What do you think?
Rate this book
Haven Realm Chronicles #2
Charmed
Arabian Nights. Three Dangerously Sexy Genies. A Deadly Sorcerer.
Abandoned by her mother at a young age, and left to survive in the slums of the Utaara, Azar must steal for survival. Sure, a life of crime has no honour, but if it feeds her brother, she'll do whatever it takes. Whispers speak of a desert cave where the Sultan stores all his treasure. Stealing some jewels is worth the risk to afford the medicine to cure her brother's illness.
In the depths of the Sultan's cave, she finds a brass lamp and unleashes three gorgeous genies. Except they are weakened from being trapped in the lamp for hundreds of years, and of not much use. Azar's plans turn for the worse when they are captured by the Sultan's evil vizier, who wants the genie's power to feed his dark magic. Can she defeat the vizier, resist the genie's allure, and save her brother before it's too late? Or will they all meet their fate at the hands of the vizier?
Charmed is a Haven Realm novel retelling of Aladdin. Note: Each book in the Haven Realm series is a standalone book.
A Reverse Harem Fairy Tale Retelling.
Abandoned by her mother at a young age, and left to survive in the slums of the Utaara, Azar must steal for survival. Sure, a life of crime has no honour, but if it feeds her brother, she'll do whatever it takes. Whispers speak of a desert cave where the Sultan stores all his treasure. Stealing some jewels is worth the risk to afford the medicine to cure her brother's illness.
In the depths of the Sultan's cave, she finds a brass lamp and unleashes three gorgeous genies. Except they are weakened from being trapped in the lamp for hundreds of years, and of not much use. Azar's plans turn for the worse when they are captured by the Sultan's evil vizier, who wants the genie's power to feed his dark magic. Can she defeat the vizier, resist the genie's allure, and save her brother before it's too late? Or will they all meet their fate at the hands of the vizier?
Charmed is a Haven Realm novel retelling of Aladdin. Note: Each book in the Haven Realm series is a standalone book.
A Reverse Harem Fairy Tale Retelling.
244 pages, Paperback
First published January 23, 2018
361 people are currently reading
815 people want to read
About the author
Mila Young
154 books2,100 followersMila Young tackles everything with the zeal and bravado of the fairytale heroes she grew up reading about. She slays monsters, real and imaginary, like there's no tomorrow. By day she rocks a keyboard as a marketing extraordinaire. At night she battles with her mighty pen-sword, creating fairytale retellings, and sexy ever after tales.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
October 3, 2021
2.5 Stars / 2 Steam Fans
RH is already not my jam, but then as a reimaging of Aladdin...UGH!
Video review available in Week 36: Sep 5 – Sep 11, 2021, full weekly book reviews available on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon.
For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
RH is already not my jam, but then as a reimaging of Aladdin...UGH!
Video review available in Week 36: Sep 5 – Sep 11, 2021, full weekly book reviews available on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon.
For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
January 5, 2020
3.5 Stars
This was another crazy ride in the series, this time a very loose RH retelling of Aladdin. I loved how she was the ‘street rat’, the orphan and thief who steals so provide for her and her brother. Oh and she has a cute little monkey sidekick. After raiding the Sultan’s treasure trove she rubs herself upon a lamp, a lamp with not one but three genies. Unfortunately for her the genies need to recharge and don’t come out of he lamp fully powerful and ready to grant wishes. Thus between their being powerless and her hunt for medicine to save her brother she has time to get to know each of the men. The book is fairly short and so things do progress super fast between them. The story was fun, a little crazy but it worked. At this point I’m used to the authors’ wild writing. These stories are pure fiction all the way and I really love how so many real world modern items and phrases the author incorporates. It’s never really explicitly said when these books take place but as they’re in a fantasy world really anything is possible. The end though, I find I’m lost by a few things. Once again I listened to this book and found the pacing kept things going. That being said this is my least favorite of the few I’ve read so far. For whatever reason I already read book four and maybe it’s because that’s a ‘whole new world’ under the sea but the setting was so much more fun and descriptive in that one. I was thrown here that she lives in the slums and has running water etc, I guess mentally I’m accustomed to the Aladdin world being an old world dessert dwelling certainly nothing so modern, ok if I’m being honest more like in the Disney version I see in my head. I wish there was more detail given about the city she lived in, so things like running water wouldn’t seem so off. I did enjoy the story, wish I wasn’t this confused at the end but glad I gave this one a shot.
This was another crazy ride in the series, this time a very loose RH retelling of Aladdin. I loved how she was the ‘street rat’, the orphan and thief who steals so provide for her and her brother. Oh and she has a cute little monkey sidekick. After raiding the Sultan’s treasure trove she rubs herself upon a lamp, a lamp with not one but three genies. Unfortunately for her the genies need to recharge and don’t come out of he lamp fully powerful and ready to grant wishes. Thus between their being powerless and her hunt for medicine to save her brother she has time to get to know each of the men. The book is fairly short and so things do progress super fast between them. The story was fun, a little crazy but it worked. At this point I’m used to the authors’ wild writing. These stories are pure fiction all the way and I really love how so many real world modern items and phrases the author incorporates. It’s never really explicitly said when these books take place but as they’re in a fantasy world really anything is possible. The end though, I find I’m lost by a few things. Once again I listened to this book and found the pacing kept things going. That being said this is my least favorite of the few I’ve read so far. For whatever reason I already read book four and maybe it’s because that’s a ‘whole new world’ under the sea but the setting was so much more fun and descriptive in that one. I was thrown here that she lives in the slums and has running water etc, I guess mentally I’m accustomed to the Aladdin world being an old world dessert dwelling certainly nothing so modern, ok if I’m being honest more like in the Disney version I see in my head. I wish there was more detail given about the city she lived in, so things like running water wouldn’t seem so off. I did enjoy the story, wish I wasn’t this confused at the end but glad I gave this one a shot.
April 21, 2018
Incredible Fairy Tale Remake
If you are a fan of RH and the Aladdin story then you so have to read this book. The mc has a brother named Ali that is sick making it necessary for her to have to steal to get money for his meds. Enter the sultans cave and a magical lamp with not one but three genies. The combination of all of this takes you on an adventure that has enough details to recognize the fairy tale but makes it a whole lot better. While very familiar with the story I was still kept guessing what was going to happen next as we follow magical twists and turns along the way. I loved every minute of it so I give it 5/5 stars!!!
If you are a fan of RH and the Aladdin story then you so have to read this book. The mc has a brother named Ali that is sick making it necessary for her to have to steal to get money for his meds. Enter the sultans cave and a magical lamp with not one but three genies. The combination of all of this takes you on an adventure that has enough details to recognize the fairy tale but makes it a whole lot better. While very familiar with the story I was still kept guessing what was going to happen next as we follow magical twists and turns along the way. I loved every minute of it so I give it 5/5 stars!!!
February 29, 2020
2-2.5 stars. Ok so its pretty obvious that these books in this series are going to be really fast paced, insta love, type stories. I love that someone has taken the time to re imagine the Aladdin story as I don't ever see any of those. However I think it took me quite some time to even realize our MC was an FMC.. that really threw me for a bit. Also I didn't think the connections here were near as good as the first book in this series. Honestly I just wasn't feeling the intensity and therefor really couldn't get into the story as much. Everything just seemed so stacked against them and I was expecting big awesome magic from at least one of the 3 "genie's" but was sorely disappointed when that wasn't how the story played out at all. I'm thinking that my expectations of this story colored my opinion during my read. I just wanted more from this as, like I said, I don't see many retellings of this story.
I'm hoping for more in book 3 since Bee has been my most fav so far. We shall see.
I'm hoping for more in book 3 since Bee has been my most fav so far. We shall see.
March 11, 2019
It was really lovely read. I would fallen for those genies myself. Azar is strong, determined, protective and loving. Able to brave any dangers for her brother and others she love. Zand, Dahvi and Kaza are extremly different, but still have lots in common, and not only the lamp they shared. Plot os quite interesting and this huge twist to Alladin story did pull me in the book.
March 15, 2025
I typically love Disney retellings, but I have yet to find an Aladdin one that I've liked. The characters is this book lacked the chemistry needed for this to be a reverse harem. I felt like the world building was very lacking. Azar was just an out right idiot. AND WTF ABOUT THE MONKEY!!!!!! Why would you do that? Not cool.
The whole sucking the life force out of someone to stay young isn't something new and I wish the storyline was closer to the original but with a twist, I just don't know what was missing for me but something was.
The whole sucking the life force out of someone to stay young isn't something new and I wish the storyline was closer to the original but with a twist, I just don't know what was missing for me but something was.
January 11, 2020
I enjoyed this more then Hunted. I'd say a strong 3.5. I can't believe the monkey died that was evil. I liked the way that the Vizier was an ancient evil and i liked the idea of sucking out the life source to keep him young. there was the mistake at the end where the genies still used powers when she was going to set them free which makes them lose their magic, so either she didn't set them free or they are free with their magic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2018
.. I want to love this series. RH books based off disney movies? hell yeah! But no.. I hated this book. Azar was an idiot. Seriously TSTL. The world building isn't there. The characters have ZERO chemistry and hellllooo it's a freaking romance, there needs to be chemistry.
So my issue is this; the next book is beauty and the beast.. which is my favorite. So I want to read it and hopefully it doesn't suck royally. But I have hated the first 2 books in this series. hmm..
So my issue is this; the next book is beauty and the beast.. which is my favorite. So I want to read it and hopefully it doesn't suck royally. But I have hated the first 2 books in this series. hmm..
January 23, 2018
This is the second book in the Haven Realm series and can be read as a standalone. I loved this version of Aladdin. So many twist and turns keep you wanting to keep turning the pages on this action packed story. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
January 28, 2019
Awesome book
Great retelling of the original. Very imaginative. Love the characters, especially the genies. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Great retelling of the original. Very imaginative. Love the characters, especially the genies. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
March 26, 2018
Good
I enjoyed this but not as much as the first. The guys still seemed to eyeball other girls even though they say she is their only.
I enjoyed this but not as much as the first. The guys still seemed to eyeball other girls even though they say she is their only.
May 12, 2024
Take a shot everytime you hear ' fat cats' in the first chapter.
January 25, 2018
An Aladdin Retelling.
Azar was abandoned at a young age with her little brother by their mother.
The orphanage she left them at, only using them as child slaves.
Leaving with her brother was the only option, even if it meant she had to turn into a thief to provide for them
When her brother, Ali, comes down with the Black Lung and the medicine for such an illness costs more than what she can steal from her usual hunting grounds, she plans to steal from the sultan.
He has treasure troves hidden within the city and she knows he wouldn't miss a few items from such a place.
She never planned to get caught, or do bind herself to three genies trapped inside a lamp.
I didn't like this story as much as I did the first in the series.
But it is still a good story.
It's a different take on the Aladdin story we all know and love (well most of us).
It's fast paced.
A lot happens and it has some pretty steamy scenes.
There were a few errors within the story, but I don't think it is enough to distract from reading.
I didn't feel as if these characters were developed enough.
The main female lead, Azar, was well-written, but I felt the genies were lacking a bit.
It also seemed to have some repetitive notions, such as mental thoughts and feelings, that seemed redundant.
However, I would definitely recommend this story to anyone considering reading it.
I think it was a fun, stand-alone novel with a whimsical feel.
If you love fairytale stories and romances, it is certainly a book for you.
Azar was abandoned at a young age with her little brother by their mother.
The orphanage she left them at, only using them as child slaves.
Leaving with her brother was the only option, even if it meant she had to turn into a thief to provide for them
When her brother, Ali, comes down with the Black Lung and the medicine for such an illness costs more than what she can steal from her usual hunting grounds, she plans to steal from the sultan.
He has treasure troves hidden within the city and she knows he wouldn't miss a few items from such a place.
She never planned to get caught, or do bind herself to three genies trapped inside a lamp.
I didn't like this story as much as I did the first in the series.
But it is still a good story.
It's a different take on the Aladdin story we all know and love (well most of us).
It's fast paced.
A lot happens and it has some pretty steamy scenes.
There were a few errors within the story, but I don't think it is enough to distract from reading.
I didn't feel as if these characters were developed enough.
The main female lead, Azar, was well-written, but I felt the genies were lacking a bit.
It also seemed to have some repetitive notions, such as mental thoughts and feelings, that seemed redundant.
However, I would definitely recommend this story to anyone considering reading it.
I think it was a fun, stand-alone novel with a whimsical feel.
If you love fairytale stories and romances, it is certainly a book for you.
January 25, 2018
I really enjoyed the second book in this series by Mila Young and I love a good retake on a classic fairytale. I really love Azar and her three genies, Zand, Kaza and Dahvi! I would have liked a bit more of a background to their stories so I understood them a little better and a bit more of an explanation for the heart bonding. However having said that there were so many laugh out loud moments and I absolutely loved how Azar describes what all three guys mean to her. Zand is her protector, Kaza her to uplift her spirit and Dahvi to bring comfort. She falls hard and fast for all three guys and really feels that connection and possessiveness. I enjoyed the evil guy in the book too, would have liked him fleshed our a bit more but who can go past an evil, magical Vizier just like the classic story! This book is full of adventure, suspense, magic and romance. For me one of the best parts in the book was the ending as we see Azar in the future and what everyone is up to now. I would love to read a spin off short story about Azar’s brother Ali, he is such a great character! This is a fun book and a great RH story. Highly recommended and I can’t wait for book 3 in this series!
February 15, 2018
Action packed, courageous, one twisted vizier, three dazzling genies and lots of sensual passion.
Mila Young has written an exciting, and adventurous story of Aladdin but with a twist! Charmed: A Reverse Harem Fairy Tale Retelling (Haven Realm Book 2) you’re drawn into the story right from the first chapter. Ms. Young portrays the city of Utaara so well I was able to imagine myself living there and experience what her characters felt.
Azar is a beautiful young woman with a heart of gold. She’s always conscientious and loyal to her little brother, Ali’s needs. Even though she’s a thief, she does have standards and principals even if they are a little unorthodox. She’s desperate to get the medicine her brother needs to cure his illness. Little does she know by touching the lamp in the Sultan’s cave she would awaken three gorgeous and sexy genies!
I love the story of Aladdin but I was thoroughly captivated by Charmed: A Reverse Harem Fairy Tale Retelling (Haven Realm Book 2). Suspense, adventure, action packed with a whole lot of flirting and steamy, sexual tension! This is a book you don’t want to miss out on.
Mila Young has written an exciting, and adventurous story of Aladdin but with a twist! Charmed: A Reverse Harem Fairy Tale Retelling (Haven Realm Book 2) you’re drawn into the story right from the first chapter. Ms. Young portrays the city of Utaara so well I was able to imagine myself living there and experience what her characters felt.
Azar is a beautiful young woman with a heart of gold. She’s always conscientious and loyal to her little brother, Ali’s needs. Even though she’s a thief, she does have standards and principals even if they are a little unorthodox. She’s desperate to get the medicine her brother needs to cure his illness. Little does she know by touching the lamp in the Sultan’s cave she would awaken three gorgeous and sexy genies!
I love the story of Aladdin but I was thoroughly captivated by Charmed: A Reverse Harem Fairy Tale Retelling (Haven Realm Book 2). Suspense, adventure, action packed with a whole lot of flirting and steamy, sexual tension! This is a book you don’t want to miss out on.
January 20, 2019
Great read, I couldn't put it down!
Nice twist on the old tale of Aladdin and the magic lamp. This rendition was filled with evil magic, sexy genies and love. The story was one that entranced me and I couldn't put it down. If you love fairy tales that are different from the original then you should be reading this book!
Azar's brother is sick and the cure is very expensive. So as she was a street eat and stole small things to feed her brother and herself, she thought that she would take a few things from the sultan's treasures to pay for the medicine. But she gets caught. She is also confused when the evil vizier tries to kill her and a barrier formed around her. The vizier was told by a guard that she had stolen a magic genie lamp. She didn't believe it until three gorgeous genies came out of the lamp to help her.
Zand, Kaza and Dahvi were trapped for many years and are very weak. They must wait for their powers to recharge now that they are out of the lamp. They were told that the only one that could let them out was the one who would set them free. Could Azar be that one? There are a lot of things happening in this magical story.
Nice twist on the old tale of Aladdin and the magic lamp. This rendition was filled with evil magic, sexy genies and love. The story was one that entranced me and I couldn't put it down. If you love fairy tales that are different from the original then you should be reading this book!
Azar's brother is sick and the cure is very expensive. So as she was a street eat and stole small things to feed her brother and herself, she thought that she would take a few things from the sultan's treasures to pay for the medicine. But she gets caught. She is also confused when the evil vizier tries to kill her and a barrier formed around her. The vizier was told by a guard that she had stolen a magic genie lamp. She didn't believe it until three gorgeous genies came out of the lamp to help her.
Zand, Kaza and Dahvi were trapped for many years and are very weak. They must wait for their powers to recharge now that they are out of the lamp. They were told that the only one that could let them out was the one who would set them free. Could Azar be that one? There are a lot of things happening in this magical story.
September 10, 2024
Honestly this is probably a 2-2.5 star read for me but I’ve rounded up as some of the issues are me deciding I don’t like reverse harem and that’s a me thing not something to drag the books stars down.
I love the idea of an Aladdin twisted retelling but I just couldn’t get into this. The world felt a little flat to me, why do the slums have running water? Maybe it’s a more modern slums but I didn’t get that much of a modern desert town vibe so I was a bit off kilter reading this.
I didn’t feel much chemistry between the female mc and the 3 guys. It was just a quick insta lust thing with men that have a flat stereotypical personalities. I would have loved a little more development. And this is a quick book, it feels like there was space to expand some things out.
Some of the wording just gave me a bit of the ick too. There was one line that was something like “He filled me, reaching right to the mouth of my womb,” just didn’t do it for me.
I tried a new thing but going by this, reverse harem is certainly not for me.
I love the idea of an Aladdin twisted retelling but I just couldn’t get into this. The world felt a little flat to me, why do the slums have running water? Maybe it’s a more modern slums but I didn’t get that much of a modern desert town vibe so I was a bit off kilter reading this.
I didn’t feel much chemistry between the female mc and the 3 guys. It was just a quick insta lust thing with men that have a flat stereotypical personalities. I would have loved a little more development. And this is a quick book, it feels like there was space to expand some things out.
Some of the wording just gave me a bit of the ick too. There was one line that was something like “He filled me, reaching right to the mouth of my womb,” just didn’t do it for me.
I tried a new thing but going by this, reverse harem is certainly not for me.
April 30, 2018
Azar has no other way to help her sick brother than by being a thief. He's all she has left in the world, and she'll even dare steal from the Sultan's desert cave to get medicine for him. Chased by guards, Azar accidentally releases three genies from a lamp. The Sultan's loathsome vizier wants the magic for himself. She escaped with the genies, but they are weak from their imprisonment. They can't hide for long. Even as they try to find medicine for her brother, she finds herself falling for these three handsome genies. Yet will getting her heart caught up in it be her downfall?
Another wonderful reverse harem romance from Mila Young. This one is a re-telling of Aladdin with three genies instead of one. Azar is brave and admirable. I particularly love the brother relationship between the genies and adding Azar's little brother into their fold. It's just a bunch of hilarious guys hanging out! It's fast-paced and intense with steamy parts.
Another wonderful reverse harem romance from Mila Young. This one is a re-telling of Aladdin with three genies instead of one. Azar is brave and admirable. I particularly love the brother relationship between the genies and adding Azar's little brother into their fold. It's just a bunch of hilarious guys hanging out! It's fast-paced and intense with steamy parts.
December 23, 2018
A fast, quick read. An enjoyable standalone RH.
I've been kind of in a reading slump, which sucks, because it's the holidays and I have a week off from work. I could get SO much reading done. But, anyways, getting back to the book.
A twist on the Aladdin fairy tale, with three sexy genies. A bit of insta-lust, but honestly in a standalone RH, that's kind of what you have to expect. Standalones just don't afford the same kind of character development that series do, unless the standalone is 500 pages long. Which most RHs aren't. They're short. Most of the time, the plots are pushed off to the side in favor of exploring the relationship---which, again, isn't necessarily a bad thing, and something you should get used to in this genre, I think. Unless you like being disappointed.
Mila Young has an easy way of telling things; I do enjoy her writing. I flew through this book in one sitting. I still need 4 and 5 of Haven realm, fingers crossed I'll be getting them for christmas!
I've been kind of in a reading slump, which sucks, because it's the holidays and I have a week off from work. I could get SO much reading done. But, anyways, getting back to the book.
A twist on the Aladdin fairy tale, with three sexy genies. A bit of insta-lust, but honestly in a standalone RH, that's kind of what you have to expect. Standalones just don't afford the same kind of character development that series do, unless the standalone is 500 pages long. Which most RHs aren't. They're short. Most of the time, the plots are pushed off to the side in favor of exploring the relationship---which, again, isn't necessarily a bad thing, and something you should get used to in this genre, I think. Unless you like being disappointed.
Mila Young has an easy way of telling things; I do enjoy her writing. I flew through this book in one sitting. I still need 4 and 5 of Haven realm, fingers crossed I'll be getting them for christmas!
October 28, 2019
Quick Info
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: Yes
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Azar
----------------------------------
What happens?
Azar is a thief not because she wants to be but because she needs to be. Stealing things from rich people to help feed her brother and herself.
She steals something she definitely shouldn't have touched and ends up with magical genies willing to serve her every whim and need.
Final thoughts
This was fine. Not great, not even that bad but fine. I got a bit lost in the middle and just felt like I was skimming pages which is kind of what I feel a lot while reading this author's books but its not a terrible read.
I like Azar and I liked the way she stuck up for herself and people she loves.
Would I read again?: I wouldn't rush to tbh
Would I read this author again?:Yes
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: Yes
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Azar
----------------------------------
What happens?
Azar is a thief not because she wants to be but because she needs to be. Stealing things from rich people to help feed her brother and herself.
She steals something she definitely shouldn't have touched and ends up with magical genies willing to serve her every whim and need.
Final thoughts
This was fine. Not great, not even that bad but fine. I got a bit lost in the middle and just felt like I was skimming pages which is kind of what I feel a lot while reading this author's books but its not a terrible read.
I like Azar and I liked the way she stuck up for herself and people she loves.
Would I read again?: I wouldn't rush to tbh
Would I read this author again?:Yes
January 25, 2020
Potential wasted
This story had so much potential but unfortunately, it was very rushed, under developed, and inconsistent. I don't know what happened with this story. Hunted, Cursed, and Entangled were so good. The chemistry with the characters in those stories felt so authentic because the author took her time in developing each character to make it believable. With this one... I often sat there saying "wtf?" because the characters' actions often contradicted what the author initially set up as their persona. Also, the sex scenes were so out of place that they were laughable. There were spelling issues, grammatical errors, plot gaps and inconsistencies... just. The whole thing was tough to get through.
This story had so much potential but unfortunately, it was very rushed, under developed, and inconsistent. I don't know what happened with this story. Hunted, Cursed, and Entangled were so good. The chemistry with the characters in those stories felt so authentic because the author took her time in developing each character to make it believable. With this one... I often sat there saying "wtf?" because the characters' actions often contradicted what the author initially set up as their persona. Also, the sex scenes were so out of place that they were laughable. There were spelling issues, grammatical errors, plot gaps and inconsistencies... just. The whole thing was tough to get through.
April 13, 2022
Ich mag Milas Bücher sehr, aber bei diesem Buch bin ich ein bisschen zwigespalten... Die Geschichte ist toll, aber irgendwie ist sie dem ersten Teil dieser Reihe sehr ähnlich - vom Aufbau der Geschichte, fast wie wenn die beiden Freundinnen die gleiche Geschichte nur anders erleben... Wenn man den ersten Band nicht kennt, ist es sicherlich wieder ein absolutes Highlight, aber der Reihe nach gelesen, fehlt mir persönlich ein bisschen der WOW-Effekt. Mir persönlich war es auch ein bisschen zu wenig erotisch... Obwohl sich Bee in 4 Männer verliebt, hatte ich dass Gefühl, dass die Erotik in diesem Buch eher Nebensache war... Bee mit ihren Fähigkeiten und Geheimnissen als Hexe, dieser Strang in der Geschichte hat mir echt gut gefallen...
September 12, 2018
Liked this so much better than the first book Hunted. This had a gripping beginning and was fast paced and full of action throughout.
I loved all the genie's with the exception maybe of Kaza who i felt was rather full on with his affection at times. Azar is a great female character she is bold and not afraid to do what is right for her family.
The only downsides were slight time hops where we jump from one land to another at the flip of the page plus i did not like the fact we met Scarlet in this pre-wolf era as this jarred me after having just read her story.
Great series of re-tellings i will definitely be reading more from this author.
I loved all the genie's with the exception maybe of Kaza who i felt was rather full on with his affection at times. Azar is a great female character she is bold and not afraid to do what is right for her family.
The only downsides were slight time hops where we jump from one land to another at the flip of the page plus i did not like the fact we met Scarlet in this pre-wolf era as this jarred me after having just read her story.
Great series of re-tellings i will definitely be reading more from this author.
April 17, 2019
Genies galore
While I was totally smitten when reading Hunted, the first book of the Haven Realms series, I couldn't get into this book that much. It left me with a bit of unresolved feelings. Does this mean that these elements will be answered in one of the next books in the series, or not? I'm unsure.
While I still like the book, I kind of miss the feeling of wonder and excitement that I usually have after reading something mindblowing. To be fair I'm usually not a big fan of fairytale retellings, plus I'm a huge fan of Alladin. The combination of both, makes my standards extremely high.
While I was totally smitten when reading Hunted, the first book of the Haven Realms series, I couldn't get into this book that much. It left me with a bit of unresolved feelings. Does this mean that these elements will be answered in one of the next books in the series, or not? I'm unsure.
While I still like the book, I kind of miss the feeling of wonder and excitement that I usually have after reading something mindblowing. To be fair I'm usually not a big fan of fairytale retellings, plus I'm a huge fan of Alladin. The combination of both, makes my standards extremely high.
June 20, 2019
I won't waste any more time on this book so this is a summary
- No chemistry between h and Hs (the h's brother had more interaction (other than sex) with the 3 heroes than our heroine) .
- there was only talk of what the heroine does(she's a theif, atleast she can have some fighting skills) but she is always in the sidelines crying and raging.
- there were only 2 instances where she does something (1 the theive of lamp - got caught, and another where she sells the magical skulls - potential disaster because the skull was not melted)
Honestly I can't understand why would anyone(let alone 3 magical beings) would want her.
- No chemistry between h and Hs (the h's brother had more interaction (other than sex) with the 3 heroes than our heroine) .
- there was only talk of what the heroine does(she's a theif, atleast she can have some fighting skills) but she is always in the sidelines crying and raging.
- there were only 2 instances where she does something (1 the theive of lamp - got caught, and another where she sells the magical skulls - potential disaster because the skull was not melted)
Honestly I can't understand why would anyone(let alone 3 magical beings) would want her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2018
Aladdin like never before!
This was so wonderful! I am always skeptical when I hear about fairytale retellings. They inevitably are either fantastic or horrible. This one falls in the fantastic category. Azar is everything you could want in a heroine. I loved her relationship with her brother and I loved the genies relationships with each other. This is more of a spin off than a retelling. I could see several Aladdin elements in the story, but it's really its own original story.
This was so wonderful! I am always skeptical when I hear about fairytale retellings. They inevitably are either fantastic or horrible. This one falls in the fantastic category. Azar is everything you could want in a heroine. I loved her relationship with her brother and I loved the genies relationships with each other. This is more of a spin off than a retelling. I could see several Aladdin elements in the story, but it's really its own original story.
May 22, 2018
Another very interesting fairy retelling.
I grew up on Disney movies, so reading an Aladdin retelling had me intrigued from the get-go. I was very pleased to see that the original aspects were woven into the story, like the magic carpet and monkey sidekick! It was very interesting to read a different take on a much loved fairytale. I found certain aspects a little rushed and maybe glossed over, but that being said, it was a very enjoyable read. I found myself drawn to the characters and adventure they all embarked on.
I grew up on Disney movies, so reading an Aladdin retelling had me intrigued from the get-go. I was very pleased to see that the original aspects were woven into the story, like the magic carpet and monkey sidekick! It was very interesting to read a different take on a much loved fairytale. I found certain aspects a little rushed and maybe glossed over, but that being said, it was a very enjoyable read. I found myself drawn to the characters and adventure they all embarked on.
April 18, 2018
Absolutely Charming
This is the second book in this series I've read and both have stolen my heart. While they stick close enough to the original storylines that everyone loves, they have been woven oh so wonderfully into unique and lovable new stories. It's not often that I buy a physical copy of a book, but I want these so I can add them to my re-read list. I'm thrilled I stumbled across these!
This is the second book in this series I've read and both have stolen my heart. While they stick close enough to the original storylines that everyone loves, they have been woven oh so wonderfully into unique and lovable new stories. It's not often that I buy a physical copy of a book, but I want these so I can add them to my re-read list. I'm thrilled I stumbled across these!
July 25, 2018
Aladdin is not on the list of my favorite fairytales, so that was on my mind while I was reading it. HOWEVER! I thoroughly enjoyed the twists that this story took. I loved the relationship between Azar and her genie hunks. The team dynamic was great to watch (read) and I like how everything wrapped up nicely in the end. Definitely worth a read through if you're looking for something fun and steamy!
August 5, 2018
Book 2 in The Haven Realm Series is more than just a retelling of Aladdin or even Ali Baba & The Forty Thieves... Ms Young put a great deal of originality into her story, starring 1 plucky heroine, a brother deathly ill, a smart cappuccin monkey and 3 gorgeous genies! I would have liked some resolution to the missing mother situation but I guess some folk are #(*$ parents and abandon their children, never to return. I look forward to reading the other books in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews