Exquisite Captive

As the last of the Ghan Aisouri, a race of jinni infused with the powers of the four elements, 18-year-old Nalia is a formidable warrior in her homeland of Arjinna. Transported to Earth and sold into slavery to an immortal half-breed master, Nalia faces an interminable future away from her beloved younger brother, Bashil, until a revolutionary named Raif offers to free her in exchange for a ring that will grant him power over their entire race. Nalia is emotionally complex and sharply drawn, trying to atone for her bloody past while she battles Stockholm syndrome with regard to her lecherous master, Malek; endures discrimination and distrust from her star-crossed lover, who hails from a lower caste; and tries to untangle the mystery of jinni trafficking and an evil force devouring young jinni women on Earth. Blending ancient myth and glittering modernity, it’s an intricate and smartly written story from Demetrios (Something Real), and the open ending paves the way for the next book in the Dark Caravan Cycle. Ages 13–up. Agent: Brenda Bowen, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates. (Oct.)