The Secret of the Scarab Beetle

by William Meyer

Eleven-year-old Horace j. Edwards is an ordinary boy whose family has just moved to Niles, Michigan. But on the first day of sixth grade, mysterious things start to happen. His grandfather dies and Horace receives a strange gift--a stone scarab beetle. As he works to uncover the secrets surrounding his grandfather's death and the beetle, Horace is transported back in time to the ancient Egyptian city of Amarna. He meets the future pharaoh, young King Tut, and together the two boys become engaged in a fight to save the city from total destruction and Egypt itself from Tut's evil uncle Smenk. In the process, Horace discovers that he is the heir to an order of guardians, known as the Keepers of Time. The Secret of the Scarab Beetle is the first book in the middle-grade fantasy series Horace j. Edwards and the Time Keepers.

Genres: Fantasy, Time Travel, Childrens

230 pages, Hardcover

Published April 1, 2016

Reviews

[The Book Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who hasn't read many middle grade novels geared towards boys this was an extremely interesting. I think this will be an amazing series and I am genuinely looking forward to more in this fun little series.

This book follows a boy named Horace J. Edward. He is being forced to move to Niles, Michigan with his family. He is far from excited and downright upset about it. He has always loved his family and going to the family farm but after his grandfather passed, it is something he is struggling to come to terms with. I really liked how this book dealt with the issue of grief with out making the book all about it.

His parents like most dealing with a death, and trying to encourage and provide support to the living relative, in this case his grandmother. There is also now many responsibilities at the farm that need to be tended to.

At his brand new school he is struggling to fit in. There is this bully mean kid named Seth. He is so cruel to our main character. Of course they are partnered for a school project. I disliked the predictable story line, but once again it is a middle grade novel so I am not the intended audience per se. I did like how the bully and our main character developed a friendship thanks to the grandfathers mysterious and magical gift.

The gift was this interesting Egyptian scarab battle, which is a opening that leads to a time from years ago. He will become part of the secret order that is known as the time keepers. This is a non stop adventure.

I would recommend this book series to kids around 7-13, and especially boys but both genders will enjoy this story line. Lovers of Rick Riordan will love this book. I received this book for free in exchange of an honest review from Sleeping Bear Press that is completely unbiased.

[Sally Kruger]

*Thank you to Sleeping Bear Press for the opportunity to read THE SECRET OF THE SCARAB BEETLE by William Meyer.

Horace j. Edwards isn't particularly thrilled to be moving to Niles, Michigan. He has always loved visiting his grandparents' farm, but now that his grandfather is dead it just won't be the same.

With his parents busy dealing with Grandma and the farm, Horace tries to make the best of things at his new school. A bully named Seth sure doesn't make it easy, and being assigned a school project with Seth as a partner really stinks. But thanks to a mysterious gift from his grandfather, Horace may have the best project ever.

The gift of an Egyptian scarab beetle, a secret doorway that leads to another time and place, and learning that he is part of a secret order known as the Time Keepers just might make Horace one of the popular kids. That is if he can stay alive and rescue his new friends.

THE SECRET OF THE SCARAB BEETLE is Book #1 in Horace j. Edwards and the Time Keepers series. Author William Meyer combines his love of Ancient Egypt with non-stop adventure. This series is a sure winner for ages 8-12, especially boys.

[Paula Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book for middle school students. Horace and his family have just recently moved to Niles, Michigan to be nearer to his grandparents. Horace loves being near to his grandfather....then...he is dead. He is told that his grandfather died from a heart attack.....but did he.

His life takes a turn for the crazy.....
a falcon keeps circling him
a strange little man appears out of no where
his grandma tells him he has to find the key
he is given a stone beetle.
he travels to Egypt and saves king Tut

This is the 1st book in a series.

[Maya · Rating 4 out of 5]

We read it as a class and it was really good mostly because I like Eygptian myths but yeah.

[Matthew]

I thought it was an interesting book about Ancient Egypt.

[Meredith]

pretty fun

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book takes place in Niles...and ancient Egypt. Great Rick Riordan read alike.

[Trisha]

exceptionally creepy