A promising series opener that journeys into a thrilling world.
To locate a powerful relic, a group of friends must find allies and confront monsters from Kazakh mythology in this translation from Russian that was a bestseller in Kazakhstan.
One afternoon, Batu, a regular boy in contemporary Almaty, Kazakhstan, accidentally summons Aspara, a 13-year-old warrior prince from the ancient Saka people who has been dead for 2,000 years. Aspara enlists Batu’s help to find the Golden Cup, said to make all those who drink from it “wise, honest, and just.” The duo travel across time and space seeking counsel from Samruk, a giant eagle. When they arrive, however, the eagle is missing, as is her nest in the world’s tallest tree. Instead, they are attacked by the taloned monster Jeztyrnaq. Their narrow escape reveals the need for reinforcements, and Batu invites his friends to join their efforts. Even then, the group makes little progress in the search for the Golden Cup; just as they start to unravel the mystery of its disappearance, they are sabotaged by Batu’s bully, Scorpion, and Scorpion’s cruel grandfather. The adventure concludes with an epic battle with evil spirit Shahruh, who manifests as a giant black bear, and many lingering questions to be answered in sequels. Although the twists are predictable and the dialogue leans heavily on repetitive insults, the dramatic battles, plentiful monsters, and fast pacing make this a worthwhile story for readers in search of new worlds.
A promising series opener that journeys into a thrilling world. (glossary, cultural note) (Fantasy. 8-12)Pub Date: June 27, 2023
ISBN: 9781662507021
Page Count: 318
Publisher: Amazon Crossing Kids
Review Posted Online: March 13, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2023
Hugely entertaining, timely, and triumphant.
Robot Roz undertakes an unusual ocean journey to save her adopted island home in this third series entry.
When a poison tide flowing across the ocean threatens their island, Roz works with the resident creatures to ensure that they will have clean water, but the destruction of vegetation and crowding of habitats jeopardize everyone’s survival. Brown’s tale of environmental depredation and turmoil is by turns poignant, graceful, endearing, and inspiring, with his (mostly) gentle robot protagonist at its heart. Though Roz is different from the creatures she lives with or encounters—including her son, Brightbill the goose, and his new mate, Glimmerwing—she makes connections through her versatile communication abilities and her desire to understand and help others. When Roz accidentally discovers that the replacement body given to her by Dr. Molovo is waterproof, she sets out to seek help and discovers the human-engineered source of the toxic tide. Brown’s rich descriptions of undersea landscapes, entertaining conversations between Roz and wild creatures, and concise yet powerful explanations of the effect of the poison tide on the ecology of the island are superb. Simple, spare illustrations offer just enough glimpses of Roz and her surroundings to spark the imagination. The climactic confrontation pits oceangoing mammals, seabirds, fish, and even zooplankton against hardware and technology in a nicely choreographed battle. But it is Roz’s heroism and peacemaking that save the day.
Hugely entertaining, timely, and triumphant. (author’s note) (Fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: Sept. 26, 2023
ISBN: 9780316669412
Page Count: 288
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: Aug. 26, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2023
A pleasing premise for book lovers.
A fantasy-loving bookworm makes a wonderful, terrible bargain.
When sixth grader Poppy Woodlock’s historic preservationist parents move the family to the Oregon coast to work on the titular stately home, Poppy’s sure she’ll find magic. Indeed, the exiled water nymph in the manor’s ruined swimming pool grants a wish, but: “Magic isn’t free. It cosssts.” The price? Poppy’s favorite book, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. In return she receives Sampson, a winged lion cub who is everything Poppy could have hoped for. But she soon learns that the nymph didn’t take just her own physical book—she erased Narnia from Poppy’s world. And it’s just the first loss: Soon, Poppy’s grandmother’s journal’s gone, then The Odyssey, and more. The loss is heartbreaking, but Sampson’s a wonderful companion, particularly as Poppy’s finding middle school a tough adjustment. Hartman’s premise is beguiling—plenty of readers will identify with Poppy, both as a fellow bibliophile and as a kid struggling to adapt. Poppy’s repeatedly expressed faith that unveiling Sampson will bring some sort of vindication wears thin, but that does not detract from the central drama. It’s a pity that the named real-world books Poppy reads are notably lacking in diversity; a story about the power of literature so limited in imagination lets both itself and readers down. Main characters are cued White; there is racial diversity in the supporting cast. Chapters open with atmospheric spot art. (This review has been updated to reflect the final illustrations.)
A pleasing premise for book lovers. (Fantasy. 9-12)Pub Date: May 2, 2023
ISBN: 9780316448222
Page Count: 320
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: Feb. 24, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2023
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