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Tales of the Djinn #1
The Guardian
Elyse hasn’t had it easy. She lost her dad and her husband under suspicious circumstances, and her relatives know more than they’re admitting about both deaths. Then a mysterious stranger with a briefcase full of cash moves into her New York brownstone. Arcadius is gorgeous and sophisticated, but nothing about him adds up . . . that is, until Elyse discovers her sexy tenant is a genie desperate to save his people from a deadly curse. With so much heartache behind her, can she find the courage to help a man who might be her true soul mate? “FANTASTIC! [T]his may be the best thing she has written to date . . . an epic tale of romantic fantasy.”—In My Humble Opinion “Addictive. . . should not be missed!”—Long and Short Reviews
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 20, 2014
24 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
About the author
Emma Holly
93 books1,270 followersI'm a USA Today bestselling author who LOVES the hot stuff, both to read and to write. My favorite obsessions are all things coffee, almost everything on HGTV, and dreaming up new stories.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 22, 2014
This isn't your mother's I Dream of Jeannie nor the genie in Disney's Aladdin.
Elyse Solomon is reeling from the death of her father and now her husband. Unmotivated and trying to get through life, she finally decides to rent out the basement unit her husband had finished. It's a tiny place with no view, but it does lead out to a secluded and lovely garden. To her surprise, two exotically handsome and well-dressed gentlemen rent it for a year, paid in cash. Suspicious of their possible criminal affiliation, Elyse keeps an eye on them.
Arcadius is used to luxury where he comes from. Gemstones grow on trees for his people to pluck. He's on Earth to find a way to get back home and save his people. This is where the story gets wild. He's a Djiin from another place called Qaf. He and his most trusted aide, Joseph, are trying to find a way back home. The only way is with the help of Elyse.
The world building in this story is magical, no pun intended. Ms. Holly creates an interesting world of angels, djinn and ifrits. It is also a different interpretation of God's creations and the order he created his creatures. It is refreshing and unique. The descriptions of each location are spectacular. It's easy to visualize Elyse's brownstone apartment complex, the desert in Qaf, the harem-like rooms and the palace in Qaf. Although, I must admit, this book came to life as an animated cartoon in my mind rather than a regular movie.
The characters in this story are fabulous. It's easy to like Elyse and Arcardius. Their budding romance is sweet and at times humorous. Arcardius is a man of the old world while Elyse is an independent modern woman. The undertones of BDSM through implied sexual slavery and a bit of kinky sex is delicious. The one who stole the show though is Joseph. His story and how he responds to everyone makes him my favourite character. Ms. Holly does an excellent job with her characters. Even her evil ones are great, if predictably evil to the bone. There is very little gray in this world; it's black and white when it comes to good and evil.
What I really loved about this story is the stories within a story. It reminds me of Scheherazade telling her stories of One Thousand and One Nights. Each story is fabulous and heartbreaking. It's my kind of book because there are no happily-ever-afters. Instead it's a parable to teach a specific lesson. Be careful of what you wish for because you don't know how your wish will be granted.
Ms. Holly creates a fantastic tale of adventure, love, betrayal, friendship and possible redemption. Recommended for paranormal lovers who luxuriate in dark pleasures.
August 17, 2017
I normally really enjoy Emma Holly's work, her imaginative worlds are unparalleled, there is so much detail and just slightly skewed from reality magical places and things that make her in the top five of the most talented writers at world building I have read. Her romances are also wonderful, I mostly enjoy them.
Why only three stars then... well this one is a case of it's not the author it's me. The star's are for my own information, and because this is the second time I read this story and the second time I didn't enjoy it.
Why only three stars then... well this one is a case of it's not the author it's me. The star's are for my own information, and because this is the second time I read this story and the second time I didn't enjoy it.
May 8, 2014
Well, in the first love scene you have this quote, "Her pussy was in love. His huge, hot cock had conquered it." Ummm, that just threw me out of the scene
There's a lot of religious symbolism in Tales of the Djinn.
The djinn talk about how God created them but he created humans and liked them more. So many djinns don't like humans because of it. A lot of their magic spells call on God.
Honestly, it was bothering me a bit. It's an erotic book and every 20 pages or so they bring up God or angels.
Ok, apparently djinn birth control is to ask God while they're having sex to "turn his seed to smoke" and the woman feels burning down there.
It had some sexy moments and the plot was pretty interesting.
The religious stuff kept irritating me. I find it difficult to go from a sex scene to hearing about God in the same sentence.
Overall, it was just ok. Nothing I would re-read
There's a lot of religious symbolism in Tales of the Djinn.
The djinn talk about how God created them but he created humans and liked them more. So many djinns don't like humans because of it. A lot of their magic spells call on God.
Honestly, it was bothering me a bit. It's an erotic book and every 20 pages or so they bring up God or angels.
Ok, apparently djinn birth control is to ask God while they're having sex to "turn his seed to smoke" and the woman feels burning down there.
It had some sexy moments and the plot was pretty interesting.
The religious stuff kept irritating me. I find it difficult to go from a sex scene to hearing about God in the same sentence.
Overall, it was just ok. Nothing I would re-read
May 5, 2014
The story itself was good, but I guess I wasn't aware how far toward erotic fiction this leaned before I bought it. Holy cow. I spent so much time flipping past the sex scenes, I kept dropping the storyline. Which was kind of a bummer, since the premise sounded good and the world building was intriguing. I would've loved to see more of that and less of the copulation adventures. Plus, the characters were sympathetic - which is always a plus.
May 7, 2014
What the heck was this book. I still can't decide if the author was trying to be tongue in cheek and failed, or if they legit thought that this was a serious book. The character swings, the lack of realistic response to horrible circumstances by the heroine, the total surface level depth of the characters. I feel like I almost quit this book almost 4x but clung on hoping it would magically change for the better. I am completely confused by the goodreads and amazon reviews. Blah.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2014
Oh man Let me tell you this is the first book on the Djinn that I have read and Man I didn't know what I was missing. This book was amazing and I cant wait till the next one gets here .If you want to go to a new parallel land and take a ride on a magic carpet make sure you get this book then you can see what can happens next . I highly recommend that you get a copy .
November 25, 2014
Pretty good world-building and likable characters.
Could have been a little longer, but hey, here's book two.
Could have been a little longer, but hey, here's book two.
May 2, 2019
Genie tales with Genitals
A pair of exotic strangers rents a basement apartment from a young woman in New York, and romance and adventure ensue. The djinni of this book are delightful: haughty, enchanting and funny. Their world is full of sumptuous fantasy: Arabian boudoirs, tattoos that come alive, magic lamps, storytelling. But two warnings to potential readers: the sex scenes are explicit - I personally would have preferred shorter with less anatomy at times. And why use that old romantic fiction term ‘her sex’ instead of vagina if you’re going to be that descriptive? Secondly I would have given the book a higher rating except that it ends on a cliffhanger for almost all the plot lines. I understand about leaving avenues open for a sequel, but I find the lack of resolution unsatisfying.
A pair of exotic strangers rents a basement apartment from a young woman in New York, and romance and adventure ensue. The djinni of this book are delightful: haughty, enchanting and funny. Their world is full of sumptuous fantasy: Arabian boudoirs, tattoos that come alive, magic lamps, storytelling. But two warnings to potential readers: the sex scenes are explicit - I personally would have preferred shorter with less anatomy at times. And why use that old romantic fiction term ‘her sex’ instead of vagina if you’re going to be that descriptive? Secondly I would have given the book a higher rating except that it ends on a cliffhanger for almost all the plot lines. I understand about leaving avenues open for a sequel, but I find the lack of resolution unsatisfying.
November 24, 2017
I gave up on this 2-book package partway into the first book. I got bored by it.
September 27, 2018
I love good storytelling and this has it. Genies!
September 17, 2014
Emma Holly is one of my absolute favorite authors! When you are reading her books (all her books) you can actually visualize the scene - which is especially helpful when writing paranormal. This is another great erotic fantasy book and is the first of the series.
Elyse is grieving over the recent loss of her husband who was brutally murdered in the basement of her brownstone. She had lost her father previous to that in a volcano accident - he traveled around the world bringing home precious treasures for his business and for Elyse. Her home is filled with them. Then Joseph and Arcadius show up to rent her basement apartment - they feel drawn to the brownstone because of the energy that is flowing from it. They are Djinn's looking for a way back home to save their kingdom. Arcadius and James reveal the "magic" which she hold in her home and take her on a wondrous adventure.
The layout is great - you don't get lost on what is happening. Mystery with some awesome romance!!! And an ending that has you begging for more!
Elyse is grieving over the recent loss of her husband who was brutally murdered in the basement of her brownstone. She had lost her father previous to that in a volcano accident - he traveled around the world bringing home precious treasures for his business and for Elyse. Her home is filled with them. Then Joseph and Arcadius show up to rent her basement apartment - they feel drawn to the brownstone because of the energy that is flowing from it. They are Djinn's looking for a way back home to save their kingdom. Arcadius and James reveal the "magic" which she hold in her home and take her on a wondrous adventure.
The layout is great - you don't get lost on what is happening. Mystery with some awesome romance!!! And an ending that has you begging for more!
July 7, 2025
"3.5 out of 5 stars!! Since she was little, Elyse was used to her father going on adventurous excursions and sending back exotic presents for her to enjoy. Her home is still filled with them. Now, though, with her husband and father dead, her life seems to have become rather dull. That is, until Joseph and his 'Master' Arcadius pay cash to rent out the basement apartment of her brownstone residence. Unintentionally, they throw Elyse's life upside down when they reveal to her everything that is really 'magical' in her life and point out to her the truths that she should have known."
Read more of this review and two teasers here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/18FlmjLKdg4C-OAWBFPe_Kv7OA2YNaERp/view?usp=drive_link
Read more of this review and two teasers here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/18FlmjLKdg4C-OAWBFPe_Kv7OA2YNaERp/view?usp=drive_link
June 18, 2014
The author has an interesting take on Djinn mythology and her worldbuilding is excellent. The characters of Arcadius and Joseph are intriguing and Elyse could have been a lump of angst but she turned out to be resourceful and stoic in the face of all the supernatural events crowding her existence. It's a very sexy read and the book ended on a cliff hanger setting up the next in the series and I'll be watching for the next book. I enjoyed the read.
April 26, 2014
FANTASTIC! I am a huge fan of Emma Holly but this may be the best thing she has written to date. This is the first in an epic tale of romantic fantasy. Fast paced with twists, turns and surprises you would not expect. Oh my goodness this is an incredible tale. I am so excited and cannot wait to see where she will take us next.
A gifted copy was provided by author for an honest review
A gifted copy was provided by author for an honest review
July 31, 2020
Good
I did like this book. And absolutely loved the characters. There was so much depth to them and great qualities to them. Elyse is so strong and determined and Arcadius is strong and lovable. Joseph is so sweet and loyal. But for the plot some was brilliant and kept you booked and other parts of I wasn't so determined to read it all I would have put it down and not picked it back up. So it left me very confused if I'm going to get the next one.
I did like this book. And absolutely loved the characters. There was so much depth to them and great qualities to them. Elyse is so strong and determined and Arcadius is strong and lovable. Joseph is so sweet and loyal. But for the plot some was brilliant and kept you booked and other parts of I wasn't so determined to read it all I would have put it down and not picked it back up. So it left me very confused if I'm going to get the next one.
June 18, 2014
I received this book in te mail. Evidently I won it in a contest. I often enter contests for authors I have not read in order to try them out.
This was an excellent read. Sex scenes were a little too graphic for my taste but were easily skipped without detracting from the story.
Will definitely try more of he books.
This was an excellent read. Sex scenes were a little too graphic for my taste but were easily skipped without detracting from the story.
Will definitely try more of he books.
June 10, 2015
Be ye warned - while there is a short-term HEA, most of the plot threads are unresolved. I guessed that going into the story, so didn’t mind. I bought and read book 2 immediately afterward. These stories have a different feel from the Hidden series, which I really enjoyed. Tales of the djinn is more serious, more suspenseful.
Bought from All Romance Ebooks.
Bought from All Romance Ebooks.
February 5, 2017
Lovely fun
The plot is both light and engrossing, with just enough sex and adventure to keep me turning the pages a bit too late last night, and to pick it up again first thing this morning. I'm looking forward to books two and three! So glad it's a long weekend, with a new to me trilogy!
The plot is both light and engrossing, with just enough sex and adventure to keep me turning the pages a bit too late last night, and to pick it up again first thing this morning. I'm looking forward to books two and three! So glad it's a long weekend, with a new to me trilogy!
September 30, 2014
Elyse Solomon rents out her brownstone to three strange handsome men.
The plot is inspired by the Arabian Nights: Sahirazad's story and Aladdin's Lamp.
There are also elements of Sleeping Beauty mixed in with Lot's wife.
The short tales told be Joseph give hints to the rest of the series.
The plot is inspired by the Arabian Nights: Sahirazad's story and Aladdin's Lamp.
There are also elements of Sleeping Beauty mixed in with Lot's wife.
The short tales told be Joseph give hints to the rest of the series.
October 27, 2015
Wonderful Story
Loved the story of the Djinn and the magic in the Story, but, I would have liked to know if the king was ever found or if the doubles ever got together. The end was a little confusing.
Loved the story of the Djinn and the magic in the Story, but, I would have liked to know if the king was ever found or if the doubles ever got together. The end was a little confusing.
January 10, 2016
Not my usual fare, I don't care for most paranormals especially demons and the like. However, this was a pleasant surprise. Seems to have ended a bit abruptly, with a lot of things unsatisfied. Guess I'll have to find the sequel.
March 24, 2016
Holly seems to be inspired by the Arabian Nights, especially Aladdin's lamp.
There is also elements of Sleeping Beauty mixed with Lot's wife.
The smaller stories are just as interesting as the main plot.
There is also elements of Sleeping Beauty mixed with Lot's wife.
The smaller stories are just as interesting as the main plot.
November 15, 2014
yum yum, Emma Holly does it again. another great series.
August 25, 2014
I liked this one okay. The magic system was cool, if a little confusing.
November 13, 2014
A different paranormal read than the glut of vampires and werewolves. Take a break and enjoy a new kind of paranormal!
February 4, 2015
I loved it! the characters are great.
April 11, 2015
Slow start, but got better in the middle.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews