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 A fantasy novel set in the Middle East that features genies? The moment I heard about The Fire Wish I immediately wanted to read it because it's rare to find a YA book that takes place in that region. The Fire Wish is a well-written novel that is The Parent Trap meets 1001 Arabian Nights with an atmospheric setting and unique characters. Amber Lough is a talented writer and has written an unique series opener that is unlike anything else in YA right now. 
 The Fire Wish is the story of Zayele who is forced into a marriage to a prince and decides to make a powerful wish that could change her fate. She forces Najwa, a genie to grant her wish to switch bodies and soon, Zayele is no longer the girl she once was -- she's now a genie. 
 It's a rarity to read a book that takes place in the Middle East and Lough beautifully recreates the arid, sandy region. There was no question in my mind that I was reading about any other place in the world and the setting felt very distinct to me. 
 Another aspect of this book that's exceptional is the use of genies, a creature that I had yet to read about in YA prior to Fire Wish. Lough definitely shapes these magical beings with care and bases them on classical mythology, but at the same time she manages to humanize them by developing them thoroughly. The genies are still mystical beings, but they're belligerent, clever, cruel and they are much more than the sly creatures that I remembered from my childhood stories. 
 The plot of The Fire Wish is pretty bare in terms of action, but I was still entertained by this tale. The majority of this novel is just Zayele and Najwa living out each other's lives and trying to conceal what happened. One thing that bothered me was how Zayele never really gave the Prince a chance because I really loved his character and found him to be surprisingly pleasant. I'm aware that Zayele was being forced into a marriage with him, but I never felt that her wish was a good option and her rashness eliminated the opportunity for me to empathize with her. 
 That being said, I loved watching Najwa interact with the Prince and I have a feeling that their relationship will blossom into something so sweet. The romance in this one is very light and promising, but I do hope that it becomes a bigger part of the second novel. There is more of a focus on the characters and the setting than on the romance, but I still enjoyed watching our main characters fall for unlikely love interests. 
 The Fire Wish is an exotic blend of romance, magic and adventure that will satisfy readers of all-ages. This book made me want to go to the Middle East or at least go on a magic carpet ride while signing songs from Aladdin. I'm pumped to read more about Najwa and Zayele in the sequel and this is a series that fantasy fans will want to check out!