Review: As You Wish by Jackson Pearce

Viola Cohen wants to feel like she belongs to something bigger, someone special, someplace amazing. Ever since her boyfriend Lawrence broke up with her and announced that he’s a gay, she never feels the same anymore. She’s the Invisible Girl, the kind of girl who has a handful of close friends and many acquaintances, but doesn’t belong to anything. And now, she’s just sad all the time.

He’s a genie who comes to grant Viola’s wish. He’s good in genie standard: never breaks out rules, never gets too attached to human, and always leaves human world as soon as possible. Like a fairytale, he gives Viola three chances to make a wish. He doesn’t have name, so Viola gives him name: Jinn. Jinn wants Viola to wish quickly, but how could Viola wish for something if she doesn’t even know what she wants?

“I mean, I know what I want to wish for--to belong somewhere, to something, with someone. But I want to belong only so I can...feel complete again, instead of broken apart from losing Lawrence—“

As You Wish is a lovely and quick read. I meant to read only a few chapters, but I found myself finishing the book in one sitting. Viola and Jinn are wonderful characters. I really like books with characters that grow up throughout the story. Viola is such a relatable character. Her flaws make her even more real. She’s too kind to wish for Lawrence, and she refuses to be so pathetic by wishing to belong. It’s very easy to connect with her. I love Lawrence’s character too, and how supportive he is to Viola and Jinn’s relationship. The moment when sparks flying between Viola and Jinn makes me want to go ‘aww’.

I’m not usually a fan of multiple POVs, but I like both Viola and Jinn’s voices in the book. Things that might seem confusing to Viola seem crystal clear for Jinn, and vice versa. They live in very different worlds, but both care for each other deeply. The ending is perfect, and the message behind the story is so powerful. Wishes can give you anything you want, but it all depends on you to be happy.

I like As You Wish very much and this makes me want to read more books from Jackson Pearce. Totally a recommendation. As You Wish is a book that digs deeper beyond a story between a girl and a genie that fall in love. It’s a story about finding your own happiness and discovering the real you.

"I can't go away unless you wish!" I shout, my temper finally at its breaking point.

"And what happens if I don't wish?" she wheels back.

My breath freezes in my lungs. It was a direct question, so I have to reply. I swallow hard, hoping my voice won't quiver when I answer.

"Then I die."

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I rate this book:

 Four cups of tea. Amazing! Love the book, it’s simply awesome. I love the tea flavor!  A strong recommendation.