Steeped in history, mystery and ancient magic, The Terracotta Horse — the latest book in The Three Hares series — is a rip-roaring adventure for readers who love fast-paced action with interesting characters and oodles of atmosphere.
The story begins with Salma desperate to secure a prestigious red-black belt in taekwondo: “The red signified that the belt-holders were aware of their skills and recognised the need for self-control. She had that! As for the black, it represented indifference to darkness and fear. Well, she wasn’t afraid of anything, least of all this exam.”
Salma’s fearlessness and commitment turn out to be essential to when she’s conveyed from the British Museum to another time, another place, and a very real battle. Along with Sara and Sanjeev, whom readers will remember from the previous novels, Salma is transported to Xi'an, where a wealthy gangster has kidnapped a leading scientist in order to achieve immortality.
And so a high-stakes story of survival unfolds at tremendous pace, with cutting-edge genetics and ancient medicine playing pivotal roles in this classic battle between good versus evil.
Salma Mansour is a black belt in taekwondo, a skill she will need to stay alive. One second, she's in the British Museum, the next a thousand years away in a battle between the Saxons and Vikings. And she's supposed to help?
Things momentarily brighten when she encounters Sara and Sanjeev, who seem to understand. They don't have much time to plan though; without warning, all three are transported to Xi'an, stronghold of Chan, a wealthy gang leader bent on immortality. Chan has kidnapped world-famous geneticist Lin Dan and assembled fragments of an ancient magic. Chan will stop at nothing to fulfil his dream ... even if it means releasing forces far beyond his control. The Three Hares must work together to defeat Chan and the power that controls him ... or else.
Rich in mythology and history, this is a fast-paced, action-packed and immersive middle-grade adventure story for readers 8-13.
“Middle grade to young adult readers seeking a quest fantasy that is a serious notch above other genre reads will appreciate the depth, insights, action, and surprising twists and turns that make The Three Hares: The Jade Dragonball a standout production.” D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
Author
About Scott Lauder, David Ross
Scott Lauder (pictured) was born in Ayrshire, Scotland. Having taught in Greece, Japan, and England, he now lives with his wife and four cats in the UAE where he teaches English. In his free time, he enjoys hiking and drinking good coffee. His books include The Right Thing, A Single Shot, and The Boy-King Tutankhamun.
David Ross has travelled and taught throughout Asia since he first moved there in 1987. He currently teaches in upstate NY, where he lives with his wife and two sons. Other projects include: Pastimes, encounters with a Stone Age people, and Dim, a detective novel.
