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Children of the Lamp #2
The Blue Djinn of Babylon
Sequel to the NY TIMES Bestseller, The Akhenaten Adventure. John and Phillipa Gaunt, 12 year old twins who recently discovered themselves to be descended from a long line of djinn (which are commonly called genies) and who are now in possession of great magical powers, have only just returned from their adventures battling an evil djinn in Cairo and London. Now the mystery surrounding a powerful book of djinn magic lures the twins straight into their next extraordinary adventure.
371 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2005
67 people are currently reading
2996 people want to read
About the author
P.B. Kerr
30 books208 followersAlso writes as Philip Kerr.
Philip Kerr (P.B. Kerr) was a British author of both adult fiction and non-fiction, most notably the Bernie Gunther series, and of children's books, particularly the Children of the Lamp series.
Kerr was educated at a grammar school in Northampton. He studied law at the University of Birmingham from 1974–1980, achieving a masters degree. Kerr worked as an advertising copywriter for Saatchi and Saatchi before becoming a full-time writer in 1989. He wrote for the Sunday Times, the Evening Standard and the New Statesman.
Philip Kerr (P.B. Kerr) was a British author of both adult fiction and non-fiction, most notably the Bernie Gunther series, and of children's books, particularly the Children of the Lamp series.
Kerr was educated at a grammar school in Northampton. He studied law at the University of Birmingham from 1974–1980, achieving a masters degree. Kerr worked as an advertising copywriter for Saatchi and Saatchi before becoming a full-time writer in 1989. He wrote for the Sunday Times, the Evening Standard and the New Statesman.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews
July 2, 2008
I enjoyed all of the Children of the Lamp books. Fun, light fantasy geared for children around age 8-mid teens. For adults, there's some good humor and a good writing style we will enjoy as well.
May 13, 2013
Cover Blurb: Yes or No? It's exciting, it's excellent art, and you can't see the character's face. So, yes, I like it.
Characters: John and Philippa continue to be great kid protagonists, leaping into adventure without too much forethought (but they're not rash, either), and meeting danger head-on. They have a great twin-sibling relationship, teasing each other and fighting sometimes like real siblings, but they're not always constantly at one another's throats, which gets annoying with some sibling pairings. Nimrod is still an awesomely amusing uncle, and the villains of the piece are not so much wicked as they are just determined to get what they want. One of the villains was quite obvious from the beginning, while the other took me somewhat by surprise, which was nice. I always like it when I'm surprised by the villain's identity.
The Romance: There isn't any!
Plot: When the sacred Solomon Grimoire - the most powerful book for djinnkind - goes missing, Philippa and John are looped into trying to find it before someone can do permanent damage with it. But what they don't know is that they are headed right into a trap, and when it's sprung, it results in Philippa's abduction. And somehow, the Blue Djinn of Babylon - the deciding power in the djinn world; the one djinn who is above Good and Evil - is involved. I must admit that out of the two I have read so far in the Children of the Lamp series, this one was not my favorite simply because there wasn't really a bad villain. For a story involving deceit and abductions and the like, John's rescue mission was pretty straightforward. Sure, it has the usual perils and challenges to be found in a good adventure novel, but they were all pretty easy and uncomplicated.
Believability: Not applicable.
Writing Style: I still really do like this Author's writing style. It's classy and has a good amount of humor. Perhaps a bit too much light-heartedness - this series could use a bit more dash of seriousness - but it's not too bad. When explaining a lot of concepts, the Author directly addresses the Reader, giving the story a more "historian documenting actual events" feel, which I always enjoy.
Content: None.
Conclusion: It was a little too tidy. The escape went smoothly, and people turn up at the most opportune moment possible, and everyone goes home laughing. Not literally, but that was general ambiance of the end. In a series meant for kids, I can let such a perfect end slide a bit more than I would in other novels, and there is the promise of an interesting sequel. I just wish more had happened in the climax. Despite its few shortcomings, The Blue Djinn of Babylon is a great adventure story; just not the best in the series.
Recommended Audience: Girl-and-boy read, any age. Rick Riordan fans would like the concept, as will fans of other like-minded adventure stories.
Characters: John and Philippa continue to be great kid protagonists, leaping into adventure without too much forethought (but they're not rash, either), and meeting danger head-on. They have a great twin-sibling relationship, teasing each other and fighting sometimes like real siblings, but they're not always constantly at one another's throats, which gets annoying with some sibling pairings. Nimrod is still an awesomely amusing uncle, and the villains of the piece are not so much wicked as they are just determined to get what they want. One of the villains was quite obvious from the beginning, while the other took me somewhat by surprise, which was nice. I always like it when I'm surprised by the villain's identity.
The Romance: There isn't any!
Plot: When the sacred Solomon Grimoire - the most powerful book for djinnkind - goes missing, Philippa and John are looped into trying to find it before someone can do permanent damage with it. But what they don't know is that they are headed right into a trap, and when it's sprung, it results in Philippa's abduction. And somehow, the Blue Djinn of Babylon - the deciding power in the djinn world; the one djinn who is above Good and Evil - is involved. I must admit that out of the two I have read so far in the Children of the Lamp series, this one was not my favorite simply because there wasn't really a bad villain. For a story involving deceit and abductions and the like, John's rescue mission was pretty straightforward. Sure, it has the usual perils and challenges to be found in a good adventure novel, but they were all pretty easy and uncomplicated.
Believability: Not applicable.
Writing Style: I still really do like this Author's writing style. It's classy and has a good amount of humor. Perhaps a bit too much light-heartedness - this series could use a bit more dash of seriousness - but it's not too bad. When explaining a lot of concepts, the Author directly addresses the Reader, giving the story a more "historian documenting actual events" feel, which I always enjoy.
Content: None.
Conclusion: It was a little too tidy. The escape went smoothly, and people turn up at the most opportune moment possible, and everyone goes home laughing. Not literally, but that was general ambiance of the end. In a series meant for kids, I can let such a perfect end slide a bit more than I would in other novels, and there is the promise of an interesting sequel. I just wish more had happened in the climax. Despite its few shortcomings, The Blue Djinn of Babylon is a great adventure story; just not the best in the series.
Recommended Audience: Girl-and-boy read, any age. Rick Riordan fans would like the concept, as will fans of other like-minded adventure stories.
December 14, 2018
Strong characters and great locations continue, including a cameo by a famous king. The humor (and even fart jokes) is a good match as well. Read aloud with my daughter, and we did *not* appreciate the frequent djinn word puns.
Like the first book, this story is mythological fantasy, with magic, but set in our modern day world. This element, along with what is clearly well thought out folkore of the djinn is excellent. My only quibbles with this particular book (aside from djinntolerable puns) was the ending, which crammed a lot of wrap up (and some foreshadowing of future books) into just a few pages.
Yes, this took months to read - but our library system had exactly one (1) copy, with three other people waiting for it on hold. Glad to have finally finished it; may not dive into the next immediately.
Like the first book, this story is mythological fantasy, with magic, but set in our modern day world. This element, along with what is clearly well thought out folkore of the djinn is excellent. My only quibbles with this particular book (aside from djinntolerable puns) was the ending, which crammed a lot of wrap up (and some foreshadowing of future books) into just a few pages.
Yes, this took months to read - but our library system had exactly one (1) copy, with three other people waiting for it on hold. Glad to have finally finished it; may not dive into the next immediately.
Read
September 20, 2019The book was fantastic for people who love adventure and action. It's very fast paced, however, makes it up with great twists and turns, lovable characters and to never want to put it down.
October 4, 2011
My brother goes to his friend’s house almost every single day. Most of the time, he does not tell my parents that he is going there. If my parents want to go out to dinner or already has something planned, he would never have to come. Rarely, I get invited with Nick (my brother) whether it is golfing, swimming, or just to go over his house. I have a hard decision: either to go with Nick to go over his friends’ house and have fun, or go with my parents to what ever they have planned. For one special occasion, Nick and his friends was going to a beach in Truro. I wanted to go but for some reason, I decided not to go to the beach, but to go to New Hampshire to go to my cousins’ house with my mom and dad to spend time with my family. Just like how I know that family comes first, in the book Children of the Lamp by P.B. Kerr, John made a decision to put his family first. John tries save his sisters’ life. In this book, Philippa’s most challenging obstacle is trying to save her own life while Ayesha and the Tree of Logic are trying to change her life forever. When John was trying to get to save his sisters life, but on the journey, he doubts himself the whole way and is trying to decide if he wants to turn around or save his sisters life. Philippa changes throughout the book because in the beginning, at the Djinnersvo tournament, Izzak seems like a very nice, charming boy. But later on, he captures John and Philippa in a cigar tube and both John and his sister hate Izaak for the rest of the book. People who want to read about a risky, adventurous book should read this book.
May 15, 2021
I had to read it in one sitting, it was that good.
January 29, 2023
I love this series
March 19, 2024
Ich sehe definitiv Verbesserungen bezüglich unschöner Bewertungen und Vorurteilen, es ist jedoch nicht ganz frei davon.
Mir persönlich gefällt die gebrochene Sprache der nicht Englisch sprechenden Charaktere nicht gut.
Die Zwillinge wirken auf mich einerseits sehr naiv, haben aber in den wichtigen Momenten trotzdem immer den rettenden Einfall.
