Tally and the Angel (India) is an adventure story aimed at the 8–12 years age group. It’s the first book in a series, with short chapters.
The main character is Tally, a young teenager, recently bereaved. After her mother’s funeral, her dad gives her a letter and a box containing a pendant. Enclosed in this pendant is an angel, Jophiel, who becomes an important secondary character.
Tally’s dad, a surgeon, wants to travel overseas. The decision is made for Tally to accompany him and be home schooled. And so, the stage is set for Tally’s first adventure in India.
The plot is well structured and engaging. At the commencement of each chapter, a brief dual timeline tells the angel’s story, accompanied by a pencil sketch. This provides a Christian aspect to the novel, although at times I thought the vocabulary used and the understanding required may need some explanation.
Tally’s friendship with a local boy, Belvan, provides her with a companion for the adventure. As they explore, a strong educational value is added to the narrative, introducing the tastes and smells of Indian food and insights into the culture, fashions and transport in the country. I liked the explanation of how the youngsters respectfully address the older generation.
The author delivers an action-packed, fast-paced text, building steadily towards the climax. Young children are going missing, and the duo want to solve the mystery. The descriptions are vivid – but sometimes, for me, a bit graphic. The dialogue both moves the story along and brings the characters to life. Tally’s emotional outbursts felt natural for a young teenager.
Overall, this book will appeal to the intended age group as it contains elements of fantasy, danger, suspense, twists, turns and surprises. The concept of the angel in the pendant with powers will certainly fuel a young reader’s imagination!
I award this book 4 stars.
