The+Seven+Keys+of+Balabad

The Seven Keys of Balabad By: Paul Haven "There was more cannon and musket fire from above and it was louder now, closer.... Waiting somewhere in all that chaos were the king's seven sons, young men whose lives depended on Bahauddin's success. Each clutched a hand-drawn map of the known world, and each had been assigned one of the (King) Agamon's seven fastest stallions. Bahauddin prayed he would not be too late." (first chapter) Pages: 271 Summary: Balabad is a fictional country based on Afganistan and Pakistan. Oliver Finch is a 12 year old American "stuck" there with his reporter dad and history-loving mom. They're in heaven there, but Oliver would rather be eating pizza and watching a baseball game back home. Mr. Haji (a carpet salesman) and Zee (a Balabad school friend) are the only things that keep Oliver going....until Mr. Haji disappears. Zee and Oliver uncover a a plot that dates back to a centuries-old mystery. Review: Another great read. I loved learning about the Middle East (fictional country, but realistic details). Oliver and Zee are interesting characters who get caught up in a perilous adventure. The plot twists kept me guessing and the vivid details kept my mind dreaming of this dusty country. (Ms. O'C)