Author: J.C. Carleson
1st Date of Publication: February 11, 2014
1st Date of Publication: February 11, 2014
ISBN: 9780449809976
# of Pages: 304
# of Pages: 304
Genre: Young Adult Historical Fiction
Age Rating: 13+
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Book Description:
From a former CIA officer comes the riveting account of a royal Middle Eastern family exiled to the American suburbs.
When her father is killed in a coup, 15-year-old Laila flees from the war-torn middle east to a life of exile and anonymity in the U.S. Gradually she adjusts to a new school, new friends, and a new culture, but while Laila sees opportunity in her new life, her mother is focused on the past. She’s conspiring with CIA operatives and rebel factions to regain the throne their family lost. Laila can’t bear to stand still as an international crisis takes shape around her, but how can one girl stop a conflict that spans generations?
J.C. Carleson delivers a fascinating account of a girl—and a country—on the brink, and a rare glimpse at the personal side of international politics.
Setting: Washington, D.C. in the 21st century
Point of View: 1st person- Laila
From a former CIA officer comes the riveting account of a royal Middle Eastern family exiled to the American suburbs.
When her father is killed in a coup, 15-year-old Laila flees from the war-torn middle east to a life of exile and anonymity in the U.S. Gradually she adjusts to a new school, new friends, and a new culture, but while Laila sees opportunity in her new life, her mother is focused on the past. She’s conspiring with CIA operatives and rebel factions to regain the throne their family lost. Laila can’t bear to stand still as an international crisis takes shape around her, but how can one girl stop a conflict that spans generations?
J.C. Carleson delivers a fascinating account of a girl—and a country—on the brink, and a rare glimpse at the personal side of international politics.
Setting: Washington, D.C. in the 21st century
Point of View: 1st person- Laila
Goodreads Rating: 3.73
My Rating: 3.90
Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both
View on the Cover: Who is the girl hidden by the veil? Is it worn because of her culture?
View on Title: Why is she the tyrant's daughter? Is she royalty?
View on Title: Why is she the tyrant's daughter? Is she royalty?
Pros:
- It was interesting to see a character from the Middle East get used to America culture. Laila gets used to the ideas of school, freedom, and dating.
- I liked how the chapter's were short. It made the book go at a quicker pace.
- Laila seems to be very smart as she tries not to betray her family and does what she thinks is right.
- Laila's relationship with her 6/7 year old brother is interesting as she tries to keep his innocence, but not lie him since he is the rightful ruler of their country but is in hiding from their dictator uncle.
Cons:
- I felt that there was a lack of character development in some of the characters.
- Laila's character was a bit frustrating because she would make the complete opposite decision in the end. It was a constant annoyance.
Critics' Reviews:
"Carleson, a former undercover CIA officer, infuses her story with compelling details and gripping authenticity." -The Boston Globe
"This is more than just Laila’s story; rather, it is a story of context, beautifully written (by a former undercover CIA agent), and stirring in its questions and eloquent observations about our society and that of the Middle East." -Booklist
“Laila is a complex and layered character whose nuanced observations will help readers better understand the divide between American and Middle Eastern cultures. Smart, relevant, required reading.” -Kirkus
"Filled with political intrigue and emotional tension, Carleson’s riveting novel features a teenage refugee caught in a web of deceit and conspiracy." -Publishers Weekly
J.C. Carelson's Website:
"Carleson, a former undercover CIA officer, infuses her story with compelling details and gripping authenticity." -The Boston Globe
"This is more than just Laila’s story; rather, it is a story of context, beautifully written (by a former undercover CIA agent), and stirring in its questions and eloquent observations about our society and that of the Middle East." -Booklist
“Laila is a complex and layered character whose nuanced observations will help readers better understand the divide between American and Middle Eastern cultures. Smart, relevant, required reading.” -Kirkus
"Filled with political intrigue and emotional tension, Carleson’s riveting novel features a teenage refugee caught in a web of deceit and conspiracy." -Publishers Weekly
J.C. Carelson's Website:
http://www.jccarleson.com/
Other Recommendations:
The Milk of Birds by Sylvia Whitman
A Time to Dance by Padma Venkatraman
A Time to Dance by Padma Venkatraman
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