It is 1312 BC in the South Sinai desert. The Urpalians and the Afgorians are at war. The leaders are Akila and Afgor. Afgor’s mother’s honor has been defiled and he is designated to “…strike down the Urpalians in their moment of weakness.” However, the Urpalians have some decided advantages. They believe in one God and they are protected by the Land of Water and clouds which are impenetrable to the unwanted. They also have their own wizards and witches council. Additionally, Akila has a talisman, a legendary stone taken from Noah’s ark which emits light. It can helpful or harmful depending on its use.
Afgor, too, has a sorcerer, a wizard, and a special bird which can answer questions about the enemy. To further bolster his superiority he is trying to acquire a “prophecy bone.” Possessing this bone gives the individual who has it calmness and clarity about the next steps he must take in unknown and stressful situations.
Almos, a doctor and close friend of Akila, has two children who are destined to interact with the Afgorians. As they look for herbs that their father will use to treat his patients, they discover a cave that is key to discovering hidden treasure that is Afgor’s. Multiple turns in the plot occur before the war is finally resolved.
With too many characters and too many subplots, it is occasionally difficult to follow the narrative and the language, translated from the Hebrew, seems too modern for the setting. Phrases such as “breeze out of the house” or “pop by for a visit” and products such as a depilatory named “Smooth as Silk” or a perfume named “Through Thick and Thin” do not ring quite true. Nevertheless, the intricacies of the plot keep the reader engaged and excited. Recommended for ages 10 – 14.
