July 26, 2021
A budding astronomer and self-proclaimed “nerd,” 12-year-old Amira, this novel’s Muslim, Indian American narrator, can’t wait to witness an upcoming lunar extravaganza. In Chicago, the Islamic Society of Ancient Astronomy is celebrating the coincidence of a supermoon, blood moon, and blue moon (a “celestial trifecta of awesomeness”) with an exhibition attended by Amira, her irksome younger brother Hamza, and their parents. When Hamza wanders off, he becomes entranced by the Box of the Moon—an ancient analogue computer made of unidentified alloys. A sibling tussle over the artifact restarts it, unleashing staggering consequences. As the adults drop into an enchanted sleep, a broken piece of the moon heads directly for Earth, and an army of jinn spirits the siblings away, Amira and Hamza discover that it falls to them to save the world from a great battle between the realms. Ahmed (Mad, Bad & Dangerous to Know) centers her fast-paced middle grade debut on a deeply engaging heroine, foil to her more reckless and charming brother. The siblings’ relationship—characterized by equal amounts of affection and bickering—lends authenticity and humor to the folklore-inspired narrative. Ages 8–12. Agent: Joanna Volpe, New Leaf Literary.
March 1, 2023
Gr 3-6-The Chosen Ones, siblings Amira and Hamza, are back and ready for another adventure. After returning from Qaf and defeating Ifrit, the two become split up and must work separately in the same quest to defeat Ahriman, Ifrit's father. Ahriman has captured Hamza and is forcing him to solve puzzles to gain access to the Ring of Power. There are pieces of an oculus that must be obtained to secure the ring, however, and they are not acquired easily. Each part of the oculus is in a different museum in a different country. Unique travel across countries has its benefits and drawbacks, such as motion sickness, but there are also tasty bakeries and beautiful sights. All of it is worth it in an attempt to save the world from the clutches of great evil. Based on oral storytelling passed down from Ahmed's family, the adventures these siblings take won't disappoint. VERDICT Humor abounds amid the trials Amira and Hamza face in their quest. Hand to fans of Aru Shah and Magnus Chase.
Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Starred review from July 15, 2022
The sibling duo return on another quest to save the world. It's been two months since sister and brother defeated Ifrit in Qaf and saved the universe. It's also the end of summer: Hamza wants to have something awesome to share when school starts, so he goes off to explore an old, abandoned, castlelike house. But a sudden tornado hits, and he wakes up in the Oriental Institute, a nearby Chicago museum, face to face with Ifrit's father, Ahriman, who has returned in search of the Ring of Power that will allow him to control the human and jinn worlds. To find it, Ahriman needs all three parts of an ancient oculus--and the help of Hamza, who is a Chosen One. Ahriman threatens to destroy everything Hamza loves if he does not help him. After solving a riddle, they claim the first piece from the Oriental Institute, then travel via Ahriman's tornado to the British Museum and the Louvre to collect the remaining pieces, with Amira and fairy princess Aasman Peri in pursuit. Alternating chapters from Amira's and Hamza's points of view capture their thoughts and emotions. Ahmed cleverly weaves in Islamic historical figures, some of whom are ghost Keepers of The Ring who pose riddles, like scholar and philosopher Ibn Sina and scientists and inventors the Banu Musa brothers. Ahmed's rich worldbuilding continues in this imaginative and absorbing sequel. A captivating magical adventure. (map, author's note, notes on fantastical creatures and historical figures, further reading) (Fantasy. 9-13)
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