Gypsy Knights (The Gypsy Knights Saga)
by Two Brothers Metz
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Published: 2011
Publisher: LoudCloud Publishing
Genre: Action, Fantasy, YA
ebook
Rating: 5
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fyi: ebook is currently available for $2.99
Fourteen-year-old Durriken Brishen has lost his parents, his grandfather, and though he doesn't know it, his Gypsy culture's dangerous gift.
Taken in and raised on the rails by the first woman to pilot a freight train, Durriken has one remaining connection to his Romani roots: a small wooden box that hangs from the hammer loop of his overalls.
The last gift he received from his grandfather, the box contains the world's first chess set. But a piece is missing: the Red Queen. According to Durriken’s family lore, the complete set awakens the power of Tărie, a mercurial gift that confers unique abilities on each new Master.
When a suspicious fire erupts in the Chicago rail yard, Durriken's escape produces an uneasy alliance, though not without its silver lining. Dilia is a few inches taller, several degrees cleverer, and oh yes – very pretty. While Durriken is uneasy allying with a girl whose parents were convicted of sedition, there's no doubt she is a powerful partner. And while it's not immediately clear to either, her own Guatemalan culture and family history are deeply entwined with the ancient Romani mystery.
Jumping box cars, escaping riverboats, deciphering clues, crossing swords with the brilliant madman Radu Pinch – with great American cities as its backdrop – Gypsy Knights is the page-turning saga of Durriken Brishen and his quest to rediscover his past.
Quote to note:
Perhaps, my dear Radu, is a dangerous word.
- page 16, chapter 3
Concoction to note: hmmm, think i might want to try this
An hour later, their dessert was ready: carmelized strawberry potato crisps.
- page 132, chapter 26
My two-bits:
In-a-word(s): everything's jake
I reeeeeally enjoyed this adventure! This is one of those books that engage you with its colloquialisms and colorful characters.
And too, the sights, sounds and food during the journey around the US via railway makes for an interesting travel guide of the past.
* review copy courtesy of author
* read Rhett's guest post for rrRoad trip Event which include characters from this book
