I love the concept of djinns and I loved to learn more about the Emirates. It's a nice fantasy that has a good pacing and the writing is easy to follow.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for this free e-ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

The Red Island: The Gatekeeper is a wonderful exploration of the Emirati culture blended with fantasy, following Badr’s gripping journey through an eerie, jinn-haunted town. The story masterfully explores themes of love, betrayal, and cultural identity, while weaving a rich tapestry of Middle Eastern lore. I was captivated by the vivid imagery and the authenticity of the cultural backdrop—it felt like stepping into another world. This book is a great read for anyone who loves fantasy with a deeply personal and cultural twist.

The Red Island: The Gatekeeper is like stepping into an Emirati fever dream where jinns, dark magic, and family drama collide. Badr’s journey through Al Jazirah Al Hamra is spooky, surreal, and downright addictive—I couldn’t stop flipping pages! If you’ve ever wondered what happens when Middle Eastern legends meet a badass coming-of-age story, THIS is your answer. Grab some gahwa (Arabic coffee) and get ready to be blown away! 🕌✨📖

This was a beautifully done novel, it had that element that I was looking for from this type of book. I was hooked from the first page and enjoyed going on this journey. Adil Alzarooni wrote this perfectly and am glad I got to read this.