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Djinn
Some believe that at birth, we’re each born with a guardian attached to us, watching from afar, but never seen. Truth is, there are certain people, special people, born of this world and of the other, who need that extra protection. They go their entire lives, unaware of the other world, and unaware of the existence of their own personal watcher, watching from afar. But what happens when fate takes a turn for the worse, and The One who needs the aid of a watcher most can’t be found to be protected?
Bijou Fitzroy is strange. With the unwanted gift of being an empath, she has spent her entire life as a sheltered recluse, homeschooled by her secretive and overprotective grandmother, who never allows them to stay in one place long enough for Bijou to settle and make friends. When Bijou and her grandmother move to Sykesville and she starts to attend the local high school, Bijou’s world begins to crumble. Town locals begin to disappear and the creatures from her nightmares begin to take shape in her reality. She finds herself at the center of a war she never knew was being fought all around her.
Bijou Fitzroy is strange. With the unwanted gift of being an empath, she has spent her entire life as a sheltered recluse, homeschooled by her secretive and overprotective grandmother, who never allows them to stay in one place long enough for Bijou to settle and make friends. When Bijou and her grandmother move to Sykesville and she starts to attend the local high school, Bijou’s world begins to crumble. Town locals begin to disappear and the creatures from her nightmares begin to take shape in her reality. She finds herself at the center of a war she never knew was being fought all around her.
343 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2018
54 people are currently reading
1087 people want to read
About the author
Sang Kromah
3 books65 followersSang Kromah is a Liberian-American author and digital storyteller who provides a digital space for women and girls to create their own narrative with Project GirlSpire. She has modeled in many international campaigns while in college and grad school. After receiving her Master's degree in Communication Arts from New York Institute of Technology, she's landed her skills to ambitious projects like Nick Kristof's "Half the Sky Documentary" and much more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
December 18, 2021
I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley but that in no way impacts my review.
It’s hard to rate this book because it started out so strong but it went downhill so quickly. My rating currently reflects my thoughts on this book but I may change it later.
Djinn is a young adult fantasy novel infused with folklore and it had strong connections to A Midsummer Night’s Dream (which I only faintly remember reading when I was younger). When I found Djinn in the Read Now section on NetGalley, I immediately jumped on the opportunity to read it because the cover was so gorgeous. I shouldn’t have been so quick to add it to my shelf though because as they say, don’t judge a book by its cover.
The first 25% of this book was phenomenal. I take notes as I was reading and I wrote “would make a good movie,” which is something I only say for spectacular books. This book seemed very similar to Twilight in the beginning and I was enjoying the similarities. It had the new girl going to a new school in a small town, it had a very similar mysterious atmosphere, and the characters were very similar to the Twilight characters. Amina was like Alice (which I love because Alice is an absolute queen), Bijou was like Bella, Sebastian was like Edward, Mandy = Jessica, Roland = Mike, Kim = Angela, etc. There was even my favorite trope in this book: the chosen one. I know it’s cliche, but it’s always so fun to read chosen one stories. My only complaint for the first 25% of the book was that there was way too many pop culture references. I don’t mind a Buffy reference every once in a while, but having references on what felt like every page was a bit much.
But then things changed. I didn’t record when my feelings exactly changed as the change was subtle until about the 45% mark when everything went down to the trash chute.
For most of this book, Bijou is unaware of the complexity of the fantasy elements in this story. Sometimes this is done successfully in books, but when every single character besides the main character is talking about this fantasy world and shocked when the main character doesn’t know what they’re talking about, it gets really annoying really fast. I was rolling my eyes and hoping that this ridiculous “everyone knows except her thing would stop.”
And then it sort of did stop and I wished that the ridiculous charade would’ve kept up because the revelations were worse. There’s several long chapters of info dumping for the revelations but it’s not done well. I got so confused and couldn’t keep track of the world because that much info was being thrown at me at once. It made it so that it was impossible to enjoy the story anymore because it was impossible to keep track of the characters or the fantasy elements anymore. Maybe if I had a spreadsheet and wrote each thing down it would’ve been easier but doing that takes the fun out of reading.
The world building turned into Alice in Wonderland vibes at the middle of the book, which is something I don’t vibe with. I’m not talking about the fun Disney movies. I’m talking about the book where it seems like the author was so high on drugs that he wrote random things for random reasons that don’t entirely make sense. Some of the things that began to happen in this book didn’t feel like it fit with the fantasy system that was set up in this world. It instead felt like it was happening just for convenience. I’m not sure how to describe this perfectly but it’s basically things that don’t fit with the described fantasy world that are randomly thrown in there that just make you think “what the frick was that. That doesn’t make sense.”
The ending crushed whatever little sliver of enjoyment I had left in this book because I was hoping that at least it would wrap up nicely, but instead it left on a cliff hanger with a rushed love triangle.
I’m so frustrated with this whole book. Everything was set up so well but the last half of the book was a train wreck that made me nearly quit reading it. I love Amina and nothing will change that, but I can’t say that I’ll be looking back on this book fondly since the majority of this book wasn’t enjoyable for me.
It’s hard to rate this book because it started out so strong but it went downhill so quickly. My rating currently reflects my thoughts on this book but I may change it later.
Djinn is a young adult fantasy novel infused with folklore and it had strong connections to A Midsummer Night’s Dream (which I only faintly remember reading when I was younger). When I found Djinn in the Read Now section on NetGalley, I immediately jumped on the opportunity to read it because the cover was so gorgeous. I shouldn’t have been so quick to add it to my shelf though because as they say, don’t judge a book by its cover.
The first 25% of this book was phenomenal. I take notes as I was reading and I wrote “would make a good movie,” which is something I only say for spectacular books. This book seemed very similar to Twilight in the beginning and I was enjoying the similarities. It had the new girl going to a new school in a small town, it had a very similar mysterious atmosphere, and the characters were very similar to the Twilight characters. Amina was like Alice (which I love because Alice is an absolute queen), Bijou was like Bella, Sebastian was like Edward, Mandy = Jessica, Roland = Mike, Kim = Angela, etc. There was even my favorite trope in this book: the chosen one. I know it’s cliche, but it’s always so fun to read chosen one stories. My only complaint for the first 25% of the book was that there was way too many pop culture references. I don’t mind a Buffy reference every once in a while, but having references on what felt like every page was a bit much.
But then things changed. I didn’t record when my feelings exactly changed as the change was subtle until about the 45% mark when everything went down to the trash chute.
For most of this book, Bijou is unaware of the complexity of the fantasy elements in this story. Sometimes this is done successfully in books, but when every single character besides the main character is talking about this fantasy world and shocked when the main character doesn’t know what they’re talking about, it gets really annoying really fast. I was rolling my eyes and hoping that this ridiculous “everyone knows except her thing would stop.”
And then it sort of did stop and I wished that the ridiculous charade would’ve kept up because the revelations were worse. There’s several long chapters of info dumping for the revelations but it’s not done well. I got so confused and couldn’t keep track of the world because that much info was being thrown at me at once. It made it so that it was impossible to enjoy the story anymore because it was impossible to keep track of the characters or the fantasy elements anymore. Maybe if I had a spreadsheet and wrote each thing down it would’ve been easier but doing that takes the fun out of reading.
The world building turned into Alice in Wonderland vibes at the middle of the book, which is something I don’t vibe with. I’m not talking about the fun Disney movies. I’m talking about the book where it seems like the author was so high on drugs that he wrote random things for random reasons that don’t entirely make sense. Some of the things that began to happen in this book didn’t feel like it fit with the fantasy system that was set up in this world. It instead felt like it was happening just for convenience. I’m not sure how to describe this perfectly but it’s basically things that don’t fit with the described fantasy world that are randomly thrown in there that just make you think “what the frick was that. That doesn’t make sense.”
The ending crushed whatever little sliver of enjoyment I had left in this book because I was hoping that at least it would wrap up nicely, but instead it left on a cliff hanger with a rushed love triangle.
I’m so frustrated with this whole book. Everything was set up so well but the last half of the book was a train wreck that made me nearly quit reading it. I love Amina and nothing will change that, but I can’t say that I’ll be looking back on this book fondly since the majority of this book wasn’t enjoyable for me.
May 3, 2018
Bijoux Fitzroy has lived a sheltered but fascinating life. Raised by her beautiful and strange grandmother, she has been kept away from society and homeschooled. Bijoux is different. She feels things. Being in society is difficult, her empathic feeling overwhelms her senses making her have strange visions. Gigi, her grandmother has decided she must attend school and sends Bijoux out into the world armed with a superior education, but little in the way to protect her from the bullies she will encounter outside the safety of her home.
Enter Sebastian and his sister Amina, transfer students from Australia, who take on the responsibility of guiding her and protecting Bijoux from dangers she is just now beginning to understand. They are not whom they seem to be, but then again, Bijoux will learn nobody is whom he or she seems to be and the secret of her history must be unraveled for her to survive the future.
Sang Komah cuts a wide swath through world myths and curiosities taking histories best legends to combine them in an explosive fantasy that is gripping as it is fast-paced. Each chapter propels the reader to the next one, wondering where Sebastian and the Djinns will take Bijoux and if her fate will be entwined with theirs. The start of a great series.
Enter Sebastian and his sister Amina, transfer students from Australia, who take on the responsibility of guiding her and protecting Bijoux from dangers she is just now beginning to understand. They are not whom they seem to be, but then again, Bijoux will learn nobody is whom he or she seems to be and the secret of her history must be unraveled for her to survive the future.
Sang Komah cuts a wide swath through world myths and curiosities taking histories best legends to combine them in an explosive fantasy that is gripping as it is fast-paced. Each chapter propels the reader to the next one, wondering where Sebastian and the Djinns will take Bijoux and if her fate will be entwined with theirs. The start of a great series.
November 2, 2018
How could I not give 'Djinn' five-stars when I wrote it? I feel like I've poured my heart into this book. When I was a kid, my parents would tell me stories about djinn. In Liberia, these stories are very popular, but one particular story always stuck with me about a girl named Femeni that escaped what should have been certain death at the hands of a notorious jena/djinn named Zoom.
Femeni was known for being disobedient. She never respected her elders and no amount of discipline changed her behavior. There was a lagoon that the town's children used to swim at, but everyone knew that it was forbidden to swim there during a certain time on Fridays. One Friday, Femeni daringly went to the lagoon and spent the afternoon swimming, declaring that nothing would happen to her. That evening as she began her walk home, the moon was full and soon, the ground began to shake. Femeni heard a voice begin to sing in Mandingo, "Where is Femeni? Femeni was here. I'm looking for Femeni." As Zoom sang his song, Femeni ran as fast as she could back to town, knocking on doors, but as she approached, singing in Mandingo, "Help! Help! It's Femeni. Open the door. Zoom is After me," door after door shut before her. As Zoom got closer, Femeni was certain, this was the end for her, but as she ran she realized she was drawing closer to a familiar house. Her grandmother's. When she knocked on the door to announce herself, her grandmother asked, "If I open the door, will you behave yourself from this day forward?"
Femeni answered, "Yes Maman!"
Her grandmother then asked, "Will you respect your elders from this day forth?"
Once again, Femeni answered, "Yes Maman!"
The door flew open, and Femeni to her grandmother, who shut the door before Zoom, saving Femeni from what could have been death or being taken to the Otherworld.
As you can probably tell, Femeni's story was my favorite and over the years I've written countless stories about Femeni. 'Djinn' is the story of Femeni's daughter.
There are so many stories, but the problem we face is that most of our stories are told orally and as our worlds become bigger and we leave our places of origin, many of these stories die with our old people. This is why it's important that we write our own stories before they're all lost.
For years, I re-wrote different versions of that story, wondering if Femeni ever had any more encounters with the djinn, what happened to her, and what if she had a daughter of her own? I hounded my dad with questions about the story’s origin. He couldn’t give me much other than the Arabian and Islamic origins of the djinn, so I created my own legend, based on tradition and lore. This is how 'Djinn' was born.
Femeni was known for being disobedient. She never respected her elders and no amount of discipline changed her behavior. There was a lagoon that the town's children used to swim at, but everyone knew that it was forbidden to swim there during a certain time on Fridays. One Friday, Femeni daringly went to the lagoon and spent the afternoon swimming, declaring that nothing would happen to her. That evening as she began her walk home, the moon was full and soon, the ground began to shake. Femeni heard a voice begin to sing in Mandingo, "Where is Femeni? Femeni was here. I'm looking for Femeni." As Zoom sang his song, Femeni ran as fast as she could back to town, knocking on doors, but as she approached, singing in Mandingo, "Help! Help! It's Femeni. Open the door. Zoom is After me," door after door shut before her. As Zoom got closer, Femeni was certain, this was the end for her, but as she ran she realized she was drawing closer to a familiar house. Her grandmother's. When she knocked on the door to announce herself, her grandmother asked, "If I open the door, will you behave yourself from this day forward?"
Femeni answered, "Yes Maman!"
Her grandmother then asked, "Will you respect your elders from this day forth?"
Once again, Femeni answered, "Yes Maman!"
The door flew open, and Femeni to her grandmother, who shut the door before Zoom, saving Femeni from what could have been death or being taken to the Otherworld.
As you can probably tell, Femeni's story was my favorite and over the years I've written countless stories about Femeni. 'Djinn' is the story of Femeni's daughter.
There are so many stories, but the problem we face is that most of our stories are told orally and as our worlds become bigger and we leave our places of origin, many of these stories die with our old people. This is why it's important that we write our own stories before they're all lost.
For years, I re-wrote different versions of that story, wondering if Femeni ever had any more encounters with the djinn, what happened to her, and what if she had a daughter of her own? I hounded my dad with questions about the story’s origin. He couldn’t give me much other than the Arabian and Islamic origins of the djinn, so I created my own legend, based on tradition and lore. This is how 'Djinn' was born.
March 18, 2018
Hauntingly captivating. Perfect for fans of The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer and all things myth and fantasy. I can't wait to read the next one!
Full review is here!!
Admittedly, I wasn’t sure how hard I’d fall before starting it – I’m not usually a fan of fantasy set within our world – but from the beginning, I was hooked. Bijou’s story drew me in – I had to know how her mad desire to attend high school would play out (I HATED high school). In the end, I also adored the contemporary US setting. It’s where Djinn needs to be:
“Western civilization … has romanticized the djinn by turning it into a friendly blue creature that resides in a magic lamp, granting wishes… They have turned what most Africans and scholars refer to as Mami Wata into a singing girl with a tail and call it a mermaid, but if you were to encounter the real deal, it would be nothing to sing about” (Loc 941).
How do we see things? What stories are we told? are both at the heart of Djinn. Western culture is a sponge, absorbing and sterilizing (academic me would say homogenizing) characters, and stories from across the world. For the people and groups whose stories are taken, this absorbing isn’t a particularly nice process, which is why stories like Djinn are so important. They help those of us enmeshed in Western culture see beyond the trappings and packagings we’re fed by mainstream media. Kromah’s interweaving African, especially Liberian, folklore into contemporary Western culture — fans of Buffy are certainly in for a treat — unwraps the packaging allowing readers to see, to know, more about the world.
“Seeing more” is reflected in Bijou’s empathetic abilities.
“With the Typicals, their emotions rub off on me when they’re in close proximity. It’s even worse if they happen to make eye contact; I see things — sometimes truly horrible things” (Loc 60).
Dividing the world into Typicals (humans) and Others (something else), Bijou can see more than a person’s external packaging, and I think this is where the true beauty of Kromah’s book resides… For the rest, you’ll really just have to read! (I’m more than happy to talk about the 9-million other things I loved once you have!!). — Leah
Full review is here!!
Admittedly, I wasn’t sure how hard I’d fall before starting it – I’m not usually a fan of fantasy set within our world – but from the beginning, I was hooked. Bijou’s story drew me in – I had to know how her mad desire to attend high school would play out (I HATED high school). In the end, I also adored the contemporary US setting. It’s where Djinn needs to be:
“Western civilization … has romanticized the djinn by turning it into a friendly blue creature that resides in a magic lamp, granting wishes… They have turned what most Africans and scholars refer to as Mami Wata into a singing girl with a tail and call it a mermaid, but if you were to encounter the real deal, it would be nothing to sing about” (Loc 941).
How do we see things? What stories are we told? are both at the heart of Djinn. Western culture is a sponge, absorbing and sterilizing (academic me would say homogenizing) characters, and stories from across the world. For the people and groups whose stories are taken, this absorbing isn’t a particularly nice process, which is why stories like Djinn are so important. They help those of us enmeshed in Western culture see beyond the trappings and packagings we’re fed by mainstream media. Kromah’s interweaving African, especially Liberian, folklore into contemporary Western culture — fans of Buffy are certainly in for a treat — unwraps the packaging allowing readers to see, to know, more about the world.
“Seeing more” is reflected in Bijou’s empathetic abilities.
“With the Typicals, their emotions rub off on me when they’re in close proximity. It’s even worse if they happen to make eye contact; I see things — sometimes truly horrible things” (Loc 60).
Dividing the world into Typicals (humans) and Others (something else), Bijou can see more than a person’s external packaging, and I think this is where the true beauty of Kromah’s book resides… For the rest, you’ll really just have to read! (I’m more than happy to talk about the 9-million other things I loved once you have!!). — Leah
August 23, 2020
Bijou means Jewel in French . Bijou is also a very beautiful girl who tends to get pidgin hold as exotic looking or rare. She is also super smart and her academics are years above grade level. Having never met her mother as she died giving birth to her , Bijou was raised by her grandmother who she calls “Gigi” Gigi writes for living, using a pseudonym and for some strange reason they tend to move around a lot. Bijou has also been homeschooled most of her life. This is her first year trying out regular school.
Bijou is also plagued by a certain ability which threatens to overwhelm her. Her coping mechanism is to shuffle a deck of cards. As an empath she can read the emotions and feel them off of other people. Most people are typicals who can be read real easily by the non typicals are not so easy. Needless to say such a unique person tends to stand out. Upon her first day of school she befriends Sebastian and his twin sister Amina.
Bijou uniqueness comes out during swimming practice . She is a damn good swimmer. Too good. Everyone takes notice. Grandmother who was never so hot about her going to school in the first place wants her off the swim team. Like Superman she has got to stay hidden.
Sebastian and Amina are rather hot blooded and by that it is meant that when they touch Bijous skin it leaves burned hand marks. All her life she has had dreams of a hooded figure and I. This new town she actually meets this guy and it is not pleasant.
The town is plagued by a mystery. Every 17 years a whole bunch of girls end up going missing. This has a lot to do with Bijou. The djinn are everywhere and an organization called Solomon knights want power over them and the Djinn want something as well.
What follows is a face paced exciting story that will not let you go. The story is filled with faery lore from Europe and numerous faery types make an appearance. I hope she writes more of these kind of books.
Bijou is also plagued by a certain ability which threatens to overwhelm her. Her coping mechanism is to shuffle a deck of cards. As an empath she can read the emotions and feel them off of other people. Most people are typicals who can be read real easily by the non typicals are not so easy. Needless to say such a unique person tends to stand out. Upon her first day of school she befriends Sebastian and his twin sister Amina.
Bijou uniqueness comes out during swimming practice . She is a damn good swimmer. Too good. Everyone takes notice. Grandmother who was never so hot about her going to school in the first place wants her off the swim team. Like Superman she has got to stay hidden.
Sebastian and Amina are rather hot blooded and by that it is meant that when they touch Bijous skin it leaves burned hand marks. All her life she has had dreams of a hooded figure and I. This new town she actually meets this guy and it is not pleasant.
The town is plagued by a mystery. Every 17 years a whole bunch of girls end up going missing. This has a lot to do with Bijou. The djinn are everywhere and an organization called Solomon knights want power over them and the Djinn want something as well.
What follows is a face paced exciting story that will not let you go. The story is filled with faery lore from Europe and numerous faery types make an appearance. I hope she writes more of these kind of books.
August 28, 2018
Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was on my "soon-to-read" list for a while. I didn't really feel connected to either the cover or the blurb, but when I started reading it went pretty fast. This book is written very well and I was able to get through it on a nice pace.
A longer review can be found at Bite Into Books
I did not know this author and I do feel the story is well written with a nice pacing and easy to read. The explanation for all the mystery is satisfying and I do feel a lot of people who like YA/Fantasy will like this book. But.. You know...
Maybe I'm a bit too old for it....?! Did I just say that? Yup...
This book was on my "soon-to-read" list for a while. I didn't really feel connected to either the cover or the blurb, but when I started reading it went pretty fast. This book is written very well and I was able to get through it on a nice pace.
A longer review can be found at Bite Into Books
I did not know this author and I do feel the story is well written with a nice pacing and easy to read. The explanation for all the mystery is satisfying and I do feel a lot of people who like YA/Fantasy will like this book. But.. You know...
Maybe I'm a bit too old for it....?! Did I just say that? Yup...
September 12, 2020
Djinn is a continuation/ reimagining of A Midsummer Night's Dream, and this story reinterprets what a djinn is. Kromah defines 'djinn' as any supernatural creature that can conceal its appearance to humans and cites the fae, Mami Wata, gnomes, and werewolves as examples of djinn. It made the world confusing because I didn't know which parts of djinn lore I was already familiar with applied and which didn't, and at a certain point, it felt like they were djinn in name only. I was intrigued by the idea of Mami Wata being djinn because I hadn't seen those lores crossed, but they were peripheral to this story. Kromah's world is mostly an amalgamation of djinn and fae folklore, and I found it generic.
On the whole, this story felt very YA trope-y. There's insta-love, love triangles, she's not like other girls, and the new kid v the bully. The writing was a little choppy and made some of the characters' actions feel jarring. Additionally, there are so many twists and internal politics that it was difficult to keep track of why the reveals mattered and why people were upset with each other. That said, it was a quick read, and my issues with the story didn't bog down my ability to get through it. If you're into YA fantasy and like the listed tropes, you might enjoy this.
On the whole, this story felt very YA trope-y. There's insta-love, love triangles, she's not like other girls, and the new kid v the bully. The writing was a little choppy and made some of the characters' actions feel jarring. Additionally, there are so many twists and internal politics that it was difficult to keep track of why the reveals mattered and why people were upset with each other. That said, it was a quick read, and my issues with the story didn't bog down my ability to get through it. If you're into YA fantasy and like the listed tropes, you might enjoy this.
June 10, 2020
A well-crafted fantasy that keeps you guessing right up to the end...
Djinn by Sang Kromah poses a decidedly brilliant take on West African folklore and weaving it into a modern fantasy with an enticingly twisted narrative that brings together a wonderful tale of self-discovery.
Djinn is a superbly written and richly descriptive novel with masterfully fleshed out characters and settings. The threads of storytelling are expertly woven in this mythical fantasy that will guarantee the attention of the reader. Skillfully constructed, this fantasy tale will have you turning the pages from beginning to end. With plenty of imagery in the writing style it will make you feel like you are right there in the story.
The vivid descriptions of the settings, situations, and the people were stunning and realistic. The author’s use of genuine dialogue further added to the overall atmosphere of authenticity.
I’ll be looking forward to reading more from Sang Kromah in the future as this appears to be the beginning of what could be an excellent series. Highly recommended reading and a well-deserved five stars from me.
Djinn by Sang Kromah poses a decidedly brilliant take on West African folklore and weaving it into a modern fantasy with an enticingly twisted narrative that brings together a wonderful tale of self-discovery.
Djinn is a superbly written and richly descriptive novel with masterfully fleshed out characters and settings. The threads of storytelling are expertly woven in this mythical fantasy that will guarantee the attention of the reader. Skillfully constructed, this fantasy tale will have you turning the pages from beginning to end. With plenty of imagery in the writing style it will make you feel like you are right there in the story.
The vivid descriptions of the settings, situations, and the people were stunning and realistic. The author’s use of genuine dialogue further added to the overall atmosphere of authenticity.
I’ll be looking forward to reading more from Sang Kromah in the future as this appears to be the beginning of what could be an excellent series. Highly recommended reading and a well-deserved five stars from me.
January 29, 2018
My friend received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and all I can say is WOW!
I just finished watching season five of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, so I caught a lot of Bijou'S (the MC) subtle and not so subtle references. It was hilarious and I loved that every chapter is named after a different Buffy episode.
***Spoilers Ahead***
Bijou Fitzroy is complicated...not just strange. She's socially awkward because she's been homeschool for like forever and kept in isolation by her grandmother, who happens to be a popular author, who writes under a pseudonym. Oh and Bijou is an empath, so she feels what most people feel, except for certain people. Her grandmother is harsh. She doesn't allow Bijou to take friends and thinks she's better than everyone. When the story begins, Bijou is comparing herself to her grandmother and it's clear from the beginning that she is going through some sort of identity crisis. She knows nothing about her parents or where they're from. She's not even sure what race she is. You also get the feeling that she's insecure about her looks.
When they move to this small town, Bijou's grandmother reluctantly allows her to finally go to school. Bijou is constantly shuffling playing cards to distract her from the emotions. Soon after starting school, she realizes it won't be easy because her physical appearance makes people stare and her eyes frighten people. She meets Sebastian, this hot guy who's supposed to show her around and he and his twin sister are the only ones who can make eye contact with her.
Bijou and Sebastian are drawn to each other immediately, but Sebastian is constantly fighting it. One minute, it's obvious he likes her and the next, he can't seem to get away from her fast enough. Of course, there's this mean girl, Mandy, who likes Sebastian and makes it clear from the first day of school that Bijou needs to stay away from Sebastian.
Let me rant about Mandy for a minute. She's worst than Regina George. She's a horrible person and even tries to drown Bijou. And that's just on the first day of school. She does her best to turn everyone against Bijou and, for the most part, it works.
Outside of all the first-day drama, there's this creepy guy that has been following Bijou for years, but Bijou thought it was all in her mind until Amina see him too. Up until this point, Bijou thinks she's crazy. After that Girls start disappearing and they all share the same birthday with Bijou.
DRAMA!!!
Soon enough the truth about who Bijou is and who she is destined to be is exposed as it seems like this little town is the center of hell and Bijou is the key that has opened it up.
Sang Kromah is a strategic storyteller. 'Djinn's' lore is so deeply entrenched with diverse originality that you're sucked into the stories within stories that are effortlessly unfolding before your eyes.
I can honestly say I didn't expect what was coming and how deep this story really was.
I'm anxiously awaiting the next installment.
I just finished watching season five of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, so I caught a lot of Bijou'S (the MC) subtle and not so subtle references. It was hilarious and I loved that every chapter is named after a different Buffy episode.
***Spoilers Ahead***
Bijou Fitzroy is complicated...not just strange. She's socially awkward because she's been homeschool for like forever and kept in isolation by her grandmother, who happens to be a popular author, who writes under a pseudonym. Oh and Bijou is an empath, so she feels what most people feel, except for certain people. Her grandmother is harsh. She doesn't allow Bijou to take friends and thinks she's better than everyone. When the story begins, Bijou is comparing herself to her grandmother and it's clear from the beginning that she is going through some sort of identity crisis. She knows nothing about her parents or where they're from. She's not even sure what race she is. You also get the feeling that she's insecure about her looks.
When they move to this small town, Bijou's grandmother reluctantly allows her to finally go to school. Bijou is constantly shuffling playing cards to distract her from the emotions. Soon after starting school, she realizes it won't be easy because her physical appearance makes people stare and her eyes frighten people. She meets Sebastian, this hot guy who's supposed to show her around and he and his twin sister are the only ones who can make eye contact with her.
Bijou and Sebastian are drawn to each other immediately, but Sebastian is constantly fighting it. One minute, it's obvious he likes her and the next, he can't seem to get away from her fast enough. Of course, there's this mean girl, Mandy, who likes Sebastian and makes it clear from the first day of school that Bijou needs to stay away from Sebastian.
Let me rant about Mandy for a minute. She's worst than Regina George. She's a horrible person and even tries to drown Bijou. And that's just on the first day of school. She does her best to turn everyone against Bijou and, for the most part, it works.
Outside of all the first-day drama, there's this creepy guy that has been following Bijou for years, but Bijou thought it was all in her mind until Amina see him too. Up until this point, Bijou thinks she's crazy. After that Girls start disappearing and they all share the same birthday with Bijou.
DRAMA!!!
Soon enough the truth about who Bijou is and who she is destined to be is exposed as it seems like this little town is the center of hell and Bijou is the key that has opened it up.
Sang Kromah is a strategic storyteller. 'Djinn's' lore is so deeply entrenched with diverse originality that you're sucked into the stories within stories that are effortlessly unfolding before your eyes.
I can honestly say I didn't expect what was coming and how deep this story really was.
I'm anxiously awaiting the next installment.
February 21, 2018
I got a copy of the book from the publisher.
It took a few attempts to start reading the book, because of my busy schedule, but once I stated, I finished reading it within 24 hrs. Djinn is a page turner that keeps the reader guessing right to the end. I loved how Author Sang Kroma incorporated African folkore (Liberian) like the Mami Wata that I grew up on. I can not wait till the next one.
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June 28, 2020Check out the full review on my website. CLICK HERE
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FR REVIEW :
DISCLAIMER : Thank you, NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for providing me with an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Djinn is a YA urban fantasy with Djinns as the fantastical creatures. The story is told from Bijou a young teenager's perspective. We follow her move to the new town filled with new beginnings. Bijou has been following her grandmother from place to place uprooting her life. The new town where they planned to settle hoping for a normal life gets turned upside down when supernatural events happen. Bijou finds herself finding truths about herself and her past making her question her whole life. The story started out being promising and then somewhere down the line went downhill for me. I was extremely intrigued by the concept of Djinns and how they were being portrayed in the story. The Djinns had a lot in common with the Muslim narrative found in the Quran. This was one of the reasons why I was drawn to the story in the first place. Djinns and their backstory were pretty fascinating and the smaller stories that we get to see in the book were all fantastic and had the creepy and weird vibe done remarkably well. While the first half was interesting and engaging the second half felt rushed and brought in more confusion than clarity tot he storyline. Overall the story was fun but lacked clarity. The stories within the book and lore were intriguing. I am giving 2.5 stars to this story. If you enjoy stories of paranormal creatures and Djinns, you might wanna check this book out.
FOLLOW ME ON : TWITTER INSTAGRAM
FR REVIEW :
DISCLAIMER : Thank you, NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for providing me with an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Djinn is a YA urban fantasy with Djinns as the fantastical creatures. The story is told from Bijou a young teenager's perspective. We follow her move to the new town filled with new beginnings. Bijou has been following her grandmother from place to place uprooting her life. The new town where they planned to settle hoping for a normal life gets turned upside down when supernatural events happen. Bijou finds herself finding truths about herself and her past making her question her whole life. The story started out being promising and then somewhere down the line went downhill for me. I was extremely intrigued by the concept of Djinns and how they were being portrayed in the story. The Djinns had a lot in common with the Muslim narrative found in the Quran. This was one of the reasons why I was drawn to the story in the first place. Djinns and their backstory were pretty fascinating and the smaller stories that we get to see in the book were all fantastic and had the creepy and weird vibe done remarkably well. While the first half was interesting and engaging the second half felt rushed and brought in more confusion than clarity tot he storyline. Overall the story was fun but lacked clarity. The stories within the book and lore were intriguing. I am giving 2.5 stars to this story. If you enjoy stories of paranormal creatures and Djinns, you might wanna check this book out.
March 21, 2018
Fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Supernatural, and Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight will love this rich, intricate high school drama where the supernatural world complicates the already fraught politics of an American high school. But this novel does more than those, weaving African folklore into the foundational mythology of the story and populating the world with a far more diverse cast so that modern readers will see themselves and a more realistic set of their peers navigating an unreal world of magical powers. This took me right back to my high school experience; I may not have been surrounded by Djinn, but I was trapped in a world where the emotional stakes often felt more important than the physical and social consequences of decisions, and I could empathize with the way Bijou Fitzroy and the other characters often make impulsive, irrational decisions because their passions are so powerful. Teens will recognize the veracity of Kromah’s voice, and us olds will be taken on a journey back to our youth.
Full Disclosure: I’m one of the co-publishers of the company publishing this novel. We enjoyed Djinn so much we decided to publish it, and we think you’ll love it, too!
Full Disclosure: I’m one of the co-publishers of the company publishing this novel. We enjoyed Djinn so much we decided to publish it, and we think you’ll love it, too!
August 13, 2019
(I don't typically write reviews but here goes! Spoilers ahead?)
As a fan of the original Mara Dyer trilogy, the comparison between the two lured me in. I'm particularly a fan of unreliable narrators and YA novels that intertangle high school and fantasy with a little bit of mystery. In other words, I was the ideal reader for Djinn.
Identity, love, trust, loyalty, and duty are all integral facets to Bijou Fitzroy's inhumanly human story. It's made clear from the very start that things aren't usual in Bijou Fitzroy's world. Having grown up sheltered and isolated by the only parental figure she's ever known, Gigi, her grandmother, possessing the unnatural ability to experience the feelings of those around her (along with a few other quirky talents), and followed across the globe by a ominous, hooded figure, Bijou's life has been hectic to say the least.
However, as she and her grandmother move into Sykesville, she's given a sliver of normalcy in the form of high school. She's never attended public school before and, although she's never totally fit in anywhere, she's eager to be a normal teenager. She makes friends with Sebastian and Amina Sinjin, two twins with an air of unusualness about them that sets them apart from the rest of the student body. They're Others. (Bijou's affectionate term for people she can tell are different just by looking at them). And then there's Mandy. As Liberty High's resident mean girl, she and Bijou share an amusing rivalry.
Unfortunately, the ordinary life Bijou hoped to craft from scratch is quickly undermined. Her hooded stalker makes frequent appearances, a troubling trend of missing girls is revealed, and even more worrisome is that it's happened before. Sebastian and Amina seem to be Bijou's most loyal allies as the trio unearth the secrets of Bijou's past, her identity, the lies she's been told, and how all three are linked to the disappearing girls. However, as the oddities in Sykesville multiply, Bijou finds herself at the center of a war between the people she loves. Nature versus nurture, almost in a way.
One of my favorite things about Djinn is that it kept me guessing the entire time. I doubted Sebastian's loyalty, Amina's, Gigi's, Niko's. I found myself trying to sort out who really had Bijou's best interests at heart, especially when nearly everyone was certain of themselves. At the root of it all, one thing all these characters had in common was that they loved Bijou, no matter what side of the war they stood on. I appreciated the complexity of that alone.
I also enjoyed the cohesive way Kromah mixed various folklore with America's modern culture, and the way the two seamlessly blended at times. I've never read a book like this before, with this cultural foundation. I can only hope that it starts a rend of wider representation for those legends and mythos because it was absolutely rivetting. Coming away from Djinn, I felt as though I had learned so much and my mind had been expanded and that's not something I can say about many books.
Overall, Djinn was nearly impossible to put down. Every time I thought I had something figured out, I was wrong. By the end of the book, I grasped for more, more, more! I can't wait for the next book and all the things waiting for Bijou.
As a fan of the original Mara Dyer trilogy, the comparison between the two lured me in. I'm particularly a fan of unreliable narrators and YA novels that intertangle high school and fantasy with a little bit of mystery. In other words, I was the ideal reader for Djinn.
Identity, love, trust, loyalty, and duty are all integral facets to Bijou Fitzroy's inhumanly human story. It's made clear from the very start that things aren't usual in Bijou Fitzroy's world. Having grown up sheltered and isolated by the only parental figure she's ever known, Gigi, her grandmother, possessing the unnatural ability to experience the feelings of those around her (along with a few other quirky talents), and followed across the globe by a ominous, hooded figure, Bijou's life has been hectic to say the least.
However, as she and her grandmother move into Sykesville, she's given a sliver of normalcy in the form of high school. She's never attended public school before and, although she's never totally fit in anywhere, she's eager to be a normal teenager. She makes friends with Sebastian and Amina Sinjin, two twins with an air of unusualness about them that sets them apart from the rest of the student body. They're Others. (Bijou's affectionate term for people she can tell are different just by looking at them). And then there's Mandy. As Liberty High's resident mean girl, she and Bijou share an amusing rivalry.
Unfortunately, the ordinary life Bijou hoped to craft from scratch is quickly undermined. Her hooded stalker makes frequent appearances, a troubling trend of missing girls is revealed, and even more worrisome is that it's happened before. Sebastian and Amina seem to be Bijou's most loyal allies as the trio unearth the secrets of Bijou's past, her identity, the lies she's been told, and how all three are linked to the disappearing girls. However, as the oddities in Sykesville multiply, Bijou finds herself at the center of a war between the people she loves. Nature versus nurture, almost in a way.
One of my favorite things about Djinn is that it kept me guessing the entire time. I doubted Sebastian's loyalty, Amina's, Gigi's, Niko's. I found myself trying to sort out who really had Bijou's best interests at heart, especially when nearly everyone was certain of themselves. At the root of it all, one thing all these characters had in common was that they loved Bijou, no matter what side of the war they stood on. I appreciated the complexity of that alone.
I also enjoyed the cohesive way Kromah mixed various folklore with America's modern culture, and the way the two seamlessly blended at times. I've never read a book like this before, with this cultural foundation. I can only hope that it starts a rend of wider representation for those legends and mythos because it was absolutely rivetting. Coming away from Djinn, I felt as though I had learned so much and my mind had been expanded and that's not something I can say about many books.
Overall, Djinn was nearly impossible to put down. Every time I thought I had something figured out, I was wrong. By the end of the book, I grasped for more, more, more! I can't wait for the next book and all the things waiting for Bijou.
June 30, 2020
You know a book is good, when you can't stop thinking about it. That is Djinn for me. This book was an easy 5 stars! This book was fast paced, beautifully written, and has characters that you just can't help but love.
Djinn, follows sixteen year old Bijou, Bijou is not your ordinary teenage girl. She is an empath, who was raised and home schooled by her Gigi, who didn't let them stay in one place for too long. That is until she moved them to Sykesville, Maryland, and she was enrolled in public school. While she is there, strange things start to happen. With the help of some new friends, Bijou is trying to figure out what is going on, and in the process she finds herself.
