CHILDREN OF THE LAMP

After their dangerous adventures in The Akhenaten Adventure (2004), djinn twins John and Philippa have promised their mother not to use their djinn powers without her permission. It’s not so bad for Philippa, who can exercise her djinntellect playing Djinnverso (a dice game played without magic), but it’s more difficult for John, who is being bullied at school. When Philippa is framed as a cheater at the Djinnverso Tournament, the twins are pulled into what appears to be a plot to rule the world. Alas, it’s a double-cross. When the twins try to help, Philippa is kidnapped by the amoral, merciless arbiter of justice, the Blue Djinn of Babylon. The Blue Djinn wants an heir and intends to make Philippa heartless like herself. John and Philippa’s adventures as they defeat the Blue Djinn are an odd combination of intrigue and overly goofy humor. Solidly entertaining despite jokes that try a little too hard. (Fantasy. 10-12)