I have a terrifying superpower. I, Insyirah Abdullah, can see jinn.
Insyirah's calm, orderly world falls into chaos when her proud nenek (grandmother) has a bad fall, and Insyirah and her mother must move back to Malaysia to take care of her.
Her new home holds wild and dangerous mysteries, and while finding her feet, Insyirah discovers a shocking secret: the women in her family can control jinn - powerful, ancient jungle spirits - and, one day, she will inherit one of her own. What's more, her new school is haunted by an evil spirit determined to force her out of Malaysia.
As Insyirah discovers the fascinating ways of the seen and unseen worlds, she finds that risk is everywhere. And when her family situation changes, she must gather all her resilience to overcome unexpected obstacles and make a life-changing decision.
Enchanting, action-packed and mysterious yet also warm and funny, this page-turning middle-grade fantasy announces a fabulous new talent.
Note to Muslim parents: My book is a celebration of Islamic faith and Malay cultural practice through the lens of a neurodivergent Malay child, and not an endorsement of sorcery or magic of any kind. This is a work of fiction.
My books are now available for pre-order in the US, UK and Canada! Stay tuned for the audiobook version too! (NOV 4th publication date in US/CA, Dec 4th publication date in UK)
“How to Free a Jinn is one of the most exciting fantasy adventures I’ve read in years! I absolutely loved it! I had to force myself to put it down every now and then to make it last longer. The book is cozy and warm one minute and has you in goose pimples the next.
It addresses many important social issues in the most gentle and uplifting way so that you are learning without realizing that you are being taught. Through this story, the reader begins to understand the beliefs of the heroine without there being a sense of preaching. Parents will appreciate it for its wholesomeness and youth will enjoy the adventures through unseen worlds and coming face to face with zombies.
Parents who fear the presence of the occult - I assure you there is none! It is as honest and pure as a fictional tale can be. The author has done an outstanding job of remaining faithful to the Truth while weaving an exciting narrative. I eagerly look forward to more books from this incredible author. Every word of praise in this comment is genuine!” Shaykha Mariam Bashar
“Insyirah moves from Sydney to live with her nenek (grandmother) in Malaysia. Although she is nervous about such a big change, Insyirah quickly finds friends at her new school. Over delicious canteen food, her new pals share stories of strange things that have been happening on campus. Nenek has always told tales of jinn, and now Insyirah is in Malaysia, she learns her family may be more connected to the unseen realms than she had ever imagined! Plus, as she says, ‘My steady diet of Nenek’s jinn stories, fantasy novels and Studio Ghibli movies makes me a sucker for real-life paranormal mysteries.’
Food takes a starring role in this book; there are generous, mouthwatering descriptions of Malaysian cuisine. Readers who enjoyed Remy Lai’s outstanding graphic novel Ghost Book will really love this book.
This is an exciting and inclusive contemporary tale that explores Malaysian culture, faith and family in a unique way. It’s great to read a cool debut with a courageous and compassionate main character, and with a story so rich in detail. Recommended for ages 10+.”
Kim Grushow, Readings Kids
”Bought this book for my nephew who is a an avid reader and loved it. He finished it in 1 day and is reading it again.”
Hisham
”I’m so glad I got to hear Raidah speak about this book at comic-con! I am sad I lost my signed copy on a plane but hopefully it will come to someone else who needs it. This is a beautiful story that explores so many different things.”
Amazon Customer
REVIEWS
Indonesians, you can buy my book here:
Bruneians, you can buy my book here:
Australians/New Zealanders, you can buy my book here:
Malaysians, you can buy my book here:
Singaporeans, you can buy my book here:
Note: If my book is sold out at any of the above bookstores, please contact them directly for restocking. Thank you!
AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND:
AUSTRALIA
CHRISTMAS ISLAND
COCOS (KEELING) ISLANDS
COOK ISLANDS
HEARD ISLAND AND MCDONALD
ISLANDS (AUSTRALIAN
ANTARCTIC TERRITORY)
NEW ZEALAND
NORFOLK ISLAND
TOKELAU
UNION ISLANDS
OCEANIA:
FIJI
KIRIBATI
MICRONESIA, FEDERAL STATES OF
NAURU
PALAU
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
PITCAIRN ISLANDS
SAMOA
SOLOMON ISLANDS
TONGA
TUVALU
VANUATU