Eden's Wish

Eden of the Lamp #1

by M. Tara Crowl

All twelve years of Eden's life have been spent in an antique oil lamp. She lives like a princess inside her tiny, luxurious home; but to Eden, the lamp is nothing but a prison. She hates being a genie. All she wants, more than anything, is freedom.

When Eden finds a gateway to Earth within the lamp, she takes her chance and enters the world she loves. And this time, she won't be sent back after three wishes.

Posing as the new kid at a California middle school, Eden revels in all of Earth's pleasures--but quickly learns that this world isn't as perfect as she always thought it was. Eden soon finds herself in the middle of a centuries-old conflict between powerful immortals. A ruthless organization run by a former genie will stop at nothing to acquire the lamp and its power--even hurt Tyler and Sasha, the new mortal friends who have given Eden a home. To save her friends and protect the lamp's magic, Eden must decide once and for all where she belongs.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Magic, Young Adult, Adventure, Childrens, Paranormal

272 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2015

About the author

M. Tara Crowl is the author of EDEN’S WISH and EDEN'S ESCAPE, released by Disney-Hyperion in 2015 and 2016. She has loved reading and writing stories since her childhood in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. She studied Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California and worked in Hollywood after graduation, but then moved to Sydney, Australia for a Master’s program in writing at Macquarie University. She now lives with her husband between New York City and their farm in upstate New York.

Reviews

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eden is a young genie tired of being a genie and being a prisoner of the lamp. She wishes for freedom. Tired of it all, Eden makes her escape out of the lamp only to be hounded by some evil people. Will she be able to survive? Read on and find out for yourself.

This was a pretty good read and the first book of a duology. If you like genie stories, be sure to check this book out at your local library and wherever books are sold.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eden’s Wish deals with a genie who knows there is so much more to life then spending endless years trapped in a lamp with only the briefest of glimpses of life outside. The adventure we accompany Eden on is heartfelt, exciting, and more than a little cute.

Eden’s Wish reminds me of why I love Middle Grade novels so much. We are really treated to an adventure where friendships are made, feelings are truly explored, and hope is prevalent even in the darkest moments. A good Middle Grade novel is one you can relate to even at 26 years old, and Eden’s Wish falls into that category. Eden’s feelings of being stifled and trapped by her responsibilities and her family, her bone-deep need to explore and experience…it really hits home. Now I don’t want to make it seem like EW is loaded down with so much sheer emotion that it loses it’s charm, because it doesn’t. The story is incredibly fun and very cute. It’s fairly quick paced and full of little laugh out-loud moments.

Eden is a fantastic main character. She has a love for life that is sure to make anyone smile, not to mention how brave she is. Eden makes the story truly vibrant with her sense of humor and curiosity. The host of side characters were equally enjoyable. I really loved getting see more about the previous genies, especially Sylvana, and I really hope we get to see even more of them in the next book. The history of the lamp and it’s masters (Goldie and Xaiver) was pretty awesome as well and I really liked getting a little peek into how the lamp works and where it came from.

Eden's Wish Quote

I can’t wait to dig into Eden’s Escape! If you enjoy MG reads with a lot of spunk and personality then definitely check out Eden’s Wish! I can really see kids enjoying the fast paced story, and it would be a great book for some further discussion as well (who doesn’t like talking about what they’d wish for).

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eden longs with all her heart to live on earth like mortals do, but she is a genie and must remain with her lamp. At least that's what she has always been told by her masters, Xavier and Goldie. But when she discovers a way out of the lamp, she's thrilled with the chance to experience earth for more than just a few moments. But she quickly discovers that all is not as it seems, and there is a secret organization who will do just about anything to get their hands on the power of the lamp. Crowl has written an entertaining and fun book about a young genie wishing for more than she has. Despite an often light-hearted tone, the themes here are thoughtful ones about freedom, power, and family and what each really means. And is perfect safety really worth the price of sacrificing experience and friendship? I thoroughly enjoyed reading Eden's Wish and look forward to learning more about Eden and her job as a genie. It was fun seeing the world through the eyes of someone who hasn't grown up with it and has a deeper appreciation of it. The different methods used by the various former genies as well as Xavier and Goldie to convince Eden to do things their way provided a sharp contrast in persuasive techniques.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. It is the cutest genie story I've ever read! A beautiful little 12 year old genie named Eden who can grant 3 wishes to anyone who rubs the lamp she lives in. Eden lives in the lamp with Xavier and Goldie who teach her about the world outside the lamp, about humans and the importance of being a good genie. The only problem is Eden does not want to be a genie and wants to live on earth like a human. She expresses her concern with Xavier and Golden, but they tell her there is no way it is possible until she grants almost a thousand wishes. Eden doesn't care and won't stop wishing until she gets her freedom from the lamp. When Eden finds a way to be on earth no matter how dangerous it may be for her or others she sets off on an adventure full of surprises. I highly recommend "Eden's Wish" to young adults, children and adults.

I won this book for free on a Goodreads Giveaway.

[Elle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

I loved Xavier; he is amazing. He knows essentially everything, is highly intelligent, and sings show-tunes with perfect pitch at 7:30 on the dot every morning.

I found the way that the author developed the world of the genies to be interesting and unique; I definitely wanted to keep reading for more.

I thought the main character's opinions changed very quickly at some points, but she was also only 12 1/2, so it could be considered accurate to her character.

I do, slightly, wish that it had ended a bit differently. I like bittersweet endings, and endings that are just all around bitter. This ending was on the sweet side of bittersweet and I liked the emotions that it provoked. However, since I tend to agree more with Xavier and Goldie in regard to the lamp vs the world, I'm not sure I approve of Eden's decision. ;)

I think that I would recommend this; it was an enjoyable read and the characters, (Particularly Xavier) made the story.

[Sara Canny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was originally reviewed on Sara's Books and Things

I really loved this book. Eden is such cute heroine. She's extremely book smart but because of her unusual upbringing she's quite naive. Throughout the book she struggles to accept who and what she is, making this a charming growing up tale with a magical twist.

I also really liked the villain of the book Sylvana, and the entire power struggle surrounding the lamp. The loyalists vs. Sylvana's crew, both extremely powerful in their own right.

I'd really like to learn more about the alumni of the lamp and Eden's relationships with the mortals she meets. In other words I'd love a sequel. I could very easily see this blossoming into a series series.


I received this book courtesy of NetGalley and Disney-Hyperion in exchange for my free and honest review!

[Luna's Little Library · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eden doesn’t enjoy being a genie, this great and amazing honour she supposedly has… well the endless years of granting wishes to human’s isn’t appealing. She’s 12 now and already she can’t wait to escape that prison.

The book is a quick read and an enjoyable one. As a reader you’re sympathetic to Eden’s plight. She wants to experience this amazing world she’s being taught about, yet the only time she she’s it is in the brief moments when she’s granting wishes so of course when she finds a way to escape Eden does.

I liked Eden’s time at school, despite knowing so many facts it isn’t nearly as easy as she imagines. Tyler and Sasha (her new friends) are also likeable and the conflict between the genies was interesting. I will say that I thought the end was a tad neat but as a nice read Eden’s Wish certainly fits.

[tierra teague · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're looking for a different kind of fantasy book, I suggest you read Eden's Wish by M. Tara Crowl. The story was mainly about a young genie named Eden. Eden always felt like she didn't really belong in the lamp with the masters, Xavier and Goldie. She disliked being a genie, and craved freedom. Every time she was summoned, Eden would take as much time as she good to look outside and the big, blazing sun, or the big, milky moon. She finds out that Xavier and Goldie have lied to her her whole life, and that there is a secret way out of the tunnel, but only one genie can leave the lamp at a time. Eden makes a run for it and escapes from the lamp, ending up on the beach where the lamp is buried. These young siblings around her age named Sasha and Tyler find her. She had nothing the mortals had, so she had to do her best to fit, so she claimed that she was from Sweden, and her belongings were lost, along with her mother. Since she had no where else to go, Tyler and Sasha take her to there apartment, where they discuss the lamp that healed Sasha's ankle earlier that day. Tyler tries making an ungrantable wish to bring his dead mother back, but since it's ungrantable, the wish can not be granted. It was heartbreaking for them to see how hurt Tyler was that his wish couldn't be granted. Soon, they all go to sleep, because the first day of school was the following day. They write the school counselor a fake note from Eden's "mother," so she can get registered in their school. No sooner than that is Eden one of Mission Beach Middle School's new student. Her day was going by great until this other new girl, Gigi, begins to torment her. Then she realizes that one of her teachers is an alumni, meaning she is a retired genie. Ms. Bola, the alumni, has a private talk with Eden telling her that she needs to go back into the lamp before things slide down the hill. Of course, Eden denies and walks off. The oddest thing happened Eden during one of her class periods. The teacher tells her that her mother is here for her, but Eden had faked the whole mother thing. Had another one of the alumni's come to tell her to go back in the lamp? When she meets her "mother" in the office, she realizes that it is another alumni, but it's her idol alumni, Sylvana. She's heard very little to nothing at all about Sylvana, so what risk was she taking? Sylvana takes Eden for a drive, in a hot air balloon, and then talks to her about going back to London with her. Eden then realizes that V, the woman that was following her around on the beach and trying to make Eden take off her bracelet, was on the phone with Sylvana. If V was trying to plan something, does that mean Sylvana was too? Eden comes up with a mini plan to find out, and realizes that Sylvana was trying to take over the lamp and hurt Xavier and Goldie. Did I mention that taking off the bracelet could have dangerous affects like death? It would kill Xavier and Goldie, and hurt humanity. Sylvana drops Eden off at school so she can get the lamp. When Eden gets off she runs into Tyler and Sasha, exactly the people she needed. Tyler and Sasha show Eden a message that an unknown person sent them claiming that Eden isn't telling them something. The three of them go some where private to help Eden escape, and so Eden can discuss her secret. Eden explains to them that she is a genie, and even the rules that follow. Tyler and Sasha would love to be a genie and would even trade spots with Eden, but Eden thinks being a mortal is better than being a genie. Is it just that something that's different from what you're normally around always better? Impossible, Eden thought, but was it really? Tyler takes Eden on an adventure to the fair, where they even get their photo taken of them on a ride. After a long day, they finally go back to Tyler's and Sasha's apartment, where they greet Sasha and Mr. Rockwell. Mr. Rockwell tells them how Eden's aunt and mother came by asking where Eden was. Strange. They all go to the room and decide that Eden will go to school tomorrow. The next day at school a fire alarm goes off and before they can make a run for it, Eden gets dragged away by Ms. Bola. Ms. Bola takes her to the swimming room, where most of the other alumni's, including Gigi, were. They pushed her into the pool taking her to places where Sylvana did her most hurtful grantings. Then Eden gets pulled out the pool by Social Services, and gets taken to the president. Eden finds out that the president is another loyal alumni, Faye. Faye tells Eden her back story, and that she thought that scaring Eden into going back wasn't a great idea. She told Eden to make the right choice, and then let Eden go back into the school. She gets taken out of school by her "mother," Sylvana, and Sylvana even unenrolled Eden from that school! She took Eden to where the alumni's that worked for Sylvana were holding Mr. Rockwell captive. They told Eden that she can hand over the bracelet and lamp, and that Mr. Rockwell would come down safely, or if she doesn't cooperate, Mr. Rockwell would die. Then, the loyal alumni's appear, along with Tyler and Sasha. To save Sasha's and Tyler's dad, Tyler must use his last to wishes to save Mr. Rockwell. Tyler finally agrees after a while, and wishes that Eden would see how special she truly is, and for his family to always be safe and stronger than ever. Poof. Mr. Rockwell is safe, and Eden feels special. She is also back in the lamp. Now I think I went a little to far with telling you what happened in the story, so I'll leave the rest for you to find out! I would recommend this book to anyone that loves a good fantasy story!

[Debbie Tanner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just read an advanced readers copy of this one and wow, was it fun! Eden is a 12 year old genie just at the beginning of her genie career. Genies are supposed to grant 999 wishes and their last wish is their own. She lives in a bottle that is beautifully appointed and has two kind but strict guardians who take excellent care of her, but Eden craves sunshine and oceans and people. She finds a sneaky way out of the bottle and finds that living on earth is everything she's hoped as well as everything she'd been warned about. I loved this one.

[emyrose8 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love this book! Probably the best book I've read this summer. Well written, fast-paced, mysterious, magical. Awesome characters. The only problem is the cliff-hanger ending! I hope she writes the second book soon! Definitely going to read this one aloud to my class.

Thanks Netgalley for the ARC! :)

[Joy Lane · Rating 4 out of 5]

fans of The Tail of Emily Windsnap will want to read this. Book 2 is out in September.

[Sharon Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eden's Wish is the first book in the Eden of the Lamp series by M. Tara Crowl. All twelve years of Eden's life have been spent in an antique oil lamp. She lives like a princess inside her tiny, luxurious home; but to Eden, the lamp is nothing but a prison. She hates being a genie. All she wants, more than anything, is freedom. When Eden finds a gateway to Earth within the lamp, she takes her chance and enters the world she loves. And this time, she won't be sent back after three wishes. Posing as the new kid at a California middle school, Eden revels in all of Earth's pleasures--but quickly learns that this world isn't as perfect as she always thought it was. Eden soon finds herself in the middle of a centuries-old conflict between powerful immortals. A ruthless organization run by a former genie will stop at nothing to acquire the lamp and its power--even hurt Tyler and Sasha, the new mortal friends who have given Eden a home. To save her friends and protect the lamp's magic, Eden must decide once and for all where she belongs.

Eden's Wish is a book with an original and complex story that captured my imagination and attention. I had the book on my kindle for ages, I just wish I had read it earlier! Eden is twelve, and has the typical desire to change and grow that all young people have. I like that she does appreciate the love and care she has, but still wants more independence and experience outside the lamp. She is intelligent and caring, but understandably naive about people and the real world- as one might expect from someone so sheltered. The larger conspiracy is intriguing and I loved how those involved hide in plain sight in the world. The characters are all complex and have personal flaws or quirks that make them more interesting or realistic. I really enjoyed Eden's discovery of the little things we all take for granted, and her strength of self even as she is trying to find her path. I also liked that while the adults are lost in grief, over protecting guardians, or plotting and scheming none of them are not the flat useless or bumbling adults that so often appear in books of children or teens. I think this is going to be a great series- and now I have to find the next book.

Eden's Wish is a wonderful and original read. While there is plenty more to cover in the series, I really appreciated that the story resolved the most pressing questions so I was left satisfied. I think middle grade, young adult, and adult readers can all enjoy this read.

[Selah Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember back to 4th grade, where our math teacher had this kind of point system, where if you got a certain number of points by the end of the year, you got a prize. Most kids had forgotton about it, so the points by the end of the year were the only thing kids cared about, so that they could make up for not getting many throughout the year. At twenty points, you got to keep a book of your choice that she had available. I got nineteen points. I was practically fuming, as I had seen this book in the pile and solely for the art on the cover, I wanted it. I wrote down the name on a post-it note and went to Barnes and Noble a few months later to see if they had it. Short story, they didn't. The database said that they would have it in sometime in March, so I waited until March and for some reason, there was no trace of it anymore. After that I gave up and just moved on. However, for my birthday this year, I was given a Google Play giftcard, of which I didn't know what to do. I remembered back to 4th grade, where I really wanted the book I couldn't get. My brain struggled to find the name. I eventually resorted to checking one of the libraries on the Internet where you could find any book just by one word in its title. The name Eden is a memorable one, thank goodness, but for the longest time I had been searching for the name Eve instead. Using the story of the Garden of Eden, I remembered the acutal name and found the book. Thank goodness I did. I'm surprised I liked the book as much as I did, considering it was the type of book I'd read four years prior. This book really doesn't have much of an age, but it can be kind of awkward to read a book where the protagonist is two years younger than you and basically a child still, but it's a good book nonetheless.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

What if there really were a magic lamp with a genie? And what if that genie really wanted to be a normal twelve-year-old girl? Add these two questions together and you’ll end up with M. Tara Crowl’s Eden’s Wish, a delightful story for middle-grade readers that’s got just enough bite to entice, just enough logic to satisfy, and just enough imagination to be entirely new and different.

The plot thickens quickly when rebellious young Eden begins to learn the secrets of the lamp. Meanwhile young readers are introduced to secrets of education, history, geography and more, and it’s all part of the fun. The mysteries of history fit together beautifully. The magic is enjoyably low-key and enticing. And the logic of it all has a pleasingly well-thought-out feel. Like Harry Potter escaping to the real world, Eden lands in a real California, beautifully and realistically described. She goes to a regular school, endures bullies, finds friends, and has to learn who to trust, how to trust, and the true magic of loyalty.

By the end of this book I was eagerly hoping for more and couldn’t wait to start reading Eden’s Escape. Eden is a great character, a child with lots to learn and lots to offer, and a genie as well! My only complaint might be that the first chapter, while great fun, had a slightly down-beat older feel than the rest of the story. But that’s probably just me.

Disclosure: I was the lucky recipient of a signed copy, no strings attached.

[Kissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I enjoyed the concept presented in this book of a genie wanting to live a life of their own outside of granting wishes, I felt the story fell a bit short of providing the captivating punch I was hoping for. It was hard for me to fully empathize with the main character Eden as at times she came off too whiny and naive (especially with the education she had in the lamp). As a result, I was often confused on what age Eden was supposed to be despite being told by the author; at times she seemed too childish to be a middle schooler and then other times her actions and experiences with her newfound friends seemed more high school setting. The conflict involving past genies was intriguing but I felt we barely scratched the surface of it and everything seemed to happen all at once as Eden's being pulled from one group to another. While the genie lore introduced was a fascinating take, I found many important details weren't fully explained until much later in the story than I thought necessary. In the end, considering this is the first of a series, I do not feel compelled to see what happens next as I felt readers are not left with a clear indication on what's to be expected next in Eden's adventures aside from the few unsolved matters.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book because I like whimsical fantasy stories that can take someone out of reality. However, these fantasies usually teach people about the real world indirectly. When I started reading, I was not sure what to expect. The story was interesting and intriguing. This book can be easily relatable to many people. For me, I had a connection with the idea that something is not as perfect as you think.

There were many ideas and themes throughout the book. One major idea is that there is more to life than what people see every day. The book also shows that friendships are important and you can find some hope in hard times. The characterization of the main character, Eden, is very important to the story. Eden starts by being naive in the real world and as the story progresses, she learns and understands the meaning of living on earth. She becomes more mature and aware of current events around her.

I recommend this book to younger individuals learning more about the hard world around them. I think it is a good older elementary and middle school book. However, it is perfect for anyone that needs to see the world from a different perspective. Overall, I enjoyed this book and hope others will read and learn from it as well.

[28Sneh4 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was phenomenal! I could not put it down! Eden's Wish by M. Tara Crowl instantly blew me away, with Crowl's beautiful storytelling abilities. First of all, the plot itself of the book was so well thought out. Eden is a young genie who is bound to an oil lamp, forced to stay there until she's granted 999 wishes for 333 mortals. Most genies before Eden loved their job, but Eden is different. She longs for the precious few minutes she gets to spend on Earth and dreads whenever she has to return to the confined lamp. Then suddenly, Eden finds an exit to the lamp and discovers all the things the Guardians of the Lamp are keeping from her. So, Eden does the most daring, bold thing she can think of. She leaves the lamp.

I loved how there were just the right amount of plot twists in this book, it definitely wasn't overdone. Also, Sylvana is a villain? I did not see that coming! Moreover, the inspiring theme to always follow your heart was so cute and inspirational. I loved it! I also adored how much Goldie and Xavier show their love for Eden. It's obvious that they would do anything for her, and their relationship is so special. This is a must-read for adventure seekers, I literally could not stop reading.

[Lenni Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s always a pleasant surprise when I read a book and enjoy more than I thought I would. Eden’s Wish was REALLY fun, starting on page 1. Even though my copy is signed twice, I wouldn’t sell it. Eden’s Wish was just a great story about a girl who knows in her heart what is right for her, but is told that that’s not her path.

I loved how most of the book centered around Eden, but you could read about how her escape effected the rest of the characters in certain chapters. I loved how all the things I don’t think twice about are things that made Eden extra happy. But, I don’t get how she learned to open a locker in ONE day!!! It took me forever!

Lastly, even though some parts of this book are a little predictable, others weren’t. I knew that a certain special event in the book had to have more importance later, and I also knew what would happen to Eden in the end. But even then, some things I just didn’t see coming. So, to summarize this review, Eden’s Wish is a great book that I think a lot of different people could enjoy.

[I Have No Standards When It Comes To Books · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lukewarm.

I should have judged this book by its cover and left it be.
I am sorry, but it was the most disappointing book I've ever read.
Every second I spent reading this book was pain, pure pain. I felt attached to none of the characters. Eden is...confusing, and Sarah and the other boy are just there to be there. The Loyals are annoying, and the Electra or whatever they were called were also annoying. I couldn't tell which one was the real antagonist. And the ending? Until Eden returned to Earth in the most rushed fashion ever, I honestly had a pit in my stomach. I don't know why. Just that something was very, very wrong here.

TLDR - This book made me feel dead inside. I hated it so, so much. Characters were mediocre, and I don't know who was the antagonist. I haven't felt that in, what, maybe 5 years.
1 star.

[Dayanara Ryelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of my many peeves is when the author violates their own rules in the course of the story.

In chapter eighteen, Eden says that in order for a wish to go through, the client, the genie and the lamp all have to be in accord.

If that's the case, then why did her smartass grantings go through in the beginning of the book? Xavier and Goldie should've stopped her and made her do it right.

That also defeats the claim made by Sylvana, who said she screwed up every wish on purpose. If that's the case, why didn't Xavier and Goldie stop her?

It doesn't necessarily screw up the whole plot, but it raises major questions.

[Jhanvi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was okay because I thought that there wasn't a lot of character depth and the author could've done so much more to the story and made the plot so much more interesting. The author did write "Eden's Wish" in a very descriptive way and I got a very vivid image of what was happening. Something that the author also did well was that they described the characters in such an amazing way, I could almost feel what the character's were feeling. The plot could've been more interesting though. Overall, I think this book deserves a 4/5.

[Madge · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book is okay but I had known the writer while she was in New York. She was horribly racist. I was sad to see that as I thought she was a good person being in church and all. Anyway, I hope she’s a better human being now. Being a leader and being racist is sad, she didn’t deserve the kind of limelight which she enjoyed by ignoring and being rude to girls who were not like her, ie blonde, blue eyed etc. A lot of them looked up to her.

[Stefanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it; so cute and super fast paced.

[Arabella · Rating 3 out of 5]

I honesty can say I stopped reading it but it seems like a nice book.

[Charlotte Bennardo · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you were a genie, what would YOU wish for? And what would you do to get it?

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

My daughter was reading this book and loved it so I read it also to see what she was reading. Fun story.

[Hayden Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book for Pepole who love spin offs of fariy tales

[Skyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly? It was good. I have read better, but this was still magical, and i loved the sequel as well!

[Elsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Ethel Hesslen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this years before writing this brief review (likely when I was 8 or 9 years old) but I remember Young Me enjoyed it. So...um....I recommend?