This book was recommended by a penpal and oh was she right!! I loved this Middle-Eastern storytelling, it's a trade our Western society has either failed to learn or forgot, which is both a real shame. The travels of both parties in the story, both current-time as historical, are interesting to follow. And having seen many documentaries about these biblical regions when I was younger it was easy to picture them in my mind. There was a fair amount of mythology throughout the story, I loved how the mystical journey intertwined with the present time journey, which were both so adventurous but for very different reasons. and the braveness of the girls... the book made me cry multiple times. Despite all the horrible things there was a double happy ending and in this case it was well-received. I would happily reread this one again.

I also liked how the main present time character (whoops, forgot her name, the little sister) goes from her naive opinions to learn more about the stuff really happening around her, like between her and her sister with the bracelet. It felt very real, because at that age you really are that naive but as you grow into adulthood you notice that things aren't what you think they are and that there is a story behind everything (and that a lot of people wear masks).