"A train-set murder mystery with a thrilling, magical difference"
Laila Rifaat’s new Egypt-inspired fantasy adventure has all the appeal of the first in this series, in fact, incorporating murder on a train, it’s possibly even more thrilling and intriguing.
Fresh from warding off an attack by wicked magician Dorian Darke, twelve-year-old Aliya Sultan is enduring the boredom of school holidays and longing for term to start again at the magical Infinitum Time-Travel Academy. She misses her friends and is fed up being supervised by two dour sphinxes (just some of the wonderful characters populating this novel).
When a chance arises to take a trip on the legendary time-travelling luxury train the Silver Express, she grabs it, especially as her best friends from the Academy will be on board too. The train is supposed to be ultra safe, but Aliya quickly realises there’s someone or something on board with evil intentions. She’s finding it difficult to convince her friends, then kindly old Professor Fayruz is poisoned. Can Aliya and her friends identify the criminals before more terrible things happen?
The plot is as tricky and almost as dark as anything by Agatha Christie, and she didn’t have the added treats of magic, flying carpets and time travel. Aliya’s world is vividly realised, her friends a thoroughly entertaining mix of characters and the plot steams along nicely. If you haven’t read book one, the opening chapter brings you quickly up to speed. Hop aboard for adventure!
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Laila Rifaat whisks you through time and throws you right into the heart of a fast-paced thrill ride with twists and turns around every corner and little time to catch your breath.
Laila Rifaat’s imagination knows no bounds!
I absolutely loved Aliya to the Infinite City, and this sequel certainly didn’t disappoint. In her latest adventure, Laila Rifaat whisks you through time and throws you right into the heart of a fast-paced thrill ride with twists and turns around every corner and little time to catch your breath. If you like stories that are steeped in mystery with a gripping plot and an abundance of delightfully imaginative characters, then this one is definitely for you. Another magnificent page-turner from an author whose imagination is out of this world!... Read Full Review
The spectacular sequel to Middle Eastern-inspired fantasy Aliya to the Infinite City which was shortlisted for the Times/Chicken House Children's Fiction Competition 2021.
Aliya can't wait to return to the Infinitum Time-Travel Academy. But when evil magic threatens the city, and rumours of rogue magician Dorian Darke circulate, Aliya is sent away for safety on the time-travelling train, the Silver Express.
But the trip is derailed when a passenger is murdered. Soon it becomes clear that Aliya must face terrible danger once again . .
A stunning adventure story for readers aged 9 and up, ideal for fans of Nura and the Immortal Palace and The Kingdom Over the Sea
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Aliya Aboard the Time Train and determined it is suitable for children aged 9-12 years old
Aliya Aboard the Time Train features in the following genres: Adventure Stories, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Crime & Mystery, Fantasy / Magical, Featured Books for 11+ readers, Recommendations, Featured Books for 9+ readers
Aliya Aboard the Time Train is available in Paperback
Aliya Aboard the Time Train was written by Laila Rifaat and published by Chicken House Books
Aliya Aboard the Time Train has 391 pages
£7.19