Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews (Thu Aug 04 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

The sibling duo return on another quest to save the world.It's been two months since sister and brother defeated Ifrit in Qaf and saved the universe. It's also the end of summer: Hamza wants to have something awesome to share when school starts, so he goes off to explore an old, abandoned, castlelike house. But a sudden tornado hits, and he wakes up in the Oriental Institute, a nearby Chicago museum, face to face with Ifrit's father, Ahriman, who has returned in search of the Ring of Power that will allow him to control the human and jinn worlds. To find it, Ahriman needs all three parts of an ancient oculus-and the help of Hamza, who is a Chosen One. Ahriman threatens to destroy everything Hamza loves if he does not help him. After solving a riddle, they claim the first piece from the Oriental Institute, then travel via Ahriman's tornado to the British Museum and the Louvre to collect the remaining pieces, with Amira and fairy princess Aasman Peri in pursuit. Alternating chapters from Amira's and Hamza's points of view capture their thoughts and emotions. Ahmed cleverly weaves in Islamic historical figures, some of whom are ghost Keepers of The Ring who pose riddles, like scholar and philosopher Ibn Sina and scientists and inventors the Banu Musa brothers. Ahmed's rich worldbuilding continues in this imaginative and absorbing sequel.A captivating magical adventure. (map, author's note, notes on fantastical creatures and historical figures, further reading) (Fantasy. 9-13)

Kirkus Reviews (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

The sibling duo return on another quest to save the world.It's been two months since sister and brother defeated Ifrit in Qaf and saved the universe. It's also the end of summer: Hamza wants to have something awesome to share when school starts, so he goes off to explore an old, abandoned, castlelike house. But a sudden tornado hits, and he wakes up in the Oriental Institute, a nearby Chicago museum, face to face with Ifrit's father, Ahriman, who has returned in search of the Ring of Power that will allow him to control the human and jinn worlds. To find it, Ahriman needs all three parts of an ancient oculus-and the help of Hamza, who is a Chosen One. Ahriman threatens to destroy everything Hamza loves if he does not help him. After solving a riddle, they claim the first piece from the Oriental Institute, then travel via Ahriman's tornado to the British Museum and the Louvre to collect the remaining pieces, with Amira and fairy princess Aasman Peri in pursuit. Alternating chapters from Amira's and Hamza's points of view capture their thoughts and emotions. Ahmed cleverly weaves in Islamic historical figures, some of whom are ghost Keepers of The Ring who pose riddles, like scholar and philosopher Ibn Sina and scientists and inventors the Banu Musa brothers. Ahmed's rich worldbuilding continues in this imaginative and absorbing sequel.A captivating magical adventure. (map, author's note, notes on fantastical creatures and historical figures, further reading) (Fantasy. 9-13)

School Library Journal (Wed Mar 01 00:00:00 CST 2023)

Gr 3–6— The Chosen Ones, siblings Amira and Hamza, are back and ready for another adventure. After returning from Qaf and defeating Ifrit, the two become split up and must work separately in the same quest to defeat Ahriman, Ifrit's father. Ahriman has captured Hamza and is forcing him to solve puzzles to gain access to the Ring of Power. There are pieces of an oculus that must be obtained to secure the ring, however, and they are not acquired easily. Each part of the oculus is in a different museum in a different country. Unique travel across countries has its benefits and drawbacks, such as motion sickness, but there are also tasty bakeries and beautiful sights. All of it is worth it in an attempt to save the world from the clutches of great evil. Based on oral storytelling passed down from Ahmed's family, the adventures these siblings take won't disappoint. VERDICT Humor abounds amid the trials Amira and Hamza face in their quest. Hand to fans of Aru Shah and Magnus Chase .