Secrets of the Snakestone: The Times Children's Book of the Week

Description:

About this item:

In this breathtaking adventure, Zélie and Jules face a deadly race to solve a family mystery and a vicious crime that stretches from the jungles of Calcutta to the sewers of Paris.

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...

Perfect for fans of Nazneen Ahmed Pathak, Abi Elphinstone and Kiran Millwood Hargrave.

The Times Children's Book of the Week

"Crowd-pleasing tale, colourfully told...Sparkling" - The Times

"Featuring gutsy, likable characters, full-throttle action and an atmospheric setting, this 9+ debut marks DasGupta out as an author to watch" - The Guardian

“Spellbinding – just vivid storytelling” - The Observer, ‘Children’s chapter books of the month'

“Elegant, exciting and evocative, this delightful debut” - New Statesman’s,‘best children’s books for Spring’ Roundup

Review

“A fantastic debut, full of brilliant twists and turns, gorgeous historical detail, and heaps of heart.” --Natasha Hastings, author of The Miraculous Sweetmakers series

"Excitement, danger, a complex plot and evocative descriptions will keep a range of readers captivated from the first page to the last" --Booktrust

"A fast paced, breathless action adventure, blending magic and mystery, full of atmospheric descriptions and sensory details" --EL Norry

About the Author

Piu DasGupta was born in Calcutta, India and grew up in India and the UK. She studied English at Oxford University and subsequently worked in several serious professions and places before following a long-nurtured dream to be a writer in a garret in Paris. She now lives in Paris although not (thankfully) in a garret, with her family, two cats, and numerous pigeons who flap to the kitchen windowsill for regular snacks. When she finally grows up, she hopes to fulfil her ultimate fantasy and run away to join the circus.

Review:

4.9 out of 5

97.50% of customers are satisfied

5.0 out of 5 stars Would have absolutely adored it at age 10, absolutely loved reading it now.

G.M.H. · 14 July 2024

I know they say don't judge a book by its cover, but that's the first thing that grabbed me about it -- I could tell that it was a "map" to the story and once seen, I _had_ to find out how these elements fit in the narrative! Zélie and Jules are incredibly relatable, smart, complex characters that you root for throughout. The plot is intricate, engrossing, and just the right side of chill-inducing for kids like me who loved Indiana Jones and the mysteries in Frances Hodgson Burnett's books. The ending is perfect and leaves the door a teensy bit open for imagining what happens next or for hoping for a sequel! Piu is a truly gifted storyteller, and this book will thrill and delight readers of adventure, ofall ages.

5.0 out of 5 stars Loved this book. Beautifully written. Full of mystery and riddles.

V. · 28 March 2024

I really enjoyed this fast-paced, adventure-filled book from start to finish. It is great fun. As well as the mystery, riddles and quests, it also weaves in themes of family, friendship and trust, as well as the important lesson of not judging people.Zelie is a great heroine, who, while not faultless, is resourceful, courageous and determined. She is willing to do anything to help those she loves. She gives herself pep talks (reiterating her various achievements, including doing away with a dangerous snake and beating her father at chess multiple times). These are are all great fun, as is the inspiration she draws from the fictional character she enjoys reading about, Count Rodolphe.A great read with lots of depth across a broad canvas. I look forward to the follow up book with anticipation.

5.0 out of 5 stars Exciting adventure

C. · 10 September 2024

Grips the reader from the start. Lots of action.Good plot. Interesting main characters.

4.0 out of 5 stars The Secret of the Snakestone

R.K. · 4 June 2024

Think Mold and the Poison Plot meets 19th century Paris, from its glittering lights to filthy sewers and ghostly catacombs. A mystery adventure with wonderful friendships and the determination to never give up. Loved the protagonist’s upbeat pep-talks with herself.

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolute page turner

M.L.J.B. · 16 March 2024

Brilliant MG novel with an exciting mystery running throughout. Great characters. Hope we might have more adventures in the future!

5.0 out of 5 stars Thrilling MG Parisian adventure

V. · 29 March 2024

I loved this book! Full of twists and turns just like the gorgeous snake on the cover. Thrilling stuff!

5.0 out of 5 stars Zippy & fearless

J.F. · 3 June 2024

Obsessed with Zélie and her fearless determination to stand up for herself and discover the secrets of the snakestone, no matter how dangers lie ahead.

5.0 out of 5 stars A twisty adventure based under the streets of Paris - loved this!

M.D. · 23 July 2024

I listened to this on audio and loved it. Fast paced adventure with strong main characters on a desperate hunt for treasure. I especially loved the setting which was full of atmosphere and made me want to go to Paris and start exploring! I'm not surprised it was a Time Book of The Week and I can't wait to see what's next from Piu. Highly Recommended.

Visit the Nosy Crow Store

Secrets of the Snakestone: The Times Children's Book of the Week

Name: Secrets of the Snakestone: The Times Children's Book of the Week
Brand: Nosy Crow
SKU: K1839946318
Price: 6.00 BHD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.7 (8 reviews)

4.7

^BHD5⁹⁹⁶

Quantity:

Order today to get by

Free delivery on orders over BHD 20

Return and refund policies

Product origin: United Kingdom

All product information listed on the site are from 3rd party sources, including images and reviews. bolo.bh is not liable for any claims or promotions mentioned on the product description or images with textual content. For detailed product information, please contact the manufacturer or Bolo support by logging into your account. Unless stated otherwise during checkout, all import taxes and duty are included in the price mentioned on the product page. bolo.bh follows the rules and regulations of sale in Bahrain and will cancel items in an order that are illegal for sale in Bahrain. We take all the necessary steps to ensure only products for sale in Bahrain are displayed. Product stock and delivery estimate may change with the seller even after placing the order. All items are shipped by air and items marked “Dangerous Goods (DG)” by the IATA will be cancelled from orders. We strive to process your order as soon as it is finalized.

Similar suggestions by Bolo

Similar items from “Explore the World”

Books

Children's Books

Geography & Cultures

Explore the World