What do you think?
Rate this book
Rusty #8
Rusty and the Magic Mountain
'Adventure is for the adventurous.' Rusty and his friends Pitamber and Popat find adventure in no small measure when they set out to climb a mysterious mountain steeped in legend and superstition. On their way they shelter in a haunted rest house, encounter a tiger and experience a hilarious mule ride, which takes them to the palace of a mad rani. Ruskin Bond returns with a brand-new Rusty adventure after more than a decade. A rollicking tale of humour and enchantment, Rusty and the Magic Mountain will win the much-loved character of Rusty a whole new band of followers.
136 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2018
11 people are currently reading
223 people want to read
About the author
Ruskin Bond
678 books3,554 followersRuskin Bond is an Indian author of British descent. He is considered to be an icon among Indian writers and children's authors and a top novelist. He wrote his first novel, The Room on the Roof, when he was seventeen which won John Llewellyn Rhys Memorial Prize in 1957. Since then he has written several novellas, over 500 short stories, as well as various essays and poems, all of which have established him as one of the best-loved and most admired chroniclers of contemporary India. In 1992 he received the Sahitya Akademi award for English writing, for his short stories collection, "Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra", by the Sahitya Akademi, India's National Academy of Letters in India. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1999 for contributions to children's literature. He now lives with his adopted family in Landour near Mussoorie.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 13, 2017
This was quite a spooky for kids read :P
Read
October 30, 2022This book is about Rusty(the author) and his friends Popat and Pitamber going on an adventerous trip to the Witch Mountain. This book is full of mystries and I would definetly recomend this to everyone.
May 19, 2019
Rusty and his two friends, Popat and Pitamber, set out on an adventure to the Magic Mountain which is mired in mystery and tales of the supernatural.On the way they take refuge in a haunted forest rest house, manage to escape the jaws of a hungry man-eater and experience an amusing mule ride up the mountains to a deserted, dilapidated palace inhabited by an old mad queen and her flock of crows.
The thrill of adventure, a bit of fantasy and magic and Ruskin Bond's signature humourous style makes it an enjoyable read.Though the book is meant primarily for young adults but Ruskin Bond's magic works well on everyone. I particularly find these books very relaxing.
The author is a keen observer and successfully captures the sights and sounds of nature through his words. As a result, while reading, one is able to immerse oneself completely in the surroundings crafted by the author. Though on the surface it is an adventure story of three young boys but there are certain philosophical musings interweaved with the broad tale.
The thrill of adventure, a bit of fantasy and magic and Ruskin Bond's signature humourous style makes it an enjoyable read.Though the book is meant primarily for young adults but Ruskin Bond's magic works well on everyone. I particularly find these books very relaxing.
The author is a keen observer and successfully captures the sights and sounds of nature through his words. As a result, while reading, one is able to immerse oneself completely in the surroundings crafted by the author. Though on the surface it is an adventure story of three young boys but there are certain philosophical musings interweaved with the broad tale.
February 26, 2023
I recently read Rusty and the Magic Mountain by Ruskin Bond, and I must say, it was an absolute delight to read. As a fan of Ruskin Bond's writing, I was eagerly looking forward to my first ever Rusty adventure, and it did not disappoint.
The story follows Rusty and his friends Pitamber and Popat on their quest to climb a mysterious mountain that is shrouded in legend and superstition. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles, including a haunted rest house, a tiger, and a hilarious mule ride, which takes them to the palace of a mad rani. Each obstacle presents a new challenge for Rusty and his friends, making for a thrilling adventure that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.
What I loved most about this book is the author's ability to weave together humour and enchantment seamlessly. The story is filled with funny moments, but it also has a magical quality that is both charming and captivating. The characters are well-developed, and their interactions with each other add to the overall charm of the book.
Overall, Rusty and the Magic Mountain is a delightful read that is sure to win Rusty a whole new band of followers. Ruskin Bond has once again proved that he is a master storyteller, and I cannot recommend this book enough to anyone who loves a good adventure story with a touch of humour and magic.
I am eagerly looking forward to reading the other books in the Rusty series.
The story follows Rusty and his friends Pitamber and Popat on their quest to climb a mysterious mountain that is shrouded in legend and superstition. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles, including a haunted rest house, a tiger, and a hilarious mule ride, which takes them to the palace of a mad rani. Each obstacle presents a new challenge for Rusty and his friends, making for a thrilling adventure that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.
What I loved most about this book is the author's ability to weave together humour and enchantment seamlessly. The story is filled with funny moments, but it also has a magical quality that is both charming and captivating. The characters are well-developed, and their interactions with each other add to the overall charm of the book.
Overall, Rusty and the Magic Mountain is a delightful read that is sure to win Rusty a whole new band of followers. Ruskin Bond has once again proved that he is a master storyteller, and I cannot recommend this book enough to anyone who loves a good adventure story with a touch of humour and magic.
I am eagerly looking forward to reading the other books in the Rusty series.
December 11, 2025
1. This was the first Book of Ruskin Bond
that I had Completed 📖
2. My Student "Dharaneeshwar" who was studying 10th standard suggested this book to me and it driven me into the world of the author Ruskin Bond ✍🏻♥️
3.It's a Beautiful Fantasy Adventure Story about Some Intersting Fictional Mysteries, Friendship and Adventure which felt as a quick and Nice Read 👣👌🏻
Overall, A Nice Adventurous Story it was ! 💥🖐🏻
- Santheesh 🖐🏻♥️
that I had Completed 📖
2. My Student "Dharaneeshwar" who was studying 10th standard suggested this book to me and it driven me into the world of the author Ruskin Bond ✍🏻♥️
3.It's a Beautiful Fantasy Adventure Story about Some Intersting Fictional Mysteries, Friendship and Adventure which felt as a quick and Nice Read 👣👌🏻
Overall, A Nice Adventurous Story it was ! 💥🖐🏻
- Santheesh 🖐🏻♥️
December 27, 2022
This is a story of 3 friends Rusty, Popat and Pitamber they go trecking on the witch mountain.In the midle of the mountain there was a house when they got attacked by a tiger they ran into the house and then the tiger went back they went to the top of the mountain and came back to there house safely
August 9, 2025
It wasn't that bad honestly, but if I knew the plot I wouldn't have read it cuz it's not a book of my type. It felt like an adventurous children's read but ngl after reading it, I think it might 12-13+. Overall, it was okay-ish. The story was unique, something I haven't ever read before.
March 16, 2019
The is not that sort of interesting to me but its ok....
September 9, 2019
A kid in me enjoyed reading the spooky story.
October 12, 2020
This book by Ruskin Bond...
Its fabulous and amazing
Its spooky and nice
Its fabulous and amazing
Its spooky and nice
December 12, 2020
This is want attracted me in reading
May 2, 2021
Amazing book. Must read
December 19, 2021
Rusty and his words never fails to amaze us!
June 15, 2024
Beautiful ❤️
January 16, 2025
I'm like a quarter century older than the target audience for this one. Screw it - had a jolly good time reading it nonetheless.
April 19, 2025
my first read as a kid
September 6, 2023
#214
Book 55 of 2023- Rusty and the magic mountains
Author- Ruskin Bond
“‘Must everything have a purpose? Must a star have a purpose? Must a pretty sparkler have a purpose other than to emit light? Must a beautiful stone have a purpose?”
This book is a story about Rusty and his friends going on an adventure to the Witch mountain. This whole book is super funny and a fun read,indeed. So much adventures, so many mysteries,so many beautiful twists,all of it made this book a super interesting read.
It’s the final book from the Rusty series. Reading Rusty series for over a year now, I love all of them and I’m so sad that it has finally come to an end. This is the best read for kids especially because of all the magical and fantasy elements this book has.You can easily complete this book in one go. All the Ruskin Bond elements made this book even more beautiful and a beautiful read.
Book 55 of 2023- Rusty and the magic mountains
Author- Ruskin Bond
“‘Must everything have a purpose? Must a star have a purpose? Must a pretty sparkler have a purpose other than to emit light? Must a beautiful stone have a purpose?”
This book is a story about Rusty and his friends going on an adventure to the Witch mountain. This whole book is super funny and a fun read,indeed. So much adventures, so many mysteries,so many beautiful twists,all of it made this book a super interesting read.
It’s the final book from the Rusty series. Reading Rusty series for over a year now, I love all of them and I’m so sad that it has finally come to an end. This is the best read for kids especially because of all the magical and fantasy elements this book has.You can easily complete this book in one go. All the Ruskin Bond elements made this book even more beautiful and a beautiful read.
January 9, 2018
Rusty and the Magic Mountain just blew my mind , it was so amazing I just couldn't stop reading it. The book includes everything I could ever ask for in a perfectly good book. It is a humorous,well illustrated and has a great story line.
A rollicking tale of humour and enchantment, rusty and the magic mountain will win the much-loved character of rusty a whole new band of followers. The book is rib-tickling and Ruskin Bond plays the comedy card again to bring out another great story.
The illustrations are good and well place, capturing much of the essence and mystery of the book. This book will perhaps open up a whole new world of adventure and action. The illustrations are a great way to help you understand the book and as they say "A picture is a thousand words"
The book is very lively and amusing and has a great storyline. According to me this one greatest books Ruskin bond has ever written because it is a story that you don't want to stop reading.
This book ticked all the boxes for me and i really enjoyed reading it, once I began the book my eyes were glued to it.This is a book I suggest for all ages and reading levels.
A rollicking tale of humour and enchantment, rusty and the magic mountain will win the much-loved character of rusty a whole new band of followers. The book is rib-tickling and Ruskin Bond plays the comedy card again to bring out another great story.
The illustrations are good and well place, capturing much of the essence and mystery of the book. This book will perhaps open up a whole new world of adventure and action. The illustrations are a great way to help you understand the book and as they say "A picture is a thousand words"
The book is very lively and amusing and has a great storyline. According to me this one greatest books Ruskin bond has ever written because it is a story that you don't want to stop reading.
This book ticked all the boxes for me and i really enjoyed reading it, once I began the book my eyes were glued to it.This is a book I suggest for all ages and reading levels.
April 20, 2016
Rusty and the Magic Mountain
This is the first book I read of the Rusty series and i absolutely loved it. It is a quick read, spanning about 119 pages.
Rusty and the Magic Mountain, written in a peculiar Ruskin Bond style. The tone is very simple making it an easy read. The book has beautiful illustrations by Archana Sreenivasan and an eye-catching cover art by Aparajita Ninan with beautiful usage of neon green over black, making it funky for children and adults together.
Rusty and the Magic Mountain are about an Anglo-Indian teenager named Rusty (I believe he's an alter ego of the author himself) who is an adventure-seeking, engaging youth who aspires to travel and write. He learns about a magical and mystical mountain from the locals and is determined to climb the mountain and retrieve the treasure. Along, on the journey, he takes with him his pal Popat who is a faint-hearted little fellow, and Pitamber, a brawny wrestler who has a special fondness towards food. Together they embark upon the journey and meet strange characters like the Black Hat, Princess Reema and the ugly, old Witch Queen who loves her crows.
The story is unlike any other Bond's work I've read earlier. It is a gripping adventure that leaves you breathless until the very end.
{Spoiler Alert} The Scene where the tiger haunts the boys and kills the forest guard left my heart pounding.
There are certain hitches though. {Spoiler Alert} When Rusty looks at the inscription on the tombstone of Gloriana Herbert, who died in 1935 which he figures out was sixteen years before the events taking place in the story, making it the year 1951.
Then in the later part of the story, Popat whistles a popular film tune 'Aaja, pyaare, paas hamare, kahe ghabraye...' which is a song from the Bollywood movie Pyaasa released in the year 1957. This makes it highly unlikely for the boy to know the song in the year 1951.
All in all, nothing much significant, this is a nice summer read.
This is the first book I read of the Rusty series and i absolutely loved it. It is a quick read, spanning about 119 pages.
Rusty and the Magic Mountain, written in a peculiar Ruskin Bond style. The tone is very simple making it an easy read. The book has beautiful illustrations by Archana Sreenivasan and an eye-catching cover art by Aparajita Ninan with beautiful usage of neon green over black, making it funky for children and adults together.
Rusty and the Magic Mountain are about an Anglo-Indian teenager named Rusty (I believe he's an alter ego of the author himself) who is an adventure-seeking, engaging youth who aspires to travel and write. He learns about a magical and mystical mountain from the locals and is determined to climb the mountain and retrieve the treasure. Along, on the journey, he takes with him his pal Popat who is a faint-hearted little fellow, and Pitamber, a brawny wrestler who has a special fondness towards food. Together they embark upon the journey and meet strange characters like the Black Hat, Princess Reema and the ugly, old Witch Queen who loves her crows.
The story is unlike any other Bond's work I've read earlier. It is a gripping adventure that leaves you breathless until the very end.
{Spoiler Alert} The Scene where the tiger haunts the boys and kills the forest guard left my heart pounding.
There are certain hitches though. {Spoiler Alert} When Rusty looks at the inscription on the tombstone of Gloriana Herbert, who died in 1935 which he figures out was sixteen years before the events taking place in the story, making it the year 1951.
Then in the later part of the story, Popat whistles a popular film tune 'Aaja, pyaare, paas hamare, kahe ghabraye...' which is a song from the Bollywood movie Pyaasa released in the year 1957. This makes it highly unlikely for the boy to know the song in the year 1951.
All in all, nothing much significant, this is a nice summer read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2020
This book is about the adventures of Ruskin Bond's alter ego Rusty. Rusty goes to a trek on a magic mountain, along with two of his friends. Their adventures throughout are full of tales and events of mystery and supernatural. They take shelter in a forest bungalow that comes out as haunted one, and then reach an old palace high on the hills. There also adventure and horror awaits them. Although the book is meant for children, yet I found it quite spooky for them.
Ruskin Bond describes Rusty as someone who didn't just want to write a mystery, he wanted to live one. Ruskin Bond is a perfect story teller. He captures every tiny sound and sight of nature. And in this book the nature's sounds are mingled with those of supernatural, that makes it a perfect spooky read, full of humour.
Ruskin Bond describes Rusty as someone who didn't just want to write a mystery, he wanted to live one. Ruskin Bond is a perfect story teller. He captures every tiny sound and sight of nature. And in this book the nature's sounds are mingled with those of supernatural, that makes it a perfect spooky read, full of humour.
September 6, 2019
one of the best book in rusty series, it is stuffed with Indiana Jones adventure, motors cycle diary type feel and a complete fantasy plot to remind you of fairy tales and Harry potter. some of the characters are inspired by Snow White and seven dwarfs. immensely hilarious, racy, a bit of romance and tons of thrill to keep you glued to the unpredictable climax. Ruskin bond has unleashed his imagination to the best. a special mention to illustrator archana srinivas for breathing life into story with eye catching visuals. review coming soon on my blog.
December 28, 2015
Ruskin bond sir is among my favorite authors in the universe.
his stories make you nostalgic for places you have never been to. for memories you have never had. a childhood you never experienced.
it's actually very ridiculous how there hasn't been much activity on this book's page, because it truly is beautiful, in its writing and in its imagery. and just the right amount of the supernatural.
it's a book for children and for the child in everyone of us.
thank you Ruskin sir. :)
his stories make you nostalgic for places you have never been to. for memories you have never had. a childhood you never experienced.
it's actually very ridiculous how there hasn't been much activity on this book's page, because it truly is beautiful, in its writing and in its imagery. and just the right amount of the supernatural.
it's a book for children and for the child in everyone of us.
thank you Ruskin sir. :)
March 18, 2016
Loved it. Cute and adventurous and magical :)
January 6, 2022
This book intensified my reading!!
November 6, 2024
It's a wonderful book having beauty of nature as well as a little amount of touch of magic
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews