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Infinity Ring #5
Cave of Wonders
Fix the past. Save the future.
What marvels and dangers await Dak, Sera, and Riq when they visit the Golden Age of Baghdad?
What marvels and dangers await Dak, Sera, and Riq when they visit the Golden Age of Baghdad?
192 pages, Hardcover
First published August 27, 2013
51 people are currently reading
1615 people want to read
About the author
Matthew J. Kirby
29 books464 followersMatthew Kirby was born in Utah, and grew up in Maryland, California, and Hawaii. As an undergraduate he majored in history, and then went on to pursue an M.S. in school psychology. For ten months out of the year he works with students, and during the rest of the year he writes. He and his wife currently live in northern Utah.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
March 18, 2015
My boys continue to be completely enthralled, but some of the magic is lost for me. One of the reasons being they leave off at the end of each book headed for some mission that sound absolutely fantastic - but then the next book picks up at the end of that mission. So they keep "fixing" history, and yet we know nothing about what they actually did. I've actually begun to wonder if they originally left off the way they do as a way for the author of the next book to pick up the series. But then each new author said to themselves "Eh, I don't really want to write a book about Lewis and Clark. I'd rather write WWII.".
It's also been an interesting comparison to see each author's take on the characters. Sera's personality fluctuating the most.
It's also been an interesting comparison to see each author's take on the characters. Sera's personality fluctuating the most.
November 13, 2018
This book was set in Baghdad in the 13th Century around the invasion of the Mongols. Wikipedia said that Baghdad, while once a dominant nation, was never the same after. I wonder what Iraq would be like today if Baghdad had not fallen.
The story had more intrigue about the characters and their personal struggles. I like the discovery that Riq made and feel it's applicable to everyone. Regardless of the past, it's the choice we make now that matter.
I will add one thing, though, I am very disappointed at the epilogue. It set me up for "the next" book to be about Lewis and Clark. I was very excited and wondered about it, so I looked at the description of book 6. It is set during WWII. Why set me up so well and then not deliver? That fact dropped my rating from 4 to 3 stars.
The story had more intrigue about the characters and their personal struggles. I like the discovery that Riq made and feel it's applicable to everyone. Regardless of the past, it's the choice we make now that matter.
I will add one thing, though, I am very disappointed at the epilogue. It set me up for "the next" book to be about Lewis and Clark. I was very excited and wondered about it, so I looked at the description of book 6. It is set during WWII. Why set me up so well and then not deliver? That fact dropped my rating from 4 to 3 stars.
January 16, 2019
I loved this book. It was good and had very intense parts that was a real page turner. I am enjoying the series and this went so well with all the others. I cant wait to get a copy of the next and start reading.
July 11, 2024
Loved it!
February 3, 2017
This book is about how three kids jump around time to fix the breaks in history that were caused by the violent cataclysm. Dak, Sera, and Riq find themselves in Babylon. They get there just before the town is attacked and destroyed by the Mongol army. They came here in order to save the writings of Aristotle from its main library. The three kids to the Mongol war camp to try and talk with Hulagu. But Dak and Riq get captured and Sera cant convince Tusi to save the writings of Aristotle. Dak and Riq manage to escape and they meet up with Sera. Riq dislocates his shoulder when he was being chased by a bear. Riq tells Abi how he messed up his own timeline and may not exist in the present day. Sera soon convinces Tusi to help the group. Dak, Sera, and Tusi meet up at the library but, the Market Inspector and his guards began to burn down the House of Wisdom. However they manages to save the writings of Aristotle.
I would recommend this book to anyone because of the books suspense and not know what will happen next. For example, I didn't expect that Riq would dislocate his shoulder. I thought that they were done after that but the group still manages to complete the mission. I like how the author is moving the relationship between the three kids along in a healthier direction. There's a lot less unpleasantness in this book rather than the other books and they started to talk with each other about what they are worrying about. I dint like how there was so much focus on the adventure that there was not a whole lot of time given to character growth. I would rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars. The 4 stars came from the suspense, not knowing what will happen, and because how good the story line was. I left one star out because you didn't get to know the characters more. But overall I would recommend this book for everyone.
I would recommend this book to anyone because of the books suspense and not know what will happen next. For example, I didn't expect that Riq would dislocate his shoulder. I thought that they were done after that but the group still manages to complete the mission. I like how the author is moving the relationship between the three kids along in a healthier direction. There's a lot less unpleasantness in this book rather than the other books and they started to talk with each other about what they are worrying about. I dint like how there was so much focus on the adventure that there was not a whole lot of time given to character growth. I would rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars. The 4 stars came from the suspense, not knowing what will happen, and because how good the story line was. I left one star out because you didn't get to know the characters more. But overall I would recommend this book for everyone.
November 21, 2016
Kirby, Matthew Cave of Wonders (Infinity Ring Book #5) 192 pgs. Scholastic Inc., 2013. $15.99 Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG.
