The Jinni's Last Wish

What an enthralling book; rich with a very well researched history of the Sultans and Harems of the Ottoman Empire; the people, the textures, the smells, the food, the intrigue. I ached for the main character, Olin, a eunuch torn from his desert home and family but totally incorruptible, forced to live in the Sultan's very corrupt and dangerous palace. We are shown so much of the harem; a great surprise to me to learn who the women were and where they came from. The history truly amazed me. But this is no mere history. The Jinni's Last Wish is a marvelous page turning romance with a real and believable Jinni. I normally don't like fantasies but this book was amazingly real to me and I feel so much wiser for the read. And, of course, if it is a harem it has to have erotism but Neil's descriptions of sex are beautifully and sensitively depicted. A real joy to read. Oh, did I mention what a talented writer she is? I look forward to more of her books.

I became a fan of Neil’s writing with her debut, “Psyche Unbound” (later re-titled “Unbound”), and this follow-up is everything I hoped for. It’s historically fascinating, emotionally compelling and gorgeously written. The lush prose and well-researched detail transported me to life in the Sultan’s harem, with all its delights and horrors. I’ll admit I normally skip over explicit sex scenes, too eager to get on with the story, but Neil writes them in such a tasteful, yet powerful way that I enjoy them as much as the rest of the story. This book radiates with fundamental respect and compassion for humanity, even when succumbing to our darkest impulses. As a result, “The Jinni’s Last Wish” is not only a highly entertaining read, but also a beacon of light. Can’t wait for Neil’s next release.

Zenobia weaves a beautifully layered tale of power, desire, torture, the very worst in humanity and the hope of the goodness in each of us. Her characters are compelling and multidimensional. Her seductive storytelling style had me wondering, just as I had as a child, what my three wishes would be, given the opportunity, and thankful that I’ll never have the responsibility of making them. I can’t wait for her next book!

I love this book! The characters are real - not perfect, not evil, just human, and I could relate to the dilemma that the main character Olin faces. And I'm not that familiar with the time period of the Ottoman Empire, so Zenobia Neil's beautiful detail of life in the Imperial Harem, the architecture, the city made me feel like I could see it all in my mind. Those details and the story were fascinating. I couldn't put the book down. I really can't think of another book like this. It's a unique story.

Great book for lovers of historical fiction...with just the right amount of magic thrown in. Characters are well developed and Neil has you invested in their outcomes. The pages melted away as I followed their journey. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did!

4.5 Stars. First book I have ever read from the point of view of a eunuch. Set in the Ottoman Empire and harem, Olin is likable, pitiable, and resourceful; certainly someone one could root for. His love interest, Dark Star, is also an intriguing character, who is more than what she seems. And then there's the Jinni in a small bottle, with only three wishes available to give.Disclaimer: I'm acquainted with the author IRL and won a candle at the book launch for this novel.The erotic scenes are VERY well written and extremely hot; the scenes of castration and torture, also rich in historical and brutal detail. If you're reading bits of this novel to a partner to spice up your love life, mind you don't mix them up. Did you know eunuchs, depending on the type of procedure, could have erections? I do, now. Which kind of made life even worse for them.There's a HEA (Happily Ever After), after some twists and turns in directions I did not expect. Overall, I really liked it, but am still cringing about some of the scenes and the reality of how unpleasant life could be for everyone in that situation, even those theoretically at the top of the harem hierarchy.

From the first page, the novel weaves a spell of another world - a harem in the Ottoman Empire, filled with the scents of cinnamon and cloves, and heavy with desire. Young eunuch Olin fights his lust for the beauties around him while navigating the Byzantine politics that pit wives and mistresses against one another to win the favor of their opium-enthralled sultan. The atmosphere of luxury is enhanced by Neil's talented descriptions and impeccable historical accuracy. The names of the harem women, such as Crimson Petal, Red Tulip, and Peach Blossom, serve to add to this atmosphere, and to the lyrical quality of the writing. Sex is currency here in the harem, and death, if one is not wary.Olin is a well-rounded, sympathetic character who struggles with courage, duty, and honor. When the beautiful odalisque Dark Star offers him a magical pendant he unleashes the power of the jinni, one which will change his world forever.If you like your historical fiction with a touch of magic you can't do better than this addictive novel.