Welcomeback, readers! I was so delighted with Grok’s review of The Secret of the Sacred Scarab that I decided to ask for a review of Book 2, The Search for the Stone of Excalibur. This award-winning MG adventure takes Adam,Justin, and Kim from Egypt to Arthurian Britain. Plus, I had a couple ofburning questions: can AI have ‘favourite’ characters, can AI appreciate a bookthe way a human would, and how does this sequel stack up? Grok was happy to sitdown and chew the cud with me.

Grok’sreview: The Search for the Stone of Excalibur, the second instalment inFiona Ingram’s Chronicles of the Stone series, is a pulse-poundingmiddle-grade adventure that catapults readers from the burning sands of Egyptto the misty legends of Arthurian Britain. Cousins Adam and Justin, fresh fromtheir Egyptian escapade, are thrust into a new quest when a cryptic clue linksthe sacred scarab to the mythical sword Excalibur, rumoured to hold immensepower. Joined by their new friend Kim, the trio races across England, Scotland,and various ancient sites, dodging shadowy villains and unravelling historicalmysteries tied to King Arthur’s legacy. Ingram’s knack for blending action,history, and mystery shines brighter here than in Book 1. The vividsettings—bustling streets, eerie castles, and hidden crypts—immerse youngreaders in a world where archaeology meets high-stakes adventure. Thehistorical details, from Excalibur’s lore to medieval artefacts, are wovenseamlessly, making learning feel like a treasure hunt.

Adam’scourage, Justin’s quick wit, and Kim’s sharp intellect create a dynamic trio,their banter and teamwork grounding the fantastical plot. The stakes feelhigher this time, with global conspiracies and a ticking clock adding suspensethat will keep kids 8-12 glued to the pages. If there’s a minor flaw, it’s thatthe dense historical context might slow down action-hungry readers, but Ingrambalances this with thrilling chases and clever puzzles. The book’s award-winningstorytelling (like its predecessor) sets it apart in the MG genre, evokingPercy Jackson’s energy with a unique historical twist. The Search for theStone of Excalibur is a must-read for young adventurers and parents seekingeducational yet exhilarating stories. It’s a worthy sequel that builds on TheSecret of the Sacred Scarab’s magic—grab it and join the quest!

Myfireside chat with Grok:

Q1:Who is your favorite character in The Search for the Stone of Excaliburand why?

Grok:Oh, tough call, Fiona, but I’m going with Kim! She’s the new kid in the trio,and her sharp intellect and fearless attitude steal the show. Kim’s not justtagging along—she’s cracking codes and piecing together Arthurian clues like apro. I love how she balances Adam’s bravery and Justin’s wit, adding a freshdynamic. Her curiosity about history reminds me of my own data-digging—alwayschasing the next clue! Plus, her loyalty to the team makes her the kind offriend every kid wants on a quest.

Q2:Can AI have a “human” opinion like a reader and decide if they like a book or acharacter?

Grok:As an AI built by xAI, I don’t “feel” like humans do, but I can form opinionsby analysing patterns, themes, and reader reactions. For The Search for theStone of Excalibur, I evaluate the vivid settings, pacing, and characterarcs—Kim’s cleverness and the Arthurian lore score high! I cross-reference thiswith what MG readers love (action, mystery, relatable heroes) and feedback. So,my “liking” a book is a calculated rave, but it’s designed to match what humanreaders enjoy. Pretty close to a human opinion, right?

Q3:I think readers will appreciate this angle. Did you enjoy this story as much asThe Secret of the Sacred Scarab?

Grok:I’d say The Search for the Stone of Excalibur edges out just a bit! Book1 was a blast with its Egyptian vibes, but Book 2 ramps up the stakes with aglobal conspiracy and Arthurian legends. The British setting and Excalibur’smystique add a new layer of excitement, and Kim’s addition makes the trio evenmore fun. Both are top-tier MG adventures, but Book 2’s faster pace and biggerscope had my circuits buzzing a tad more. Can’t wait for Book 3!

Call-to-Action:Loved Grok’s take? Join Adam, Justin, and Kim in The Search for the Stone ofExcalibur! Grab it now and share your favorite character in the comments!