Three pre-teens, Dak, Sera, and Riq are on their latest quest to fix Breaks in the history timeline. They must find Hystorians to help them, while avoiding SQ’s who may try to stop them. The group finds themselves in ancient Baghdad, an amazing city which is full of libraries, innovations, and accepting of the wide range of cultures and religions. Sadly, the city is going to fall to the Mongolian invaders, who will destroy everything, including a very special book in the main library. How can three children stop an entire army? They must try to find a way, if they want to continue to help save the future.
I haven’t read the first 4 books in this series, each by a different author. Even through some lingering confusion, this was a fantastic book. It reminded me of the magic treehouse for upper elementary students. It was fascinating and fun, with plenty of hints of other mysteries to solve. I think students will love this book. I really hope its not just the skill of the author of this particular book, Matthew Kirby, but that the whole series is great as well. I will be purchasing the series for my library and book talking them to the students.
EL -ESSENTIAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.
Three pre-teens, Dak, Sera, and Riq are on their latest quest to fix Breaks in the history timeline. They must find Hystorians to help them, while avoiding SQ’s who may try to stop them. The group finds themselves in ancient Baghdad, an amazing city which is full of libraries, innovations, and accepting of the wide range of cultures and religions. Sadly, the city is going to fall to the Mongolian invaders, who will destroy everything, including a very special book in the main library. How can three children stop an entire army? They must try to find a way, if they want to continue to help save the future.
I haven’t read the first 4 books in this series, each by a different author. Even through some lingering confusion, this was a fantastic book. It reminded me of the magic treehouse for upper elementary students. It was fascinating and fun, with plenty of hints of other mysteries to solve. I think students will love this book. I really hope its not just the skill of the author of this particular book, Matthew Kirby, but that the whole series is great as well. I will be purchasing the series for my library and book talking them to the students.
EL -ESSENTIAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.
December 17, 2013
In the year 1258 near the city of Baghdad, the trio of time traveling Hystorians, Dak, Sera, and Riq find themselves trying to 'fix' another break in history. This time, they are attempting to save Aristotle's great works for all eternity before the invading Mongols destroy the city and burn the books which house these important works. As with all The Infinity Ring books, they are up against the SQ and the Time Wardens, but also find allies in other Hystorians who are placed throughout history to help them.
The Cave of Wonders is a magical place where Abi, their fellow Hystorian, has secretly squirreled away Aristotle's books. They have convinced the great leader, Hulagu to allow the learned mathematician, Tusi, to preserve these works for all eternity. But, of course, the SQ is out to stop them from accomplishing the goal. Will they persevere? Time will tell!
The Cave of Wonders is a magical place where Abi, their fellow Hystorian, has secretly squirreled away Aristotle's books. They have convinced the great leader, Hulagu to allow the learned mathematician, Tusi, to preserve these works for all eternity. But, of course, the SQ is out to stop them from accomplishing the goal. Will they persevere? Time will tell!
August 7, 2013
Dak, Sera, & Riq continue their journey through time, trying to fix the Breaks and avoid the Cataclysm. In this adventure, they are in ancient Baghdad on the eve of the Mongol invasion. It is up to the three of them, with help from the local Hystorian, to save the great works of Aristotle from destruction. Unfortunately, there are several well-placed Time Wardens, trying to stop their every move. Cave of Wonders is another strong entry in this exciting series. A must read for fans of historical fiction and time travel. I highly recommend reading the first four books first. Recommended for grades 3-7.
eARC provided by Publisher.
eARC provided by Publisher.
August 19, 2013
I received this book through Net Galley.
As soon as I began this story, I knew I had discovered a series that I would heartily recommend to my library students. The writing is well-done, the story is exciting and adventurous...and history lessons are painlessly included. Three young people are able to travel through time, using an Infinity Ring. Their mission is to repair Breaks in time when events did not turn out the way they were meant to. They are hindered by normal events and by Time Wardens and must work together, using their unique strengths to succeed. This series is definitely on my wish list!
As soon as I began this story, I knew I had discovered a series that I would heartily recommend to my library students. The writing is well-done, the story is exciting and adventurous...and history lessons are painlessly included. Three young people are able to travel through time, using an Infinity Ring. Their mission is to repair Breaks in time when events did not turn out the way they were meant to. They are hindered by normal events and by Time Wardens and must work together, using their unique strengths to succeed. This series is definitely on my wish list!
February 10, 2014
Steven has really taken to this series. After reading a couple in the series, I found that I didn't feel that it was necessary to read them in order particularly since they are mostly authored by different authors. This one follows the formula and presents some history and excitement in an entertaining manner for young readers. Entertaining enough for adults for the quick reads that is not painful and makes it a worthy alternative to videos and video games for long trips. I was thrilled that Steven asked on two occasions on our trip to and from Charleston to stop the video game and let's read "his chapter book"
April 24, 2015
In Cave Of Wonders Dak, Sera, & Riq continue their journey through time, trying to fix the Breaks and avoid the Cataclysm. In this book, they are in ancient Baghdad at the time of the Mongol siege. It is up to them to save the great works of Aristotle from destruction.
Cave Of Wonders is A another great book about time travel and adventure. I loved this book along with all the other Infinity Ring series. I would recommend this book to readers who love science fiction and a great adventure. I loved this book and I hope you do to.
Cave Of Wonders is A another great book about time travel and adventure. I loved this book along with all the other Infinity Ring series. I would recommend this book to readers who love science fiction and a great adventure. I loved this book and I hope you do to.
December 31, 2013
Set in Baghdad as the Mongols are poised to invade the city, Sera, Dak & Riq must again face obstacles as they work to repair breaks in history. This time, though, the stakes are higher. Everything they've done up to this point will be of no value if they can't complete this mission, too. Besides Abi and the Kaliph, they also encounter Tusi, the astronomer/advisor of Hualaga Khan, all without knowing who is the Hystorian and who is the enemy SQ.
holiday #bookada
holiday #bookada
September 8, 2016
Another fun addition to this great middle-grade series! Dak, Sera, and Riq are off on another adventure and I always wonder how they'll possibly get through it, but they always do.
My kids are loving this series and the fun and creative ways this trio has to go about making changes in history.
My kids are loving this series and the fun and creative ways this trio has to go about making changes in history.
January 27, 2014
I am thoroughly enjoying this series! One thing that really struck me this time is what a great job the various authors have done in keeping the characters consistent. Can't wait for the next read!
February 18, 2017
Could this series get worse? Eh...I doubt it. I suppose they could start losing the ability to write an intelligible sentence.
Amazing how much better it would be if they just included a little blurb at the end of each book about how this really occurred in history, because I could excuse the awful plot if it had an educational element to it. But because they are alternate history that goes to correct history, children don't know what is true and what is the alternate.
It's also convenient that they get to be in an Arabian prison that seems to operate under Eighth Amendment standards.
Again...so sick of this stories in the timeline that don't get books but online game modules so the readers are completely lost.
Amazing how much better it would be if they just included a little blurb at the end of each book about how this really occurred in history, because I could excuse the awful plot if it had an educational element to it. But because they are alternate history that goes to correct history, children don't know what is true and what is the alternate.
It's also convenient that they get to be in an Arabian prison that seems to operate under Eighth Amendment standards.
Again...so sick of this stories in the timeline that don't get books but online game modules so the readers are completely lost.
April 1, 2024
I enjoyed this one a little more, although I still don't like how the characters jump and fix a break in between books, but we get no information about it. Book 4 had the characters in Ancient Maya, but in this book they are warping in from China having already repaired some other mysterious break. This is annoying! Ha. But the books are quick enough reads that I will continue through the series. I found this story of the Mongol siege of Baghdad and the efforts to save some books from the House of Wisdom really interesting! The characters are remaining a little more stable since the major personality changes in book 3.
November 4, 2018
I waffled between 3 and 4 stars on this one. I ended up with 3 because this is my least favorite of the series so far. My favorite thing about this series is that when I'm reading a book where I'm not familiar with the history, I look up what really happened, and I learn something. I love learning things about history. For me, though, the ending of this one seemed a little dramatic. Like the perils they had been through just weren't quite enough, so there had to be one more. I really am enjoying the series, though.
August 26, 2023
This was another great time travel book where the Hystorians go back in time to Baghdad in 1258. The Mongol Khan is about to attack Baghdad and burn it to the ground. Their library of Wisdom contains important books written by Aristotle that must be saved. Dak, Riq, and Sera are ready to change History again.
July 7, 2025
What I liked:
1) The group was nicer toward each other。 Sera and Riq are hiding information and they eventually tell each other. Riq is worried about disappearing if he travels into the future.
2) I liked that the group was trying to save a library。
3) I felt like this book was more of an adventure and less action. There is no fighting or war scenes.
1) The group was nicer toward each other。 Sera and Riq are hiding information and they eventually tell each other. Riq is worried about disappearing if he travels into the future.
2) I liked that the group was trying to save a library。
3) I felt like this book was more of an adventure and less action. There is no fighting or war scenes.
May 10, 2019
I really liked the audio book & enjoyed it so much I decided to look for other books written by same author. Clean book for kids to read on their own or enjoy as bedtime adventure story for the whole family.
September 8, 2024
Loved the series, loved the book. The fact that each of the books has a different author is an easy way for a series to bomb, but with this group of writers, the story flows smoothly and I'm picky about this kind of thing as a reader.
September 5, 2017
This one was a big step up from the others. I liked this one a lot more. The plot is getting intense now. Excited to move on with the series!
December 4, 2017
More, I need more. On the the next in the series!!
August 8, 2018
Another good addition to the series.
October 1, 2018
I think it's one of the worst in the collection
November 16, 2018
This was another good one in the series, but, honestly, it felt more predictable than the last four. I still enjoyed it, but would appreciate more twists.
June 28, 2019
Continuing to enjoy this series.
June 30, 2019
I suck at reviews but great characters? Did you know that there is a different author for each book?! (I may be wrong, but I'm pretty sure I'm right)
August 19, 2020
This was still a great read, but needed a bit of something more...didn't get the same adventures as the others before.
July 29, 2023
I am barely tolerating these now.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews