This is the fourth in Roopa Pai's sci-fi adventure series Taranauts. The series is set in Mithya, which is made up of eight worlds. An all eight get their light from 32 stars that, together, form Mithya's super-sun. For those who are entering this world for the first time, there is an introductory note and a glossary to tell you all you need to know. Of course it would be better if you read the first three books before jumping into this one.
In The Secret of the Glo Rubies , the Taranauts — Zvala, Zarpa and Tufa, each endowed with a special power — face a huge problem. The evil Shaap Azur, twin of Shoon Ya (Mithya's wise Emperaza), has stolen the 32 stars plunging the universe into darkness. As if this were not bad enough, there is a traitor — known only as Dro Hie — to catch as well. Any more of the plot will only give the story away.
Roopa Pai cleverly blends ancient Indian mythology and concepts with modern science to create a riveting read. This one is not just all adventure and fun. The way to victory is not through fighting or blood and gore but through mind games — that teach you quite a bit — as you work with the Taranauts to figure out the puzzles that Shaap Azur sets them. Cheeky references to the world that we know well also keep the reader smiling. And what can you do but laugh when you read of nomopain gel and people who say “yuckthoo”. All in all a great read for any pre-teen with the slightest interest in sci-fi fantasy.
THE RACE FOR THE GLO RUBIES by Roopa Pai, Hachette, Rs. 145
