Here are the books listed above & a description of each:
The book below "Golden Fire" is out of print & an adult book, but it seemed to have all the right ingredients, except the "full of sex" part, too bad. But thought I'd put it in here regardless!
The second book looks awesome for the boys, (Raiders from the North) but it might be too gory, it is in the adult section & it is book one of 3 (with 2 more books after) I've put it on hold at Tanner's & I'll check it out.
You can read about "The Iron Ring" if you search for it at Amazon. http://www.amazon.ca/Iron-Ring-Lloyd-Alexander/dp/0141303484/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317509920&sr=1-1 It seems pretty good to me.
I think Jahanara looks great for the girls, quite historical, lots of copies at the library too.
Anyways let me know what you think:o) Jacqui
4.0 out of 5 stars OUT OF PRINT, on AMAZON tho. 1 COPY IN LIBRARY Good summer read about Ancient India, July 7 1997By A Customer - Published on Amazon U.S.
This review is from: Golden Fire: A Novel of Ancient India (Hardcover)A glance at the subject headings for this book give an indication of the obscurity of the setting: Gupta Dynasty India. Not your usual time period. We're back in the time of the brahmin kings, before gunpowder, before the Muslim invasion, just after Alexander's invasion, the time of Kalidasa, a time of sword fights and battle elephants. Jonathan Fast has done a careful job of recreating this colorful age; his book is full of rich, sensuous detail and colorful imagery. Fast leaves no doubt as to who its villains are, nor whom you're supposed to be rooting for - just like Hollywood. But unlike Hollywood, he's obviously done his homework. Full of sex, violence, intrigue, royal depravity, etc. In short, something for everybody.
`5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent historical fiction debut, September 3, 2010By M. Wanchoo - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE) (REAL NAME)
This review is from: Raiders from the North: Empire of the Moghul (Hardcover)Raiders from the North is the first book chronicling the rise of the Mughal empire in the Indian subcontinent. The novel begins by introducing Babur. It describes Babur's childhood and teenage years as he's suddenly put into the spotlight after his father's death due to a freak accident. This event starts a calamitous series of events which sees various factions within the court strive to put their chosen parties on the throne and showcases peril to Babur AT TANNER'S $15.00, IN ADULT SECTION (TOO VIOLENT, not sure hope to find out?? NOT IN LIBRARY)as succession to the throne means his literal death warrant.
Babur has help from his Grandmother Esan Dawlat, who claims to be a descendant of Genghis Khan and often provides steely resolve, his mother Kutlugh Nigar and his military guide and mentor, Wazir Khan. He goes on to succeed his father as the ruler of Ferghana and then sets his eyes on the ultimate prize the city of Samakhand of Timur the Lame and goes about to claim them. Thus begins Babur's journey which will set him to rise above his modest Ferghana origins and see him start one of the most prominent dynasties which ruled the region of the Indian Subcontinent for nearly 350 plus years and played a big hand in shaping Indian history and politics.
The book details are taken from the "Baburnama" which was Babur's memoirs and recounted almost all of his life, his struggles, his wonders and his military acumen.
Another particular note is the ease at which the book uses a straight forward approach to tackling Indian History.
As an Indian and particularly an aficionado of history I know what followed was one of the greatest and most brutal empires in the world. The succeeding Mughal emperors were all enigmatic men and depending on whom you ask you will get heroic or vilifying accounts of these men. It's safe to say that they left a mark on the land which they ruled.
Shivas Fire 1 COPY IN LIBRARYA Hindu girl, known in her village for her dancing, is chosen to study with a dance guru. A starred review in PW said, "Poetically and suspensefully expressing the sorrows and joys of the spiritual life as well as the life of the artist, this is a spellbinder." At a time when teenage girls have more options than ever when choosing their own destinies, Parvati's story will inspire readers to set high goals and settle for nothing less than their true heart's desire. An instant classic. (Ages 12 to 14)
The Iron Ring -7 COPIES AT LIBRARY IN "A LLOYD ALEXANDER COLLECTION;3 COMPLETE NOVELSFrom School Library JournalGrade 5-9. Alexander's latest epic adventure is rooted in the mythology of ancient India. A losing game of chance with a mysterious stranger seems like a dream to young King Tamar, but the iron ring on his finger is a very real token that his life may be forfeit. A journey to the stranger's distant kingdom seems his only chance to discover the truth. Many adventures and diversions crop up along the way as Tamar gains some surprising companions, including a brave and beautiful milkmaid, a cowardly eagle, and a wiley monkey king who used to be a man. The author's flexible style moves smoothly from comedy to tragedy and back again; from battle scenes to ridiculous situations, Alexander never loses the thread. Set within the action are small gems of poetry and folktales. The concept of dharma, or proper conduct, and the rigid caste system deeply affect Tamar's actions. Plot, characters, and setting all have their parts to play, but it is the tension set up among the lively characters and the cultural conventions binding them that create the structure of the story and lead inevitably to its conclusion. This wise and witty adventure can be enjoyed on many levels.
JAHANARA PRINCESS OF PRINCESSES, INDIA 1627, MOGHUL DYNASTY, 9 COPIES IN LIBRARYGr. 4-8. Steeped in period detail and related with immediacy by an intelligent, sensitive, 14-year-old princess, this entry in the Royal Diaries series transports readers to seventeenth-century India during the Moghul Dynasty. Jahanara, favorite daughter of Emperor Shah Jahan and the most beloved of his four wives, writes about family jealousies, court intrigues, and war strategies, as well as the extravagant lifestyle of her royal family, who live in a setting where wall murals of flowers crafted in gemstones glitter by lamplight as though in bloom. Readers encounter historical figures, such as Empress Mumtaz Mahal, for whom the Taj Mahal was built, as well as fictional characters introduced to explore the practices of the times--among them, the gardener, whose eyes were stitched closed as punishment for spying. The language seems true to the thoughts and sensitivities of a young teen, and Lasky's meticulous research is evident throughout the journal, which references issues such as religious tolerance, the impact of Islamic extremism, and women's efforts to gain respect--issues that are as vital today as they were during Jahanara's life.
KEEPING CORNER BY KASHMIRA SHETH, $7.50, 2 COPIES AT LIBRARYPretty as a peacock, twelve-year-old Leela had been spoiled all her life. She doesn't care for school and barely marks the growing unrest between the British colonists and her own countrymen. Why should she? Her future has been planned since her engagement at two and marriage at nine. Leela's whole life changes, though, when her husband dies. She's now expected to behave like a proper widow: shaving her head and trading her jewel-toned saris for rough, earth-colored ones. Leela is considered unlucky now, and will have to stay confined to her house for a year—keep corner—in preparation for a life of mourning for a boy she barely knew.
When her schoolteacher hears of her fate, she offers Leela lessons at home. For the first time, despite her confinement, Leela opens her eyes to the changing world around her. India is suffering from a severe drought, and farmers are unable to pay taxes to the British. She learns about a new leader of the people, a man named Gandhi, who starts a political movement and practices satyagraha--non-violent protest against the colonists as well as the caste system. The quiet strength ofsatyagraha may liberate her country. Could she use the same path to liberate herself?
Follow the ELephant 2 COPIES AT LIBRARYYoung Adult Fiction. What thirteen year old boy wants to travel on a hopeless quest to India with his grandmother? Not Ben Leeson, whose anger about his father's recent death has led him to escape into the isolated world of computer games. India is the last place Ben ever thought of visiting and his grandmother is the last person he'd ever dreamed of travelling with, but the ticket is already bought and Ben finds himself in India on a search for Gran's long lost pen pal, Shanti. As they search for clues across the huge continent, Ben finds himself strangely compelled to follow the magnificent elephants and the elephant boy-god Ganesh. Ben begins to see that real life can be more exciting than any computer game and that the dark mysteries of India may help him to come to terms with his father's death.
The book below "Golden Fire" is out of print & an adult book, but it seemed to have all the right ingredients, except the "full of sex" part, too bad. But thought I'd put it in here regardless!
The second book looks awesome for the boys, (Raiders from the North) but it might be too gory, it is in the adult section & it is book one of 3 (with 2 more books after) I've put it on hold at Tanner's & I'll check it out.
You can read about "The Iron Ring" if you search for it at Amazon. http://www.amazon.ca/Iron-Ring-Lloyd-Alexander/dp/0141303484/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317509920&sr=1-1 It seems pretty good to me.
I think Jahanara looks great for the girls, quite historical, lots of copies at the library too.
Anyways let me know what you think:o) Jacqui
4.0 out of 5 stars OUT OF PRINT, on AMAZON tho. 1 COPY IN LIBRARY Good summer read about Ancient India, July 7 1997By A Customer - Published on Amazon U.S.
This review is from: Golden Fire: A Novel of Ancient India (Hardcover)A glance at the subject headings for this book give an indication of the obscurity of the setting: Gupta Dynasty India. Not your usual time period. We're back in the time of the brahmin kings, before gunpowder, before the Muslim invasion, just after Alexander's invasion, the time of Kalidasa, a time of sword fights and battle elephants. Jonathan Fast has done a careful job of recreating this colorful age; his book is full of rich, sensuous detail and colorful imagery. Fast leaves no doubt as to who its villains are, nor whom you're supposed to be rooting for - just like Hollywood. But unlike Hollywood, he's obviously done his homework. Full of sex, violence, intrigue, royal depravity, etc. In short, something for everybody.
`5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent historical fiction debut, September 3, 2010By M. Wanchoo - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE) (REAL NAME)
This review is from: Raiders from the North: Empire of the Moghul (Hardcover)Raiders from the North is the first book chronicling the rise of the Mughal empire in the Indian subcontinent. The novel begins by introducing Babur. It describes Babur's childhood and teenage years as he's suddenly put into the spotlight after his father's death due to a freak accident. This event starts a calamitous series of events which sees various factions within the court strive to put their chosen parties on the throne and showcases peril to Babur AT TANNER'S $15.00, IN ADULT SECTION (TOO VIOLENT, not sure hope to find out?? NOT IN LIBRARY)as succession to the throne means his literal death warrant.
Babur has help from his Grandmother Esan Dawlat, who claims to be a descendant of Genghis Khan and often provides steely resolve, his mother Kutlugh Nigar and his military guide and mentor, Wazir Khan. He goes on to succeed his father as the ruler of Ferghana and then sets his eyes on the ultimate prize the city of Samakhand of Timur the Lame and goes about to claim them. Thus begins Babur's journey which will set him to rise above his modest Ferghana origins and see him start one of the most prominent dynasties which ruled the region of the Indian Subcontinent for nearly 350 plus years and played a big hand in shaping Indian history and politics.
The book details are taken from the "Baburnama" which was Babur's memoirs and recounted almost all of his life, his struggles, his wonders and his military acumen.
Another particular note is the ease at which the book uses a straight forward approach to tackling Indian History.
As an Indian and particularly an aficionado of history I know what followed was one of the greatest and most brutal empires in the world. The succeeding Mughal emperors were all enigmatic men and depending on whom you ask you will get heroic or vilifying accounts of these men. It's safe to say that they left a mark on the land which they ruled.
Shivas Fire 1 COPY IN LIBRARYA Hindu girl, known in her village for her dancing, is chosen to study with a dance guru. A starred review in PW said, "Poetically and suspensefully expressing the sorrows and joys of the spiritual life as well as the life of the artist, this is a spellbinder." At a time when teenage girls have more options than ever when choosing their own destinies, Parvati's story will inspire readers to set high goals and settle for nothing less than their true heart's desire. An instant classic. (Ages 12 to 14)
The Iron Ring -7 COPIES AT LIBRARY IN "A LLOYD ALEXANDER COLLECTION;3 COMPLETE NOVELSFrom School Library JournalGrade 5-9. Alexander's latest epic adventure is rooted in the mythology of ancient India. A losing game of chance with a mysterious stranger seems like a dream to young King Tamar, but the iron ring on his finger is a very real token that his life may be forfeit. A journey to the stranger's distant kingdom seems his only chance to discover the truth. Many adventures and diversions crop up along the way as Tamar gains some surprising companions, including a brave and beautiful milkmaid, a cowardly eagle, and a wiley monkey king who used to be a man. The author's flexible style moves smoothly from comedy to tragedy and back again; from battle scenes to ridiculous situations, Alexander never loses the thread. Set within the action are small gems of poetry and folktales. The concept of dharma, or proper conduct, and the rigid caste system deeply affect Tamar's actions. Plot, characters, and setting all have their parts to play, but it is the tension set up among the lively characters and the cultural conventions binding them that create the structure of the story and lead inevitably to its conclusion. This wise and witty adventure can be enjoyed on many levels.
JAHANARA PRINCESS OF PRINCESSES, INDIA 1627, MOGHUL DYNASTY, 9 COPIES IN LIBRARYGr. 4-8. Steeped in period detail and related with immediacy by an intelligent, sensitive, 14-year-old princess, this entry in the Royal Diaries series transports readers to seventeenth-century India during the Moghul Dynasty. Jahanara, favorite daughter of Emperor Shah Jahan and the most beloved of his four wives, writes about family jealousies, court intrigues, and war strategies, as well as the extravagant lifestyle of her royal family, who live in a setting where wall murals of flowers crafted in gemstones glitter by lamplight as though in bloom. Readers encounter historical figures, such as Empress Mumtaz Mahal, for whom the Taj Mahal was built, as well as fictional characters introduced to explore the practices of the times--among them, the gardener, whose eyes were stitched closed as punishment for spying. The language seems true to the thoughts and sensitivities of a young teen, and Lasky's meticulous research is evident throughout the journal, which references issues such as religious tolerance, the impact of Islamic extremism, and women's efforts to gain respect--issues that are as vital today as they were during Jahanara's life.
KEEPING CORNER BY KASHMIRA SHETH, $7.50, 2 COPIES AT LIBRARYPretty as a peacock, twelve-year-old Leela had been spoiled all her life. She doesn't care for school and barely marks the growing unrest between the British colonists and her own countrymen. Why should she? Her future has been planned since her engagement at two and marriage at nine. Leela's whole life changes, though, when her husband dies. She's now expected to behave like a proper widow: shaving her head and trading her jewel-toned saris for rough, earth-colored ones. Leela is considered unlucky now, and will have to stay confined to her house for a year—keep corner—in preparation for a life of mourning for a boy she barely knew.
When her schoolteacher hears of her fate, she offers Leela lessons at home. For the first time, despite her confinement, Leela opens her eyes to the changing world around her. India is suffering from a severe drought, and farmers are unable to pay taxes to the British. She learns about a new leader of the people, a man named Gandhi, who starts a political movement and practices satyagraha--non-violent protest against the colonists as well as the caste system. The quiet strength ofsatyagraha may liberate her country. Could she use the same path to liberate herself?
Follow the ELephant 2 COPIES AT LIBRARYYoung Adult Fiction. What thirteen year old boy wants to travel on a hopeless quest to India with his grandmother? Not Ben Leeson, whose anger about his father's recent death has led him to escape into the isolated world of computer games. India is the last place Ben ever thought of visiting and his grandmother is the last person he'd ever dreamed of travelling with, but the ticket is already bought and Ben finds himself in India on a search for Gran's long lost pen pal, Shanti. As they search for clues across the huge continent, Ben finds himself strangely compelled to follow the magnificent elephants and the elephant boy-god Ganesh. Ben begins to see that real life can be more exciting than any computer game and that the dark mysteries of India may help him to come to terms with his father's death.