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Summary
Summary
Sorcerers, Cyclops, Djinnis . . . Magic.
Thirteen-year-old Zardi loves to hear stories about fantastical beings long banned from the kingdom of Arribitha. But anyone who is caught whispering of their powers will feel the rage of the sultan--a terrifying tyrant who, even with his eyes closed, can see all.
When her own beloved sister is captured by the evil ruler, Zardi knows that she must risk everything to rescue her. Along with Rhidan, who is her best friend, and an unlikely crew of sailors led by the infamous Captain Sinbad, Zardi ventures forth into strange and wondrous territory with a seemingly impossible mission: to bring magic back to Arribitha and defeat the sultan once and for all.
Reviews (4)
School Library Journal Review
Gr 4-7-Thirteen-year-old Zardi's life in the city of Taraket at the mouth of the Tigress River was one of peace and happiness surrounded by a loving, influential family. But when the Sultan kidnaps her beloved older sister to serve as his latest storyteller, a position that only lasts 90 days, after which the storyteller is brutally killed and a new one "recruited," Zardi must find a way to overthrow the evil ruler and save her sister. Zardi and her best friend, Rhidan, an orphaned boy of mysterious origins, throw their lot in with Sinbad and his crew of pirates and scoundrels and set sail to find the Windrose, a fabled amulet believed to have the power to aid them in their quest. A plethora of magical creatures from Middle Eastern and Aegean Sea cultures populates this novel-djinn, Cyclops, rocs, dragons-creating a bit of a mash-up, but swiftly paced writing, appealing characters, and action-packed scenes carry the day. This first novel in Richards's trilogy will appeal to fans of Rick Riordan's "Percy Jackson" books (Hyperion).-Jane Henriksen Baird, Anchorage Public Library, AK (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
In her skillful debut novel, Richards, an editor of children's books in the U.K., keeps the novelties coming. The setting is Arribitha, a land with ancient Middle Eastern overtones; the quest is full of danger and magic; and the combative protagonist, known variously as Zardi or Zee, is in fact a 13-year-old Scheherazade. Zardi is the daughter of a vizier serving a cruel sultan who has forbidden magic throughout his realm, and her best friend is Rhidan, a boy whose silver hair and violet eyes are unlike those of anyone else they know. When Zardi's sister and father are taken by the sultan to be prey in his hunt, Zardi and Rhidan go chasing rumors of rebels who might be persuaded to help. Their escort is an unwilling Sinbad, a pirate-charlatan whose half-djinni mother sets the children on their path of destiny. It's a fun action-adventure read, unapologetically two-dimensional, and a good challenge for developing readers, who will find the headlong action a worthwhile incentive to master the vocabulary. Ages 8-12. Agent: Adams Literary. (Jan.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Horn Book Review
As the daughter of the sultan's advisor, Zardi (short for Scheherazade) has an easy life in Arribitha. When the sultan turns on Zardi's family, she and her best friend search for freedom, answers, and protection. The mix of magic and legend deftly brings djinnis and Captain Sinbad to vibrant life. Strong characters and balanced mystery/discovery leave ample room for further adventures. (c) Copyright 2012. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
1001 Arabian Nights to enrich her complex storyline while keeping style and syntax simple and direct. A sprightly, accessible series opener recommended for those ready for a change of venue from standard-issue, middle-grade fantasy. (Fantasy. 8-12)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
