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Keeps You on the Edge of Your Seat
The Djinn Entrapment follows a teenager who, armed with a unique ability to see unseen entities, must confront enigmatic beings implicated in her mother’s demise while navigating her everyday adolescent life. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Many stories illustrate dichotomies such as good vs. evil or right vs. wrong. This book, alternatively, invites the reader to enter a world of “gray”– where the supposed villains become the characters we root for.
I was inspired to write a story that incorporated supernatural components, plot tactics, and characters I had not seen before. The main character, Melody, is a “do-gooder” who is kind and highly ambitious, but is also hard on herself. Similar to many young people, she struggles to overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome. However, it is her ability to challenge her thinking and push past her fears which makes her a strong protagonist. Witnessing her mother’s death fuels her motivation and drive throughout the rest of the book.
The world of the Djinn seems richly constructed. Could you talk a bit about the process of creating and developing this unique realm?
The inception of this book occurred 20 years ago when I immersed myself in paranormal stories about vampires, ghosts, clones, etc. I longed to write something different, and I quickly became enthralled with the Djinn lore. This book has roots in that lore (and odes to the vampire books I enjoyed as well).
I thought about the Djinn and what it would be like to exist as a Jinni. It made sense that they would exist in alternative dimensions, and within that, I enjoyed playing with concepts such as “pocket” dimensions. Bringing the reader into these new realms deepens their understanding of the Djinn and what it is like to exist as one.
How did you approach the delicate task of making the Djinn both frightening and sympathetic in your narrative?
A key element of the story is Melody fearing the mythical creatures only she can see, and yet – she decides to help them. It was a challenge to make this shift believable and understandable. After many drafts, I came up with a key strategy: writing scenes from other characters’ perspectives.
I invented a “memory share” technique where the reader (and Melody) experiences a Jinni’s recount on what has happened. These scenes are pivotal in helping the reader better understand the characters and they propel the plot forward in an enlightening and enjoyable way.
What else can you tell us about this book? Are there plans for a sequel?
The Djinn Entrapment begins as a mystery and morphs into a fun, romantic adventure that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I deeply enjoyed writing it, and a fan wrote, “It was hard to put the book down and take a pause from Melody’s story as reading it leaves you breathless and wondering what’s going to happen next.”
I do have plans for a sequel (and perhaps a trilogy). The next book would be in Carrie’s perspective, and would follow her journey with the strange “glow” from the Epilogue.
If you would like to learn more about me and my work, please see my author profile on Amazon and reach out to me at leigh.mascolino@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you!
Fun fact: the name “Melody” is a combination of both of my daughters (Melanie and Lydia)!
Author Links: Amazon | Facebook | Instagram
Melody Thompson has carried a haunting secret since childhood — She sees terrifying smoke-like creatures and commands unexplained abilities. When her mother is murdered before her eyes, Melody alone knows the true cause behind the tragedy.
Years pass, and a veil of uncertainty shrouds Melody’s existence until a mysterious stranger enters her life, promising her the key to unlocking the origins of her powers and her family’s secretive past.
But there’s a catch – She must help him save the very creatures she has feared her entire life.
Thrust into the mesmerizing realm of the Djinn and an ancient power struggle, Melody is presented with an extraordinary task — to Entrap a Jinni and harness its otherworldly powers as her own.
As her past unravels and an unexpected love blossoms, will she find the strength to seize control of her destiny, or be consumed by the powers that seek to destroy her?
The Djinn Entrapment
Leigh Mascolino’s The Djinn Entrapment offers a thrilling exploration into a unique realm of hidden creatures and uncharted dimensions. Our protagonist, Melody, is endowed with an extraordinary power she has guarded since childhood, a power allowing her to perceive unseen entities and glimpses from a realm beyond ours that holds implications for her everyday life.
Following the abrupt, devastating loss of her mother, Melody is confronted by her deepest dread – the Others, a group of enigmatic, perilous beings with a profound influence on her world and those dear to her. Despite swiftly resuming the rhythm of regular life, she continues to feel the ripple effects of her uncanny powers, leading her down a path to an unexpected odyssey.
The novel is a masterfully crafted piece, maintaining a smooth narrative pace and offering an engaging reading experience. Each character is meticulously fleshed out, assuming a significant role in Melody’s life, particularly as she comes to grips with an inescapable reality – she must face the Djinn. These elusive entities are implicated in her mother’s demise, and this revelation fuels Melody’s resolve to seek answers and confront these forces. As she grasps the magnitude of her quest, Melody is confronted with the substantial risks it presents and the necessity for successfully conquering her gravest fears.
Mascolino’s work shines as a sterling example of young adult fiction, effortlessly merging the exhilarating elements of the supernatural realm with quintessential coming-of-age challenges and the quotidian experiences of adolescence. This engaging read appeals to a broad spectrum of readers who relish sci-fi/adventure narratives with fantasy undertones. The dialogue is dynamic, authentic, and imbued with youthful energy, offering the reader a glimpse into the challenges of teenage life juxtaposed against Melody’s extraordinary journey to battle the Djinn.
The Djinn Entrapment is an enthralling page-turner that masterfully amalgamates elements of fantasy and adventure, drama, and a sprinkling of romance to weave a captivating narrative. I eagerly anticipate delving into more of Mascolino’s imaginative realm in her future works.
Pages: 286 | ASIN: B0C8BN8G4P
LITERARY TITAN 