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Nush and the Stolen Emerald
Nush is maharani of an Indian kingdom. The British East India Company has already taken land and their most divine jewel – an emerald the size of a small apple.
When the Maharajah decides to go to England to ask Queen Victoria for help, Nush stows away on her father’s ship.
This is her moment to shine – and bring back the emerald that will heal the kingdom ...
When the Maharajah decides to go to England to ask Queen Victoria for help, Nush stows away on her father’s ship.
This is her moment to shine – and bring back the emerald that will heal the kingdom ...
Audible Audio
Published July 1, 2024
2 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Jasbinder Bilan
16 books40 followersAccording to family stories, Jasbinder was born in a stable in the foothills of the Himalayas. Until she was a year and a half, she lived on a farm inhabited by a grumpy camel and a monkey called Oma.
Jasbinder graduated from Bath Spa University where the seeds of her story were nurtured, but it was the incredible bond with her grandmother which was the inspiration for Asha & the Spirit Bird.
She lives with her husband, two teenage boys and dog Enzo in a man pad and splits her time between teaching and writing.
Jasbinder graduated from Bath Spa University where the seeds of her story were nurtured, but it was the incredible bond with her grandmother which was the inspiration for Asha & the Spirit Bird.
She lives with her husband, two teenage boys and dog Enzo in a man pad and splits her time between teaching and writing.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 25, 2026
Reader’S Cup book 2026
August 21, 2024
Upsetting this doesn’t have more reviews. It was really interesting and empowering.
June 11, 2024
Book review - No spoilers
Nush and the Stolen Emerald by Jasbinder Bilan
.
Anushka or Nush is the Maharani (princess) of Jaisalmer a Kingdom in India, but it is not her who will inherit her father's crown...it will be her twin brother Arian. Surely it should be her? As she is the right ruler for the kingdom, even if she's not a boy.
.
However, the British East India Company are making trouble not too far from her Kingdom and her father, the Maharaja, is worried they could lose their Kingdom. But that's not the only thing they have lost, a precious Emerald that belonged to their family was stolen and Nush wants it back.
.
When her father decides it would be best for himself and Arian to travel to London to speak with Queen Victoria, Nush can't believe she is not asked to go as well. She has made it her mission to retrieve her family's special heirloom and will do anything to get on that ship and get that Emerald back.
.
Wow! What a book, I read this in one day and was thrilled the entire time...for many reasons. Growing up I didn't have characters who looked like me, so reading this filled my heart with joy.
.
Nush is a fearless, brave and determined young girl who is an inspiration to all. She likes to take charge and would make a wonderful leader to her Kingdom (and ours I'm sure).
.
What made this even more amazing is that the story was inspired by a real princess...Princess Gouramma, who became the goddaughter of Queen Victoria. Swipe to see the real princess (credit Wikipedia). It also reminded me on the story of Maharaja Duleep Singh who was in a way kidnapped by the British for his Kingdom and persuaded to give up the Koh-i-noor diamond (which now lies within the British crown jewels).
.
Even though this is a story aimed for 9 year old and above, Jasbinder expertly navigates difficult themes like colonialism, succession, heritage and family. Such an amazing read and one I will be proud to share with my future children.
.
Favourite Quote
"I wish I were the one going along with Papa though. It seems unfair that just because I'm a girl I'll never rule my own Kingdom like Arian. It's not as if there have never been strong women rulers in India. Raziya Sultan made a formidable one! And her father chose her over her brothers. Her story fills me with admiration and my confidence rises."
.
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Nush and the Stolen Emerald by Jasbinder Bilan
.
Anushka or Nush is the Maharani (princess) of Jaisalmer a Kingdom in India, but it is not her who will inherit her father's crown...it will be her twin brother Arian. Surely it should be her? As she is the right ruler for the kingdom, even if she's not a boy.
.
