2021 ( )

Another book I've put off reading until the final installment of the series was released. Let me just say: it was worth the wait! I love strong heroines who can take on anything and anyone. Much stronger than the men in their lives and just kickass women overall. Nalia fits this bill just fine... if only she weren't bound to the attractive/despicable Malek. The second book in the Dark Caravan was an emotional rollercoaster for me and to be completely honest I don't want the ride to end because I'm 25% into the final book and just... no. Five stars because I felt very real feelings for everyone in this book. (Even Malek!!!!)

P.S. I have a need to visit Morocco one day because of how vivid the scene there were. That part of the world doesn't get enough attention in the YA world. This book reminded me how beautiful and crucial religion can be in its purest form. ( )

This is the second book in a trilogy. Nalia has been freed from her bottle and is no longer Malek's slave. But she has one more of his wishes to fulfill before she is finished with him. Unfortunately, he wishes for the Sigil of Solomon which would allow him to control all jinn. Raif, who is the leader of the jinn revolution and Nalia's love interest, also wants the sigil to help him win the revolution on Arjinna.

The three of them, along with Raif's sister Zanari, travel to Morocco following clues that will lead to the Sigil. The Ifrit who are commanded by Calar want to prevent Nalia and the others from finding the sigil which would lead to her defeat.

Besides the external threat posed by Calar, each of the characters are facing internal struggles. Even though Nalia is the last surviving member of the highest caste of jinn, she has no interest in being the next empress. She wants to rescue her little brother and then live a quiet life. Malek wants Nalia to return his love for her. Raif wants her love and her help in winning his revolution. Zanari is torn between her love for her brother and her love for a new friend who doesn't want to leave Earth. Malek and Raif are sort of rivals for Nalia's love except that Nalia hates Malek and will never love the man who made her a slave and kept her in a bottle.

This story has sad parts, adventurous parts, and romantic parts. I enjoyed the world building and the trials they had to face to get to the Sigil of Solomon. Since it is the middle book in a trilogy, the ending is a cliffhanger. ( )