feels wrong but would do anything to find her sister again. Of course, she walks right into a trap. She's now temporarily immortal and stuck in something called the Genie Game with the shop as her eternal bottle. The only way to return to the real world is to grant mortals a certain number of wishes. Soon, she discovers that the three corporations, which run the world, are heading the game and use the energy gained from each wish fulfillment to fuel their products in normal life. There are many other genies, each with their own type of shop (bottle) and all competing to grant wishes and climb the point board. Many have been there for a very long time, thrilled to have the chance to be immortal and use their wish account to grant themselves lives of luxury rather than buy their way back to reality. But Valentine isn't easily fooled and immediately suspects that something more sinister hides behind the three corporations and their wish magic. Worse yet, she fears that her sister is being held captive because of it.
This is one of the more original books I've picked up in quite a while. It takes the idea of genies on an entirely fresh, unexpected spin. Although set in a type of alternate, future reality, where three companies run everything and skies are greenish with rain like goo, and the world carries just enough familiarity to almost come across as normal in the first chapters. Valentine is a very normal 13-year-old with big dreams and an average family, which wishes she'd graduate college and have a very successful carrier. This makes the oddities of the snuggle against life as we know it. When Valentine enters the boba shop, the fun begins and takes on a whimsical atmosphere while the dark side grows with each chapter. This mix of fantastical fun next to evil schemes creates a gripping read for the age group. There's adventure, mystery, action-filled moments, friendship, questions of trust, and so much more to keep this tale speeding along. Everything melds together nicely, making it entertaining until the end. The characters also pack quirks and personality to make it fun to like or hate each one.
It's a fun read with lots to explore, characters to root for, and even food for thought.
Valentine misses her older sister horribly. She disappeared about a year before, and for some reason, Valentine feels like she's forgetting that she even existed...kind of like her parents act like they already have. When Valentine suddenly receives an odd message from her older sister telling her to meet her at a boba shop, Valentine knows something about it feels wrong but would do anything to find her sister again. Of course, she walks right into a trap. She's now temporarily immortal and stuck in something called the Genie Game with the shop as her eternal bottle. The only way to return to the real world is to grant mortals a certain number of wishes. Soon, she discovers that the three corporations, which run the world, are heading the game and use the energy gained from each wish fulfillment to fuel their products in normal life. There are many other genies, each with their own type of shop (bottle) and all competing to grant wishes and climb the point board. Many have been there for a very long time, thrilled to have the chance to be immortal and use their wish account to grant themselves lives of luxury rather than buy their way back to reality. But Valentine isn't easily fooled and immediately suspects that something more sinister hides behind the three corporations and their wish magic. Worse yet, she fears that her sister is being held captive because of it.
This is one of the more original books I've picked up in quite a while. It takes the idea of genies on an entirely fresh, unexpected spin. Although set in a type of alternate, future reality, where three companies run everything and skies are greenish with rain like goo, and the world carries just enough familiarity to almost come across as normal in the first chapters. Valentine is a very normal 13-year-old with big dreams and an average family, which wishes she'd graduate college and have a very successful carrier. This makes the oddities of the snuggle against life as we know it. When Valentine enters the boba shop, the fun begins and takes on a whimsical atmosphere while the dark side grows with each chapter. This mix of fantastical fun next to evil schemes creates a gripping read for the age group. There's adventure, mystery, action-filled moments, friendship, questions of trust, and so much more to keep this tale speeding along. Everything melds together nicely, making it entertaining until the end. The characters also pack quirks and personality to make it fun to like or hate each one.
It's a fun read with lots to explore, characters to root for, and even food for thought.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Valentine Adesanya lives in Gloss Angeles in a world where everything is controlled by three big companies, called the Trio Trust. Her older sister, Mango (aka Vanessa) has gone to college and gotten a job, like their Nigerian parents could wanted her to, but didn't study business. She's been missing, but her parents seem to have completely forgotten about her. When Valentine gets a text to go to a boba shop, she meets the strange Gabe, who says he can grant her a wish. Valentine wishes for her sister to be here, and before she knows it, Gabe is leaving and she is held hostage by The Boba Bubble, or Bubby. She's now in thrall to GENIE, the General Employee Network of Immortal Engineers, and the only way she can be released is to grant wishes and gain points. She really wants to get back home, especially since Mango is nowhere to be found, and return to her parents even if they don't support her career goals of being a filmmaker. Instead, she is drawn into the world where she must earn points to furnish her "bottle", and to eventually be free of her contract. She works to get points, and when she reaches her 300,000 point goal, spends them on something that surprises the organization that runs the game. This ends on a cliffhanger, so there is definitely more to the story.
Strengths: The magical world into which Valentine is thrust has lots of delightful details. It is very gamified, and at times was a bit like a magical version of the Sims games my children loved fifteen years ago, especially when Valentine is trying to furnish her bottle. It's interesting that her parents forget Mango, and even Valentine! The competition is interesting, and Valentine is very clever in using her points. It will be interesting to see what the next book in the series is like.
Weaknesses: Like Riordan's The Lightning Thief and related books, The Genie Game has a ton of characters that pop up during Valentine's travels. While the author's note outlined her reasons for making a fun, magical world, the world has a rather sinister underlayment that took away from the fun a little bit.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed Saunders' oddly dark The Whizz Pop Chocolate Shop or Giles's The Last Last-Day-of-Summer.
Valentine Adesanya lives in Gloss Angeles in a world where everything is controlled by three big companies, called the Trio Trust. Her older sister, Mango (aka Vanessa) has gone to college and gotten a job, like their Nigerian parents could wanted her to, but didn't study business. She's been missing, but her parents seem to have completely forgotten about her. When Valentine gets a text to go to a boba shop, she meets the strange Gabe, who says he can grant her a wish. Valentine wishes for her sister to be here, and before she knows it, Gabe is leaving and she is held hostage by The Boba Bubble, or Bubby. She's now in thrall to GENIE, the General Employee Network of Immortal Engineers, and the only way she can be released is to grant wishes and gain points. She really wants to get back home, especially since Mango is nowhere to be found, and return to her parents even if they don't support her career goals of being a filmmaker. Instead, she is drawn into the world where she must earn points to furnish her "bottle", and to eventually be free of her contract. She works to get points, and when she reaches her 300,000 point goal, spends them on something that surprises the organization that runs the game. This ends on a cliffhanger, so there is definitely more to the story.
Strengths: The magical world into which Valentine is thrust has lots of delightful details. It is very gamified, and at times was a bit like a magical version of the Sims games my children loved fifteen years ago, especially when Valentine is trying to furnish her bottle. It's interesting that her parents forget Mango, and even Valentine! The competition is interesting, and Valentine is very clever in using her points. It will be interesting to see what the next book in the series is like.
Weaknesses: Like Riordan's The Lightning Thief and related books, The Genie Game has a ton of characters that pop up during Valentine's travels. While the author's note outlined her reasons for making a fun, magical world, the world has a rather sinister underlayment that took away from the fun a little bit.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed Saunders' oddly dark The Whizz Pop Chocolate Shop or Giles's The Last Last-Day-of-Summer.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a fun yet educational middle grade novel this was! As always, Jordan Ifueko shines with her writing style and keeps the reader fully engaged, even in this new genre she’s diving into.
In The Genie Game, Valentine finds herself trapped in the mysterious Genie Game, where she must grant ordinary people’s wishes while searching for her missing sister - who, somehow, no one else seems to remember. To escape the game (and hopefully find her sister), she has to earn as many wish points as possible, all while competing and sometimes teaming up with a wide range of intriguing characters.
I really enjoyed how Ifueko weaves important topics into such a fun and engaging story. The book touches on issues like excessive capitalism, corporate control, environmental damage and natural disasters, as well as the immigrant experience in the US. All of this is embedded in a magical narrative that balances darker undertones with sparkly magic, alliances, and strong friendship bonds, alongside a really cool wishes-based magic system.
Valentine is a fantastic protagonist, ambitious, determined, and principledd. She dreams of becoming a film director, but above all, she wants to save her sister and do the right thing. She refuses to manipulate others to get ahead, which makes it especially interesting to see how she navigates such a complex and high-stakes game while staying true to herself. I also loved the creative touches throughout, especially the moments where she imagines scenes as scripts or films alongside the reality she’s experiencing.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy! I’d definitely recommend this to readers who enjoy middle grade adventures that blend magic with real-world themes, and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
In The Genie Game, Valentine finds herself trapped in the mysterious Genie Game, where she must grant ordinary people’s wishes while searching for her missing sister - who, somehow, no one else seems to remember. To escape the game (and hopefully find her sister), she has to earn as many wish points as possible, all while competing and sometimes teaming up with a wide range of intriguing characters.
I really enjoyed how Ifueko weaves important topics into such a fun and engaging story. The book touches on issues like excessive capitalism, corporate control, environmental damage and natural disasters, as well as the immigrant experience in the US. All of this is embedded in a magical narrative that balances darker undertones with sparkly magic, alliances, and strong friendship bonds, alongside a really cool wishes-based magic system.
Valentine is a fantastic protagonist, ambitious, determined, and principledd. She dreams of becoming a film director, but above all, she wants to save her sister and do the right thing. She refuses to manipulate others to get ahead, which makes it especially interesting to see how she navigates such a complex and high-stakes game while staying true to herself. I also loved the creative touches throughout, especially the moments where she imagines scenes as scripts or films alongside the reality she’s experiencing.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy! I’d definitely recommend this to readers who enjoy middle grade adventures that blend magic with real-world themes, and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Adorable and laugh out loud funny while also being complex and poignant.
This book. Wow.
I’m actually not a huge middle grade reader but I am a huge fan of Jordan Ifueko, so I knew I was reading this one. Not only did it NOT disappoint, but now I’m wondering what other absolute bangers I’m missing by sleeping on middle grade!
This is a fun, adorable, funny, silly good time for middle grader reader. But its also layer with meaningful commentary on capitalism + consumerism.
This book feels like your favorite animated movie, where there are a plethora of jokes that land HARD with the adults, and still make the kids laugh.
If you’re and adult, looking for a silly good time that hits you like a ton of bricks in terms of themes and symbolism, definitely give this one a try.
If you’re looking for a great middle grade book for middle grade readers this is it.
Audiobook: 5/5
Narrator: Jordan Ifueko (the author) | Style: Single | Length: 10 hrs 19 mins
WOW. I would listen to Jordan Ifueko narrate her grocery list. I need her to do a dozen more audiobooks immediately. Her voice is heavenly and she nails the pacing, pausing, and inflection. Plus her voice variation is phenomenal.
5⭐️| IG | TikTok |
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted audiobook. All opinions are my own.
This book. Wow.
I’m actually not a huge middle grade reader but I am a huge fan of Jordan Ifueko, so I knew I was reading this one. Not only did it NOT disappoint, but now I’m wondering what other absolute bangers I’m missing by sleeping on middle grade!
This is a fun, adorable, funny, silly good time for middle grader reader. But its also layer with meaningful commentary on capitalism + consumerism.
This book feels like your favorite animated movie, where there are a plethora of jokes that land HARD with the adults, and still make the kids laugh.
If you’re and adult, looking for a silly good time that hits you like a ton of bricks in terms of themes and symbolism, definitely give this one a try.
If you’re looking for a great middle grade book for middle grade readers this is it.
Audiobook: 5/5
Narrator: Jordan Ifueko (the author) | Style: Single | Length: 10 hrs 19 mins
WOW. I would listen to Jordan Ifueko narrate her grocery list. I need her to do a dozen more audiobooks immediately. Her voice is heavenly and she nails the pacing, pausing, and inflection. Plus her voice variation is phenomenal.
5⭐️| IG | TikTok |
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted audiobook. All opinions are my own.
April 21, 2026
On the surface, it’s all fun — genies bubbling like kettle steam, competitions crackling with energy, wish‑granting hijinks swirling like loose tea leaves, and a world that feels just a little too glossy to be safe. But Ifueko does what she always does — she tucks truth between the laughter, like a message hidden at the bottom of a teacup.
I didn’t realize until the end just how many big topics she was quietly steeping into this story:
capitalism and exploitation
technology and surveillance
industrialization and power
the cost of desire and the ripple effects of our choices
And she blends it all with a satirical wink, letting the commentary simmer without ever cooling the joy.
This is a middle‑grade novel with a reading level for ages 10–14, but let me be clear: the lessons, the humor, and the sharp social critique are absolutely for adults too. It’s the kind of story that reminds grown folks that whimsy can carry wisdom, and sometimes the sweetest brews come with a little bite.
Jordan Ifueko — New York Times bestselling author of the Raybearer series — narrates the audiobook herself, and it is pure chef’s kiss. She knows exactly how this world should sound. Her voice pulls you in like a warm mug between your palms, holds you close, and refuses to let you drift away. It’s immersive, enchanting, and perfectly tuned to Valentine’s journey.
I didn’t realize until the end just how many big topics she was quietly steeping into this story:
capitalism and exploitation
technology and surveillance
industrialization and power
the cost of desire and the ripple effects of our choices
And she blends it all with a satirical wink, letting the commentary simmer without ever cooling the joy.
This is a middle‑grade novel with a reading level for ages 10–14, but let me be clear: the lessons, the humor, and the sharp social critique are absolutely for adults too. It’s the kind of story that reminds grown folks that whimsy can carry wisdom, and sometimes the sweetest brews come with a little bite.
Jordan Ifueko — New York Times bestselling author of the Raybearer series — narrates the audiobook herself, and it is pure chef’s kiss. She knows exactly how this world should sound. Her voice pulls you in like a warm mug between your palms, holds you close, and refuses to let you drift away. It’s immersive, enchanting, and perfectly tuned to Valentine’s journey.
April 15, 2026
Thank you so much to NetGalley, the author, and Amulet Books for an alc of The Genie Game. This is my personal review.
Okay, I cant even contain myself...THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD. It takes a lot for me to get THIS excited over a book, especially a middle grade book. But Ifueko has created a world and story that is just as engaging for adults as it is for children. Maybe even more engaging. The dystopian world of Gloss Angeles is so perfectly crafted-- the premise is over the top to the point of being silly, but the farce for adults hits hard because there are SO MANY similarities between Valentine's world and our own.
This story is so unbelievably clever. I'm trying to keep this spoiler free, so I'll just say that this takes place in a dystopian Los Angeles where 3 major corporations own and control everything. It touches on everything from the role of immigrants, worker's rights, evils of capitalism, pollution, and so much more. Literally this is a book that you can read at a surface level and enjoy Valentine's crazy adventure or you can spend hours analyzing it. I did both.
The audio is narrated by the author herself, and Ifueko absolutely nailed it. I was dying at her impression of the Valentine's Nigerian parents because I have so many students who can also seamlessly slip into impersonations of their parents' accents and I always think it's so cool and fun. But in general, she really killed it with all of the voices, especially considering all of the characters and different accents.
I've already shared bits and pieces of this story with my kids, and they are begging me to let us read it as a class. So I absolutely know this will be a hit with kids, too.
Preorder this book. Listen to the audio when it comes out. It's. So. Good.
Okay, I cant even contain myself...THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD. It takes a lot for me to get THIS excited over a book, especially a middle grade book. But Ifueko has created a world and story that is just as engaging for adults as it is for children. Maybe even more engaging. The dystopian world of Gloss Angeles is so perfectly crafted-- the premise is over the top to the point of being silly, but the farce for adults hits hard because there are SO MANY similarities between Valentine's world and our own.
This story is so unbelievably clever. I'm trying to keep this spoiler free, so I'll just say that this takes place in a dystopian Los Angeles where 3 major corporations own and control everything. It touches on everything from the role of immigrants, worker's rights, evils of capitalism, pollution, and so much more. Literally this is a book that you can read at a surface level and enjoy Valentine's crazy adventure or you can spend hours analyzing it. I did both.
The audio is narrated by the author herself, and Ifueko absolutely nailed it. I was dying at her impression of the Valentine's Nigerian parents because I have so many students who can also seamlessly slip into impersonations of their parents' accents and I always think it's so cool and fun. But in general, she really killed it with all of the voices, especially considering all of the characters and different accents.
I've already shared bits and pieces of this story with my kids, and they are begging me to let us read it as a class. So I absolutely know this will be a hit with kids, too.
Preorder this book. Listen to the audio when it comes out. It's. So. Good.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This middle grade fantasy novel was fun and creative, but heavy-handed on issues, which is why I didn't enjoy it quite as much as Ifueko's other novels. Some middle grade books work fabulously for any age reader, but I think The Genie Game is a better fit for tween and teen readers than for adults. The story takes place in a sinister future where three evil corporations have basically taken over the entire world. In the future version of LA, now called "Gloss Angeles" after one of the corporations, Valentine's big sister has disappeared, and their parents don't even remember that Vanessa existed. When Valentine goes looking for her after receiving a mysterious message, she is tricked into becoming a genie and swept up in a magical game where she has to grant wishes to try to win her freedom. I will probably read the sequel, but I hope Ifueko writes more YA in the future, and/or, even better, an adult fantasy novel. Thank you to NetGalley and ABRAMS Kids | Amulet Books for a digital review copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A fun and quirky middle grade sci-fantasy with an anti-capitalist message! The Genie Game is set in a dystopian near-future Los Angeles where everything is run by three massive companies, the sky is green and rains snot, and marketing is constant. Valentine ends up sucked into the secret Genie Game where she becomes a genie on behalf of one of these corporations, collecting wish magic that they use to make products. But Valentine is on a mission to find her missing sister and isn't willing to play by their rules.
It's entertaining and a wild ride, but also offers really thoughtful critiques of late-stage capitalism and how it impacts everything from food supply to job opportunities, in a way that makes sense for 8-12 year olds to process. I really loved it. The author reads the audiobook and surprisingly does an excellent job! Not every author is a good narrator but she is. I received a copy of this book for review, all opinions are my own.
It's entertaining and a wild ride, but also offers really thoughtful critiques of late-stage capitalism and how it impacts everything from food supply to job opportunities, in a way that makes sense for 8-12 year olds to process. I really loved it. The author reads the audiobook and surprisingly does an excellent job! Not every author is a good narrator but she is. I received a copy of this book for review, all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ALC Review
The Genie Game is a middle grade book and while I'm not its target audience I enjoyed it all the same. I loved its message and the themes used to drive its point home. I loved that it centred relationships especially sisterly bonds and friendship as well as parental relationships. I loved the way the dynamics for each of these relationships was developed and portrayed. I enjoyed watching Valentine navigate the obstacles in her way. However, there were parts of it that irritated me.
The author did a great job bringing her story and characters to life but I'm not going to lie at times the tone of voice she chose for Valentine annoyed me. Overall I found this to be an I enjoyable read but I wasn't fond of the abrupt ending. That said I am interested in seeing what happens next.
Copy provided by publisher through NetGalley
The Genie Game is a middle grade book and while I'm not its target audience I enjoyed it all the same. I loved its message and the themes used to drive its point home. I loved that it centred relationships especially sisterly bonds and friendship as well as parental relationships. I loved the way the dynamics for each of these relationships was developed and portrayed. I enjoyed watching Valentine navigate the obstacles in her way. However, there were parts of it that irritated me.
The author did a great job bringing her story and characters to life but I'm not going to lie at times the tone of voice she chose for Valentine annoyed me. Overall I found this to be an I enjoyable read but I wasn't fond of the abrupt ending. That said I am interested in seeing what happens next.
Copy provided by publisher through NetGalley
April 26, 2026
Not bad but just wasn’t for me! The concept was absolutely excellent, with a sort of techno-dystopian setting that showcased a creative kids version of environmental destruction driven by corporate greed, monopolies, and oppression of the working class. Add in mountains of high fructose corn syrup, ultra-processed foods leading to worsening health, and invasive, hyper-personalized advertising campaigns, and you touch on a lot of the hot-button issues of the present day. However, the storyline itself and the characters left a lot to be desired for me. I don’t think it was bad by any means; I just didn’t feel drawn in or find it as compelling as I would have liked. I’ll give it 3.5 stars, rounded down.
I absolutely loved the Raybearer series and am excited to see what the author writes next for YA/adult audiences.
I absolutely loved the Raybearer series and am excited to see what the author writes next for YA/adult audiences.
April 29, 2026
Wow, what a ride! "The Genie Game" dazzles with imagination, vivid images, and the allure of a fantastical, wish-granting world only a hidden doorstep from the everyday, but with a definite edge. Jordan Ifueko pulls off a true magic feat with a story that is fast-paced and wildly entertaining — while also portraying the ravages of late-stage capitalism in ways that both respect and enlighten young (and not-so-young) readers. This is a book that will encourage its readers to let their imaginations soar, while also inviting them to think deeply about the economic systems that cost all of us more than we often realize. And I can't wait for the sequel!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is such a fun novel that tackles the greed of capitalism in a kid-friendly way. I've never seen Black Mirror, but Jordan Ifueko is an auto-read author for me! I read this with my 9-year-old, and he really enjoyed Valentine and her friends. I personally loved the way all of Valentine's adventures tied together. The cast is very diverse, and the story is dynamic with lots of twists and turns.
We look forward to book two!
Thank you to Amulet Books for the opportunity to read and review!
We look forward to book two!
Thank you to Amulet Books for the opportunity to read and review!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Such a fun concept with a great message. Main character is 13 and it's geared toward our older readers. Themes involve challenging status quo, disrupting systems for change and environmental concerns. SLJ says, "-The latest work by Ifueko continues to confirm her fantasy worldbuilding and character development expertise.". PW says, "This impressive volume is at once playfully imaginative and grimly familiar in its portrayal of capitalism’s influence and the power of corruption. Main characters are racially diverse. "
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Genie Game by Jordan Ifueko is a middle grade science fiction/fantasy book. It imagines a world taken over by the three biggest corporations. The book highlights the dangers of unchecked corporate greed to human life and the environment. I liked the heroine, other characters, the twists and the end. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I got the ARC from ABRAMS Kids | Amulet Books via Netgalley. This is my honest review
I got the ARC from ABRAMS Kids | Amulet Books via Netgalley. This is my honest review
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Imagine Harriet the Spy meets Black Mirror. Valentine is searching for her missing sister and gets sucked into a magical boba shop. Yes, please, that turns out to be an underground workforce of Genies. The catch? They have to grant wishes using zero magic, only brainpower and luck. It’s a brilliant, fast-paced critique of mega-corporations with a massive heart.
April 29, 2026
This was a fun and adventurous book which I think any middle schooler would love. There's magic, sibling love, deep friendship, humor, a talking and sentient Boba Tea shop, and lots of social commentary.
My only dislikes about it stem from me being an adult reading a book geared toward 12-year-olds. I'm not 12. Therefore, those bits were monotonous and I could predict quite a bit.
My only dislikes about it stem from me being an adult reading a book geared toward 12-year-olds. I'm not 12. Therefore, those bits were monotonous and I could predict quite a bit.
May 7, 2026
This was so fun and creative! Ifueko really went all out on the world building and it really paid off! Such thrilling and exciting storytelling, the book was almost bursting with the creativity. I loved it.
I loved how at its heart, this is a book about sisters who would do anything to protect and get back to each other. This was the driving force of the novel — sisterhood, and love for the ones we choose and who choose us back.
The idea of the Genie Game felt unique and exciting, and I liked how, for the younger readers this was intended for, began to introduce ideas of capitalism and what it mean for companies to have the monopoly on everything. A fun, entertaining read but informative too.
I really hope this gets a sequel!
I loved how at its heart, this is a book about sisters who would do anything to protect and get back to each other. This was the driving force of the novel — sisterhood, and love for the ones we choose and who choose us back.
The idea of the Genie Game felt unique and exciting, and I liked how, for the younger readers this was intended for, began to introduce ideas of capitalism and what it mean for companies to have the monopoly on everything. A fun, entertaining read but informative too.
I really hope this gets a sequel!
Review of advance copy
Can't wait for my future kids to read this book! So much fun to read & perfect pacing for older elementary/middle school kids. I sure enjoyed it as an adult. Does a good job of tackling topical tough themes in a way that's safe for kids to process. 5 stars from van nuys!!
April 28, 2026
Sharp social critique packaged as a fun middle-grade romp, with some genuinely touching moments to boot. I had a great time with this one and only hope that preteen readers will enjoy it as much as I did.
4.5 stars, rounding up for the sheer ambition of such a book
4.5 stars, rounding up for the sheer ambition of such a book
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved writing characters who make me laugh for a change. I hope you all enjoy reading The Genie Game as much as I enjoyed writing it!
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Fun and at the same time worthwhile reading for middle school kids
review-libro
April 1, 2026(Review copy courtesy of Recorded Books, Inc., Jordan Ifueko, and the Libro.fm Audiobook Listening Copy Program.)
May 6, 2026
A very fun middle-grade dystopian fantasy that meets the moment.
May 4, 2026
What a world! I loved reading about the magical world the genies live in and the new city, Gloss Angeles. The descriptions were vivid and sparkling. When Valentine is tricked into becoming a genie, her main objective is to find her sister, Mango. She befriends her bottle, a magical Boba shop and enlists other genies to help her find her sister and take down the Trio Trust that runs the city. Valentine's love for her sister is unmatched! This story is fun and bubbly and such a creative way to speak on and educate on heavier topics.
Thanks, NetGalley!
Thanks, NetGalley!
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