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The Imagination Station #3
Peril in the Palace
The place? China in 1271. The quest? The golden tablet of Kublai Khan. The problem? Just about everything!
The Imagination Station adventures continue as cousins Patrick and Beth are kidnapped by Mongol warriors. Only the friendship of fellow traveler Marco Polo saves them from harm. They are brought to the Mongol palace, where the Kublai Khan dislikes both their gifts and their message about Christianity. The tension grows when the Mongol magicians challenge the cousins to a spiritual power showdown. As war breaks out, Beth and Patrick are locked in a secret room to prevent their escape.
How do the cousins get the golden tablet they need to save Mr. Whittaker’s friend Albert? How do they escape the city and find the Imagination Station? Enter the perilous palace and find out!
The Imagination Station adventures continue as cousins Patrick and Beth are kidnapped by Mongol warriors. Only the friendship of fellow traveler Marco Polo saves them from harm. They are brought to the Mongol palace, where the Kublai Khan dislikes both their gifts and their message about Christianity. The tension grows when the Mongol magicians challenge the cousins to a spiritual power showdown. As war breaks out, Beth and Patrick are locked in a secret room to prevent their escape.
How do the cousins get the golden tablet they need to save Mr. Whittaker’s friend Albert? How do they escape the city and find the Imagination Station? Enter the perilous palace and find out!
129 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 18, 2011
50 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
About the author
Marianne Hering
98 books39 followersMarianne Hering is a prolific writer, having written hundreds of articles and a number of books for children and parents. For nine years she worked for several magazines in Focus on the Family’s periodicals department and became the editor of Clubhouse, a Focus on the Family children’s magazine with a circulation of more than 100,000.
As a book developer for Focus on the Family, she and coauthor / creative director Paul McCusker launched the Adventures in Odyssey book series The Imagination Station in 2010. Currently the series includes 19 books, with two more contracted for 2017 release. Paul bowed out of his role in 2015 to pursue other creative avenues. The combined sales are more than 450,000.
Currently Marianne is a freelance writer taking assignments. She and her husband live in Colorado with their twin sons.
As a book developer for Focus on the Family, she and coauthor / creative director Paul McCusker launched the Adventures in Odyssey book series The Imagination Station in 2010. Currently the series includes 19 books, with two more contracted for 2017 release. Paul bowed out of his role in 2015 to pursue other creative avenues. The combined sales are more than 450,000.
Currently Marianne is a freelance writer taking assignments. She and her husband live in Colorado with their twin sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
April 23, 2020
Written by my ten year old:
I like this book because it is full of adventure. I didn't give it five stars because in some parts it was kind of boring.
I like this book because it is full of adventure. I didn't give it five stars because in some parts it was kind of boring.
March 14, 2023
I'm reading this series to my 8 year old and she's enjoying the books.
August 20, 2022
This was another cute story and it ended on a cliffhanger!
April 9, 2013
In this adventure pactrick and beth go to china in the time of Kublai Khans rein to search for the golden tablet but they dont know where to find it.i dont want t obe a spoiler so i wont tell you any more but i loved the book and highly recommend the series.
April 26, 2021
Beth and Patrick are going to China to find the golden tablet of Kublai Khan.
When Beth and Patrick get to China they are kidnapped by Mongol warriors and also locked in a room by Kublai! Someone helps them out of both of these problems. Before they escape out of the room, they meet a Mongol princess, Beki, and she gives them the golden tablet. Beth and Patrick give her a wrapped-up gift. When the princess opens up the gift, it is a Bible. She really likes it and she says thank you. A little paper falls out of the Bible. Beth picks it up and reads it. It's a note from Mr. Whittaker telling them that they found the tablet and they have to get out of the palace NOW. When they get out, they get attacked by HUGE eagles. The English knight appears again and fights the eagles. The imagination station appears halfway on and halfway off the nest.
Beth and Patrick get in the imagination station, push the red button, and find themselves in a cave with the golden tablet.
I would recommend this book because there's a Mongol princess that gives them the tablet. I would only give it four stars if there wasn't a princess.
Written by an 8yo for a book report
When Beth and Patrick get to China they are kidnapped by Mongol warriors and also locked in a room by Kublai! Someone helps them out of both of these problems. Before they escape out of the room, they meet a Mongol princess, Beki, and she gives them the golden tablet. Beth and Patrick give her a wrapped-up gift. When the princess opens up the gift, it is a Bible. She really likes it and she says thank you. A little paper falls out of the Bible. Beth picks it up and reads it. It's a note from Mr. Whittaker telling them that they found the tablet and they have to get out of the palace NOW. When they get out, they get attacked by HUGE eagles. The English knight appears again and fights the eagles. The imagination station appears halfway on and halfway off the nest.
Beth and Patrick get in the imagination station, push the red button, and find themselves in a cave with the golden tablet.
I would recommend this book because there's a Mongol princess that gives them the tablet. I would only give it four stars if there wasn't a princess.
Written by an 8yo for a book report
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2023
This is the third in a fun and adventurous historical fiction series of beginning Christian chapter books for children. It continues the journey of Patrick and Beth, cousins who in this book go on a time travel adventure on Mr. Whittaker’s Imagination Station back to ancient China in the 13th century during the days of Kublai Khan. We also meet Marco Polo and two of his family members. I read this book’s 16 chapters aloud to my 5 yr old and 3 yr old, both of whom kept asking that we read another chapter. There are a few black and white illustrations throughout the book. We look forward to reading book four in this series!
April 28, 2020
This was very short and wasn't a stand-alone at all. It jumps right into the middle of the story that must have started with #1 and ended on a cliffhanger. Also, the entire plot is in the Goodreads description.
August 15, 2022
I read this book with my 8yo son. We thought that this was a good book. I didn't think that the vocabulary was too challenging. There were still pictures to break up all the reading. This is also an AR book for anyone who might want to know. I would recommend this book to others.
September 5, 2022
Good book to read with the kids but will be taking a break form the series for a little while, as school starts and new baby is here. Figuring out how to handle what feels like the short time we have.
August 20, 2025
Kid review:
I liked the part with the eagles.
I liked how Mr. Whittaker makes them dress.
One of my favorite characters was Beki.
Parent review:
I liked meeting Marco Polo, seeing the gifts given and being pulled into the action at the end.
I liked the part with the eagles.
I liked how Mr. Whittaker makes them dress.
One of my favorite characters was Beki.
Parent review:
I liked meeting Marco Polo, seeing the gifts given and being pulled into the action at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2018
it was a great book you never know whats going to happen next your always wanting to move to the next chapter, there is lots of suspense and i loved it:)
August 20, 2019
I liked how the knight saved Patrick and Beth!
February 4, 2020
Read to my 3rd and 4th grade library class.
(Second reading — Read first to my boys at home.)
(Second reading — Read first to my boys at home.)
December 18, 2020
They are definitely on the corny side but are good for little people to practice their reading skills.
Read
September 16, 2021It was pretty good! I liked how it continued on into the next book, instead of going back to Whit's End.
October 31, 2021
Page turning
June 13, 2022
My 8 year-old loves these books. The 4 stars is because I'm just a bit picky. I feel like these 8-year-old kids talk like adults. I'm also not sure how historically accurate these stories are.
July 7, 2023
Read this to my kids, they enjoyed it!
August 25, 2023
i like the huge eagles and that mr whittaker gives them speshil things before they leave.
August 11, 2021
August 2021: Turtle is re-reading series: great! Return to library.
July 2021: Turtle just re-read this series at her own request. She said: great! Return to library.
July 2021: Turtle just re-read this series at her own request. She said: great! Return to library.
June 20, 2011
Peril at the Palace by Paul McCusker and Marianne Herning is the third book in the Adventures in Odyssey Imagination Station series. Cousins Patrick and Beth have been traveling through time using the Imagination Station to collect pieces of history to save Mr. Whittaker's relative Albert who has been captured by the mysterious Lord Darkthorn. This time the kids have gone to China in the thirteenth century to get a golden tablet from Kublai Khan, but that might not be as easy as it appears. First Mia's review: I thought this book was really, really cool because they got to meet a princess, and I thought it was funny when Patrick said, "I'll remember you every time I'm in the pool," and Marco Polo was confused. I also thought i cool when Beth was so smart that she figured out that the shamans were using nails. I think if you read this book, you will really enjoy it, because it's one of the best. I LOVE THIS SERIES OF BOOKS!!!!!!! Now my review: This book picks up immediately after Attack at the Arena. While each story is contained, there is a larger mystery going on as the kids try to discover why Mr. Whittaker can't use the Imagination Station any more and who is sending him mysterious notes requesting historical treasures to save his relative, Albert in the past. The kids travel to China where they are quickly captured by Mongols and taken to Kublai Khan's palace where they try to get a golden tablet from him and encounter some wondrous birds. McCusker's writing pulls kids quickly into the story, but unlike the Magic Tree House series each book is unique and the writing is enjoyable for both kids and their parents. There's also an underlying message of faith as Patrick tries to teach Kublai Khan about Jesus, and Beth isn't afraid to unmask the tricks of his shamans. This is a thoroughly enjoyable series and we've already started reading the sequel!
June 28, 2011
We have been listening to Adventures in Odyssey since my son was born. It is a family tradition that he still enjoys at 13 years of age. If you listen to the show then you are very familiar with The Imagination Station. Since we love the radio broadcasts, our family was excited to receive Peril in the Palace to review.
Peril in the Palace is written by Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker. The story is set in 13th Century China. Beth and Patrick find themselves in an unforgettable adventure courtesy of the Imagination Station. They are kidnapped by Mongol Warriors. They find themselves in the palace where Kublai Khan rejects their gifts sent by Mr. Whitaker. When they try to escape they are prisoned.
I must admit that I had high hopes for this book. I expected it to be comparable to The Magic Treehouse Books. I must say I was disappointed. The books lack any of the character of the audio stories. The first few chapters seemed rushed and left me wondering what was really happening. I found the story rather unexciting and found it hard to finish the book myself. The reading was easy and I would definitely say it’s a 2-3 grade level reader.
Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers for giving us this copy to review. The opinions are completely my own and are not influenced by any third party.
Peril in the Palace is written by Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker. The story is set in 13th Century China. Beth and Patrick find themselves in an unforgettable adventure courtesy of the Imagination Station. They are kidnapped by Mongol Warriors. They find themselves in the palace where Kublai Khan rejects their gifts sent by Mr. Whitaker. When they try to escape they are prisoned.
I must admit that I had high hopes for this book. I expected it to be comparable to The Magic Treehouse Books. I must say I was disappointed. The books lack any of the character of the audio stories. The first few chapters seemed rushed and left me wondering what was really happening. I found the story rather unexciting and found it hard to finish the book myself. The reading was easy and I would definitely say it’s a 2-3 grade level reader.
Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers for giving us this copy to review. The opinions are completely my own and are not influenced by any third party.
June 24, 2014
Having read books 1 & 2, we (my son and I) were excited to continue the adventure with Patrick and Beth in book 3, Peril in the Palace.
In book 2 Patrick and Beth, who are cousins, are trying to help Albert a friend of Mr. Whittakers.
So, now in the adventure of book 3, the cousins need to meet Kublai Khan and find the golden tablet. They are ready to go to China. Beginning their adventure in China the cousins are captured Mongol Warriors who believe they are evil because they "appeared out of no where".... and the adventure continues! Oh, and the cousins meet Marco Polo (before he became famous, of course)!
I love this series because the books are geared for children....with christian values, adventure and tidbits of history these books are outstanding for the young reader (ages 7 and older).
This book plus the other two make for great summer reading and are wonderful for children of all ages! If you love the Adventures In Odyssey Series then you'll love this book series! Also, the last two pages of the book, pages 118/119, there is a secret word puzzle that helps the child to understand what s/he has read and then simply follow the instructions and the reader can look up the answer.
Remember, as the back of the book says, "The key to adventure lies within your imagination!"
In book 2 Patrick and Beth, who are cousins, are trying to help Albert a friend of Mr. Whittakers.
So, now in the adventure of book 3, the cousins need to meet Kublai Khan and find the golden tablet. They are ready to go to China. Beginning their adventure in China the cousins are captured Mongol Warriors who believe they are evil because they "appeared out of no where".... and the adventure continues! Oh, and the cousins meet Marco Polo (before he became famous, of course)!
I love this series because the books are geared for children....with christian values, adventure and tidbits of history these books are outstanding for the young reader (ages 7 and older).
This book plus the other two make for great summer reading and are wonderful for children of all ages! If you love the Adventures In Odyssey Series then you'll love this book series! Also, the last two pages of the book, pages 118/119, there is a secret word puzzle that helps the child to understand what s/he has read and then simply follow the instructions and the reader can look up the answer.
Remember, as the back of the book says, "The key to adventure lies within your imagination!"
July 16, 2014
Peril in the Palace was another exciting adventure in the continuation of the quest to save Mr. Whittaker's friend, Albert. You can read my reviews of book 1 here and book 2 here. Much like the other books, Patrick and Beth learn about the history and culture of the time they have been transported to. In this book, they travel back in time to the year 1271 to the land of China to meet Kublai Khan. Their mission is to find the golden tablet of Kublai Khan. Mr. Whittaker gives them several packages to give to others as gifts in order to help them with their mission. Some of the gifts prove helpful, while others do not seem to work and get them into more trouble. You'll have to read the book to find out if they complete their mission in finding the golden tablet in time to help Mr. Whittaker's friend, Albert.
My daughter and I really liked the previous 2 books of this series and the third book did not disappoint. The books are great for this age group (ages 7 and up). I think that the writing is well done and the plot even keeps my 6 year old's attention. It's fun to hear her laughing at the funny parts. I definitely recommend this series! You can read the first 5 pages of the 4th book in the series The Revenge of the Red Knight here on Adventures in Odyssey's The Imagination Station website. Just click on the read button that says Watch a Click Book.
My daughter and I really liked the previous 2 books of this series and the third book did not disappoint. The books are great for this age group (ages 7 and up). I think that the writing is well done and the plot even keeps my 6 year old's attention. It's fun to hear her laughing at the funny parts. I definitely recommend this series! You can read the first 5 pages of the 4th book in the series The Revenge of the Red Knight here on Adventures in Odyssey's The Imagination Station website. Just click on the read button that says Watch a Click Book.
August 9, 2011
Adventures in Odyssey! Mr Whitaker! The Imagination Station! Does childhood fun get any better than that?
Now Focus on the Family’s radio adventures are in book form. One of our summer reads is Peril in the Palace. The story follows to young cousins Patrick and Beth on another leg of their journey to rescue Mr. Whitaker’s Uncle Albert. This book is the third in the series and we can’t wait to read them all.
Beth and Patrick land themselves in the middle of the desert of China in the year of 1271. Their mission? Find the Golden Tablet of Kublai Khan. Seems easy enough, however as is common with Odyssey Adventures, they face many exciting challenges along the way.
My boys are ages seven and five. I would suggest this book for seven year olds and up. While my five year old loved the story and especially the pictures, he didn’t seem to grasp as much out of the story as the older one.It made for some excellent discussions with my boys and I have a feeling we will return to read this book again.
But don’t take my word for it, find out for yourself!
Now Focus on the Family’s radio adventures are in book form. One of our summer reads is Peril in the Palace. The story follows to young cousins Patrick and Beth on another leg of their journey to rescue Mr. Whitaker’s Uncle Albert. This book is the third in the series and we can’t wait to read them all.
Beth and Patrick land themselves in the middle of the desert of China in the year of 1271. Their mission? Find the Golden Tablet of Kublai Khan. Seems easy enough, however as is common with Odyssey Adventures, they face many exciting challenges along the way.
My boys are ages seven and five. I would suggest this book for seven year olds and up. While my five year old loved the story and especially the pictures, he didn’t seem to grasp as much out of the story as the older one.It made for some excellent discussions with my boys and I have a feeling we will return to read this book again.
But don’t take my word for it, find out for yourself!
July 31, 2012
The adventures continue for cousins Beth and Patrick as they travel through time to help Mr. Whittaker's friend Albert and unravel the mystery of the unknown knight who appears to have equal access to the imagination station. This chapter finds the duo in ancient China in search of a Khan's golden tablet. In the meantime, they're kidnapped by Monguls, introduced to Marco Polo, and threatened by Shaman, Kublai Khan, and giant eagles. How will their gifts help them escape the danger, attain the artifact, and find the Imagination Station to get back home? Well, I don't want to spoil it for you, but I will say, the end of this book is only the beginning...
Another quick read and enjoyable story for younger readers and fans of Magic Tree House or Secrets of Droon books who are looking for (or at least don't mind) a Christian twist. Note: I've also seen this book under the title "Peril at the Palace" and I believe they are one and the same.
Another quick read and enjoyable story for younger readers and fans of Magic Tree House or Secrets of Droon books who are looking for (or at least don't mind) a Christian twist. Note: I've also seen this book under the title "Peril at the Palace" and I believe they are one and the same.
September 1, 2014
PERIL in the PALACE
The Imagination Station
By Paul McCusker and Marianne Hering
Kids can take another adventure into the past with Patrick and Beth thanks to The Imagination Station. This time they are journeying to China where they befriend Marco Polo. But they are about to discover new dangers when they offend Kublai Khan with their message of Christianity.
Beth and Patrick find themselves in trouble almost from the start when they are captured by Mongul warriors almost as soon as they step out of the Imagination Station. If not for the efforts of Marco Polo both children would have been charged with crimes.
When Patrick tries to answer Kublai Khan's questions about God, he receives scorn and is faced with proving God's power over Khan's shamans. But Kublai Khan is not easily swayed in his beliefs.
Patrick and Beth manage to escape but they don't return to the workshop at Whit's End...
The Imagination Station
By Paul McCusker and Marianne Hering
Kids can take another adventure into the past with Patrick and Beth thanks to The Imagination Station. This time they are journeying to China where they befriend Marco Polo. But they are about to discover new dangers when they offend Kublai Khan with their message of Christianity.
Beth and Patrick find themselves in trouble almost from the start when they are captured by Mongul warriors almost as soon as they step out of the Imagination Station. If not for the efforts of Marco Polo both children would have been charged with crimes.
When Patrick tries to answer Kublai Khan's questions about God, he receives scorn and is faced with proving God's power over Khan's shamans. But Kublai Khan is not easily swayed in his beliefs.
Patrick and Beth manage to escape but they don't return to the workshop at Whit's End...
April 28, 2016
Patrick and Beth are on another adventure! This story takes the kids to China to find the golden tablet and continue the story line from the first two books. In each book there is a prologue so that the reader knows what is going on if (like me) you are reading the books out of order.
I like the outfits that they get to wear, they obviously have to look the part so Whit always sends them into the Imagination Station wearing the proper attire. I also found this story interesting because I didn't know much about Marco Polo or China with Kublai Khan. The kids end up talking to the emperor and try to tell him about Jesus.
This story also includes them being picked up by a huge bird? You will have to read the story to find out about that part!
I love this series.
Highly recommend!
August 1, 2014
Peril in the Palace is Patrick and Beth’s third adventure in Mr. Wittaker’s Imagination Station. They are on a quest to get a tablet of Kubli Khan, an ancient Mongolian emperor. Along the way, they meet Marco Polo and his family, outwit some shamans, and encounter giant eagles called rocs.
This book is a fun adventure for young kids, written at an easy reading level. The two cousins in the story show bravery by standing up for what they believe in, in front of a disbelieving emperor and his guards. The story shows a bit of what ancient Chinese and Mongolian culture was like through the eyes of children. After the kids complete their quests, there is a cliffhanger ending, leading into the following book.
This book is a fun adventure for young kids, written at an easy reading level. The two cousins in the story show bravery by standing up for what they believe in, in front of a disbelieving emperor and his guards. The story shows a bit of what ancient Chinese and Mongolian culture was like through the eyes of children. After the kids complete their quests, there is a cliffhanger ending, leading into the following book.
September 2, 2012
Since this book isn't meant for my age group (which I was aware of before starting it), I was able to read it within 45 minutes - 1 hour, but it was a good hour. Well develped in all aspects, this book is great for elementary kids who want to have a little history, adventure, and Jesus in there books. My only complaint is that a couple of parts could have been developed a little more but considering the age range appropriate for this book it might have only confused or lost the reader. Still, I'm completly happy with this book and would love to share it with someone in the correct age group for the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews