Stars: *****
I had heard a lot of good things about this book so was keen to get reading – especially as it was this month’s Primary School Book Club pick!
The story follows Chaya as she steals the Queen’s jewels; she’s a Robin Hood figure for her village. She never steals for herself; Chaya only steals to help people have money for what they need: medical bills, a new roof or other essentials.
When she has to break her friend Neel out of the palace prison, and also deal with the unwanted company of Nour, from the rich part of the city, she begins to worry about more than her own safety. She’s risking the lives of others too.
But she can’t help thinking of the awful impact the King is having on the country…which is why she stole his elephant as a get away method!
I loved the way this story was complex – full of different issues and plot lines – yet told in a simplistic way (such as shorter chapters!) that made it really accessible and enjoyable for the reader. Each chapter ended with a cliffhanger too, which made the book really hard to put down!
I loved the twist at the end – I did not see it coming at all! It really added impact to the final chapters.
Another thing I loved was the way the different characters interacted throughout the book. Chaya, Neel & Nour have to create their own paths after the initial event, making decisions which will affect others, but most importantly, push themselves beyond what they think they can do.
It is definitely a brilliant tale of friendship and adventure!
*Review Copy 😊*
Teacher Bookworm 