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Bottled
At seventeen, Adeelah Naji is transformed into a genie and imprisoned in a bottle. For a thousand years, she fulfills the wishes of greedy masters—building their palaces, lining their pockets with gold, and granting them every earthly pleasure. All that sustains her is the hope of finding Karim, the boy she fell in love with as a human. When at last she finds a note from her beloved, she confirms he has access to the elixir of life and that he still searches for her.
But someone else also hunts her. Faruq—the man who plots to use her powers to murder and seize the life forces of others—is just one step behind her. With the help of a kind master named Nathan, Adeelah continues to search for Karim while trying to evade Faruq. To complicate matters, she begins to experience growing fatigue and pain after conjuring, and finds herself struggling against an undeniable attraction to Nathan.
As Faruq closes in, Adeelah must decide just how much she’ll risk to protect Nathan and be with Karim forever. How much power does she really have to change her future, and what is she willing to sacrifice for an eternity of love? If she makes the wrong choice, the deaths of many will be on her hands.
But someone else also hunts her. Faruq—the man who plots to use her powers to murder and seize the life forces of others—is just one step behind her. With the help of a kind master named Nathan, Adeelah continues to search for Karim while trying to evade Faruq. To complicate matters, she begins to experience growing fatigue and pain after conjuring, and finds herself struggling against an undeniable attraction to Nathan.
As Faruq closes in, Adeelah must decide just how much she’ll risk to protect Nathan and be with Karim forever. How much power does she really have to change her future, and what is she willing to sacrifice for an eternity of love? If she makes the wrong choice, the deaths of many will be on her hands.
227 pages, ebook
First published July 1, 2016
About the author
Carol Riggs
13 books279 followersBody-swapping and genies and portals--oh my! I'm a writer of clean-read Young Adult fiction who lives in the beautiful green state of Oregon, USA. My sci-fi debut, THE BODY INSTITUTE, explores themes of body image and identity. Its sequel, SPARES, was released January 2021.
I possess a Studio Arts degree and an intriguing dragon collection. I love reading--mostly young adult novels--as well as embroidering, drawing, and enjoying music and dance of all kinds.
Find me on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/CarolRiggsAu...
Tweet with me on Twitter. @CRiggsAuthor: https://twitter.com/CRiggsAuthor
Email me! carolriggsauthor [at] gmail [dot] com
BOOK TRAILER: http://www.entangledteen.com/the-body...
I possess a Studio Arts degree and an intriguing dragon collection. I love reading--mostly young adult novels--as well as embroidering, drawing, and enjoying music and dance of all kinds.
Find me on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/CarolRiggsAu...
Tweet with me on Twitter. @CRiggsAuthor: https://twitter.com/CRiggsAuthor
Email me! carolriggsauthor [at] gmail [dot] com
BOOK TRAILER: http://www.entangledteen.com/the-body...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
August 7, 2016
One thousand years ago, in a land far from here two teens fell in love, but Karim’s father, selfish, vile and greedy used dark magic to entrap the beautiful Adeelah into becoming a genie, for eternity with himself as her master. Faruq desired to live for eternity, with all of the wealth that would entail and bound by the spell, and the nature of being a genie, Adeelah must obey by creating the elixir of life.
As centuries pass, she serves several masters until the day seventeen-year-old Nathan accidentally discovers her in a jar in his mother’s shop. From Nathan, Adeelah learns what it is like to e treated kindly and to have a master whose heart is good and pure. Still she yearns for the boy she left behind so long ago.
But she finds she is being stalked by Faruq and her Karim is with him. Is he still the boy she has loved for a thousand years or has he become twisted like his father in an effort to hold on to their immortality? She is tricked into being captured by Faruq and what he demands is impossible. Adeelah knows she is fading away, perhaps her time on Earth is over? Will she lose her magic before she can keep those she has learned to love safe?
Carol Riggs’ Bottled holds all the enchantment of the magic she writes about. A beautifully told tale, filled with characters that I could relate to. Small town teens, best friends and a squirrelly young child are only part of this amazing tale for teens. Without any doubt, the villain is a true evil person, a little crazed and obsessed with himself, I was doing the internal hissing every time his name was mentioned.
A delightful read for all ages, actually, equal parts sweet, heartbreaking and fantasy. I had to wonder, what would I wish for if I had a magic genie?
I received this copy from Carol Riggs in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: Clean Reads (July 4, 2016)
Publication Date: July 4, 2016
Genre: YA Fantasy
Print Length: 227 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
As centuries pass, she serves several masters until the day seventeen-year-old Nathan accidentally discovers her in a jar in his mother’s shop. From Nathan, Adeelah learns what it is like to e treated kindly and to have a master whose heart is good and pure. Still she yearns for the boy she left behind so long ago.
But she finds she is being stalked by Faruq and her Karim is with him. Is he still the boy she has loved for a thousand years or has he become twisted like his father in an effort to hold on to their immortality? She is tricked into being captured by Faruq and what he demands is impossible. Adeelah knows she is fading away, perhaps her time on Earth is over? Will she lose her magic before she can keep those she has learned to love safe?
Carol Riggs’ Bottled holds all the enchantment of the magic she writes about. A beautifully told tale, filled with characters that I could relate to. Small town teens, best friends and a squirrelly young child are only part of this amazing tale for teens. Without any doubt, the villain is a true evil person, a little crazed and obsessed with himself, I was doing the internal hissing every time his name was mentioned.
A delightful read for all ages, actually, equal parts sweet, heartbreaking and fantasy. I had to wonder, what would I wish for if I had a magic genie?
I received this copy from Carol Riggs in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: Clean Reads (July 4, 2016)
Publication Date: July 4, 2016
Genre: YA Fantasy
Print Length: 227 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
July 15, 2016
Seventeen year old Adeelah Naji fell in love with Karim when he saved her life while the rest of her family was murdered – but Karim’s father had no time for her and was jealous of the love Karim showed Adeelah. Summonsing an evil djinn, Faruq enticed a naïve Adeelah to drink an elixir – suddenly she was imprisoned in a bottle with Karim’s father as her master.
As the years and centuries passed, Adeelah knew many masters – the wishes were varied but mostly they wanted wealth and grand homes; and all the while she searched for Karim. She knew he took the elixir of life every one hundred years and he also continued to search for her. But while she searched she had to remain alert so as not to come across Faruq – he was furious she had escaped him, and wanted her back. His plans to use her so he could live forever meant her life was in danger…
When Adeelah began to feel an incredible fatigue after granting certain wishes, her master was a young man of her age (when she was human) – Nathan was nothing like her previous masters. He was kind and considerate; she began to care for him in a most un-genie like manner. But still the danger of Faruq was on the horizon – plus was her search for Karim bringing him closer? She suddenly realised she had put Nathan and his family in peril – what would she do? Her choices were few; her decision vital.
Bottled by Carol Riggs was so much fun! A genie in a bottle – a young woman no less – and wishes granted everywhere! But she had rules and the rules of the bottle weren’t to be broken. Adeelah was a great character and I had a thoroughly enjoyable few hours evading evil characters and dashing through voids from one place to the other with her. Highly recommended!
With thanks to the author for this digital copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
As the years and centuries passed, Adeelah knew many masters – the wishes were varied but mostly they wanted wealth and grand homes; and all the while she searched for Karim. She knew he took the elixir of life every one hundred years and he also continued to search for her. But while she searched she had to remain alert so as not to come across Faruq – he was furious she had escaped him, and wanted her back. His plans to use her so he could live forever meant her life was in danger…
When Adeelah began to feel an incredible fatigue after granting certain wishes, her master was a young man of her age (when she was human) – Nathan was nothing like her previous masters. He was kind and considerate; she began to care for him in a most un-genie like manner. But still the danger of Faruq was on the horizon – plus was her search for Karim bringing him closer? She suddenly realised she had put Nathan and his family in peril – what would she do? Her choices were few; her decision vital.
Bottled by Carol Riggs was so much fun! A genie in a bottle – a young woman no less – and wishes granted everywhere! But she had rules and the rules of the bottle weren’t to be broken. Adeelah was a great character and I had a thoroughly enjoyable few hours evading evil characters and dashing through voids from one place to the other with her. Highly recommended!
With thanks to the author for this digital copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
July 1, 2019
I used to watch "I Dream of Jeannie" all the time as a young girl (yes, I am that old), along with "Bewitched." I loved those shows! Except I have to admit sometimes Jeannie drove me NUTS with all the torturous scrapes and tangles she got her master into.
This novel is a more serious tribute to the enchantment of this show. Unlike Jeannie, however, my genie has limited powers; she isn't able to use her abilities to reach her own goals. As one of my taglines says: "A genie's wishes don't count."
This is Adeelah Naji's story, the account of her quest to grasp her dreams of finding freedom and love.
This novel is a more serious tribute to the enchantment of this show. Unlike Jeannie, however, my genie has limited powers; she isn't able to use her abilities to reach her own goals. As one of my taglines says: "A genie's wishes don't count."
This is Adeelah Naji's story, the account of her quest to grasp her dreams of finding freedom and love.
Read
May 27, 2016Adeelah's adventure swept me along, keeping me turning the pages of this beautifully written tale of magic wishes, evil masters, lovable characters, and sweet romance. Other than the inventive descriptions, what I enjoyed most in this story was probably all the moments in which Adeelah's culture and experience of the distant past clashed so hilariously with modern day technology, sayings, architecture, food and more. Her interactions with Nathan and her new twenty-first century friends had me chuckling to myself a number of times. An enjoyable read :-)
[I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.]
[I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.]
July 4, 2016
I received an ARC copy from the author in an exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars
This book was so refreshing!
I'm not an expert on genie books, even though I have read a few, but this book was beautiful. Arabian Knights would approve of Carol Riggs' Bottled!
Adeelah (a lovely name) was enslaved to a bottle by her lover's father. For almost a thousand years, Adeelah is tossed between new master to new master, while also sleeping in between trying to figure out how to get back to Karim.
But Karim's father is no sunshine. He wants to live forever, but to do that, he must acquire ingredients before Adeelah can seal the elixir, ingredients that literally kill.
But when Adeelah wakes from a long sleep, a boy named Nathan becomes her new master. Though, he isn't like her previous masters, he is caring and not selfish. But Karim's father is still hunting Adeelah down, in need of a new batch of elixir.
This story of Adeelah is a thousand times captivating and lovable .
I would definitely recommend this book to others, a thousand times over. It's very much worth the read!
Carol Riggs proves to be an author who can write a story that forces you stay up all night reading it. Bottled is written beautifully and I feel truly lucky to have read and review this book.
4.5 stars
This book was so refreshing!
I'm not an expert on genie books, even though I have read a few, but this book was beautiful. Arabian Knights would approve of Carol Riggs' Bottled!
Adeelah (a lovely name) was enslaved to a bottle by her lover's father. For almost a thousand years, Adeelah is tossed between new master to new master, while also sleeping in between trying to figure out how to get back to Karim.
But Karim's father is no sunshine. He wants to live forever, but to do that, he must acquire ingredients before Adeelah can seal the elixir, ingredients that literally kill.
But when Adeelah wakes from a long sleep, a boy named Nathan becomes her new master. Though, he isn't like her previous masters, he is caring and not selfish. But Karim's father is still hunting Adeelah down, in need of a new batch of elixir.
This story of Adeelah is a thousand times captivating and lovable .
I would definitely recommend this book to others, a thousand times over. It's very much worth the read!
Carol Riggs proves to be an author who can write a story that forces you stay up all night reading it. Bottled is written beautifully and I feel truly lucky to have read and review this book.
May 7, 2016
Wish for a great book and here you go!
I really enjoyed the main character, Adeelah, who becomes trapped into service as a Genie at the young age of 17. For centuries, she's had to deal with greedy masters, until she meets kind and generous Nathan. You'd think they were a match made in heaven except being a Genie is complicated. She's being pursued by a previous evil and immortal master who'd kill anyone who gets in his way. She's in love with another guy from her past who is also immortal. Plus, no one can touch her (think ghost). It was lots of fun to be part of this roller coaster ride as Adeelah finds enough freedom with Nate to discover who she really is. You'll want to read every last page.
I received a copy of BOTTLED by Carol Riggs in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the main character, Adeelah, who becomes trapped into service as a Genie at the young age of 17. For centuries, she's had to deal with greedy masters, until she meets kind and generous Nathan. You'd think they were a match made in heaven except being a Genie is complicated. She's being pursued by a previous evil and immortal master who'd kill anyone who gets in his way. She's in love with another guy from her past who is also immortal. Plus, no one can touch her (think ghost). It was lots of fun to be part of this roller coaster ride as Adeelah finds enough freedom with Nate to discover who she really is. You'll want to read every last page.
I received a copy of BOTTLED by Carol Riggs in exchange for an honest review.
July 10, 2016
This book is absolutely amazing! I couldn't put this book down and finished it in 2 days. The story and characters are charming and unique. I really enjoyed how the author convey's the thoughts of the main character, Adeelah, as she experiences life as a genie and all of it's problems and limitations. The character of Nathan is very charming and his relationship with Adeelah is magical. I couldn't help myself to smile throughout so many moments in this book and especially the ending.
I received this book as free copy for my honest review. I had not anticipated the book being so well written and such an enjoyable story. I plan on reading more books by Carol Riggs and hoping she turns Bottled into a series of books and not just a standalone novel.
I received this book as free copy for my honest review. I had not anticipated the book being so well written and such an enjoyable story. I plan on reading more books by Carol Riggs and hoping she turns Bottled into a series of books and not just a standalone novel.
December 13, 2016
This was a fun read. There were some similarites to the TV show I Dream of Jeannie, but there were definitely some drastic differences - such as not being allowed to leave her bottle unless summoned (as well as several others). I liked both main characters, a lot. Bottled is a book I'd recommend to any fan of genie/djinn novels.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
July 4, 2016
To be honest I've never read genies before so I have nothing to compare this too but I do know that I loved the writing style and the characters in Bottled. Kept me reading and guessing right through the book
June 5, 2021
This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Bottled
Thank you to Carol Riggs for providing me with a copy for an honest review!
Adeelah Naji has been trapped as a genie for a thousand years, fulfilling the greedy wishes of her masters. All she wants is to return to her life with the one boy she fell in love with, but her life of servitude has torn them apart. And as much as she disdains the life she has been entrapped in, it would be worse to fall into the hands of a man named Faruq. To be his genie would mean aiding him in murder to extend his life. For centuries she has barely escaped him, but her luck is about to run out.
If you’ve been following my reviews, then you know I am a stickler for character development. Adeelah has a long way to go when you first open Bottled. She’s a girl pining after her lost love and has reserved herself to being a genie. But as Carol Riggs takes you through each of her masters, you slowly watch a spark grow within Adeelah. And watching her realize the potential she had within herself was worth every page.
But Adeelah isn’t the only character that brought this book to life. Adeelah’s master Nathan was a fantastic character to pair up with her. The chemistry between Nathan and Adeelah was pure fun to follow. Through Nathan, Adeelah had the chance to learn how to form friendships and enjoy life. The awkwardness she felt while adjusting to modern society was cute, and I can see many teens connecting to her attempts at social interaction. But despite her struggles, Nathan and his friends never once made her feel unwelcome. They strived to bond with her and bring her into the fold.
This is a great book for teens interested in fantasy novels. There are great themes found throughout the novel. And there is everything a young fantasy reader could hope for: action, magic, a little love, and a lot of entertainment.
Thank you to Carol Riggs for providing me with a copy for an honest review!
Adeelah Naji has been trapped as a genie for a thousand years, fulfilling the greedy wishes of her masters. All she wants is to return to her life with the one boy she fell in love with, but her life of servitude has torn them apart. And as much as she disdains the life she has been entrapped in, it would be worse to fall into the hands of a man named Faruq. To be his genie would mean aiding him in murder to extend his life. For centuries she has barely escaped him, but her luck is about to run out.
If you’ve been following my reviews, then you know I am a stickler for character development. Adeelah has a long way to go when you first open Bottled. She’s a girl pining after her lost love and has reserved herself to being a genie. But as Carol Riggs takes you through each of her masters, you slowly watch a spark grow within Adeelah. And watching her realize the potential she had within herself was worth every page.
But Adeelah isn’t the only character that brought this book to life. Adeelah’s master Nathan was a fantastic character to pair up with her. The chemistry between Nathan and Adeelah was pure fun to follow. Through Nathan, Adeelah had the chance to learn how to form friendships and enjoy life. The awkwardness she felt while adjusting to modern society was cute, and I can see many teens connecting to her attempts at social interaction. But despite her struggles, Nathan and his friends never once made her feel unwelcome. They strived to bond with her and bring her into the fold.
This is a great book for teens interested in fantasy novels. There are great themes found throughout the novel. And there is everything a young fantasy reader could hope for: action, magic, a little love, and a lot of entertainment.
February 15, 2018
This was a fun book. What happens when you are turned into a genie with unlimited wishes and live for 1,000 years while you try to find your true love. Adeelah has been trapped by her true love Karim's evil and jealous father. While going from master to master she tries to search for Karim. She eventually falls into the hands of Nathan, a 17-year-old boy who is more worried about helping others than wanting wishes for wealth and big houses. He isn't greedy at all. There is some danger in here and several funny moments. I really enjoyed this book.
May 8, 2016
I had the pleasure of receiving a copy of BOTTLED by Carol Riggs from the author in exchange for an honest review.
BOTTLED is a lush fantasy about a young woman named Adeelah, who was turned into a genie long ago when a wicked man tricked her into drinking a potion. Forced to grant endless wishes to selfish, sometimes cruel, masters, Adeelah seeks to reunite with the man she loves. As she passes from master to master, she must also evade the man who caused her to become a genie, for he still seeks to possess her for her abilities. He'll stop at nothing to become her master again, and he is the cruelest of all the masters she's had.
Along the way, her bottle passes into the hands of Nathan, all-around great guy whose antique-dealer mother purchased her bottle. He's kind and thoughtful, considering Adeelah's own wishes and needs. He shares his Wefler bars with her. He makes sure his friends don't attempt to touch her, since as a genie she's not fully solid, and any physical contact is extremely uncomfortable for her. He supports her efforts to locate her long-lost love, even insisting on accompanying her despite the danger of being caught by Adeelah's pursuer.
In fact, Nathan is such a great guy (not to mention the cute moments of attraction between them) that I spent much of the novel wondering how Adeelah's love could possibly measure up to Nathan, despite the intensity of her longing for her love and the intensity of the connection they forged long ago. I found myself shipping team Nathan hard when I wanted to feel really torn between the two guys.
This story held many twist and turns, and lots of surprises along the way. There were some great flashbacks of Adeelah's earlier life, there were moments of action and danger, and there were some sweet, fun moments between Adeelah and Nathan and with his friends. I also loved the fantastic descriptions of genie magic, including its specific limits and the descriptions of the magic's effects on Adeelah and on the environment when she grants a wish.
Fans of genie stories, especially ones told from the genie's point of view, should definitely check out BOTTLED!
BOTTLED is a lush fantasy about a young woman named Adeelah, who was turned into a genie long ago when a wicked man tricked her into drinking a potion. Forced to grant endless wishes to selfish, sometimes cruel, masters, Adeelah seeks to reunite with the man she loves. As she passes from master to master, she must also evade the man who caused her to become a genie, for he still seeks to possess her for her abilities. He'll stop at nothing to become her master again, and he is the cruelest of all the masters she's had.
Along the way, her bottle passes into the hands of Nathan, all-around great guy whose antique-dealer mother purchased her bottle. He's kind and thoughtful, considering Adeelah's own wishes and needs. He shares his Wefler bars with her. He makes sure his friends don't attempt to touch her, since as a genie she's not fully solid, and any physical contact is extremely uncomfortable for her. He supports her efforts to locate her long-lost love, even insisting on accompanying her despite the danger of being caught by Adeelah's pursuer.
In fact, Nathan is such a great guy (not to mention the cute moments of attraction between them) that I spent much of the novel wondering how Adeelah's love could possibly measure up to Nathan, despite the intensity of her longing for her love and the intensity of the connection they forged long ago. I found myself shipping team Nathan hard when I wanted to feel really torn between the two guys.
This story held many twist and turns, and lots of surprises along the way. There were some great flashbacks of Adeelah's earlier life, there were moments of action and danger, and there were some sweet, fun moments between Adeelah and Nathan and with his friends. I also loved the fantastic descriptions of genie magic, including its specific limits and the descriptions of the magic's effects on Adeelah and on the environment when she grants a wish.
Fans of genie stories, especially ones told from the genie's point of view, should definitely check out BOTTLED!
September 20, 2016
Thanks to Clean Reads for the opportunity to read and honestly review Bottled by Carol Riggs! This fantasy story involves a woman trapped in a spell, cast by a djinn, who serves her changing masters over the centuries. A traditional story with a female protagonist, a horrible villain, romance and suspense. This is a clean read book and enjoyable!
August 14, 2016
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Bottled is a nice retelling of Aladdin in very Young Adult fantasy style.
The genie is a 17-year-old girl – well, actually a 1,000-year-old girl whose physical age was frozen when she was tricked into becoming a magical being.
(It seems that 70 percent of YA protagonists are 17-year-old girls. But Adeelah is a nice one – imperfect, vulnerable with strength. She’s a person you’re happy to have met.)
The plot is built around a love triangle between Adeelah, her almost immortal boyfriend from when she was human and her 21th Century master in Washington state.
(It seems that 70 percent of YA fantasy has a love triangle, but this one isn’t bad. The old boyfriend is as much a memory of a love as a character. The “master” is a pretty innocent and decent 17-year-old guy whom you come to care a lot about. As often is the case, the reader figures out they’re meant for each other long before they do.)
Adeelah spends most of the book on the run from the very bad man who tricked into genie-hood. But the strength of the novel is her learning the 21st Century and its people, but also learning what he wanted isn’t necessary the happy ending she thought it would be.
Her magic is strong, logicial and limited. But it’s the lack of magic the story turns upon.
Bottled is a good read – a solid four stars. It doesn’t get higher because there’s too much familiar about it – and I’m not talking about the story of Aladdin.
Bottled is a nice retelling of Aladdin in very Young Adult fantasy style.
The genie is a 17-year-old girl – well, actually a 1,000-year-old girl whose physical age was frozen when she was tricked into becoming a magical being.
(It seems that 70 percent of YA protagonists are 17-year-old girls. But Adeelah is a nice one – imperfect, vulnerable with strength. She’s a person you’re happy to have met.)
The plot is built around a love triangle between Adeelah, her almost immortal boyfriend from when she was human and her 21th Century master in Washington state.
(It seems that 70 percent of YA fantasy has a love triangle, but this one isn’t bad. The old boyfriend is as much a memory of a love as a character. The “master” is a pretty innocent and decent 17-year-old guy whom you come to care a lot about. As often is the case, the reader figures out they’re meant for each other long before they do.)
Adeelah spends most of the book on the run from the very bad man who tricked into genie-hood. But the strength of the novel is her learning the 21st Century and its people, but also learning what he wanted isn’t necessary the happy ending she thought it would be.
Her magic is strong, logicial and limited. But it’s the lack of magic the story turns upon.
Bottled is a good read – a solid four stars. It doesn’t get higher because there’s too much familiar about it – and I’m not talking about the story of Aladdin.
November 26, 2016
This story is written in first person narrative from the point of view of Adeelah, the 1000-year-old genie. I dislike most books written in the 1st person because the story tends to be simplistic and shallow. Such is the case with Bottled and the reason for my 2 1/2 star rating.
The beginning of the book gives a brief retelling of how Adeelah met Karim, the young man she loves. The story begins in 1977, when Adeelah gets a new master after being without one for 300 years. The story quickly progresses and Adeelah goes from one selfish master to the next before she ends up in the present time with Nathan, a 17-year-old do-gooder.
No matter the time or the master, Adeelah's goal is always to find Karim, who is immortal due to a magical elixir. With Nathan as her current master, Adeelah finds him agreeable to helping her. Along the way Nathan's friends and family are brought into the story, and Adeelah interacts with them, beginning to care for the lives of all of them. This leads to a predictable ending, which wouldn't be a bad thing if the story itself had more depth.
The beginning of the book gives a brief retelling of how Adeelah met Karim, the young man she loves. The story begins in 1977, when Adeelah gets a new master after being without one for 300 years. The story quickly progresses and Adeelah goes from one selfish master to the next before she ends up in the present time with Nathan, a 17-year-old do-gooder.
No matter the time or the master, Adeelah's goal is always to find Karim, who is immortal due to a magical elixir. With Nathan as her current master, Adeelah finds him agreeable to helping her. Along the way Nathan's friends and family are brought into the story, and Adeelah interacts with them, beginning to care for the lives of all of them. This leads to a predictable ending, which wouldn't be a bad thing if the story itself had more depth.
July 12, 2016
I had the privilege of reading the ARC of this story given to me by the author. I have read MANY YA and MG books over the years. I usually enjoy anything with a magical theme, and I particularly enjoyed BOTTLED. First of all, the author takes us on an unpredictable adventure through time, covering several centuries. Adeelah is not your normal Jeanie, and that is what makes this story different from other Arabian tales.
With well developed and extremely likable characters, the reader roots for Adeelah to overcome her bondage. We become her champion, and find ourselves at the edge of our seats, biting our nails, and waiting for the explosive outcome.
Will she be with her true love after searching for a thousand years?
OR...
I don't want to spoil it for you... but rest assured you will be surprised by the ending. If you are looking for a fun, exciting, and enjoyable read on a rainy weekend, THIS is the BOOK for you...
Happy reading!
With well developed and extremely likable characters, the reader roots for Adeelah to overcome her bondage. We become her champion, and find ourselves at the edge of our seats, biting our nails, and waiting for the explosive outcome.
Will she be with her true love after searching for a thousand years?
OR...
I don't want to spoil it for you... but rest assured you will be surprised by the ending. If you are looking for a fun, exciting, and enjoyable read on a rainy weekend, THIS is the BOOK for you...
Happy reading!
July 25, 2016
I'm not going to rehash the summary in this review because I feel like if you're here, you're already aware of the book. I would say that I did very much enjoy this story. I worried going in that this was going to be an attempt at a retelling (of Aladdin I suppose) but no fear there. I really enjoyed the backstory behind the genies vs. djinn and how everything played out. And I think the characters, particularly Adeelah and Nathan, were good together, I could pretty easily picture them in my head.
I would say that the only thing that bugged me was that Adeelah mentions her brother Jamal a lot, but then her other siblings are mentioned without any mention of their name. I definitely got the feeling they were closer, but it just felt odd that one had a name and the others didn't.
Anyhow I read this book over a weekend and I thought it was definitely worth giving a shot.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I would say that the only thing that bugged me was that Adeelah mentions her brother Jamal a lot, but then her other siblings are mentioned without any mention of their name. I definitely got the feeling they were closer, but it just felt odd that one had a name and the others didn't.
Anyhow I read this book over a weekend and I thought it was definitely worth giving a shot.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 27, 2016
A nice and readable Jinn story, this YA novel focuses on a young woman from a nomadic family in "Arabia" who is forced to become a Jinn-like being with the power to grant wishes. The writing was solid and the character likable, but I found myself frustrated by the lack of significant worldbuilding and the absence of any sort of cultural connection to the Middle East culture this book appropriates. The depiction of some African minor characters were unsettling, and the middle and ending had less character conflict than I would have preferred. However, this was a pleasant read, and the connection to the sympathetic main character held my interest. There is the expected amount of violence and romance appropriate for an older YA book, and this book would probably suit both adult and teen readers.
May 23, 2016
Bottled was a pleasingly cute story about a genie named Adeelah. I always loved the shows, I Dream of Jeanie and Bewitched and this story fit right into that niche that I love. Author Riggs told a very picturesque story and I could imagine myself being right along side Adeelah in all of her adventures. This will be a great read for all teenagers and readers young and old and I highly recommend it to everyone!! I was given a free copy of BOTTLED in exchange for a review.
May 20, 2018
First Impression: I haven't read a genie story in a very long time - plus that cover looks magical!
Characters: Clean YA romance themes throughout with a touch of magic. Adeelah is a genie trapped by a sort of magic curse. After centuries of spoiled "masters", she finds one who will change her world. What is most important is the characters each grow and evolve throughout the story, making them come to life.
World Building: Everything was plausible, if yet fantastic. The background of how Adeelah comes by her powers, as well as the impact of her abilities are fully realized in this short book.
Writing Style: This is the third book I've read by this author. Riggs brings a wonderfully new twist on an old story.
What I Enjoyed: I want a sequel. Bottled will likely stay with me, as the relationships and plot were so different from what I've read lately. I wanted to pick this book up every chance I had, which speaks to its magic.
Deal Benders: I'm not sure of the intended audience. If written for YA, there are violent themes I would suggest for adults only.
Overall Rating: 4.5 stars for this short gem of a story. I wish for another installment, so now you have to write one - right?
For Fans Of: Aladdin, Harry Potter
Characters: Clean YA romance themes throughout with a touch of magic. Adeelah is a genie trapped by a sort of magic curse. After centuries of spoiled "masters", she finds one who will change her world. What is most important is the characters each grow and evolve throughout the story, making them come to life.
World Building: Everything was plausible, if yet fantastic. The background of how Adeelah comes by her powers, as well as the impact of her abilities are fully realized in this short book.
Writing Style: This is the third book I've read by this author. Riggs brings a wonderfully new twist on an old story.
What I Enjoyed: I want a sequel. Bottled will likely stay with me, as the relationships and plot were so different from what I've read lately. I wanted to pick this book up every chance I had, which speaks to its magic.
Deal Benders: I'm not sure of the intended audience. If written for YA, there are violent themes I would suggest for adults only.
Overall Rating: 4.5 stars for this short gem of a story. I wish for another installment, so now you have to write one - right?
For Fans Of: Aladdin, Harry Potter
November 14, 2016
Adeelah is a 1000 year old genie who finds herself in the hands of a teenage boy who manages to become her master. her heart is already sworn to the love of her life, Karim. He manages to drink an elixir that prolongs his life and he's searching for her. Luckily, Adeelah manages to have a very considerate and kind master in Nathan, a 17 yr old boy. They go on a chase to find her love, figure out if this chick likes Nathan, flee from her the evil man that originally tricked her into a genie, and discover that not everything is written in stone.
Here's what I liked: The idea of a trapped genie looking for her lost love. How easily her master can change. Adeelah is well rounded and likable. How everything came together at the end about her bottle and the elixir. It's a stand alone book.
Here's what I didn't like: Nathan's too perfect. A few times that she was in her bottle, she just kept surmising how much she needed to find Karim again - I understood after the second time how much it was important to her. The thing between Karim and Adeelah ... It seemed to lack a spark, of either passion or anger.
Overall, the story is good and I enjoyed it, but I wasn't emotionally engaged.
Here's what I liked: The idea of a trapped genie looking for her lost love. How easily her master can change. Adeelah is well rounded and likable. How everything came together at the end about her bottle and the elixir. It's a stand alone book.
Here's what I didn't like: Nathan's too perfect. A few times that she was in her bottle, she just kept surmising how much she needed to find Karim again - I understood after the second time how much it was important to her. The thing between Karim and Adeelah ... It seemed to lack a spark, of either passion or anger.
Overall, the story is good and I enjoyed it, but I wasn't emotionally engaged.
July 31, 2019
Carol Riggs is so underrated! Her books are always unique and difficult to put down. In "Bottled," a human-turned-genie has spent a thousand years trying to reunite with her immortal love while evading the man who imprisoned her inside a bottle. The genie rules in the book are similar to Disney's portrayal, in that she cannot kill anyone directly and cannot make anyone fall in love. But rather than granting three wishes, she grants infinite wishes.
I found the plot to be unpredictable. There were a couple plot twists I saw coming, but there were far more surprises. I was never sure if the genie would be freed from her life inside a bottle or how the story's several love triangles would be resolved. The characters all have strong personalities and believable motivations and I found myself invested in all of their lives. But as much as I loved them, the story's conclusion leaves little room for any kind of sequel, so this should appeal to anyone looking for a fantastic fantasy book without having to dive into a full series.
I found the plot to be unpredictable. There were a couple plot twists I saw coming, but there were far more surprises. I was never sure if the genie would be freed from her life inside a bottle or how the story's several love triangles would be resolved. The characters all have strong personalities and believable motivations and I found myself invested in all of their lives. But as much as I loved them, the story's conclusion leaves little room for any kind of sequel, so this should appeal to anyone looking for a fantastic fantasy book without having to dive into a full series.
November 21, 2017
This is a well-written, warm story that I enjoyed. I really like the character Adeelah and found her captivating and interesting. The book has a nice mix of romance, suspense and fun that kept my interest. A good recommend for the YA reader.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
July 12, 2020
A sweet YA romance between a teen boy from Oregon and a genie from Riyadh. Most interesting were the comparisons drawn between humans of unbelievable and evil self-absorption, those who are merely selfish and self-indulgent, those who are willful, and those who genuinely care about and for others - the last being limited to just one character. Nicely imagined and written.
June 19, 2018
BOTTLED is a fantastic concept that suffers somewhat in the execution. Overall, it's a worthwhile read, but be prepared for some inconsistencies and gaps.
The core concept is captivating and imaginative: The story is told from the point of view of Adeelah, a young girl transformed into a genie, who lives in servitude while hoping for reunion with her lost love.
Adeelah's internal monologue is written in a flowing, archaic cadence that emphasizes her otherness in this modern world. Except when it isn't. Her phrasing and frame of reference jump back and forth and the inconsistent voice, while not excessively distracting, make it difficult to differentiate Adeelah as a character. This is a dual loss, as her lack of self-examination makes it difficult to know her through anything but her variable and unreliable voice.
The author gives an amusing presentation of the interactions of two teenage boys and the younger brother of one of the teens. It's clear that she has some real-life experience with that! But in all, there are too many clumsy inconsistencies and convenient plot mechanisms to make this a truly enjoyable read for an adult or a discerning YA reader. [specific examples below the SPOILER line.] It will resonate well with less-particular teens and tweens, who will likely be sufficiently enamored of the story concept and and won't closely examine the narrative quality.
I loved the concept so much, I really wanted to be able to recommend this book. I read it once, and don't consider the time "lost" or "wasted," but I certainly won't read it again, and can't in conscience recommend it. I gave it three stars because Goodreads doesn't permit me to give half stars, and 2 seemed a little too low a grade.
***SPOILERS***
Adeelah's lack of introspection contributes to incongruities throughout the narrative. For example, as she continually expounds on the wonders of her lost love, her commentary makes it clear to the reader that she is attracted to her new master, blandly-painted generic-good-guy Nathan. This would have worked well if we had seen an arc of discovery or realization. Instead, we move - in the matter of a few paragraphs - from Adeelah's unthinking observations on Nathan (hints of unrecognized attraction) to her matter-of-fact mention, more or less 'in passing', of her growing attraction to him. Presenting it as something already recognized, she just as swiftly dismisses it in favor of her commitment to long-time love Karim.
Her thoughts on Karim, too, offer inconsistency and incongruity. Adeelah tells us the narrative of how Karim's father turned her into a genie, and is keeping father and son immortal. She expresses her certainty that Karim is a good man who deplores what his father is doing. And that's pretty much it. For a guy she is in love with, and has been obsessed with for 1,000 years, her musings don't offer much depth, or observations that would allow someone else to assess his character. When she is reunited with him, she is appalled that in 1,000 years of waiting and sometimes searching for her, he has also spent some time engaging in relationships and other activities of *living. Karim could have declined his father's evil acts, including the murders required to create his immortality elixir every century, but he cooperates and assists in order to get the elixir. Adeelah sees this as nothing but necessity, and it does not once cause her to question her opinions of Karim's nobility and honor. But for him to have friendships and relationships with people while she is away for centuries is somehow a betrayal so grave, she just can't forgive him. A few dozen murders, fine - but interacting with other people rather than living a millennium as a hermit is crossing the line. After spending the book mooning about him, this causes her to cut him off without a backward glance.
Finally, there is the matter of her waning powers. The reader, who has known Adeelah for a few chapters, can clearly see that her powers are waning for some reason, and are likely to disappear. This doesn't occur to Adeelah until she is unable to complete a teleport spell correctly, stranding her and Nathan far from home and help. After multiple mentions of how Karim's father would be in a hurry to create his elixir, as the century would expire soon, I concluded that perhaps the immortal alchemist was fading, dying, and Adeelah's powers were waning with the life force of the man who created her a genie. I was wrong. In fact, the power loss is caused by (a convenient last-minute discovery!) the fact that *all* human-genies like Adeelah lose their power after 1,000 years. Karim explains that he and his father will die without their elixir; in fact, we see no indication of this when the elixir-making is interrupted. When Adeelah dumps him, Karim wanders off as strong and healthy as before. The years will not, however, catch up with Adeelah. Instead, this recently discovered (coincidentally, now just as it is about to occur!) feature leaves her a healthy 17 year old, just in time to hook up with 18-year-old Nathan.
The core concept is captivating and imaginative: The story is told from the point of view of Adeelah, a young girl transformed into a genie, who lives in servitude while hoping for reunion with her lost love.
Adeelah's internal monologue is written in a flowing, archaic cadence that emphasizes her otherness in this modern world. Except when it isn't. Her phrasing and frame of reference jump back and forth and the inconsistent voice, while not excessively distracting, make it difficult to differentiate Adeelah as a character. This is a dual loss, as her lack of self-examination makes it difficult to know her through anything but her variable and unreliable voice.
The author gives an amusing presentation of the interactions of two teenage boys and the younger brother of one of the teens. It's clear that she has some real-life experience with that! But in all, there are too many clumsy inconsistencies and convenient plot mechanisms to make this a truly enjoyable read for an adult or a discerning YA reader. [specific examples below the SPOILER line.] It will resonate well with less-particular teens and tweens, who will likely be sufficiently enamored of the story concept and and won't closely examine the narrative quality.
I loved the concept so much, I really wanted to be able to recommend this book. I read it once, and don't consider the time "lost" or "wasted," but I certainly won't read it again, and can't in conscience recommend it. I gave it three stars because Goodreads doesn't permit me to give half stars, and 2 seemed a little too low a grade.
***SPOILERS***
Adeelah's lack of introspection contributes to incongruities throughout the narrative. For example, as she continually expounds on the wonders of her lost love, her commentary makes it clear to the reader that she is attracted to her new master, blandly-painted generic-good-guy Nathan. This would have worked well if we had seen an arc of discovery or realization. Instead, we move - in the matter of a few paragraphs - from Adeelah's unthinking observations on Nathan (hints of unrecognized attraction) to her matter-of-fact mention, more or less 'in passing', of her growing attraction to him. Presenting it as something already recognized, she just as swiftly dismisses it in favor of her commitment to long-time love Karim.
Her thoughts on Karim, too, offer inconsistency and incongruity. Adeelah tells us the narrative of how Karim's father turned her into a genie, and is keeping father and son immortal. She expresses her certainty that Karim is a good man who deplores what his father is doing. And that's pretty much it. For a guy she is in love with, and has been obsessed with for 1,000 years, her musings don't offer much depth, or observations that would allow someone else to assess his character. When she is reunited with him, she is appalled that in 1,000 years of waiting and sometimes searching for her, he has also spent some time engaging in relationships and other activities of *living. Karim could have declined his father's evil acts, including the murders required to create his immortality elixir every century, but he cooperates and assists in order to get the elixir. Adeelah sees this as nothing but necessity, and it does not once cause her to question her opinions of Karim's nobility and honor. But for him to have friendships and relationships with people while she is away for centuries is somehow a betrayal so grave, she just can't forgive him. A few dozen murders, fine - but interacting with other people rather than living a millennium as a hermit is crossing the line. After spending the book mooning about him, this causes her to cut him off without a backward glance.
Finally, there is the matter of her waning powers. The reader, who has known Adeelah for a few chapters, can clearly see that her powers are waning for some reason, and are likely to disappear. This doesn't occur to Adeelah until she is unable to complete a teleport spell correctly, stranding her and Nathan far from home and help. After multiple mentions of how Karim's father would be in a hurry to create his elixir, as the century would expire soon, I concluded that perhaps the immortal alchemist was fading, dying, and Adeelah's powers were waning with the life force of the man who created her a genie. I was wrong. In fact, the power loss is caused by (a convenient last-minute discovery!) the fact that *all* human-genies like Adeelah lose their power after 1,000 years. Karim explains that he and his father will die without their elixir; in fact, we see no indication of this when the elixir-making is interrupted. When Adeelah dumps him, Karim wanders off as strong and healthy as before. The years will not, however, catch up with Adeelah. Instead, this recently discovered (coincidentally, now just as it is about to occur!) feature leaves her a healthy 17 year old, just in time to hook up with 18-year-old Nathan.
June 6, 2017
3.5
I'm surprised I liked this book. It was sort of a modern day retelling of Alladin. I just wish this book had a little more depth.
I'm surprised I liked this book. It was sort of a modern day retelling of Alladin. I just wish this book had a little more depth.
March 19, 2018
I didn’t realize this was a YA book till I was well into it. Pretty good story. It kept me entertained, though it dragged in places
July 27, 2018
I enjoyed the story. It was fast paced and I cared about the characters.
May 18, 2021
Good short story
A good and heartwarming story. A good lesson to not dwell so much on the past that you miss what’s right in front of you.
A good and heartwarming story. A good lesson to not dwell so much on the past that you miss what’s right in front of you.
June 5, 2021
Beautifully written story with unique characters. it gets a 5 star rating from me.
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