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Seven Keys of Balabad
Welcome to Balabad, birthplace of the international secret society known as the Brotherhood of Arachosia. And rumored hiding place of the grandest riches the world has ever known. Balabad is also the country Oliver Finch calls home ever since his father was reassigned to this dull, war-torn dust bowl.Each day runs into the next for Oliver until a 500-year-old sacred carpet is stolen. Then one of the few friends he has disappears. Oliver is determined to figure out what exactly is going on. But in order to do that he’ll have consult with a one-eyed warrior, track down the far-flung members of the Brotherhood, and unlock a centuries-old secret! Suddenly, life in Balabad for Oliver has become a whole lot more interesting . . . and dangerous.
295 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
8 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
Paul Haven
3 books3 followersPaul Haven is a veteran foreign correspondent and the author of two children's novels, "Two Hot Dogs With Everything" and "The Seven Keys of Balabad." A native of New York City, he has worked for The Associated Press around the world, including postings in Venezuela, Colombia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Spain. He has covered the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and most recently reported on Haiti's devastating 2010 earthquake. He is currently the news cooperative's chief of bureau in Havana, Cuba, where he lives with his wife and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
April 25, 2009
This is a really fun adventure/mystery set in a country similar to Afghanistan. The story switches between modern day and hundreds of years earlier when the kingdom of Balabad was under attack and an advisor to the king hid a huge treasure. The king's seven sons were entrusted with seven keys to unlock the tresure when the time for peace had come and then all seven went to their seperate ways. The time for peace, sadly, did not come and the keys were passed down to ancestors of the princes. Now an evil force is stealing the keys, presumably to get the treasure.
Oliver is a young New Yorker living in Balabad with his ex-pat parents and he's friends with a local aristocratic boy. The two team up to the solve the mystery.
The story is great fun with lots of colorful characters.
Oliver is a young New Yorker living in Balabad with his ex-pat parents and he's friends with a local aristocratic boy. The two team up to the solve the mystery.
The story is great fun with lots of colorful characters.
September 18, 2016
Un misterio y un planteamiento muy bueno que se queda un poco descafeinado al final. Una novela comparable a las aventuras de Los cinco y de Los siete secretos, de Enid Blyton
February 8, 2014
I am really glad I picked this book up in the book store, thinking what the heck, it looks interesting. I enjoy finding odd reads in a good used book sale, books I would otherwise not buy, this is one such book. An adventure for sure, and a mystery. Although the country of Balabad is fictional, it is somewhat based upon the Afghanistan and/or Pakistan areas. The details given make me feel as if I were right there with the characters, walking the streets, seeing the sites, smelling the smells and hearing the sounds. I could nearly see this story playing out like a movie in my mind. It was somewhat of a slow starter, but then it hooked me and I continued like devouring a delicious dessert. It has 3 points of view happening, one from the distant past, one of the present and one of the crooks, all collide together. It is all wrapped up in the end like a wonderful present, which is a nice rest from series books. I thoroughly enjoyed the story. This book is definitely geared for youth beginning with the 8-12 year old range, however, the slow start might deter their interest.
A once upon time atmosphere, kings, 7 princes, 7 keys, a guide, treachery, war, savagery, middle east, storing away for future hope, salt mines, trust and misplaced trust, carpet seller, green tea, journalism, archaeology, buzkashi (similar to polo on horseback only the ball being a dead goat), rich and poor, boredom, adventure, mystery, tall tales, stolen artifacts, home burglary, buried treasure, the importance of historical heritage, oral history, thieves, thieves market, courage and cowardice, passing knowledge from generation to generation, consequences of wrong decisions, friendship and family.
My favorite quote from this book... The young do not know their limitations, and so are capable of great and foolish things.
A once upon time atmosphere, kings, 7 princes, 7 keys, a guide, treachery, war, savagery, middle east, storing away for future hope, salt mines, trust and misplaced trust, carpet seller, green tea, journalism, archaeology, buzkashi (similar to polo on horseback only the ball being a dead goat), rich and poor, boredom, adventure, mystery, tall tales, stolen artifacts, home burglary, buried treasure, the importance of historical heritage, oral history, thieves, thieves market, courage and cowardice, passing knowledge from generation to generation, consequences of wrong decisions, friendship and family.
My favorite quote from this book... The young do not know their limitations, and so are capable of great and foolish things.
June 21, 2009
This is a 3.5 from me.
This book was written by a man who clearly knows Afghanistan and Pakistan very well. It's nice to see a rich and layered portrayal of the region in a children's book.
The structure of the book was strange. The reader gets to see what happened 500 years ago, what is going on with the villains, as well as following the two boys as they piece it all together. Subsequently, the reader knows much of the scheme long before the boys figure it out. Surprisingly, this actually works better than one would expect. There were definitely points where I found this structure frustrating, but the good outweighed the bad.
All in all, I would recommend this book to kids. For grades 5-8.
This book was written by a man who clearly knows Afghanistan and Pakistan very well. It's nice to see a rich and layered portrayal of the region in a children's book.
The structure of the book was strange. The reader gets to see what happened 500 years ago, what is going on with the villains, as well as following the two boys as they piece it all together. Subsequently, the reader knows much of the scheme long before the boys figure it out. Surprisingly, this actually works better than one would expect. There were definitely points where I found this structure frustrating, but the good outweighed the bad.
All in all, I would recommend this book to kids. For grades 5-8.
February 5, 2009
Set in the fictitious backdrop of Balabad, an ancient civilization that stretches backward for dozens of centuries, lies a missing treasure that the world has never seen. Three thoroughly modern friends join forces to find the seven keys that will unlock the treasure as they try to avoid the sinister men who want to steal the treasure for themselves.
Fast paced action adventure fans will enjoy this...
31/2 stars
Fast paced action adventure fans will enjoy this...
31/2 stars
March 10, 2013
Erm... what did I just read?
The idea of this book is very good. It is pretty original and well developed. However, it isn't well written. Too many hints are given to make it suspenseful or even remotely engrossing.
The idea of this book is very good. It is pretty original and well developed. However, it isn't well written. Too many hints are given to make it suspenseful or even remotely engrossing.
October 18, 2011
I read this to my 8 year old, and thought it would never end.
July 15, 2013
Oliver Finch is an all-American boy who likes wearing blue jeans, a T-shirt, and a New York Yankees baseball cap. But thanks to his father's career as a journalist and his mother's interest in archaeology, he finds himself living so far from Yankee Stadium that, in his time zone, the night games start at 5:00 the next morning. The country is Balabad, somewhere between Pakistan and Afghanistan: a country of mountains, deserts, and plains, inhabited by hundreds of often-warring tribes who speak as many strange, complex languages, none of which Oliver speaks. Between terms at the International School, he has nothing to do except hang around with his only friend: a Baladi boy named Zee, whose rich parents raised him in London. They spend most of their time visiting a friendly carpet salesman, and listening to Mr. Haji tell tall tales about his illustrious ancestors. It promises to be a hot, tedious holiday.
But then the boys get caught up in a mystery involving the disappearance of the country's culture minister, the theft of a priceless carpet, and a series of interconnected burglaries around the globe. When Mr. Haji himself is kidnapped, the armchair detectives find themselves on a serious mission. Zee realizes that his father has a secret, and it has something to do with a secret organization called the Brotherhood of Arachosia. Joined by the beautiful daughter of a gigantic one-eyed warrior, the boys follow a trail of clues to the city's dangerous Thieves' Market, the posh Mandabak Hotel, and finally the ruins of the capital city's royal palace. There they find the villain waiting to spring a trap on them. For the three children carry with them the final piece to the puzzle of a national treasure that has lain hidden for five hundred years.
Oliver, Zee, and Alamai are mostly playing at being detectives, so they are surprised to find what a dangerous game it is. If they only knew, beforehand, the history of how and why King Agamon's treasure came to be sealed by seven massive iron keys, they might be better prepared for the seriousness that awaits them. On the other hand, their courage and concern for Mr. Haji could make them national heroes... provided the grown-ups show up on time to save them. In the meantime, they bring an attractive innocence to an otherwise dark, mysterious, spooky adventure. And their shared risks cement a friendship that could change Oliver's miserable foreign exile into a colorful experience, an experience to relish.
Paul Haven, the author of Two Hot Dogs with Everything , is an Associated Press foreign reporter (similar, I suppose, to Oliver's dad). His inspiration for this book came from his experiences in Pakistan and Afghanistan. He seems to be having an interesting life. I look forward to seeing what he creates next.
But then the boys get caught up in a mystery involving the disappearance of the country's culture minister, the theft of a priceless carpet, and a series of interconnected burglaries around the globe. When Mr. Haji himself is kidnapped, the armchair detectives find themselves on a serious mission. Zee realizes that his father has a secret, and it has something to do with a secret organization called the Brotherhood of Arachosia. Joined by the beautiful daughter of a gigantic one-eyed warrior, the boys follow a trail of clues to the city's dangerous Thieves' Market, the posh Mandabak Hotel, and finally the ruins of the capital city's royal palace. There they find the villain waiting to spring a trap on them. For the three children carry with them the final piece to the puzzle of a national treasure that has lain hidden for five hundred years.
Oliver, Zee, and Alamai are mostly playing at being detectives, so they are surprised to find what a dangerous game it is. If they only knew, beforehand, the history of how and why King Agamon's treasure came to be sealed by seven massive iron keys, they might be better prepared for the seriousness that awaits them. On the other hand, their courage and concern for Mr. Haji could make them national heroes... provided the grown-ups show up on time to save them. In the meantime, they bring an attractive innocence to an otherwise dark, mysterious, spooky adventure. And their shared risks cement a friendship that could change Oliver's miserable foreign exile into a colorful experience, an experience to relish.
Paul Haven, the author of Two Hot Dogs with Everything , is an Associated Press foreign reporter (similar, I suppose, to Oliver's dad). His inspiration for this book came from his experiences in Pakistan and Afghanistan. He seems to be having an interesting life. I look forward to seeing what he creates next.
May 29, 2019
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Letto e recensito da Manuela
Le sette chiavi di Balabad è un bel racconto per giovani lettori.
In questo racconto i ragazzi possono trovare mistero e avventura.
Mi è piaciuto leggere dell’amicizia tra Oliver Finch, Zee e Alamai, amicizia che supera la diversità di cultura. È un legame che parla di integrazione.
Questi tre bambini, ragazzini di dodici anni, danno un bell’esempio di quello che è lo scambio tra culture. Zee e Alamai non vedono Oliver come altro da loro come estraneo, ma lo accolgono nel loro mondo, gli fanno scoprire la bellezza esotica del loro Paese. Oliver porta a loro tutto quello che era il suo vissuto occidentale. Da qui nasce un legame forte. Proprio questo loro modo diverso di aver vissuto e quindi di esperienze variegate che sarà il punto di forza per lottare contro il “cattivo” della storia.
In questa storia i tre ragazzi vogliono proteggere un oggetto antico da un avido antiquario. Per loro l’oggetto antico è un tesoro che va protetto, l’antiquario lo vede solo come merce. Per i ragazzi è importante la storia e il mistero che avvolge il tutto, è la scoperta di storie passate. L’oggetto stesso è un’avventura da vivere insieme.
Bellissime le descrizioni dei luoghi, si respirano le atmosfere del mondo orientale, la vita nel bazar. In alcuni momenti li trovi persi nei vicoli polverosi della cittadina di Balabad.
È un bel romanzo da regalare ai ragazzi che vogliono vivere avventure affascinati sullo stile di Indiana Jones. Rivolto soprattutto a ragazzi di 9-10 anni, è un libro impegnativo perché la storia è lunga e molto articolata. È affasciante e il linguaggio è semplice, ma è bene essere pronti a fare collegamenti perché le informazioni presenti sono tante e spesso “ingarbugliate”.
Letto e recensito da Manuela
Le sette chiavi di Balabad è un bel racconto per giovani lettori.
In questo racconto i ragazzi possono trovare mistero e avventura.
Mi è piaciuto leggere dell’amicizia tra Oliver Finch, Zee e Alamai, amicizia che supera la diversità di cultura. È un legame che parla di integrazione.
Questi tre bambini, ragazzini di dodici anni, danno un bell’esempio di quello che è lo scambio tra culture. Zee e Alamai non vedono Oliver come altro da loro come estraneo, ma lo accolgono nel loro mondo, gli fanno scoprire la bellezza esotica del loro Paese. Oliver porta a loro tutto quello che era il suo vissuto occidentale. Da qui nasce un legame forte. Proprio questo loro modo diverso di aver vissuto e quindi di esperienze variegate che sarà il punto di forza per lottare contro il “cattivo” della storia.
In questa storia i tre ragazzi vogliono proteggere un oggetto antico da un avido antiquario. Per loro l’oggetto antico è un tesoro che va protetto, l’antiquario lo vede solo come merce. Per i ragazzi è importante la storia e il mistero che avvolge il tutto, è la scoperta di storie passate. L’oggetto stesso è un’avventura da vivere insieme.
Bellissime le descrizioni dei luoghi, si respirano le atmosfere del mondo orientale, la vita nel bazar. In alcuni momenti li trovi persi nei vicoli polverosi della cittadina di Balabad.
È un bel romanzo da regalare ai ragazzi che vogliono vivere avventure affascinati sullo stile di Indiana Jones. Rivolto soprattutto a ragazzi di 9-10 anni, è un libro impegnativo perché la storia è lunga e molto articolata. È affasciante e il linguaggio è semplice, ma è bene essere pronti a fare collegamenti perché le informazioni presenti sono tante e spesso “ingarbugliate”.
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March 26, 2012Para este viaje necesitarás ropa apropiada para combatir la arena y el sofocante calor del desierto. Y tampoco estaría de más un poco de protector solar; Paul Haven nos lleva hasta la ciudad ficticia de Balabad, inspirada en la región de Afganistán y Pakistán donde el autor residió una temporada.
Oliver Finch es norteamericano de los pies a la cabeza: no se separa de sus bambas ni de su gorra de los New York Yankees. Sería una indumentaria de lo más normal si no viviera en la ardiente Balabad donde su padre, reportero, ha sido destinado. Allí ha hecho amistad con Zee, un baladí, y el señor Haji, un vendedor de alfombras que les cuenta las más increíbles historias. Pero el robo de la alfombra más famosa de Balabad y la desaparición de su buen amigo Haji los introducirá en una aventura sin igual. Lo que no saben es que se están metiendo en camisa de once varas, pues todo parece estar relacionado con unas misteriosas llaves y una hermandad.
Sigue leyendo en: http://www.eltemplodelasmilpuertas.co...
Oliver Finch es norteamericano de los pies a la cabeza: no se separa de sus bambas ni de su gorra de los New York Yankees. Sería una indumentaria de lo más normal si no viviera en la ardiente Balabad donde su padre, reportero, ha sido destinado. Allí ha hecho amistad con Zee, un baladí, y el señor Haji, un vendedor de alfombras que les cuenta las más increíbles historias. Pero el robo de la alfombra más famosa de Balabad y la desaparición de su buen amigo Haji los introducirá en una aventura sin igual. Lo que no saben es que se están metiendo en camisa de once varas, pues todo parece estar relacionado con unas misteriosas llaves y una hermandad.
Sigue leyendo en: http://www.eltemplodelasmilpuertas.co...
April 4, 2012
I loved the idea of the story, having lived in the Middle East...but I had a hard time getting into it and staying with it. I usually breeze through books, being inclined to finish anything I start. This book I kept putting down.
What I liked: The fictional setting in Balabad was wonderful. Clearly the author drew from his experiences in Afghanistan and Pakistan. There is something compelling about a 12 year old boy, displaced from his comfort zone of New York and dropped into a strange and mysterious place. It draws out the sense of adventure and alienation, at the same time.
What I felt fell short: While Oliver is a likeable character, the stakes were never high enough for me to stay with the story. In general, the characters were flat, with the exception of Mr. Hajji.
I would recommend this book to middle grade readers who have an interest in foreign cultures, but not reluctant readers.
What I liked: The fictional setting in Balabad was wonderful. Clearly the author drew from his experiences in Afghanistan and Pakistan. There is something compelling about a 12 year old boy, displaced from his comfort zone of New York and dropped into a strange and mysterious place. It draws out the sense of adventure and alienation, at the same time.
What I felt fell short: While Oliver is a likeable character, the stakes were never high enough for me to stay with the story. In general, the characters were flat, with the exception of Mr. Hajji.
I would recommend this book to middle grade readers who have an interest in foreign cultures, but not reluctant readers.
August 5, 2016
While the setting of this book was great, the plot itself was quite boring. It basically tells of the children running around the city, trying to find out what's up. It couldn't really grab my attention. It took a while to get through for that reason. I feel like if more interesting things had happened, I would have liked the book better.
The main character, Oliver, was quite flat, and so were his two friends. It feels like the only reason the girl was brought in was to imply there may be some chemistry between her and the other boy.
The villain was pretty stereotyped as well in my opinion, and in the end, was quite simple to beat. They didn't even have to do it, either. I don't hate the book, but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
The main character, Oliver, was quite flat, and so were his two friends. It feels like the only reason the girl was brought in was to imply there may be some chemistry between her and the other boy.
The villain was pretty stereotyped as well in my opinion, and in the end, was quite simple to beat. They didn't even have to do it, either. I don't hate the book, but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2015
This was a nice story, fairly well-told, but not that interesting. Suitable for kids from about age 7 or 8, though my kids wouldn't get far because they would be bored, i think. The author mixes an ancient mystery with a couple of boys living in the present-day fictional country of Balabad, which is based on the author's time in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The story takes a long time to wind up; there are no great heroes or villains to increase the story tension; the kids' actions are fairly predictable. Since the author is an experienced journalist who has written another YA novel, and this was published by Random House, I had high expectations. But I was disappointed.
August 31, 2015
Picked this up in the junior section of the library while getting Harry Potter for my Harry Potter obsessed daughter. It was a fun read. I couldn't put it down actually. And I had to tell the whole story to my husband because I liked it. I think what I liked the most though, was the setting. How could you not love a book set in a fictional country based off of Afghanistan?!?! Not to mention buried treasure, archaelogists, and secret brotherhoods???? It was definitely a junior book--it would be perfect for an 8 yr. old boy.
January 3, 2015
I loved the idea of the story and it had a few great moments in it - but to be honest I think the front and back covers were more exciting than the book. It started of really great and totally took me in...but I guess it wasn't as good as I imagined it would be. It was one of those books where you look back to the begginning after finishing it, and wish the amazing set up had stayed with it all through-out the story..
PS: why are there only six horsemen on the cover????
PS: why are there only six horsemen on the cover????
February 23, 2009
An adventurous tale about three friends who happen upon a mysterious key, one of seven, which may lead to a fabulous treasure. Of course they aren't alone in trying to unlock the mystery and the bad guys won't stop at anything to prevent the kids from discovering the significance of the key. I will be book talking this one starting today.
November 13, 2010
This story is a cross between Chasing Vermeer and the movie "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom". The story is inventive with an entirely novel setting. However, the writing is weak, even for the YA genre. I'd give the book 2.5 stars if I could. The Seven Keys of Balabad would make a great movie for kids, like Harry Potter or The Lightning Thief.
November 18, 2010
This book is AWESOMW!!!! i absoutley love this book it is full of mysteries and other awesome things. However i found it quite confussing going back and fourth between the bad guys and zee and oliver. The ending is awesome i had to get up real early in the mourning to read te rest of it!!!!! My favorite charcter is Mr. Haji he is so awesome i love his prar beads those are so cool.
Max $
Max $
March 26, 2016
Enjoyable read. The protagonist is a youth but I don't recall it reading like a YA book. It's just an interesting adventure story that I think anyone would enjoy regardless of age. It's been a few years since I read it, but I still remember the basic story which reflects for me how well-crafted a book it was.
April 17, 2009
This is a cute young-adult fiction story. Surprisingly, the author has the kids show reluctance at going out and doing horribly dangerous things that kids shouldn't be doing. The parents were helpful and recognized for it.
February 18, 2010
It was a recommended book in the "Family Fun" magazine. I found it interesting enough to read in one evening, but it wasn't memorable because I can't think of why I read it so quickly. I'm sure if I was a 3rd-5th grade boy I'd like this book more. :)
July 31, 2010
A great action-packed mystery that takes place in Balabad, a made up country modeled after Afghanistan. I learned a lot and I know students will enjoy this story as well as learn about another culture as well.
May 14, 2011
Cliche, with seven keys unlocking a treasure. The ending was predictable with the children saving the day and defeating the bad guys. Balabad is an interesting place, but the trio of characters are cliche, and the plot obvious to guess.
June 3, 2008
Haven't read it yet but it is by my favorite author. Can't wait until it comes out
June 5, 2009
Fun, fast paced exotic mystery.
November 28, 2008
I read Two Hot Dogs with Everything and loved it. I am really looking forward to this one. Cover looks great and really exciting!!
June 15, 2009
Enjoyable
July 18, 2009
cute adventure set in Afghanistan-like country. Fans of Leepike Ridge will definitely enjoy.
May 29, 2009
Good book. A little Indiana Jones meets the Da Vinci codes for 10 year olds.
July 27, 2009
mystery and adventure;
grade 4 plus
boys would enjoy
liked the three characters
grade 4 plus
boys would enjoy
liked the three characters
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews