Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Desert Cursed #3

Jinn's Dominion

Rate this book

In this THIRD installment of Zamira's journey, she will be faced with losing her Pride, and her two closest friends as she fights her way into the Jinn's Dominion. 


There was nothing that could have prepared me for Dragon’s Ground. And I thought that nothing could be worse than what I faced there.

Just my black cat bad luck, the world is set to prove me wrong.

South lies the Jinn’s Dominion and within it the members of my Pride who need my help. The further south we go, the more danger comes not only from outside our group but from within.

Ishtar’s new hunters.
Marsurm leader of the Jinn.
And the Emperor himself.

All three want something from me. All three claim they can give me the world on a silver platter, to give me my deepest desires.

Color me cautious, but I think all three are lying. Or so it seems until I reach the Jinn’s Dominion and discover the truth…

About who I really am.
And what that means for my fate and the fate of those I love.

324 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 12, 2018

2180 people are currently reading
1458 people want to read

About the author

Shannon Mayer

153 books7,293 followers
A long time ago, in a galaxy far away, I was born into a family of Star Wars nuts. I have a lot of siblings (somewhere I lost count but I think there was more than could be numbered on one hand) and being one of the young padawans I was subjected to Star Wars marathons, on a regular basis. If you've read any of my books you'll see there is often a reference to said movies as a small homage to my upbringing. May the force be with you and all that jazz.

I started writing when I realized I didn't want to grow up not believing in magic, or not believing in creatures everyone else said didn't exist. That being said, I have never seen a fairy, unicorn or dragon. I had a neighbour who swore they fed the leprechauns in their garden, but I never caught the little buggers no matter how long I lay in wait. (And consequently had to help the neighbours plant new flowers to replace those I killed waiting for the leprechauns to show their faces.)

Along the way, I found my husband who is the rock that keeps me from floating away into my dreams, and we have a little boy who is the centre of our world. Living on a farm keeps us busy (as if the writing wasn't enough) and I have more than my share of stories about wrestling with cows, helping birth calves and ending up in the creek during the process, falling in the mud (we'll call it mud but we all know that on a farm, mud is rarely mud) and chasing escaped livestock in the hopes the four legged convicts don't make it to the highway.

I've taken up archery, and the goal is to move into horseback archery in time (you know, when I can hit the target on a consistent basis) and when no one is looking, I love to bake (this doesn't happen often as it's hard to keep the sweet treats in stock with two boys in the house.)

As to what's coming next for me? More stories (since those never stop inside my head, I might as well share them with all of you!) and more adventures. Pretty much, when the fancy strikes, I'll jump on it. Leap before you look I'm sure that motto was created for me.

Or was that . . . think big and dream bigger, ready, set, pull the trigger . . . yeah. That one is a good one too. But only if you have a gun. And are hunting elephants. Which is not cool because of so many reasons. Let's stick with the first one with an addendum.

Leap before you look and let your dreams carry you on their wings. And that, my friends, is me in a nutshell.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
4,319 (61%)
4 stars
2,100 (29%)
3 stars
581 (8%)
2 stars
68 (<1%)
1 star
12 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 345 reviews
Profile Image for Ronda.
891 reviews181 followers
January 1, 2023
Talk about 'edge of your seat' stuff, this was an adventure and a half!!! The amount of times I was shouting in my head 'shit, shit, shit' was unreal!!!

Zam is a fantastic leading lady, her development from book 1 to book 3 is amazing and I totally love her, she is going to come into her own within the next book or 2 and she has so much to face.

Ms Mayer is one of my favourite authors now, her way of the written word is something that grabs me every single time, her imagination spreads a complete pictured story into my head and it's like watching a movie... Each of her series' books are so different to each other but something in the writing style that Ms Mayer portrays shows that the stories evolve from her.

I am so happy that I have the next book downloaded and ready to go.... bringing in the New Year with a fantastic storyline is something I am extremely happy about!!!
Profile Image for Angela (Angel's Book Nook).
1,685 reviews975 followers
November 16, 2018
Jinn’s Dominion swept me away. We are pulled right into the story and Zamira’s journey to rescue her Pride.

