The Golden Scarab of Balihar by Michael Grayford
Series: The Tales of Zahra #1
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n a kingdom surrounded by the ever-flowing sands of ancient Persia, Zahra dreams of attending the sultan’s lavish events rather than serving at them. Until she crashes headlong into the mysterious prince. Then she just dreams of the prince. Too bad she has no poise, position, or charm to catch his eye. To win his affection would take a miracle. Or magic…
When Zahra interrupts a love spell meant for the vizier’s daughter, the prince falls for her instead. Her wish has come true, but now the furious vizier wants her head. Fleeing for her life, Zahra seeks the mythical Golden Scarab of Balihar, desperately hoping the power of the jinni within can shield her from his vengeance. But when she learns the extent of his plan, she’ll have to decide whether to save herself, her prince, or the entire kingdom.
This young adult action adventure novel, with plenty of heart and a generous sprinkling of humor, is the first in The Tales of Zahra series, but may be read as a standalone story.
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Clean Read
Pages: 293
ISBN: 9798223248927
ASIN: B0CJ7JW9F5
Format: ARC, eBook
Source: VRO
on 01/09/2023
Buy on Amazon, Buy on Google Books
n a kingdom surrounded by the ever-flowing sands of ancient Persia, Zahra dreams of attending the sultan’s lavish events rather than serving at them. Until she crashes headlong into the mysterious prince. Then she just dreams of the prince. Too bad she has no poise, position, or charm to catch his eye. To win his affection would take a miracle. Or magic…
When Zahra interrupts a love spell meant for the vizier’s daughter, the prince falls for her instead. Her wish has come true, but now the furious vizier wants her head. Fleeing for her life, Zahra seeks the mythical Golden Scarab of Balihar, desperately hoping the power of the jinni within can shield her from his vengeance. But when she learns the extent of his plan, she’ll have to decide whether to save herself, her prince, or the entire kingdom.
This young adult action adventure novel, with plenty of heart and a generous sprinkling of humor, is the first in The Tales of Zahra series, but may be read as a standalone story.
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My Thoughts
This book was a beautiful read.
I enjoyed every single chapter.
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The plot in this story was vastly different from most of my recent reads, thoroughly enjoyable, rich with elements of adventure, hijinx, demons, jinni, and giant scorpions in the desert.
I loved that the book gave me kind of Aladdin and secret garden vibes.
(Mostly near the end).
The characters were well developed and the multi POV‘ weren’t too excessive.
I enjoyed hearing each characters voice and reading their personal growth.
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This book felt really satisfying to read, it wasn’t overly long and wasn’t too short, I usually always wish that books were longer but this one sat with me like Goldilocks perfect porridge.
It had me chuckling, feeling wrath at some of the plot turns, and sighing contentedly at the ending.
I love a happy ending.
But it wasn’t really the end was it.
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So I will read book 2 and I am absolutely certain I will enjoy that as much as I did this one.
I long to know if anything shall come of Amir and Zahras friendship.
After everything.
Another excellent ARC, I definitely recommend this one.
Perfect for adventure/quest fantasy fans.
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