Review by Booklist Review
Acclaimed author Ahmed draws on mythical legends of Islamic origin, the Hamzanama, for this middle-grade fantasy novel. Specific references to that ancient story collection may be lost on contemporary readers, but this is nonetheless packed with all the ingredients of a whirlwind adventure: spunky, problem--solving kids; gender-fluid shapeshifters made of smokeless fire; ancient astronomical mysteries; and a hefty dose of science to underscore the inexplicable. The plot features siblings Amira and Hamza, who unexpectedly find themselves enmeshed in an ancient prophecy that foretold their role in saving the world from a cosmic disaster. They must end a war in the land of Oaf or else the moon will split apart, and the earth will be at the mercy of evil jinn and ghuls. Amid myriad twists and turns, Amira and Hamza emerge as smart, funny, likable protagonists with emotional ranges that render them believable even while everything around them is fantastical. This is the first in the series, and readers will be impatient for the stories to come.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
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. (Sept.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 3--7--A middle grade fantasy that includes Islamic legends, magic, science, and the power of belief in oneself. While at their mosque, waiting for the super blue blood moon, Amira and her younger brother Hamza both happen to touch a supposedly broken ancient artifact, the Box of the Moon, which sets an equally ancient prophecy in motion. Everyone on Earth suddenly falls asleep, and jinn appear, claiming that Amira and Hamza have been chosen to save the magical world of Qaf, Earth, and life as they know it. Amira loves science, so she has her doubts about fulfilling a mystical prophecy at 12, while Hamza is thrilled to become important, like one of his favorite superheroes. Like any magical journey, this one is full of heart, humor, action, doubt, and the belief that even the most unexpected individuals can save the world. Amira's questions will resonate with skeptical readers, whereas Hamza urges her to let go and believe anyway. Amira and Hamza's adventure is emotionally believable, even as the siblings ride magical creatures to their next destination. Although some of the action might be intimidating for younger readers, this would still make for a great read-aloud. VERDICT A fast-paced adventure with heart and a superb fairy-tale adaptation of Islamic legends. Sure to be a hit with fans of Yoon Ha Lee's Dragon Pearl and Sayantani DasGupta's The Serpent's Secret.--Hilary Tufo, Columbus Metropolitan Lib., Reynoldsburg, OH
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Review by Horn Book Review
Twelve-year-old Amira and her younger brother Hamza, Muslim Indian American siblings in Chicago, are the heroes of this suspenseful, action-packed adventure filled with jinn, ghuls, devs, and other supernatural creatures from Islamic folklore. When the children disturb an ancient artifact in a museum exhibit, two jinn appear, informing them that they are "chosen ones" needed for a serious mission. They must save Earth and Qaf (the jinn homeland) from Ifrit, a "terrible and cruel dev" intent on destroying both worlds. This is a refreshingly different take on the kids-must-save-the-world story in that Amira and Hamza are the most anxious, reluctant, and nerdy heroes ever. Constant clashes between the bickering siblings provide comic relief, in contrast with the seriousness of the task at hand. Dangerous encounters with monstrous foes challenge the two to believe in themselves and work together to fulfill their mission. Fantasy-adventure fans will have a hard time putting down this fast-paced and engaging tale. Author's note and glossary not seen. Julie Hakim Azzam November/December 2021 p.94(c) Copyright 2021. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
What will it take for two plucky kids from Chicago to save the universe from certain disaster? Courage with a heaping side of love. Twelve-year-old Amira is a scientist, rational and focused. Hamza, her younger brother, is a risk taker, thriving in his active imagination. The night of a rare astronomical event brings out more than the moon and the stars when they accidentally activate an ancient device recovered from the Caspian Sea, al-Biruni's Box of the Moon, cracking off a piece of the moon, putting everyone else on Earth to sleep, and bringing an army of genderfluid jinn to meet them, the chosen ones. Led by Abdul Rahman, the vizier to the emperor of Qaf, and accompanied by Maqbool, Abdul Rahman's aide-de-camp, the jinn escort Amira (who does not feel eager or ready to assume these duties) and Hamza (who can barely contain his delight) on their quest to protect Qaf by defeating wicked dev Ifrit and saving the universe. In her middle-grade debut, Ahmed rationalizes the irrational with a creative blend of science and magic, building a bridge from a familiar world to a new one. A blend of Indian culture, Islamic folklore, history, and pointed social commentary are all wrapped up in a fantasy world that is as compelling as it is informative. Even readers who don't believe in magic will find themselves wishing on a star. (map, author's note, glossary) (Fantasy. 9-13) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
