What do you think?
Rate this book
Hieroglyph
Book of the Decade 2023 Nominee Wishing Shelf Book Awards UK.Gold Medal Winner in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards 2015 9-12 years.Silver Medal Winner 2016 Readers' Favorite Book Awards Children's/Preteen.Blue Treat Award Rave Reviews Book Club 2017."Did Ancient Egyptians visit Australia?"13 year old TC has a secret. No one knows she possesses a supernatural power.Can TC help her Uncle Max, an archaeologist; to unearth enough evidence to prove Ancient Egyptians visited Australia, before he's discredited in the media by those that want the past to stay buried?"Some would say that I have a gift, but to me it's always been a curse. Before I changed my mind, I tugged off my gloves and whipped my head left and right, checking to see that no one was watching. I sucked in breath and steadied my nerves then thrust my hands against the stones and touched one of the cartouches. Time and place ripped away."An enthralling archaeological mystery, mixing the supernatural with humour and suspense.The first of TC's adventures - an archaeological mystery for junior readers and above.Family friendly.
- GenresYoung Adult
109 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 8, 2015
35 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
January 3, 2021
TC is a teenager and she has a very special gift - she can look into the past by looking at the things from the past. That starts her adventures when her grandfather finds Egyptian heiroglyphics in an Australian cave.
Enjoyed the adventures. Lovely read.
Enjoyed the adventures. Lovely read.
October 18, 2018
The short YA novel Hieroglyph (TC's Adventures Book 1) by WJ Scott is an engaging archeological treasure hunt. The main protagonist, TC, is instantly likable and relatable. TC comes across as a genuine, intelligent thirteen-year-old girl with believable but not over-the-top teenage tendencies. How she views the world around her almost single-handedly sustained my interest throughout the story. Then when the main conflict kicks into gear, the book becomes a real page-turner.
The author is a clever expert with her use of similes that both entertain and clarify. The writing flows well with no significant mechanical issues. Meanwhile, the events of the story proceed logically and comprehensibly toward a satisfying conclusion, followed by just enough falling action to savor what transpired. Short and sweet, the book is the perfect length for those of us with limited time or short attention spans. It serves as a shining example that, sometimes, less is more. After finishing the book, I found myself eagerly anticipating TC's next adventure.
My only significant constructive criticism is that the main external conflict--the treasure hunt/race against time to save the day--doesn't take shape until a little over halfway into the book. Prior to that point, events consist mostly of character building and setting the stage. Of course, I always had a general idea about would happen based on the book summary and nature of the story. I mean, TC's uncle is an archeologist with theories that aren't taken seriously. There were no surprises with how that played out. But the fact that the first half of the novel held my attention without firm direction is a testament to the internal conflict within TC that kept me engaged until the external conflict got under way. I very often set books aside in the early stages if the author doesn't get to the point quickly enough, but I'm glad I stuck with this one.
TC's special abilities are sure to spark the imaginations of many readers. Nothing wrong there. Still, I'm often more impressed when an author can unfold a mystery and cleverly solve it without cheating. What plotting and writing mechanisms could have been used to allow TC and the reader to envision the past without adding a supernatural element to allow them to literally experience it? Speaking of the past, the scenes and characters in ancient times were not as compelling as those in the present day. It was only when TC started to feel for what happened in the past that I then retroactively cared about it. Given that the story is TC's story and the characters in the past are merely complimentary to events in the present, the lack of character depth in the scenes set in the past wasn't a big deal.
On the controversial subject matter of the book, the notion that ancient Egyptians might have visited Australia is an intriguing idea. From my very limited research, it appears that any so-called evidence of this possibility has been refuted. Hieroglyphs found in Australia are a mishmash of symbols from periods of Egyptian history hundreds or thousands of years apart. The glyphs also seem to have been created as hoaxes in the early twentieth century. What's more, the mainstream literature at least claims the ancient Egyptians built boats for short distance travel along their rivers between cities. But they didn't venture out across the world. All that said, I'm of the opinion that there's a lot more about ancient history and prehistory that we have yet to discover. Mysteries exist that are not so easily explained by mainstream theory, so keep an open mind and explore all possible theories. On the other hand, just because we don't have the answers yet doesn't mean we should jump to quick, outlandish conclusions. At any rate, as an entertaining work of fiction, it doesn't matter whether there's any truth to the concept in the novel or not. It's a fun adventure that works well to drive the story.