We have heartbreak, tears, non-stop action, and adventure. The world building continues and we learn things that put is on an emotional roller coaster ride, will surprise use, and put things into context.

Lila is a fabulous secondary character. She adds humor when things are looking down, she keeps it positive and try’s to lighting up the mood. She always makes me laugh. Zam is a spitfire. She goes above and beyond for those she loves and she never gives up. I just love her and seeing her character grow, become more confident, take on things she never thought she would, and lose things she wanted to hold dear. It’s a battle for her at every turn, yet she still fights.

I had a blast reading Jinn’s Dominion. I love where things are going and I love the non-stop action. I can’t wait for the next installment to arrive. Urban Fantasy fans will throughly enjoy this series. It’s got unique characters, a verity of myths and legends, a stock pill of supernaturals, and a kick-ass heroine.

**Note: The series does need to be read in order.

Rated: 4 Stars

angelsgp-seethisreview-blure
Profile Image for Al *the semi serial series skipper*.
1,659 reviews857 followers
February 19, 2019
Eh. I love this series but I feel like the same thing's been happening since the first book. It is getting tiring. Zamira is getting more tough so that's good but she did make some pretty crazy decisions though. She hid things that didn't need hiding and it was so out of character for her. I hope everything can be resolved in the next book because I'm slowly getting bored.
Profile Image for Ashley Daviau.
2,270 reviews1,064 followers
October 24, 2018
I didn’t think it was possible to get better than the last book in this series but this one absolutely blew it out of the water! The writing and the story just keeps getting better and better as it goes on. I love the new characters that have been integrated, they’re definitely interesting and add some spice to the story. I’ve also really enjoyed Zam grow throughout these books and become the fierce alpha she’s meant to be. I really love everything about this series, it’s got absolutely everything you could want; jinns, shapeshifters, werehyenas, witches, dragons, you name it!
Profile Image for Elisa.
3,232 reviews45 followers
May 22, 2018
I just can't say it enough times Shannon Mayer is a freaking awesome storyteller, she always goes above and beyond my wildest dreams, which is pretty amazing seeing as my dreams are fairly wild at times.

Jinn's Dominion is a book that you just can't turn away from not matter the emotions your feeling at the time or depending on the page, there's a good dose of anger, love, hate, more anger, a few laugh's whether their appropriate or not will be all up to the reader's interpretation..lol I find Lila very funny even in the hardest most dire of times Lila always makes me laugh. Zam is a spitfire, she always goes above and beyond for those she loves and she never gives up, talk about your awesome kickass character.

Yes there was heartbreak and tears but it's not the end of the tale yet, we have to hold on for the next exciting book and yes the wait will be excruciating but oh so worth it.
Profile Image for Ashley.
220 reviews43 followers
October 12, 2018
This series gets better and better with each book. So much happened in this book, I could not put it down. I like the way Zam has really grown throughout these 3 books so far, the 4th one is going to be great I can't wait. There are some new character additions that really added to this story too, but all my favorites are still here. Love this series.
Profile Image for Karen  ⚜Mess⚜.
944 reviews70 followers
February 26, 2019
This is going to be a rare event for me. Finishing a series in a fairly short amount of time. That's how much I enjoy this series.

Finally, Zam is coming to realize her history and power. Everything is set-up for a full explosion in the next book. And I know --KNOW-- love will prevail!

Profile Image for Tiera McMillian.
1,160 reviews48 followers
February 29, 2020
*Reread Review* via Audible:
Now that the series if finally complete I've been doing a reread experiencing the audio. For Audio the narrator is pretty decent but some of the voice characterizations are a little on the annoying side. Lila for instance, it really broke my heart to find that the narrator's characterization of Lila somehow made me love her less. I did try to just get over it but even my husband, who caught a tid bit when my audio connected in my car was like "How can you listen to that." Which really put it into perspective for me. I had to consciously shut down my dislike for the kindergarten voice of Lila. I get it, she is small. Not all small things have squeaky voices though. Sometimes I wonder if its even the narrator's vault at all? Maybe they are directed to do it a certain way? Either way I'm not mad at the narrator, she did a good job. I just didn't like how Lila turned out after having read the physicals before...

Leaving the 4 stars! Heart broken again, after Zam and Lila with their new friend set out to rescue the pack from the Jinn. Max has been taken over by Marsum and my heart is all kinds of broken again for Zam! Its so crazy that after accomplishing so, so, so much that Zam can't look at her accomplishments and realize she isn't weak. There is still so much drive to prove herself. Now moving into the next book they must journey to the Oracle along with Zam's new pride it seems.

Still waiting for the sheep effer to get his... One of the best series on KU hands down!


*Original Review*
This has really been such a thrilling series so far! The FMC and her entourage are hilarious! Zam and Lila make the perfect team!

I will say that this book was not near as humorous as the last ones. In this book everything seems to be weighing heavy on our heroine! So frustrating these people trying to cut her down by saying how weak she is...makes not a lick of sense either considering the feats she has been through thus far and what she is still accomplishing. In this book we are off to save the sheep lover and his harem.../sigh sometimes I wish Zam would let them get out of their own messes lol.

I like that we are finally seeing Zam's background and secrets are comming to light in droves! I really can't wait for the next book! Such an entertaining read!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
122 reviews
February 4, 2019
Alas, this one made me lose interest completely.

The writing wasn't as tight. The plot was exactly the same as the first two: Zam needed to save people, still a gem, and face the villain. The whole situation with Maks bugged the shit out of me, and I became really meh about the whole thing a third of the way into the book. I pushed past the half-way point, and I stopped caring completely.

Part of the issue was Zam swallowing all the bullshit everyone seemed intent on feeding her without a fuss. Another huge part of the issue was trying to create tension and raise the personal stakes by messing with her and Maks's relationship by keeping them apart. I would have LOVED to see them come together, find strength in each other, and tackle their issues and the whole damn world together. That, right there, would have been some awesome character growth.

But nope. The author chose a different route, which is fine! It's just not fine for me, because I'm a picky snob when it comes to relationships in fiction.
868 reviews14 followers
June 12, 2018
I never go into a Shannon Mayer book expecting it to be an easy read but boy does she put her heroines through the ringer. Zam is not having an easy ride of it. However with Maks and Lila by her side she should be able to get through this right? Umm, well throw in the usual author curve ball, and Zam is facing some of the hardest moments of her life. However whilst on the rescue mission of her pride she discovers a lot, both about herself and family and maybe just maybe her family is growing. One thing that I have come to expect with these books is the unexpected, and I am still not sure how bad the bad guys are and how good the good ones are. The jury is most definitely still out for me on who the major players are. And of course there are also the stones, those precious power and personality altering stones that Zam seems to be collecting. They change things all the time and as to where we are ultimately going I am as much in the dark as Zam herself is.

Zam is utterly fascinating and her heritage and powers are very slowly coming to light. Her adventures are heartbreaking and exhilarating, and the people she surrounds herself with are a joy to read about. As always with Shannon Mayer's books there is a strong sense of family (those that are made through bonds not by blood) and friendship and they will keep me going back time and time again. Another amazing instalment in this brilliant series.
Profile Image for Melanie.
23 reviews3 followers
December 18, 2018
A group of men with too much power that inherit cruelty from their fathers, want control over female bodies and reproductive rights, treat anyone who is not their race like shit, and are really concerned about a wall. Cue a pair of progressive, badass, intelligent females to smash their patriarchy. I don’t know if Mayer did it on purpose but she did manage to combine a modern political message with a really fantastic can’t put it down fantasy series.

Compelling world, great character development, excellent storytelling. Here I was thinking I was picking up a guilty pleasure type series that would mesh with all of the others in my head after a week but I’m blown away. I’ll read everything this author writes. Also I really want Zam and Lila to be my bffs.
Profile Image for Deana  Wilkerson.
23 reviews
June 11, 2018
Yes! Yes! Yes! Shannon Mayer continues to amaze me during every book. From Zam and Maks almost unheard of love, to Lila and her sweet almost childish innocence. This whole series twist and turns so much it will leave you wondering who is the villain and who is actually helping Zam in her quest. From the dragons, the trolls, the giants and the satyrs, the twist and turns in the Desert Cursed Series keeps you guessing. From cameos from other stories to new characters that you either love or love to hate, I'm truly amazed after every page is turned because the story keeps getting better. Everything I love in one author!
Profile Image for Preet.
3,389 reviews234 followers
July 15, 2018
I'm not going to lie, I'm feeling kind of conflicted about this book. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely loved it! I got more answers to the questions I had, but still have more questions. The reason I'm so torn is that I thought and hoped it this series was a trilogy. That would've meant this would be last book in an epic journey and Zamira might finally have peace. Instead the story has only gotten better and will go on longer, which also makes me happy. See? I'm conflicted.

All of that being said, this contribution to the Desert Cursed Series is epic and I can't wait to read more!
Profile Image for Laura.
2,539 reviews84 followers
June 13, 2018
Holy #%*#

Speechless!! If you are considering reading this series, trust me look no further. Shannon has a way of pulling a reader into a world and turn your head upside down! What a freakin ride!! Wow!! I’m absolutely shell shocked and dying to find out what happens next in this crazy ride!! If your not sure of UF is for you, I promise you will love this series and it will turn you into a fan!!
Profile Image for Curly's  Ramblings.
2,039 reviews6 followers
September 6, 2018
Fantastic edition to the series! Sam and pals take on the Jinn to rescue friends and along the way have quite an adventure! This book has it all from humor, to sadness, to fighting, to achievement, and a few surprises along the way. Looking forward to the next book! The narrator did a fantastic job with providing unique voices for each character and appropriate tone inflections for each scene.
Profile Image for Stephaniec.
858 reviews17 followers
November 26, 2018
3.5*
Very interesting world, Zam just keeps getting kicked but never stays down for long
There is alot of information and bits and pieces given out so it gets a bit confusing at times but this one cleared a few things up
I am looking forward to Oracle's Haunt and am glad this didn't stay a trilogy.
Profile Image for Jacquie Stolz.
566 reviews
June 12, 2018
Another amazing magical, action packed adventure with Zam and Lila! A story that shows you family isn't always those related to you by blood. Family can also be made of close friends, those you love and want to protect with all you have. Zam is thrown into Jinn's Dominion where she learns about her heritage, faces challenges that make you reach for tissues. Hard to say more without spoilers. Another powerful leading female character that does what she needs to for her "family". Typical of Shannon Mayer her books keep you wishing for more, because she is able to immerse her readers into the story, and we connect with the characters and their world so much we just have to know what comes next for them!
Profile Image for Rachael.
48 reviews1 follower
March 25, 2020
Profile Image for Cricket.
210 reviews3 followers
June 6, 2018
I absolutely loved this book! This entire series so far has been fantastic! These are books you stay up and read through the night because you want to know what happens next. I have done this with each book in this series. Zam has landed in the frying pan this time, so much is revealed in this book it is hard to post a review without spoilers. All my favorites are back Zam, Maks, Lila, Shem. I think Zam becomes more badass with each book, but then she kind of has to since the villains keep getting more powerful. This book will play with your emotions. Shannon always has surprises in her books, sometimes they make you happy and sometimes they make you sad but they never ever disappoints.
If you love a book with magic, dragons, tons of action and a little romance then this entire series is for you. Just try to read them slowly since you will be left wanting the next one as soon as you turn the last page of this one.
I was given an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I also purchased it in paperback so that I can share it with my daughter-in-law.
Profile Image for Tangled N Books.
823 reviews10 followers
July 29, 2019
For the first time, she is acknowledged. First by her brother, the dragons, her friends. She is alpha. A queen in her own right. And she is their protector. Her new pack is mixed and she's finding more about her lineage and hidden powers. But all is worthless without her love, her heart, taken to the desert unable to be rescued.

Read by Tina
Profile Image for Lisa.
124 reviews
January 12, 2021
So freaking good!

Not sure why it took me so long to read these, as I've been a fan of the author's other series. I absolutely love Zam, but Lila is my favorite. I want a Lila of my own. Great book, can't wait to read the next one.
Profile Image for Emilye.
1,552 reviews7 followers
February 27, 2020
DesertCursed3 4.5⭐️

Do you hear the cackle, cackle and the Mwahhahhah? Yeah, me too. We are on one heck of a rollercoaster ride, people, and the chain is clicking, clicking to the slow down before we top the rise. Finish your slurpee and your ice cream, or you’ll be wearing them...
145 reviews2 followers
May 28, 2018
I really love this series! This is the third one in and our favorite trio, Zam, Lila & Maks have quite a lot going on. Life isn't taking it easy on these three. There are some mysteries revealed. Yet still so many questions. The pride is changing in many ways. Along with the whole world on their side of the wall. They know they need to do something to save everyone. They just don't know who they can trust. Maybe not even themselves... I love how the author builds these characters and this world. It has quickly become one of my favorite series. The next installment can't come quick enough. Thank the desert goddess that Shannon Mayer writes and releases her books so quickly.
Profile Image for Leslie.
37 reviews
May 24, 2018
Shannon is one of my favorite authors. She takes chances with her characters and not only sends you on a crazy adventure/action ride, she sends you on an emotional roller coaster as well. I love how the main character, Zam, has evolved. She has grown and you can see great things happening for her. The third book in the Desert Cursed series answered some questions but left us with even more questions. The biggest one being what is she going to do with that cliff hanger!! I have no idea where this story line is going to go and the suspense is killing me. Can't wait to read the next one and see where Zam, Lila and the rest of the pride go.
74 reviews2 followers
May 20, 2018
The best one yet.

The Jinn’s Dominion is the 3rd book in the Desert Cursed Series. It’s just as heart stopping as the first 2 books, and that’s saying something. It’s so hard to not post spoilers. Zam and Lila are there for each other and build an even stronger bond. As for Maks, you’ll have to read to find out what happens to him.
The great story building and emotional punch that is Shannon’s style will draw you in, and leave you wanting more. While there is enough back story to read this as a standalone, it’s much better having read the first 2 books first. Either way, enjoy the ride.
Profile Image for Seraphia Bunny.
2,118 reviews34 followers
June 12, 2018
The story continues! Zamira is mourning the loss of her brother, but she doesn't have much time to mourn. During a dream, she is approached by the Emperor himself. He makes her an offer that is hard to refuse. But the price that he demands in return is one that she is not willing to pay. She is tempted but knows she can't. The journey is on to get the Jinn's Dominion, but it won't be an easy journey. Danger is at every turn along the desert trails, but danger lurks closer than Zamira would like to think with each step they take. This will a true test of Zamira.
Jinn's Dominion is engaging, well told and heartbreaking! I couldn't get enough of this book. I love this series. The dynamics between all the characters is fantastic! I love Zamira and Lila the most, plus Balder. LOL! The twists that the author writes into the story...just wow! There are surprises, unexpected moments and so much more!
I'm rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. If you've read this series and enjoyed it grab this book! Do it now! Continue the journey with Zamira, Lila and Maks and see where things go! Needless to say...GIVE ME MORE!!! lol!!
Profile Image for Chrissy.
540 reviews14 followers
October 19, 2018
Boom

You ever need that saying rode hard and put up wet, that's pretty much how I feel after this book. And I don't mean that in a bad way. This was a seriously good book with tons of action, the whole spectrum of emotions and plenty of twists and turns. Seriously my mind is just blown and it might take me a little while to sort it out. And in case you are wondering this is definitely a series to be read in order. And So far every book had just reveled more of who these characters are and provided more ways to connect to, understand and even love them. I can't wait to see what happens next but I have some hopes. And not to give anything away but I seriously hope the future holds one of those break something to make it into something better instances where we will get that something better. Any way this was a seriously good roller coaster of a supernatural book would recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 345 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.