Wishing Season Author:Esther Friesner Two student genies, self-assured (and somewhat spoiled) Khalid and classroom bully Gamal vie for the affections of a third student genie, the expert magic-worker Tamar. The magical adventure begins when Khalid pledges service to Haroun -- his first-ever human master -- but forgets to add the traditional "three wishes only, and no wishing fo... more »r more wishes," stipulation. Haroun takes full advantage of Khalid's oversight and enslaves the novice genie to what may well be an eternity of servitude. Tamar, seeking to rescue Khalid, teams up with a cantankerous talking alley cat and a strong-willed princess, both of whom add their own distinctive flavors to this airy confection.« less
This book was not what I had expected, but it was still an entertaining read. It's more amusing than funny to follow the adventures and misadventures of a student genie whose pride causes some long-term grief. It wasn't a compelling read, but the plot twists were enough to keep my attention.
I've always enjoyed the anthologies Friesner edits, but I found this---the first novel I have read by her---to be a bit too self-consciously precious. I just felt like the author was working waaay too hard to be cute.