All in all, Hieroglyph is a very easy and satisfying read that most anyone should enjoy.
The author is a clever expert with her use of similes that both entertain and clarify. The writing flows well with no significant mechanical issues. Meanwhile, the events of the story proceed logically and comprehensibly toward a satisfying conclusion, followed by just enough falling action to savor what transpired. Short and sweet, the book is the perfect length for those of us with limited time or short attention spans. It serves as a shining example that, sometimes, less is more. After finishing the book, I found myself eagerly anticipating TC's next adventure.
My only significant constructive criticism is that the main external conflict--the treasure hunt/race against time to save the day--doesn't take shape until a little over halfway into the book. Prior to that point, events consist mostly of character building and setting the stage. Of course, I always had a general idea about would happen based on the book summary and nature of the story. I mean, TC's uncle is an archeologist with theories that aren't taken seriously. There were no surprises with how that played out. But the fact that the first half of the novel held my attention without firm direction is a testament to the internal conflict within TC that kept me engaged until the external conflict got under way. I very often set books aside in the early stages if the author doesn't get to the point quickly enough, but I'm glad I stuck with this one.
TC's special abilities are sure to spark the imaginations of many readers. Nothing wrong there. Still, I'm often more impressed when an author can unfold a mystery and cleverly solve it without cheating. What plotting and writing mechanisms could have been used to allow TC and the reader to envision the past without adding a supernatural element to allow them to literally experience it? Speaking of the past, the scenes and characters in ancient times were not as compelling as those in the present day. It was only when TC started to feel for what happened in the past that I then retroactively cared about it. Given that the story is TC's story and the characters in the past are merely complimentary to events in the present, the lack of character depth in the scenes set in the past wasn't a big deal.
On the controversial subject matter of the book, the notion that ancient Egyptians might have visited Australia is an intriguing idea. From my very limited research, it appears that any so-called evidence of this possibility has been refuted. Hieroglyphs found in Australia are a mishmash of symbols from periods of Egyptian history hundreds or thousands of years apart. The glyphs also seem to have been created as hoaxes in the early twentieth century. What's more, the mainstream literature at least claims the ancient Egyptians built boats for short distance travel along their rivers between cities. But they didn't venture out across the world. All that said, I'm of the opinion that there's a lot more about ancient history and prehistory that we have yet to discover. Mysteries exist that are not so easily explained by mainstream theory, so keep an open mind and explore all possible theories. On the other hand, just because we don't have the answers yet doesn't mean we should jump to quick, outlandish conclusions. At any rate, as an entertaining work of fiction, it doesn't matter whether there's any truth to the concept in the novel or not. It's a fun adventure that works well to drive the story.
All in all, Hieroglyph is a very easy and satisfying read that most anyone should enjoy.
June 11, 2016
This is an interesting adventure I think young adults will love. T.C. Harrington is a thirteen year old girl, her life is a bit mixed up because her parents, archaeologists, were lost and never found. Luckily she has her Aunt Letty and Uncle Max around. It is T.C.'s Uncle who takes her on an adventure to find hieroglyph's in Australia. As T.C. travels along, she also has a secret that no one knows about, but hint, it has something to do with the gloves she always wears. The book has a supernatural slant that adds to the historical quality and makes this a fun and educational read. The author did a great job combining genres in a fun read.
February 11, 2019
A fast-paced, intriguing journey bridging the ancient and modern worlds, Hieroglyphs was a fun book that I would recommend to any reader interested in adventure, ancient Egypt, or archaeology. It was a quick read that kept me interested throughout and left me wanting to hear more about TC's adventures.
TC is a 13-year-old living with her aunt in New Zealand when she finds herself on an adventure to the past. After being sent to Sydney, Australia, to visit her archeologist uncle, TC fears that she is destined to be bored to tears sitting through seminars while Uncle Max attempts to persuade investors to back his most recent project. When TC accompanies Uncle Max to the dig site, her world changes and she finds herself in the midst of an ancient expedition.
