Book Review #85: Eighteen Wishes by C.K. Sorens

Hello Dear Reader!

Welcome to another indie book review, this one by the lovely C.K. Sorens, so if you like my review and want to check out this book as well as her other ones, be sure visit her on Instagram!

Eighteen Wishes puts a unique spin on the wish-granting genie creatures complete with high stakes, lore, and romance, but before I get into that, here’s the back-cover summary: (from Goodreads)

500 years ago, djinn-hunter Isra Almasi was cursed to become the very creature she was born to kill.

Isra needs to grant eighteen wishes to escape the genie’s curse. To free herself means to free all genies, even the dangerous ones, and Isra refuses to play djinn games.

The djinn are tired of waiting on the sidelines for Isra to free their brethren. They threaten the life of Isra’s new master, Jacoa, to force his wishes. Their bond requires that she keep him alive. As they grow closer, her heart demands more.

With danger forcing their hand, will their growing connection help them break free? Or will playing the game of Eighteen Wishes prove just another trap?

Now, on to the review!

Eighteen Wishes follows the story of main characters Jacoa Wicker and Isra Almasi, one a human part of a long line of Wicker masters and the other a genie of the Wicker line. As per the rules of the contract between the wickers and their genie, on Jacoa’s eighteenth birthday, he gains access to Isra, and an adventure that affects the universe as we know it begins.

I absolutely loved Jacoa and Isra, and I don’t have a favorite between the two. Both characters are smart, crafty, and observant in their own ways, and many scenarios in the book show how strong their chemistry together is. Surrounding these main characters are a friend disguised as a sorcerer, an adorable and energetic eight-year-old, and magical djinn and draconian creatures.

The book itself takes place in Las Vegas and its cityscapes and deserts as well as Jacoa’s rather fabulous home AND rather magical places I will not spoil that are related to the djinn and the draconian. Though the book was a bit short for me, it did a fantastic job keeping the settings varied and giving a taste of a little bit of everything that Las Vegas has to offer. I was kept completely engaged in the settings and how the characters moved and lived within it.

I really enjoyed this book and how seamless it was, in my opinion. Though it was a bit short for my personal tastes, it didn’t feel short. The author did a great job of combining plot-moving scenes with character development, making everything feel smooth. Ideas and topics that were introduced in the beginning were addressed and received closure throughout the story, and I loved that as well. I just wished there was a bit more explanation of the lore surrounding the creatures and magic system, but that’s just me.

I also wish there was a sequel, because I’d immediately add that to my TBR.

So, Eighteen Wishes rating:

5/5 and recommend if you like stories with magical creatures in a real-world setting, great character development, lore, and a lovely romance.

Thanks for reading!