Jumbies

Rise of the Jumbies

Based on Caribbean and West African mythology, these stories combine fantasy with myths. Honestly, it isn’t a series that I would have intentionally picked up to read, but I received a pre-release copy for review.

In the latest sequel, the Rise of the Jumbies picks up the story line of the original book, The Jumbies.

I found the book interesting. I also enjoy reading books about local folklore and other unexplained happenings. This book was also read with one of the little ones. I think taking the time to explain the background on folklore and myths goes a long way in the enjoyment of the story for younger readers.

The characters are well developed and the story line is easy to follow. Although this is a sequel, this book can stand alone.

Book Description:

Corinne LaMer defeated the wicked jumbie Severine months ago, but things haven’t exactly gone back to normal in her Caribbean island home. Everyone knows Corinne is half-jumbie, and many of her neighbors treat her with mistrust. When local children begin to go missing, snatched from the beach and vanishing into wells, suspicious eyes turn to Corinne.

To rescue the missing children and clear her own name, Corinne goes deep into the ocean to find Mama D’Leau, the dangerous jumbie who rules the sea. But Mama D’Leau’s help comes with a price. Corinne and her friends Dru, Bouki, and Malik must travel with mermaids across the ocean to the shores of Ghana to fetch a powerful object for Mama D’Leau. The only thing more perilous than Corinne’s adventures across the sea is the foe that waits for her back home.

With its action-packed storytelling, diverse characters, and inventive twists on Caribbean and West African mythology and fairy tales, Rise of the Jumbies will appeal to readers of A Snicker of Magic, A Tale Dark and Grimm, and Where the Mountain Meets the Moon.

Product Details:

Age Range: 8 – 12 years
Grade Level: 3 – 7
Series: The Jumbies
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers (September 19, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1616206659
ISBN-13: 978-1616206659
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.6 x 8.3 inches

About the Author:

Tracey Baptiste lived in Trinidad until she was fifteen; she grew up on jumbie stories and fairy tales. She is a former teacher who works as a writer and editor. For more information on this series and other writings by Tracey Baptiste, visit her website. Also connect with her on Twitter.

Both the Rise of the Jumbies and The Jumbies are available on Amazon in Kindle and Hardback formats.

Don’t have a Kindle? Grab one for yourself. They are so nice to use for reading. I love my Kindle Fire and my little one uses the e-Reader version (just for reading without the added games and internet options).

You can also grab a copy of the books at your local bookstore soon.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. If you have any questions about the content of the book, please reach out to the author or publisher. Also please note that some of the links in the article may be affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item mentioned, I may receive a small compensation. Regardless, I will only recommend products or services I use personally or believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”