Six years after she was scarred in a brutal attack—sanctioned by the elders of her Pakistani village as punishment in an interfamily dispute—Nadira, 18, labors as a domestic servant in Karachi, supporting her widowed mother and little brother, Umar. (The cover photo of a demure, beautifully groomed teen seems to belong to a different story.) When Umar is kidnapped, sold as a child jockey to race camels for wealthy sheikhs, Nadira vows to rescue him and, disguised as a boy, becomes a jockey herself. Slow to start, the story takes off when the action shifts to the jockey training camps but is hampered by its awkward epistolary format, which distances readers from the action and drains the narrative of suspense. Nadira is the most fleshed-out character, yet much about her remains a mystery: What is her religion? Why is the Persian A Thousand and One Nights her primary cultural referent? In a story billed as fact-based, important details are omitted: How does the trafficking system work? Who owns the jockeys? Are the camps and race tracks in or outside Pakistan? No glossary or extra-narrative explanation is provided. And although the subject matter is geared to young adults, the elementary vocabulary and simple syntax appear designed for younger readers. A well-intentioned but flawed execution of a fascinating story. (Fiction. 12-14)
Pub Date: Feb. 1, 2007
ISBN: 1-4169-1767-5
Page Count: 192
Publisher: McElderry
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2007
Tris, Sandry, Briar and Daja return in the latest Circle book, but their formerly close friendship has weakened as they’ve grown apart on their separate adventures. Once closer than siblings, the four no longer understand one another. Nonetheless, when Sandry is summoned to her ancestral lands in Namorn at Empress Berenene’s whim, only her friends—all supremely powerful mages—can protect her from political machinations. Berenene wants Sandry to stay, though Namorn’s unpleasant and misogynistic legal system revolts the quartet. Sandry finds herself wooed by Berenene’s courtiers, while practical Tris is tempted with education and Briar with the palace’s extensive gardens. Daja, meanwhile, finds love with one of Berenene’s ladies. The four come to terms with one another’s passages to adulthood in this surprisingly rich adventure. Main characters all get satisfactory depth, although much development is left tantalizingly unresolved for future offerings. When Pierce first began writing longer books, her pacing was shaky; she’s settled into the length quite well. Satisfying. (Fantasy. 12-14)
Pub Date: Nov. 1, 2005
ISBN: 0-439-44171-4
Page Count: 320
Publisher: Scholastic
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2005
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
This second, much improved installment of the Spy Goddess series sends spunky Rachel, partially reformed Beverly Hills princess, to Hawaii in her continuing battle with Simon Blankenship, super-villain. It seems Blankenship believes Rachel, despite appearances, to be the reincarnation of Etherea, an ancient goddess. In his quest to revive the rival ancient god Mithras, Blankenship seeks seven artifacts hidden around the world. As the heroes and villains interact in Hawaii, Rachel is captured, fights against impossible odds, escapes, is recaptured, and escapes again in the usual plot arc. Spradlin finds more success in this second outing by infusing all the action with light humor. Tongue firmly in cheek, he renders Rachel a more attractive character and delivers a lively read for the fans. It’s more a comedy than a thriller, working well as a spoof. Lots of fun—and this time the title makes sense. (Fiction. 12-14)
Pub Date: Jan. 24, 2006
ISBN: 0-06-059410-1
Page Count: 208
Publisher: HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2005
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
