FARRAH NOORZAD AND THE REALM OF NIGHTMARES

This sequel brings readers back to the Realm of the Unseen, where Farrah must unravel the meaning of a prophecy and save both of her worlds.

Twelve-year-old Afghan American Farrah, who’s half jinn, expected that her defeat of the exiled jinn Azar would convince her father, the jinn king Shamhurish, that she belongs in his world as much as she does in the human one. But three months of silence from him—and the fact that her quarter-human friend, Idris, and her jinn half brother, Yaseen, are nowhere to be found—have left Farrah feeling more disconnected than ever. A summons from the jinn kings might offer an opportunity to prove herself. Instead, she finds herself trapped in their realm, where she must use her time at Al-Qalam Academy for the Exceptional, a royal school, to solve a mysterious prophecy, tame her dangerous new powers, keep a promise to Idris, and save both of her worlds from destruction. The action and pacing of Zargarpur’s second series installment, which combines fantasy, Islamic legend, and Persian mythology, is as thrilling as the first. Farrah’s characterization displays new depth and emotional complexity. Her continued search for fellowship conflicts with her anxiety and self-doubt, even as she questions her identity and grapples with the impact of her decisions. One unexpected turn after another will keep readers guessing, culminating in a cliffhanger that sets them up for what’s sure to be a much-anticipated third volume.

Highly satisfying; will leave readers wanting more.