As a Kazakh myself, I was beyond thrilled to dive into "Batu and the Search for the Golden Cup" by Zira Nauryzbai. And let me tell you, this book did not disappoint!

First off, I was so proud to see a Kazakh author representing our culture in the world of young adult literature. It's not often that we get to see our stories and traditions showcased in such a beautiful and authentic way. Zira Nauryzbai did an amazing job of weaving together the rich history and customs of our country, creating a world that felt both familiar and magical.

The story itself was a wild ride, with Batu and his friends embarking on a perilous quest to find the legendary Golden Cup. The stakes were high, the obstacles were fierce, and the action was non-stop. I loved watching Batu grow from a skilled archer into a true leader, and his friends were all well-developed and complex in their own right.

But what really stood out to me was the way the author wove in themes of cultural pride and understanding. As a Kazakh, it was amazing to see our traditions and customs celebrated in such a beautiful way. But it was also clear that the author was writing for a wider audience, one that might not know much about our country or its history. The way she explained our customs and traditions was both informative and respectful, and I appreciated the care and attention that went into representing our culture accurately.

I'm so proud to have read this book and to have shared in the story of Batu and his friends. It's a true celebration of Kazakh culture, and I can't wait to recommend it to all my friends. If you're looking for a thrilling adventure story that also happens to be a love letter to Kazakhstan, then this is the book for you!

Our story begins with an ordinary kid named Batu who one day meets the Golden Warrior, Aspara. Alongside Batu and his friends, they set out on a journey to help Aspara reclaim the lost Golden Cup. This is a story filled with cultural and traditional elements, supportive friends and an adventure.

Based on Kazakhstan’s cultural and traditional myths and customs, this story provides many readers a new perspective and journey. I would have loved it if the story integrated some of the details or descriptions of the references into the story. I felt that some of them were too broad and left me confused while reading. The glossary at the end was helpful but a bit too late after I had read the book.

The plot felt a bit confusing but it’s possible that it was lost in translation. The dialogue at times was unnatural, confusing and didn’t help develop the characters’ personality. Some of the events were explained vaguely such as, the time travel and some of the places the characters visited. That said, the writing or translation wasn’t well done but the unexpected twists helped bring out certain parts in the story.

The characters weren’t very likable. Our main character, Batu wasn’t very brave in the beginning but suddenly he became brave and embarked on a journey. I would have loved a more gradual and natural character growth. Some of the characters sounded well beyond their years as kids but in other moments they sounded very childish. However it’s important to note, Batu’s respect for his elders and culture, his accountability and his resolve to get stronger were admirable and noticeable.

Overall, this was a unique and interesting story set in Kazakhstan. I believe the translation needed some polishing as well as fine tuning to ensure the story went forward naturally. Nevertheless, I enjoyed Batu’s adventure with his friends and look forward to reading the rest of this series when it’s published in English.

I wish I could have read this one, but unfortunately the download never worked. I tried several times.

A middle grade book that deals with modern day issues with exciting adventures. Batu is just ordinary until Aspara steps out of his notebook. They search for the Golden Cup which was lost years ago. Filled with intriguing adventures just right for young readers. Good story. Great characters. My 9 year old grandson and I both enjoyed this one. Thanks #Netgalley and #AmazonCrossing for the eARC in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are mine.