The Book of Wonders

Jasmine Richards
HarperCollins (2012)
ISBN 9780062010070
Reviewed by Ben Weldon (age 14) for Reader Views (2/12)

“The Book of Wonders” by Jasmine Richards is a magical adventure story about thirteen-year-old Zardi, a girl living in Arribitha who must make a dangerous quest to save her father and sister from the clutches of the evil sultan. Together with her friend Rhidan, Zardi set forth to find Sinbad the sailor who had told stories about the former magic of Arribitha that had long since been banned by the Sultan.  Part way through their journey, the ship they were on was raided by pirates.  Will Zardi and Rhidan be able to escape from the pirates?

When Zardi and Rhidan finally found Sinbad, they set sail to the harbor city of Mandar. There, they met Sinbad’s mother, Sula.  She told about the great magic that had once inhabited Arribitha.  She also gave them advice on how they might be able to rescue Zardi’s father and sister.  But as they set sail from Mandar, the sultan’s ship pursued them.  Will they be able to escape the sultan and his evil minions, or will they be captured and face to a cruel fate at the hands of the sultan Shahryār?  

“The Book of Wonders” by Jasmine Richards had an intriguing storyline that made me want to keep reading, but the writing style and vocabulary were somewhat simplistic.  I would have appreciated it if the author provided more lively descriptions of the characters and surroundings.  This was the author’s debut novel and was very good for a first try.  I would recommend this book to people who like adventure books that have an ambiance similar to “The Arabian Nights.”  The book left off on a note such that there could be a sequel.  “The Book of Wonders” was an entertaining read and I finished it soon after I started it.

Make comment on weblog

FTC Disclosure