Kinjal and Kiya are twins who frequently bicker as siblings
tend to do. Kiya is seriously into science and is reluctant to believe anything
she hasn’t seen or proven to exist. Kinjal is more imaginative and trusts his
gut and inner voice more than his sister does. These personalities provide an
interesting, amusing contrast when their dog disappears and flying horses show
up. Kinjal learns that maybe he should pause and use his head before jumping to
conclusions while Kiya learns that she may need to start trusting her brother’s
instincts a bit more.
The twins’ parents are obviously keeping secrets so readers
will wonder what they’re hiding. An old book hidden in the basement is full of
old stories of fantastic creatures which provides a strong hint of what’s to
come. However, mysteries surrounding their parents’ past go way beyond powerful
beasts and untold stories as the twins slowly learn about their own hidden
histories. Kinjal and Kiya are slow to accept strange abilities they seem to
possess as it’s easier to believe something or someone else must be causing
things to happen. The surprising incidents will have readers anxiously
anticipating how things will turn out once the kids finally figure out the truth.
The plot has an environmental twist that is applicable to a
real-world crisis. Bees are dying at an alarming rate and the consequences can
be catastrophic. Plants need the insects for pollination and the pakkhiraj and
other creatures in this book will eventually die without honey. The cause of
dwindling bee populations isn’t always easy to figure out but the culprit in
this plot is pretty clear. However, the characters at the root of the problem
won’t willingly change their ways and the reasons behind their actions are a
mystery. Kinjai and Kiya are on a quest to save the bees but nefarious
characters are lurking that will complicate their efforts.
What didn’t work as well:
The transition from realistic to speculative fiction happens
quickly which affects the “believability” of the backstory. The kids aren’t
shocked by talking horses and Kinjal is the one who suggests they accompany the
pakkhiraj back to their dimension. The sudden acceptance of the situation is
too easy especially with Kiya not believing in magic!
The Final Verdict:
The overall plot is an innovative take on a familiar story template
with the twins discovering their inner powers and family secrets. The focus on the
importance of bees within nature is a new angle for middle-grade novels. The
story lacks some detail and development so the pace should please young
readers. It should appeal to nature and animal lovers and I recommend you give
it a shot.
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