However, the British East India Company are making trouble not too far from her Kingdom and her father, the Maharaja, is worried they could lose their Kingdom. But that's not the only thing they have lost, a precious Emerald that belonged to their family was stolen and Nush wants it back.
.
When her father decides it would be best for himself and Arian to travel to London to speak with Queen Victoria, Nush can't believe she is not asked to go as well. She has made it her mission to retrieve her family's special heirloom and will do anything to get on that ship and get that Emerald back.
.
Wow! What a book, I read this in one day and was thrilled the entire time...for many reasons. Growing up I didn't have characters who looked like me, so reading this filled my heart with joy.
.
Nush is a fearless, brave and determined young girl who is an inspiration to all. She likes to take charge and would make a wonderful leader to her Kingdom (and ours I'm sure).
.
What made this even more amazing is that the story was inspired by a real princess...Princess Gouramma, who became the goddaughter of Queen Victoria. Swipe to see the real princess (credit Wikipedia). It also reminded me on the story of Maharaja Duleep Singh who was in a way kidnapped by the British for his Kingdom and persuaded to give up the Koh-i-noor diamond (which now lies within the British crown jewels).
.
Even though this is a story aimed for 9 year old and above, Jasbinder expertly navigates difficult themes like colonialism, succession, heritage and family. Such an amazing read and one I will be proud to share with my future children.
.
Favourite Quote
"I wish I were the one going along with Papa though. It seems unfair that just because I'm a girl I'll never rule my own Kingdom like Arian. It's not as if there have never been strong women rulers in India. Raziya Sultan made a formidable one! And her father chose her over her brothers. Her story fills me with admiration and my confidence rises."
.
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
August 30, 2024
This was a definite 5 stars because I just loved this amazing book of Nush’s adventure to rescue the emerald stone that was stolen from her family.
The book is about Nush the female role who goes with her dad but to do this she has to hide herself because her dad actually wanted her twin brother to come.Nush wants to go because she wants to bring back the stolen emerald that was taken from her country by the English army.She goes and she tells her dad during the journey that it’s her.
They go and Nush makes friends with Victoria and calls her vicky and she also makes friends with the rest of the children they have fun
But Nush remembers after about her mission and tells vicky and the horse person Jack or someone too,she also tells Bertie and they help her to restore the emerald.
During the book when she goes with the children on a holiday when she comes back she realises that her dad has left her in the care of Queen Victoria.But she knows this is unusual as her dad will never leave her and she goes and realises it has something to do with the emerald because she told her dad that there was a fake in the castle to her dad.And he said he will talk about it to captain west.
She realises it has something about captain west and they find a trapdoor in his room and realise that her dad was held captive there.They run through the streets and find her brother Arian who had come to England because he wanted to come back after Nush and her dad left.
They race to the port after stealing the gem to her father and find that he has been taken back to India safely.
Then Nush has to give the fake gem to the bad woman who stole it but the woman doesn’t know and Nush brings the real emerald back home.
The book is about Nush the female role who goes with her dad but to do this she has to hide herself because her dad actually wanted her twin brother to come.Nush wants to go because she wants to bring back the stolen emerald that was taken from her country by the English army.She goes and she tells her dad during the journey that it’s her.
They go and Nush makes friends with Victoria and calls her vicky and she also makes friends with the rest of the children they have fun
But Nush remembers after about her mission and tells vicky and the horse person Jack or someone too,she also tells Bertie and they help her to restore the emerald.
During the book when she goes with the children on a holiday when she comes back she realises that her dad has left her in the care of Queen Victoria.But she knows this is unusual as her dad will never leave her and she goes and realises it has something to do with the emerald because she told her dad that there was a fake in the castle to her dad.And he said he will talk about it to captain west.
She realises it has something about captain west and they find a trapdoor in his room and realise that her dad was held captive there.They run through the streets and find her brother Arian who had come to England because he wanted to come back after Nush and her dad left.