TC had a secret; one that she hadn't shared with anyone, even the aunt with whom she lived. Due to this secret, TC was an outcast, considered a "weirdo" at school. She is a relatable character for any teenager who likes a bit of adventure or has ever felt different from their classmates.
I really enjoyed Hieroglyph, and recommend it to any middle grade, preteen reader. The only downside to the book was that the climax of the story was so close to the end of the book that it ended too suddenly. I would have loved to hear more about TC's adventures, and I hope that WJ Scott writes a second book in the series soon.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
TC is a 13-year-old living with her aunt in New Zealand when she finds herself on an adventure to the past. After being sent to Sydney, Australia, to visit her archeologist uncle, TC fears that she is destined to be bored to tears sitting through seminars while Uncle Max attempts to persuade investors to back his most recent project. When TC accompanies Uncle Max to the dig site, her world changes and she finds herself in the midst of an ancient expedition.
TC had a secret; one that she hadn't shared with anyone, even the aunt with whom she lived. Due to this secret, TC was an outcast, considered a "weirdo" at school. She is a relatable character for any teenager who likes a bit of adventure or has ever felt different from their classmates.
I really enjoyed Hieroglyph, and recommend it to any middle grade, preteen reader. The only downside to the book was that the climax of the story was so close to the end of the book that it ended too suddenly. I would have loved to hear more about TC's adventures, and I hope that WJ Scott writes a second book in the series soon.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
July 12, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed Hieroglyph by WJ Scott and was not aware that it was considered a Young Adult story. The main character, TC is only 13 years old but appears much older as the story evolves from the principal's office. She has a special secret gift that nobody knows about; it's the gift that allows readers to go back and forth in time as TC tries to unravel the mystery of a pair of Egyptian Princes who travel across the ocean and shipwreck in Australia. Her uncle Max, an archeologist, has tried to prove an Egyptian presence there, one that everybody else refuted over time. She may be the help he needs.
Ms. Scott does a wonderful job with the timing of her story when switching back and forth in time. I couldn't wait to return to the other storyline to see how it progresses. I would also have liked to learn more about the "man" who sold TC & Max the painting; how did he know TC's secret? It was an easy read and flowed well.
All-in-all, the story kept my interest and I highly recommend Hieroglyph for any age interested in a good adventure mystery with some Egyptian history. So, when will #2 be out Wendy?
Ms. Scott does a wonderful job with the timing of her story when switching back and forth in time. I couldn't wait to return to the other storyline to see how it progresses. I would also have liked to learn more about the "man" who sold TC & Max the painting; how did he know TC's secret? It was an easy read and flowed well.
All-in-all, the story kept my interest and I highly recommend Hieroglyph for any age interested in a good adventure mystery with some Egyptian history. So, when will #2 be out Wendy?
October 30, 2019
ENGAGING STORY
Genre: Supernatural Mystery Adventure
Sub-Genre: Young Adult
Setting: Australia
Heroine: TC, age 13
Male characters: Prince Setka, Kanefer, Max
Major Theme: Ancient Egyptians traveled to Australia.
Descriptors: This is such an engaging story and the plot with its mesmerizing Egyptian archaeological theme will blow you away!
Favorite Supporting Character: Prince Setka
Fun Tidbit: The idea of an Egyptian prince traveling to Australia is fresh and uplifting. There is so much we don't know about ancient times, and it's mind-expanding to consider possibilities.
Memorable Line: Prince Setka reached up to stroke his amulets and give thanks to the Gods.
Genre: Supernatural Mystery Adventure
Sub-Genre: Young Adult
Setting: Australia
Heroine: TC, age 13
Male characters: Prince Setka, Kanefer, Max
Major Theme: Ancient Egyptians traveled to Australia.
Descriptors: This is such an engaging story and the plot with its mesmerizing Egyptian archaeological theme will blow you away!
Favorite Supporting Character: Prince Setka
Fun Tidbit: The idea of an Egyptian prince traveling to Australia is fresh and uplifting. There is so much we don't know about ancient times, and it's mind-expanding to consider possibilities.
Memorable Line: Prince Setka reached up to stroke his amulets and give thanks to the Gods.
February 18, 2018
A great book!! TC has a special gift and it comes alive while she is visiting her uncle in
Australia.
Readers old and young alike will be captivated by her experiences there and
are left wanting more.
WJ Scott is a great writer and her descriptive account makes the reader
feel like he or she is right there witnessing
the events as they unfold.
I heartily endorse this book and would
encourage the reader to check out her
other books. You will not be disappointed!
I eagerly await book 2 in the series as TC’s
adventures continue.
Australia.
Readers old and young alike will be captivated by her experiences there and
are left wanting more.
WJ Scott is a great writer and her descriptive account makes the reader
feel like he or she is right there witnessing
the events as they unfold.
I heartily endorse this book and would
encourage the reader to check out her
other books. You will not be disappointed!
I eagerly await book 2 in the series as TC’s
adventures continue.
August 21, 2018
A great yarn
I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised by this story. It started slow then wham, it went full throttle. A lot of laugh out loud moments as descriptions of events tickled my sense of humour. It was enjoyable to read and flowed well. I want to know the rest . I hate being left wondering. This would have made a great adult story incorporating a hidden love story with adventure and treasure hunting. Indiana Jones eat your heart out.Well done and thankyou for sharing an Aussie story.
I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised by this story. It started slow then wham, it went full throttle. A lot of laugh out loud moments as descriptions of events tickled my sense of humour. It was enjoyable to read and flowed well. I want to know the rest . I hate being left wondering. This would have made a great adult story incorporating a hidden love story with adventure and treasure hunting. Indiana Jones eat your heart out.Well done and thankyou for sharing an Aussie story.
March 17, 2017
Tc goes on a dig with her uncle Max and they uncover some hieroglyphs in Australia. There is debate over whether they are real or not but TC has a special gift which can help her see the truth. I thought that TC was an interesting character. She is dealing with her parents death and what her gift can do. I think teens will enjoy this book and I would recommend it.
April 11, 2018
Excellent!
Yes, it's a book for kids. So what? I'm 64 and I liked it. The story flowed well, and even made me pause, made me wonder. It is not beyond the realm of possibilities.
And that's what makes any good story a great story.
Read it.
I believe that you'll enjoy it as much as I did.
Yes, it's a book for kids. So what? I'm 64 and I liked it. The story flowed well, and even made me pause, made me wonder. It is not beyond the realm of possibilities.
And that's what makes any good story a great story.
Read it.
I believe that you'll enjoy it as much as I did.
April 17, 2018
A well written and easy to read about archeology, mysterious deaths, and communicating with the past. A teenager, T.C. and her uncle Max search for the secrets of a hidden burial of a Pharaoh's son. T.C. uses her high sensitivity and resourcefulness along to help find the mysterious tomb. I loved the story and hope there are more to come.
October 13, 2017
I loved this story and I don’t care that it’s for kids. I used to love reading the Trixie Beldon series when I was a kid and this is a modern day version with and archeological bend and a touch of paranormal. This is well written and a real page turner. I hope there is more to TC’s adventures.
January 5, 2018
This was a quick, fun, easy to read story. It doesn't go into much depth in either the modern-day story or the ancient past, but both tell enough to introduce you to TC and her abilities. It's a good start to a series of stories that I'm sure will feature TC and her new friends.
February 25, 2018
Good tweens book
I might read another. As an adult I would find it more interesting if I thought it was based on some real archeological fund. But u still found it a most compelling read
I might read another. As an adult I would find it more interesting if I thought it was based on some real archeological fund. But u still found it a most compelling read
June 11, 2017
Great read
Loved this first book and can't wait to read more. It's a quick paced, fast read but very enjoyable. Highly recommend if you enjoy archaeological stories.
Loved this first book and can't wait to read more. It's a quick paced, fast read but very enjoyable. Highly recommend if you enjoy archaeological stories.
January 22, 2020
Hieroglyph
I really enjoyed this story. It had my interest start to end.I look forward to reading more of her books.
I really enjoyed this story. It had my interest start to end.I look forward to reading more of her books.
March 13, 2017
kindle unlimited, cute without being cutesy, interesting read, so looked up writer's other books but it wasn't ku, and no sequel at least yet but can always hope, and did say book 1.
