THE FOURTH WISH

In The Art of Wishing (2013), Margo found genie Oliver and fell in love—and saved him from oblivion by using her last wish.

Little did she know that in saving him she’d be turned into a genie herself, with all that that entails. Oliver had warned her of course…but she hadn’t realized what it would be like to actually be bound to someone else, to have to provide them with whatever they wish for, whether she wants to or not. Magic has rules, after all, and even though a wish may be distasteful or worse, she must grant it. Can she learn the rules and adapt to her new situation while retaining her own sense of integrity and not lose her life or her love in the process? Ribar deals with surprisingly heavy themes in this sequel, despite the lighter-than-air premise, including the pressure to conform, the construction of self and the ever-evolving nuance of what is the “right” thing.

Despite its fantastic drapery, the truths this novel reveals are so real it may even make readers a bit uncomfortable—that’s quite an achievement.