This book was phenomenal. I could not put it down. I went into Djinn, thinking that I would separate the book into a few sections, and read a section a day. However, once I started reading it, I could not stop. I fell down the rabbit hole, so to speak.
I love how unique the story was. I have not come across a lot of books that have Liberian folklore, let alone Liberian folklore with a bit of Shakespeare mixed in. I thought the author did a phenomenal job weaving it all together seamlessly. Sang's writing and the plot really draws in the reader and makes them want to keep reading to see how the dots will connect and the story will unfold.
I also really loved the characters. It was really great seeing Bijou go from an awkward teenage girl, to someone who was strong and not afraid to fight back. It was also wonderful see how her relationships with Gigi, Sebastian and Amina evolved throughout the story.
All in all, if you are a fan of fantasy and folklore, I would highly recommend this book! I can't wait for the author to announce when the sequel will be out. I look forward to getting immersed in this magical world, once again!
Djinn, follows sixteen year old Bijou, Bijou is not your ordinary teenage girl. She is an empath, who was raised and home schooled by her Gigi, who didn't let them stay in one place for too long. That is until she moved them to Sykesville, Maryland, and she was enrolled in public school. While she is there, strange things start to happen. With the help of some new friends, Bijou is trying to figure out what is going on, and in the process she finds herself.
This book was phenomenal. I could not put it down. I went into Djinn, thinking that I would separate the book into a few sections, and read a section a day. However, once I started reading it, I could not stop. I fell down the rabbit hole, so to speak.
I love how unique the story was. I have not come across a lot of books that have Liberian folklore, let alone Liberian folklore with a bit of Shakespeare mixed in. I thought the author did a phenomenal job weaving it all together seamlessly. Sang's writing and the plot really draws in the reader and makes them want to keep reading to see how the dots will connect and the story will unfold.
I also really loved the characters. It was really great seeing Bijou go from an awkward teenage girl, to someone who was strong and not afraid to fight back. It was also wonderful see how her relationships with Gigi, Sebastian and Amina evolved throughout the story.
All in all, if you are a fan of fantasy and folklore, I would highly recommend this book! I can't wait for the author to announce when the sequel will be out. I look forward to getting immersed in this magical world, once again!
January 22, 2019
Djinn is a great story full of surprises! You are given a girl named Bijou living with her grandmother and is just starting her first day of junior year at a school in Sykesville, Maryland. She is living a normal life with wanting friends and love. After a while she make friends with twins Sebastian and Amina who have transferred from Australia a little before she arrived. People start to go missing and her world is Crumbling before her. I believe that everyone should give this book a try because it is too good not to read.
February 17, 2018
Djinn is a twisty page-turner about magic and identity, rooted in folklore but with a 21st century spin. The unfolding tale keeps the reader guessing right to the end.
Bijou Fitzroy just wants to fit in. She knows she's different, perhaps mentally ill; she constantly shuffles cards to calm her nerves, she's hypersensitive to the feelings of others, and her color-changing eyes seem to freak people out. She has no idea what's wrong with her, and Gigi, the wealthy, uncannily young grandmother who raised her, isn't telling. Home-schooled until the age of 16, everything she knows about high school comes from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. So when she moves to the small town of Sykesville and enrolls in public school for the first time in her life, she hopes to make friends, go to parties, maybe have a boyfriend. She thinks her wish has come true when she meets Sebastian and Amina Sinjin, though she can't tell what Sebastian is feeling. Her teacher Mr. Jennings has it in for her, and seems to think A Midsummer Night's Dream is non-fiction. And what's up with mean girl Mandy, who takes an immediate dislike to Bijou? Is she only jealous about Sebastian, or is something more going on?
When Bijou learns that local girls who share her birthdate have been disappearing, she can't resist digging into the mystery. What she learns causes her to question everything she thought she knew about her family, her new friends, and most of all, herself. It's possible she's not only different; she may be the Chosen One. Who can she trust when no one is what they seem? What looks at first like petty teenage rivalry turns out to have earth-shattering stakes, and Bijou has to choose: escape to safety or risk everything to protect those she has come to care about.
Bijou's story, like Buffy's before her, applies a magnifier of myth and magic to typical adolescent issues of identity, belonging, and empowerment. Author Kromah widens the folklore scope to include African (specifically, Liberian) sources, enriching material that may be familiar to some readers and new to others. And this satisfying book's ending is temptingly left open for sequels. More? Yes, please!
Bijou Fitzroy just wants to fit in. She knows she's different, perhaps mentally ill; she constantly shuffles cards to calm her nerves, she's hypersensitive to the feelings of others, and her color-changing eyes seem to freak people out. She has no idea what's wrong with her, and Gigi, the wealthy, uncannily young grandmother who raised her, isn't telling. Home-schooled until the age of 16, everything she knows about high school comes from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. So when she moves to the small town of Sykesville and enrolls in public school for the first time in her life, she hopes to make friends, go to parties, maybe have a boyfriend. She thinks her wish has come true when she meets Sebastian and Amina Sinjin, though she can't tell what Sebastian is feeling. Her teacher Mr. Jennings has it in for her, and seems to think A Midsummer Night's Dream is non-fiction. And what's up with mean girl Mandy, who takes an immediate dislike to Bijou? Is she only jealous about Sebastian, or is something more going on?
When Bijou learns that local girls who share her birthdate have been disappearing, she can't resist digging into the mystery. What she learns causes her to question everything she thought she knew about her family, her new friends, and most of all, herself. It's possible she's not only different; she may be the Chosen One. Who can she trust when no one is what they seem? What looks at first like petty teenage rivalry turns out to have earth-shattering stakes, and Bijou has to choose: escape to safety or risk everything to protect those she has come to care about.
Bijou's story, like Buffy's before her, applies a magnifier of myth and magic to typical adolescent issues of identity, belonging, and empowerment. Author Kromah widens the folklore scope to include African (specifically, Liberian) sources, enriching material that may be familiar to some readers and new to others. And this satisfying book's ending is temptingly left open for sequels. More? Yes, please!
June 22, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-arc of this book!
I've always had a fascination for Middle Eastern history and folklore. I was very excited to start this book called 'Djinn', expecting a story about this particular mythical creature I've read about in myths.
This book, however, is not specifically about those djinns. Here, djinn is the name for all creatures from the Otherworld, like the well-known fae. This story is based on Liberian folklore.
We meet Bijou, who lives with her grandmother Gigi. They've been moving around a lot, but have now settled in the small town of Sykesville. Bijou is not any regular girl - she can sense the emotions of most people. All of these emotions can overwhelm her quickly, so she's been home schooled for a long time. But now she's 16 and it's time to meet new people, make friends, and go to school.
At school she meets Sebastian, who is supposed to help her get familiar with her new school. He is one of the Others though - someone whose emotions cannot be distinguished by Bijou. When Bijou, Sebastian and his twin sister become friends, strange things start happening. Why can Bijou feel all these things? What do her visions mean and why do they seem to come true?
This book kept me guessing on who could be trusted all the way to the end of the story. Along the way we meet a lot of characters who are more than they seem and I loved how it came together in the end. All of those names and their loyalties were a bit too confusing for me at times though.
This book deserves to be read if you're into djinn, the fae or a midsummer night's dream! For me it was a 3,5 star read.
I've always had a fascination for Middle Eastern history and folklore. I was very excited to start this book called 'Djinn', expecting a story about this particular mythical creature I've read about in myths.
This book, however, is not specifically about those djinns. Here, djinn is the name for all creatures from the Otherworld, like the well-known fae. This story is based on Liberian folklore.
We meet Bijou, who lives with her grandmother Gigi. They've been moving around a lot, but have now settled in the small town of Sykesville. Bijou is not any regular girl - she can sense the emotions of most people. All of these emotions can overwhelm her quickly, so she's been home schooled for a long time. But now she's 16 and it's time to meet new people, make friends, and go to school.
At school she meets Sebastian, who is supposed to help her get familiar with her new school. He is one of the Others though - someone whose emotions cannot be distinguished by Bijou. When Bijou, Sebastian and his twin sister become friends, strange things start happening. Why can Bijou feel all these things? What do her visions mean and why do they seem to come true?
This book kept me guessing on who could be trusted all the way to the end of the story. Along the way we meet a lot of characters who are more than they seem and I loved how it came together in the end. All of those names and their loyalties were a bit too confusing for me at times though.
This book deserves to be read if you're into djinn, the fae or a midsummer night's dream! For me it was a 3,5 star read.
March 1, 2018
With equal parts of excitement and apprehension, Djinn plunges us immediately into a fast-moving, fascinating YA coming-of-age fantasy. More than just a “good struggling against the darkness” confrontation, Kromah reveals relentless twists and shocking truths faced by beautifully flawed characters. In times when anxiety and confusion are part of the daily routine, we meet Bijou Fitzroy, an intense teen struggling with her own fractured identity. Determined to find her place at her new school and with her peers, Bijou, who desperately wants to be normal, realizes her connection to a strange old world, one that’s clashing her current life with an ancient prophecy, transforming her not-so-typical reality into an intense magical journey where finding her true, inner strength is crucial to saving those she loves. With irresistible appeal, Djinn reminds us of the importance of family and friends who will stand by our side through anything, regardless of the consequences!
February 1, 2019
This book was amazing, and is also really important.
I know it sounds cliche, but growing up I didn’t have many books from my culture so I found myself feeling displaced, as if I were somehow wrong, or I needed to change myself. I grew up on tales of djinn being Muslim and African, but this was never reflected around me making me feel alienated. I felt like I couldn’t be the heroine of my own story because I don’t look like one but this book was different. It made me feel like I could be the protagonist in my own story. That’s why I think this book is important and I absolutely adore the author for writing this :)
I know it sounds cliche, but growing up I didn’t have many books from my culture so I found myself feeling displaced, as if I were somehow wrong, or I needed to change myself. I grew up on tales of djinn being Muslim and African, but this was never reflected around me making me feel alienated. I felt like I couldn’t be the heroine of my own story because I don’t look like one but this book was different. It made me feel like I could be the protagonist in my own story. That’s why I think this book is important and I absolutely adore the author for writing this :)
March 21, 2018
One of the things I liked the most about Djinn was the mixing of Buffy nostalgia with African (Liberian) mythology. Bijou has led a sheltered life, hidden away by her secretive grandmother until at 16 she's finally able to attend public school for the first time. As Bijou learns to navigate the traitorous waters of high school mean girls, first crushes, and unfriendly teachers she also finds herself embroiled in the mystery of what's happening to girls who share her birthday. Is Bijou, like Buffy, a "Chosen One"?
August 5, 2020
Thank you Netgalley.
This book had me from the beginning! I never thought I was going to like it till a friend said she was enjoying it. So here I am writing a review.
This book was so fresh. It was different then what I have read before. And that makes the story that more interesting and fun to read.
I loved the story. The characters were well thought out and perfect.
This book had me from the beginning! I never thought I was going to like it till a friend said she was enjoying it. So here I am writing a review.
This book was so fresh. It was different then what I have read before. And that makes the story that more interesting and fun to read.
I loved the story. The characters were well thought out and perfect.
September 18, 2020
Thanks to Netgalley for this ARC.
I absolutely loved the mythology aspect of this book. The timelines were really cool, unique and complicated and I loved the African / Middle Eastern aspect of the mythology and magic.
However the insta-love did get a bit annoying, some of the explanations of the past got a bit confusing and I was really struggling to keep track of characters near the end of the book.
I loved Bijou but damn our girl is DENSE. Things happening around her would be so obvious and she just had no idea, I hit my forehead in exasperation A LOT 😅 Like, Bij - open your damn eyes!
Also, WTH was with that ending Sang??? Why are you leaving me hanging like this???
I would really love to delve more into the world of the Djinn and see what happens after this book BUT atm it doesn't look like there's a sequel so I guess I'm a bit stuck right now!
It was a fun fast paced YA Fantasy set in Maryland, USA with lots of Buffy references and a link to A Midsummer Night's Dream, both of which I enjoyed!
I absolutely loved the mythology aspect of this book. The timelines were really cool, unique and complicated and I loved the African / Middle Eastern aspect of the mythology and magic.
However the insta-love did get a bit annoying, some of the explanations of the past got a bit confusing and I was really struggling to keep track of characters near the end of the book.
I loved Bijou but damn our girl is DENSE. Things happening around her would be so obvious and she just had no idea, I hit my forehead in exasperation A LOT 😅 Like, Bij - open your damn eyes!
Also, WTH was with that ending Sang??? Why are you leaving me hanging like this???
I would really love to delve more into the world of the Djinn and see what happens after this book BUT atm it doesn't look like there's a sequel so I guess I'm a bit stuck right now!
It was a fun fast paced YA Fantasy set in Maryland, USA with lots of Buffy references and a link to A Midsummer Night's Dream, both of which I enjoyed!
June 26, 2020
I started this book and I was instantly hooked. It has such a typical Young Adult feel to it that I actually felt quite nostalgic reading it despite the fact I had never read it. I finished this book in 2 sittings, it was quite addictive. There were so many twists and turns and every-time I tried to predict what was going to happen I got it wrong, which I loved.
I really enjoyed the mystery around Bijou. She was a great main character, I enjoyed seeing her annoyed if I'm honest, she can be feisty when she wants to. I wanted to know everything about her; why she was able to feel the feelings of those around her was my main question.
Another thing I loved was that throughout I didn't know who could be trusted, that left me on edge throughout. I didn't even know if Bijou's closest friends could be trusted. The other characters in this book were well developed. It didn't feel like Bijou was the only developed character, which I really appreciated.
Kromah did a fabulous job of mixing folklore with modern culture, the two just flowed together so effortlessly. I enjoyed learning about the Djinn, something I knew very little about beforehand. Her writing style was flowing and easy to follow. I also greatly appreciated the Buffy references, being a huge fan myself.
I thoroughly enjoyed Djinn and I think I'll be re-reading it in the future.
I really enjoyed the mystery around Bijou. She was a great main character, I enjoyed seeing her annoyed if I'm honest, she can be feisty when she wants to. I wanted to know everything about her; why she was able to feel the feelings of those around her was my main question.
Another thing I loved was that throughout I didn't know who could be trusted, that left me on edge throughout. I didn't even know if Bijou's closest friends could be trusted. The other characters in this book were well developed. It didn't feel like Bijou was the only developed character, which I really appreciated.
Kromah did a fabulous job of mixing folklore with modern culture, the two just flowed together so effortlessly. I enjoyed learning about the Djinn, something I knew very little about beforehand. Her writing style was flowing and easy to follow. I also greatly appreciated the Buffy references, being a huge fan myself.
I thoroughly enjoyed Djinn and I think I'll be re-reading it in the future.
June 30, 2018
A fascinating and complex tale filled with magic and mystery and pop culture references, Djinn is pure fun. Kromah has woven together stories and myths from across cultures into a thrilling story of her own.
July 11, 2020
*this is an honest review in exchange for an arc through net galley*
~this is just my opinion, and someone else might have a different experience with this book~
Djinn follows Bijou, a teenage girl who craves normalcy. She can feel other people's emotions, which makes interaction with others difficult. Her grandmother is a famous writer who does not want to be discovered, so they move around a lot. Bijou has a lot of questions, but not a lot of answers, and this book follows her journey uncovering the secrets that have been kept from her all of her life.
I enjoyed this book a lot. It kept me guessing till the end and held my interest easily. The only issue I have with the book, which is more of my fault and less of the books fault, is that I had a hard time remembering the characters. There are A LOT of characters in this book, many of them hardly appearing, but all of them playing an important role. For this reason, I think this book would make an AMAZING movie, because it would be a lot easier to remember who everyone is. I would recommend reading this book in one sitting, because I think it would be easier to recall key points in the plot that way. Most of the book is vital information for the plot, so memory is quite important.
~this is just my opinion, and someone else might have a different experience with this book~
Djinn follows Bijou, a teenage girl who craves normalcy. She can feel other people's emotions, which makes interaction with others difficult. Her grandmother is a famous writer who does not want to be discovered, so they move around a lot. Bijou has a lot of questions, but not a lot of answers, and this book follows her journey uncovering the secrets that have been kept from her all of her life.
I enjoyed this book a lot. It kept me guessing till the end and held my interest easily. The only issue I have with the book, which is more of my fault and less of the books fault, is that I had a hard time remembering the characters. There are A LOT of characters in this book, many of them hardly appearing, but all of them playing an important role. For this reason, I think this book would make an AMAZING movie, because it would be a lot easier to remember who everyone is. I would recommend reading this book in one sitting, because I think it would be easier to recall key points in the plot that way. Most of the book is vital information for the plot, so memory is quite important.
June 15, 2020
I picked up this book because of the title. Djinn is another spelling of genie so I thought that’s what it would be about. It is not. But I’m not disappointed with what I got instead either.
The story is one that has been told hundreds of times before but it’s different. It follows Bijou as she goes to school for the first time in 16 years. At this school, she will meet people who will help her understand the weirdness in her life and she will finally learn the truth about who she really is. A bit like in Fallen by Lauren Kate, like Tithe by Holly Black, or even a bit like City of Bones by Cassandra Clare. So, the plot itself isn’t original.
What is original is the setting, and I don’t mean Sykesville. The book uses Arabic folklore and African folklore and Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream, which the author gives a twist of her own. The djinn are a little like the fae that have swamped YA fiction in recent years, but they are also different in their powers and their connection to the elements. And, let’s not forget, plenty of Buffy the Vampire Slayer references.
A few things are a little on the nose, such as their teacher suddenly teaching them about the djinn in stories and folklore. Even before you know about the djinn, that gives it a little away.
A plus point, I find, is that Bijou isn’t the only one discovering her life has been nothing but lies strung together. Many things have been kept from almost all the characters, which meant that even those who could help Bijou get the answer she needs will discover things they might not want to know. There are secrets and betrayals, there are prophecies and strange dreams.
I enjoyed the story and hope there is going to be a second book, especially considering the way the book ended. Not exactly a cliffhanger but definitely a lot of loose ends I would love to see tied up.
One last thing. The cover isn’t my favorite. it definitely represents Bijou but if I’d seen only the cover and the title hadn’t intrigued me (I’m working a story called Djinn so yeah, I just had to read it), I don’t think I would have picked it up. Which would have been a shame. Don’t let the cover scare you off!
The story is one that has been told hundreds of times before but it’s different. It follows Bijou as she goes to school for the first time in 16 years. At this school, she will meet people who will help her understand the weirdness in her life and she will finally learn the truth about who she really is. A bit like in Fallen by Lauren Kate, like Tithe by Holly Black, or even a bit like City of Bones by Cassandra Clare. So, the plot itself isn’t original.
What is original is the setting, and I don’t mean Sykesville. The book uses Arabic folklore and African folklore and Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream, which the author gives a twist of her own. The djinn are a little like the fae that have swamped YA fiction in recent years, but they are also different in their powers and their connection to the elements. And, let’s not forget, plenty of Buffy the Vampire Slayer references.
A few things are a little on the nose, such as their teacher suddenly teaching them about the djinn in stories and folklore. Even before you know about the djinn, that gives it a little away.
A plus point, I find, is that Bijou isn’t the only one discovering her life has been nothing but lies strung together. Many things have been kept from almost all the characters, which meant that even those who could help Bijou get the answer she needs will discover things they might not want to know. There are secrets and betrayals, there are prophecies and strange dreams.
I enjoyed the story and hope there is going to be a second book, especially considering the way the book ended. Not exactly a cliffhanger but definitely a lot of loose ends I would love to see tied up.
One last thing. The cover isn’t my favorite. it definitely represents Bijou but if I’d seen only the cover and the title hadn’t intrigued me (I’m working a story called Djinn so yeah, I just had to read it), I don’t think I would have picked it up. Which would have been a shame. Don’t let the cover scare you off!
July 2, 2020
Alrighty then!
A twisty, then me around tale of gods, demons and mythical people all wrapped African folklore. I liked the folklore and Bijou was an unlikely hero at first. She wasn't shy but socially awkward being raised by her Grandmother and home schooled for sixteen years. The story is about Discovery and learning her powers.
A twisty, then me around tale of gods, demons and mythical people all wrapped African folklore. I liked the folklore and Bijou was an unlikely hero at first. She wasn't shy but socially awkward being raised by her Grandmother and home schooled for sixteen years. The story is about Discovery and learning her powers.
June 18, 2020
I love how the novel, Djinn by Sang Kromah, starts out with the author detailing how strange and different Bijou Fitzroy is compared to those around her. After moving around all her life, Bijou and her grandmother, Gigi, settle down in a small town. Bijou's unique dreams, ability to feel other people's thoughts, and the hooded boy all come with her. She had hid these things all her life, but now she is in school and she can't hide them from Sebastian and his sister. What is her connection to them when others have missed this in her?
Djinn is a book that gives off an aura of a thrilling suspense and an innovative folklore come to life. Sang Kromah created a novel that will have you mesmerized by Bijou's experiences and adventure. The plot is distinct with magic woven throughout. From the beginning you realize this novel will be enchanting and mysterious. I look forward to seeing more work from this author.
Djinn is a book that gives off an aura of a thrilling suspense and an innovative folklore come to life. Sang Kromah created a novel that will have you mesmerized by Bijou's experiences and adventure. The plot is distinct with magic woven throughout. From the beginning you realize this novel will be enchanting and mysterious. I look forward to seeing more work from this author.
June 16, 2020
Wow, this book deserves a 5-star rating or more! I have been meaning to read more books with this genre and I was so glad I have delved into this book. Djinn by Sang Kromah was so wonderfully written. I absolutely loved the writing style, the theme of the story and the series of events.
The book reminded me of Twilight books because of its high-school young adult theme and the age of the main character Bijou. In this book the main character was really amazing and her strength was exceptional. I loved that she defies her domineering grandma Gigi and was really determined to find out what she really is.
The mystery was also something to note about in this book. All throughout the novel I found myself guessing what Bijou really is and what would happen to her as well as the supporting characters Sebastian and Amina. The book as a whole, deserves a spotlight in the best YA fantasy genre. I would totally recommend this book!
The book reminded me of Twilight books because of its high-school young adult theme and the age of the main character Bijou. In this book the main character was really amazing and her strength was exceptional. I loved that she defies her domineering grandma Gigi and was really determined to find out what she really is.
The mystery was also something to note about in this book. All throughout the novel I found myself guessing what Bijou really is and what would happen to her as well as the supporting characters Sebastian and Amina. The book as a whole, deserves a spotlight in the best YA fantasy genre. I would totally recommend this book!
June 22, 2020
An exciting book that keeps you guessing until the end wondering what everyone's true motives are. It was nice to see the characters develop and find themselves while grappling with their fate and a huge prophecy. The magic elements are also unique and wonderfully woven into the characters themselves.
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