"Leigh Mascolino's The Djinn Entrapment offers a thrilling
exploration into a unique realm of hidden creatures and uncharted dimensions.
Our protagonist, Melody, is endowed with an extraordinary power she has guarded
since childhood, a power allowing her to perceive unseen entities and glimpses
from a realm beyond ours that holds implications for her everyday life.
Following the abrupt, devastating loss of her mother, Melody is confronted by
her deepest dread - the Others, a group of enigmatic, perilous beings with a
profound influence on her world and those dear to her. Despite swiftly resuming
the rhythm of regular life, she continues to feel the ripple effects of her
uncanny powers, leading her down a path to an unexpected odyssey.
The novel is a masterfully crafted piece, maintaining a smooth narrative pace
and offering an engaging reading experience. Each character is meticulously
fleshed out, assuming a significant role in Melody's life, particularly as she
comes to grips with an inescapable reality - she must face the Djinn.” –
Literary Titan
The Djinn Entrapment looks like a great book. What can you tell us about it?
This book begins as a mystery and morphs into a fun, romantic adventure that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
A fan wrote, “It was hard to put the book down and take a pause from Melody’s story as reading it leaves you breathless and wondering what’s going to happen next.”
What inspired the idea for this book?
Great question! The inception of this book occurred 20 years ago when I immersed myself in paranormal stories about vampires, ghosts, clones – you name it! I longed to write something different, and I quickly became enthralled with the Djinn lore. This book has roots in that lore (and odes to the vampire books I enjoyed), and also incorporates years of original ideas and concepts.
Can you tell us a little about Melody?
Melody is a relatable character who is thrown into a perilous situation and asked to Entrap a Jinni and take full control over the otherworldly creature. She is a “do-gooder” who is kind and highly ambitious, but she is also hard on herself. Similar to many young people, she struggles to overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome. However, it is her ability to challenge her thinking and push past her fears which makes her a strong protagonist.
Fun fact: the name “Melody” is a combination of both of my daughters (Melanie and Lydia)!
What scene or section did you have the most fun writing?
The first kiss! It’s spicy and surprising. I spent many hours playing it out in my head, and it was a joy to write it!
Did anything stick out as particularly challenging when writing The Djinn Entrapment?
A key element of the story is that Melody fears the mythical creatures only she can see, and yet – she decides to help them. It was challenging to make this shift believable and understandable. After many drafts, I came up with a key strategy: writing scenes from other characters’ perspective.
I invented a “memory share” technique where the reader (and Melody) experiences a Jinni’s perspective. These scenes were pivotal in helping the reader better understand the characters and propel the plot forward in a fun way!
Any plans to turn it into a series?
Possibly! I do have a plan for a sequel (and perhaps a trilogy). The next book would be in Carrie’s perspective, and would follow her journey with the strange “glow” from the Epilogue.
That’s an amazing cover. Can you tell us about it?
The cover symbolizes the smoky flames of the Djinn, and the grasping hands represent the romance as well as the “Entrapment.”
What do you like to do when not writing?
I have two girls (a 2.5 year old and a 2 month old) who fill my life with the best kind of chaos! I also work full time as the Director of Career Connection at a liberal arts college (Ohio Wesleyan University). Additionally, I have a coaching side practice, and I enjoy helping others reach their career goals.
Beyond that, I love being active, traveling, skiing, and spending time with family and friends. I’m always the “planner”, and whether I’m coordinating book clubs, date nights, play-dates, or girls-night-outs, I keep my life very full!
Where can readers find out more about your work?
Check out my author profile on Amazon and reach out to me at leigh.mascolino@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you!