The Jeweller of Rassylon by Peter Cooper

It didn’t look like the house of a demon. In fact, as Dillen stared through the bars of the main gate he thought it looked more like a noble’s residence, with fountains and manicured gardens and groves of trees over which curved roofs with gold-leaf cladding could just be seen. And if the sight within the walls was something to behold, the sight outside them was even more spectacular. The whole edifice had been built on a spur of the mountains, so that on one side there was nothing but a sheer drop leading to the endless plains below, and on the other lofty peaks crowned in dazzling snow. As Dillen gazed around he was nearly overcome with a sense of endless space, seeming to weigh down on him as heavily as the pack that hung from his shoulder.

It didn’t look like the house of a demon. In fact, as Dillen stared through the bars of the main gate he thought it looked more like a noble’s residence, with fountains and manicured gardens and groves of trees over which curved roofs with gold-leaf cladding could just be seen. And if the sight within the walls was something to behold, the sight outside them was even more spectacular. The whole edifice had been built on a spur of the mountains, so that on one side there was nothing but a sheer drop leading to the endless plains below, and on the other lofty peaks crowned in dazzling snow. As Dillen gazed around he was nearly overcome with a sense of endless space, seeming to weigh down on him as heavily as the pack that hung from his shoulder.

Dillen and his companions, Koto and Tajni are on a quest to retrieve the blue jade. To this end, they are seeking the wisdom of the demon who lives in the mountains. Even if they are granted an audience, and this is not certain, they have to decipher his advice. If they are to retrieve the blue jade, they must beat others also chasing it. So begins a chase across the land, through mountains and valleys, through villages and forests, as they race against time. They must decide who to trust and who to avoid. The challenge is made more difficult as each of the three has their own secrets and this affects their ability to trust others. They are both helped and hindered by magical creatures and magical tricks.

The Jeweller of Rassylon is Book Three in ‘Tales of the Blue Jade’, but it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel. It is told in third person from the viewpoint of Dillen, and the reader shares the uncertainties and struggles of the main character as he races across the country in this high-stakes quest. The Jeweller of Rassylon is full of action and adventure and showcases the ability of young people to make tough decisions. There are themes of clanship and trust, loyalty and betrayal. The setting is mostly mountainous and it could be set anywhere and from China to Afganistan, borrowing mythology and landscape widely. Although there is a sense of this adventure being set many centuries ago, many of the issues encountered have resonance today.  The inclusion of strong female characters in addition to the male leads broadens the appeal to all young readers. Recommended for upper primary readers.

 

The Jeweller of Rassylon Peter Cooper Omnibus Books 2013 ISBN: 9781862919440

review by Claire Saxby, Children’s author and bookseller

www.clairesaxby.com

The Mapmaker's Apprentice, by Peter Cooper

The monks were gone. Three creatures stood in their place, twisted and hunched, skin pale green in the light of the cave mouth, tongues as red as blood as they leered and grimaced and brandished heavy iron swords at the travellers.
‘Rock-demons!’ Koto yelled, and lunged forward.

Now that they are free of their cruel masters, Dillen, Koto and Tajni are ready to pursue their dreams. For Dillen, this means seeking an apprenticeship as a mapmaker. But when he visits the mapmakers house to see if he will be chosen as an apprentice, Dillen finds that competition for the position is fierce. The mapmaker decides to set a challenge for the candidates: to travel to a watch tower and read what is written on its walls. Soon Dillen is travelling across the land, with Koto and Tajni by his side, on a journey filled with danger. The tower guards a mountain pass which is closed to travellers because of the presence of a fearsome beast terrorising those who dare to make the journey. But this will be only one of the challenges the trio have to face if they are to complete the quest – and do it before any of the other candidates.

The Mapmaker’s Apprentice is the second in the Tales of the Blue Jade series, and picks up soon after the first left off. The three friends once again must work together, each drawing on their talents and overcoming their fears as they face new challenges and old foes. The twists and turns of the journey are well paced with development of individual characters and their relationships, creating a satisfying whole.

Best read as a follow on from the first book, but could be read on its own.

The Mapmaker's Apprentice (Tales of the Blue Jade)

The Mapmaker’s Apprentice (Tales of the Blue Jade), by Peter Coper
Omnibus Books, 2012
ISBN 9781862919303

This book is available in good bookstores or online from Fishpond. Buying through this link supports Aussiereviews.

The Ghost of Ping-Ling, by Peter Cooper

Dillen has always wanted to know more about the world, snatching moments to study maps and read the scrolls in the temple library. But he has no expectation of being able to explore the places for himself, especially not so suddenly

‘Hallegat is on a mission of extreme importance to the Emperor. We think he may be in need of some help in the days ahead, and you may well be the perfect person to give it.’
‘Me, ganshe?’ said Dillen. ‘I’m just a temple orphan – how could I be of use to a mana-lord?’

Dillen has always wanted to know more about the world, snatching moments to study  maps and read the scrolls in the temple library. But he has no expectation of being able to explore the places for himself, especially not so suddenly. A late night visit from a mysterious easterner who says he has a task for Dillen sets off a chain of events which sees Dillen fleeing for his life from his temple home, and travelling across some of the most dangerous parts of the Empire trying to help a powerful mana-lord. Along the way he makes some new friends – and some very powerful enemies. Is he following his destiny, or making a foolish – and huge – mistake?

The Ghost of Ping Ling is the first in a superb new fantasy trilogy Tales of he Blue Jade with an oriental flavour and plenty of action. Dillen and his new friends race against time and an array of enemies and dangers, repeatedly getting into situations from which escape seems impossible, and relying on their wit, their team work and a dash of luck to escape. Fantasy fans aged from 10 and into their teens will find plenty here to please, and will be keen to read the next installment, though this one is satisfying on its own as well.

Good stuff.

The Ghost of Ping Ling (Tales of the Blue Jade)

The Ghost of Ping Ling , by Peter Cooper
Omnibus, 2012
ISBN 9781862919181

This book is available in good bookstores, or online from Fishpond.