Inspired by the years he spent in Afghanistan and Pakistan as bureau chief with The Associated Press, Paul Haven's intricately crafted tale is fill...
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reviews
Apr 25, 2009
Gwen the Librarian
rated it: 
This is a really fun adventure/mystery set in a country similar to Afghanistan. The story switches between modern day and hundreds of years earlier when the kingdom of Balabad was under attack and an advisor to the king hid a huge treasure. The king's seven sons were entrusted with seven keys to unlock the tresure when the time for peace had come and then all seven went to their seperate ways. The time for peace, sadly, did not come and the keys were passed down to ancestors of the princes.
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Jun 21, 2009
CuriousLibrarian
rated it: 
This is a 3.5 from me.
This book was written by a man who clearly knows Afghanistan and Pakistan very well. It's nice to see a rich and layered portrayal of the region in a children's book.
The structure of the book was strange. The reader gets to see what happened 500 years ago, what is going on with the villains, as well as following the two boys as they piece it all together. Subsequently, the reader knows much of the scheme long before the boys figure it out. Surprisingly, More...
This book was written by a man who clearly knows Afghanistan and Pakistan very well. It's nice to see a rich and layered portrayal of the region in a children's book.
The structure of the book was strange. The reader gets to see what happened 500 years ago, what is going on with the villains, as well as following the two boys as they piece it all together. Subsequently, the reader knows much of the scheme long before the boys figure it out. Surprisingly, More...
Dec 10, 2010
Nicholas
rated it:
This was a nice story, fairly well-told, but not that interesting. Suitable for kids from about age 7 or 8, though my kids wouldn't get far because they would be bored, i think. The author mixes an ancient mystery with a couple of boys living in the present-day fictional country of Balabad, which is based on the author's time in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The story takes a long time to wind up; there are no great heroes or villains to increase the story tension; the kids' actions are fairly pr
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Aug 11, 2009
Kami
rated it:
Picked this up in the junior section of the library while getting Harry Potter for my Harry Potter obsessed daughter. It was a fun read. I couldn't put it down actually. And I had to tell the whole story to my husband because I liked it. I think what I liked the most though, was the setting. How could you not love a book set in a fictional country based off of Afghanistan?!?! Not to mention buried treasure, archaelogists, and secret brotherhoods???? It was definitely a junior book--it woul
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Feb 05, 2009
Alex
rated it:
Set in the fictitious backdrop of Balabad, an ancient civilization that stretches backward for dozens of centuries, lies a missing treasure that the world has never seen. Three thoroughly modern friends join forces to find the seven keys that will unlock the treasure as they try to avoid the sinister men who want to steal the treasure for themselves.
Fast paced action adventure fans will enjoy this...
31/2 stars
Fast paced action adventure fans will enjoy this...
31/2 stars
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Nov 18, 2010
NewFranklin
rated it:
This book is AWESOMW!!!! i absoutley love this book it is full of mysteries and other awesome things. However i found it quite confussing going back and fourth between the bad guys and zee and oliver. The ending is awesome i had to get up real early in the mourning to read te rest of it!!!!! My favorite charcter is Mr. Haji he is so awesome i love his prar beads those are so cool.
Max $
Max $
Nov 12, 2010
Alto2
rated it:
This story is a cross between Chasing Vermeer and the movie "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom". The story is inventive with an entirely novel setting. However, the writing is weak, even for the YA genre. I'd give the book 2.5 stars if I could. The Seven Keys of Balabad would make a great movie for kids, like Harry Potter or The Lightning Thief.
Feb 23, 2009
Tracie
rated it:
An adventurous tale about three friends who happen upon a mysterious key, one of seven, which may lead to a fabulous treasure. Of course they aren't alone in trying to unlock the mystery and the bad guys won't stop at anything to prevent the kids from discovering the significance of the key. I will be book talking this one starting today.
May 14, 2011
Roshni
rated it:
Cliche, with seven keys unlocking a treasure. The ending was predictable with the children saving the day and defeating the bad guys. Balabad is an interesting place, but the trio of characters are cliche, and the plot obvious to guess.
Jun 16, 2010
Cathy
rated it:
I liked the exotic setting, modeled after Afghanistan. Both boys and girls will like this book about an ages old mystery, adventure, friendship, treasure hunting and danger.
Dec 28, 2010
Relyn
rated it: 
This book started off great - wonderfully - but kind of fizzled out. I can't even remember if I finished it or not. Hmmmm... that doesn't say much for it, does it?
Nov 28, 2008
Sandra
rated it: 
I read Two Hot Dogs with Everything and loved it. I am really looking forward to this one. Cover looks great and really exciting!!
Jan 02, 2010
Namedphoenix
rated it:
I didn't really like this one. It's a fun idea, but not handled as well as it might have been.
Sep 01, 2009
Tami
rated it:
This was good for the age range it was intended for...it was in the Juvenile section at the library.
Apr 29, 2010
Rory
rated it:
I learned that you should fight to find your freinds. Even if it's super dangerous.
Jul 27, 2009
B
rated it:
mystery and adventure;
grade 4 plus
boys would enjoy
liked the three characters
grade 4 plus
boys would enjoy
liked the three characters
May 29, 2009
Lori
rated it:
Good book. A little Indiana Jones meets the Da Vinci codes for 10 year olds.
Jan 19, 2010
Paige
rated it:
Somewhat interesting, but very predicable. I would not recommend it, but I wouldn't caution against it.
Feb 01, 2010
Kiran
rated it:
it is veryy good so far
i chose this book because its about an asian country like pakistan where my paretns were born so i wanted to see how it is and its good its sorta like suspense and a mystery
i chose this book because its about an asian country like pakistan where my paretns were born so i wanted to see how it is and its good its sorta like suspense and a mystery
Feb 13, 2010
Angela
rated it:
Okay story, the writer is very new so the quality of the storytelling is not the best.
Oct 17, 2011
Brenda
rated it: 
I read this to my 8 year old, and thought it would never end.
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Apr 16, 2009
Lalani
rated it:
This is a cute young-adult fiction story. Surprisingly, the author has the kids show reluctance at going out and doing horribly dangerous things that kids shouldn't be doing. The parents were helpful and recognized for it.
Feb 17, 2010
Pamala
rated it:
It was a recommended book in the "Family Fun" magazine. I found it interesting enough to read in one evening, but it wasn't memorable because I can't think of why I read it so quickly. I'm sure if I was a 3rd-5th grade boy I'd like this book more. :)
Jul 31, 2010
Cheri
rated it:
A great action-packed mystery that takes place in Balabad, a made up country modeled after Afghanistan. I learned a lot and I know students will enjoy this story as well as learn about another culture as well.
Jul 18, 2009
Kristin
rated it:
cute adventure set in Afghanistan-like country. Fans of Leepike Ridge will definitely enjoy.
Jun 03, 2008
Jason
rated it:
Haven't read it yet but it is by my favorite author. Can't wait until it comes out
