Book Review: "The Cobra King of Kathmandu" by P.B. Kerr

SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY

Why Dybbuk gets in trouble, he asks for the twins help. They in turn, head to London for Nimrod's help. But he's gone, so with Groanin along, they head to India, to uncover a secret about an old cult.

OUR CAST OF CHARACTERS

Phillipa comes off as annoying. For example, when she visits a djinn girl named Uma, she asks who will look after the djinn girl, and once in her thoughts, she thinks Uma's ideas are naive and she knows how to fix the problem herself. There is also a scene where she should be terrified of someone, but instead she has to resist the desire to make a biting comment.

John is still the more likable of the two. He even goes forward when he is caught, so the others can escape. He very much takes the role of a brother, seriously. And it was nice to see him protecting Phillipa. Also, even when Dybbuk had previously done nothing but manipulate them, he still wants to rush out and help him. Phillipa, on the other hand, protests helping him.

NEW CHARACTERS

Guru Mahasamjara isn't presented until chapter twelve, that's more than halfway through the book (unless you count the prologue). So we don't necessarily spend a lot of time getting to know him. But it's clear that he is insanely selfish and willing to go to any ends to achieve his goals.

Dybbuk is finally a main character. Although he is from a wealthy djinn family as well, he acts nothing like the twins. He enjoys playing jokes on people and seems rather sullen and resentful at times. But from the get-go we know there is more to him then being a selfish, rich kid. He cries openly when he talks about those who had died. Also, its established early on that he loves animals. The mystery of Faustina, his sister is set up in this book.

PACING

We get some chapters to set up the story before its set in motion. Before then though, it's important that a character is introduced, as she knows someone who will help the twins. We switch back and forth a bit, from the twins point of view, to Nimrods. But again, this doesn't really speed things up. But that's not really necessary. Kerr takes his time weaving all of the puzzle pieces together as he usually does. This is one of his greatest strengths.

EXPANDING THE WORLD-SPOILERS

Probably my favorite aspects of these books is the world that Kerr presents. We get to meet an angel, although it had already been established that they existed. I know that he has a sense of humor, but I would have kind of liked some reverence given to the angels, as they are far more powerful than any other creatures. I mean, there are angels and demons, so most likely there is a God too. So wouldn't that make the angels his messengers?

Also, we learn that djinn can posses animals, not just controlling their bodies, but seeing their memories as well as talismans that can be used to control djinn. Plenty of details are given on other matters, such as soul mirrors. Kerr really shines in this aspect, making up for other shortcomings.

COMEDIC RELIEF-SPOILERS

Iblis returns, but its clear that he poses not threat, as his bumbling servant is a main part of this side story. I found it rather unnecessary, although Kerr was setting up Iblis to make a return for the next book. I almost feel he should have simply made a note in book four slipping in info about Iblis' previous host body being destroyed. Or maybe not even at all.

KERR'S HUMOR

You may think from what I said about the angels, that I don't like Kerr's sense of humor but I do. In fact, there were multiple moments in the book where I was laughing. Groanin is hilarious as usual, and even Dybbuk made me laugh.

But when everyone and everything is funny, it makes a story feel less realistic (hence my criticism of the angels and Iblis). In a magical world like Kerr's, that can easily destroy the suspension of disbelief. But I still managed to enjoy the book and overlooking these small parts.

UNLIKELY KNOWLEDGE

Kerr has the habit of inserting himself into the book. I didn't mention it, but in book two, he makes John know a language he is suddenly speaking is Sioux. Because he watched a documentary, he just happens to know this. It makes no sense, since John is not into learning about history. Kerr could have easily stepped in as a narrator. Instead, it just comes off as taking over the character.

He does it again, making John know how to build a sweat lodge. What thirteen year old knows how to do this? It could have worked, if it had previously been established that John was a history buff or something, but it hadn't. Thus, it just feels unbelievable.

Also, it's John again who points to a book he supposedly read, “Sherlock Holmes”, to help them out. But it has already been established that he hates reading.

SIBLING RELATIONSHIPS

Like I mentioned, John offers to sacrifice himself getting captured so his sister can get away. He shows his love for her. Phillipa notes a few times on how courageous her brother is.

John comes off as more likable and real, as he isn't just saying, but doing. Any attempt to show how moral Phillipa is comes off more as telling than showing.

CLIMAX

Kerr does a good job of not painting the adults as idiots, even though the kids are the ones who have to save them. Phillipa and John still make big mistakes, and happen to be presented with ways to escape, that have to do more with the circumstances than their brilliance.

CONCLUSION

Kerr is rather inconsistent with his portrayal of John, and lacking in charm when it comes to Phillipa. But once again takes us on travels all over the globe, and expands on the unique world of the djinn. As well as portraying Groanin and Nimrod as charmingly eccentric, Dybbuk makes a worthy edition to the well of characters. He is more relatable than the twins and promises to be more complex and develop in the future. I give “The Cobra King of Kathmandu” four stars.