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Jeannie-Centristasis, Critical Fusion by Everette O. Lemons Lulu
book review by Randall R. Radic
"'Yes, but you seem to be more of a contextual moralist, deciding right and wrong within particular circumstances rather than sticking to one ethical means despite everything,' Bowing replied."
Author Everette O. Lemons has taken the hit television series I Dream of Jeannie and resurrected it, giving it fresh literary life. All the familiar characters decorate the story: Anthony Nelson, Roger Healey, Dr. Bellows, and of course, Jeannie. There are some new characters, too, including the Great Djinn Haji Baba, the Wizard Arishophenes, and the entity known as the Elders.
As the novel opens, Anthony Nelson and Roger Healey are flying from Cocoa Beach, Florida to Miami. Their plane goes down, killing everyone on board. With her husband's death, Jeannie's powers, which she had lost when she married, are restored to her by the Great Djinn Haji Baba. After coming to terms with her personal tragedy, Jeannie's powers are expanded. In addition to her former magical powers, Jeannie is given the power of regeneration, healing, etc. Yet with these new powers come new responsibilities, new tests, and new temptations. And, as Jeannie moves from escapade to escapade, the Elders are watching, evaluating her use of her powers and her growth as a genie.
Lemons remains loyal to Jeannie's original television character, maintaining her wacky impetuousness, her animation, and her charm. Yet at the same time, he allows Jeannie's character to develop naturally. She becomes wiser and a bit more philosophical, while still reverting to her spontaneous self when least expected. It is this balance of personal evolution and innate impulsiveness that gives the story its zip. In the end, Jeannie-Centrasis is just as much fun as the Jeannie who frolicked across America's television screens.