Jordan Ifueko Books

Set in a fantastical and dystopian future, this engaging story takes place in a world where a conglomerate called the Trio Trust monopolises business and life in America. They control food and drink, health and beauty products and all technology. Having purchased all the natural water sources in the country, they therefore provide the only beverages that people can drink. Due to gases caused by overproduction, the sky is green, and there are hurricanes of slimy ‘snot rain’; the city is now so hot that skin allergies are rife, and people stay indoors.

In this toxic environment, we meet thirteen-year-old Valentine and her driven parents: they are hard-working immigrants focused on Valentine gaining a job with the Trio Trust to ensure her future. Due to memory modification by the Trio Trust, they have forgotten the existence of Valentine’s older sister Vanessa, who appears to have disappeared.

Then a surprise delivery from Vanessa on Valentine’s birthday rekindles her memories, leading her to boba café where she is tricked into making a wish and becomes embroiled in the mysterious Genie Realm. Energy from granted wishes powers this world and can only be stored in bottle buildings like the cafe – similar to a genie’s lamp. Not only does Valentine have to work out how to locate her sister in this bizarre world, but she has to participate in their wish-granting games in order to win her freedom.

There is much throughout about the real world damage caused by mega corporations, portraying inventive environmental issues e.g. technicolour wildfires caused by trapped gases and chemical pollution, as well as monsters that feed on human life force, leaving apathy in their wake. It cleverly introduces capitalism into a strong fantasy and family story and could be set for a sequel.