The Magic Necklace of Al-Andalus: A Novel by Robert H. Boyer

The Magic Necklace of Al-Andalus: A Novel Reviews

• 
  Kevin Revolinski

  From the 8th century through the 15th Muslims ruled in Andalucia, Spain, and cities such as Cordoba, Seville, and Granada were famous for their culture, which drew upon not just the Islamic heritage, but also Christian and Jewish influences. This fantastical story of a magic necklace takes three young people back in time to several historic moments during that period so that historical figures and events become part of this story. They witness both prejudice and “convivencia, the harmony that should exist among Jews, Christians, and Muslims who are related in belief.” As they seek to find their purpose in being there, they also struggle with their own religious identities and the coming change of political control.
  
  In lamenting the difficulty of a mixed marriage, a character longs to go to “Toledo in the north where such differences do not matter so much. As the waters from different streams converge there to make the Tagus, the greatest river in the land, so do persons of many differences come together to make a city of greatness and hope.” The novel offers young protagonists, a bit of action, a bit of history, and a look at the conditions of the time, while also addressing an important theme of our own time – not just religious tolerance but a convivencia that lifts all. The characters are thoughtful and the insights they gain become the reader’s in this well-told tale. The byproduct is you may also become more curious about a very fascinating period of history.
  
• 
  Kellie

  "The Magic Necklace of Al-Andalus" is a historical fantasy book for all ages. It doesn't mean it shies away from deep themes like religious tolerance (and intolerance). The book takes place in Medieval Spain, though the main characters Cass, Thea, and Alan are from 1950s America.
  
  The kids go back in history because of Cass wearing a magical necklace that she got from her late grandmother Esther. The necklace and Cass play an important part in the story because it is believed that the bearer and the necklace can help the lives and the beliefs of those who are threatened. It's a theme that never gets old.
  
  Anyway, Al-Andalus refers to the area in which the Muslim people tolerated and often welcomed Christian and Jews. Like stated before the book takes place nearly 800 years where Spain was taken over by the Moors. The book ends where they are being expelled from the country. Now that's the historical part, the magic revolves around the necklace as well as Maiden, which she is a Djinni.
  
  I found the characters to be pretty interesting and the story to be solid. It starts off fast and the pacing never falters either. Though some might be confused at how fast it does start off. It feels like you may have missed something, but you didn't. Once you get into a groove, you won't put the book down. That may sound cliche but it's very true (I finished the book in two days). It's not too long (or drawn out) either. The book is less than 400 pages.
  
  I liked the writing style of Robert Boyer too. He can describe a scene that transports you. His world is a creation of history and myth. So it's a win for those who both love history and fantasy together. He seemed to have really researched both genres too, which is always a plus for the reader. To put Boyer in a group of other fantasy authors, C.S. Lewis would come to mind.
  
  So overall I think that readers of all ages will learn a few lessons from reading "The Magic Necklace of Al-Andalus" as well as be entertained. The ending definitely feels like a sequel will be happening too.
• 
  Julia

  The concept of the book is good: Three friends travel back in time from 20th century Philadelphia to Spain during the Roman rule, the Moorish rule, and the late 15th century, using a necklace which one of them had inherited from her grandmother. They experience the convivencia when the Moors ruled and the anti-Semitism of Queen Isabella's time. One of the friends is a non-observant Jew who tries to learn about her heritage as she journeys in the past.
  
  The fantasy part was less well done. There is a friendly magical character (a djinn?) named Maiden (or Maeden or Miaden - the spelling in the Kindle edition was inconsistent) who helps the protagonists. Maiden's enemy is Bladen. She shows up a few times, but her role in the story is inconsistent.
  
  Multiple typos, especially the changes in Maiden's name, were very frustrating.
  
  
• 
  ܗܐܣܣܐܢ ܓܐܝܐܣܬܐܢ

  The past is where we share.
  The future is where we belong.
  
  Great!
• 
  Laurie

  An engaging historical novel that includes time travel and religious history, as well as the honorable themes of identity and belonging, Boyer's book reads like a Magic Treehouse episode designed for young adults. A reader of the novel will learn quite a bit about how religious and political communities merge, clash and reform over centuries. The takeaway is one that we all need to remember: we forge lives worth living, and souls, through story, relationship, and family ties -- biological ties as well as chosen ties.
• 
  Faith 09

  I thought that this was had a very interesting story line but didn't like it that much.
• 
  Mary Helfert Schroeder

  It was hard to read, it switched from different time periods and too many characters for me to follow.