Rebels of the Lamp

March 1, 2015
New authors Galvin and Speakman present 12-year-old Californian Parker Quarry in stock but action-packed, third-person chapters alternating with the ancient journals of Vesiroth (circa 1,200-900 B.C.).Apparently well-educated for his time, farmer Vesiroth writes of accessing magick and the power of the Nexus after the tragic loss of his family. But working with the magick of the Nexus "erodes the soul," and soon Vesiroth is creating an increasingly corrupt family of genies who are eventually entrapped in metal canister-lamps. Meanwhile, back in the modern-day storyline, Parker has been transplanted to New Hampshire after getting into trouble one too many times. There, he, his cousin Theo, and the lovely overachiever Reese have released one of the genies and, after requesting a Porsche (they're 12, after all), have run afoul of a throat-slitting cult. Brutal members of the Path worship the genies and appear capable of anything-except accurately aiming their endless supply of machine guns or missiles. With a massive rolling globe in a museum, endless chases on foot, car, and airplane, and the fortuitous appearance of a polar bear, there is no end to the assorted excitement. Gratuitous references to the Disney empire, along with a made-for-the-big-screen feel suggest this first of a two-part series may find its way into theaters, where the fast pace may eclipse the energetic but uneven plot. Mythology, magick, and mayhem-but mostly, mayhem. (Adventure. 9-12)

May 1, 2015

Gr 4-7-What would a 12-year-old do with a genie? Meet Parker Quarry, a genie's worst nightmare. After being suspended from school, smart-alecky Parker is sent to live with his cousin, Theo, in New Hampshire, in the hopes that a change of scenery will improve the boy's attitude. However, Parker breaks into a professor's office at the local college and steals an unusual metal object, and suddenly he and Theo find themselves being chased by men with guns. During the escape, Parker twists the canister open and releases Fon-Rahm, a 3,000-year-old genie. Delighted with his good fortune, Parker, accompanied by Theo and their friend Reese, tortures Fon-Rahm, wishing to drive a Porsche 911 and torment the jocks at school. But soon the trio learn they are caught up in a battle stretching back thousands of years for control of the Jinn. Fon-Rahm's backstory is detailed in the ancient journal entries of Vesiroth, a sorcerer. The journal entries alternate with present action, resulting in a frustratingly disjointed narrative until the two plots unite. However, once the story takes off, it soars along at breakneck speed. The three friends find themselves racing around the globe, accompanied by an ancient sorceress, attempting to prevent the Path from releasing all the Jinn and conquering the world. In the process, Parker learns the value of teamwork, friendship, and family, while the genie evolves into a stand-in for Parker's absent father. By the end of the novel, Parker becomes far more likable, and readers will be glad the epilogue promises a sequel. VERDICT The dual story lines may challenge some readers, but they will be rewarded by a fun romp with intriguing characters.-Nancy Nadig, Penn Manor School District, Lancaster, PA

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2015
Parker, a troubled twelve-year-old who masks insecurities with bravado, finds and releases a genie. With his cousin and their friend, Parker uses the opportunity to go wild. But evil genies have also been released, and Parker needs to grow up quickly if he wants to save himself, his friends, and the world in this sometimes hard-to-follow fantasy adventure.

(Copyright 2015 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)