Excerpt+Giveaway: Magical Mountain by Asmaa Jamil

Featuring fantasy novel Magical Mountain by Asmaa Jamil

Magical Mountain is the first book in a four-part fantasy series, Kingdom of Treasures. The book retells the story of Cinderella from the fairy’s perspective, giving readers insight into a classic fairytale from a fresh viewpoint. Keeping things interesting, Magical Mountain also borrows plot and character elements from 1001 Arabian Nights (Two Sisters Who Were Jealous of Their Younger Sister). However, the story fosters its own exciting adventure as it focuses on the fairies and the story following the marriage.

In this tale of love, family, and betrayal, readers get a glimpse into what it means to be a true female hero from the fairy and human perspectives. In doing so, Magical Mountain veers from traditional fairytale conventions, in which men typically fulfill the hero role. The women in the story demonstrate what real courage and strength look like. In the end, the female characters prove to the reader that fighting with heart pays off.

This post contains affiliate links. View the full disclosure statement here.

Excerpt from Magical Mountain

“We are talking of marriage, my dear sisters. Think grand, not some merchant who is here today and gone tomorrow. No disrespect to Father,” Avina said, with a gleam in her eye.

“No, no,” Bren and Rella chorused.

Avina wore a satisfied smile. “He was a great merchant, and he wanted us to marry well. So, I ask my dear younger sisters: Who would you want to have as a husband, and why? For me, I want to have the King’s baker as a husband.”

“Why?” Bren asked.

“A baker is never in the frontline of war, and I could eat the best bread and cake in the land.”

Bren and Rella looked at each other and burst into laughter.

Avina smirked. “Well, let’s see if you can come up with something better.”

“I would be very content to marry the King’s head cook. I could feast on delicate stews, as well as bread!” Bren exclaimed.

Rella laughed so hard that she held her stomach, and Avina scowled because she was upstaged.

“It seems that our youngest sister has a better idea. Tell us what you would want, since you find our choices so amusing.”

“Very well! Since we’re making grand wishes, we should aim only for the best. I wish to marry the King himself. I would then have the best food and the best bread in the kingdom.”

Fairy Lexi muttered her magic word, “Souhait,” and then she twirled her magic wand in a circle, and then gold stars appeared.

About Asmaa Jamil

Originally from Northern Iraq, Asmaa Jamil was born into the Chaldean Christian ethnic group before moving to the United States, where she grew up. Leaving the corporate world not long ago to focus on her writing full time, Asmaa draws on her experiences living and working in several different countries to influence her creative process. While abroad, Asmaa learned about other cultures and their unique traditions, a key role in her development as a writer. 

Asmaa Jamil holds an MBA in International Business, a PGCert in Management Information Systems, and an MLA in Near Eastern Languages. Her two decades of professional experience in retail, wholesale and entrepreneurship brought her extensive cultural insights, working with diverse international teams in Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and North and South America.

Raised in a family of storytellers, Asmaa always felt inspired by the power of a narrative. Specifically, she found that family stories were the most captivating, as they speak to audiences of all ages with ease. Not to mention, Asmaa likes that family stories foster opportunities for household gatherings and traditions. 

Her first book, titled Magical Mountain from the Kingdom of Treasures series, explores influential female character roles. Outside of writing, Asmaa Jamil enjoys reading history and visiting historical sites around the world. She also has a fascination for connecting the old with the new, demonstrated through her storytelling. When it comes down to it, Asmaa is happy with a cup of coffee, great conversations with loved ones, and of course, good food.

Giveaway

Asmaa Jamil will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

---

---