February 8, 2016
"Hieroglyph" by W.L. Scott is a well written novella/short read. It comfortably fits into the YA adventure genre, with its somewhat formulaic thirteen-year-old heroine who is a bit of a geek, has an unusual relationship with her family and is suddenly swept up in whirlwind events that comprise the body of the story. It is also unusual, as this is a tale with some fresh perspective and an interesting twist or two that allow it to stand apart from the crowd of similar ‘coming-of-age’ introspective story lines that are so popular in this type of tale. I did, (with some caveats), enjoy reading this story and with all that said – my review.
Our story opens and we are introduced to our heroine, thirteen year old T.C. Harrington, sitting in the Principal’s office while her Aunt Letty is within, battling with ‘Mr. D.’ regarding an accusation of theft against T.C. The scene is used both to introduce Letty, (her green-peace save-the-whales vegetarian guardian), as well as give us an idea of some of T.C.’s somewhat unusual life circumstances. We learn that she is an A student, an orphan, has lived all over the world while in the company of her archaeologist parents, prior to their mysterious demise, and that she has a strange power, hinted at but not completely revealed, that causes her to affect gloves as a form of protection.
As the confrontation with Mr ‘D’ comes to a close the story shifts almost immediately into high gear. T.C. is ‘suspended’ from school, resulting in her Aunt declaring that she was planning to take T.C. away from her boarding school in New Zealand in any case for a ten day holiday in Australia with her Uncle Max (Letty’s twin brother). Max is also an archaeologist and he is on the verge of a great discovery which may change the course of recorded history. No sooner than we (the reader) can draw breath – T.C. is on a plane to Sydney.
If all this seems like a lot, it is, and the whirlwind of events that comprise this story only pick up pace from this point. The action and adventure elements of this tale are relentless and somewhat forced by its abbreviated timeline. The only way forward for the reader is to dive in and be swept away, and for a YA type audience this certainly will not disappoint. There is also a very interesting Egyptian twist in the story – no spoilers – but T.C. is certainly not the only hero!
I gave this book a rating of four stars, though it probably would only bear this rating when considered through a YA genre lens. As a work of general fiction it is lacking a consistent plot structure and it relies too heavily on coincidental plot elements and somewhat stereotypical characters. Overall what saves this work is the author’s good writing and the interesting premise and twist in the tale.
All that said, I did enjoy this short read and I look forward to other works by this author. Recommended for a YA audience.
Our story opens and we are introduced to our heroine, thirteen year old T.C. Harrington, sitting in the Principal’s office while her Aunt Letty is within, battling with ‘Mr. D.’ regarding an accusation of theft against T.C. The scene is used both to introduce Letty, (her green-peace save-the-whales vegetarian guardian), as well as give us an idea of some of T.C.’s somewhat unusual life circumstances. We learn that she is an A student, an orphan, has lived all over the world while in the company of her archaeologist parents, prior to their mysterious demise, and that she has a strange power, hinted at but not completely revealed, that causes her to affect gloves as a form of protection.
As the confrontation with Mr ‘D’ comes to a close the story shifts almost immediately into high gear. T.C. is ‘suspended’ from school, resulting in her Aunt declaring that she was planning to take T.C. away from her boarding school in New Zealand in any case for a ten day holiday in Australia with her Uncle Max (Letty’s twin brother). Max is also an archaeologist and he is on the verge of a great discovery which may change the course of recorded history. No sooner than we (the reader) can draw breath – T.C. is on a plane to Sydney.
If all this seems like a lot, it is, and the whirlwind of events that comprise this story only pick up pace from this point. The action and adventure elements of this tale are relentless and somewhat forced by its abbreviated timeline. The only way forward for the reader is to dive in and be swept away, and for a YA type audience this certainly will not disappoint. There is also a very interesting Egyptian twist in the story – no spoilers – but T.C. is certainly not the only hero!
I gave this book a rating of four stars, though it probably would only bear this rating when considered through a YA genre lens. As a work of general fiction it is lacking a consistent plot structure and it relies too heavily on coincidental plot elements and somewhat stereotypical characters. Overall what saves this work is the author’s good writing and the interesting premise and twist in the tale.
All that said, I did enjoy this short read and I look forward to other works by this author. Recommended for a YA audience.
March 27, 2016
I will be honest in saying that this book was different from what I expected. The cover is a bit of a mystery and the table of contents lists numbers only with no word clues. Once into the book, the reader is quickly drawn into the narrative. Thirteen year old TC is sitting in the Vice-Principal’s office trying to explain how she knew where a stolen ring could be found. TC lives with her Aunt Letty in New Zealand since her archaeologist parents were killed in a cave in. Aunt Letty is off on an environmental expedition, and TC will be going off to spend a weekend with her uncle in Australia.
Here is where the book takes a dramatic departure. The reader learns that TC has a special gift. She is able to time travel and connect with past history when she touches hieroglyphs. Her uncle Max is trying to get funding for an archaeological expedition to prove that ancient Egyptians traveled to Australia in search of gold.
I will not reveal details of the plot, but Scott seamlessly takes the reader back and forth as TC alternately explores the shipwreck and explorations of Prince Setka and Prince Kanefer in ancient times and back into the present with TC, her Uncle Max, her friends and enemies who seek to undo their discoveries. Characters are well developed and the narrative carefully written to make the plot believable. TC is a strong-willed female who faces modern problems and crises, while longing to solve the mysteries of the past.
Targeted for readers nine and older, the book will appeal to younger and older audiences. Promises to be a good series for lovers of ancient Egypt, adventure, mystery and intriguing characters.
Here is where the book takes a dramatic departure. The reader learns that TC has a special gift. She is able to time travel and connect with past history when she touches hieroglyphs. Her uncle Max is trying to get funding for an archaeological expedition to prove that ancient Egyptians traveled to Australia in search of gold.
I will not reveal details of the plot, but Scott seamlessly takes the reader back and forth as TC alternately explores the shipwreck and explorations of Prince Setka and Prince Kanefer in ancient times and back into the present with TC, her Uncle Max, her friends and enemies who seek to undo their discoveries. Characters are well developed and the narrative carefully written to make the plot believable. TC is a strong-willed female who faces modern problems and crises, while longing to solve the mysteries of the past.
Targeted for readers nine and older, the book will appeal to younger and older audiences. Promises to be a good series for lovers of ancient Egypt, adventure, mystery and intriguing characters.
February 5, 2016
TC can move through time when she touches objects. How cool is that? I thought it was pretty darn cool. TC and her Uncle Max, who is an archaeologist are hounded by a reporter who wants to prove all of their findings are a hoax. They discovered Egyptian Hieroglyphs in the Australian outback. There is lots of evidence that ancient civilizations traveled much more than previously thought. The notion that Ancient Egyptians visiting Australia is intriguing. By touching the Hieroglyphs TC is able to go back in time and see the origins of them. This was a very fun read. It was very quick read. The book isn't very long and I hope it's the first of many to come. There are a bunch of illustrations in the book, they were really fun!
The book was well-edited and if there was anything out of place, I didn't notice. I was anxious to get to the next page. I polished off the book in a single night and I blame Wendy for my sleepiness the next morning.
The book is a YA, but it's a well-crafted story that works as an adventure, character drama, historical fiction and as a fan of archaeology, the book was very satisfying to me. I highly recommend this book. Well done, Wendy
The book was well-edited and if there was anything out of place, I didn't notice. I was anxious to get to the next page. I polished off the book in a single night and I blame Wendy for my sleepiness the next morning.
The book is a YA, but it's a well-crafted story that works as an adventure, character drama, historical fiction and as a fan of archaeology, the book was very satisfying to me. I highly recommend this book. Well done, Wendy
August 21, 2017
TC, a young girl whose parents have been missing since going on an archaeological dig, has the supernatural propensity for touching objects and getting an intuitive reading of their histories. Sometimes she gets transported backward in time, too. TC leaves her Aunt Letty to accompany her Uncle Max on an archaeological dig in Australia. There, she unexpectedly gets whooshed back into a perilous, ancient setting. She lands smack-dab in the middle of a treacherous ocean crossing, and becomes embroiled in an adventure involving Egyptian royalty and untold treasures. The writing in this story is beautiful, original, and crisp, the characters make an indelible impression, the plot is exciting, and I enjoyed the little sketches throughout. I must say I find the cover to be beautiful and intriguing. In short, this is a delightful adventure that will engage young readers, especially middle schoolers!
March 17, 2016
TC is a rebellious, headstrong but likeable teenager girl with an extraordinary gift. Somehow, she can tap into the past and literally witness history being made simply by touching things with her hands. A bit of a bind having to wear gloves all the time to avoid it happening all the time, especially for a teenage girl, but it did give a certain authenticity to her amazing talent.
While exploring Australia with her Uncle, she finds hieroglyphics carved on rocks. These send her searching for the lost and forgotten tomb of an Egyptian King. Someone whose life she learned about when she touched the stones. A unique twist of a story, and TC is a totally believable teenage Indiana Jones.
I loved this story and all the lovely illustrations. I was gripped from the very first page and couldn’t fault the writing, the plot or the formatting. A very special story, I could totally believe that the Egyptians explored Australia, and cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
While exploring Australia with her Uncle, she finds hieroglyphics carved on rocks. These send her searching for the lost and forgotten tomb of an Egyptian King. Someone whose life she learned about when she touched the stones. A unique twist of a story, and TC is a totally believable teenage Indiana Jones.
I loved this story and all the lovely illustrations. I was gripped from the very first page and couldn’t fault the writing, the plot or the formatting. A very special story, I could totally believe that the Egyptians explored Australia, and cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
July 28, 2016
It's so refreshing to find an intelligent YA novel that doesn't feature vampires, werewolves, mermaids or dystopian futures! This book actually weaves two stories together--the 13 year old modern orphaned Kiwi heroine TC who feels like a bit of a brainy outcast and wears gloves all the time because when she touches things weird things happen; and the saga of some ancient royal Egyptians who landed in Australia eons before. TC ties the two threads together while visiting with her beloved archeologist Uncle Max in Australia. While the writing could be tighter (its adjective-packed long sentences reminded me often of the earnest clunkiness that infused Jean Auel's mega-million-selling "Clan of the Cave Bear" series of novels), the book is undeniably a feel-good read, and leaves enough questions unanswered at the end to make the reader line up for the next installment. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
November 14, 2018
When 13-year old TC gets suspended from school for mysteriously finding a classmates missing item, she finds herself jet setting to Australia to spend the week with Uncle Max, an archeologist, who is attempting to validate the hieroglyphs found in the outback as authentic Egyptian.
TC has special powers in her hands that enable her to see the stories in objects, and in touching the hieroglyphs, we learn that the artwork originates from ancient sea-exploring Eygptians. The story switches back and forth between TC's present day and the Egyptian's voyage to a land filled with gold.
I was easily captured by the tale of the Egyptians, the writing in these segments was wonderful. On the flip side, TC's adventure meandered and left me with more questions than answers. Her power is never fully explained, and I didn't feel as if I truly got to know her. It left me itching to know more. With the way the book ends, it is clear TC will go onto more adventures.
TC has special powers in her hands that enable her to see the stories in objects, and in touching the hieroglyphs, we learn that the artwork originates from ancient sea-exploring Eygptians. The story switches back and forth between TC's present day and the Egyptian's voyage to a land filled with gold.
I was easily captured by the tale of the Egyptians, the writing in these segments was wonderful. On the flip side, TC's adventure meandered and left me with more questions than answers. Her power is never fully explained, and I didn't feel as if I truly got to know her. It left me itching to know more. With the way the book ends, it is clear TC will go onto more adventures.
January 10, 2017
I'd gotten away from YA books (my kids have grown), but every now and then a description catches my attention and I need to see what the book is all about. This is one such book.
WJ Scott grabbed me with two hooks: were ancient Egyptians in Australia and what power does TC have? I needed to read the book to find out. And I'm thrilled that I did.
This novel is a fast read that weaves teen insecurities, familial drama, and historical wonders into one wonderful tale. The main character is exceedingly well developed--the perfect blend of teen-feeling-like-an-outcast and hero-saving-the-day. There are no really sinister villains, but there are moments of suspense where you feel the character is in danger, and her extrication from those elements is given the appropriate weight for the gravitas of the situations. Other times, the tone is light-hearted and full of smart wit.
I really enjoyed this story, and I'll be looking forward to the sequels.
WJ Scott grabbed me with two hooks: were ancient Egyptians in Australia and what power does TC have? I needed to read the book to find out. And I'm thrilled that I did.
This novel is a fast read that weaves teen insecurities, familial drama, and historical wonders into one wonderful tale. The main character is exceedingly well developed--the perfect blend of teen-feeling-like-an-outcast and hero-saving-the-day. There are no really sinister villains, but there are moments of suspense where you feel the character is in danger, and her extrication from those elements is given the appropriate weight for the gravitas of the situations. Other times, the tone is light-hearted and full of smart wit.
I really enjoyed this story, and I'll be looking forward to the sequels.
December 9, 2016
This is a very well written book, and a very interesting read. There was one thing that baffled me.
If TC was thirteen when she visited with her uncle Max in Sydney, and had the fortune of seeing and experiencing the Egyptian hieroglyphs, by simply touching them, and being transported into their world, she sounded much too grown up for her age. She almost treated Max, who could be old enough to be her father, as an equal, speaking to him, not like a child, but like an adult.
While I found her gift, quite interesting, her age nagged at me. I visualized her, at some point as older than thirteen, and I put her age at eighteen. This did not pale the story she told, or how she came by the story. It is quite an adventure, and I enjoyed reading it.
If TC was thirteen when she visited with her uncle Max in Sydney, and had the fortune of seeing and experiencing the Egyptian hieroglyphs, by simply touching them, and being transported into their world, she sounded much too grown up for her age. She almost treated Max, who could be old enough to be her father, as an equal, speaking to him, not like a child, but like an adult.
While I found her gift, quite interesting, her age nagged at me. I visualized her, at some point as older than thirteen, and I put her age at eighteen. This did not pale the story she told, or how she came by the story. It is quite an adventure, and I enjoyed reading it.
February 6, 2016
This is such a charming book full of charming characters. The paranormal tale of an orphaned young girl with the power to see visions of the past, the story follows her attempts to help her uncle substantiate an archaeological claim. That may sound like a dull chore, but the tale is anything but boring as T.C.’s gift brings the past vividly to life. As an American, I got a kick out of the New Zealand and Australian settings. The short novel is well-placed and well-executed. I'm definitely looking forward to going on more adventures with T.C.
July 10, 2016
This fun, exciting story kept me gripped throughout! I love Ancient Egypt, so it was a delight to read all about Setka and Kanefer and to see how their story weaved into the modern day journey of TC. TC’s gift is astounding and as this book is titled ‘TC’s adventures Book 1’ it makes me curious about what other things she could get up to with her amazing gift. W.J. Scott’s writing was impeccable too – no errors in formatting or editing, which made for an enjoyable read with nothing to drag me out of the action. I thoroughly look forward to reading more from this author.
July 17, 2016
TC is a smart and interesting 13 year old girl, she also has a special gift.
This is a quick witted tale with a touch of archaeology in it. You not get to meet TC, our 13 year old girl ( a loner because of her gift) but also Sekta, an ancient Egyptian prince. We meet Sekta through TC's gift and we get to understand more of what it was like to live as a prince. This book is a cute, heart warming story of a teenager who is visiting her uncle and has an adventure in process.
I received this book for an honest review.
This is a quick witted tale with a touch of archaeology in it. You not get to meet TC, our 13 year old girl ( a loner because of her gift) but also Sekta, an ancient Egyptian prince. We meet Sekta through TC's gift and we get to understand more of what it was like to live as a prince. This book is a cute, heart warming story of a teenager who is visiting her uncle and has an adventure in process.
I received this book for an honest review.
August 17, 2016
A great book for the younger reader
This is an amazing book for anyone who wants to explore and let's face it all children do. Our heroine TC is an orphan raised by her Aunt in New Zealand but she is going to visit her Uncle Max in Australia. He is trying to prove the Egyptians had sailed to Australia. This is the start of TC"s adventure. The author, WJ Scott has written a story that is both exciting and educational for all young readers, along with some older readers. I know it will be enjoyed by everyone.
This is an amazing book for anyone who wants to explore and let's face it all children do. Our heroine TC is an orphan raised by her Aunt in New Zealand but she is going to visit her Uncle Max in Australia. He is trying to prove the Egyptians had sailed to Australia. This is the start of TC"s adventure. The author, WJ Scott has written a story that is both exciting and educational for all young readers, along with some older readers. I know it will be enjoyed by everyone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews