Random House Books for Young Readers and Edelweiss gave me the opportunity to read this book for review (thank you). It has been published, so check with your local bookstore for a copy.
Najwa is a jinni, training to be a spy on the humans. Zayele is a human girl who has been chosen to be a princess in an arranged marriage. She doesn't want to leave home and the hills and marry a prince and live in the palace. She has no choice, though.
When Najwa visits the Princess on board the barge she's traveling on, the Princess grabs her and makes a wish that must be granted. She wishes to trade her places and wants to go home. What she doesn't realize is that home is with the jinni, not with the humans she grew up with.
Both girls are displaced and don't know how to act. They also regret that panicked moment when Zayele activated a fire wish. A fire wish can only be cancelled when the two young women are together and that's almost impossible to do in this instance.
This fantasy tale has many elements of surprise. One of my favorite parts is that the girls who didn't want to get married suddenly find themselves interested in the mates left behind. The prince falls in love with Najwa (even if he thinks she's Zayele) and Najwa's good friend falls in love with Zayele. That's a nice ironic touch that adds some spice to the tale.
The story was told well and ends happily. This is a good new fairy tale that is great fun to read.
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