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Power
What if Aladdin was an above average thief in the hood, Princess Jasmine was the daughter of a crime boss, and Jafar was still the snake he always was? Welcome to Power.
For The Sultan Empire (TSE) nothing is more important than being and staying on top. The business and family come first.
Jolee Cullen was instilled this all her life and though she accepted it, all she wanted at her age was a chance at a regular life. But as the daughter of crime boss - Samuel Cullen -, and the heir to his throne, a regular life is never something she'd have. She was born with all the power she could want... but she wanted freedom. And once she meets Amare, she'll have to decide between him and her empire.
Amare Thomas, a skilled thief, has spent the better part of his life trying to stay afloat for himself and his younger brother. When the consequences of a bad decision lands him on TSE's payroll, he has no idea of the turn his life will take. Or that he'll fall for his boss' off limits daughter. For Amare having power is the furthest thing from his mind until he gets a taste.
Jareem Blackwood, the current right-hand man to Samuel, wants what he believes he deserves, and that's to be Samuel's successor. Jareem already has it all, but he doesn't think he has enough. His pockets are deep but sometimes it's not about the money, loyalty, or respect. It's about the power. To him, you can never have enough and nothing or no one was going to stop him from getting the throne.
The Urban Fairytale Series is a series of standalone fairytale retellings and each book can be read as its own entity. Power, the second book in the series, is inspired by the classic fairytale, Aladdin.
For The Sultan Empire (TSE) nothing is more important than being and staying on top. The business and family come first.
Jolee Cullen was instilled this all her life and though she accepted it, all she wanted at her age was a chance at a regular life. But as the daughter of crime boss - Samuel Cullen -, and the heir to his throne, a regular life is never something she'd have. She was born with all the power she could want... but she wanted freedom. And once she meets Amare, she'll have to decide between him and her empire.
Amare Thomas, a skilled thief, has spent the better part of his life trying to stay afloat for himself and his younger brother. When the consequences of a bad decision lands him on TSE's payroll, he has no idea of the turn his life will take. Or that he'll fall for his boss' off limits daughter. For Amare having power is the furthest thing from his mind until he gets a taste.
Jareem Blackwood, the current right-hand man to Samuel, wants what he believes he deserves, and that's to be Samuel's successor. Jareem already has it all, but he doesn't think he has enough. His pockets are deep but sometimes it's not about the money, loyalty, or respect. It's about the power. To him, you can never have enough and nothing or no one was going to stop him from getting the throne.
The Urban Fairytale Series is a series of standalone fairytale retellings and each book can be read as its own entity. Power, the second book in the series, is inspired by the classic fairytale, Aladdin.
- GenresAfrican American Romance
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 11, 2018
About the author
Bella Jay
23 books823 followersMiami bred, Bella Jay (born Precious Rodgers) has had a love for books since she was a little girl. Getting lost in them was a favorite past time but writing them has become a true love. In 2018, with a little push she stepped out on faith and released her first novel to the world allowing her writer alter ego, Bella Jay, to take flight into the writing industry.
She writes spicy & contemporary Black romance books with unapologetically flawed characters who she loves to fix.
When she’s not wrapped up in her characters, she can be found traveling the world, building her empire, sipping on tea or wine while reading a book, and wishing healthy eats were pancakes or cupcakes.
She writes spicy & contemporary Black romance books with unapologetically flawed characters who she loves to fix.
When she’s not wrapped up in her characters, she can be found traveling the world, building her empire, sipping on tea or wine while reading a book, and wishing healthy eats were pancakes or cupcakes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
August 11, 2022
This was so different! I enjoyed all the parallels to the real Aladdin movie! The author was very clever in how she portrayed the Genie! G was my favorite! Amare and Jolee had me rooting for them from jump! Jareem who was the villain had a lot of human moments that made me want to root for him to. I loved how the author spun his story too. In the end he had to go but the journey was quite the ride! I actually want to back and watch/read Aladdin because this book flowed so well and many points reminded me of the original! The creativity in this retelling was so awesome! I definitely recommend this urban romance!
December 15, 2018
Thank you to the author for providing me a review copy of Power!
All thoughts are my own.
Power by Bella Jay is an urban lit retelling of Aladdin, with a lovely amount of attention to detail. Jolee is Jasmin, Amare is Aladdin, Graham is the Genie, Jareem is Jafar, and Ian is Iago. Instead of being the Sultan of Agrabah, Jolee’s father, Samuel, is the head of The Sultan Empire, one of the largest crime syndicates in Everland.
Jolee is poised to take over The Sultan Empire once her father decides to step down, but power hungry Jareem has other plans while Jolee is temporarily distracted by the charming thief Amare.
I enjoyed Power, I thought it was really fun, easy to read, and an interesting take on Aladdin! Even though I had an idea of what would happen, I still felt drawn in, invested in the characters, and really wanted to find out how things would turn out in Bella Jay’s retelling.
I very much look forward to reading her future work!
All thoughts are my own.
Power by Bella Jay is an urban lit retelling of Aladdin, with a lovely amount of attention to detail. Jolee is Jasmin, Amare is Aladdin, Graham is the Genie, Jareem is Jafar, and Ian is Iago. Instead of being the Sultan of Agrabah, Jolee’s father, Samuel, is the head of The Sultan Empire, one of the largest crime syndicates in Everland.
Jolee is poised to take over The Sultan Empire once her father decides to step down, but power hungry Jareem has other plans while Jolee is temporarily distracted by the charming thief Amare.
I enjoyed Power, I thought it was really fun, easy to read, and an interesting take on Aladdin! Even though I had an idea of what would happen, I still felt drawn in, invested in the characters, and really wanted to find out how things would turn out in Bella Jay’s retelling.
I very much look forward to reading her future work!
Want to Read
December 21, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (12/21/2018)! 💝
Blurb:
What if Aladdin was an above average thief in the hood, Princess Jasmine was the daughter of a crime boss, and Jafar was still the snake he always was? Welcome to Power.
For The Sultan Empire (TSE) nothing is more important than being and staying on top. The business and family come first.
Jolee Cullen was instilled this all her life and though she accepted it, all she wanted at her age was a chance at a regular life. But as the daughter of crime boss - Samuel Cullen -, and the heir to his throne, a regular life is never something she'd have. She was born with all the power she could want... but she wanted freedom. And once she meets Amare, she'll have to decide between him and her empire.
Amare Thomas, a skilled thief, has spent the better part of his life trying to stay afloat for himself and his younger brother. When the consequences of a bad decision lands him on TSE's payroll, he has no idea of the turn his life will take. Or that he'll fall for his boss' off limits daughter. For Amare having power is the furthest thing from his mind until he gets a taste.
Jareem Blackwood, the current right-hand man to Samuel, wants what he believes he deserves, and that's to be Samuel's successor. Jareem already has it all, but he doesn't think he has enough. His pockets are deep but sometimes it's not about the money, loyalty, or respect. It's about the power. To him, you can never have enough and nothing or no one was going to stop him from getting the throne.
Blurb:
What if Aladdin was an above average thief in the hood, Princess Jasmine was the daughter of a crime boss, and Jafar was still the snake he always was? Welcome to Power.
For The Sultan Empire (TSE) nothing is more important than being and staying on top. The business and family come first.
Jolee Cullen was instilled this all her life and though she accepted it, all she wanted at her age was a chance at a regular life. But as the daughter of crime boss - Samuel Cullen -, and the heir to his throne, a regular life is never something she'd have. She was born with all the power she could want... but she wanted freedom. And once she meets Amare, she'll have to decide between him and her empire.
Amare Thomas, a skilled thief, has spent the better part of his life trying to stay afloat for himself and his younger brother. When the consequences of a bad decision lands him on TSE's payroll, he has no idea of the turn his life will take. Or that he'll fall for his boss' off limits daughter. For Amare having power is the furthest thing from his mind until he gets a taste.
Jareem Blackwood, the current right-hand man to Samuel, wants what he believes he deserves, and that's to be Samuel's successor. Jareem already has it all, but he doesn't think he has enough. His pockets are deep but sometimes it's not about the money, loyalty, or respect. It's about the power. To him, you can never have enough and nothing or no one was going to stop him from getting the throne.
November 28, 2018
Listen.
Jareem was a very likeable asshole. To me at least. Amare is bae you already know that
But Sultan your daughter is weak asf and it’s yo fault! Smh.
Great read Bella.
Jareem was a very likeable asshole. To me at least. Amare is bae you already know that
But Sultan your daughter is weak asf and it’s yo fault! Smh.
Great read Bella.
January 15, 2022
babyyy my blood pressure!
This read is going to evoke emotions, mostly anger because Jareem was a villain’s villain, ain’t no redeeming him. He is not only a snake but a delusional snake but the organization made it too easy for him because WHO WAS LOYAL?!🗣. I for real was yelling “STANNUP” at Jolee most of the time because that man was trying to finesse her out her kingdom & she was allowing it.
The creativity that it took to make an urban romance Adaptation of Aladdin!!!!! Top tier ✨I had to write this review because I need the reviews to reflect what a dope book this is.
Amare is the epitome of ‘if he wanted to, he would’ because he became who he needed to be for his woman. This book gave me HFN vibes so in the next book I’m looking forward to seeing Jolee STANNUP & show the world why she’s the sultana.
This read is going to evoke emotions, mostly anger because Jareem was a villain’s villain, ain’t no redeeming him. He is not only a snake but a delusional snake but the organization made it too easy for him because WHO WAS LOYAL?!🗣. I for real was yelling “STANNUP” at Jolee most of the time because that man was trying to finesse her out her kingdom & she was allowing it.
The creativity that it took to make an urban romance Adaptation of Aladdin!!!!! Top tier ✨I had to write this review because I need the reviews to reflect what a dope book this is.
Amare is the epitome of ‘if he wanted to, he would’ because he became who he needed to be for his woman. This book gave me HFN vibes so in the next book I’m looking forward to seeing Jolee STANNUP & show the world why she’s the sultana.
July 14, 2024
Not really for me
The Alladin retelling was not the version I remember. But, it was not my story to tell. I wasn't a fan of the main characters. The ancillary characters faired a little bit better. The overall story was different. It just wasn't for me. Form your own opinion as you read this one.
The Alladin retelling was not the version I remember. But, it was not my story to tell. I wasn't a fan of the main characters. The ancillary characters faired a little bit better. The overall story was different. It just wasn't for me. Form your own opinion as you read this one.
December 11, 2018
Great job
Love your debut. I couldn't put it down. Will be reading more of your books. Keep up the great work
Love your debut. I couldn't put it down. Will be reading more of your books. Keep up the great work
March 26, 2023
🏍
An Aladdin retelling but make it gritty. Amare was so adorable stealing (pun intended) Jolee's heart. The fight to be the next sultan t ally complicates their relationship but you know it works out. Jareem was a true villain and really unredeemable even with his loss. I'm sorry he can kick rocks and burn in hell 🤷🏾♀️ While I enjoyed the power struggle the middle dragged a little, then things wrapped really really neatly. It was still satisfying.
CN: unprotected sex, gun violence, torture, kidnapping, cancer treatment/death, discussion of coerced abortion, breath play, rough sex, and what I think could be humiliation during sex (consensual)
An Aladdin retelling but make it gritty. Amare was so adorable stealing (pun intended) Jolee's heart. The fight to be the next sultan t ally complicates their relationship but you know it works out. Jareem was a true villain and really unredeemable even with his loss. I'm sorry he can kick rocks and burn in hell 🤷🏾♀️ While I enjoyed the power struggle the middle dragged a little, then things wrapped really really neatly. It was still satisfying.
CN: unprotected sex, gun violence, torture, kidnapping, cancer treatment/death, discussion of coerced abortion, breath play, rough sex, and what I think could be humiliation during sex (consensual)
January 9, 2020
Last year I again sought out independent authors to read. I received so many great suggestions I dedicated a full list to independent authors since I read approximately 6-8 books a month. Bella Jay showed up on my radar last year when I saw the cover of her book, Power. So she's the very first author for my #FeatThaUnknown 2020 reading list.
Brief Synopsis: This is an urban fiction twist on the Aladdin fairytale. There's no kiddie movie feeling here though. From the very beginning you know you are in for a ride. I love the trio of main characters development throughout the story: Jolee, Amare, and Jareem. While I won't reveal the details of this trio, I will say I'm #TeamAmare!!!! Jolee of course is at the center of it all. Jay takes you through three different evolutional experiences for each with a sprinkling of other characters in this story as a Crime Family's Empire desperately tries to remain on top. Who knows what's going to happen. That there is why you must read this book! There are many layers to peel back but it's at a steady pace. If you haven't read it yet, you must!
Now, what actually spoke to my soul? Don't be afraid of the unknown. Holding back can inhibit your growth in realizing your destiny. Honestly, no one is ever completely ready when pursuing new roles. The point is to take it in stride with the goal of learning from all experiences (good and bad).
The next idea that spoke to my soul is not to allow feelings of sympathy and/or empathy to cloud your vision and deter your path. You can be there for a person without losing focus of your objectives.
The final idea that spoke to my soul is to be careful of your circle. I read a meme not too long ago stating to be mindful of your circle, because when enemies no longer work the Devil will attack your friends. Very powerful statement, but true based on human nature.
This is a standalone book in a fairytale series. Based on Jay's delivery, I just might look into reading the first book in the series. Overall I caught the Aladdin similarities and loved this read. It was the very first for 2020 and an excellent pick! I look forward to reading more of Bella Jay's work as she continues her writing career.
As Always,
#HappyReading
Brief Synopsis: This is an urban fiction twist on the Aladdin fairytale. There's no kiddie movie feeling here though. From the very beginning you know you are in for a ride. I love the trio of main characters development throughout the story: Jolee, Amare, and Jareem. While I won't reveal the details of this trio, I will say I'm #TeamAmare!!!! Jolee of course is at the center of it all. Jay takes you through three different evolutional experiences for each with a sprinkling of other characters in this story as a Crime Family's Empire desperately tries to remain on top. Who knows what's going to happen. That there is why you must read this book! There are many layers to peel back but it's at a steady pace. If you haven't read it yet, you must!
Now, what actually spoke to my soul? Don't be afraid of the unknown. Holding back can inhibit your growth in realizing your destiny. Honestly, no one is ever completely ready when pursuing new roles. The point is to take it in stride with the goal of learning from all experiences (good and bad).
The next idea that spoke to my soul is not to allow feelings of sympathy and/or empathy to cloud your vision and deter your path. You can be there for a person without losing focus of your objectives.
The final idea that spoke to my soul is to be careful of your circle. I read a meme not too long ago stating to be mindful of your circle, because when enemies no longer work the Devil will attack your friends. Very powerful statement, but true based on human nature.
This is a standalone book in a fairytale series. Based on Jay's delivery, I just might look into reading the first book in the series. Overall I caught the Aladdin similarities and loved this read. It was the very first for 2020 and an excellent pick! I look forward to reading more of Bella Jay's work as she continues her writing career.
As Always,
#HappyReading
February 5, 2022
This author is new to me but after reading this, I will be checking out the rest of her catalog.
So Power is an urban spin on Aladdin..I didn't watch the movie but the story was easy to follow. Amare is the primary care provider for a younger brother and he uses his skills as a master thief to ensure they have a place to eat and sleep; until he robs the wrong house and now is indebted to the conniving underhanded second in command of TSE. To run The Sultan Empire is Jareems only dream but Joelle, daughter of TSE leader Sam Cullen is standing in his way.
The way Bella Jay weaves this story of intrigue and betrayal in with forbidden romance and drama is what held me captive. It wasn't too urban and ratchet but it also wasn't syrupy sweet. A good combination of both.
Overall an enjoyable good read.
So Power is an urban spin on Aladdin..I didn't watch the movie but the story was easy to follow. Amare is the primary care provider for a younger brother and he uses his skills as a master thief to ensure they have a place to eat and sleep; until he robs the wrong house and now is indebted to the conniving underhanded second in command of TSE. To run The Sultan Empire is Jareems only dream but Joelle, daughter of TSE leader Sam Cullen is standing in his way.
The way Bella Jay weaves this story of intrigue and betrayal in with forbidden romance and drama is what held me captive. It wasn't too urban and ratchet but it also wasn't syrupy sweet. A good combination of both.
Overall an enjoyable good read.
November 5, 2019
This was so good!!
Oh gosh, I could not put this book down! I really forgot that it was supposed to be a, “fairytale” lol! Greed is something serious! Jareem wanted all of the power and would not stop until he reached the top! Sam was too trusting of Jareem and it backfired. Amare was so sweet; he had a rough life-all he wanted to do was take care of his little brother by any means necessary. Who knew robbing the wrong house and store would lead him to gaining a new brother (Graham) and making over 7 figures. I think Jareem was intimidated by Amare. Jolee was the ultimate daddy’s girl; she just wanted to do what people her age did. She frustrated me a lot because she allowed Jareem and her dad to get in her head. She was in love with Amare! I was sad when she cut him off. All Amare did, time after time, was prove to everyone how loyal he was! Ugh. I truly enjoyed this one! The characters were relatable and well developed. The flow was good and the drama was on point! Good read!! ❤️
Oh gosh, I could not put this book down! I really forgot that it was supposed to be a, “fairytale” lol! Greed is something serious! Jareem wanted all of the power and would not stop until he reached the top! Sam was too trusting of Jareem and it backfired. Amare was so sweet; he had a rough life-all he wanted to do was take care of his little brother by any means necessary. Who knew robbing the wrong house and store would lead him to gaining a new brother (Graham) and making over 7 figures. I think Jareem was intimidated by Amare. Jolee was the ultimate daddy’s girl; she just wanted to do what people her age did. She frustrated me a lot because she allowed Jareem and her dad to get in her head. She was in love with Amare! I was sad when she cut him off. All Amare did, time after time, was prove to everyone how loyal he was! Ugh. I truly enjoyed this one! The characters were relatable and well developed. The flow was good and the drama was on point! Good read!! ❤️
January 20, 2019
Purely Dynamic.
Tbh I was quite skeptical about reading this at first (I was like a remake of Aladdin...wasn't an Aladdin fan...lol). Seriously someone should make this into a movie. Never a dull moment. The pieces fitted smoothly together. Definitely couldn't put this down. Had to pry myself from it. So glad I didn't have to deal with misspelled and missing words. It was a quality read. This author deserved every one of those stars and some. For to have been a debut and to be an up and coming author-->JOB WELL DONE. Someone didn't die...lol. They'll return making trouble.
Tbh I was quite skeptical about reading this at first (I was like a remake of Aladdin...wasn't an Aladdin fan...lol). Seriously someone should make this into a movie. Never a dull moment. The pieces fitted smoothly together. Definitely couldn't put this down. Had to pry myself from it. So glad I didn't have to deal with misspelled and missing words. It was a quality read. This author deserved every one of those stars and some. For to have been a debut and to be an up and coming author-->JOB WELL DONE. Someone didn't die...lol. They'll return making trouble.
December 28, 2018
I really thought I would enjoy this story more than I did. I found the flow of this story slower than my liking and although I liked the characters I just couldn't get into this story. This one wasn't for me.
November 16, 2024
Somewhere around the 70% mark I wanted to stop reading because I was extremely annoyed by what was happening. Somehow I pushed through and I didn’t necessarily hate the ending. It was just ok.
This is an ok read.
This is an ok read.
January 8, 2021
Loved it!!
This book took me through many emotions. I stopped and pouted momentarily because I felt like this wasn't a fairytale but a tragedy! However, I persevered and was pleased with the ending!
This book took me through many emotions. I stopped and pouted momentarily because I felt like this wasn't a fairytale but a tragedy! However, I persevered and was pleased with the ending!
February 14, 2021
Ams & Jolee
I so loved this book. So sorry Jareem daughter had to die. Glad he died though he made me sick. To bad Ian didn't realize he was a flunky. All in all everything happens for a reason. G coming into Amere life was for the best
I so loved this book. So sorry Jareem daughter had to die. Glad he died though he made me sick. To bad Ian didn't realize he was a flunky. All in all everything happens for a reason. G coming into Amere life was for the best
March 15, 2021
💫💫💫💫
I wanted to hear about my beauty and the beast 😫😫😫. Towards the end, I was screaming the entire time! I thought Jareem was good and he wasn’t smh. Amare Amare Amare 🥰😍😍😍😍😍. Don’t want to give this story away, so grab your glass of wine, and enjoy reading this fairytale enjoy. 💫💫💫💫
I wanted to hear about my beauty and the beast 😫😫😫. Towards the end, I was screaming the entire time! I thought Jareem was good and he wasn’t smh. Amare Amare Amare 🥰😍😍😍😍😍. Don’t want to give this story away, so grab your glass of wine, and enjoy reading this fairytale enjoy. 💫💫💫💫
January 28, 2022
Was the concept dope? Yes. Did I enjoy the writing style? Yep. Did I enjoy it overall? Heck yes.
Now with that being said, do I think this is for everyone? Nah. So here is my disclaimer if you can remember that the majority of the characters are in their mid-to-early 20s and you don’t mind reading about the actions of folks that are young, dumb and, you know the rest. Then go for it. You will enjoy the hell outta this book. If you can’t then it’s probably not for you.
Lastly, Please check context warnings because some of the relationships styles may be construed as abusive to some readers, their is violence-it isn’t graphic but it is present. There is also mention of forced abortion, childhood cancer, and child death.
Now with that being said, do I think this is for everyone? Nah. So here is my disclaimer if you can remember that the majority of the characters are in their mid-to-early 20s and you don’t mind reading about the actions of folks that are young, dumb and, you know the rest. Then go for it. You will enjoy the hell outta this book. If you can’t then it’s probably not for you.
Lastly, Please check context warnings because some of the relationships styles may be construed as abusive to some readers, their is violence-it isn’t graphic but it is present. There is also mention of forced abortion, childhood cancer, and child death.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2024
This book was delicately written and kept me drawn in. Never did I run into a dull moment with this story. She did an amazing job with the plot twists and turns between the characters. Every emotion was felt reading this story and I truly enjoyed it.
January 23, 2019
This book had me on the edge of my seat the entire time! Bella Jay brought every character to life and kept the suspense going throughout the whole book.
Jolee was my favorite character, and I really loved that the Aladdin theme was strong but not overpowering. This is a super creative and fun novel.
10/10
Jolee was my favorite character, and I really loved that the Aladdin theme was strong but not overpowering. This is a super creative and fun novel.
10/10
May 19, 2021
Jolee is next in line to take over her families empire and while she wants her father to loosen his grip on her she wants to prove to her father she can handle herself and not get distracted. Then Amere comes into her life and suddenly she’s considering going against her father to be with him. Amere is struggling to take care of himself and his brother so he steals to get by. When he robs the wrong person he is suddenly forced into a life he doesn’t want to be in but at the same time will financially benefit him and his brother. There’s only one thing…he is now working for the women he is pursing father and her father made it clear his daughter is off limits. But Amere can’t seem to let Jolee go even though he knows the danger she comes with. Jareem wants the empire he thinks he deserves and will stop at nothing to get it.
Whew there was a lot going on but I enjoyed this urban fairytale retelling of Aladdin. Jareem was ruthless just like Jafar and I mean he went through a lot to get that Sulten title. Bella Jay did a good job with Jareem’s character, Ol boy was cold as hell and I didn't really like him but there was a moment when I felt so bad for him that I had tears in my eyes. The issues he was having with his daughter showed a softer side of him and let you connect a little with his character but then you went back to not liking him right after.
I enjoyed Amere and Jolee’s character development and love story. Amere’s struggle was so relatable and real. I was glad when things started to look up for him. Jolee was so naive in the beginning so when she finally opened her eyes to see what was really going on I was like girl finally. Jolee and Amere were so cute, it was that early twenties childish type of love and it was cute to read about.
I really enjoyed the Aladdin urban retelling. I didn't know how I would feel about it at first but it was super cute. There was a lot of drama that I enjoy in an urban fiction. This was my first Bella Jay read and I did enjoy it so I will add sis to my author TBR. I also can’t wait to see what more Skye Moon and Bella Jay do with these urban fairytale retellings.
Whew there was a lot going on but I enjoyed this urban fairytale retelling of Aladdin. Jareem was ruthless just like Jafar and I mean he went through a lot to get that Sulten title. Bella Jay did a good job with Jareem’s character, Ol boy was cold as hell and I didn't really like him but there was a moment when I felt so bad for him that I had tears in my eyes. The issues he was having with his daughter showed a softer side of him and let you connect a little with his character but then you went back to not liking him right after.
I enjoyed Amere and Jolee’s character development and love story. Amere’s struggle was so relatable and real. I was glad when things started to look up for him. Jolee was so naive in the beginning so when she finally opened her eyes to see what was really going on I was like girl finally. Jolee and Amere were so cute, it was that early twenties childish type of love and it was cute to read about.
I really enjoyed the Aladdin urban retelling. I didn't know how I would feel about it at first but it was super cute. There was a lot of drama that I enjoy in an urban fiction. This was my first Bella Jay read and I did enjoy it so I will add sis to my author TBR. I also can’t wait to see what more Skye Moon and Bella Jay do with these urban fairytale retellings.
December 28, 2018
The story of POWER takes place in the fictional region of Everland. Inside there are other areas divided by the amount of money your family has. From the super rich to the dirt poor.
The cast of characters were never dull or boring. Jolee is one of the main characters. She is the daughter of Sam who runs The Sultan Empire. Jolee has been trained to run the empire after her dad steps down but, not really. Sam keeps tabs on her like a cat watching a mouse. She has absolutely NO freedom. I was wondering how she would manage to run anything being cooped up in the house all the time. Sam has a right hand, Jareem. Jareem does almost everything within the organization but is head of the Magicians, a heist crew. Then we have Amare. He is just getting by in the world. He has to care for his younger brother being their parents aren’t around & he has a hard time keeping them above water.
There are plenty more people who help to keep this story going & I say all of them are necessary.
Sam as the Sultan, has all the power but as always, someone gets greedy & wants to find a way to knock him off his throne. @thebellajayproject kept me thoroughly entertained with this re-fictionalization of a fiction story if that makes sense 🤷🏽♀️. I recommend you pick it up, I enjoyed it & was pleasantly surprised.
The cast of characters were never dull or boring. Jolee is one of the main characters. She is the daughter of Sam who runs The Sultan Empire. Jolee has been trained to run the empire after her dad steps down but, not really. Sam keeps tabs on her like a cat watching a mouse. She has absolutely NO freedom. I was wondering how she would manage to run anything being cooped up in the house all the time. Sam has a right hand, Jareem. Jareem does almost everything within the organization but is head of the Magicians, a heist crew. Then we have Amare. He is just getting by in the world. He has to care for his younger brother being their parents aren’t around & he has a hard time keeping them above water.
There are plenty more people who help to keep this story going & I say all of them are necessary.
Sam as the Sultan, has all the power but as always, someone gets greedy & wants to find a way to knock him off his throne. @thebellajayproject kept me thoroughly entertained with this re-fictionalization of a fiction story if that makes sense 🤷🏽♀️. I recommend you pick it up, I enjoyed it & was pleasantly surprised.
May 11, 2021
Aladdin 2.0
Way to retell a fairytale!
I really enjoyed this book!
When I first read the synopsis I thought how good could a rewrite of Aladdin truly be? How will they write the characters to embody Jafar, Jasmine and Aladdin to be current and relevant?
Well I was pleasantly surprised. The spin on the characters was awesome. Placing it in the setting of a crime family and all the people who are involved from the family to the workers, to the right hand man to the pawns was genius.
I became so engrossed. Not to mention getting the full story of the meeting with Aasim. Every person played a role in the story. We had the princess, the thief, the genie, the trusted advisor, the king, and more.
The story was very well written for her debut. That’s why I gave her 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Way to retell a fairytale!
I really enjoyed this book!
When I first read the synopsis I thought how good could a rewrite of Aladdin truly be? How will they write the characters to embody Jafar, Jasmine and Aladdin to be current and relevant?
Well I was pleasantly surprised. The spin on the characters was awesome. Placing it in the setting of a crime family and all the people who are involved from the family to the workers, to the right hand man to the pawns was genius.
I became so engrossed. Not to mention getting the full story of the meeting with Aasim. Every person played a role in the story. We had the princess, the thief, the genie, the trusted advisor, the king, and more.
The story was very well written for her debut. That’s why I gave her 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 25, 2023
ʙᴇʟʟᴀ ᴊᴀʏ sᴛʀᴇssᴇs ᴍᴇ ᴀʟʟ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴀʏ ᴏᴜᴛ so ʀᴏᴜɴᴅ ᴏғ ᴀᴘᴘʟᴀᴜsᴇ ʙᴇᴄᴀᴜsᴇ ᴛʜɪs ʙᴏᴏᴋ ᴅɪᴅ ɴᴏᴛ ᴍᴀᴋᴇ ᴍᴇ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ sᴇɴᴅ ʜᴇʀ ʜᴀᴛᴇ ᴍᴀɪʟ! ᴊ/ᴋ.. ʙᴜᴛ ᴍᴀʏʙᴇ ɴᴏᴛ 🤔
ᴛʜɪs ɪs ᴀɴ ᴜʀʙᴀɴ ʀᴇᴛᴇʟʟɪɴɢ ᴏғ ᴀʟᴀᴅᴅɪɴ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ɪ ᴀᴛᴇ ᴜᴘ! ɪ ᴡᴀɴᴛᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ʟɪᴋᴇ ʀᴇᴇᴍ ᴀɴᴅ ɪ’ʟʟ sʜᴇᴅ ʜᴀʟғ ᴀ ᴛʜᴜɢ ᴛᴇᴀʀ ғᴏʀ ɴᴀs ʙᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴀᴛ’s ᴀʟʟ ʜᴇ ᴄᴀɴ ɢᴇᴛ ғʀᴏᴍ ᴍᴇ!
ᴀᴍᴀʀᴇ ɪs ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴇʀғᴇᴄᴛ ʜᴏᴏᴅ ɢᴇɴᴛʟᴇᴍᴀɴ. ɪ ᴅᴏɴ’ᴛ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴀ sɪɴɢʟᴇ ʙᴀᴅ ᴛʜɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ sᴀʏ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ʜɪᴍ. ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴀʏ ʜᴇ ʟᴏᴏᴋᴇᴅ ᴏᴜᴛ ғᴏʀ ʜɪs ʙʀᴏᴛʜᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴊᴏʟᴇᴇ ғʀᴏᴍ ᴛʜᴇ ᴅᴀʏ ᴛʜᴇʏ ᴍᴇᴛ ᴡᴀs ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴛʜɪɴɢ. ɪ ᴡᴀɴᴛᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ sᴇᴇ ʜᴇʀ ʙᴇ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴄᴜᴛᴛʜʀᴏᴀᴛ. ʟɪᴋᴇ sʜᴇ sʜᴏᴜʟᴅ’ᴠᴇ ʟᴇᴛ ᴛʜᴏsᴇ ʟᴀsᴛ ғᴇᴡ ʙᴜʟʟᴇᴛs ᴏғғ ʙᴜᴛ ɪ ᴅɪɢʀᴇss. ᴀʟᴀᴅᴅɪɴ ᴀᴋᴀ ᴀᴍᴀʀᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴇsᴄᴜᴇ ʟᴏʟ
ᴛʜɪs ɪs ᴀɴ ᴜʀʙᴀɴ ʀᴇᴛᴇʟʟɪɴɢ ᴏғ ᴀʟᴀᴅᴅɪɴ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ɪ ᴀᴛᴇ ᴜᴘ! ɪ ᴡᴀɴᴛᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ʟɪᴋᴇ ʀᴇᴇᴍ ᴀɴᴅ ɪ’ʟʟ sʜᴇᴅ ʜᴀʟғ ᴀ ᴛʜᴜɢ ᴛᴇᴀʀ ғᴏʀ ɴᴀs ʙᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴀᴛ’s ᴀʟʟ ʜᴇ ᴄᴀɴ ɢᴇᴛ ғʀᴏᴍ ᴍᴇ!
ᴀᴍᴀʀᴇ ɪs ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴇʀғᴇᴄᴛ ʜᴏᴏᴅ ɢᴇɴᴛʟᴇᴍᴀɴ. ɪ ᴅᴏɴ’ᴛ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴀ sɪɴɢʟᴇ ʙᴀᴅ ᴛʜɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ sᴀʏ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ʜɪᴍ. ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴀʏ ʜᴇ ʟᴏᴏᴋᴇᴅ ᴏᴜᴛ ғᴏʀ ʜɪs ʙʀᴏᴛʜᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴊᴏʟᴇᴇ ғʀᴏᴍ ᴛʜᴇ ᴅᴀʏ ᴛʜᴇʏ ᴍᴇᴛ ᴡᴀs ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴛʜɪɴɢ. ɪ ᴡᴀɴᴛᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ sᴇᴇ ʜᴇʀ ʙᴇ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴄᴜᴛᴛʜʀᴏᴀᴛ. ʟɪᴋᴇ sʜᴇ sʜᴏᴜʟᴅ’ᴠᴇ ʟᴇᴛ ᴛʜᴏsᴇ ʟᴀsᴛ ғᴇᴡ ʙᴜʟʟᴇᴛs ᴏғғ ʙᴜᴛ ɪ ᴅɪɢʀᴇss. ᴀʟᴀᴅᴅɪɴ ᴀᴋᴀ ᴀᴍᴀʀᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴇsᴄᴜᴇ ʟᴏʟ
June 22, 2020
Great story!
I really loved this fairy tale series! Aladdin is one of my favorite Disney films and this urban take on it was amazing. I love how you knew the characters based on their film inspirations but you still didn’t know what to expect. Amare was bae, period! I loved G with his over the top personality and lifestyle to match. Jolee was what Amare needed, even when he couldn’t see it. I hope they take on some more classics because I would love to read them.
I really loved this fairy tale series! Aladdin is one of my favorite Disney films and this urban take on it was amazing. I love how you knew the characters based on their film inspirations but you still didn’t know what to expect. Amare was bae, period! I loved G with his over the top personality and lifestyle to match. Jolee was what Amare needed, even when he couldn’t see it. I hope they take on some more classics because I would love to read them.
October 6, 2021
A nice twist of the original fairytale. Thought the character development could've been a little deeper but overall it was a great read. A good ending that could lend to a sequel if the author so wished.
July 28, 2024
What a great read!
September 30, 2025
One of my favorite Disney movies is Aladdin - both the cartoon version and the Will Smith live action one. Honestly I may like the Will Smith version better. Why am I carrying on about Disney movies? Because this book is the urban retelling of that fairy tale.
But if I may, this book is ghetto…seriously ghetto. The Sultan is the head of a drug and robbery crew not the kindly King of a country. Jareem (Jafir) is his right man who does own a blood red python and wants to take over the kingdom.
Jolee (Jasmine) is the Sultan’s daughter, who he’s keep locked down since her Mother was killed. Even though he wants her to be the next Sultana. But this Jolee (Jasmine) is weak, whiny and easily deceived. Not the strong woman in the Disney movies who wants to be the Sultana. It was the one thing I hated about the book.
Amare (Aladdin) is a thief here too. Recently out of jail, down on his luck and trying to protect his brother Auztin. Amare breaks into the wrong house and ends up on Jareem’s heist crew.
Then there’s Graham who becomes best friends with Amare after a job goes wrong. I guess Graham is the Genie since he acts like Amare’s fairy godfather, helping him and Auztin when times get hard.
Amare and Jolee meet at a house party and things move from there. While this wasn’t a great retelling, it was okay and the ending was really good. Not enough to move me from a 3⭐️ rating though. Borrowed this from Kindle Unlimited.
But if I may, this book is ghetto…seriously ghetto. The Sultan is the head of a drug and robbery crew not the kindly King of a country. Jareem (Jafir) is his right man who does own a blood red python and wants to take over the kingdom.
Jolee (Jasmine) is the Sultan’s daughter, who he’s keep locked down since her Mother was killed. Even though he wants her to be the next Sultana. But this Jolee (Jasmine) is weak, whiny and easily deceived. Not the strong woman in the Disney movies who wants to be the Sultana. It was the one thing I hated about the book.
Amare (Aladdin) is a thief here too. Recently out of jail, down on his luck and trying to protect his brother Auztin. Amare breaks into the wrong house and ends up on Jareem’s heist crew.
Then there’s Graham who becomes best friends with Amare after a job goes wrong. I guess Graham is the Genie since he acts like Amare’s fairy godfather, helping him and Auztin when times get hard.
Amare and Jolee meet at a house party and things move from there. While this wasn’t a great retelling, it was okay and the ending was really good. Not enough to move me from a 3⭐️ rating though. Borrowed this from Kindle Unlimited.
January 15, 2024
👀🫣 If only I could do a review in emojis felt through this book 📕 lol.
Power is an urban retelling of Aladdin! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the world that Miss Bella Jay created and the characters, but whew child Jareem aka Jafar had my mental all torn up! Idk how many times I slapped my kindle because of his evilness, plots and schemes! Joleen aka Princess Jasmine was definitely a likable character and I wanted the best outcomes for my girl through each chapter! Amare aka Aladdin OMG (my man, my man, my man) he’s definitely a man you want on your side that would stop at nothing to protect the people that he loves! Graham- aka Genie 🧞♂️ I would say he’s the closest person to Genie because he provides safety & financial opportunities for Amare. If you like retellings in modern day society, strong FMC’s & MMC’s with a splash of: drugs, mafia empire, power/control, conspiracy and romance/lust wrapped up into one world, then this is the book world for you to pick up!
Tropes: Black Romance, Black Mafia Romance, Friends to lovers, Friends to Enemies/Lovers, Close proximity.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Power is an urban retelling of Aladdin! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the world that Miss Bella Jay created and the characters, but whew child Jareem aka Jafar had my mental all torn up! Idk how many times I slapped my kindle because of his evilness, plots and schemes! Joleen aka Princess Jasmine was definitely a likable character and I wanted the best outcomes for my girl through each chapter! Amare aka Aladdin OMG (my man, my man, my man) he’s definitely a man you want on your side that would stop at nothing to protect the people that he loves! Graham- aka Genie 🧞♂️ I would say he’s the closest person to Genie because he provides safety & financial opportunities for Amare. If you like retellings in modern day society, strong FMC’s & MMC’s with a splash of: drugs, mafia empire, power/control, conspiracy and romance/lust wrapped up into one world, then this is the book world for you to pick up!
Tropes: Black Romance, Black Mafia Romance, Friends to lovers, Friends to Enemies/Lovers, Close proximity.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
June 1, 2022
Where do I even start?!
First off .. Aladdin is my all time favorite movie. So when I seen the synopsis of how it is an urban retelling of it I didn’t waste no time to read it as soon as I finished my book.
I love how Bella Jay wrote the book in a way that incorporated the characters in this story to the movie but the book still had its own identity. For example, one of the main characters had a motorcycle that was named Carpet and he mention how he wanted to show one of the females a whole new world. So that was really cute to me.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It had a good plot and the spice scenes were 👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾 although I kinda wished there were more but that’s me being greedy.
I wasn’t a fan of the villain’s situation with his daughter but I guess that had to be his breaking point so I understand why it was included but damn Bella Jay, you didn’t have to do me like that.
I didn’t really feel a strong connection with the main characters. I understand they really liked each other but I didn’t quite feel the pull that they say they felt for each other. All in all it was a good book and it gets 3.25 stars from me
First off .. Aladdin is my all time favorite movie. So when I seen the synopsis of how it is an urban retelling of it I didn’t waste no time to read it as soon as I finished my book.
I love how Bella Jay wrote the book in a way that incorporated the characters in this story to the movie but the book still had its own identity. For example, one of the main characters had a motorcycle that was named Carpet and he mention how he wanted to show one of the females a whole new world. So that was really cute to me.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It had a good plot and the spice scenes were 👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾 although I kinda wished there were more but that’s me being greedy.
I wasn’t a fan of the villain’s situation with his daughter but I guess that had to be his breaking point so I understand why it was included but damn Bella Jay, you didn’t have to do me like that.
I didn’t really feel a strong connection with the main characters. I understand they really liked each other but I didn’t quite feel the pull that they say they felt for each other. All in all it was a good book and it gets 3.25 stars from me
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