Rebels of the Lamp

Gr 4–7—What would a 12-year-old do with a genie? Meet Parker Quarry, a genie's worst nightmare. After being suspended from school, smart-alecky Parker is sent to live with his cousin, Theo, in New Hampshire, in the hopes that a change of scenery will improve the boy's attitude. However, Parker breaks into a professor's office at the local college and steals an unusual metal object, and suddenly he and Theo find themselves being chased by men with guns. During the escape, Parker twists the canister open and releases Fon-Rahm, a 3,000-year-old genie. Delighted with his good fortune, Parker, accompanied by Theo and their friend Reese, tortures Fon-Rahm, wishing to drive a Porsche 911 and torment the jocks at school. But soon the trio learn they are caught up in a battle stretching back thousands of years for control of the Jinn. Fon-Rahm's backstory is detailed in the ancient journal entries of Vesiroth, a sorcerer. The journal entries alternate with present action, resulting in a frustratingly disjointed narrative until the two plots unite. However, once the story takes off, it soars along at breakneck speed. The three friends find themselves racing around the globe, accompanied by an ancient sorceress, attempting to prevent the Path from releasing all the Jinn and conquering the world. In the process, Parker learns the value of teamwork, friendship, and family, while the genie evolves into a stand-in for Parker's absent father. By the end of the novel, Parker becomes far more likable, and readers will be glad the epilogue promises a sequel.