Diese sind teilweise doch extrem weit hergeholt und einfach unrealistisch.
Ja es ist Fantasy, ja es ist ein Kinderbuch, aber auch hier dürfen sich Leute grundsätzlich logisch verhalten - was sie nicht tun.
Mir wäre es lieber gewesen, weniger Hürden zu haben und dafür eine raffiniertere Bewältigung.
Ich habe das Gefühl der Autor hat es sich sehr einfach gemacht, auf mich wirkt die Umsetzung allerdings eher plump.
Mir persönlich gefällt die gebrochene Sprache der nicht Englisch sprechenden Charaktere nicht gut.
Die Zwillinge wirken auf mich einerseits sehr naiv, haben aber in den wichtigen Momenten trotzdem immer den rettenden Einfall.
Diese sind teilweise doch extrem weit hergeholt und einfach unrealistisch.
Ja es ist Fantasy, ja es ist ein Kinderbuch, aber auch hier dürfen sich Leute grundsätzlich logisch verhalten - was sie nicht tun.
Mir wäre es lieber gewesen, weniger Hürden zu haben und dafür eine raffiniertere Bewältigung.
Ich habe das Gefühl der Autor hat es sich sehr einfach gemacht, auf mich wirkt die Umsetzung allerdings eher plump.
November 3, 2021
Things I liked:
- Lots of adventure.
- Interesting concept. I have never read a book about a Djinn before.
Things I didn't like:
- It dragged on at times, and at other times it was repetitive.
- Some of the characters got annoying at times.
- Hard to get into at first, but this changed after reading a bit.
- Lots of adventure.
- Interesting concept. I have never read a book about a Djinn before.
Things I didn't like:
- It dragged on at times, and at other times it was repetitive.
- Some of the characters got annoying at times.
- Hard to get into at first, but this changed after reading a bit.
January 20, 2009
http://lara-reads-ya-2009.blogspot.co...
Plot summary: Philippa and John Gaunt are 12 year old twins who find out they are descended from a line of djinn (who happen to dislike the word "genie"). They live in New York City with their wealthy parents, but have more fun and adventure whenever they visit with their uncle Nimrod, who divides his time between London and Cairo. All over the world there are various tribes of djinn, and they tend to be generally good or generally evil. Djinn are responsible for controlling the world's supply of luck, and, ideally, the balance is kept in homeostasis, for the benefit of humankind. Through this constant struggle, there is one ruling power, the Blue Djinn of Babylon, who steps in when things fall too out of whack, and metes out punishment if necessary. Her word is law.
In this, the second volume of the series, Philippa practices playing the famous djinn game of bluffing, Djinnverso, and enters the youth tournament. She attracts the attention of some of the enemy tribes of djinn, as well as the notice of the Blue Djinn of Babylon, who is on the lookout for her replacement. The Blue Djinn kidnaps Philippa after framing her for cheating in the tournament (all for the greater good), and brings her to the ancient (now underground) city of Babylon. The location is also the former Biblical Garden of Good and Evil, with a tree of logic that produces fruit and emits a scent which hardens one's heart to emotional involvement and allows the Blue Djinn to dispense justice fairly. John sets out to rescue Philippa with the help of his uncle Nimrod, one-armed chauffeur Mr. Groanin, and the family dogs, Alan and Neil, who happen to be the twins' uncles (they were formerly human). John must navigate a series of challenges, the first of which is infiltrating a US army base in Iraq – the series includes some awareness of current events, even as it hints at millennia of djinn involvement in human affairs. In the time that it takes John to reach Philippa, she has been changed by exposure to the tree of logic, but the bond between twins is stronger, and John manages to save her.
Comments: This is a well-written series and John and Philippa are a lot of fun because although they share an extremely close bond and value each other's strengths, they also get frustrated with each other and behave like normal siblings. Although some of the coincidences in the series are too good to be true, it wonderful that Kerr inserts many exotic locations and tidbits about customs in foreign countries and cultures. Young adults could learn a lot about other places and perhaps be inspired to travel. This book ends on a cliffhanger, with some of the loose ends from the story not tied up – like one of the enemy djinn whom Philippa, John and Nimrod helped to imprison in the first book escaping his sentence from the Blue Djinn and tipping the balance of luck into the bad area once again. Also, it is not clear who will take over from the Blue Djinn when she dies, which will be shortly as she knows she is reaching the end of her lifeline. There are a couple of candidates – Philippa's mother has agreed to take her daughter's place, though she hasn't told her family, and Nimrod has also come up with a possible candidate in the meantime. I see on Amazon that the fifth book in this series has just been released this month, and while at Spring Garden Public Library looking for book two after I read book one, I saw that they had up to book four as well, so they've been adding to the collection as these books are released.
