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Whispers of Rana
When a bound dancer loses the only charm that controls the wild magic, a mysterious attendant with a dangerous appetite must retrieve it—and force her to honor a bargain—before the Order’s hunt for the Black Diadem consumes them both.
131 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 31, 2026
About the author
Barakah Jamison
4 books26 followersHello everyone,
I previously published books under the name Barakah Smith. Moving forward, all my titles will be printed with "Barakah Jamison" on all future titles. I am working to move all my titles under my new name so they remain searchable. Thank you all for your patience and support of my work! I look forward to bringing you even more stories soon!
I previously published books under the name Barakah Smith. Moving forward, all my titles will be printed with "Barakah Jamison" on all future titles. I am working to move all my titles under my new name so they remain searchable. Thank you all for your patience and support of my work! I look forward to bringing you even more stories soon!
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Barakah Jamison for providing an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own and freely given.
Ok, for such a short book when I tell you this hits with BOTH FISTS, you had best believe. Barakah Jamison is a powerhouse of a narrator. Now, I had the extreme pleasure of ARC reading “Vengeance Has No Sound”, which was phenomenal by the way, so I knew when she asked for ARC readers on her latest work, I was an immediate and resounding yes. Ms. Jamison DOES NOT MISS.
I was so thoroughly transported into this world within the first page of this prologue, I knew when it was over I would mourn its conclusion. And I was right. I am BEREAVED. Forced to dance a deadly routine to find a long-buried stone of power, Anai knows that she may not survive what’s being demanded of her. It’s only through a chance encounter with Rana that she begins to see that she might be meant to be and dream for more. I won’t spoil anything else here, but OMG if you do not read this you will be missing out on one of the best novellas I have read this year.
Barakah Jamison has earned her spot on my auto-buy and auto-read list. And that last sentence… It leaves me with hope for more. Whispers of Rana is available on Halloween, October 31 and you absolutely need to put this at the top of your TBR. Trust me when I tell you, you’ll be glad you did. (Also group therapy meets on Thursday night, please bring snacks.)
Ok, for such a short book when I tell you this hits with BOTH FISTS, you had best believe. Barakah Jamison is a powerhouse of a narrator. Now, I had the extreme pleasure of ARC reading “Vengeance Has No Sound”, which was phenomenal by the way, so I knew when she asked for ARC readers on her latest work, I was an immediate and resounding yes. Ms. Jamison DOES NOT MISS.
I was so thoroughly transported into this world within the first page of this prologue, I knew when it was over I would mourn its conclusion. And I was right. I am BEREAVED. Forced to dance a deadly routine to find a long-buried stone of power, Anai knows that she may not survive what’s being demanded of her. It’s only through a chance encounter with Rana that she begins to see that she might be meant to be and dream for more. I won’t spoil anything else here, but OMG if you do not read this you will be missing out on one of the best novellas I have read this year.
Barakah Jamison has earned her spot on my auto-buy and auto-read list. And that last sentence… It leaves me with hope for more. Whispers of Rana is available on Halloween, October 31 and you absolutely need to put this at the top of your TBR. Trust me when I tell you, you’ll be glad you did. (Also group therapy meets on Thursday night, please bring snacks.)
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed the way Whispers of Rana reached back to the bones of The Frog Prince while still becoming its own story. The golden ball, the water, the promises and the consequences attached to them all gave me those little pieces of the original fairy tale without feeling like I was reading the same story again.
One of my favorite parts was the dance and the way it tied into Anai’s history, the wild magic, and eventually her own power. I also loved that this wasn’t a happy-go-lucky retelling. There are secrets, betrayal, loss, and some darker elements woven throughout.
I liked Anai and Rana together, especially the friction between them in the beginning. I’m not usually a fan of love that happens almost instantly because I need it to feel earned, but I think Barakah did really well with the space she had. She gave Anai the chance to see different sides of Rana and gave me enough to understand what could make her fall for him. My reader brain still wanted more time for that love to grow, but the pieces were there. I also sometimes had trouble fully picturing the whole of Oasis, even though I really liked its magic and the rules surrounding promises made there.
