Book Review: Michaela Clarke - Tiger Thief - Nosy Crow

                             

This is a brilliant read that hooks you from the very first page right through to the last. I was so engrossed in this story that time stopped still as I was reading. It is a great debut novel; beautifully written it leaves you with a sense of feeling that the story has been written from the heart. It is a story that has been inspired from the author's desire to write as a child. In this book she brings to life a magical world for both young and old readers. 

In response to a dream, we enjoy the journey that the author takes through the characters and the bright exotic backdrop of landscapes. She has conjured up an amazing magical tale which I'm really pleased that I had the opportunity to read. The story is set in India and draws upon the rich culture of myths, legends and the spirit world. It's based around the journey of two children who become caught in the battle between the natural world and the world of human greed.  

After travelling to the legendary city of jewels, the circus which Sharat (main character) and Emira (a majestic white tiger) belong to, are ordered to perform for the Emperor of Imperial Command. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity but when Emira mysteriously disappears in the middle of a circus act, Sharat sets off on a adventurous journey. He faces many perilous dangers and reveals interesting discoveries. The magic and intrigue will have you hooked as you turn the pages with rapid intensity.  

The book has a number of fantastic characters - some which are loveable and some which are not. The Djinni's are my particular favourites; I would have loved to have seen and read more about them in the book.  This is a great family book which is full of spirit, adventure and friendship. It is packed full of plot sequences, timely action and a rather predictable outcome. However, this can easily be forgiven as long as there is another book in the future to continue on from this one. This is a recommended read with great potential  for a sequel.... 

P B Kerr - Children of the Lamp - Eye of the Forest

Ripley's Review

The U.S covers for this series are so much better than the UK's version, which might explain why they sell better in the U.S. When marketing childrens' books, one of the key factors is a great eye-catching book cover. It should entice the reader to pick up the book and read the synopsis, sometimes that is half the battle.

This is book five in the great children's series Children of the Lamp entitled "Eye of the Forest". It's another action packed magical adventure for the Gaunt Family.
After an incident in the Peabody Museum, the adventure gathers pace when a trip to the Amazon is called for. Another great read in this series of books. P B Kerr writes with great detail which gives the story something special. Only a handful of authors can do this. Four out of Five.

Synopsis

An ancient Incan prophecy leads the Gaunt twins deep into the heart of the Amazon, in search of a cursed portal that has remained hidden for centuries. Along the way, they come across their old friend Dybbuk, but it's not a happy reunion. Dybbuk has lost all his djinn powers and is desperate to get them back - even if it means destroying the world. Can John and Philippa stop him before it's too late?

Biography

Children of the Lamp:

1. The Akhenaten Adventure - Scholastic 15 Aug 2004

2. The Blue Djinn of Babylon - Scholastic 19 Sep 2005

3. The Cobra King of Kathmandu - Scholastic 7 Aug 2006

4. The Day of the Djinn Warrior - Scholastic 6 Aug 2007

5. The Eye of the Forest - Scholastic 6 April 2009


Novels:

One Small Step - Simon & Schuster Children's 2 Jun 2008




About P B Kerr

Philip Kerr is a British author born in Edinburgh. He studied at the University of Birmingham and worked as an advertising copywriter for Saatchi and Saatchi before becoming a full-time writer. He has written for the Sunday Times, Evening Standard and the New Statesman. Kerr has published eleven novels under his full name and a children's series, Children of the Lamp, under the name P.B. Kerr. He is married to novelist Jane Thynne.