Customer Reviews

The Seven Keys of Balabad

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Oliver Finch has a difficult time adjusting to life in the dusty, old-world country of Balabad, where his father has been reassigned as a reporter and his mother volunteers at the National Museum. Oliver misses his New York home. He misses his friends. He also misses pizza, ice cold sodas and the New York Yankees.

After six months Oliver has made only one friend his age, Zaheer Mohammed Warzat ul-Hazis (Zee for short). The British-educated Zee is the oldest son of one of the most prominent families in war-ravaged Balabad. When the International School that Oliver attends closes for the summer, there's not much for him to do.

To pass time, Oliver and Zee hang out in Balabad's noisy, dusty marketplace. Oliver is forbidden to venture into the ancient "Thieves' Market," so he and Zee spend time visiting with Mr. Haji in his crowded, one-room carpet shop. On summer afternoons the boys sip sweet green tea and listen to Mr. Haji --- the unofficial historian of Balabad --- haggle with customers and tell great tales.

While visiting Mr. Haji's shop one day, Oliver finds the carpet seller anxiously thumbing his amber prayer beads. Oliver learns Mr. Haji is upset after reading news that a one-of-a-kind carpet has been stolen from a mosque. When Oliver asks what's so important about a missing carpet, Zee explains its significance and the treasures of King Agamon.

The stolen carpet and a missing government official ignite events in Balabad and trigger bold thefts of centuries-old keys from secret locations around the world.

In Balabad, a land of ancient mysteries where nothing is as it seems and no one is who he appears to be, Oliver, Zee and Alamai --- their beautiful new friend --- become ensnared in a brave and dangerous quest. After Mr. Haji disappears, the children join forces and must overcome their fears to rescue him and save the sacred treasures.

THE SEVEN KEYS OF BALABAD is an intriguing story set in an exotic location. I recommend this book to middle-grade readers, especially boys who enjoy suspenseful mysteries and adventure stories with surprising twists and turns and thoroughly likable characters.

--- Reviewed by Donna Volkenannt