Fire Spirits (1) - Smokeless Fire by Samantha Young
A book about Jinn! Yay! Smokeless Fire, part one of four of the Fire Spirits Series by Samantha Young (In German Flammenmädchen). I read it in German, where it contained 347 pages. Age: 13-14 to D_E_A_T_H (girls and boys), originally published 2011.
Ari is desperate. And lonely. Her best friend treats her like shit and she has no idea what to do with her life. Unfortunately, her father and her friends have lots of ideas – and simply won't get it that Ari isn't ready for life. But unfortunately, life is ready for her… When Ari makes a life changing wish on her eighteenth birthday party and the hired jinn actually fulfils it, she suddenly wakes up on Mount Qaf, in the residence of the seven jinn kings and their sultan – because it seems as if Ari is more than just a pawn in the big game of the seven jinn kings and their sultan. Settled with a annoyingly mysterious bodyguard, Ari has to fight for survival… and to save her friends.
I like it. The storyline is very nice, the characters are funny and realistic, and the world itself is well done. I’m a big fan of Hamlet. He he.
The world is fascinating. Jinn were always something I rather liked, and the way they are presented here is wonderful – it’s so complex and absolutely fascinating! The notion of the succubus-jinn is very well executed, especially Jai's gift – even though I feel with Ari. Damn, I would be pissed, too.
Jai himself is interesting as well. He's a sarcastic and deep character, with his own story of abuse. But he managed to grow stronger – even though he does have his issues with trusting people, and with his reputation. But he’s loyal and an overall good guy. And, as I already pointed out, quite funny – especially his pranks on Charly.
However, I am sorry for Jai. Sure, what his family does is realistic. Some people really are like that. But that doesn't make it okay and I'm glad for the ending of the series. He deserves it.
But his talents? On the one hand: Cool. On the other one: I wouldn’t want that. Imagine having to kiss whoever paid you for it, with the consequence of emotional overload for…ever? That has to suck. But I love how he goes around Red to make sure Ari has the means of understanding the world and protecting herself.
Apropos Red.
The seven jinn kings are... well. They kinda rock. White not so much, but Red does. I like him. He’s the funny kind of uncle every kid would love to have, I bet he’d be a good father – and I love how he begins to like Ari more and more. It’s shown quite well.
As for the sultan… when I first read the book, I was really confused how this guy managed to keep his throne for so long. He’s so chaotic that he’s a concurrence to “Zebra, Wheeee” from the Kane chronicles. But it makes sense later on, so I won’t delete anything.
Back again to the jinn world. The Seal, its history, its powers, all the possibilities? Wonderful! I love how Ari plays with her powers “Shut it!” :D
Well… now to Ari.
I like her very, very much. She's a good girl with a sense for right and wrong, and when she knows what she wants, she fights for it. She's insanely loyal, especially to Charlie. And when someone needs her help, she gives it without questioning. Apart from that, she's intelligent, funny and charismatic. I don't think there's a single reader who wouldn't like her.
Quite in contrast to her best friend: Charlie is disturbing! Seriously, he is! How can anyone be so obsessed? I mean, sure, I'm sorry for him, I really am. Have a brother. Can relate. But to go to this means? This level of obsession is realistic and well executed, but it's kind of unhealthy.
Spoiler:
I was Team Jai from the start!
But the best character is and always will be Miss Maggie. I want a rice-throwing feminist Poltergeist, too!
Hm… Christmas’s coming soon, right? ;D
In brief:
I give it a star for the plot, the ideas, the characters and the style. And the SoGH.
Sequel: