RUSTI is a Mongol warrior, fighting for the bloodthirsty Tamburlaine, Conqueror of the World. He intends to show the enemy neither fear nor mercy…until he comes face-to-face with his first elephant.
KAVI is the elephant’s rider. Captured by the terrifying Mongol Horde, he fears for his life. But the boy who takes him prisoner does not kill him. And soon it seems they might almost become…friends.
Then Rusti uncovers a terrible secret, and the unlikeliest of friendships is put to the ultimate test.
Shortlisted for the UKLA Children’s Book Awards
“Beautifully written and utterly gripping… Geraldine McCaughrean is a genius.”
Philip Reeve
“Dazzling… The story surges on, with never a dull or unconvincing moment… Truly memorable, beautifully written and unreservedly recommended.”
Books for Keeps
“Compelling… A breathtaking tale.”
Carousel
“I was totally captivated… I felt I was there amongst the people, the bloodshed, the revenge and the secrets.”
lovereading4kids.co.uk
“Geraldine McCaughrean is an awe-inspiring writer with a miraculous talent for bringing to life past times and faraway lands.”
Sunday Telegraph
“McCaughrean is one of the greatest living children’s authors.”
The Bookseller
“McCaughrean’s imagination is fierce, tireless, unpredictable.”
The Observer
“McCaughrean writes every sort of book and she seems to produce them in the way a rose bush produces flowers.”
The Guardian
For Bruce Coville and the whole “family”
Praise for Tamburlaine’s Elephants
Dedication
Chapter One
MONSTERS
Chapter Two
TAKING DELHI
Chapter Three
THE SPOILS OF WAR
Chapter Four
RAIN
Chapter Five
HATE
Chapter Six
FOUND OUT
Chapter Seven
WORDS AND PICTURES
Chapter Eight
BAD DREAMS
Chapter Nine
TURRET
Chapter Ten
WARRIOR BOY
Chapter Eleven
SAMARQAND
Chapter Twelve
CIRCUS
Chapter Thirteen
LITTLE ELEPHANT
Chapter Fourteen
TWO YEARS ON…
Author’s Note
Usborne Quicklinks
Introducing The Middle of Nowhere
A Conversation with Geraldine McCaughrean
About Geraldine McCaughrean
More Usborne Fiction