Review: The Spiritstone Saga: Tariq and the Drowning City

Tariq and the Drowning City is the first book in The Spiritstone Saga, a thrilling, action-packed adventure that completely gripped me.

Tariq of the River Clan, who is a seer, has a vision of catastrophe in which he sees a tidal wave destroying a great city.  He is woken by his Nani who tells him that the clan must leave their home, which is suffering from drought and disease, to seek refuge in Ethrial, the capital city of Osha.  When they arrive, Tariq discovers that the city in his vision is Ethrial … his clan are still in terrible danger.

When Tariq is taken before the Council Leader, he tells him that he is a seer and warns him of the imminent flooding and destruction of the city.  The Leader does not believe him and orders that he be banished.  There are only two people in the city who believe him:  Livia, an elf inventor, who tried to keep him from getting arrested, and Artos, a member of the Silver Guard who arrested him and brought him before the Council Leader. 

And so begins the most thrilling adventure as Tariq and his new friends work together to try to save the city and his clan from a tidal wave of destruction.  The only way to save both is to find a spiritstone from an ancient legend called The Saga of the Spiritstones, a magical stone that has the power to control the elements.  Can they find the fabled stone before time runs out, or is it no more than a fairy tale?

This is a fantastically action-packed adventure where danger meets hope, where elemental magic meets science and where the power of nature meets technological advancement.  I read this is one satisfying sitting as I was desperate to find out how, and if, the new friends could overcome all the difficulties and dangers placed in their way by people, magic and nature. 

There are some important themes in this story which could open up some great discussions with children.  The river clans face prejudice and mistrust from those in the city and are ostracised and taken to an island away from the city without their consent.  Those in power seek to ensure that they keep control and wealth at any cost even when this means they use their power to take unfairly from others and exploit those working for the city.  There is a real disparity between the lives of the better-off in the city and those who live in the run-down areas which could open up discussion around equality.  There is also an opportunity to discuss the impact of industrialisation on the environment (through pollution) and the need for harmony and balance between nature and society.

Tariq, Livia and Artos make a brilliant team who form firm bonds of friendship and trust as they race to save the city and those they love from a terrifying tidal wave of destruction.  Whilst others in the city may show prejudice towards those who seek refuge, or who follow a deemed unacceptable path, these three are much more accepting and have a real sense of justice.  They show great strength, determination and courage in standing up to those in authority and following the path which they believe to be right, even when this leads them into danger.

A gripping start to an epic fantasy adventure, perfect for readers of 9+.  I’m really looking forward to the next story in the Spiritstone Saga:  Tariq and the Temple of Beasts.

Thank you to Hachette Children’s Group for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.