Plot summary: Philippa and John Gaunt are 12 year old twins who find out they are descended from a line of djinn (who happen to dislike the word "genie"). They live in New York City with their wealthy parents, but have more fun and adventure whenever they visit with their uncle Nimrod, who divides his time between London and Cairo. All over the world there are various tribes of djinn, and they tend to be generally good or generally evil. Djinn are responsible for controlling the world's supply of luck, and, ideally, the balance is kept in homeostasis, for the benefit of humankind. Through this constant struggle, there is one ruling power, the Blue Djinn of Babylon, who steps in when things fall too out of whack, and metes out punishment if necessary. Her word is law.
In this, the second volume of the series, Philippa practices playing the famous djinn game of bluffing, Djinnverso, and enters the youth tournament. She attracts the attention of some of the enemy tribes of djinn, as well as the notice of the Blue Djinn of Babylon, who is on the lookout for her replacement. The Blue Djinn kidnaps Philippa after framing her for cheating in the tournament (all for the greater good), and brings her to the ancient (now underground) city of Babylon. The location is also the former Biblical Garden of Good and Evil, with a tree of logic that produces fruit and emits a scent which hardens one's heart to emotional involvement and allows the Blue Djinn to dispense justice fairly. John sets out to rescue Philippa with the help of his uncle Nimrod, one-armed chauffeur Mr. Groanin, and the family dogs, Alan and Neil, who happen to be the twins' uncles (they were formerly human). John must navigate a series of challenges, the first of which is infiltrating a US army base in Iraq – the series includes some awareness of current events, even as it hints at millennia of djinn involvement in human affairs. In the time that it takes John to reach Philippa, she has been changed by exposure to the tree of logic, but the bond between twins is stronger, and John manages to save her.
Comments: This is a well-written series and John and Philippa are a lot of fun because although they share an extremely close bond and value each other's strengths, they also get frustrated with each other and behave like normal siblings. Although some of the coincidences in the series are too good to be true, it wonderful that Kerr inserts many exotic locations and tidbits about customs in foreign countries and cultures. Young adults could learn a lot about other places and perhaps be inspired to travel. This book ends on a cliffhanger, with some of the loose ends from the story not tied up – like one of the enemy djinn whom Philippa, John and Nimrod helped to imprison in the first book escaping his sentence from the Blue Djinn and tipping the balance of luck into the bad area once again. Also, it is not clear who will take over from the Blue Djinn when she dies, which will be shortly as she knows she is reaching the end of her lifeline. There are a couple of candidates – Philippa's mother has agreed to take her daughter's place, though she hasn't told her family, and Nimrod has also come up with a possible candidate in the meantime. I see on Amazon that the fifth book in this series has just been released this month, and while at Spring Garden Public Library looking for book two after I read book one, I saw that they had up to book four as well, so they've been adding to the collection as these books are released.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2013
My thoughts on this book are similar to the first one. The setting for the story is original with the basic storyline itself following a path that is typical to many other middle-grade fantasy books. Having said that, the story in this book was a little bit more original than the first one.
There are many other twists on originality throughout the book, for example there is a spooky ferryman, who would normally be a skeletal figure (Charon style), but in this book he is a copper automaton. It’s the small details like that, which keep the story new and enjoyable.
What really hurt the book were the huge and numerous plot holes. One of the biggest of them was how the group get into an American military base in Iraq. Basically the characters, one American the other English, march up to the check point, without any identification, and claim they are passing through the area visiting Iraqi relatives, and could they stop at the base and give a ventriloquist show, the military decide this is perfectly acceptable, then leave them unguarded and they is no problems with the characters sneaking off! This seemed to be so implausible that it made the book hard to believe in.
I also thought the six ordeals, one of the characters has to go through to get to the djinn secret hideout, was badly done. The six ordeals were basically the same, and even the character says that once he got passed the third trial the rest seemed pointless, and I couldn’t agree more.
One of the characters keeps a diary. I felt the early part of this wasn’t very well written. It was really just a shift from third person to first person perspective and I didn’t really feel the character’s thoughts, feelings and personality. The later part of the diary, as the character undergoes a change, did get stronger and more interesting.
Overall I thought this was a good book, it was more original than the first, and many of the traditional parts of the stories came with twists. The biggest problem I had with the book was the many big plot holes, which is why I gave this book three stars instead of a higher score. Some repetitive points, such as the six almost duplicate trials, and some parts that were not as well written, such as the early part of the diary, didn’t help either.
There are many other twists on originality throughout the book, for example there is a spooky ferryman, who would normally be a skeletal figure (Charon style), but in this book he is a copper automaton. It’s the small details like that, which keep the story new and enjoyable.
What really hurt the book were the huge and numerous plot holes. One of the biggest of them was how the group get into an American military base in Iraq. Basically the characters, one American the other English, march up to the check point, without any identification, and claim they are passing through the area visiting Iraqi relatives, and could they stop at the base and give a ventriloquist show, the military decide this is perfectly acceptable, then leave them unguarded and they is no problems with the characters sneaking off! This seemed to be so implausible that it made the book hard to believe in.
I also thought the six ordeals, one of the characters has to go through to get to the djinn secret hideout, was badly done. The six ordeals were basically the same, and even the character says that once he got passed the third trial the rest seemed pointless, and I couldn’t agree more.
One of the characters keeps a diary. I felt the early part of this wasn’t very well written. It was really just a shift from third person to first person perspective and I didn’t really feel the character’s thoughts, feelings and personality. The later part of the diary, as the character undergoes a change, did get stronger and more interesting.
Overall I thought this was a good book, it was more original than the first, and many of the traditional parts of the stories came with twists. The biggest problem I had with the book was the many big plot holes, which is why I gave this book three stars instead of a higher score. Some repetitive points, such as the six almost duplicate trials, and some parts that were not as well written, such as the early part of the diary, didn’t help either.
June 15, 2020
I'm not sure whether I should rate this book 4 stars or 5 stars - it's probably somewhere inbetween. During the first half of the book I wasn't that impressed with the plotline. Phillipa is playing in the Djinnverso tournemort and gets framed for cheating. This bit was alright although I don't really see how it played into the overall storyline. Then John and Phillipa get on a train to meet Issac and Phillipa gets kidnapped. This was written quite well and I thought the thing with the devil was quite cool. Then, I'll try not to spoil too much, we find out that the Blue Djinn of Babylon is about to die and she wants Phillipa to take over.
My favourite part in this book was either the part with the king and the wish monster or the part where come back - I was so happy!!!!!
I would recommend this series to people aged 9+. It's feel good, adventurous and enjoyable. The characters are amazing and the plot turned out great in the end! I am enjoying this series so far but seeing the rest of the series on my book shelf I’m finding it hard to see how it will drag on for 7 books. I think it could have been nice as a trilogy (although I haven’t read the rest so can’t know).
My favourite part in this book was either the part with the king and the wish monster or the part where come back - I was so happy!!!!!
I would recommend this series to people aged 9+. It's feel good, adventurous and enjoyable. The characters are amazing and the plot turned out great in the end! I am enjoying this series so far but seeing the rest of the series on my book shelf I’m finding it hard to see how it will drag on for 7 books. I think it could have been nice as a trilogy (although I haven’t read the rest so can’t know).
November 28, 2025
2024
Nie wiem, który raz już przeczytałam tę książkę, ale wiem, że nie ostatni. Jest wybitna i dalej ciężko mi uwierzyć, że tyle rzeczy może się wydarzyć w niecałych 400 stronach. Ilość nawiązań historycznych, folklorystycznych i kulturowych jest niewiarygodna i nie wszystkie z nich są bezpośrednie, przez co mam wrażenie, iż z każdym przeczytaniem namacalnie rozpoznaję to, jak zwiększyła się moja wiedza od ostatniej lektury, gdyż jestem w stanie odkryć kolejne warstwy znaczeń, z począku przypadkowych. Rośnie przy tym też wartość samej książki, która tak głęboko ma korzenie w kulturze a nawet różnych kulturach, jak chyba żadna inna powstała po Biblii. (Odważne i bezczelne stwierdzenie, ale będę się go trzymać dopóki nie zostanie mi udowodnione inaczej. Chętnie dodam takie książki do swojego repertuaru)
Podsumowując: zdecydowanie utrzymuje swoją pozycję moja ulubiona książka z serii :D (Choć IV jest tuż za nią... A dalszych jeszcze nie przeczytałam więc zobaczymy ;)) Tymczasem idę spać, a jutro przysiądę jeszcze, żeby studiować zasady dżinnwerso. Pragnę rozpracować je do takiego stopnia, by było grywalne.
Ciekawostka: w angielskiej wersji językowej Monty to kocur nie kotka ;D
update 2025:
setny reread nie umniejsza :D
Nie wiem, który raz już przeczytałam tę książkę, ale wiem, że nie ostatni. Jest wybitna i dalej ciężko mi uwierzyć, że tyle rzeczy może się wydarzyć w niecałych 400 stronach. Ilość nawiązań historycznych, folklorystycznych i kulturowych jest niewiarygodna i nie wszystkie z nich są bezpośrednie, przez co mam wrażenie, iż z każdym przeczytaniem namacalnie rozpoznaję to, jak zwiększyła się moja wiedza od ostatniej lektury, gdyż jestem w stanie odkryć kolejne warstwy znaczeń, z począku przypadkowych. Rośnie przy tym też wartość samej książki, która tak głęboko ma korzenie w kulturze a nawet różnych kulturach, jak chyba żadna inna powstała po Biblii. (Odważne i bezczelne stwierdzenie, ale będę się go trzymać dopóki nie zostanie mi udowodnione inaczej. Chętnie dodam takie książki do swojego repertuaru)
Podsumowując: zdecydowanie utrzymuje swoją pozycję moja ulubiona książka z serii :D (Choć IV jest tuż za nią... A dalszych jeszcze nie przeczytałam więc zobaczymy ;)) Tymczasem idę spać, a jutro przysiądę jeszcze, żeby studiować zasady dżinnwerso. Pragnę rozpracować je do takiego stopnia, by było grywalne.
Ciekawostka: w angielskiej wersji językowej Monty to kocur nie kotka ;D
update 2025:
setny reread nie umniejsza :D
September 26, 2018
As 12 year old twins John and Phillipa returned from yet another adventure facing a powerful evil djinn in Cairo, London. They learn about a powerful book of djinn magic which has been stolen from the Blue Djinn of Babylon the most powerful djinn and the ruler of all the six tribes (three good, three bad). But what they didn’t know is that the Blue Djinn is not only luring Phillipa into a trap, but is also the grandmother of John and Phillipa. When she is captured the go to rescue her but get trapped with their own obstacles. If you like adventure and suspense read this book.
September 17, 2020
I couldn't resist reading the second part. Unlike the first part where mostly its about the two protagonists, this book is versatile and very addictive. I couldn't keep it down till I had finished it. This volume has everything, courage, adventure, will to sacrifice and above all the love for family and rules.
Now, it's time for the third volume.
Now, it's time for the third volume.
August 2, 2021
My second favorite in this series. It has twists and turns that are completely unexpected. One of the main characters come face-to-face with a choice that includes a family member and their fate and future.
October 7, 2017
It hit all the right notes that the first book did, but the last couple of chapters were all over the place. Still it made a great read!
February 1, 2014
wonderful book I would recommend it to everyone.
June 23, 2021
Eu vreau să fiu o vrăjitoare, anunţă Philippa, să am o mulţime de negi!
— Iar eu vreau să fiu un vampir, spuse John, să am sânge adevărat pe dinţi!
— Amândoi ştiţi că nici nu încape discuţie, replică sec mama celor doi.
— Ne certăm pe asta în fiecare an, oftă John. Nu înţeleg ce ai împotrivă, mamă. Halloweenul este doar o distracţie inofensivă.
John şi Philippa Gaunt, care locuiau pe strada 77 Est, la numărul 7, în New York, erau nişte gemeni cărora le plăceau aceleaşi lucruri ca tuturor copiilor din lume. Lucruri precum mersul cu colindul în ziua de Halloween. Dar întâmplarea făcea ca ei să fie şi djinni, cu puteri extraordinare, ca, de pildă, îndeplinirea a trei dorinţe. Sau, cel puţin, asta puteau să facă atunci când era mai cald afară. Djinnii, fiind plămădiţi din foc, nu suportă deloc frigul, iar djinnii tineri şi neexperimentaţi, ca John şi Philippa, sunt aproape lipsiţi de puteri în climate mai reci. De aceea, djinnii trăiesc cel mai adesea în ţinuturi deşertice caniculare. Ei bine, dacă în New York vara este foarte cald, iernile sunt foarte geroase şi, chiar înainte de sfârşitul lunii octombrie, vremea începe să se răcească zdravăn. Dar în acel an, în ziua de Halloween era neobişnuit de cald şi, încercând să-i împace într-o oarecare măsură pe copii pentru faptul că le interzicea să meargă la colindat împreună cu prietenii lor, doamna Gaunt, care era de asemenea djinn, le făcu o propunere.
— Auziţi, începu ea, de ce n-am profita de vremea asta, ca să mergem în Central Park, unde puteţi amândoi să intraţi în câte un animal – aşa, ca să nu vă pierdeţi exerciţiul. La urma urmei, ar putea fi ultima voastră ocazie să vă folosiţi puterile mai înainte de venirea iernii.
— Dar eu nu vreau să fiu un animal! se împotrivi Philippa. Eu vreau să fiu o vrăjitoare cu o mulţime de negi.
— Iar eu vreau să fiu Dracula, stărui John, cu dinţii mânjiţi de sânge.
— Iar eu spun nu, repetă doamna Gaunt.
Cu ani în urmă, la puţină vreme după ce-l cunoscuse pe domnul Gaunt, ea însăşi se jurase să nu-şi mai folosească puterile de djinn, din motive încă neclare gemenilor. John credea că hotărârea fusese legată de faptul că tatăl lor, Edward, era un om obişnuit şi destul de nervos că avea doi copii cărora le stătea în putere – cel puţin, în lunile de vară – să-l prefacă într-un animal. Probabil că tocmai din acest motiv doamna Gaunt făcuse mai demult un târg cu John şi cu Philippa, să-şi folosească puterile de djinn doar după ce îi cereau ei voie. Asta, pentru evitarea unor acţiuni pripite, pe care ei să le regrete mai târziu, căci puterea unui djinn, chiar şi a unuia tânăr, este foarte mare. Dar, de asemenea, ea ştia că djinnii tineri aveau nevoie, din când în când, să-şi mai exerseze puterile, fie şi numai de dragul menţinerii în bună formă.
— Iar eu vreau să fiu un vampir, spuse John, să am sânge adevărat pe dinţi!
— Amândoi ştiţi că nici nu încape discuţie, replică sec mama celor doi.
— Ne certăm pe asta în fiecare an, oftă John. Nu înţeleg ce ai împotrivă, mamă. Halloweenul este doar o distracţie inofensivă.
John şi Philippa Gaunt, care locuiau pe strada 77 Est, la numărul 7, în New York, erau nişte gemeni cărora le plăceau aceleaşi lucruri ca tuturor copiilor din lume. Lucruri precum mersul cu colindul în ziua de Halloween. Dar întâmplarea făcea ca ei să fie şi djinni, cu puteri extraordinare, ca, de pildă, îndeplinirea a trei dorinţe. Sau, cel puţin, asta puteau să facă atunci când era mai cald afară. Djinnii, fiind plămădiţi din foc, nu suportă deloc frigul, iar djinnii tineri şi neexperimentaţi, ca John şi Philippa, sunt aproape lipsiţi de puteri în climate mai reci. De aceea, djinnii trăiesc cel mai adesea în ţinuturi deşertice caniculare. Ei bine, dacă în New York vara este foarte cald, iernile sunt foarte geroase şi, chiar înainte de sfârşitul lunii octombrie, vremea începe să se răcească zdravăn. Dar în acel an, în ziua de Halloween era neobişnuit de cald şi, încercând să-i împace într-o oarecare măsură pe copii pentru faptul că le interzicea să meargă la colindat împreună cu prietenii lor, doamna Gaunt, care era de asemenea djinn, le făcu o propunere.
— Auziţi, începu ea, de ce n-am profita de vremea asta, ca să mergem în Central Park, unde puteţi amândoi să intraţi în câte un animal – aşa, ca să nu vă pierdeţi exerciţiul. La urma urmei, ar putea fi ultima voastră ocazie să vă folosiţi puterile mai înainte de venirea iernii.
— Dar eu nu vreau să fiu un animal! se împotrivi Philippa. Eu vreau să fiu o vrăjitoare cu o mulţime de negi.
— Iar eu vreau să fiu Dracula, stărui John, cu dinţii mânjiţi de sânge.
— Iar eu spun nu, repetă doamna Gaunt.
Cu ani în urmă, la puţină vreme după ce-l cunoscuse pe domnul Gaunt, ea însăşi se jurase să nu-şi mai folosească puterile de djinn, din motive încă neclare gemenilor. John credea că hotărârea fusese legată de faptul că tatăl lor, Edward, era un om obişnuit şi destul de nervos că avea doi copii cărora le stătea în putere – cel puţin, în lunile de vară – să-l prefacă într-un animal. Probabil că tocmai din acest motiv doamna Gaunt făcuse mai demult un târg cu John şi cu Philippa, să-şi folosească puterile de djinn doar după ce îi cereau ei voie. Asta, pentru evitarea unor acţiuni pripite, pe care ei să le regrete mai târziu, căci puterea unui djinn, chiar şi a unuia tânăr, este foarte mare. Dar, de asemenea, ea ştia că djinnii tineri aveau nevoie, din când în când, să-şi mai exerseze puterile, fie şi numai de dragul menţinerii în bună formă.
January 2, 2025
The Children of the Lamp series of books by P.B. Kerr has become one of my favorite children’s series. I am still surprised that it is not better known and loved. Each book provides more history and information about the djinn (what many humans call genies). The books take place in the current day and there is a great deal of travel – frequently by whirlwind. John and Phillipa are 12-year-old twins that have only recently discovered that they are djinn. Their mother, Layla, is also a djinn, but their father is a Mundane (human.) A powerful book, the Solomon Grimoire, is missing and John and Phillipa are asked to help return it. It turns out this is a trap and Phillipa is kidnapped, and John must rescue her. The adventures range from Berlin to Istanbul and Budapest.
I am glad there are 5 more books in the series and sad to find out the Philip Kerr died in 2018. Film rights have been sold to DreamWorks who dropped the project and then to Disney, but it doesn’t appear that this wonderful set of books will ever be made into films.
I am glad there are 5 more books in the series and sad to find out the Philip Kerr died in 2018. Film rights have been sold to DreamWorks who dropped the project and then to Disney, but it doesn’t appear that this wonderful set of books will ever be made into films.
January 6, 2018
This book by Philip.B. Kerr Really is amazing because it really is adventurous with all this Djinn and this twin attached to it made it more interesting including the exploits made there and I know that this is not the only children of the lamp writing by this author, there are others like "The cobra king of Kathmandu" which is my second favorite. This book helped me in developing my talent in reading because when captivated by this book the urge to by more is going to come which results in buying more.The children of the lamp in particular is one of my best book or let me say favorite book because it really is more than what I had expected it to be, although its been a lot since I've read it I still remember vividly all in it.
November 7, 2018
I started to read this book about 3 weeks after school started and it all happened when my teacher Mrs.Harrington said kids were going to the library. Some of the selling points were, well I like fantasy so I thought that magic people would suit my interest. I not only thought that was cool about it but I really liked the cover. With these reasons I thought how would I go wrong but boy was I wrong. There was a good share of problems with this book like, at the beginning it was long and boring and very hard to get into. Also at first it didn’t really make any sense. Also there was so many pages that just carried on and on with the same thing I never thought I was going to finish it. So all and all I would have to give this book two stars because it was not that good.
December 19, 2016
I must say I liked this book better than the first book. The twins have developed and seem more mature than before--in the first book I mentally wanted to ground them for several months for their awful spoiled attitudes. Pacing was fine for most of the novel, a bit rushed of an ending.
The novel would be great as an audio-book. There's a lot of explaining like a narrator would do when storytelling and the prose style hearkens to this.
Although I won't continue the series (I'm rereading books in my personal library from long ago and plan to donate this one), I hope they continued improving for readers who wish(ed) to continue the series.
The novel would be great as an audio-book. There's a lot of explaining like a narrator would do when storytelling and the prose style hearkens to this.
Although I won't continue the series (I'm rereading books in my personal library from long ago and plan to donate this one), I hope they continued improving for readers who wish(ed) to continue the series.
July 20, 2025
Das zweite Buch der Kinder des dschinn Reihe mochte ich sehr gerne. Wir erfahren mehr über die Welt der dschinn und deren Oberhaupt : den blauen dschinn von Babylon. Auch hier begegnen wir den liebgewonnenen Charakteren wieder: den Zwillingen, Onkel nimrod.. diesmal rückt John mehr in den Fokus, der seine entführte Schwester retten muss und man merkt auch eine deutliche charakterentwicklung im Vergleich zum ersten Teil. Ländertechnisch lernen wir Babylon, den heutigen Iran, und die Geschichte um die hängenden Gärten kennen; was ich bei dieser Fantasy Reihe besonders außergewöhnlich finde.
March 25, 2018
Nach einer sehr langen Lesepause, habe auch ich endlich mal wieder ein Buch beendet.
Den zweiten Teil fand ich jetzt sogar etwas besser als den ersten. Aber ich finde es schade, dass so wenig "gezaubert" wurde. Bin gespannt wie die Geschichte weiter geht.
Den zweiten Teil fand ich jetzt sogar etwas besser als den ersten. Aber ich finde es schade, dass so wenig "gezaubert" wurde. Bin gespannt wie die Geschichte weiter geht.
July 1, 2019
My favorite part was when Philippa went back to normal after spending so much time with the Tree of Logic. My least favorite part was when Philippa was not being at all nice to her brother when he came to rescue her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2024
(*4.5) melhor do que o primeiro mas só li porque é de uma biblioteca e não tive que pagar.
só não foi 4 estrelas por causa das referências de f1 (embora falem de uma "escola de pilotos" que doeu um pouco).
e não gostei dos cães morrerem, eu sei que eles voltam em humanos mas é triste na mesma.
só não foi 4 estrelas por causa das referências de f1 (embora falem de uma "escola de pilotos" que doeu um pouco).
e não gostei dos cães morrerem, eu sei que eles voltam em humanos mas é triste na mesma.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2019
*4.4
Pretty impressive writing if you ask me! From Egypt, they travel all the way to Cairo then London to battle the evil djinn! Which called, "The Blue Djinn" ;o Okay, the last part I made up!
Pretty impressive writing if you ask me! From Egypt, they travel all the way to Cairo then London to battle the evil djinn! Which called, "The Blue Djinn" ;o Okay, the last part I made up!
July 15, 2019
My boys and I enjoyed listening to this.
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