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Seti's Charm: A Max Carter Adventure
Fourteen-year-old Max Carter has grown up in his grandfather's museum, training to be the world's youngest archaeologist. When the museum is robbed and burned by greedy smugglers, Grandpa begs Max to return their prized possession to Egypt and break the curse that caused this disaster. But Seti's Charm--a priceless funeral amulet from the mummy of Pharaoh Seti I-- is in the hands of murderous thugs.
While Grandpa lies in a hospital bed and Max's wicked step-grandmother schemes to turn their life upside down, Max enlists the help of a giant Frenchman with a shady past. Together, they chase Seti's Charm to a tropical island where Max braves shark-infested waters, machine gun fire, explosions, capture, and torture to learn the shocking true reason that Seti's Charm was stolen. But will he get the legendary object back and return it to its rightful owners in time to save Grandpa and the only life he's ever known?
While Grandpa lies in a hospital bed and Max's wicked step-grandmother schemes to turn their life upside down, Max enlists the help of a giant Frenchman with a shady past. Together, they chase Seti's Charm to a tropical island where Max braves shark-infested waters, machine gun fire, explosions, capture, and torture to learn the shocking true reason that Seti's Charm was stolen. But will he get the legendary object back and return it to its rightful owners in time to save Grandpa and the only life he's ever known?
256 pages, Paperback
First published September 26, 2014
About the author
Chris Everheart
47 books28 followersI'm living proof that harnessing talents like staring out the window and watching TV can be put to use for the good (or at least the entertainment) of humankind.
Fifty percent of my childhood was spent staring out a classroom window, wondering what was going on "out there." I daydreamed about interesting places, fascinating people and exciting adventures.
As a reluctant and struggling young reader, my hunger for stories was fed mostly by TV and movies. I still haven't read all the classics (I promise I will eventually). PRIDE AND PREJUDICE wasn't on my reading list as a kid. But I distinctly remember going to the drive-in movies with my dad and little brother and seeing SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT for the first time! I wanted to LIVE in a world where a Trans Am really could jump a creek from a collapsed bridge and keep tooling down a dirt road away from the county mounties.
In high school, though, I was lucky enough to be inspired by a dedicated teacher to read and connect to the arts and humanities. It opened up a world that I might otherwise never have known. I went on to study art and anthropology/archaeology in New Mexico and Minnesota and traveled throughout the lower-48, Western Canada and Alaska. My jobs have included: archaeological illustrator; art gallery manager; motion picture/TV/indy film crew, writer, director and actor; waiter; maitre d; pool boy; slime line worker (people who've worked in an Alaskan fishery know what this is).
While working at an ad agency, I started writing my first book - a political thriller - because I needed to express my passion for stories but couldn't afford to go to film school. It stuck. I found that story is always lurking just below the surface of my conscious mind, so writing fiction comes very naturally to me. I got a contract to write action/adventure books for young readers and found it so easy and fun to write to my 12-year-old self (ref: "reluctant and struggling reader" above).
So I write for young readers and grown ups alike - short stories, novels, chapter books, graphic novels. I still love daydreaming about interesting places, fascinating people and exciting adventures. But window gazing has gotten even better - because today I get to share my daydreams with you. Enjoy!
Fifty percent of my childhood was spent staring out a classroom window, wondering what was going on "out there." I daydreamed about interesting places, fascinating people and exciting adventures.
As a reluctant and struggling young reader, my hunger for stories was fed mostly by TV and movies. I still haven't read all the classics (I promise I will eventually). PRIDE AND PREJUDICE wasn't on my reading list as a kid. But I distinctly remember going to the drive-in movies with my dad and little brother and seeing SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT for the first time! I wanted to LIVE in a world where a Trans Am really could jump a creek from a collapsed bridge and keep tooling down a dirt road away from the county mounties.
In high school, though, I was lucky enough to be inspired by a dedicated teacher to read and connect to the arts and humanities. It opened up a world that I might otherwise never have known. I went on to study art and anthropology/archaeology in New Mexico and Minnesota and traveled throughout the lower-48, Western Canada and Alaska. My jobs have included: archaeological illustrator; art gallery manager; motion picture/TV/indy film crew, writer, director and actor; waiter; maitre d; pool boy; slime line worker (people who've worked in an Alaskan fishery know what this is).
While working at an ad agency, I started writing my first book - a political thriller - because I needed to express my passion for stories but couldn't afford to go to film school. It stuck. I found that story is always lurking just below the surface of my conscious mind, so writing fiction comes very naturally to me. I got a contract to write action/adventure books for young readers and found it so easy and fun to write to my 12-year-old self (ref: "reluctant and struggling reader" above).
So I write for young readers and grown ups alike - short stories, novels, chapter books, graphic novels. I still love daydreaming about interesting places, fascinating people and exciting adventures. But window gazing has gotten even better - because today I get to share my daydreams with you. Enjoy!
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 3, 2014
After reading several pretty heavy books in a row, I was in the mood for something more light and easy to read. This is where Seti's Charm came in. It was the perfect book for what I wanted + everything connected to ancient Egypt is a huge bonus for me.
Max was a very likable character. I'm sure he's going to appeal to a lot of readers, no matter their age. I loved his courage and how he basically did everything he could to help his grandfather. This includes going inside burning buildings, facing down people with guns, and even facing his hateful step-grandmother.
The story involved a lot of interesting characters (coughRenaultcough) that I hope to see again in the next book(s), if there will be any sequels. They were all quite interesting and just fun to read about.
Miriam (the step-grandmother) however was the worst. I loathed her with a passion and I had hoped at the end of the book she'd be somehow gone, but no such luck. I just felt so bad for Max because Miriam has been treating him so badly. But other than that, I really enjoy this book.
The Egypt element was a bit on the minor side, although Seti's amulet did set things in motion for the story. I loved the mystery surrounding it and also the writing was pretty good.
Fast-paced, mysterious and full of action, Seti's Charm is a prime examble why I love middle grade books so much. I'm already looking forward to Max Carter's next adventure!
Max was a very likable character. I'm sure he's going to appeal to a lot of readers, no matter their age. I loved his courage and how he basically did everything he could to help his grandfather. This includes going inside burning buildings, facing down people with guns, and even facing his hateful step-grandmother.
The story involved a lot of interesting characters (coughRenaultcough) that I hope to see again in the next book(s), if there will be any sequels. They were all quite interesting and just fun to read about.
Miriam (the step-grandmother) however was the worst. I loathed her with a passion and I had hoped at the end of the book she'd be somehow gone, but no such luck. I just felt so bad for Max because Miriam has been treating him so badly. But other than that, I really enjoy this book.
The Egypt element was a bit on the minor side, although Seti's amulet did set things in motion for the story. I loved the mystery surrounding it and also the writing was pretty good.
Fast-paced, mysterious and full of action, Seti's Charm is a prime examble why I love middle grade books so much. I'm already looking forward to Max Carter's next adventure!
December 15, 2014
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest and fair review.
Mild spoilers ahead.
Seti's Charm by Chris Everheart (what a great author name!) is about the adventures of one Max Carter, a young 14 year old budding archaeologist. Max works with his grandfather at their family owned museum. One evening, a priceless ancient Egyptian artifact is stolen, the museum burned down and his grandfather gets badly hurt in the process, ending up in the hospital. Thus begins a mad dash to secure the artifact and return it to Egypt.
Seti's Charm is mostly targeted at middle school readers. However, it is such a well written book, with fast paced action, the thrill of adventure and the allusions to ancient Egypt that any fan of adventure stories or Indiana Jones might enjoy it. Chris Everheart writes very exciting 'things go boom' scenes as evidenced by the robbery in the first page and then Max's thrilling rescue of his grandfather from the ensuing fire.
I really liked the fact our young hero is against the use of weapons and this whole anti gun stance comes in very useful to the safety of a secondary character later in the book. Max is also written to be someone with fears and insecurities with less of the swagger and more of the smart thinking. I will definitely read more books in this series.
The only grouse I had was the character of the step-grand mother. Given this book is meant for younger readers, it needs to do away with the evil step mother stereotype or at least have a female villain written with respect.
4 stars mostly.
Mild spoilers ahead.
Seti's Charm by Chris Everheart (what a great author name!) is about the adventures of one Max Carter, a young 14 year old budding archaeologist. Max works with his grandfather at their family owned museum. One evening, a priceless ancient Egyptian artifact is stolen, the museum burned down and his grandfather gets badly hurt in the process, ending up in the hospital. Thus begins a mad dash to secure the artifact and return it to Egypt.
Seti's Charm is mostly targeted at middle school readers. However, it is such a well written book, with fast paced action, the thrill of adventure and the allusions to ancient Egypt that any fan of adventure stories or Indiana Jones might enjoy it. Chris Everheart writes very exciting 'things go boom' scenes as evidenced by the robbery in the first page and then Max's thrilling rescue of his grandfather from the ensuing fire.
I really liked the fact our young hero is against the use of weapons and this whole anti gun stance comes in very useful to the safety of a secondary character later in the book. Max is also written to be someone with fears and insecurities with less of the swagger and more of the smart thinking. I will definitely read more books in this series.
The only grouse I had was the character of the step-grand mother. Given this book is meant for younger readers, it needs to do away with the evil step mother stereotype or at least have a female villain written with respect.
4 stars mostly.
November 7, 2014
Fast Paced, Richly Drawn, Worthy Adventure
This is an interesting and appealing book that's a little bit off the beaten track for middle grade adventure readers. I was familiar with the author, Chris Everheart, from reading his YA thriller series "The League of Delphi". That's a sort of dark conspiracy series that's written well enough to have earned an admiring adult as well as YA audience. Well, this is a middle grade adventure story that exhibits a lot of YA touches in terms of the quality of the writing, the mood and atmosphere, and the higher than usual evident respect for the younger reader. This book has a bit of oomph to it.
The plot is pretty straightforward. Priceless amulet is stolen from family museum; 14 year old hero sets out to return it accompanied by mysterious soldier of fortune type. Lots of chases, escapes, struggles, captures, more escapes, more struggles, and so on. I'm not being dismissive, that plot has worked for everything from Indiana Jones back to Robert Louis Stevenson's "Kidnapped", (and even back to those Greek guys wandering around the Mediterranean).
But this book has a number of interesting things going for it. First, the history and importance of the Egyptian amulet is explained in a cool, informative and exciting sort of way. The book is almost an armchair archaeology text in places. Even if it sometimes feels a bit like an info dump, this exposition works and I think would capture the imagination of a younger reader. Second, the characters have a lot more depth and shading, (at least the heroes do), than I usually see in middle grade fiction. I think that's where the YA background shows up most clearly. Everheart isn't just grinding out a thin actioner. Finally, mood and atmosphere are set out very well, as are the action pieces. When hero Max saves his grandpa from the museum fire, you feel the heat. Good stuff.
On the down side, evil step-mom is way over the top. Convenient coincidences pop up regularly. Most fourteen year old runaways have more trouble globe trotting than Max does. But hey, if you're going to question those sorts of things then the entire world of middle grade action adventure will just come tumbling down around your ears. (I mean, Indiana Jones never has trouble getting a hotel room or booking a flight, even in the high season.)
So, with a solid Egypt angle, an appealing kid hero, nice secondary characters, breathless action, and very solid and effective writing, this book ended up being a happy find.
Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.
This is an interesting and appealing book that's a little bit off the beaten track for middle grade adventure readers. I was familiar with the author, Chris Everheart, from reading his YA thriller series "The League of Delphi". That's a sort of dark conspiracy series that's written well enough to have earned an admiring adult as well as YA audience. Well, this is a middle grade adventure story that exhibits a lot of YA touches in terms of the quality of the writing, the mood and atmosphere, and the higher than usual evident respect for the younger reader. This book has a bit of oomph to it.
The plot is pretty straightforward. Priceless amulet is stolen from family museum; 14 year old hero sets out to return it accompanied by mysterious soldier of fortune type. Lots of chases, escapes, struggles, captures, more escapes, more struggles, and so on. I'm not being dismissive, that plot has worked for everything from Indiana Jones back to Robert Louis Stevenson's "Kidnapped", (and even back to those Greek guys wandering around the Mediterranean).
But this book has a number of interesting things going for it. First, the history and importance of the Egyptian amulet is explained in a cool, informative and exciting sort of way. The book is almost an armchair archaeology text in places. Even if it sometimes feels a bit like an info dump, this exposition works and I think would capture the imagination of a younger reader. Second, the characters have a lot more depth and shading, (at least the heroes do), than I usually see in middle grade fiction. I think that's where the YA background shows up most clearly. Everheart isn't just grinding out a thin actioner. Finally, mood and atmosphere are set out very well, as are the action pieces. When hero Max saves his grandpa from the museum fire, you feel the heat. Good stuff.
On the down side, evil step-mom is way over the top. Convenient coincidences pop up regularly. Most fourteen year old runaways have more trouble globe trotting than Max does. But hey, if you're going to question those sorts of things then the entire world of middle grade action adventure will just come tumbling down around your ears. (I mean, Indiana Jones never has trouble getting a hotel room or booking a flight, even in the high season.)
So, with a solid Egypt angle, an appealing kid hero, nice secondary characters, breathless action, and very solid and effective writing, this book ended up being a happy find.
Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.
December 2, 2014
I received a complimentary copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Seti’s Charm is an exciting book for middle grade adventure readers. This is a middle grade adventure story is reminiscent of Alex Rider and Indiana Jones. It is action packed from the first to the last. Even reluctant readers will be interested in the story.
The writing quality is first rate in terms of plot, character development, mood and setting. Author Chris Everheart writes respectfully to and for young adult readers.
The plot is straightforward: priceless archeological artifact is stolen from small museum. Teen hero sets out with mysterious soldier of fortune/friend of the family to retrieve said artifact only to discover a more far-reaching scandal. Plenty of chases, near-misses, struggles, captures and escapes.
While it is the action that will attract many young readers, they will be sucked into the history and importance of the archeological artifacts. Information about the artifacts—symbolism and importance-- is imparted in a hip, exciting way.
The main characters have a lot more depth than typically found in YA stories. This is where the quality of the writing shines. Readers will be enrapt by the exploits of young Max Carter and his mysterious cohort Renault while reviling the acrimonious step-grandmother, Miriam. Mr. Everheart didn’t turn out a thin actioner with nothing but chase scenes to recall and remember.
A rich action adventure that just might spark your middle grade reader’s interest in history.
Seti’s Charm is an exciting book for middle grade adventure readers. This is a middle grade adventure story is reminiscent of Alex Rider and Indiana Jones. It is action packed from the first to the last. Even reluctant readers will be interested in the story.
The writing quality is first rate in terms of plot, character development, mood and setting. Author Chris Everheart writes respectfully to and for young adult readers.
The plot is straightforward: priceless archeological artifact is stolen from small museum. Teen hero sets out with mysterious soldier of fortune/friend of the family to retrieve said artifact only to discover a more far-reaching scandal. Plenty of chases, near-misses, struggles, captures and escapes.
While it is the action that will attract many young readers, they will be sucked into the history and importance of the archeological artifacts. Information about the artifacts—symbolism and importance-- is imparted in a hip, exciting way.
The main characters have a lot more depth than typically found in YA stories. This is where the quality of the writing shines. Readers will be enrapt by the exploits of young Max Carter and his mysterious cohort Renault while reviling the acrimonious step-grandmother, Miriam. Mr. Everheart didn’t turn out a thin actioner with nothing but chase scenes to recall and remember.
A rich action adventure that just might spark your middle grade reader’s interest in history.
December 19, 2014
The first three quarters of this book is great. The action and adventure really keep the story moving. I couldn't wait to see what would happen next as Max tried to solve his problem.
However,
However,
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2015
Max Carter is being raised by his grandfather as his parents are dead. Grandpa is training Max to be an anthropologist. Grandpa's museum is being robbed of a priceless amulet. During Grandpa's attempt to stop it he is hurt badly enough to end up in the hospital. Grandpa tells Max that he has put a copy of the amulet in his museum and wants Max to go after the real one. With the help of a Frenchman, Max start his journey. Who is this Frenchman.? Will Max find it?
It is a fast paced, action packed mystery. It is will written and has perk my interest in Egypt's history. I suspect middle grade boys will enjoy this book, but adults can too!
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book free from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I was not obliged to write a favorable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
It is a fast paced, action packed mystery. It is will written and has perk my interest in Egypt's history. I suspect middle grade boys will enjoy this book, but adults can too!
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book free from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I was not obliged to write a favorable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
December 23, 2014
Given To Me For An Honest Review
Seti's Charm: A Max Carter Adventure (Max Carter Adventures Book 1) by Chris Everheart is a great middle grade adventure with a touch of young adult touches. An Egyptian amulet is taken from the family museum. Max Carter and his friend decide that they are going to find it. They set out to do so. There is a lot of action, chases, struggles, captures and escapes. This is a great adventure that just might spark a middle grade reader's interest in history. I recommend this book to everyone especially middle graders and young adults. If you love adventures then this book is for you. I look for more by Chris Everheart and can't wait to read the other books in the series.
Seti's Charm: A Max Carter Adventure (Max Carter Adventures Book 1) by Chris Everheart is a great middle grade adventure with a touch of young adult touches. An Egyptian amulet is taken from the family museum. Max Carter and his friend decide that they are going to find it. They set out to do so. There is a lot of action, chases, struggles, captures and escapes. This is a great adventure that just might spark a middle grade reader's interest in history. I recommend this book to everyone especially middle graders and young adults. If you love adventures then this book is for you. I look for more by Chris Everheart and can't wait to read the other books in the series.
January 9, 2015
Actually finished this on the 5th. Nice quick read. Almost thought it was going to end in a cliffhanger but it had a quick wrapup. Grateful for that as I hate cliffhangers unless I have the next book sitting there ready to go. May have wrapped up a little too fast actually, could have been more story there possibly. Loved the story and can't wait for the next Max Carter adventure!!!
January 17, 2015
In deference to the phrase "Every book it's reader," I will start by saying that I'm fairly confident I am not the reader for this book. I read it from Netgalley, so taking away galley issues, I am not a fan of books with exceedingly short chapters and improbably coincidences. However, if I think about other readers I know, this book could be very popular. I'll have to think about it more.
February 19, 2015
A fast-paced read which will appeal to fans of Alex Rider, and also reminiscent of Indiana Jones with the archaeology angle. This books sets you up for what will probably be a good series. As a school librarian, I am sure my boys would enjoy this, albeit I found it very American in style and vocabulary (we are in the UK) but we will be ordering it for our shelves!
August 5, 2015
eARC: Netgalley
What a great adventure!
Seti' s Charm is a Max Carter adventure and Max Carter is the middle schooler's answer to Indiana Jones. That's really all that you need to know to get an idea of the excitement and adventure awaiting you between the covers of this great novel!
I know two eleven year olds who are going to love getting their hands on this!
What a great adventure!
Seti' s Charm is a Max Carter adventure and Max Carter is the middle schooler's answer to Indiana Jones. That's really all that you need to know to get an idea of the excitement and adventure awaiting you between the covers of this great novel!
I know two eleven year olds who are going to love getting their hands on this!
March 19, 2015
This reminded me of a younger Indiana Jones or Alex Rider. You have adventure and archaeology. Plus running from the authorities, gold digging relatives, and black market bad guys. A decent story that I'd recommend for 3 grade and Up. (Max doesn't get a long with his step grandma.)
Want to Read
February 27, 2016Read through netgalley.com
January 16, 2015
Action-packed, suspenseful book with a feisty main character. Although some of the events were totally improbable, I don't think kids will mind.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews