Anubis Speaks! A Guide to the Afterlife by the Egyptian God of the Dead

Hades Speaks!

by Vicky Alvear Shecter, Antoine Revoy (Illustrator)

Anubis, the ancient Egyptian god of death and mummification, takes the reader on a personal tour of the "Dark Lands"--the Egyptian afterworld. While touring, Anubis explains ancient Egyptian death practices and escorts the reader onto Ra's "Night Boat," where they must battle the evil demon of destruction, Apophis, so that Ra can be reborn in the morning as the sun disk.

Based on Egyptology research--particularly the Book of the Dead, The Book of Apophis, the Book of Caverns and others--ANUBIS SPEAKS
gives middle-grade readers a fun yet factual look at ancient Egyptian beliefs, rituals and practices.

Genres: Nonfiction, Mythology, Middle Grade, History, Egypt, Egyptology, Childrens

128 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2013

About the author

Vicky Alvear Shecter/Victoria Alvear writes about the ancient world and the often disturbing parallels with today's political unrest and misogynistic backlash. She writes as Victoria Alvear for adults. Her latest book is THE CLEANSING, based on the true story of an ancient Roman Vestal Virgin falsely accused of having sex and fighting in court to keep from being buried alive for her so-called "crime." Midwest Book Reviews called the book, "Original, exceptional, deftly crafted and a simply riveting read from cover to cover."

For nearly twenty years, she has served as a docent at the Michael C. Carlos Museum of Antiquities at Emory University, where she regularly engages the public on the fascinating aspects of ancient life and politics.

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to Anubis and his role in Egyptian mythology...for children, but I still learned a lot...great 'platform' book to help you understand this complex religion. This would be a fantastic book to read before going to a museum to see ancient Egyptian artifacts; mummies will make a lot more sense after reading this book.

[Gofita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shecter takes the Anubis, the Egyptian God of the Dead, and has him narrarate the myths from Egypt! And he's hilarious. There are fun illustrations. I really enjoyed reading this with my son. It brought the myths to life as well as Egyptian culture. I recommend this one for anyone interested in Egyptian mythology.

Received this one from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[Brenda Kahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anubis is the reader's delightfully snarky tour guide to Ra's nightly journey through the Underworld. Not feeling all of the cartoonish black & white illustrations though. Great addition to the Egyptian mythology collection, begs to be non-fiction pairing with The Kane Cronicles, and give to fans of Kate McMullan's myth-o-mania series.

[Mr. Cody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative and entertaining. It was a great time reading this aloud to my son. Highly recommended.

[Stephanie (Bookfever) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is the first non-fiction book that I'm reviewing. It's not that I don't like non-fiction books. No, I do enjoy them. Especially if they're about Egyptian mythology. And this one was fantastic. I almost finished it in one time. I do know quite a lot about ancient Egypt, if I do say so myself. Ever since I was a kid I loved to read books about it, whether or not they were fiction or non-fiction and I also watched a lot of docus and movies about it. So yes, very much interested in it. But I've come to learn even more now about ancient egypt and the gods because of this book. So great!

This book is told to us by Anubis, the god with the jackal head. I've always liked that god and read a lot about him before but I definitely like how the author wrote him. He's so funny with his little comments every now and then. That's why I loved this book so much. It's not just a non-fiction read where facts are being told. Anubis makes it freaking hilarious and I'm sure kids as well as adult would love it. I did anyway. There were even the steps to mummification. That was one of my favorite parts.
The drawings in this book were so nicely done. They were also a big part as to why I enjoyed Anubis Speaks so much. I love drawings about ancient Egypt and these were really great. I wish I could have some of them to hang up. <3

So overall, Anubis Speaks is a fun, non-fiction story that's based on the Book of Dead and others, that takes us on a journey through the Egyptian afterlife told to us by none other than the god Anubis. There are a lot of facts we learn from this book but it's told in an amazingly fun way. I've learned a lot but also laughed a lot and that, people, is how you write a great non-fiction book. Also I'm definitely going to check out this author's other books. I think they'll be really great as well.

This book is definitely a 2013-favorite of mine because I was really impressed by how much fun I was having and didn't want to put it down one second although I had to eventually to get some sleep. I would definitely recommend it to everyone. Young and old, whether or not you like non-fiction or not. Just try it and you might be really surprised and love it as much as I did.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shecter is working her way through several mythologies. The two I've read so far are vastly entertaining, oh and vastly informative! In fact, I learned several new things about Egyptian mythology from her Anubis title! I hope she covers all the major mythologies as well as several not so well known ones! I'll be searching and reading them all!

[Deborah Pickstone · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did learn a bit from this book aimed at children; VAS is clearly very well informed about the subject and has obviously taken the project seriously. A bit over-simplified for my taste but aside from that excellent and very readable. I do think children are often underestimated as readers but I may be wrong! I applaud the book anyway as it makes fairy esoteric knowledge accessible to everyone and that can only be good.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anubis finally gets to tell his story, or rather Ra's story, in this entertaining and highly readable nonfiction book. The book details Ra's journey through the underworld each night, what each hour of the journey entails and how Apophis tries to stop Ra. Along the way, Anubis also gives the reader a lot of detail on ancient Egyptian life, who the gods are and how they came to be and Egyptian myths and stories. Anubis must have been a pretty entertaining god because he is funny! I loved how he speaks directly to his audience and even includes them in the journey through the underworld. I thought his asides were hilarious. Books on Egyptian mythology are always popular and I think kids will respond really well to this one. I hope there is an entire series like this!

[Lexie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never thought I'd say this, but Anubis was so adorable here. His arrogance at his birthright, his cheerful disregard for what is appropriate, obvious pride in his job (even if his father did steal his original job but he's not bitter over that. Nope.) - he made this a fun romp through Ancient Egyptian Mythology. This is a broad overview of the vast pantheon that encompasses Ancient Egyptian mythology (he cheekily says we don't have to worry, he'll give us the super stars), but is surprisingly detailed in some aspects. Definitely a book I would have enjoyed as a child just getting into it, or as a supplement to what (little) we learned in school.

Also I totally get your animosity towards Apophis. That dude is the lowest of the low.

[Michael Alvear · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome book about the great God Anubis. It is quite literally a step-by-step journey from night into day. Every page is richly illustrated and carried forward by an engaging, humorous angle on the sometimes mystifying but always compelling view of the afterlife that the Egyptians had. My only quibble is with the illustrations sometimes. They are not quite as humorous as the writing and sometimes it felt like the book was firing on four cylinders rather than five. But that's a quibble. I don't think you're going to find a better book to introduce young adults into the fascinating world of Anubis.

[Adam Geisler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine being taken along on Ra's nightly journey of death and rebirth. That's what Vicky Alvear Schecter does for the reader in this 2nd person narrative. Having taught middle schoolers about the wonders of ancient Egypt for many years, I have seen countless books that are written for the adolescent set. This is a rare gem that blends wit via the narrator, Anubis (god of embalming), and information derived from "The Book(s) of the Dead" and other mythological sources. A middle grades reader gets gross-out moments like the removal of the brain in the mummification process, along with a personal narrative of the tribulations of Ra and his immortal pals, all in one night!

[Excalibur Snape · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn't like the format or how this book was set up.
Example one: how the first letter of the sentence at the beginning of each new chapter was up in the title.
Example two: one paragraph in a chapter repeated its self.
That is why I could not give this book five stars.
If you like Egyptian mythology you will love this book.
The pictures throughout this book was amazing.
The way the story was told was interesting.
I highly recommend this story.
But be warned some of the content is pretty gory.
The topic is death and rebirth and no that is not a spoiler.

[Jean-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the perfect book for young Egyptologists-in-training who want to know more about Ra's 12-hour journey though the Land of the Dead (a/k/a Earth's nighttime). It is a fast, entertaining read written in the voice of Anubis and sprinkled with facts and humor throughout. The illustrations were great, although we probably would've enjoyed more of them. It complements Ancient Egyptian/Egyptian God history lessons quite well.

[Alejandra Santana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good introduction to Egyptian mythology and Anubis! Told in a conversational text with the reader with other myth stories included as well in different font to recognize the distinction. It also connects the Egyptian culture and beliefs to the Gods and how they lived. A few fun illustrations and a glossary in the back. My only problem is it doesn't have a pronunciation guide for the Gods which I think is important especially with Egyptian god and goddess names.

[Charlie Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought it was really interesting. I love Egyptian mythology, and I particularly love Anubis. Though this book was written for children/younger audiences, I loved the way that the information was presented! Anubis was witty and humorous, though thorough and informative in his explanations. I would recommend it for anyone who is interested in Egyptian mythology and the Egyptian afterlife.

[Rowannan · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this is definitely geared towards children, anyone who has an interest in learning about ancient Egyptian mythology will get a lot of out this book. The information was meticulously researched and well synthesized into a fun story that you won't want to put down until the sun comes up!

[Renee Sustarich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anubis as a narrator is entertaining and humorous at times with puny jokes and references to today's world and items. Enjoyable and informative. Enjoyed learning more Egyptian lore and myths as well as some history too.

[Dawn Moews]

(1,0,1)

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! I liked about different Pharaohs. I hope the author writes more books like this.

[Krysten · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think it is great how the author wrote history / mythology in a way that children can relate too with jokes, interaction, and gross detail lol.

[Марина Козарева · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5

I liked the book Anubis Speaks! by Vicky Alvear Shecter as an idea and as an overall experience. It is fun, dynamic and presented with humor that can easily appeal to a younger audience. The story from Anubis's point of view is original and makes Egyptian mythology more accessible and interesting for children.

However, I do have some remarks. At times the story becomes quite bloody and even naturalistic, and the gods are presented almost as bloodthirsty creatures. I didn't like this because it doesn't really correspond to the real ideas about Egyptian mythology and religion, where the gods have much more complex and symbolic roles.

I listened to the book as an audiobook and there I was also slightly disappointed - the reading was too monotonous. The narrator's voice hardly changed between the different characters, which made listening at times monotonous and less impactful.

Despite these shortcomings, Anubis Speaks! is a pleasant and entertaining read, especially for children who are just getting to know ancient Egyptian mythology. The humor is successful, the story moves quickly, and the book can definitely arouse interest in the subject, even if it is not completely faithful to the original myths.

[Bohdana · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I really liked the book. The book guides us through the Ra's nightly journey with Anubis as our guide.

While reading, I realized that Anubis's and his humour reminded me a lot of Apollo from Rick Riordan's Trials of Apollo series. Anubis' humour really works well to make it more enjoyable. The illustrations were a nice addition. Overall, it is very informative for beginners.

[Oksana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read with my middle school class and it was a good time. I think they were a little squeamish about the body horror, but overall, a very fun time with fascinating information to discuss and research.

[Hope Rainwater · Rating 3 out of 5]

great!

[Amber Crouch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book about gods

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read that gave an abundance of information in an engaging and unique way.

[David Erkale · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anubis is quite cocky in this book. He should probably learn how egotistical he can be.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anubis clearly loves his job; being worshiped and getting to toss still beating hearts to the crocodile-headed Amut the Destroyer, what could be better? In this chatty, behind-the-scenes tour, the jackal-headed god of the underworld guides readers through an epic nightly battle, as Egyptian Gods fight against the forces of darkness and evil to ensure the sun god Ra is reborn: rising anew with the dawn. Schecter does a remarkable job of making the complicated iconography of Egyptian mythology both clear and memorable, without dumbing-it-down. Convivial, yet menacing, Anubis orients readers with the Egyptian creation myth and then gets down to the really gross stuff. In between the blood, guts and snakes he manages to convey lots of accurate, precise, nuanced and compelling information about Egyptian practices and beliefs, making Anubis Speaks both an excellent curricular resource and a fun recreational read. Cleverly, a caution at the beginning warns of alarming content while simultaneously functioning as a source-note. An index, glossary, guide to Gods and Demons encountered, and an extensive list of sources, establish nonfiction bona fides - making this an auspicious beginning to the new Secrets of the Ancient Gods series.

[Kellee Moye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review at: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=1957

I was introduced to Vicky Alvear Shecter when I read Cleopatra’s Moon and was struck by her way to intertwine fact, mythology, and fiction into a fascinating story. I’ve recently (once I started teaching it) become a very hug fan of mythology though mostly Greek and Roman; however, with my reading of Cleopatra’s Moon (then the Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan), I jumped into Egyptian mythology head first and began learning more and more thus realizing how fascinating all mythology is.

Now to Anubis Speaks! What I enjoyed most about this book was how it was put together. It isn’t just another nonfiction book that lists facts and myths and hope that students find it interesting. Instead Shecter made sure to make the book entertaining and different and intertwined myths with a fun narrative from the Egyptian god of the dead. (YES! The whole book is told from the point of view of Anubis making it quite hilarious at points and making it more interesting than just an informational nonfiction book.)

[Elissa Schaeffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Egyptian God Anubis takes us on a tour of the night--the trip that Ra makes every evening to be reborn in the sunrise. Along the way, we learn about Egyptian customs, beliefs, and their very complex mythology.

Thanks in part to Rick Riordan, ancient mythology is of great interest to kids and this book will definitely fit that need, especially for those fans of Riordan's Kane Chronicles. It's the right target age, and Anubis is a very knowledgeable and extremely snarky tour guide. He makes no bones about his nature and the nature of his fellow gods and goddesses. He gives us all fair warning at the beginning of what to expect--even decapitations--read on if you're brave enough!

There is lots of material on Ancient Egypt, but this stands out as being written for middle grade and in a narration instead of a presentation of facts.

Very recommended, ages 9+.