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The First Two Lives of Lukas-Kasha
In the busy village square, Lukas is drawn to a magician called Battisto the Magnificent, who promises adventure to anyone who will pay for it. Anxious for excitement, Lukas spends a silver coin and volunteers to take part in Battisto's magic. He is plunged into a tub of water and finds himself washed ashore in a new land of palaces and hidden treasure.
To his astonishment, Lukas is hailed King of Abadan by those who find him. But his life in the palace is endangered by rivals who threaten to overthrow him. Running for his life, Lukas takes off with the court astrologer, a hot-tempered slave girl, and a poet. Not in his wildest dreams could Lukas have imagined this strange turn of events. And the adventure is just beginning…
To his astonishment, Lukas is hailed King of Abadan by those who find him. But his life in the palace is endangered by rivals who threaten to overthrow him. Running for his life, Lukas takes off with the court astrologer, a hot-tempered slave girl, and a poet. Not in his wildest dreams could Lukas have imagined this strange turn of events. And the adventure is just beginning…
213 pages, Paperback
First published September 28, 1978
4 people are currently reading
409 people want to read
About the author
Lloyd Alexander
134 books2,103 followersLloyd Chudley Alexander was an influential American author of more than forty books, mostly fantasy novels for children and adolescents, as well as several adult books. His most famous contribution to the field of children's literature is the fantasy series The Chronicles of Prydain. The concluding book of the series,
The High King
, was awarded the Newbery Medal in 1969. Alexander's other books have also won the National Book Award and the American Book Award. He was also one of the creators of Cricket Magazine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
December 31, 2012
In this middle-grade tale inspired by fifteenth-century Persian history, lovable good-for-nothing Lukas-Kasha is magically transported to an unknown kingdom, where he quite accidentally is selected by the chief soothsayer to become the new king. Though all his fantasies of the good life have suddenly been realized, Lukas manages to flub it up by actually trying to be a good king. Before long he's on the run with an ascerbic former slave girl and an impudent public versifier, and many more adventures ensue as he tries to evade his enemies and prevent a war armed with nothing more than his good heart, bravado, and quick wits.
Re-read this and was stunned all over again at how great it was. Just hilarious and smart all the way through. It was one of my favorite books as a kid and has stood the test of time - I gave it to my nephews as a Christmas present.
Re-read this and was stunned all over again at how great it was. Just hilarious and smart all the way through. It was one of my favorite books as a kid and has stood the test of time - I gave it to my nephews as a Christmas present.
April 24, 2016
This was, I believe, the first book I ever read by the author of the wonderful Prydain Chronicles and so many other favorite books. It was when I was a child myself, and not just a grown-up specializing in book reviews of children's books. Coming back to it after so many years, I remembered only a little about it, apart from the exotic impression it left behind. And now having re-read it, I am understandably struck by a sense of the familiar - but surprisingly, not because I can remember the experience of reading it before, but because I can smell its kinship to the Prydain Chronicles. Alexander was inspired by Persian folklore in this instance, and by Welsh in the other; but some of the ideas cross over, such as a questing trio being composed of an unlikely hero, a tough-minded princess, and a comical bard-type character (a versifier in one case, a minstrel in the other). Perhaps the obvious similarities stop there. But it is equally evident that both tales - whether a five-book arc or this stand-alone book - spring from the imagination of a master storyteller with one ear tuned to the patterns and inflections of ancient legends, and the other to the hearts and funny-bones of today's children.
Lukas, who sometimes gives his name as Kasha, enjoys his position the official town ne'er-do-well of the village of Zara-Petra - swindling a merchant here, playing tricks on the mayor there - until the day a traveling conjurer summons him from the crowd to assist him in a spectacular trick. As soon as the magician dunks Lukas' head in a pot of water, the young man finds himself splashing in the ocean off a strange coast. Almost immediately he is discovered by the ministers of the kingdom of Abadan - I know, he's never heard of it either - and hailed as its new king, who was prophesied to rise from the sea.
At first, Lukas enjoys his part in the magic trick, losing himself in a life of pleasure such as only the figurehead ruler of a powerful, Central Asian country can afford. But then he realizes his administrators hold all the real power, and they are using it for cruel purposes. He starts to study how to be a better king and how to make better laws. He tries to think of a way to stop the war brewing between his country and the mountain people of the north. He saves a versifier from being impaled on a spear for writing rude verses about him and his Grand Vizier. He soon becomes such a thorn in the side of his counselors that they begin plotting to assassinate him.
Suddenly Lukas is a king on the run from his own government. He still wants to try to stop the war Shugdad, the Grand Vizier, is determined to wage with neighboring Bishangar. But it is all he can do to keep himself and his companions out of the clutches of robbers, enemy soldiers, and his own army, which is just as dangerous. Meanwhile, he tries to teach a hard-bitten Bishangari girl there are ways to get things done without dying or killing, and ultimately he uses his experience as a ne'er-do-well to do very well indeed.
There is nothing I can say about the story's ending that wouldn't be an unforgivable spoiler. Just expect it to be marvelous, magical, bittersweet, and wide open for your imagination to play in. Then be sure not to miss some of Alexander's other stories set in exotic climes: The Remarkable Journey of Prince Jen; The Fortune-Tellers; The Arkadians; The Iron Ring; The Rope Trick; and The Golden Dream of Carlo Chuchio. I myself have yet to taste only a few of these well-seasoned dishes. But Lloyd Alexander has never disappointed me yet.
Lukas, who sometimes gives his name as Kasha, enjoys his position the official town ne'er-do-well of the village of Zara-Petra - swindling a merchant here, playing tricks on the mayor there - until the day a traveling conjurer summons him from the crowd to assist him in a spectacular trick. As soon as the magician dunks Lukas' head in a pot of water, the young man finds himself splashing in the ocean off a strange coast. Almost immediately he is discovered by the ministers of the kingdom of Abadan - I know, he's never heard of it either - and hailed as its new king, who was prophesied to rise from the sea.
At first, Lukas enjoys his part in the magic trick, losing himself in a life of pleasure such as only the figurehead ruler of a powerful, Central Asian country can afford. But then he realizes his administrators hold all the real power, and they are using it for cruel purposes. He starts to study how to be a better king and how to make better laws. He tries to think of a way to stop the war brewing between his country and the mountain people of the north. He saves a versifier from being impaled on a spear for writing rude verses about him and his Grand Vizier. He soon becomes such a thorn in the side of his counselors that they begin plotting to assassinate him.
Suddenly Lukas is a king on the run from his own government. He still wants to try to stop the war Shugdad, the Grand Vizier, is determined to wage with neighboring Bishangar. But it is all he can do to keep himself and his companions out of the clutches of robbers, enemy soldiers, and his own army, which is just as dangerous. Meanwhile, he tries to teach a hard-bitten Bishangari girl there are ways to get things done without dying or killing, and ultimately he uses his experience as a ne'er-do-well to do very well indeed.
There is nothing I can say about the story's ending that wouldn't be an unforgivable spoiler. Just expect it to be marvelous, magical, bittersweet, and wide open for your imagination to play in. Then be sure not to miss some of Alexander's other stories set in exotic climes: The Remarkable Journey of Prince Jen; The Fortune-Tellers; The Arkadians; The Iron Ring; The Rope Trick; and The Golden Dream of Carlo Chuchio. I myself have yet to taste only a few of these well-seasoned dishes. But Lloyd Alexander has never disappointed me yet.
April 19, 2007
This book is worth reading for if nothing else than the curses and insults:
"Scrofulous camel in the tent of prosperity!"
"May you have the seven-year itch and only two years to scratch"
It's is a great adventure story, set in a different world, with a great sense of humor sprinkled throughout.
"Scrofulous camel in the tent of prosperity!"
"May you have the seven-year itch and only two years to scratch"
It's is a great adventure story, set in a different world, with a great sense of humor sprinkled throughout.
December 30, 2019
At first it took a while for this story to get going, but when it did it seemed like it would mostly be light and humorous, somewhat like Gypsy Rizka. But as it went on it became more serious and mature than I had expected, and I did really feel invested in what happened to Lukas and his friends. The conclusion was clever and pretty mind-bending, but when I realized what was going to happen I really didn't want it to end that way! But as gut-wrenching as it was, the ending is quite daring for a children's book and it is done very well. I greatly underestimated what The First Two Lives of Lukas-Kasha would be, and it's definitely another keeper for my Lloyd Alexander collection!
October 8, 2019
This is a delightful book, another gem from Lloyd Alexander. The writing is certainly reminiscent of his magnificent Chronicles of Prydain, whereas the story is not dissimilar to his Marvelous Misadventures of Sebastian. It's cleverly crafted and entertaining, while also thought-provoking and insightful, as typical of Lloyd Alexander's books. Well recommended.
August 23, 2017
As fun and exciting as the other Lloyd Alexander books I have read before, with the same love of jingle-jangle explored in a helpful jester-like character.
September 9, 2025
A super fun and cozy read where literal escapism from one’s reality can lead to character growth in 15th century Persia.
September 29, 2013
The first Two Lives of Lukas-Kasha
Lukas-Kasha, a beggar boy, is pushed through a bucket into a magical land called Abadan. While escaping from a power-hungry vizier, Lukas-Kasha gains amazing friends and both wonderful and terrifying experiences.
The First Two Lives Of Lukas-Kasha is an exciting, action-filled story that is interesting, and fun to read.
The characters in this story were phenomenal. I could really emphasize with them, and their personalities were varied. My favorite character was Lukas-Kasha, because he was smart and sly. I also liked Nur-Jehan, a girl who fights first and asks questions later.
The setting of this book is a magical world called Abadan. I am a fantasy genre lover, so I liked that it took place in a word other then ours. Abadan also had realistic struggles as a country, such as a monarch who is trying to gain more power. The plot is amazing, and it is a book everyone should read.
Lukas-Kasha, a beggar boy, is pushed through a bucket into a magical land called Abadan. While escaping from a power-hungry vizier, Lukas-Kasha gains amazing friends and both wonderful and terrifying experiences.
The First Two Lives Of Lukas-Kasha is an exciting, action-filled story that is interesting, and fun to read.
The characters in this story were phenomenal. I could really emphasize with them, and their personalities were varied. My favorite character was Lukas-Kasha, because he was smart and sly. I also liked Nur-Jehan, a girl who fights first and asks questions later.
The setting of this book is a magical world called Abadan. I am a fantasy genre lover, so I liked that it took place in a word other then ours. Abadan also had realistic struggles as a country, such as a monarch who is trying to gain more power. The plot is amazing, and it is a book everyone should read.
June 11, 2024
a roguish village boy falls through a tray of water and emerges half-drowned in a foreign sea. there, he is crowned emperor according to celestial prophecy, before he sacrifices the luxury bestowed upon him due to an unforeseen sense of duty. basically another classic alexander novel w a foolish hero, a sharp-tongued heroine, and an assortment of funny characters. this one differs from the rest of his oeuvre in that it’s (1) persian-inspired and (2) a portal fantasy. the ending is unexpected and the reader’s satisfaction (lol) depends on their willingness to see the best in it. i’m still trying to convince myself i liked the last page…
May 6, 2018
This book jumps directly into the story promised on the back of the book, and the main character doesn't waste chapters upon chapters of time in a confused daze, trying to figure out if he's really been transported into another world or not. He is amusingly clever, but not perfectly so, and requires the help of his companions.
The ending is
The ending is
November 5, 2020
Revisiting a childhood favorite. Read it to my son, who is the same age I was when I first read it. He really enjoyed it. Particularly liked how Lukas-Kasha resolved conflicts not with a sword but with words and his wits. Despite having been written 42 years ago, the book feels contemporary and relevant.
January 18, 2022
With only one dull-ish moment towards the middle, I found Lukas Kasha quite compelling, as an adult. It starts bright and gets quite dark as it progresses. Lukas Kasha has quite delightful ideas for solving problems and resolving crises, and I think my 11 year old son got quite a lot out of this book too.
October 19, 2025
Once again, Alexander weaves a compelling and unique tale of whimsy and wonder. Town rascal Lukas finds himself unexpectedly in another role that challenges his character. And the journey changes him for the better. Meanwhile, Alexander shares his view on the horrors of war.
June 20, 2019
Oh man, I have mixed feelings. I liked this book quite a bit, but the ending! It left me SO unsettled!! Maaaebleeageracgh!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2019
A fun middle grade adventure & fantasy with roots in Persian folklore. Definitely recommended!
January 28, 2021
Love pretty much anything by Lloyd Alexander. A fun adventure story with an interesting twist.
August 21, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. Lukas is a rascal, but has much to give the world.
February 12, 2021
One of Lloyd Alexander's better stories. As usual, the Author manages to introduce and familiarize the Reader with the main character very quickly, while wasting absolutely no time in delving into the story. Lukas-Kasha is hilarious right off - a likable Aladdin, in many ways - and promises to be one of those cheeky, witty fellows who is surprisingly fun and not just a completely useless lout. And naturally, all of the characters Lukas meets along his adventures all have unquie personalities, utterly likable in their own right, or horrible villains. Sur-Jehan is a strong female character who can be stubborn, isn't afraid of speaking her mind, and knows how to look after herself. However, unlike so many "strong" female characters in modern literature, Sur-Jehan is believable and doesn't have the modern macho-girl image that is so disgusting to me.
Having collected a nice array of people about him, Lukas is thrust into the sort of hilarious and weird adventure that Lloyd Alexander always promises in his books. Unlike his others, however, Lloyd Alexander actually ends it satisfactorily and with an ending that seems to suit the story. As I continued to read and the number of pages dwindled, I was beginning to fear that this book would have the typical slapped-together ending I had come to expect in this Author's stories, but I was pleasantly surprised, and I can shout hurrah!
The First Two Lives of Lukas-Kasha is an absolute triumph; a complete must-read for those Readers who love silly adventures.
Having collected a nice array of people about him, Lukas is thrust into the sort of hilarious and weird adventure that Lloyd Alexander always promises in his books. Unlike his others, however, Lloyd Alexander actually ends it satisfactorily and with an ending that seems to suit the story. As I continued to read and the number of pages dwindled, I was beginning to fear that this book would have the typical slapped-together ending I had come to expect in this Author's stories, but I was pleasantly surprised, and I can shout hurrah!
The First Two Lives of Lukas-Kasha is an absolute triumph; a complete must-read for those Readers who love silly adventures.
June 22, 2016
The First Two Lives of Lukas-Kasha is a marvelous little book. Weaving fairytale-style narrative together with elements from The Kestrel perhaps from Coelho's, The Alchemist, and plot pieces that mimic what Addison later constructed in The Goblin Emperor, Alexander really outdid himself in this forgotten little novel. I would wager that it's likely his best piece, fully rivaling The Black Cauldron, making up for its lack of 'dark' gravity with humor, wit, and not a little wisdom.
Lukas-Kasha is an elegant coming-of-age story that synthesizes the best of Lloyd Alexander's writing strengths--his humor, his colorful descriptions, his strange penchant for narrating absurd coincidences. It features a rascallion loafer who finds himself suddenly transported to a strange land and thrust into the position of king, who, when faced with sudden responsibility slowly grows into the role. In this novel, Alexander's whimsy synergizes strongly with his penchant for delivering bite-sized chunks of wisdom. Whereas in other books, he tends to either stray so far into frolicsome frivolity that the novels feel shallow, or else delivers his life-lessons in so heavy-handed a manner that he comes off as cheesy, here there is a wonderful marriage of whimsy and wisdom that is genuinely thought-provoking while still remaining so light and fluid that the book is definitely a very approachable Y/A novel.
In short, I loved this book, would be very pleased to share it with other people, and strongly recommend it!
Lukas-Kasha is an elegant coming-of-age story that synthesizes the best of Lloyd Alexander's writing strengths--his humor, his colorful descriptions, his strange penchant for narrating absurd coincidences. It features a rascallion loafer who finds himself suddenly transported to a strange land and thrust into the position of king, who, when faced with sudden responsibility slowly grows into the role. In this novel, Alexander's whimsy synergizes strongly with his penchant for delivering bite-sized chunks of wisdom. Whereas in other books, he tends to either stray so far into frolicsome frivolity that the novels feel shallow, or else delivers his life-lessons in so heavy-handed a manner that he comes off as cheesy, here there is a wonderful marriage of whimsy and wisdom that is genuinely thought-provoking while still remaining so light and fluid that the book is definitely a very approachable Y/A novel.
In short, I loved this book, would be very pleased to share it with other people, and strongly recommend it!
September 14, 2009
As always, master storyteller Lloyd Alexander delivers a story of wit and laughter, quiet reflection and no little sorrow, bold, vibrant characters, and a journey to something greater.
Lukas-Kasha is many things. A lazy street urchin. A bit of a rogue. A thief. But a rather lovable one. And one day a man named Battisto sends him to another world, another life. Here he is the king, the Center of the Universe, and he is afforded a lifestyle and luxuries he could only have dreamed of before. But he sees that things are not all hunk-dory in his kingdom and he tries to change them. But with good intentions and no head for politics, he soon finds himself the victim of an assassination plot. Lukas is soon on the run for his life, and trying to stop an unnecessary war with the neighboring kingdom. Along with him for the craziness is Kasim, an erstwhile versifier and self-proclaimed coward; Haki, an extremely loquacious young boy who sees himself as eternally indebted to Lukas; Locman, the court astrologer who finds a new path; and Nur Jehan, a girl who was called a slave and was always queen.
The ending was slightly different from what I expected, but I know that Lukas finds his companions again somewhere along down the road...
Lukas-Kasha is many things. A lazy street urchin. A bit of a rogue. A thief. But a rather lovable one. And one day a man named Battisto sends him to another world, another life. Here he is the king, the Center of the Universe, and he is afforded a lifestyle and luxuries he could only have dreamed of before. But he sees that things are not all hunk-dory in his kingdom and he tries to change them. But with good intentions and no head for politics, he soon finds himself the victim of an assassination plot. Lukas is soon on the run for his life, and trying to stop an unnecessary war with the neighboring kingdom. Along with him for the craziness is Kasim, an erstwhile versifier and self-proclaimed coward; Haki, an extremely loquacious young boy who sees himself as eternally indebted to Lukas; Locman, the court astrologer who finds a new path; and Nur Jehan, a girl who was called a slave and was always queen.
The ending was slightly different from what I expected, but I know that Lukas finds his companions again somewhere along down the road...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2015
The story of 'The First Two Lives of Lukas-Kasha' is a very wonderful and very cliched story. In a few ways it mirrors the story of Aladdin in the way that the protagonists life is changed immediately by some from of magic or mystical power. This mystical power takes the form of an old peddler in a bazaar who shoved Lukas' face in a bucket of water for money. Lukas is transported to a whole new world and becomes king under completely ridiculous pretenses. Lukas soon learns that his highest adviser is abusing his power and is behaving more like the king than the king is. Soon the Grand Vizier begins to plot against Lukas and Lukas is forced to flee. Clearly Jafaar, the villain from Aladdin, and the Grand Vizier are mirrored characters as well as the rest of the story.
The writing is also close to what I would expect an 8th grade aspiring author to put forth. The dialogue is cheesy and bland, there is hardly any emotion to what characters are saying, and the depth of the characters themselves could be compared to that of a rubber pool in the back yard. That is to say nearly two inches deep?
The writing is also close to what I would expect an 8th grade aspiring author to put forth. The dialogue is cheesy and bland, there is hardly any emotion to what characters are saying, and the depth of the characters themselves could be compared to that of a rubber pool in the back yard. That is to say nearly two inches deep?
January 29, 2024
The morning Lukas drops a silver penny in Battisto the Magnificent's hat, he finds his head thrust in a container of water. Next thing he knows, he is floating in an ocean far from home. Swimming ashore, he sees soldiers coming. As Lukas scrambles up the rocky beach, he slips and hits his head. He awakens to find himself King of Abadan. Shugdad, the Grand Vizier, and Nahdir Aga, Commander of the Guards, are displeased with Lukas' quick ascension to the throne. When he flees for his life, he takes Kayim, a versifier, and Nur-Jehan, a Bishangari girl, with him. They begin their journey to Bishangar in hopes of preventing war between Abadan and Bishangar. Shugdad proclaims Lukas dead, becomes king, and begins his invasion of Bishangar. Lukas is recaptured by Abadan soldiers. He throws caution to the wind and declares himself king. This seemingly rash action leads to peace and reconciliation with Bishangari. Then, when his future seems assured, there is one last surprise in store for Lukas.
©2024 Kathy Maxwell at https://bookskidslike.com
©2024 Kathy Maxwell at https://bookskidslike.com
May 3, 2013
Normally I can't praise Lloyd Alexander's stuff highly enough, but I have to admit this book left me rather flat. The plot kind of meandered, Lukas wasn't a particularly engaging protagonist, actually everyone read like a caricature. The text itself sometimes felt like there were chunks missing. I feel bad for saying that, because I just finished writing a somewhat minimalist piece myself...but it felt very rushed, particularly given that most fo the action seemed to take place in a dream sequence... or maybe not, that part was never cleared up...
It wasn't an awful book, just not up to the standards I'm used to with this author. It felt like it had been rushed.
It wasn't an awful book, just not up to the standards I'm used to with this author. It felt like it had been rushed.
August 20, 2013
As an eternal fan of Lloyd Alexander, I was overjoyed when a friend of mine handed me her copy of this book - a story of Mr. Alexander's I was completely unfamilar with.
Like most of Alexander's works, this story continues the tradition of being a very classical middle grade adventure. Lukas-Kasha and his companions are delightfully compelling and colorful characters.
It is a simple and fun adventure that is a breath of fresh air in a time when the children's literature industry insists on churning out rubbish.
This is a highly reccomeded read for Alexander fans, middle grade students and anyone who enjoys delightful adventure stories.
Like most of Alexander's works, this story continues the tradition of being a very classical middle grade adventure. Lukas-Kasha and his companions are delightfully compelling and colorful characters.
It is a simple and fun adventure that is a breath of fresh air in a time when the children's literature industry insists on churning out rubbish.
This is a highly reccomeded read for Alexander fans, middle grade students and anyone who enjoys delightful adventure stories.
April 28, 2015
This author always has really exciting and well-organized plots with plenty of action and mystery and adventure and plot twists! However, his characters are not well-developed, and they always seem very wooden, almost robotic. He is terrible about "telling" instead of "showing." I don't want you to TELL me that these two characters annoy each other. SHOW me that they are annoyed through their dialogue and their actions. Don't TELL me that these two became friends, and then just jump into the rest of the plot. SHOW me why they became friends, and how they started to trust each other, or how they connected through some shared experience. This is just lazy writing.
May 12, 2014
4.5 stars. Imaginative and inventive story infused with exotic Persian influences. Alexander writes with memorable characters exuding personality, and what I like best about this book is the emphasis on cleverness and intelligence. Lukas is a delightful rogue of a character, and his companions are writ no less large. The ending was a bit of a roguish trick by Alexanter as well--while I suspected what the ending had to be, when it came to pass I felt very let down. The final page totally redeemed it; what Lukas did with that ending was perfect.
February 22, 2008
Another childhood favorite of mine. A boy lets a magician dunk his head into a bucket of water to prove the magician a charlatan. Next thing the boy knows, he pulls his head out of the the ocean, not a bucket. He then goes on to become a prince, rescue a princess, and have all sorts of adventures before he is again in the waves at sea. He surfaces to find himself pulling his head out of the bucket, the magician chuckling at him. Great book.
July 4, 2011
I've always loved Lloyd Alexander's books, and this one didn't disappoint. I really enjoyed Lukas's character. He grew and learned a lot throughout the story. I also enjoyed the other characters, especially the ones that had bigger roles to play than the first initial meeting, like Osman, the water bearer, and others. I loved the whole environment that Alexander put together. The culture and areas were fun to read about.
February 14, 2011
I read lots of Lloyd Alexander as a kid. I had fond memories of this one and so decided to read it to my son, Alex. He got bored halfway through. Children are allowed to reject their parents' old favorites? Who knew? I carried on and finished the book. It's different than my dim memory of it, but still great. Lloyd Alexander's light touch and sense of humor shine through. I'm quite sure I'll get back to the Chronicles of Prydain books one day, with or without Alex.
August 7, 2013
I've been a huge Lloyd Alexander fan for more than 25 years. His stories draw me in every time, and each time a book ends, I can't help but be sad. The First Two Lives of Lukas Kasha is a wonderful story, full of magic, mischief, and childish ways that turn suddenly and land in a forced maturity. Wonderful.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews