Heir to the Lamp by Michelle Lowery Combs

A Goodreads Summary:

A family secret, a mysterious lamp, a dangerous Order with the mad desire to possess both. Ginn used to think she knew all there was to know about how she became adopted by parents whose #1 priority is to embarrass her with public displays of affection, but that changes when a single wish starts a never-ending parade of weirdness marching through her door the day she turns thirteen.

Gifted with a mysterious lamp and the missing pieces from her adoption story, Ginn tries to discover who…or what…she really is. That should be strange enough, but to top it off Ginn’s being hunted by the Order of the Grimoire, a secret society who’ll stop at nothing to harness the power of a real genie. Ginn struggles to stay one step ahead of the Grimms with the help of Rashmere, Guardian of the lamp and the most loyal friend a girl never knew she had. The Grimms are being helped, too—but by whom? As much as she doesn’t want to, Ginn’s beginning to question the motives of her long-time crush Caleb Scott and his connection to her newest, most dangerous enemy.

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My Thoughts...

When I was first asked to read and review this book, I was afraid that I would have a hard time being completely honest.  I know the author personally and consider her a good friend of mine.  Needless to say, I have no problem with telling you how much I enjoyed this novel.

We start out with a story of Virginia, aka Ginn, and her misfit, chaotic family.  She seems normal and as happy as a 13-year-old girl can be.  She has normal struggles with her mother’s cooking, her brothers and larger-than-normal bullies.  She’s witty, independent and sporty. 

And she just so happens to be one of a few children in her family that is adopted. 

When Ginn discovers that things around her are changing due to silent wishes, her Grandmother unveils the story of her birth family and unlocks a world she had only heard about in books.  While trying to grasp the reality of the person she really is, she’s introduced to a new friend and protector that takes many shapes and forms over the course of the book, Rashmere.  He becomes Ginn’s guide in this new world she has involuntarily become a part of, teaching her the ropes and educating her about the enemies of her kind.

Together with help from her Gran, her brother CJ, CJ’s cute friend, Caleb, and Rashmere, Ginn learns how to navigate her new world and discovers that her enemies will stop at nothing to get their hands on her and her lamp.

Typically, I would think this novel would be more geared toward the younger YA group.  However, that being said, I’m in my early 30’s and thoroughly enjoyed it.  I was really fond of Ginn’s independent nature and ability to adjust quickly to the overload of information thrown at her.  She was strong when she needed to be, but I also loved that I could still see the snarky teenager creeping through her brave façade.  I found myself silently rooting for Ginn and her newly-discovered abilities.

I adored precious Rashmere and his loyal nature.  Ginn’s family made me laugh a lot throughout the book and reminded me a good bit of my own chaotic life. 

This book was an easy read but I still felt challenged in a good way.  It kept my brain occupied trying to remember stories and connections without overwhelming the plot of the story.  The pace was quick without feeling rushed. 

I think any fan of YA paranormal books would really enjoy this one.  For Michelle’s debut novel, I am beyond impressed (and more than a little proud of my friend).  I cannot wait to read more of Ginn’s adventures in the sequels!