Overall, I enjoyed this darker take on The Frog Prince and the way B. Jamison took recognizable pieces of the original and made them her own.
One of my favorite parts was the dance and the way it tied into Anai’s history, the wild magic, and eventually her own power. I also loved that this wasn’t a happy-go-lucky retelling. There are secrets, betrayal, loss, and some darker elements woven throughout.
I liked Anai and Rana together, especially the friction between them in the beginning. I’m not usually a fan of love that happens almost instantly because I need it to feel earned, but I think Barakah did really well with the space she had. She gave Anai the chance to see different sides of Rana and gave me enough to understand what could make her fall for him. My reader brain still wanted more time for that love to grow, but the pieces were there. I also sometimes had trouble fully picturing the whole of Oasis, even though I really liked its magic and the rules surrounding promises made there.
Overall, I enjoyed this darker take on The Frog Prince and the way B. Jamison took recognizable pieces of the original and made them her own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was wonderful-- it is not long, so if you're looking for an epic tale this is not that, but it is very engaging and well written. I was lucky enough to receive the arc copy and pleasantly surprised with how the author dealt with insanely complex character development points in such a short book.
As a fairy tale retelling it feels just like that-- quick to read with a little bit of darkness and a strong message. Honestly, I just finished another book that was long and very immersive and was struggling to pick up anything else so this book served as a perfect reset. It's a story you could pick up again and again and I truly believe you would enjoy it every time.
As a fairy tale retelling it feels just like that-- quick to read with a little bit of darkness and a strong message. Honestly, I just finished another book that was long and very immersive and was struggling to pick up anything else so this book served as a perfect reset. It's a story you could pick up again and again and I truly believe you would enjoy it every time.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Whispers of Rana
Barakah Jamison
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you Barakah Jamison for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
Whispers of Rana is a part of the Black Diadem series, a dark fantasy romance collection of fairytale retellings. In an unusual spin on The Frog Prince, Whispers of Rana breathes a very different life into the story you thought you knew.
Featuring a dancer and a cursed prince, nothing about this story is a typical fairytale. It transports the reader to another realm that feels both modern and Grimm-like.
Anai has been raised for one thing: to complete a ritual dance with the power to summon a magical artifact, The Black Diadem, to further the powers of the mysterious Order. But the dance is dangerous; The Oasis, the estate inhabited by The Order, is a space outside of normal rules where wild magic plays freely and every bargain made must be kept.
As Anai practices the dance, hoping desperately that stray wild magic won't kill her, she finds herself undeniably falling for her strange attendant in a frog mask. Together, they unravel secrets the Order never wanted Anai to know — and power she didn't know she had.
This was a fascinating read! I almost felt like I was watching a stage production; the characters and setting were so mysterious and dreamlike and perfectly choreographed. It reminded me a bit of Studio Ghibli with its whimsical yet dark vibes and messaging about greed and corruption.
I loved the masked frog — everything about him felt real and safe even before we knew him. I also adored the backstory of Anai's mother, but I won't say more than that.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you like fairytale retellings with a dark twist, check out Whispers of Rana and the rest of the Black Diadem series, releasing October 31st
Barakah Jamison
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you Barakah Jamison for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
Whispers of Rana is a part of the Black Diadem series, a dark fantasy romance collection of fairytale retellings. In an unusual spin on The Frog Prince, Whispers of Rana breathes a very different life into the story you thought you knew.
Featuring a dancer and a cursed prince, nothing about this story is a typical fairytale. It transports the reader to another realm that feels both modern and Grimm-like.
Anai has been raised for one thing: to complete a ritual dance with the power to summon a magical artifact, The Black Diadem, to further the powers of the mysterious Order. But the dance is dangerous; The Oasis, the estate inhabited by The Order, is a space outside of normal rules where wild magic plays freely and every bargain made must be kept.
As Anai practices the dance, hoping desperately that stray wild magic won't kill her, she finds herself undeniably falling for her strange attendant in a frog mask. Together, they unravel secrets the Order never wanted Anai to know — and power she didn't know she had.
This was a fascinating read! I almost felt like I was watching a stage production; the characters and setting were so mysterious and dreamlike and perfectly choreographed. It reminded me a bit of Studio Ghibli with its whimsical yet dark vibes and messaging about greed and corruption.
I loved the masked frog — everything about him felt real and safe even before we knew him. I also adored the backstory of Anai's mother, but I won't say more than that.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you like fairytale retellings with a dark twist, check out Whispers of Rana and the rest of the Black Diadem series, releasing October 31st
Review of advance copy received from Author
📚✨ 5-STAR REVIEW: Whispers of Rana by Barakah Jamison ✨📚
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A captivating novella that pulled me in from page one!
From the very first page, Barakah Jamison had me wanting to read everything she writes. The level of detail in this book was outstanding! The world-building and descriptions were so vivid that I felt as if I were right there inside the story.
I was especially fascinated by the main female character and the way she used her power. There was something so captivating about watching her navigate her world, and I found myself wanting to keep turning the pages to discover more.
This author has a way of bringing a story to life that truly drew me in. I loved how immersive the experience was, and I cannot wait to read more of her work!
Whispers of Rana is a five-star novella for me, and I absolutely recommend it to other readers! 💚👑
#WhispersOfRana #BarakahJamison #TheBlackDiademSeries #BookTok #BookReview #FiveStarRead #FantasyBooks #FantasyNovella #BookRecommendations
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A captivating novella that pulled me in from page one!
From the very first page, Barakah Jamison had me wanting to read everything she writes. The level of detail in this book was outstanding! The world-building and descriptions were so vivid that I felt as if I were right there inside the story.
I was especially fascinated by the main female character and the way she used her power. There was something so captivating about watching her navigate her world, and I found myself wanting to keep turning the pages to discover more.
This author has a way of bringing a story to life that truly drew me in. I loved how immersive the experience was, and I cannot wait to read more of her work!
Whispers of Rana is a five-star novella for me, and I absolutely recommend it to other readers! 💚👑
#WhispersOfRana #BarakahJamison #TheBlackDiademSeries #BookTok #BookReview #FiveStarRead #FantasyBooks #FantasyNovella #BookRecommendations
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was absolutely amazing. I have always loved The Frog Prince and so when I seen this author was doing a retelling for the Diadem Series I immediately wanted to read it. This was my first book by this author and it definitely won't be the last.
Whispers Of Rana is a novella so it is not a long read. I loved how she put darkness into the story with secrets, loss and betrayal. I loved how it was its own story but still had elements from the original story. Well done B!!!
Whispers Of Rana is a novella so it is not a long read. I loved how she put darkness into the story with secrets, loss and betrayal. I loved how it was its own story but still had elements from the original story. Well done B!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advanced copy of this work to review.
Whispers of Rana is a beautiful retelling of The Frog Prince that weaves together magic, secrets, and a satisfying romance.
One of the things that impressed me most was Barakah's world-building. She created a rich, immersive setting where promises cannot be broken and secrets about Anai's heritage become central to her journey of self-discovery. Anai's character arc was beautifully developed, and watching her discover who she truly is made her journey all the more compelling.
The relationship between Anai and Rana was another highlight for me. Anai doesn't start out loving or even liking Rana, and the tension between them makes the evolution of their relationship all the more rewarding. As the story unfolds, that initial animosity gives way to something deeper, and Rana becomes someone who protects Anai and shows her a level of care and tenderness she's never experienced before. The emotional payoff feels earned, making their romance one of the most satisfying elements of the story.
I was also genuinely impressed by how much Barakah accomplished in such a short book. The story delivers compelling character development, immersive world-building, a beautiful romance, and an incredibly satisfying ending without feeling as though it needed more pages to tell its story.
This novella is a lovely fairy-tale retelling with magic, emotional depth, and a romance that makes the journey worthwhile.
Whispers of Rana is a beautiful retelling of The Frog Prince that weaves together magic, secrets, and a satisfying romance.
One of the things that impressed me most was Barakah's world-building. She created a rich, immersive setting where promises cannot be broken and secrets about Anai's heritage become central to her journey of self-discovery. Anai's character arc was beautifully developed, and watching her discover who she truly is made her journey all the more compelling.
The relationship between Anai and Rana was another highlight for me. Anai doesn't start out loving or even liking Rana, and the tension between them makes the evolution of their relationship all the more rewarding. As the story unfolds, that initial animosity gives way to something deeper, and Rana becomes someone who protects Anai and shows her a level of care and tenderness she's never experienced before. The emotional payoff feels earned, making their romance one of the most satisfying elements of the story.
I was also genuinely impressed by how much Barakah accomplished in such a short book. The story delivers compelling character development, immersive world-building, a beautiful romance, and an incredibly satisfying ending without feeling as though it needed more pages to tell its story.
This novella is a lovely fairy-tale retelling with magic, emotional depth, and a romance that makes the journey worthwhile.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A huge thank you to the author for sending me an ARC of Whispers of Rana. From the very first chapter, the pacing swept me up and refused to let go. Barakah’s descriptive storytelling doesn’t just paint a picture — it pulls you straight into it. I found myself racing through the pages, eager to uncover each new secret, each new ripple in the Oasis.
The Oasis itself is stunningly crafted. Barakah shapes it into a living, breathing “pond” of magic and mystery, a place that feels both ancient and otherworldly. I could see it so clearly — the shimmering water, the shifting light, the sense that something powerful was always stirring just beneath the surface. It’s an imaginative, innovative setting that becomes the heartbeat of the entire story.
Within this world, the characters come alive with raw, unfiltered emotion. Their struggles feel real, their fears palpable, their hopes fragile but fierce. I connected deeply with their journeys and found myself empathizing with every twist of their fate. Barakah blends intrigue, character depth, and atmosphere so seamlessly that the Oasis becomes more than a backdrop — it becomes a character in its own right.
Whispers of Rana is immersive, enchanting, and impossible to put down.
The Oasis itself is stunningly crafted. Barakah shapes it into a living, breathing “pond” of magic and mystery, a place that feels both ancient and otherworldly. I could see it so clearly — the shimmering water, the shifting light, the sense that something powerful was always stirring just beneath the surface. It’s an imaginative, innovative setting that becomes the heartbeat of the entire story.
Within this world, the characters come alive with raw, unfiltered emotion. Their struggles feel real, their fears palpable, their hopes fragile but fierce. I connected deeply with their journeys and found myself empathizing with every twist of their fate. Barakah blends intrigue, character depth, and atmosphere so seamlessly that the Oasis becomes more than a backdrop — it becomes a character in its own right.
Whispers of Rana is immersive, enchanting, and impossible to put down.
Review of advance copy received from Author
**ARC Review***
This story is devastatingly beautiful. I sympathized greatly for Anai. The way she wrote Anai's story, reminded me to give myself grace. Especially being a survivor of despicable behavior. With that being said, there are some heavy topics tackled in a direct and poetic way, which I appreciated greatly. I don't want to give away any spoilers. Just know I loved Rana for Anai. Her unique twist on "The Frog Prince" was absolutely captivating. It was a quick read for me because once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. I really loved this book! Just read it, it worth evey moment of your time!
This story is devastatingly beautiful. I sympathized greatly for Anai. The way she wrote Anai's story, reminded me to give myself grace. Especially being a survivor of despicable behavior. With that being said, there are some heavy topics tackled in a direct and poetic way, which I appreciated greatly. I don't want to give away any spoilers. Just know I loved Rana for Anai. Her unique twist on "The Frog Prince" was absolutely captivating. It was a quick read for me because once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. I really loved this book! Just read it, it worth evey moment of your time!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a lovely read. I read it so quickly. I would describe it as a nice palate cleanser (mean that in the nicest way possible.) In my humble opinion, It has the power to wash away any book hangover and leave you in such a good mood. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it cosy in my bed with my hotwater bottle.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story blew me away! I couldn't put it down. This is probably the best frog prince inspired tale I've ever seen. So much tension and emotion, expertly delivered through exquisite prose. Bravo!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story is a beautiful retelling of the Frog Prince. Though in first person, it still held the classic feeling of a fairy tale. A unique story in its own right, woven with layers of secrets, introspection, altruism, and love. Rana, the frog prince, is my favorite character. He’s not the stoic kind, but more of a sly one, a cinnamon roll in my opinion, and yet his magic surpasses them all. He knew one thing that took Anai time to figure out. They are stronger together. Loved it and definitely recommend. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Whispers of Rana is a gorgeous retelling of a classic fairytale, and Baraka is a true raconteur. This story doesn't just hold your attention, it devours it. The imagery is spot on, and the magic is wild, beautiful, and deadly. It fed my soul, satisfied my intellectual curiosity, and quenched a thirst for a retelling I never knew I had.
Review of advance copy
I received an advanced copy of this novella at no charge. This is my honest, voluntary review.
Whispers of Rana is like visiting with an old friend—familiar but learning all the new things that they have accomplished.
A Prince Frog retelling, you will find the familiar bargain for a babble retrieved, and that long uncomfortable dinner moment, but also you’ll find a strong FMC and supportive MMC.
I loved how Barakah weaved the magic into Anai’s dancing, allowing it to grow with each of her steps. Wild magic is not something I’ve seen often in a story and I really enjoyed how it was incorporated.
Though a novella, I still found myself cheering on Anai and Rana and absolutely cried and cheered at the end. I look forward to reading more stories by Barakah Jamison and cannot wait to see what she comes up with next.
Whispers of Rana is like visiting with an old friend—familiar but learning all the new things that they have accomplished.
A Prince Frog retelling, you will find the familiar bargain for a babble retrieved, and that long uncomfortable dinner moment, but also you’ll find a strong FMC and supportive MMC.
I loved how Barakah weaved the magic into Anai’s dancing, allowing it to grow with each of her steps. Wild magic is not something I’ve seen often in a story and I really enjoyed how it was incorporated.
Though a novella, I still found myself cheering on Anai and Rana and absolutely cried and cheered at the end. I look forward to reading more stories by Barakah Jamison and cannot wait to see what she comes up with next.
Review of advance copy
I really enjoyed Whispers of Rana by Barakah Smith. The story pulled me into a dark, imaginative world where magic comes with consequences, bargains aren't made lightly, and danger always seems to be around the corner.
I especially enjoyed the mix of darker fantasy elements, humor, and the tension between the characters. It gave the story personality and kept the relationships just as interesting as the magic surrounding them.
As a fellow woman writer, I also love having the opportunity to celebrate a Black woman author bringing her imagination and voice to fantasy. Barakah Smith, keep creating your worlds. I’m looking forward to seeing where your imagination takes us next.
I especially enjoyed the mix of darker fantasy elements, humor, and the tension between the characters. It gave the story personality and kept the relationships just as interesting as the magic surrounding them.
As a fellow woman writer, I also love having the opportunity to celebrate a Black woman author bringing her imagination and voice to fantasy. Barakah Smith, keep creating your worlds. I’m looking forward to seeing where your imagination takes us next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a beautiful and captivating retelling of the Frog Prince, but felt like a brand new fairytale. The authors character development was phenomenal and had me switching my opinion of the MFC before the end. The twist was completely unexpected and the hate and rage I had for the villain had all the emotions flowing. As for the MMC.....I never knew I was such a frog girl. Rana had my attention from his first sentence. I already downloaded Vengeance Has No Sound and can't wait to read more by Barakah
October 21, 2026
Whispers of Rana is a captivating blend of fantasy and fresh imagination. The magic-driven world is immersive, intriguing, and beautifuly crafted by Barakah Jamison. I found myself truly enjoying the story. I can't wait for the official release and to see where the magical journey goes next!
What I loved most: Barakah gave us a classic fantasy while giving the genre a fresh spark.
What I loved most: Barakah gave us a classic fantasy while giving the genre a fresh spark.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Forget the Princess and the Frog fairytale you think you know!
Whispers of Rana by Barakah Jamison is part of The Black Diadem Series, a collection of darker, grown-up reimagining of familiar fairytales.
The “princess” is forced to dance with wild magic so others can find and misuse the magic of the lost Black Diadem. All hope is lost when she looses the charm that prevents the magic from killing her. A mysterious frog masked servant barters a deal with her to retrieve the charm and it might just save them both.
Barakah Jamison does a great job in reimagining this fairytale. She takes characters from very different worlds, shows us that they have more in common than one would expect and gives them the means to save each other.
If you like dark fairytale retellings, unpredictable magic, mysterious characters, dangerous bargains, and familiar stories with a darker edge, Whispers of Rana might be one for you!
Other books in the Black Diadem novella series:
* Wake Me With A Wicked Kiss by NJ Colle
* Whispers of Rana by Barakah Jamison
* The Fairest Sins Ria Kilkenny
* The Scarlet Cowl by G.M. Parrillo
* Kinked by Ashe Greyson
* Straw to Sin: A Bunny Havok Novella by Amanda Kilkenny
Whispers of Rana by Barakah Jamison is part of The Black Diadem Series, a collection of darker, grown-up reimagining of familiar fairytales.
The “princess” is forced to dance with wild magic so others can find and misuse the magic of the lost Black Diadem. All hope is lost when she looses the charm that prevents the magic from killing her. A mysterious frog masked servant barters a deal with her to retrieve the charm and it might just save them both.
Barakah Jamison does a great job in reimagining this fairytale. She takes characters from very different worlds, shows us that they have more in common than one would expect and gives them the means to save each other.
If you like dark fairytale retellings, unpredictable magic, mysterious characters, dangerous bargains, and familiar stories with a darker edge, Whispers of Rana might be one for you!
Other books in the Black Diadem novella series:
* Wake Me With A Wicked Kiss by NJ Colle
* Whispers of Rana by Barakah Jamison
* The Fairest Sins Ria Kilkenny
* The Scarlet Cowl by G.M. Parrillo
* Kinked by Ashe Greyson
* Straw to Sin: A Bunny Havok Novella by Amanda Kilkenny
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved this story. If you enjoy a fantasy read where the main character tries her hardest to not fall for the man that she believes is definitely not her cup of tea, only to have her mind changed by his heroic actions to save her from a horrific family member then this is the book for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an early reader copy from the author. I have not read any of the other books in this series but I really want to now. This was a novella and it didn't take me but about a hour or so to read. But I loved the story. It was definitely worth the read. Especially if you love Disney retellings. It was dark but thats how I like my stories.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Truly a 5 star read. The use of this source material was a treat. The frog prince is not something that is seen too much, at least these days. The book still held its own character and creative freedom. There was a clear voice and original vision. Well done.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Whispers of Rana is a quick read that will keep you turning pages. A beautiful retelling of the classic tale, The Frog Prince. Barakah's writing style is elegant and poetic and her characters are captivating. One of the most stunning versions of this story around. Add this to your MUST READ shelf!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW
Easy to read. Story of wild magic and evil order who wants to harness it and the ones who suffer for it.
Enjoyed the depiction/ description of the magic.
Easy to read. Story of wild magic and evil order who wants to harness it and the ones who suffer for it.
Enjoyed the depiction/ description of the magic.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews