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Zero Is the Key
The human past isn’t really about what you’ve been taught in school!
In nineteen ninety-one, life is good in the quiet uneventful suburb of Santa Mahara, California. Twins Declan and Dalya are eighth graders living an ordinary, routine life until one day a mysterious sinkhole gives them invisible powers, and the twins are thrust into a chain reaction of life threatening adventures. On a quest to find the purpose for their powers, Declan and Dalya travel the world to mysterious archaeological sites. The answers they find are shocking. Secrets of the human past and the future are discovered; secrets so powerful that if revealed, the world would plunge into panicked chaos.
Meanwhile, a secret organization seeks to capture the twins at all cost and to steal their powers for its own wicked goals.
To make matters worse, Declan and Dalya must decide whether or not to tell Mom and Dad about their powers, endangering their parents’ lives. Will they be captured? Or, can Declan and Dalya help save the world from a mysterious threat and keep the secrets of human history hidden? Will they ever have normal lives again?
In nineteen ninety-one, life is good in the quiet uneventful suburb of Santa Mahara, California. Twins Declan and Dalya are eighth graders living an ordinary, routine life until one day a mysterious sinkhole gives them invisible powers, and the twins are thrust into a chain reaction of life threatening adventures. On a quest to find the purpose for their powers, Declan and Dalya travel the world to mysterious archaeological sites. The answers they find are shocking. Secrets of the human past and the future are discovered; secrets so powerful that if revealed, the world would plunge into panicked chaos.
Meanwhile, a secret organization seeks to capture the twins at all cost and to steal their powers for its own wicked goals.
To make matters worse, Declan and Dalya must decide whether or not to tell Mom and Dad about their powers, endangering their parents’ lives. Will they be captured? Or, can Declan and Dalya help save the world from a mysterious threat and keep the secrets of human history hidden? Will they ever have normal lives again?
Paperback
First published December 10, 2014
2 people are currently reading
2484 people want to read
About the author
Robert J. Guerrera
3 books86 followersBorn in Alaska and raised in California, Robert has led an adventurous life. Since early childhood, he has traveled through some of the most remote, rugged regions of Mexico by canoe, mule, and on foot. He grew up playing outside and exploring the outdoors, usually until after sunset before cycling home to irked parents.
Fast forward to adult life, Robert has taught history and geography in the United States but has always had an itch to learn about distant lands and to live in other cultures. One thing led to another as he ended up living, exploring, and teaching in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Central Europe. Spontaneous travel by bicycle or on foot is his passion. The risks and pleasant surprises during unplanned excursions are the spices of life.
Today, Robert lives in Florida while exploring the Gulf Coast with his bicycle and kayak. Besides writing his adventure books, one can find him hiking in the European Alps or meandering through Florida's many island mangroves with his kayak. Sipping coffee while people-watching at a street side cafe is an enjoyable pastime. Ideas for his fictional characters are mentally plucked from the passers-by. The Salk trilogy is sprinkled with hints of Robert's outdoor adventures, past travel destinations, and quirky personal life experiences.
He hopes you enjoy his Salk sci-fi, adventure novel series. The prequel series is in the works.
"Enjoy being alive rather than just existing."
-RJG
Fast forward to adult life, Robert has taught history and geography in the United States but has always had an itch to learn about distant lands and to live in other cultures. One thing led to another as he ended up living, exploring, and teaching in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Central Europe. Spontaneous travel by bicycle or on foot is his passion. The risks and pleasant surprises during unplanned excursions are the spices of life.
Today, Robert lives in Florida while exploring the Gulf Coast with his bicycle and kayak. Besides writing his adventure books, one can find him hiking in the European Alps or meandering through Florida's many island mangroves with his kayak. Sipping coffee while people-watching at a street side cafe is an enjoyable pastime. Ideas for his fictional characters are mentally plucked from the passers-by. The Salk trilogy is sprinkled with hints of Robert's outdoor adventures, past travel destinations, and quirky personal life experiences.
He hopes you enjoy his Salk sci-fi, adventure novel series. The prequel series is in the works.
"Enjoy being alive rather than just existing."
-RJG
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
July 4, 2015
Twin siblings Declan and Dalya Salk have just finished their second round of trick-or-treating when they stumble upon a mysterious sinkhole out in the woods that gives them the power to go invisible. What they don't know is that a mysterious scientist military organization known as SOUP wants to use their power for their own and take over the world. Can the twins keep a step ahead from them and stay safe? Read this for yourself and find out.
This was a pretty good YA thriller. I got this for free on Smashwords. If you enjoy riddles, thrillers, and YA stories then definitely check this out for yourself.
This was a pretty good YA thriller. I got this for free on Smashwords. If you enjoy riddles, thrillers, and YA stories then definitely check this out for yourself.
August 12, 2015
Twin middle schoolers find a sinkhole that gives them the power of invisibility. A quest to understand how and why this happened takes them to different ancient sites guided by a group of scientists trying to keep the twins safe from a malevolent group trying to kidnap them for nefarious purposes. There's no character development and little plot beyond traveling to each archeological site. Facts and fiction blend in a globe trotting journey where the twins learn history, math concepts and speculation about human origins. The choppy dialogue and adventure might appeal to 8 or 9 year olds.
This was a free book thru Goodreads.
This was a free book thru Goodreads.
June 14, 2015
I want to thank Robert Guerrera for this copy of Zero is the Key, and Goodreads for having the opportunity through the First Reads program.
What a wonderful book. Still a kid at heart, I love to shed the adult world and touch base with that inner youth on occasion. Zero is the Key is a fun and fast paced ride around the globe, as Mr. Guerrera weaves his tale around a huge amount of learning potential for the reader, and all those caring parents who get involved in their children's development.
I don't check off five-stars very often, but I really enjoyed reading this book. One, for the story itself, which kept moving along from start to finish; and two, for the avenue to expand the mind a little and learn more about our little world and to offer up the opportunity to explore further on my own. I found myself reading this alongside my laptop to continually reference the materials being presented in the story. Sometimes finding an hour had gone by before getting back to the book!
Thank you Mr. Guerrera. I think this was very well done, and a good read.
What a wonderful book. Still a kid at heart, I love to shed the adult world and touch base with that inner youth on occasion. Zero is the Key is a fun and fast paced ride around the globe, as Mr. Guerrera weaves his tale around a huge amount of learning potential for the reader, and all those caring parents who get involved in their children's development.
I don't check off five-stars very often, but I really enjoyed reading this book. One, for the story itself, which kept moving along from start to finish; and two, for the avenue to expand the mind a little and learn more about our little world and to offer up the opportunity to explore further on my own. I found myself reading this alongside my laptop to continually reference the materials being presented in the story. Sometimes finding an hour had gone by before getting back to the book!
Thank you Mr. Guerrera. I think this was very well done, and a good read.
December 22, 2016
I received the book from the author for an honest review.
The book is marked for the age group 12 and up and make for some great reading that will stir the curiosity in young and old.
This is the first book from the pen of Guerrera and not the last since he has a nifty way of telling a story which you can follow with ease while enjoying the ride.
The author takes you on a journey around the globe where you discover and look at the ancient relics anew. It is filled with adventure and a good flow that transports you into the world of Declan and Dayla; two feisty and very clever twins with a super power that causes officials to chase them around the globe.
The supporting roles of the parents and the knowledgeable group helping them make this a very believable read which teenagers, that loves science, will love to read.
The author definitely has a good story and I can see many more books born from this story as it unfolds to a wonderful tale of courage, honesty and unity among the siblings.
As a parent I would recommend this book to the youngsters.
Thanks for allowing me to read the book.
The book is marked for the age group 12 and up and make for some great reading that will stir the curiosity in young and old.
This is the first book from the pen of Guerrera and not the last since he has a nifty way of telling a story which you can follow with ease while enjoying the ride.
The author takes you on a journey around the globe where you discover and look at the ancient relics anew. It is filled with adventure and a good flow that transports you into the world of Declan and Dayla; two feisty and very clever twins with a super power that causes officials to chase them around the globe.
The supporting roles of the parents and the knowledgeable group helping them make this a very believable read which teenagers, that loves science, will love to read.
The author definitely has a good story and I can see many more books born from this story as it unfolds to a wonderful tale of courage, honesty and unity among the siblings.
As a parent I would recommend this book to the youngsters.
Thanks for allowing me to read the book.
July 18, 2015
This story will take the reader on a mystery suspense adventure. It allows the reader to follow the riddles and clues along the way as they travel through time. What a fun way to learn about history and mathematics along with the journey. Disclosure: I was gifted a paperback copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions, and ratings are my own.
NOTE: I shared this book with my 13 years old granddaughter for her to enjoy.
NOTE: I shared this book with my 13 years old granddaughter for her to enjoy.
January 23, 2016
Just too silly and ridiculous. I made it to 83% and just didn't even want to know how silly the end would be!
Also it is like reading a Dick and Jane first reader the way it is written, and "sprang his ankle" instead of sprained!
Also it is like reading a Dick and Jane first reader the way it is written, and "sprang his ankle" instead of sprained!
March 14, 2016
I really enjoyed this book for a YA read. It reminded me a lot of the different treasure hunter movies such as the Librarian and the Mummy and all. But much more geared towards a story and followed two teens versus adults. The author really was able to provide a lot of details on the locations, and I could imagine and visualize all that was happening.
The story line follows two twins (boy/girl) along their journey to obtain the reason they have a new found power [won't give away the spoiler]. I love how this was a family adventure and the mom and dad are involved within the story, once the children decide to tell them what is happening. But most of the communication is between the two teens. Their journey takes them all over the world and a lot is uncovered about the past of the human race and the building of the pyramids and the ruins that we all know today and many people have seen - specifically the Maya ruins and Egyptian pyramids..
You can tell the author did a lot of research on locations and the history of some of them. For the story ended up educating the reader along the way.
If I had to say anything negative it would be the how the teens communicate. Their knowledge and the way they spoke was a little unbelieveable to me as a teen. They spoke more like adults, and used each others first names alot when talking to each other or almost was too proper. They didn't seem to have different styles, and the language and knowledge seemed to be way above their age. Maybe if the communication between the two of them was a little toned down to the level of a young teen, and they were being taught these things versus seeming to have the knowledge they did, then the adventure itself would have made it more believable and fun. I could imagine some of the thought process with being scared, anxious and everything else with the things they were going through. They almost came across as super-hero's like this was an occurrence that happens all the time - just a different adventure. That is the only reason for the 4 stars. As the parents, I would have wanted to see them more concerned over their children and the stuff they were going through instead of jumping right in and saying "this is your adventure". Especially since there were many chances of being captured, or even killed, because of what they were on to.
A great fun read, just the details and communication were a little over the top for a teen read for me.
The story line follows two twins (boy/girl) along their journey to obtain the reason they have a new found power [won't give away the spoiler]. I love how this was a family adventure and the mom and dad are involved within the story, once the children decide to tell them what is happening. But most of the communication is between the two teens. Their journey takes them all over the world and a lot is uncovered about the past of the human race and the building of the pyramids and the ruins that we all know today and many people have seen - specifically the Maya ruins and Egyptian pyramids..
You can tell the author did a lot of research on locations and the history of some of them. For the story ended up educating the reader along the way.
If I had to say anything negative it would be the how the teens communicate. Their knowledge and the way they spoke was a little unbelieveable to me as a teen. They spoke more like adults, and used each others first names alot when talking to each other or almost was too proper. They didn't seem to have different styles, and the language and knowledge seemed to be way above their age. Maybe if the communication between the two of them was a little toned down to the level of a young teen, and they were being taught these things versus seeming to have the knowledge they did, then the adventure itself would have made it more believable and fun. I could imagine some of the thought process with being scared, anxious and everything else with the things they were going through. They almost came across as super-hero's like this was an occurrence that happens all the time - just a different adventure. That is the only reason for the 4 stars. As the parents, I would have wanted to see them more concerned over their children and the stuff they were going through instead of jumping right in and saying "this is your adventure". Especially since there were many chances of being captured, or even killed, because of what they were on to.
A great fun read, just the details and communication were a little over the top for a teen read for me.
May 19, 2015
This story begins at the end of my favorite month of the year, with a funny trick or treat overture. I mean, how awesome is that? :D
The book does contain a few pretty standard tropes, but they're used in moderation, and where used, they are applied mortar on bricks, so you have this well-built structure that it doesn't crumble on the derivative or the cliche, because its written in such a way that you don't pay attention to it, and it only gets better since the rest of the story is filled with combination of elements I have never ever seen before smacked together in a story (like the superpower trope in superheroes and modern, real-life like conspiracy implications and mysteries, like sinkholes and such). All that is used effectively in enough measure that it doesn't overburden the story, so the combo works. Kudos to the author for that.
I wasn't sure about the pacing at the start (but I'm always weird about pacing, so I take that with a few grains of salt, and the readers of this review should take it with a fewer grains of salt even), but by the middle of it I practically didn't notice anything that bothered me. What you will find here? A nice family adventure, engulfed in mystery, with historical and paranormal elements, and lots of action. Two kids who get to experience what any child dreams of when young, becoming a superpowered hero and save the day, and who will win you over as you read on the story and make your trip with this book so much more worthwhile.
The book does contain a few pretty standard tropes, but they're used in moderation, and where used, they are applied mortar on bricks, so you have this well-built structure that it doesn't crumble on the derivative or the cliche, because its written in such a way that you don't pay attention to it, and it only gets better since the rest of the story is filled with combination of elements I have never ever seen before smacked together in a story (like the superpower trope in superheroes and modern, real-life like conspiracy implications and mysteries, like sinkholes and such). All that is used effectively in enough measure that it doesn't overburden the story, so the combo works. Kudos to the author for that.
I wasn't sure about the pacing at the start (but I'm always weird about pacing, so I take that with a few grains of salt, and the readers of this review should take it with a fewer grains of salt even), but by the middle of it I practically didn't notice anything that bothered me. What you will find here? A nice family adventure, engulfed in mystery, with historical and paranormal elements, and lots of action. Two kids who get to experience what any child dreams of when young, becoming a superpowered hero and save the day, and who will win you over as you read on the story and make your trip with this book so much more worthwhile.
June 18, 2015
I received a copy of Robert J. Guerrera's Zero is the Key from the author from Goodreads.
Robert J. Guerrera's middle school novel, Zero is the Key, is an exciting adventure for young readers. Eighth grade twins, Dalya and Declan, discover that they have assumed a super power: to become invisible. Circumstances force them to undertake a mission of tremendous scope.
With all the intensity of a treasure hunt, all the action of expeditions to exotic locales, and a powerful adversary trying to stop the protagonists, Zero is the Key is sure to appeal to young readers.
Guerrera's novel has all the ingredients of a grand adventure that readers young and old enjoy. However, this reader struggled with the plotline that gave no explanation for the antagonists' habit of allowing the protagonists to return home unchallenged and to go about their daily lives for several months between expeditions. While I am happy to suspend disbelief in many areas, as in the twins' ability to become invisible at whim in this novel, I still want consistency in human behavior. The adversarial group is ruthless in their pursuit of the children while on the expeditions, and should remain so throughout the book.
Robert J. Guerrera's Zero is the Key is a wonderful adventure for middle school readers and an excellent choice for young reader book clubs.
Robert J. Guerrera's middle school novel, Zero is the Key, is an exciting adventure for young readers. Eighth grade twins, Dalya and Declan, discover that they have assumed a super power: to become invisible. Circumstances force them to undertake a mission of tremendous scope.
With all the intensity of a treasure hunt, all the action of expeditions to exotic locales, and a powerful adversary trying to stop the protagonists, Zero is the Key is sure to appeal to young readers.
Guerrera's novel has all the ingredients of a grand adventure that readers young and old enjoy. However, this reader struggled with the plotline that gave no explanation for the antagonists' habit of allowing the protagonists to return home unchallenged and to go about their daily lives for several months between expeditions. While I am happy to suspend disbelief in many areas, as in the twins' ability to become invisible at whim in this novel, I still want consistency in human behavior. The adversarial group is ruthless in their pursuit of the children while on the expeditions, and should remain so throughout the book.
Robert J. Guerrera's Zero is the Key is a wonderful adventure for middle school readers and an excellent choice for young reader book clubs.
July 27, 2015
If you blend science fiction, mystery, espionage, archaeology, science, math and adventure, you have a book fascinating for ages 8 through adult. So many historical facts, innovations and locations are mentioned making this an excellent read a chapter and then do an Internet search on the person, place or things mentioned to enrich your knowledge. Do you know about Peru's Gate of Amaru Muru? This adult reader didn't as it was discovered in 1996 which I learned about from extra research with young male readers who enjoyed the Internet searching of what they didn't know about. Having visited several of the European locales mentioned, descriptions are perfect. If a youngster reads this on his or her own, because it is filled with so much factual information, one may come to think some of the science fiction elements are real too- but then, who wouldn't want the ability to turn invisible? Math and science is so beautifully blended into the plot the young reader can learn so much and enjoy a good adventure story at the same time. The novel ends with the plot lending itself to a sequel of the task given to twins Declan and Dayla as a quote in the book says, " Humanity depends on your secrecy."(79) I happily received a copy for review from Goodread First Reads.
June 6, 2015
Zero is the Key
Written by Robert Guerrera
Remember, this is a Fiction tale. Words of Warning: Don't investigate a sinkhole yourself. Call the authorities to investigate the site.
Call the police if you notice someone spying into your window.
Call the proper authorities to investigate suspicious matters.
Now, bearing in mind this is a Fiction tale, I found this an enjoyable story which held my interest. The plot ran smoothly. It was informative reading
of various sites in different countries.
The adventures of two teens, Declan and Dalya, will capture your interest. They have contracted powers which force them to seek answers as to where these powers came from and the purpose of these powers. Riddles and clues will guide them in finding answers. Mathematics will play a part in solving their puzzles.
There are some grammatical errors but don't let this stop you from reading such an enjoyable work of fiction. I rate this work four stars.
Josephine Calabrese
Writer, Lyricist, Publisher, and Teacher
Written by Robert Guerrera
Remember, this is a Fiction tale. Words of Warning: Don't investigate a sinkhole yourself. Call the authorities to investigate the site.
Call the police if you notice someone spying into your window.
Call the proper authorities to investigate suspicious matters.
Now, bearing in mind this is a Fiction tale, I found this an enjoyable story which held my interest. The plot ran smoothly. It was informative reading
of various sites in different countries.
The adventures of two teens, Declan and Dalya, will capture your interest. They have contracted powers which force them to seek answers as to where these powers came from and the purpose of these powers. Riddles and clues will guide them in finding answers. Mathematics will play a part in solving their puzzles.
There are some grammatical errors but don't let this stop you from reading such an enjoyable work of fiction. I rate this work four stars.
Josephine Calabrese
Writer, Lyricist, Publisher, and Teacher
January 23, 2019
If I'm honest I didn't think this would be my sort of thing. Happily I was pleasantly surprised & I really enjoyed it. Even though the story follows a pair of teenage twins (one reason I didn't think I would enjoy it), anyone of any age will enjoy reading it & there is pretty much something for everyone. I particularly liked the historical facts, which were cleverly integrated as part of the story, learning without even realising it ;-) It is a fast paced story with plenty of action & adventure, in some parts you are on the edge of your seat watching & waiting for the outcome, hoping the twins will outsmart the bad guys, as you try & work out if ? is really on their side or not!
I told my son bits about the book as I was reading it, he's at that age where he only reads when made to at school. Imagine my surprise when he asked if he could read this sometime!
In a nutshell Zero is the Key is a cleverly written, fast paced book full of action, adventure & intrigue which I highly recommend to everyone.
I told my son bits about the book as I was reading it, he's at that age where he only reads when made to at school. Imagine my surprise when he asked if he could read this sometime!
In a nutshell Zero is the Key is a cleverly written, fast paced book full of action, adventure & intrigue which I highly recommend to everyone.
March 14, 2016
Dear Reader,
I wrote this book for those who like a good ol' fashion adventure story that is clean, free of gore, free of sexual situations and references, free of foul mouthed characters, and free of subtle social agendas. This book is fun, raises questions about our past, where we come from, what we all have in common, and about questions we have for our future and the future of our planet.
If you are naturally curious about the state of things, the world, the universe and everything in it, then you will enjoy this tale of science, investigation, thrilling suspense, ancient cultures, mathematics, quirky characters, and fascinating history and geography. If you like to learn while having fun, then this science fiction book is for you. If you are a teacher, please use the book in your classrooms to spark investigative projects. I would recommend this book to anyone who is young at heart and enjoys thinking out of the box. Take care.
I wrote this book for those who like a good ol' fashion adventure story that is clean, free of gore, free of sexual situations and references, free of foul mouthed characters, and free of subtle social agendas. This book is fun, raises questions about our past, where we come from, what we all have in common, and about questions we have for our future and the future of our planet.
If you are naturally curious about the state of things, the world, the universe and everything in it, then you will enjoy this tale of science, investigation, thrilling suspense, ancient cultures, mathematics, quirky characters, and fascinating history and geography. If you like to learn while having fun, then this science fiction book is for you. If you are a teacher, please use the book in your classrooms to spark investigative projects. I would recommend this book to anyone who is young at heart and enjoys thinking out of the box. Take care.
July 4, 2015
I was unsure what to think about this book as it is a little but out of the zone of books that I normally read. But, I must say, once I got into it, I really enjoyed it. Mr Guerrera used his fast knowledge to write a wonderful family adventure. Teen twins find a medallion with special powers that make them invisible when they wish and also draws into an adventure to find out more about it. Along the way, their parents get drawn into this as well, while they are being pursued by a group that wants the relic for themselves. I love that it ends in a way that could introduce a follow-up. Mr. Guerra is a wonderful author and I would highly recommend this book.
February 1, 2016
This was a unique and interesting book full of adventure mixed with science and history. The heroes, twins named Dalya and Declan, are intelligent and capable. A very strange experience happened to them right in their backyard, and then they have to travel the world searching for clues as to what this was and why, while at the same time running from pursuers who are trying to kidnap them.
I had fun following along with the twins as they learned each new piece of their puzzle, and the end was satisfying, but also left me certain that this was only the beginning of many more exciting adventures for these two. I hope to see what else Mr. Guerrera has planned for them.
I had fun following along with the twins as they learned each new piece of their puzzle, and the end was satisfying, but also left me certain that this was only the beginning of many more exciting adventures for these two. I hope to see what else Mr. Guerrera has planned for them.
September 20, 2015
Zero Is The Key is a book by Good Reads author, Robert J. Guerrera. It is appropriate for kids in junior high and older. It tells the tale of 8th grade twins--Declan and Dalya. One day they discover a sinkhole that gives them the ability to become invisible. What ensues is an adventure that takes the twins to historical sites around the world to look for clues to the purpose of their powers. It includes historical and mathematical facts. This book would work well as a classroom read aloud.
December 29, 2016
A great story. Easy to read and does a fantastic job at capturing your attention. The story's about intelligent teenage twins who acquire the powers of invisibility and an ancient relic. Their lives change forever in a quest that's packed full of adventure while being pursued by a mysterious secret organization. This book is entertaining and very well written, i enjoyed it from beginning to end. The story concludes with an open ending which suggests there may be a second book, which i would love to read. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a new take on a good old fashioned adventure!
September 28, 2016
A wonderful tale of adventure with an eclectic mix of math, science, history, and languages sure to inspire any middle grade to do great things!
March 24, 2016
Reviewed for Youth Culture Denmark
Read full review and see the Feelings Thermometer here on the Youth Culture Denmark blog
Robert J. Guerrera’s middle grade novel ‘Zero is the key’ is all about mysteries. Besides from being a part time author, Robert J. teaches English, history and geography at private schools. And it really shows in this novel. It’s packed with definitions from biology, physics and chemistry, and it’s easy to see that Robert J. has a great talent explaining complicated science in a uncomplicated way. Declan and Dalya also travel world solving mysteries (I gave up counting after visiting five places), so that’s where Robert J.’s passion for geography shines through.
I was very hooked in the first chapters. Declan and Dalya were likable, and I also liked the idea that not all children are at the same level as their grade in school. A lot of clever kids are several years ahead. And nowadays where clever children sometimes are bullied – just because they are clever – it was a great thing to see Robert J. taking their side.
The story wasn’t a slow starter either. The twins discover the ability of being invisible right away, and that made me really excited because it could be used in so many fascinating ways, and I already looked forward to reading about it.
It didn’t take long time either, before we were in a very action-packed scene in the Eiffel Tower. It wasn’t as good described as when Robert Muchamore creates an action scene in the Cherub series, but it was okay.
Something very important is missing
It was a pretty decent beginning, but after a short while I really missed several important elements there has to be in a good story. For starters Declan and Dalya didn’t seem to be whole persons. Let me explain it with an example.
I’m fascinated by mysteries too. Take an old classic, Enid Blyton’s children in ‘The famous Five’ series, they solve quite a few exciting mysteries. And if we also should take something modern, Roger Muchamore’s young teenage Cherub spies – already mentioned – they are truly fascinating and clever – like Declan and Dalya – when they solve their tasks and mysteries. But as persons, all the characters in ‘Famous Five’ and ‘Cherub’ have very important personal traits in common: They are all very unique, they are all very different and they all struggle with a lot of emotions. The mysteries could be solved easily, but they never are, because the protagonists feelings cause loads of problems.
The great differences between the boys and the girls
In ‘Famous Five’, Anne is the little, fragile child – but also the brave one – whom her big brothers take responsibility for and looks after. And tomboy George (Georgina) goes her own ways and runs easily into conflicts. The same does James in Cherub. He knows he has to act like a professional spy and should put his own feelings behind, but he’s marked by his childhood and he has a violent temper he can’t control, so he has to suffer when he’s sentenced with painful punishments like running in the rain for hours while the other Cherub spies enjoys themselves in the warm cafeteria. Also the great difference between the boys tempers and the girls charming but also scheming way of sticking together, creates really dynamic relationships in the books. All their differences make the stories so much more realistic and credible.
A kind of child robots only programmed for solving mysteries
Of course, I didn’t expect relationships in ‘Zero is the key’ because it’s middle grade, but I really expected to get to know Declan and Dalya as whole persons and as siblings. Even scientists and professional researchers – and maybe in particular those – have peculiar habits and different moods, but Declan and Dalya are just the same throughout the whole book. After the first chapters the story felt like the teachers kind of a perfect field trip: All facts, history, geography and science, but no fun, food or feelings.
They children didn’t have bad or funny habits, they weren’t moody, they weren’t really thrilled either, they didn’t play, they didn’t eat delicious dinners or ice cream in the countries they visited, they didn’t show emotions towards their parents, and I don’t even remember their looks or their clothes described at all. Actually, they were like a kind of child robots only programmed for solving mysteries all day long, every day and every evening too. And that felt really peculiar and really lonely, too, while reading.
Invulnerable like BOLT, the super dog
The story is quite action-packed, and even though that is a positive thing, I didn’t get really excited, because I didn’t believe that anything was at stake. Nothing could really hurt Delan og Dalya physical, and when they didn’t show feelings at all, for example wasn’t scared at any time, well, nothing couldn’t really give them a trauma either. The twins felt invulnerable. It’s completely like in Disney’s animation ‘BOLT’. When the super dog BOLT is invulnerable, his tv-series is just the same, over and over, but the day the scheming cat, Mittens, show him he hasn’t any super powers at all and the he is really vulnerable, the fun begins and you can finally relate to BOLT. Unfortunately, I never got that far with Dalya and Declan because they never stopped being super mystery solvers 24/7.
Too stressed with all the global trips
Declan and Dalya visits a lot of places around the world, and of course I understand that Robert J. wants to pass on his own fascination of these places to the readers, but to be honest, it got too stressed and superficial to me. Less is – absolutely – more. I would rather have read the story where the twins only solved one big mystery in for example Paris, where they begin their Europe tour, if we also could have heard just a tiny bit about the French culture, could have had some descriptions of the cafés, the alleys, the food, the Frenchmen and hopefully some funny – maybe even unexpected – episodes with the twins. They are too serious. They don’t joke, they don’t laugh and they solve almost every mystery (except the major mystery) in just 2-3 pages (you don’t even get a chance to guess yourself). It’s just too easy for them, and they never make any ugly mistakes that leads them astray. I still know it’s middle grade, but middle graders can hold excitement much longer. They are not small children, you have to solve everything for in like 2 minutes.
It should have been Declan and Dalya running the show
The longer I got into the story, the more my frustration grew. It felt more and more like a ride in a Universal Studios Theme Park. It’s really action-packed and with loads of effects, and everything is presented for you in that exact moment your ride passes by. But when you think about it, Declan and Dalya don’t do much more than solve the mysteries perfectly and travel from place to place. Everything else is “planned for them” by the grown up characters. They ask Declan and Dalya the right questions at the right time and delivers the right clues to them. It’s really important when you write a story, that you give the young protagonists their own life. And many authors tell that they often have to change the plot along the way, because the protagonists personality wouldn’t go the ways the author plotted. Then you know, you’re on the right track with your story. It should have been Declan and Dalya running the show, not the grown ups pushing them around to the right clues and the right answers.
Conclusion
I really like the idea of a couple of clever researching twins solving mysteries around the world in ‘Zero is the key’. And I think it’s a marvelous idea for a teacher to use all his knowledge in fantasy books, because stories often gets better when the author has been to the places himself. But apart from the invisibility the idea isn’t actually new, and I really missed so much in this novel.
More important than correct information about places and science definitions is that you as a reader have a warm hand to hold, when you’re going on an exciting adventure, a realistic protagonist with feelings, humour, peculiar and bad habits, so we can relate to him or her. The aspect with the extraordinary scientific interested and very clever children I liked so much in the beginning, also became the major problem in the story, because the children never became more than that, and when I think about it, there wasn’t even one person in the story I felt something for. I just felt numb while the children continued solving new mysteries in new places on the globe.
Actually the cover with the Maya temple says it all. It’s fascinating historic facts, but it isn’t inspiring to grab a novel with a Maya temple that just seems like it has been put through an old Photoshop effect. It actually looks like a textbook from school, but to target the middle graders it should of course have been a drawing of one of the exciting scenes, for example where Dalya and Declan fights the crooks in the Eiffel Tower. With lots of emotions and facial expressions. Also, so you could see what the children looks like.
Finally, it has nothing to do with the novel itself, but now I’m mentioning the cover, it just isn’t the same great feeling reading and owning one of those self-published novels, with the lack of quality compared to the books you see on the shelves in book shops. The blurb on the backside was blurry and hard to read, and the cover generally looked like it has been printed on a cheap printer. ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’ someone would say! Well, everyone does. Of course they do. A book is a whole packet, and that packet should definitely be tempting. Just take a look at all the posts at #bookstagram at Instagram. The cover does matter for the young readers. Sometimes even more than the novel itself, that’s why the readers have defined the concept ‘a cover-buy’.
Thank you so much for the ARC, I received in exchange for an honest review.
Read full review and see the Feelings Thermometer here on the Youth Culture Denmark blog
Robert J. Guerrera’s middle grade novel ‘Zero is the key’ is all about mysteries. Besides from being a part time author, Robert J. teaches English, history and geography at private schools. And it really shows in this novel. It’s packed with definitions from biology, physics and chemistry, and it’s easy to see that Robert J. has a great talent explaining complicated science in a uncomplicated way. Declan and Dalya also travel world solving mysteries (I gave up counting after visiting five places), so that’s where Robert J.’s passion for geography shines through.
I was very hooked in the first chapters. Declan and Dalya were likable, and I also liked the idea that not all children are at the same level as their grade in school. A lot of clever kids are several years ahead. And nowadays where clever children sometimes are bullied – just because they are clever – it was a great thing to see Robert J. taking their side.
The story wasn’t a slow starter either. The twins discover the ability of being invisible right away, and that made me really excited because it could be used in so many fascinating ways, and I already looked forward to reading about it.
It didn’t take long time either, before we were in a very action-packed scene in the Eiffel Tower. It wasn’t as good described as when Robert Muchamore creates an action scene in the Cherub series, but it was okay.
Something very important is missing
It was a pretty decent beginning, but after a short while I really missed several important elements there has to be in a good story. For starters Declan and Dalya didn’t seem to be whole persons. Let me explain it with an example.
I’m fascinated by mysteries too. Take an old classic, Enid Blyton’s children in ‘The famous Five’ series, they solve quite a few exciting mysteries. And if we also should take something modern, Roger Muchamore’s young teenage Cherub spies – already mentioned – they are truly fascinating and clever – like Declan and Dalya – when they solve their tasks and mysteries. But as persons, all the characters in ‘Famous Five’ and ‘Cherub’ have very important personal traits in common: They are all very unique, they are all very different and they all struggle with a lot of emotions. The mysteries could be solved easily, but they never are, because the protagonists feelings cause loads of problems.
The great differences between the boys and the girls
In ‘Famous Five’, Anne is the little, fragile child – but also the brave one – whom her big brothers take responsibility for and looks after. And tomboy George (Georgina) goes her own ways and runs easily into conflicts. The same does James in Cherub. He knows he has to act like a professional spy and should put his own feelings behind, but he’s marked by his childhood and he has a violent temper he can’t control, so he has to suffer when he’s sentenced with painful punishments like running in the rain for hours while the other Cherub spies enjoys themselves in the warm cafeteria. Also the great difference between the boys tempers and the girls charming but also scheming way of sticking together, creates really dynamic relationships in the books. All their differences make the stories so much more realistic and credible.
A kind of child robots only programmed for solving mysteries
Of course, I didn’t expect relationships in ‘Zero is the key’ because it’s middle grade, but I really expected to get to know Declan and Dalya as whole persons and as siblings. Even scientists and professional researchers – and maybe in particular those – have peculiar habits and different moods, but Declan and Dalya are just the same throughout the whole book. After the first chapters the story felt like the teachers kind of a perfect field trip: All facts, history, geography and science, but no fun, food or feelings.
They children didn’t have bad or funny habits, they weren’t moody, they weren’t really thrilled either, they didn’t play, they didn’t eat delicious dinners or ice cream in the countries they visited, they didn’t show emotions towards their parents, and I don’t even remember their looks or their clothes described at all. Actually, they were like a kind of child robots only programmed for solving mysteries all day long, every day and every evening too. And that felt really peculiar and really lonely, too, while reading.
Invulnerable like BOLT, the super dog
The story is quite action-packed, and even though that is a positive thing, I didn’t get really excited, because I didn’t believe that anything was at stake. Nothing could really hurt Delan og Dalya physical, and when they didn’t show feelings at all, for example wasn’t scared at any time, well, nothing couldn’t really give them a trauma either. The twins felt invulnerable. It’s completely like in Disney’s animation ‘BOLT’. When the super dog BOLT is invulnerable, his tv-series is just the same, over and over, but the day the scheming cat, Mittens, show him he hasn’t any super powers at all and the he is really vulnerable, the fun begins and you can finally relate to BOLT. Unfortunately, I never got that far with Dalya and Declan because they never stopped being super mystery solvers 24/7.
Too stressed with all the global trips
Declan and Dalya visits a lot of places around the world, and of course I understand that Robert J. wants to pass on his own fascination of these places to the readers, but to be honest, it got too stressed and superficial to me. Less is – absolutely – more. I would rather have read the story where the twins only solved one big mystery in for example Paris, where they begin their Europe tour, if we also could have heard just a tiny bit about the French culture, could have had some descriptions of the cafés, the alleys, the food, the Frenchmen and hopefully some funny – maybe even unexpected – episodes with the twins. They are too serious. They don’t joke, they don’t laugh and they solve almost every mystery (except the major mystery) in just 2-3 pages (you don’t even get a chance to guess yourself). It’s just too easy for them, and they never make any ugly mistakes that leads them astray. I still know it’s middle grade, but middle graders can hold excitement much longer. They are not small children, you have to solve everything for in like 2 minutes.
It should have been Declan and Dalya running the show
The longer I got into the story, the more my frustration grew. It felt more and more like a ride in a Universal Studios Theme Park. It’s really action-packed and with loads of effects, and everything is presented for you in that exact moment your ride passes by. But when you think about it, Declan and Dalya don’t do much more than solve the mysteries perfectly and travel from place to place. Everything else is “planned for them” by the grown up characters. They ask Declan and Dalya the right questions at the right time and delivers the right clues to them. It’s really important when you write a story, that you give the young protagonists their own life. And many authors tell that they often have to change the plot along the way, because the protagonists personality wouldn’t go the ways the author plotted. Then you know, you’re on the right track with your story. It should have been Declan and Dalya running the show, not the grown ups pushing them around to the right clues and the right answers.
Conclusion
I really like the idea of a couple of clever researching twins solving mysteries around the world in ‘Zero is the key’. And I think it’s a marvelous idea for a teacher to use all his knowledge in fantasy books, because stories often gets better when the author has been to the places himself. But apart from the invisibility the idea isn’t actually new, and I really missed so much in this novel.
More important than correct information about places and science definitions is that you as a reader have a warm hand to hold, when you’re going on an exciting adventure, a realistic protagonist with feelings, humour, peculiar and bad habits, so we can relate to him or her. The aspect with the extraordinary scientific interested and very clever children I liked so much in the beginning, also became the major problem in the story, because the children never became more than that, and when I think about it, there wasn’t even one person in the story I felt something for. I just felt numb while the children continued solving new mysteries in new places on the globe.
Actually the cover with the Maya temple says it all. It’s fascinating historic facts, but it isn’t inspiring to grab a novel with a Maya temple that just seems like it has been put through an old Photoshop effect. It actually looks like a textbook from school, but to target the middle graders it should of course have been a drawing of one of the exciting scenes, for example where Dalya and Declan fights the crooks in the Eiffel Tower. With lots of emotions and facial expressions. Also, so you could see what the children looks like.
Finally, it has nothing to do with the novel itself, but now I’m mentioning the cover, it just isn’t the same great feeling reading and owning one of those self-published novels, with the lack of quality compared to the books you see on the shelves in book shops. The blurb on the backside was blurry and hard to read, and the cover generally looked like it has been printed on a cheap printer. ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’ someone would say! Well, everyone does. Of course they do. A book is a whole packet, and that packet should definitely be tempting. Just take a look at all the posts at #bookstagram at Instagram. The cover does matter for the young readers. Sometimes even more than the novel itself, that’s why the readers have defined the concept ‘a cover-buy’.
Thank you so much for the ARC, I received in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read
January 28, 2018I loved the way the author tied so many locations to the story and how the family adventures were part of the theme.
June 15, 2018
I won a print copy of Zero is the Key by Robert J Guerrera in a Goodreads giveaway.
Zero is the Key is a fun middle grade adventure that made me a little bit nostalgic for the books I read as a middle grader. There was a series called The Happy Hollisters that Zero is the Key strongly brings to mind. The kids are smart, but so are the parents. Everyone is respectful and the adventure is just a lot of fun. Perhaps a bit unrealistic when the family travels all over the world at the drop of a clue. But that is a part of the charm for me, not letting real life logic dictate the flow of the story.
The action is quite good and the suspense is maintained throughout. Age appropriate violence and danger. A travelogue to some of the more mysterious locations on the planet. Giorgio Tsoukalos would probably love it. Zero is the Key also crosses over to the ancient alien theory and fits in quite well.
A fun thing to notice that isn't a spoiler. Most of the main characters have the family names of famous scientists. The main characters are the Salk's, you can pick out the rest. Zero is the Key by Robert J Guerrera is a fun middle grade adventure even if no longer a middle grade reader. Enjoy!
Zero is the Key is a fun middle grade adventure that made me a little bit nostalgic for the books I read as a middle grader. There was a series called The Happy Hollisters that Zero is the Key strongly brings to mind. The kids are smart, but so are the parents. Everyone is respectful and the adventure is just a lot of fun. Perhaps a bit unrealistic when the family travels all over the world at the drop of a clue. But that is a part of the charm for me, not letting real life logic dictate the flow of the story.
The action is quite good and the suspense is maintained throughout. Age appropriate violence and danger. A travelogue to some of the more mysterious locations on the planet. Giorgio Tsoukalos would probably love it. Zero is the Key also crosses over to the ancient alien theory and fits in quite well.
A fun thing to notice that isn't a spoiler. Most of the main characters have the family names of famous scientists. The main characters are the Salk's, you can pick out the rest. Zero is the Key by Robert J Guerrera is a fun middle grade adventure even if no longer a middle grade reader. Enjoy!
June 4, 2015
Review of Zero Is The Key by Robert Guerrera
This is the sort of mystery and adventure book I burned out many a torch battery under the bedclothes in my early teens. I will recommend it to my eldest granddaughter who consumes books like this as fast as the publishing industry can put them into shops.
There is no lack of excitement and suspense in this work. It’s set in our time and is easy for young people to transport themselves into the position of the two main characters. A combination of super power, puzzles, ancient magic and modern technology it has everything needed to tear them away from the computer with the exception of researching the ancient sites to get a firmer fix on the books reality and add to verisimilitude. The characters are believable and the settings globe spanning this book is a great spark to fire young imaginations.
Rating 4.5 stars
This is the sort of mystery and adventure book I burned out many a torch battery under the bedclothes in my early teens. I will recommend it to my eldest granddaughter who consumes books like this as fast as the publishing industry can put them into shops.
There is no lack of excitement and suspense in this work. It’s set in our time and is easy for young people to transport themselves into the position of the two main characters. A combination of super power, puzzles, ancient magic and modern technology it has everything needed to tear them away from the computer with the exception of researching the ancient sites to get a firmer fix on the books reality and add to verisimilitude. The characters are believable and the settings globe spanning this book is a great spark to fire young imaginations.
Rating 4.5 stars
July 14, 2015
The twins find themselves in a whole new world after they found the medallion with special powers that make them invisible. Then the medallion draws them on a quest to find out its secret and purpose. But not all things are good. They world is filled with good and evil and they have define which is which in this new world, but will they find out before the group that is following kill them? Mr Guerrera uses his ability and skills as a writer to give young adults some clean and exciting stories. He brings the world of fantasy to life with the movement of his pen. I am having fantasies about a four star rating!!!!
I was given this book in exchange for my honest review (Goodreads.com) LOP
I was given this book in exchange for my honest review (Goodreads.com) LOP
June 23, 2015
What a grand adventure. Beginning when twins Declan and Dalya find a sink hole see it is caused by a meteorite and then find the exposure to it has made them invisible, this tale twists and turns.
The twins are an the hunt for the secret to their invisibility and the author has taken them all over the world and to quite a few secret locations that are mentioned in history, conspiracy and ancient myths. The twins have a couple of people helping them but they also have the Scientists of Undercover Projects (SOUP) hot on their trail to take away any secrets they find. I love the names used for various people, including Salk and Tesla. Fun, imaginative book I think will appeal to young adults and adults.
The twins are an the hunt for the secret to their invisibility and the author has taken them all over the world and to quite a few secret locations that are mentioned in history, conspiracy and ancient myths. The twins have a couple of people helping them but they also have the Scientists of Undercover Projects (SOUP) hot on their trail to take away any secrets they find. I love the names used for various people, including Salk and Tesla. Fun, imaginative book I think will appeal to young adults and adults.
May 16, 2015
Robert Guerrera spins a delightful tale that will capture the imaginations of young readers. With fascinating lessons in the sciences, arts and languages any middle-schooler will gain marvelous tidbits about the history of important people and places. The maturity of the main characters will captivate the imaginations of children, leading them to believe that adventures are for those willing to dream, and set out to makes those dreams happen. I will be handing Zero is the Key to my eight year old daughters and hope they get pulled into the story, as I believe all young readers will.
June 5, 2015
Declan and Dalya are full of surprises in this non stop action packed story!! While out roaming about, the twins come upon a sinkhole. Out of curiosity they lay on their bellies and peer into the hole. All of a sudden a bright light flashes and then Darkness. The next day they awake to find their lives have drastically changed. EXHILERATING and EXCITING. A WONDERFUL READ. I thoroughly enjoyed reading every page. THANK YOU GOODREADS FOR THIS FREE BOOK
June 15, 2015
Zero is the Key is fun reading and the reader is learning in the process. The story centers around twins Dalya and Declan and travels to different countries involving the characters in solving "riddles" (mostly math related) to discover the next destination. All the while they are being chased by the "bad guys" in the SOUP organization. I believe most middle readers will not only enjoy reading the book and sharing the adventure, but learn something as well.
I received this book free from Goodreads First Reads.
I received this book free from Goodreads First Reads.
Read
September 13, 2016This was a Goodreads giveaway. Many thanks to both Goodreads and the author. My son and I read this book together. He is 11 and I am not. Twin brother and sister, Declan and Dalya (and their parents), travel the world to find meaning to past civilizations. Uproariously funny and clever at times. This was a fun book to read with many interesting characters and a meaningful plot, remaining one step ahead of the nefarious SOUP group. SOUP is silly and dangerous at the same time. Perfect for middle schoolers as an adventure, particularly those with an interest in math and science.
May 15, 2016
I received a copy of this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
This story is well thought out, and entertaining. I can imagine kids really enjoying it. For me, there were a few niggles - I can't really talk about them without spoiling the story - but I can't imagine kids caring much (most probably won't even notice) since the story moves so fast.
If Mr Guerrera could be persuaded to write a version of this story for adults, I'd definitely be in line to read it!
This story is well thought out, and entertaining. I can imagine kids really enjoying it. For me, there were a few niggles - I can't really talk about them without spoiling the story - but I can't imagine kids caring much (most probably won't even notice) since the story moves so fast.
If Mr Guerrera could be persuaded to write a version of this story for adults, I'd definitely be in line to read it!
June 24, 2015
I receive this book free through Goodreads first reads. I felt that there were some gaps in the story, however they are intentionally there to leave room to grade your own theories. A great selection for middle grade kids that like adventures - I wish my daughter would've been willing to read it with me.
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