Book Jacket

 

rank 3595
word count 16343
date submitted 12.12.2011
date updated 12.12.2011
genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Fantas...
classification: universal
incomplete

The Secret of the Sacred Scarab

Fiona Ingram

A thrilling adventure for two young boys, whose fun trip to Egypt turns into a dangerously exciting quest to uncover an ancient and mysterious secret.

 

A 5000-year-old mystery comes to life when a scruffy peddler gives Adam and Justin Sinclair an old Egyptian scarab on their very first day in Egypt. Only when the evil Dr. Faisal Khalid shows a particular interest in the cousins and their scarab, do the boys realise they are in terrible danger. Justin and Adam embark upon the adventure of a lifetime, taking them down the Nile and across the desert in their search for the legendary tomb of the Scarab King, an ancient Egyptian ruler. They are plunged into a whirlpool of hazardous and mysterious events when Dr. Khalid kidnaps them. They survive terrifying dangers in a hostile environment, pursued by enemies in their quest to solve the secret of the sacred scarab. They must translate the hieroglyphic clues on the underside of the scarab, as well as rescue the missing archaeologist James Kinnaird, and their friend, the Egyptologist Ebrahim Faza, before time runs out. They must also learn more about the ancient Seven Stones of Power and the mysterious Shemsu-Hor. With just their wits, courage, and each other, the boys manage to survive … only to find that the end of one journey is the beginning of another!

 
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tags

adventure, archaeology, books for boys, egypt, geography, history, juvenile fiction, nile

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6 comments

 

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jrapilliard wrote 135 days ago

Very interesting book. I've put it on my bookshelf. Perhaps, you could have a look at mine, Penrose - Princess of Penzance and return the favour by putting it on yours. If you do, many thanks. best wishes, John.

Peter Sidebotham wrote 139 days ago

This is a great adventure book for young teenagers. Extremely well written with a gripping plot. It deserves to go far and I have given it my backing.
The opening chapter works really well, introducing the main characters who are exciting and well presented.
The plot unfolds at just the right pace to keep the reader engaged without giving too much away too quickly.
My main criticism is over some of the dialogue involving the boys. Most of it is excellent and perfectly pitched, but there are some bits that just don't sound right for 12/13 year old boys - a bit too much Enid Blyton perhaps? e.g. ch 2 - 'that was so humiliating about my passport... I am old enough to have an adventure and there is treasure left to discover in Egypt.' From a 7 year old in the 1950s maybe, from a 12 year old today, I'm not convinced.
'Is that like in ancient Egypt, when the Pharoah's were very rich...' Again, I think a 21st century teenager with an interest in history would probably have enough global awareness to realise that social inequality is a reality in much of the world, and would not need to make comparisions with ancient Egypt?

I think with a bit more attention to some of those aspects, you could improve the text and build on what really is an excellent adventure story.

Peter

Wussyboy wrote 162 days ago

Very nicely done, Fiona. It's books like these which occupied most of my waking hours as a boy - "Adventures only happen in books"? Nah, it was the adventures IN the books, if told well like here, which made me want to have adventures of my own! I think your target audience - probably boys 8 to 16 - are going to just lap this up.

This is a fantastic first chapter - finely-edited, full of delightful characters (Gran is great, is Aunt Isabel based on you?) and a rollicking good storyline which fairly rips along.

Six stars, and will read on...

Joe Kovacs
Rupee Millionaires

(I LOVED the bit about Velvet needing to floss! I had a similar bit in my cat book on Autho last year!)

Warrick Mayes wrote 164 days ago

Fiona,

I read the first chapter, and I can honestly say I think this will be a great boys adventure story. It reminds me of the stuff I used to read when I was about ten years old.
I do wonder about the book-cover. It looks great as a 1950's boys annual style, but I think you could go for something darker or scarier for today's modern kids.

Best regards
Warrick

Dave Hill wrote 164 days ago

Great opening chapter, its hooked me in and I am going to read the rest soon.
Rated and on my watchlist for when I get time to read the rest
Good luck
Dave

Scott Toney wrote 164 days ago

Fiona,

I'm honored to be the first to comment on "The Secret of the Sacred Scarab!" I've just finished with Chapter 1 and I'm really enjoying the read! You write well, with good punctuation, spelling and word choice and it's clear that your characters and their fates are well thought out. I loved the premise when I first read it and seeing where this story is headed, on an adventure through ancient Egypt, I'm excited to read on! "The Secret of the Sacred Scarab" reminds me of an archeological YA book I read when I was in school that I absolutely loved and I would love for my daughter to read something like this some day! I also really enjoyed your descriptions of Gran's house and of her in general. I've gladly rated your work six out of six stars and have added it to my watchlist.

Have a wonderful day!

- Scott, The Ark of Humanity

P.s. If you get the time I'd love to hear what you think of my book, The Ark of Humanity, as well! Again, :) have a wonderful day!

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