In the fourth in this fantasy series by Australian Rodda (Rodda and the Keeper of the Crystal, p. 50, etc.), Rowan follows the patterns set forth in previous titles. Rowan has become a hero to the Rin in previous books, but he is very aware that he is not larger than life, and now his renown has made him feel even more of an oddity in the village. Because he ignored an ominous feeling, Rowan feels responsible for the capture of his younger sister by a flying lizard-like creature sent by the Zebaks. Various friends from previous adventures join him in his quest to find her and bring her back, but as always, Rowan must first see Sheba, the witch-like seer for help on his journey. Sheba’s forecasts are told in poems that provide clues suitably vague and threatening, but as events unfold, reveal exactly the information the seekers need. Rowan and his companions are nicely ordinary, yet manage to have just the resources needed in their battle against the evil Zebak. The tale flows smoothly with threatening episodes paced to keep the plot moving. Rowan and his fellow travelers are far more likely to act independently than companions of Rodda’s Deltora Quest series where unity was critical. Although each adventure stands alone, this is much easier to follow when the books are read in order as new characters are introduced and continue to be important in following stories. Lacking depth in terms of exploring grand ideas, it is nonetheless satisfying to see simple determination and kindness rewarded with success. Solid. (Fiction. 8-12)
Pub Date: May 1, 2002
ISBN: 0-06-029778-6
Page Count: 208
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2002
An action-packed, evocative portrayal of courage, friendship, and belonging.
Indian folklore meets fantasy adventure in this captivating novel.
Eleven-year-old Kritika “Kiki” Kallira lives in London with her Mum, an immigrant from the state of Karnataka in the south of India; she’s never met her father, who died before she was born. Kiki’s mother is an animator, and Kiki, who struggles with anxiety and spiraling, obsessive thoughts, finds solace in sketching in her notebooks and imagining stories, especially ones inspired by the Hindu mythology they’ve shared. Now, though, Kiki has unleashed the Asura king Mahishasura from his exile through the drawings in her sketchbook. As she travels and travails between London and Mysore, the heroes and demons she’s sketched come to life, and she is faced with seemingly insurmountable tasks and complex obstacles. In her quest to save the world, Kiki shows readers the power of asking for help, believing in oneself, and overcoming fear. The worldbuilding is full of vibrant images and detailed descriptions about Mahishasura’s kingdom and palace, Lalith Mahal. The novel draws inspiration primarily from the story of Mahishasura—who wanted to be immortal—and how he was defeated by the goddess Chamundeshwari. Anxiety and mental health are also explored with honesty and finesse; many young readers will resonate with her struggle to quiet demons both internal and external.
An action-packed, evocative portrayal of courage, friendship, and belonging. (Fantasy. 8-12)Pub Date: July 6, 2021
ISBN: 978-0-593-20697-3
Page Count: 352
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: July 7, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Magnificent.
Historical guests come to dinner and chaos ensues in this uproarious debut.
Twelve-year-old Javier Santiago’s not doing so well at Finistere, his slightly cool, slightly weird semi-castle of a school in suburban Maryland. He’s at risk of failing sixth grade and falling behind his brainiac, history-obsessed best friend, Wiki. Then comes the annual all-school project: invite three guests, living or dead, to dinner, then write an essay. For a budding chef like Javi, that’s a piece of cake. Trouble arises when Javi uses his family’s magical antique dining room table to accidentally pull his guests into the present day, including the infamous Blackbeard, who escapes before he can be sent back in time. Blackbeard wants to use the table to summon his fearsome crew and enact his plans to take over the modern world. Worse yet, the dreadful pirate is hilariously popping up all over Finistere, working as the school groundskeeper to ensure the success of his sinister plans. With the help of Brady, Javi’s tough-as-nails younger sister, the boys work to take down Blackbeard while uncovering the school’s mysterious secrets. Featuring a diverse cast led by the Puerto Rican siblings and Haitian American Wiki, grand doses of humor, and an irreverent take on some of history’s well-known figures, Piñeiro's book scores with this tale of friendship, magic, and adventure. A breakneck pace and Javi’s colorful narration hold things together as the thrilling zaniness piles up.
Magnificent. (list of characters) (Fantasy. 8-12)Pub Date: July 6, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-72823-049-8
Page Count: 336
Publisher: Sourcebooks Young Readers
Review Posted Online: May 18, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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