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Desert Nights #2
Palace of Wishes
A princess determined to prove her worth.
A sultan hunting for lost treasure.
Magic powerful enough to destroy a kingdom...
Zadie survived the journey into the desert to find the Night Diamond talisman. She’s mastered the djinni of the ring and can finally use her wishes. But her troubles are only just beginning…
To prove to Kassim she’s capable of tracking down the treasure he desperately seeks, Zadie must escape the scrutiny of the vizier and throw herself into a dark underworld of merchants, thieves, and pirates.
But the more she learns about the mysterious treasure the sultan is looking for, the less certain she is that this voyage to find it is a good idea.
Zadie faces a heart-wrenching choice. Help Kassim release a dangerous magic that could destroy kingdoms in the wrong hands, or betray his trust in her completely.
She must decide where her loyalties lie: to her kingdom, to her djinni, or to love.
Palace of Wishes is the second book in the Desert Nights romantic fantasy series. Welcome to a sweeping magical world inspired by the mythology of Arabian Nights, where kingdoms clash, mythical creatures stalk the desert, and your wishes coming true doesn’t mean all your problems are solved…
A sultan hunting for lost treasure.
Magic powerful enough to destroy a kingdom...
Zadie survived the journey into the desert to find the Night Diamond talisman. She’s mastered the djinni of the ring and can finally use her wishes. But her troubles are only just beginning…
To prove to Kassim she’s capable of tracking down the treasure he desperately seeks, Zadie must escape the scrutiny of the vizier and throw herself into a dark underworld of merchants, thieves, and pirates.
But the more she learns about the mysterious treasure the sultan is looking for, the less certain she is that this voyage to find it is a good idea.
Zadie faces a heart-wrenching choice. Help Kassim release a dangerous magic that could destroy kingdoms in the wrong hands, or betray his trust in her completely.
She must decide where her loyalties lie: to her kingdom, to her djinni, or to love.
Palace of Wishes is the second book in the Desert Nights romantic fantasy series. Welcome to a sweeping magical world inspired by the mythology of Arabian Nights, where kingdoms clash, mythical creatures stalk the desert, and your wishes coming true doesn’t mean all your problems are solved…
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 16, 2020
216 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 5, 2020
Another book where we see Zadie's resourcefulness even though people before her have failed, somehow she meets the right people and makes the right bargains.
This book follows along the lines of the last one. Zadie wants to prove she can be a Sultanah even though Kassim treats her like crap. She is determined to help him find a mythical map that leads them to finding more spirits trapped in lamps this time so that they can be used to strengthen their borders.
There is no romance in this book, Kassim doesn't seem to like her and whenever he does something remotely nice he always spoils it by being an ass.
Enter the Aladdin part where they get a thief and the thief has to be silent as she steals several lamps from a treasure trove, if the silence is broken then they all get killed by the Guardian of the treasure.
Not that great either but I wanted to see how it all played out.
This book follows along the lines of the last one. Zadie wants to prove she can be a Sultanah even though Kassim treats her like crap. She is determined to help him find a mythical map that leads them to finding more spirits trapped in lamps this time so that they can be used to strengthen their borders.
There is no romance in this book, Kassim doesn't seem to like her and whenever he does something remotely nice he always spoils it by being an ass.
Enter the Aladdin part where they get a thief and the thief has to be silent as she steals several lamps from a treasure trove, if the silence is broken then they all get killed by the Guardian of the treasure.
Not that great either but I wanted to see how it all played out.
December 23, 2021
A solid sequel. I am definitely rooting for the characters and am enjoying their romance unfold. There are a few tiny plot related things that seem a little too coincidental or where the heroine doesn’t react quite the way I think she should. I feel like by now she should be sharing more with the sultan than she is. I really have come to like her relationship with the djinni and the thieves. It’s a cute take on the tale. Also love the sultans sister and many of the other minor characters. Content Rating: pg-13, innuendo, crude gestures, violence
January 1, 2022
I was very satisfied with this story! It carried on the same themes from the first book
June 3, 2020
I'm really loving this series right now! ♡
September 21, 2022
RE: Fantasy with some romance potential
Look, I find myself laughing to myself and giggling at the character verbal exchanges.. therefore, I know that this book is good and worth your time. I would say this is more of a fun read. I wouldn’t read this if you’re looking for something with extremely challenging world-building or characters. This is something you can read fast but enjoy. It also only the second book! (Can’t wait to read the restttt)
Here is a glimpse of things about the book
✨Magic but djinn style
✨arranged marriage romance (love potential? But he’s jerk so right now enemy-to-who knows)
✨princess who likes to challenge (is “different” but also not too much?? Just the right amount to enjoy)
Also, the background is interesting. Zadie, the main female character, takes place of her sister who runs for LOVE! And her parents somehow approve??? Say that she (the sister) is dead?? It baffled me but I’m like yeah, that’s dope. I even think that we may see them at some point as side characters (??). I honestly have no idea. This is only the second book and I thought I’d make a review. Again, a testament to how great this book… it also has Aladdin aspects.. like the author liked Aladdin so much but didn’t want to do a retelling so she just sprinkled little things here and there (references and not), like the sister of the love interest having a pet tiger or the cave of wonders, etc. I also always love a good thief in the story.
Look, I find myself laughing to myself and giggling at the character verbal exchanges.. therefore, I know that this book is good and worth your time. I would say this is more of a fun read. I wouldn’t read this if you’re looking for something with extremely challenging world-building or characters. This is something you can read fast but enjoy. It also only the second book! (Can’t wait to read the restttt)
Here is a glimpse of things about the book
✨Magic but djinn style
✨arranged marriage romance (love potential? But he’s jerk so right now enemy-to-who knows)
✨princess who likes to challenge (is “different” but also not too much?? Just the right amount to enjoy)
Also, the background is interesting. Zadie, the main female character, takes place of her sister who runs for LOVE! And her parents somehow approve??? Say that she (the sister) is dead?? It baffled me but I’m like yeah, that’s dope. I even think that we may see them at some point as side characters (??). I honestly have no idea. This is only the second book and I thought I’d make a review. Again, a testament to how great this book… it also has Aladdin aspects.. like the author liked Aladdin so much but didn’t want to do a retelling so she just sprinkled little things here and there (references and not), like the sister of the love interest having a pet tiger or the cave of wonders, etc. I also always love a good thief in the story.
April 14, 2020
Helena Rookwood and Elm Vince have created a wonderful Arabian like world in the Desert Night series with magic, Djinns, ancient magical artifacts, thieves and Sultans. What's not to like. Rich in description with lush colorful fabrics, marble palaces with garden and fountains, hot winds off the desert, and ships tossed on a dangerous sea. Zadie's current story again has her rushing into danger unheeded. With a desire to prove herself worthy of being Sultanah she again calls upon the help of her Djinn Tarak and Aliyah Queen of Thieves to help her. I am sure you can imagine the problems with that team and Zadie takes on her problems like a warrioress all to help the Sultan Kissim, and check out Zadies new sword on the book cover, pretty awesome. The spymaster Namir has one eye on her and the visser tries to thwart Zadie every which way. The book starts out with Zadie in charge of the suitor prince's Tournament to win Princess Safiyya's hand. But of course there is trouble and mischief, we wouldn't want it any other way. There is so much to this story with many dramas erupting here and there. Masterfully crafted you will be greatly satisfied with the continuing saga in "Palace of Wishes" (Desert Nights Book, #2).
April 13, 2020
*All of my reviews are voluntarily written*
In book two, Palace of Wishes, we see Zadie being her usual self, making rash decisions, standing up for what she believes in, and still trying to prove herself to Kassim.
Kassim is still on the search to learn more about the talisman and Zadie is determined to help him, even if that means she has to deal with Hepzibah along the way. By helping, Zadie gets herself into some pretty interesting situations, and they're ones that are not easy to get out of without some secrets being involved. She has so many secrets that I wonder what Kassim will think when he finds out.
Book two starts with a bang and doesn't let up until the very end. It's one wild ride, but also one that I wanted to keep reading, way past the end of the book. I think my favorite part was the ending of this book and I can't wait for book 3.
In book two, Palace of Wishes, we see Zadie being her usual self, making rash decisions, standing up for what she believes in, and still trying to prove herself to Kassim.
Kassim is still on the search to learn more about the talisman and Zadie is determined to help him, even if that means she has to deal with Hepzibah along the way. By helping, Zadie gets herself into some pretty interesting situations, and they're ones that are not easy to get out of without some secrets being involved. She has so many secrets that I wonder what Kassim will think when he finds out.
Book two starts with a bang and doesn't let up until the very end. It's one wild ride, but also one that I wanted to keep reading, way past the end of the book. I think my favorite part was the ending of this book and I can't wait for book 3.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2020
I liked this book even more than I liked the last one! Most of the questions that I had were answered and there's major potential for further exposition in the third book. Zadie is a strong heroine, not without her faults but also not without people looking out for her and waiting to correct her on those faults.
I know that this is a fantasy romance and I liked the romance element a lot more in this one, but I'm still waiting for more! I was right on the border between 4 and 5 stars here because of a couple lapses in the flow of the character progression. Overall though, I'm seeing a lot of growth and I'm excited to see where it goes.
Would recommend this series if you have Kindle Unlimited, it's super quick and the characters are all very endearing.
This review and all my others can be found at: https://aworldshapedbybooks.blogspot....
January 10, 2021
In this stunning sequel to Throne of Sand, Zadie seeks to build on the rocky trust she established with Kassim in the desert. This second instalment of The Desert Nights highlights the value of Zadie's resilience and boldness amidst a world that expects her to be delicate and demure.
With defeat of ghuls in their recent past, Zadie secretly races Hepzibah, Kassim's vizier, to unlock the secret of the Night Diamond Talisman and earn her spot on their next journey. Kassim, however, has a different idea of how she can earn his trust. Things turn ugly as palace guests begin disappearing and it appears Zadie will fail to prove her worth as Kassim's future Sultanah. As the story unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that her progress with Kassim is being purposely sabotaged and her life becoming increasingly more dangerous with every turn.
With defeat of ghuls in their recent past, Zadie secretly races Hepzibah, Kassim's vizier, to unlock the secret of the Night Diamond Talisman and earn her spot on their next journey. Kassim, however, has a different idea of how she can earn his trust. Things turn ugly as palace guests begin disappearing and it appears Zadie will fail to prove her worth as Kassim's future Sultanah. As the story unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that her progress with Kassim is being purposely sabotaged and her life becoming increasingly more dangerous with every turn.
August 2, 2021
DNF
While the author somehow manages to keep you hanging on by a thread of interest, that interest never seems to get fulfilled and just leaves you feeling meh.
I really liked the characters and the setting. The author has a ton of potential. I’m the end I just kept feeling like I was reading a fanfic that was never going to quite reach the level of my expectations.
Zadie is incredibly selfish, aloof, and doesn’t seem to really use her brain when making any decisions. This was my main problem with this book and the previous one. When I read her ask herself, ‘how do I always find myself in these situations?’ I laughed out loud! If I said yes to every single person I encountered, I’d surely find myself in some really dumb situations too! Zadie was just lucky she’s a fictional book character and things happen to go her way so the plot can work out 😜🤣
While the author somehow manages to keep you hanging on by a thread of interest, that interest never seems to get fulfilled and just leaves you feeling meh.
I really liked the characters and the setting. The author has a ton of potential. I’m the end I just kept feeling like I was reading a fanfic that was never going to quite reach the level of my expectations.
Zadie is incredibly selfish, aloof, and doesn’t seem to really use her brain when making any decisions. This was my main problem with this book and the previous one. When I read her ask herself, ‘how do I always find myself in these situations?’ I laughed out loud! If I said yes to every single person I encountered, I’d surely find myself in some really dumb situations too! Zadie was just lucky she’s a fictional book character and things happen to go her way so the plot can work out 😜🤣
April 16, 2020
I was entranced from the first chapter to the end of this story. Zadie gets into more adventures and troubles as she tries to help find the cave of secrets and fulfill her promise to the Djinni. We get to see her fall in love with the sultan and learn more secrets about the viser. Fun new characters are introduced along with the cast from book one to keep the story exciting. Such a great read with interesting twist on old beloved tales.
April 19, 2020
Full of mystery and intrigue and Zadie and Kassim continue to discover their relationship, when it seems the vizier is doing all she can to get rid of Zadie. The disappearing princes and the tournament for Safiyyas hand in marriage were all so well written. I couldn’t put this down wherever I got a chance to read! Can’t wait to read all about their wedding in the next installment!
June 8, 2020
Awesome
Combine a pretentious but lovable genie, many magical lambs, an adventurous journey, a treacherous vizier, an ex fiance that the main character can respect after all, friends that will have your back, and a main couple that is so complex but at the same time romantic, and you get this book. Let’s no forget the cave of wonders sans the lion head as an entrance!!!
Combine a pretentious but lovable genie, many magical lambs, an adventurous journey, a treacherous vizier, an ex fiance that the main character can respect after all, friends that will have your back, and a main couple that is so complex but at the same time romantic, and you get this book. Let’s no forget the cave of wonders sans the lion head as an entrance!!!
August 1, 2020
I'm hooked.
I can't get enough. Zadie is such a loveable character. She is smart and funny.
Most of the characters are interesting except Kassim who I call names throughout the book. He is way too serious and blind to his advisor, Hepzibah, who I call Hepatitis. I hope he gets wise to her soon.
This was great writing. I can't wait to see what's next.
I can't get enough. Zadie is such a loveable character. She is smart and funny.
Most of the characters are interesting except Kassim who I call names throughout the book. He is way too serious and blind to his advisor, Hepzibah, who I call Hepatitis. I hope he gets wise to her soon.
This was great writing. I can't wait to see what's next.
April 12, 2020
Wow!!! There’s a lot of action and adventure in this book. Zadie gets herself in more messes -she’s awesome!!! If only the sultan knew what she was up to in order to help him.
This book is hard to put down.
Even tho it’s not over, I love where and how it ended for now.
This book is hard to put down.
Even tho it’s not over, I love where and how it ended for now.
April 22, 2020
I literally cannot wait for the next book!!! Good thing its out in two weeks.
May 29, 2020
Review
Great book. . . . I read it in a few hours. . . . . . . . .
Great book. . . . I read it in a few hours. . . . . . . . .
August 3, 2020
Awesome
Awesome read with twists and turns as magic is intertwined and revealed while trying to get to the hidden treasure to save the kingdom.
Awesome read with twists and turns as magic is intertwined and revealed while trying to get to the hidden treasure to save the kingdom.
December 20, 2020
This sequel was interesting enough to finish and to make me want to read the next book.
Read
December 27, 2020good
July 10, 2021
Amazing sequel!!
I loved the first book, very unique plot line and I love the storyline so far. It’s pulled me in and I can’t wait to read more!
I loved the first book, very unique plot line and I love the storyline so far. It’s pulled me in and I can’t wait to read more!
October 19, 2021
Wondrous
And so the story continues on with a few more additions to the mix and wishes made to aid their journeys
And so the story continues on with a few more additions to the mix and wishes made to aid their journeys
September 17, 2022
Whew!
Just like the first one this one was amazing. It had me on my toes the entire time! Thanks Vince! You did a brilliant job.
Just like the first one this one was amazing. It had me on my toes the entire time! Thanks Vince! You did a brilliant job.
January 8, 2021
The first two books were absolutely incredible. I was constantly on the edge of my seat wondering what will happen next. I loved the friendships, watching them build and grow. I can't go into too much detail without spoiling anything, but I highly recommend the series if you enjoy: arranged marriages, strong friendship themes, slow burn romances, betrayals, djinn/magic.
May 11, 2020
This book is just as good as the first if not better.
This book is filled with more action than the first and we get to see Zadie fight. Slowly we also learn a bit more about the world and the countries and a bit more about the overall lore of the world and history. There is also a tiny bit more romance than the first, especially towards the end. I overall love this world and these characters so much and am wanting to read more of these characters and figure out more about Tarak and his history along with whatever will be thrown at us in the 3rd book.
This book is filled with more action than the first and we get to see Zadie fight. Slowly we also learn a bit more about the world and the countries and a bit more about the overall lore of the world and history. There is also a tiny bit more romance than the first, especially towards the end. I overall love this world and these characters so much and am wanting to read more of these characters and figure out more about Tarak and his history along with whatever will be thrown at us in the 3rd book.
May 12, 2020
I just cannot get enough of this series about Princess Zadie, our dauntless heroine who does not know how to stay out of trouble, and whose adventures are set in the beautiful and exotic desert setting. So in book 1 Zadie had found the magical artefact, The Night Diamond, which Kassim the Sultan of Kisrabah, her betrothed, had been looking for, to the chagrin of his hateful vizier who seems set out to ruin Zadie's chances of ever becoming the Sultanah. However Hepzibah could not work out the map this artefact was supposed to show them in order to find the cave of treasures. Zadie as usual goes to all kinds of trouble to get to the bottom of this conundrum which were Kassim to know would have a massive fit. With the help of Tarak her djinni, and Aliya the queen of thieves, she manages to find the way to read the artefact. So she is allowed to join the group travelling with Kassim to the far off region of Hidu on a pirate vessel with the infamous pirate Captain Bahar. The sea voyage is an adventure in itself, but then wherever Zadie is trouble is sure to follow close behind. I love the action and the characters in this series so much that I read the whole book in one sitting staying up till early morning. I also love the way Kassim is changing his prudish attitude and seems to be growing in his respect and admiration for our gutsy heroine. I cannot wait to have the next book in the series in my hands hoping to see Zadie become the next Sultanah ruling beside her Sultan.
May 8, 2020
EXCITING!
WOW! I thought book 1 was exciting but DAMN book 2 is beyond exciting - it's electrifying and utterly intense! I was so captivated by Zadie and her amazing ability to think things through and come up with a sound plan all by the seat of her pants. She's an intoxicating and very refreshing heroine. The fact that she wants to make herself stronger and won't give up makes her one kickass woman who will one day rule a kingdom! She kept me on the edge of my seat thoroughly captivated and so very entertained with her antics and her wit.
There are so many little surprises and twists that you don't want to look way for one second in case you miss something.
I absolutely love this series and I can't wait to see what happens next with Zadie and her entourage. Phenomenal and spellbinding storytelling. Highly recommend.
WOW! I thought book 1 was exciting but DAMN book 2 is beyond exciting - it's electrifying and utterly intense! I was so captivated by Zadie and her amazing ability to think things through and come up with a sound plan all by the seat of her pants. She's an intoxicating and very refreshing heroine. The fact that she wants to make herself stronger and won't give up makes her one kickass woman who will one day rule a kingdom! She kept me on the edge of my seat thoroughly captivated and so very entertained with her antics and her wit.
There are so many little surprises and twists that you don't want to look way for one second in case you miss something.
I absolutely love this series and I can't wait to see what happens next with Zadie and her entourage. Phenomenal and spellbinding storytelling. Highly recommend.
February 1, 2023
Amazing!
This is my favorite series this year, no doubt about it! I’ve read close to 200 books this year, and while I have loved many of them, this series has been my favorite so far! I love the characters, the adventure, and the way elements from Aladdin are woven throughout the story. And the romance is beautiful and clean, which I’m so grateful for! It seems as though it’s hard to find good clean books these days that also have a great storyline, but I’m happy to say that this series fits the bill! (I haven’t read the last two books yet, so I hope that doesn’t change, but as far as I have read it has been clean.) I LOVED this book and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series!
Content:
Mild swearing
Clean, slow-burn romance
This is my favorite series this year, no doubt about it! I’ve read close to 200 books this year, and while I have loved many of them, this series has been my favorite so far! I love the characters, the adventure, and the way elements from Aladdin are woven throughout the story. And the romance is beautiful and clean, which I’m so grateful for! It seems as though it’s hard to find good clean books these days that also have a great storyline, but I’m happy to say that this series fits the bill! (I haven’t read the last two books yet, so I hope that doesn’t change, but as far as I have read it has been clean.) I LOVED this book and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series!
Content:
Mild swearing
Clean, slow-burn romance
October 12, 2021
Awesome fight scenes, amusing djinn, thieves, caves, camels, boats, missing princes, sorcerers, pirates, and so many secrets!
We also get to see Kassim and Zadie falling for each other while they frustrate each other to no end, which is always entertaining.
I received a copy of the box set in exchange for an honest review and these are just my notes as the story progresses.
We also get to see Kassim and Zadie falling for each other while they frustrate each other to no end, which is always entertaining.
I received a copy of the box set in exchange for an honest review and these are just my notes as the story progresses.
June 6, 2020
Absolutely loved this installment to read about the Phoenitians, and how Kassim finally learned about Hepzibah’s betrayal. Zadie is a strong female lead and is loyal to her own kingdom as well as her Betrothed! Looking forward to Queen of the Djinn!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews