Twelve‑year‑old Chaya, outspoken daughter of a village nobleman, has never played by the rules—especially when her people suffer under a greedy regime. Determined to help her impoverished community, she sneaks into the king’s palace and purloins a cache of precious jewels. But the theft backfires spectacularly when a bungled escape strands her in a palace prison—until Chaya engineers a daring breakout and finds herself astride the king’s magnificent elephant, Sama.
From that moment, Chaya’s whirlwind adventure sweeps her across mist‑clad tea gardens, hidden temples, and untamed jungle paths. Along the way, she forges deep bonds with her loyal companions: Padma, the quick‑witted temple guardian; Rasika, a brave orphan boy; and Sama herself, whose golden hide and gentle spirit become Chaya’s most steadfast ally. Together, they outwit cunning guards, navigate treacherous river rapids, and confront the stirring fires of revolution that promise both peril and hope.
As Chaya races to return the jewels and expose the king’s injustices, she discovers that true heroism isn’t measured by daring thefts, but by the courage to stand up for others—even when the cost is her own freedom. Nizrana Farook’s vivid storytelling breathes life into the emerald hills and ancient ruins of Serendip, crafting a richly imagined world where friendship, loyalty, and the roar of an elephant’s trumpet echo longer than any treasure.
About the Author
Nizrana Farook was born and raised in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and her debut middle‑grade novel draws on her love for her homeland’s landscapes and legends. With a master’s degree in writing for young people, she has earned acclaim for weaving vibrant adventure tales infused with compassion and authenticity. Farook lives in Hertfordshire, England, with her family.
Product Details
ISBN‑13: 9781682632857
Publisher: Peachtree Publishers
Published: March 1, 2021
Pages: 256
Binding: Paperback
Age Range: 8–12 years
