Daughter of the Salt King

Thornton debuts with a tale as old as time that struggles to break new ground. Emel comes of age under the oppressive palm of her father, the Salt King, whose command extends far across the desert. As one of the Salt King’s many daughters, Emel is expected to bed multiple suitors to secure alliances with neighboring kingdoms—but when she discovers her father’s best-kept secret, the jinni Saalim, she thinks that she may have a ticket to freedom. Saalim’s magic is complex, however, and his and Emel’s freedom will come at a cost. As they plot to break free of the Salt King’s tyranny, Emel develops feelings for Saalim leading to a slow-burning romantic subplot. Thornton’s fantasy draws heavily on Middle Eastern stereotypes; the desert kingdom, the Salt King’s extensive harem, and the exoticized atmosphere combine into a broadly rendered world that calls to mind Disney’s Aladdin. Where Thornton succeeds, however, is in creating a headstrong heroine whose struggle to come into her own will resonate with readers. This will most appeal to fans of romantic fantasy who don’t mind sacrificing worldbuilding for character.[em] (Feb.) [/em]