The Book of Wonders

Gr 4–7—Thirteen-year-old Zardi's life in the city of Taraket at the mouth of the Tigress River was one of peace and happiness surrounded by a loving, influential family. But when the Sultan kidnaps her beloved older sister to serve as his latest storyteller, a position that only lasts 90 days, after which the storyteller is brutally killed and a new one "recruited," Zardi must find a way to overthrow the evil ruler and save her sister. Zardi and her best friend, Rhidan, an orphaned boy of mysterious origins, throw their lot in with Sinbad and his crew of pirates and scoundrels and set sail to find the Windrose, a fabled amulet believed to have the power to aid them in their quest. A plethora of magical creatures from Middle Eastern and Aegean Sea cultures populates this novel—djinn, Cyclops, rocs, dragons—creating a bit of a mash-up, but swiftly paced writing, appealing characters, and action-packed scenes carry the day. This first novel in Richards's trilogy will appeal to fans of Rick Riordan's "Percy Jackson" books (Hyperion).—Jane Henriksen Baird, Anchorage Public Library, AK