Smokeless Fire by Samantha Young

For the last two years Ari’s life has been anything but normal and on her 18th birthday, when her friends surprise her with a gimmick genie claiming to grant wishes, Ari discovers the truth. The tragic and strange occurrences surrounding her 16th birthday were not coincidental and her life is never going to be the same again.

Ari’s real parents are not normal. They are not loving. They are not human.

They are myth.

They are Smokeless Fire.

They are Jinn.

Where to find more info:

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12407853-smokeless-fire

Samantha Young (author):  http://www.samanthayoungbooks.com/  

Shelley's Review 




  Wow! Without a doubt, a 5 flame read. Rather appropriate for our storyline. Don't you think? Smokeless Fire was a crash course in Jinn mythology for me. Having grown up with I Dream of Jennie, I've never been interested in "genies" much, but this story changed that. I had no idea there were so many castes among the Jinn or that the mythology was so rich. It was fascinating and I was immediately immersed in it. Thank you, Samantha Young for opening my eyes to this magickal, mystical realm.
  The world building is surreal in it's complexity. Well thought out and a wonderful blend of olde world imagery and beliefs along side a very real modern day suburban society. The Fire Spirits characters are riveting, emotionally charged, endearing and easy to fall in love with. The twists on Ari's destiny are a delightful and intriguing compilation of myth and legend. Sam's knowledge of mythology is evident in everything she writes, but the way in which she incorporates folklore with the perceived truths in this chronicle creates a unique take that is pure Samantha Young, fantasy writer and is once again enticing and enthralling.
  Ari is somewhat naive about her life and those that surround her, but she is still strong, self reliant and very likable. She's very much an average (but very attractive) teen living in very non-average circumstances. Her thoughts and actions are wrought with a sad awareness waiting to overflow. She's on the verge of awakening to a world she's not prepared for. She clings to childhood friendships to preserve her fragile existence and her never ending attempts at saving her best friend from himself. Her relationships are shaky at best and based on untruths and unrevealed secrets.
  Charlie is the epitome of a grieving brother; lost and bent on revenge. His struggles are real and tear at your heart and leave your stomach in knots. You are compelled to endure his pain along with him. Even as he is acting out. You cannot help but want for him the resolution he seeks, yet you yearn for him to be okay, to turn around from his depression and reckless ways. To be Ari's childhood love again and not just a faded memory or broken dream.
And then there is Jai...what can i say about Jai. Beautiful, mysterious, all business? Yes, on the surface, but he is so much more. His own troubled life collides with Ari's as he attempts to protect her and keep his growing feelings for her at bay. He is the irresistible and ever reluctant hero. He's only doing his job after all...albeit the most important one of his life.
  Overall, Smokeless Fire was a fast paced read that kept me engulfed in it's spell from start to finish. Filled with a well crafted love triangle, surprises, flamboyant characters and laced with music, the story had me mesmerized. I felt a connection with each of the leads and a strong need to follow them through their treacherous journey. In the next installment, which I've already started and am also loving, Sam is sure to grant us more twists and turns and heartache. You know there will be heartache. No one can be trusted and certainly, no one is safe in the the world of the Fire Spirits...Be careful what you wish for.

=SCORCHER