The Djinn Waits a Hundred Years

This book was not what I expected, the story was a little bit too slow for me and nothing much happened, but I loved the dynamics between the characters and the past/present timelines. The ending surprised me a lot, there was something I was definitely not expecting! Overall, this book was pretty good.

I am in love with this house! The author did an amazing job at making the house feel vaguely alive. The colors, smells, and feelings are well described and there is a feeling that the house reacts to these things and the people within. The historical story is well told. The author does a great job of making even the horrid people seem almost reasonable or at least pitiable. The found family aspect of the modern storyline is heartwarming. The djinn haunted the background. I wanted more of the djinn, but that would have made this a different story. The twist at the end was pretty obvious by the time we got there, but I wasn't upset that I had figured it out because I wanted to know what that character had to say.
Beautiful writing, memorable story, and a great setting.

3.5 stars!!!

This is not what I was expecting at all! I saw it was categorized as horror on Goodreads and I was hoping this would lean a lot darker, but the fact that it didn't, actually didn't lower my enjoyment levels at all! I really enjoyed how the timeline was made in this book because either I missed it or I was too immersed in the story that I didn't give myself time to process how the timelines line up. There were also so many good quotes in here about colonization and simply being a woman. I just had a great time following these characters!






Thank you to Viking for providing me with an eBook copy to review on NetGalley.

Book Review: The Djinn Waits a Hundred Years by Shubnum Khan

Rating: ★★★★☆

Shubnum Khan's “The Djinn Waits a Hundred Years” takes readers on a mesmerizing journey through the crumbling halls of Akbar Manzil, a once-grand estate that now stands as a refuge for those seeking solace from their pasts. Set in South Africa, the novel weaves together two timelines - one in 1932 following the Khan family's struggles, and another in 2014 where Sana Malek unravels the mysteries hidden within the mansion's walls.

Sana's curiosity and tenacity lead her to explore the forgotten East Wing of Akbar Manzil, unearthing the tragic tale of Meena, the original owner's second wife who met a mysterious end a century ago. As Sana delves deeper into the mansion's dark history, she unknowingly awakens a grieving djinn who has lingered since Meena's demise, setting off a chain of events that will impact the lives of both the living and the dead.

Khan's writing is both enchanting and evocative, immersing readers in the eerie atmosphere of Akbar Manzil alongside its eclectic cast of characters. The dual timeline narrative adds depth to the story, allowing for a rich exploration of family dynamics, love, loss, and the enduring power of secrets.

One of the standout features of the book is its captivating cover art, which perfectly captures the haunting allure of the story within. Khan's ability to blend history, mystery, and supernatural elements seamlessly makes “The Djinn Waits a Hundred Years” a compelling and unforgettable read.

Overall, I found “The Djinn Waits a Hundred Years” to be a riveting tale that kept me engaged from start to finish. With its well-developed characters and intricate plot twists, this novel is sure to enchant readers who enjoy a blend of historical fiction, mystique, and poignant storytelling. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and immersive read that lingers long after the final page is turned.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️