Summoned

by M a Guglielmo

[Quirky Cat]

3 1/2 stars.

I received a copy of Summoned through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Summoned is the debut novel of M.A. Guglielmo, and it is a memorable one. Fans looking for a slightly different take on jinn should check out Zahara's tale, as it's one they'll find themselves enjoying greatly.
Two completely different characters have been forced into a contract with one another, all with the hopes of stopping a fallen angel from wreaking revenge on the world. Oh, and did we mention it was the ghost of one of the character's grandmothers that warned them of the threat?
Zahara is a quirky jinn, to put it lightly. She's a nymphomaniac at heart, though she can also be distracted with shopping, which is something. She doesn't want to be on this quest, but she's bound by jinn laws to help.
Daniel is just doing what his grandmother told him to. His dead grandmother. She warned him of the fallen angel threat, and even told him that he had to summon a jinn to get the job done. This isn't what he wanted to do, but he can't ignore what's happening either.

“'I don't want money,' he said. 'I called up a jinn because my bubbe told me I had to save the world before two fallen angels destroy it.'”

Summoned was a fun an exciting escape from reality. This was a strong novel, before taking the whole debut novelist into account. M.A. Guglielmo knocked it out of the park.
The characters were quirky, unique, and silly when needed. They were atypical heroes, with a jinn that just wanted to party, and a goody two shoes who's still listening to his late bubbe. But it's better than nobody, right? To be honest, it was really refreshing to see such unique characters. They were built on tropes, yes. But then they were completely flipped on their heads.
Sometimes Zahara did annoy me, but once I got to know her it wasn't nearly so bad. So if you're put off by her behavior, in the beginning, give her a few more chapters before you make up your mind. Hopefully, you'll find it worth it!
I'll confess that it was the cover that originally brought my attention to this piece. But in my defense, who can resist something as pretty as this cover? I know I can't! The description sold me. And thankfully, the pages inside were just as much fun as I was hoping.
This novel will make a perfect escape for any reader looking for a light and distracting read. It's cute and funny, which lots of quips and banter. I'm glad I gave it a chance, and will be keeping an eye out for any more of Guglielmo's works.

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