by Mark Harmon
First published 2015
David and Columbus arrive in Spain seeking financial backing for their voyage to Asia. They reach the country just as Boabdil, the Muslim sultan, hands over Granada to Catholic rulers Ferdinand and Isabella. David finds himself separated from Columbus and trapped among charging bulls. Boabdil rescues the boy and brings him to the Alhambra palace. The red fortress contains mechanical wonders created by twelfth-century inventor Al Jazari. David explores these robotic marvels with Ahmed, Boabdil's son, and the two become friends. David remembers his mission to help Columbus win royal support. He asks Boabdil to arrange a meeting with Queen Isabella. The sultan agrees to escort David to the royal compound with his son Ahmed. The journey may lead them into danger. David's tendency to ask too many questions threatens to make their situation worse.
Genres: science-fiction, historical-fiction, adventure, fantasy
Vibes: suspenseful, thought-provoking, whimsical
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: Alhambra, Granada, Spain
Period: Medieval, Renaissance
224 pages · Paperback · CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform