• Age: 12 to 15
• Grade: 5 to 8
• Reading age: 12 to 15

What if the only way to get rid of your worst enemy was to sacrifice your brother?

When hyenas snatch Taras brother, Suraj, and two other children from the local fair in Morni, Tara and her newfound companions decide to rescue them on their own. Tara soon discovers that Zarku, her nemesis with the third eye, is back and intent on revenge.

A deadly game of hide and seek ensues, and Tara and her companions must work together to survive. But it is soon clear that Zarku is only after Tara; the others are dispensable.

Should Tara risk the lives of her friends? Or can she once again defeat Zarku and save her brother, armed only with belief in herself and a silver anklet?

Mahtab Narsimhan is the author of several critically acclaimed books, including Silver Birch Award winner The Third Eye. Her novel, The Tiffin (Dancing Cat Books, 2011), was nominated for numerous awards in Canada and was recently published in the United Kingdom and Taiwan. Mission Mumbai is her publishing debut in the United States. Mahtab is a native of Mumbai, India, and lives in Toronto, Canada. Visit her online at www.mahtabnarsimhan.com.

Mahtab Narsimhan's profile page

"If you like reading any story about adventure, suspense and exploration, The Silver Anklet is the best choice!"

Claremont Reads Blog

"The Third Eye, the first volume of the trilogy, was winner of the 2009 Silver Birch Award, and this sequel lives up to readers' expectations. Young adults will savor the action and adventure on every page while teachers and librarians will see the book as a valuable addition to any study of world literatures and cultures."

Canadian Materials Magazine

"Mahtab Narsimhan is a mystical and captivating new voice in Canadian childrens literature. The Silver Anklet is a well-crafted adventure that is highly recommended for readers aged 10-13."

Canadian Children's Book News

"This beautifully written and lyrical book bring s various figures in Indian mythology to life in a compelling story about family, love, courage and determination. Tara is a wonderful heroine exemplifying the strength of the human spirit to overcome adversity."

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“Mahatab Narsimhan has done a really good job giving mythology an engrossing modern plot. Read it for a quick adventurous read.”

The Guardian

The Silver Anklet (Tara Trilogy)

The second instalment of the Tara Trilogy opens with a sense of foreboding. At the edge of a carnival, amidst the trill of laughing children, Tara looks into the shadows at the edge of the forest and spots a hyena. This sighting soon sets in motion a thrilling and terrifying journey to save her brother and, once again, defeat Lord Zarku.

Carefully crafted language transports the reader right into this sequel to The Third Eye. Mahtab Narsimhan expertly evokes vivid imagery in a sensory feast that allows us to feel the dense heat of the forest, the isolation of the children and their steely determination to survive.

The introduction of some new characters adds depth to the story. An ensemble cast of children whose quirks, fears and personalities seem to both compliment and clash help to make the relationships realistic.

There is no time to pause for breath in this novel. The narrative moves at a cracking pace, ensuring that the tension continues to run high. A sinister manifestation of a childhood game is an exciting and frightening plot device that will keep readers at the edge of their seats, anxious to know the outcome.

Mahtab Narsimhan is a mystical and captivating new voice in Canadian children’s literature. The Silver Anklet is a well-crafted adventure that is highly recommended for readers aged 10 to 13.