Flora Reviews… The Séance (The Jinn Series #1) by Ayse Hafiza
Quote from The Séance
“Frank would have loved the flowers, Eleanor thought to herself a she surveyed their beauty. The bright, beautiful yellows brought a half smile to her face. She knew that yellow signified friendship, and it complemented the autumnal oranges that were a nod to the grief the day brought.”
My Overall Rating: 4/5
Plot: 4/5 – Flow: 4/5 – Character Development: 4/5 – World Building: 3/5
So what’s The Séance about?
[book-info]
Publication Date: 24th June 2016
Read: 27th – 28th December 2018
Format Read: Kindle
The Séance is a story about the devastating grief of losing a loved one and the coping strategies we put in place to fill the sorrow.
The Jinn Series is a collection of short stories based on the Jinn. Each story is a tale of interaction between the Jinn and humankind. Jinn are also known as Genies, Djinn, Demons and Devils.
The Jinn Series can be read as individual novellas or as a 259-page anthology in Jinn Series Short Story Compilation Featuring The Jinn.
So, what did I like about The Séance?
I have read other novellas by Ms Hafiza and like her writing style; I enjoy how her tales make you look at the world with new eyes, re-evaluate your beliefs and entertain you all at the same time. The Séance did not let me down.
I had no pre-conceived ideas where the story would take me. However, I really enjoyed the journey.
I loved the fact that although this story is from Eleanor’s point of view, we the reader, could see beyond what she knew or thought she knew. This story plunges us into the sorrow of losing the love of your life. Eleanor and Frank had been together for 50 years and it’s written so beautifully, the prose easily connected me to Eleanor. I understand that the grief of losing a loved one can change a person’s perspective. Reading this moving tale, I could see similar coping mechanisms with my own Nan when my Grandad died.
The reality in this story built a good solid foundation for the paranormal aspects.
I love that Ms Hafiza balanced the tears and wishful thinking with paranormal chills. At times I, the reader, could see the danger that Eleanor was in but I love that Ms Hafiza used her grief to keep her blind. It was very frustrating in a good way. However, I was still caught unaware by the ending.
So, um, was there anything I didn’t like about it?
I really loved this book, there was nothing that grated on me or niggled. However, I feel that I should explain why I rated it 4 stars instead of 5.
As I have mentioned in previous reviews, when a book is this short (49 pages), I feel that the story’s plot and characters are unable to grow and be developed fully like they can in a full novella or novel. Therefore, I can’t in all conscience rate it with that final 5th star.
So, basically what I’m saying is…
I really loved this novella; it was a unique read. The Séance really reminds me of those old dark fairy tales I used to read. The Brothers Grimm, Aesop’s Fables and old Welsh or Celtic folk tales. I liked it – it had the same feel. The next short story is The Crush and we get a taste of it at the end of this book.
This story doesn’t have any explicit sexual or brutally violent scenes. However, it is chilling at times. Therefore, I’d recommend The Séance anyone who enjoys reading relationship tales with a spooky twist.
Has my review of THE SEANCE (THE JINN SERIES #1) encouraged you to find out more? Of course, it has! 😉 Click on any of the links to check it out yourself.
Keep reading to find out more about the author.
[about-author]
Thank you for visiting and taking the time to read my thoughts. Have you read any stories by Ayse? Drop me a comment below.
Bye for now,
Flora x
