Saturday, January 21, 2012

Review of "The Book of Wonders" by Jasmine Richards

The Book of Wonders
The Book of Wonders by Jasmine Richards

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Genre: Middle grade fantasy
Source: Once Upon A Twilight Book Tours (Received to Review)

Book Description from Goodreads: Magic, Djinn, Ogres, and Sorcerers. Thirteen-year-old Zardi loves to hear stories about fantastical beings, long banned from the kingdom of Arribitha. But anyone caught whispering of their powers will feel the rage of the sultan—a terrifying usurper 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 go to any lengths to rescue her. Along with her best friend, Ridhan—a silver-haired, violet-eyed boy of mysterious origins—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.

My thoughts: This is a wonderful middle grade book. I may have to purchase my own copy so I can share it with my kids.

This book takes on Persian folk lore. As some of the main cast of characters we have Scheherazade (Zardi), Sinbad, Aladdin is mentioned, Djinn, etc. Many characters we have come to know and love are combined to form a new story.  This book is well written, original, and magical.

This is a great adventure where we meet a cyclops, Roc, metal giant, sorcerer, and a snake lady. There is enough magic and adventure to keep the attention of a middle grade reader who is reluctant to read. (For example, my son.)

I hope that there will be more adventures to come.






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