They race to the port after stealing the gem to her father and find that he has been taken back to India safely.
Then Nush has to give the fake gem to the bad woman who stole it but the woman doesn’t know and Nush brings the real emerald back home.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2024
Nush and the Stolen Emerald is a captivating adventure novel , perfect for young readers who love mystery and exploration. It follows Nush, a brave young princess, as she embarks on a thrilling journey to recover a stolen family heirloom—an emerald with deep significance.
The contrast between Nush's vibrant homeland and the greyness she perceives London to made up of is stark and it is difficult for her to adjust. Nush’s character is determined, kind-hearted, and resourceful, making her an engaging protagonist. She has a strong sense of family loyalty and a natural curiosity, which are central to the unfolding of the mystery. Her journey, both physical and emotional, teaches her valuable lessons about courage, trust, and the importance of staying true to oneself.
The plot, centred around the stolen emerald, evolves into a deeper exploration of family secrets and history, giving the story emotional depth. The emerald is more than just a physical object; it symbolises the bonds of Nush’s family and their legacy.
Nush and the Stolen Emerald is a heartwarming and exciting adventure filled with vibrant descriptions, dynamic characters, and a message of self-discovery and resilience. Jasbinder Bilan has crafted a tale that is both entertaining and meaningful, offering young readers a chance to not only be swept away by the action but also to reflect on the importance of family, culture, and courage.
The contrast between Nush's vibrant homeland and the greyness she perceives London to made up of is stark and it is difficult for her to adjust. Nush’s character is determined, kind-hearted, and resourceful, making her an engaging protagonist. She has a strong sense of family loyalty and a natural curiosity, which are central to the unfolding of the mystery. Her journey, both physical and emotional, teaches her valuable lessons about courage, trust, and the importance of staying true to oneself.
The plot, centred around the stolen emerald, evolves into a deeper exploration of family secrets and history, giving the story emotional depth. The emerald is more than just a physical object; it symbolises the bonds of Nush’s family and their legacy.
Nush and the Stolen Emerald is a heartwarming and exciting adventure filled with vibrant descriptions, dynamic characters, and a message of self-discovery and resilience. Jasbinder Bilan has crafted a tale that is both entertaining and meaningful, offering young readers a chance to not only be swept away by the action but also to reflect on the importance of family, culture, and courage.
October 15, 2024
Jasbinder Bilan's latest is a delightful and adventurous tale that captures the magic of friendship, bravery, and mystery. The story follows Nush, a young girl living in the vibrant, colorful city of Jaipur, as she embarks on a thrilling quest to solve the mystery of a stolen emerald. Nush’s determination and cleverness make her a wonderful protagonist, and her bond with her pet monkey, Sakti, adds a heartwarming touch to the story.
Bilan’s writing is rich with vivid descriptions of the Indian landscape, culture, and traditions, immersing readers in the bustling streets of Jaipur. The mystery unfolds with perfect pacing, keeping readers engaged and eager to uncover the truth. Along the way, the story touches on themes of justice, loyalty, and standing up for what's right.
"Nush and the Stolen Emerald" is an exciting, fast-paced read for middle-grade readers who enjoy mysteries with a cultural twist. Jasbinder Bilan crafts a story that is both enchanting and inspiring.
Bilan’s writing is rich with vivid descriptions of the Indian landscape, culture, and traditions, immersing readers in the bustling streets of Jaipur. The mystery unfolds with perfect pacing, keeping readers engaged and eager to uncover the truth. Along the way, the story touches on themes of justice, loyalty, and standing up for what's right.
"Nush and the Stolen Emerald" is an exciting, fast-paced read for middle-grade readers who enjoy mysteries with a cultural twist. Jasbinder Bilan crafts a story that is both enchanting and inspiring.
March 30, 2025
Dangerous to remove any monarchal complicity from the thefts and atrocities committed in India. Reducing the horror to a couple of individuals and making it merely about jewellery is to whitewash away the reality. It gets an extra star for having a female lead character with agency
October 14, 2024
The second half was way more engaging. I loved this more than i actually thought i would.
June 9, 2025
Fun children’s adventure audiobook book with an Indian Princess and Queen Victoria’s children involved in finding a missing emerald.
June 18, 2025
This book is nominated for the Junior Warwickshire Book Award. It really is a great adventure story for children, based on some true events. I enjoyed this.
January 5, 2026
Jasbinder Bilan is a British middle grade author whose family moved from their farm in India to Nottingham, England when she was eighteen months old. She has worked as a teacher and studied a masters of creative writing at Bath Spa University. In 2019, her novel Asha and the Spirit Bird won the prestigious but now-discontinued Costa Children’s Book Award.
Nush and the Stolen Emerald was inspired by the little-known true story of a maharani (Indian princess) called Victoria Gowramma, who travelled to England in 1852 with her father at the age of eleven and was Queen Victoria’s goddaughter. Bilan came across a portrait of Gowramma and decided to write a historical middle grade story that shone a light on what was happening in India and Britain in the nineteenth century.
Bilan’s fictional maharani – eleven-year-old Anushka, known as Nush – is brave, feisty and opinionated. When she sneakily takes her twin brother’s place on a journey to England with their father, the Maharaja of Jaisalmer, to visit Queen Victoria, Nush has her own secret agenda for the trip: to retrieve the valuable emerald previously stolen from her family by the British East India Company. Her subsequent escapades with the British royal children are real old-school-style adventures, complete with treacherous plots, double-crossing villains, kidnappings and genuine danger. The action takes place in a variety of thrilling settings, from royal palaces to secret tunnels to shipyards.
This is a well-written and fast-paced story, with 38 chapters in its 274 pages. With themes of family, friendship, feminism and colonialism, it’s perfect for historical fiction and adventure fans aged nine and up. It would also be a suitable Readers Cup title for Years 5/6. It was a real treat to read a story set during a period of history not often explored in middle grade fiction. I’m looking forward to reading more from Jasbinder Bilan!
This review was first shared on StoryLinks Australia.
Nush and the Stolen Emerald was inspired by the little-known true story of a maharani (Indian princess) called Victoria Gowramma, who travelled to England in 1852 with her father at the age of eleven and was Queen Victoria’s goddaughter. Bilan came across a portrait of Gowramma and decided to write a historical middle grade story that shone a light on what was happening in India and Britain in the nineteenth century.
Bilan’s fictional maharani – eleven-year-old Anushka, known as Nush – is brave, feisty and opinionated. When she sneakily takes her twin brother’s place on a journey to England with their father, the Maharaja of Jaisalmer, to visit Queen Victoria, Nush has her own secret agenda for the trip: to retrieve the valuable emerald previously stolen from her family by the British East India Company. Her subsequent escapades with the British royal children are real old-school-style adventures, complete with treacherous plots, double-crossing villains, kidnappings and genuine danger. The action takes place in a variety of thrilling settings, from royal palaces to secret tunnels to shipyards.
This is a well-written and fast-paced story, with 38 chapters in its 274 pages. With themes of family, friendship, feminism and colonialism, it’s perfect for historical fiction and adventure fans aged nine and up. It would also be a suitable Readers Cup title for Years 5/6. It was a real treat to read a story set during a period of history not often explored in middle grade fiction. I’m looking forward to reading more from Jasbinder Bilan!
This review was first shared on StoryLinks Australia.
October 30, 2025
I much preferred the other 2 books I have read by this author. I found that this book falls into the category of MG books that think that young readers aren’t smart enough to put things together, understand a more complex plot, and see that a characters actions aren’t realistic and not be annoyed by said characters.
That let this story down, but it was sweet and cozy, and a good read overall.
That let this story down, but it was sweet and cozy, and a good read overall.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews