The Book of Wonders

November 21, 2011
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.

November 15, 2011
Dipping into the deep plot well of Middle Eastern fairy and folk tales, this buoyant debut offers a fresh plot, brisk pacing and engaging characters. Zardi's 13th birthday celebration is cut short when her sister, Zubeyda, is abducted by the cruel sultan to serve as his praisemaker, an "honor" that in 90 days will end in her death. Zardi (short for Scheherazade) sets off to find the sultan's enemies and obtain help in rescuing Zubeyda, accompanied by her adopted brother, Rhidan, who is on a quest of his own: tracking down Sinbad the sailor, who has clues to Rhidan's mysterious heritage. Though not entirely reliable, Sinbad proves an ally, as does his mother, Sula, who defies the sultan's ban on magic and uses her powers to help Zardi and Rhidan discover their own. With Sinbad, they head for the Black Isle, home to powerful sorcerers and possibly Rhidan's birthplace, but fate has other plans for them. These include rocs, a brass giant, trapped djinn and the fearsome Queen of the Serpents in her snake-filled kingdom. Richards deftly borrows from lesser-known tales of the 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)

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February 1, 2012

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

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