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Repeating History #1
The Eye of Ra
Repeating History: Book One
Both Aston and Grant have a talent for finding trouble—it’s what landed them at the Stanton School for Boys—but this time, their mischief might send them to a completely different world.
When they accidentally destroy their teacher’s priceless archaeological artifacts, he demands they replace them. And since the teacher in question is Merlin, refusing isn’t an option for the two boys. Thanks to Merlin’s magic, they’re about to become time travelers.
The first piece on their list is the Eye of Ra, a mystical amulet belonging to the young King Tut. Ancient Egypt is nothing like Aston and Grant expected, with its war, disease, and lack of modern technology. To survive, they must befriend King Tut and learn to trust him—and each other. In a primitive world, where death and danger wait around every corner, one thing is clear: revisiting history could cost someone their life.
Both Aston and Grant have a talent for finding trouble—it’s what landed them at the Stanton School for Boys—but this time, their mischief might send them to a completely different world.
When they accidentally destroy their teacher’s priceless archaeological artifacts, he demands they replace them. And since the teacher in question is Merlin, refusing isn’t an option for the two boys. Thanks to Merlin’s magic, they’re about to become time travelers.
The first piece on their list is the Eye of Ra, a mystical amulet belonging to the young King Tut. Ancient Egypt is nothing like Aston and Grant expected, with its war, disease, and lack of modern technology. To survive, they must befriend King Tut and learn to trust him—and each other. In a primitive world, where death and danger wait around every corner, one thing is clear: revisiting history could cost someone their life.
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 15, 2010
149 people are currently reading
444 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
March 23, 2020
This is supposedly YA, but it read very, very young -- I'm no expert on how these classifications are made, but I thought it seemed more like middle-grade. The writing was very simple, the boys' language was unrealistically clean, and there was an exuberant excess of exclamation marks. I threw in the towel at 35% and skipped quickly through the remainder of the book, so for all practical purposes this was a DNF for me.
May 19, 2018
Juvenile delinquents, at least the somewhat harmless, fictional kind in this novel, can be kind of fun. To be more precise, I enjoyed seeing the world from Aston’s perspective. As he tells the story of his adventure of traveling back in time with a fellow “inmate” at the Stanton school for boys, I was amused, curious what would happen, and entertained by all the pomp and circumstance they encounter in Ancient Egypt. Dakota has done a great job developing this world, and since it was all about the fantasy rather than historical accuracy – just consider that they were sent there by Merlin of Camelot fame - I had no trouble following along.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
maybe
August 8, 2018Freebie at DSP right now: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/boo...
March 22, 2020
A well-intentioned, but unfortunately shoddily written attempt to interest young adults in Ancient Egypt. I do think that it manages to be educational (to some degree) while still staying lightweight enough to appeal to those who might dislike reading, so I give it credit for that. It felt a little too obvious to me that the author was trying to be “hip with the kids” by throwing in technology references, etc, rather than by actually understanding how teens think. It rang false to me...and *I’m* a 27-year-old woman. Moreover, the writing style suggested a preteen audience, and the characters felt, mentally speaking, more like 12-year-olds than teenagers, but the content was definitely PG-13. I was left puzzled at the intended audience. Still, it was kind of cute, I appreciate the attempt!
July 22, 2019
I didn't like this. Despite some fairly solid research on ancient Egypt, its culture, and how life was lived. The characters didn't cut it for me. I know they're young and young people are often self-absorbed snots, these two were just too much. And the romance just happened. Dunno, maybe it was just me.
February 6, 2020
I really enjoyed this YA time travel book. Aston and Grant are such typical boys, full of bluster, snark, look for top dog billing, and amazingly not very bright sometimes. I liked how Merlin was their teacher and had them go back to King Tut's time to retrieve the Eye of Ra they destroyed while fighting. There was some light sexual attraction, mostly kisses and cuddles. The ending was quite dramatic and dangerous when Aston was shot by an arrow while fighting the Hittites. I'm definitely reading the next book!
Read
June 30, 2020This was the best y/a book I have read in a while. I absolutley enjoyed every sentance! Well maybe not the ones about the father muttering about "it's a good thing your mom isn't here", like you dumb shit, get your son some counceling! There is a reason he is actin out, stoopid. But you know if that has happened Aston wouldn't have met Merlin and then Kig Tut. I just love how underneeth the teenage stupidity and anger over his mom's death, Aston is really a good guy, trying to save Tut from being murdered. I can't wait to read more in this series!
August 31, 2014
I really enjoyed this story. At first I was afraid the self-proclaimed “delinquents” would be unsympathetic, or the time travel plot unbelievable, but I shouldn’t have worried. The story is told from Aston’s point of view and from the opening scene when he’s in court for hot-wiring a car, I felt him relatable. Though Aston sees Grant in the courtroom, they don’t actually get thrown together until they’re both “sentenced” to a private all-boys school for a year.
The only real complaint I had about the book occurred early on in the story. When Aston arrives at the school, he realizes his roommate is going to be Grant, but the other boy isn’t in their dorm room ~ he’s in class. Aston hurries to class, where his smart mouth gets both he and Grant into trouble with their ancient history professor. They’re sent to the professor’s office, but their fighting sets off an event that manages to destroy all the artifacts in the office. They flee, and the author states for four days Aston lived in fear someone would link him to the crime.
During that time, if he and Grant were roommates, didn’t they talk about things in the privacy of their own room? When they discover their history professor is none other than Merlin himself, they’re sent back in time to retrieve one of the artifacts destroyed ~ the Eye of Ra from King Tut. They are thrown together in Ancient Egypt and slowly warm to each other, becoming friends and maybe something more, but nothing is ever mentioned of the time they spent (presumably together) prior to this sharing a dorm room.
Besides this little niggle, the rest of the story flowed wonderfully. I loved the description of the ancient world, and as an avid fan of all things Egyptian, I felt it really came to life as the story progressed. The details were historically accurate and helped make the story real to me. I particularly loved how King Tut was depicted. The author did an awesome job making him real.
I also loved the gradual progression of Aston and Grant’s relationship. It was believable and inevitable, and though I knew how things would end up between them from the moment they found themselves in the past, I still enjoyed watching events unfold.
I am assuming this is the beginning of a series in which the boys visit various times throughout history collecting Merlin’s other treasures. While this story is self-contained and ends without needing to be continued, I will be waiting anxiously for the next story in the series. I hope there are many more adventures for Aston and Grant ahead, because I definitely want to go along for the ride.
The only real complaint I had about the book occurred early on in the story. When Aston arrives at the school, he realizes his roommate is going to be Grant, but the other boy isn’t in their dorm room ~ he’s in class. Aston hurries to class, where his smart mouth gets both he and Grant into trouble with their ancient history professor. They’re sent to the professor’s office, but their fighting sets off an event that manages to destroy all the artifacts in the office. They flee, and the author states for four days Aston lived in fear someone would link him to the crime.
During that time, if he and Grant were roommates, didn’t they talk about things in the privacy of their own room? When they discover their history professor is none other than Merlin himself, they’re sent back in time to retrieve one of the artifacts destroyed ~ the Eye of Ra from King Tut. They are thrown together in Ancient Egypt and slowly warm to each other, becoming friends and maybe something more, but nothing is ever mentioned of the time they spent (presumably together) prior to this sharing a dorm room.
Besides this little niggle, the rest of the story flowed wonderfully. I loved the description of the ancient world, and as an avid fan of all things Egyptian, I felt it really came to life as the story progressed. The details were historically accurate and helped make the story real to me. I particularly loved how King Tut was depicted. The author did an awesome job making him real.
I also loved the gradual progression of Aston and Grant’s relationship. It was believable and inevitable, and though I knew how things would end up between them from the moment they found themselves in the past, I still enjoyed watching events unfold.
I am assuming this is the beginning of a series in which the boys visit various times throughout history collecting Merlin’s other treasures. While this story is self-contained and ends without needing to be continued, I will be waiting anxiously for the next story in the series. I hope there are many more adventures for Aston and Grant ahead, because I definitely want to go along for the ride.
May 19, 2017
This was actually a very interesting read. I was skeptical because I am not really one for historical times but this is one of those books that will actually suck you in and leave you wanting more.
Dakota Chase did an excellent job of making history interesting, which says a lot since history was my least favorite subject in school. So to say I was impressed by how interesting this read was is saying something.
What happens when two men/boys who have never met previously meet by pure coincidence when they are both learning their fate only to be thrown together again when they get to the school they was ordered to attend? Well let's just say that sparks start flying and so do fists and it is not the good kind of sparks. It is the hot fiery sparks that destroy everything in its path.
Unfortunately for both Aston and Grant, or maybe fortunately depends on the way you look at it, the office they set on fire belonged to none other then Merlin. Yes that is right, the Merlin. And everything that was destroyed in the fire, well let's just say that Merlin was none to happy about all his precious possessions going up in flames.
Merlin decides instead of turning the two boys into the headmaster and police he has another plan for them to right their wrongs. Grant and Aston are about to be thrown into the most graphic history lesson of their lives.
Can Grant and Aston get through their punishment without being killed or killing one another? Can these two boys learn to work together to complete their mission and if so what will happen once they have completed it.
This was truly an exciting read. There is action, adventure, mystery, and so much more involved in this book. It is one of those books that will suck you in and leave you wanting more when you are done. I am truly excited about reading the next book in this series when it comes out. It was a great read.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Dakota Chase did an excellent job of making history interesting, which says a lot since history was my least favorite subject in school. So to say I was impressed by how interesting this read was is saying something.
What happens when two men/boys who have never met previously meet by pure coincidence when they are both learning their fate only to be thrown together again when they get to the school they was ordered to attend? Well let's just say that sparks start flying and so do fists and it is not the good kind of sparks. It is the hot fiery sparks that destroy everything in its path.
Unfortunately for both Aston and Grant, or maybe fortunately depends on the way you look at it, the office they set on fire belonged to none other then Merlin. Yes that is right, the Merlin. And everything that was destroyed in the fire, well let's just say that Merlin was none to happy about all his precious possessions going up in flames.
Merlin decides instead of turning the two boys into the headmaster and police he has another plan for them to right their wrongs. Grant and Aston are about to be thrown into the most graphic history lesson of their lives.
Can Grant and Aston get through their punishment without being killed or killing one another? Can these two boys learn to work together to complete their mission and if so what will happen once they have completed it.
This was truly an exciting read. There is action, adventure, mystery, and so much more involved in this book. It is one of those books that will suck you in and leave you wanting more when you are done. I am truly excited about reading the next book in this series when it comes out. It was a great read.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
May 3, 2015
4.5 stars. This was a very nice Young Adult story about two (sort of) trouble-making, misfit boys who land at an all boys school with other troubled boys. While there they meet, bicker and then get sent back in time on a mission to recover a lost Egyptian artifact that they destroyed. I enjoyed this story more than I had anticipated. No sex, and it was kind of sweet and tender, like I like it. One thing I really appreciated about this story was that it does a good job of normalizing homosexuality for the young adult reader. The main protagonist is comfortably gay and doesn’t make a big deal about it. He makes a few jokes and gets on with the story. He doesn’t agonize over it, yet he doesn’t over-sexualize it; he doesn’t make it a “thing”. He just accepts it, like some of us actually do, and it’s not the focal point of the story. The author also doesn’t try to play devil’s advocate, or create a ton of angst. It was a nice, humorous story, and though once or twice I caught myself over-intellectualizing, over-analyzing some little things, I was reminded that this was young adult and I was able to relax again and enjoy the story. I would definitely recommend this to any Young Adult reader or adult looking for this type of literature. It’s a delightful story and I think we need more like this one for YA readers (or any other age group, really). I think it’s important to have sweet and simple stories like this in our genre.
June 24, 2011
Very entertaining YA novel about two teenage boys traveling back to ancient Egypt and attempting to retrieve an amulet from King Tut, while getting wrapped up in the intrigues surrounding the young king. As J.M. pointed out in another review, I was bothered by an odd gap that occurred after the two boys have a fight, which has some serious repercussions. They wait four days to see what will happen to them, during which time we are told nothing of their interraction with each other as roommates. Considering the fact that they hate each other and are forced to share a room, one would expect SOME kind of interraction during this period.
The other thing that bothered me a bit, though I suspect the publisher may be the reason for this, was the complete lack of swearing or realistic depictions of the sexual tension between two teenage boys who are attracted to each other. The substitutions for obscenities get silly, at times, and the boys appear to be restraining their sexual desires because giving in to them would be "bad," with no explanation as to why they believe it would be bad.
Apart from these minor issues, however, I really enjoyed the novel and I'm hoping there will be more in this series. It was a lot of fun and the historical detail really brought the time period to life.
The other thing that bothered me a bit, though I suspect the publisher may be the reason for this, was the complete lack of swearing or realistic depictions of the sexual tension between two teenage boys who are attracted to each other. The substitutions for obscenities get silly, at times, and the boys appear to be restraining their sexual desires because giving in to them would be "bad," with no explanation as to why they believe it would be bad.
Apart from these minor issues, however, I really enjoyed the novel and I'm hoping there will be more in this series. It was a lot of fun and the historical detail really brought the time period to life.
August 5, 2018
Action! History! Romance!
This is a fairly quick, action filled book about two juvenile delinquents, Aston and Grant, sentenced to a school after being caught stealing. (They're thieves but pretty bad at it, apparently.)
In a moment of stress, rage, and anger, they accidentally become arsonists and are sent on a mission by their mysterious teacher to replace an item that was destroyed in the fire. The task sends them back to ancient Egypt, which immerses the reader into Egyptian history, from small details (deodorant was not yet invented) to large (the life of King Tut). You could accidentally learn something while reading this.
This is the first book in a hopefully long series, as quite a few items of great value were lost. In the midst of the historical action, romance blooms between the two boys. The writing and editing are well done, the action driving the plot forward at a relatively rapid rate with no lagging spots. An example of the writing:
"My dad subjected me to a repeat of every lecture he’d ever given me over the years, from the You Have So Much Potential sermon, to his trademarked Thank God Your Poor Mother Isn’t Alive To See You Now, and the ever popular Where Did I Go Wrong? speeches. Alice stood nearby during all of them, wringing her hands and shaking or nodding her head in all the right places, like she was doing some sort of bizarre interpretive dance."
This is a fairly quick, action filled book about two juvenile delinquents, Aston and Grant, sentenced to a school after being caught stealing. (They're thieves but pretty bad at it, apparently.)
In a moment of stress, rage, and anger, they accidentally become arsonists and are sent on a mission by their mysterious teacher to replace an item that was destroyed in the fire. The task sends them back to ancient Egypt, which immerses the reader into Egyptian history, from small details (deodorant was not yet invented) to large (the life of King Tut). You could accidentally learn something while reading this.
This is the first book in a hopefully long series, as quite a few items of great value were lost. In the midst of the historical action, romance blooms between the two boys. The writing and editing are well done, the action driving the plot forward at a relatively rapid rate with no lagging spots. An example of the writing:
"My dad subjected me to a repeat of every lecture he’d ever given me over the years, from the You Have So Much Potential sermon, to his trademarked Thank God Your Poor Mother Isn’t Alive To See You Now, and the ever popular Where Did I Go Wrong? speeches. Alice stood nearby during all of them, wringing her hands and shaking or nodding her head in all the right places, like she was doing some sort of bizarre interpretive dance."
September 10, 2018
A great adventure, though more simplistic than necessary for the age group. The boys in the book are 17, but the writing is young enough that an 11 year old would love it. I appreciated the normalizing of homosexual feelings. No bad language, or sexuality, though there is a war scene with some bloody storytelling, though still safe for the 11 year old age range. I really wish this were written with more complexity because the story idea is captivating.
I would place this title with Rick Riordan type stories.
I would place this title with Rick Riordan type stories.
August 6, 2018
Decent for a quick read
Easy to read...reminds me of the magic tree house books but then the author has to throw in romance between the two lead male characters...the romance pieces felt forced like she had to change magic school house which is a brother and sister into two boys. Fine, but had to make them gay too? I grow tired of folks forcing people and characters to be something just to add it in....without all the juvenile kissing and tents popping it was a decent read.
Easy to read...reminds me of the magic tree house books but then the author has to throw in romance between the two lead male characters...the romance pieces felt forced like she had to change magic school house which is a brother and sister into two boys. Fine, but had to make them gay too? I grow tired of folks forcing people and characters to be something just to add it in....without all the juvenile kissing and tents popping it was a decent read.
September 5, 2018
This is a new to me author so I didn't know what to expect but it was an exciting one!
Aston and Grant, kids, going back in time, meeting King Tut! :) I like how Aston and Grant's relationship developed and is developing!
The going back to history was interesting! I learned a bit more about that history with Tut, Nefertiti, and Ay! Even Egyptian customs and such. Super interesting!
I hope to read more of the series!
Aston and Grant, kids, going back in time, meeting King Tut! :) I like how Aston and Grant's relationship developed and is developing!
The going back to history was interesting! I learned a bit more about that history with Tut, Nefertiti, and Ay! Even Egyptian customs and such. Super interesting!
I hope to read more of the series!
October 31, 2019
History with a touch of magic
Dakota Chase has a wonderful way of taking history, adding the magic of Merlin and two teenage boys. Grant and Austin are troubled youth from very different backgrounds. When they get in trouble they are sent to a school for one final chance to avoid doing time. Add time travel and learning to rely on each other and you have an adventure like no other. The Repeating History Books are off to a great start.
Dakota Chase has a wonderful way of taking history, adding the magic of Merlin and two teenage boys. Grant and Austin are troubled youth from very different backgrounds. When they get in trouble they are sent to a school for one final chance to avoid doing time. Add time travel and learning to rely on each other and you have an adventure like no other. The Repeating History Books are off to a great start.
October 24, 2022
Strong from beginning to end. I loved the premise and the cool thread that can take this series all over the world in any time period. I liked that the romance element was fairly uncomplicated, making room for them to become a team on these time travel missions. And the bit of history that peppered the story was a lot of fun. Overall, very enjoyable and it'll be hard not to just binge the entire series. 10/10, highly recommend.
August 9, 2018
A new take on history.
Aston and Grant will never look at history the same again.
Thanks to their teacher, Mr. Ambrosius, the boys embark on a mission to replace an artifact, destroyed in the fire they caused during an altercation in their teacher's office. Oh, did I forget to mention? Mr. Ambrosius' first name... Merlin!
Yes, THAT Merlin!
Aston and Grant will never look at history the same again.
Thanks to their teacher, Mr. Ambrosius, the boys embark on a mission to replace an artifact, destroyed in the fire they caused during an altercation in their teacher's office. Oh, did I forget to mention? Mr. Ambrosius' first name... Merlin!
Yes, THAT Merlin!
August 18, 2018
The story was good
I enjoyed most of the story except the main players. Why do we need that. Does it have any relevant to the story. That is like the sex scene that gets chucked into a movie, do we need it? NO, so why put it in, is it just to distract from an otherwise excellent storyline.
I enjoyed most of the story except the main players. Why do we need that. Does it have any relevant to the story. That is like the sex scene that gets chucked into a movie, do we need it? NO, so why put it in, is it just to distract from an otherwise excellent storyline.
August 23, 2018
a fun read. aston and grant are both morons, which i appreciate. my only qualm is that i feel like the author isn't sure what age group she's writing for—definitely younger readers, but sometimes it feels like it's for junior high kids, while other times it seems more geared towards high school kids. still a really enjoyable book though, so i'll probably read the next two eventually.
May 30, 2020
I really enjoyed this book, it difficult to find a time travel story to ancient times and it took some finding.
For such a short book, it had a few historical details that surprised me made the book a little more real. However at point it was a little silly, but that's expected. The romance was quite sweet too.
For such a short book, it had a few historical details that surprised me made the book a little more real. However at point it was a little silly, but that's expected. The romance was quite sweet too.
September 20, 2018
this was cute, but was a bit one dimensional. seemed written for middle grade, but the content & characters were decidedly teen? reading them on hoopla to fall asleep and they're engaging enough but I'd like some other povs (or at least more formation of characters outside of Aston)
January 9, 2019
The characterizations of the two protagonists were very well developed. The initial plot went well, too. When it got into the Egyptian phase, IMHO, it got cheesy lacking both credibility and depth. It's an easy read.
February 10, 2018
Rating 3.5
August 7, 2018
I thought it a bit young. More so than just a YA. I was disturbed by the pre-sex scenes in a book that was written for such young readers.
August 8, 2018
Read on one day. Simple but entertaining.
August 8, 2018
This is an excellent adventure story. I only wish I had been prepared for the personal side. I'm not saying I would not have read it anyway. I just prefer understanding what I am about to read.
September 7, 2018
A very interesting way to deal with juvenile delinquents that destroy valuable property-even though it was an accident. Will have to read more on repeating history.
January 12, 2019
Very imaginative.
February 16, 2019
I really enjoyed this book with its mix of mischief, magic and mayhem (and oh, a good dose of history).
I'm looking forward to the next installment in this adventure.
I'm looking forward to the next installment in this adventure.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews