Mary E. Trimble
5.0 out of 5 stars A lovely, magical story
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on January 27, 2023
While visiting his grandparents’ home on the stores of Puget Sound, Desmond, 7, discovers an old, dusty carpet under his bed. Much to his surprise and delight, the carpet is magic! Not only that, it has a name: Mariah. For the next three years, Desmond and his magic carpet Mariah will have thrilling, and sometimes scary, adventures.
And just what does Carnelian mean? Some believe it is a stone of kings. The gem, rich in color, symbolizes energy. So there’s a clue as to what’s in store for Desmond, Mariah and eleven other riders and carpets.
Author Mary Ann Hayes has done impressive research for this magical story. People of all ages will enjoy flying with Desmond and Mariah to discover the mystery of The Carnelian Game.
2 people found this helpful
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars A fun adventure for children and adults alike.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on February 9, 2023
The Carnelian Games is a magical story that makes learning about new places, and the strange but wonderful creatures that live there, a fun adventure. The games are filled with challenges that push the young competitors and their flying carpets to the edge and beyond of what they thought possible. There are also lessons about friendship versus the importance of winning, and how to deal with disappointments. And how to turn those disappointments into triumphs.
A definite 5-star read for children and adults alike.
April Brauneis: The Navarre Link Chronicles
Carol Pierson Holding
5.0 out of 5 stars Loveable characters and a fast-paced story!
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on February 10, 2023
What a crazy story! The summary gives you the outline—a boy finds a carpet under his bed that turns out to be a magic flyer. I don't want to spoil it, but what a good time you'll have hanging out with Desmond, a hero the author clearly adores and so did I. His carpet Mariah is a riot., as wise and ornery as you'd expect an ancient female to be. His cohort reflects real life, as some competitors become loyal allies and some really nasty ones try to destroy his chances to win the competition. The beings in charge of the game are also a mix of good and evil, and the people Desmond meets along the way test his ability to judge character. When he slips, Mariah's there to catch him. Finally, the setting—clearly Mrs. Hayes has been to Egypt. Her place details are so enticing that they made me want to jump on a plane!
A lovely book! Highly recommended for young adults and playful grown-ups!
SGeorge
5.0 out of 5 stars Fun read!
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on February 9, 2023
Verified Purchase
This is a super fun kids chapter book, my 9 year old son and I are mid way through and both loving it. He’s even going to bed early so we can get extra reading time in!
Shannon Dodge
5.0 out of 5 stars Fun Read!
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 1, 2023
Verified Purchase
What a fun book! I loved the detailed description’s of this story. I felt like i was a spectator watching the Carnelian Games and rooting for Desmond! Wonderful life lessons included in this book, love it!
Stantons
5.0 out of 5 stars A gem of a story!
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 4, 2023
Verified Purchase
I was very excited to learn that Mary Ann Hayes had published a new book. I have read Adeline and was impressed by the author’s understanding and compassion for her main character, an elderly woman. The Carnelian Game reveals that she is equally adept at seeing the world though the eyes of a child. I was drawn in from the very first page by the loving descriptions of the simple joy of spending time with grandparents. Once the story moves to the imaginative world of magic carpets, the action takes many unexpected turns. The hero of the story, Desmond, proves himself to be a deep thinker whose problem solving skills and innate kindness enrich a long established game. Even the carpets themselves are distinct characters with special gifts and limiting flaws. The author avoids the temptation of wrapping things up in a neat and familiar package and instead embraces the complexity of learning from both success and failure. Anyone who is young at heart will enjoy reading this wonderful book!
