Murky and menacing magic fills the streets of nineteenth century Paris in this thrilling and fantastical adventure.
Meet Zélie Dutta.
She has beaten her own father five times at chess (the last time he cheated).
She has crushed the head of a poisonous cobra with her naked heel AND she can lick her elbow.
There’s nothing that she can’t handle . . . or at least that’s what she thinks. But when her father goes missing and a sinister secret society seems to be to blame, she’s forced to look for help in the most unlikely of places . .
Swept up in a slew of crimes that stretch from the jungles of Calcutta to the sewers of Paris, Zélie and her new friend Jules begin a desperate hunt for the magical Snakestone at the heart of the conspiracy. Can they solve the ancient riddles and mysteries concealed in the miles of murky tunnels that twist beneath the ancient city above?
Zélie is often accused of being a witch, but she doesn't believe in magic. Until Jules climbs up from the reeking Parisian sewer and hands Zélie the golden locket he discovered there. The locket once held the magical Snakestone, and Zélie knows that if she can find the stone, she might also find her missing father. But a dangerous secret society are equally desperate to get their hands on the Snakestone and its powers. With their lives under threat, Zélie and Jules embark on a desperate hunt for the treasure, facing strange riddles, a mysterious circus, and the miles of murky tunnels that twist beneath the ancient city above...
Tingling with magic and steeped in legends from colonial India, Secrets of the Snakestone draws readers into the underbelly of nineteenth century Paris for a menacing adventure from a thrillingly imaginative new voice.
Perfect for fans of Nazneen Ahmed Pathak, Abi Elphinstone and Kiran Millwood Hargrave.
| ISBN: | 9781839946318 |
| Publication date: | 14th March 2024 |
| Author: | Piu DasGupta |
| Publisher: | Nosy Crow Ltd |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Pagination: | 288 pages |
| Suitable For: | |
| Other Genres: |
Transporting readers to the enchanting streets and hidden depths of nineteenth-century Paris, Secrets of the Snakestone is a tale of mystery and intrigue.
Secrets of the Snakestone transports readers to the enchanting streets and hidden depths of nineteenth-century Paris, where young Zélie finds herself embroiled in a riveting tale of mystery and intrigue. Sent from her home in India to work as a maid in Paris, Zélie's life takes an unexpected turn when a mysterious boy emerges from the sewers clutching a locket belonging to her father. Together, they delve into a world of dark secrets, cursed stones, and colourful circus performers, accompanied by an adorable baby sloth!
Zélie shines as a fearless and spirited protagonist, complemented by the cautious and thoughtful Jules. Her inner pep talks add a delightful depth to her character, especially during moments of uncertainty. Despite its historical backdrop, the story maintains a modern pace, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with fast-paced action and intrigue.... Read Full Review
