The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper

The Chronicles of the Stone #3

by Fiona Ingram

Continuing the adventure that ended in Britain just a short while ago, cousins Adam and Justin Sinclair, with their friend Kim Maleka, are now hunting for the third Stone of Power, one of seven mysterious stones lost centuries ago. The third stone might be located in an ancient city, hidden in the depths of the Mexican jungle.

When their small plane crashes in the jungle, Adam, Justin, Kim, and James are rescued by an uncontacted tribe. James, who is wounded, must stay behind as the kids, with only a young boy, Tukum, as their guide, make their way through the dense and dangerous jungle to find the city. River rafting on a crocodile-infested river and evading predators are just part of this hazardous task.

Of course, their old adversary Dr. Khalid is close behind as the kids press on in search of the lost city of stone gods. But he is not the worst of their problems. This time Adam will clash with a terrible enemy who adopts the persona of an evil Aztec god, Tezcatlipoca, and is keen to revive the ancient tradition of human sacrifice. Adam, Justin, and Tukum must play a dreadful ball game of life and death and maybe survive. Will they emerge alive from the jungle? Will Dr. Khalid find the third Stone of Power before they do?

318 pages, Paperback

First published November 17, 2017

About the author

I can’t remember NOT having a book in my hand. My schoolmates called me a bookworm, and nothing’s changed since then. I was brought up on the children’s classics because my parents are also avid readers. My earliest story-telling talents came to the fore when, from the age of ten, I entertained my three younger brothers and their friends with serialized tales of children undertaking dangerous and exciting exploits, which they survived through courage and ingenuity (of course!). Ghosts, vampires, werewolves, and skeletons leaping out of coffins were hot favourites in the cast of characters that populated “Gruesome Gables” where all these adventures were played out. We also acted out the stories for my long-suffering parents, whom I see now were remarkably tolerant of my budding thespian and script-writing talents!
I graduated from the University of Natal, Durban, South Africa, with a double first in my B.A. (French & Drama). After completing my Honors in Drama at Natal, I then went to the University of the Witwatersrand to do my Masters degree in French-African literature. I also studied drama at The Drama Studio in London and mime at L’Ecole Jacques le Coq in Paris. Upon my return to South Africa, I immersed myself in teaching drama at community centres, and became involved in producing community and grassroots theatre with local playwrights and performers in Natal for several years.
A move to Johannesburg took me in a new direction—that of journalism. I have written freelance for the last fifteen years on everything from serial killers to relationship advice (making me a popular dinner guest to revive any flagging conversations). Writing a children’s book—The Secret of the Sacred Scarab—was an unexpected step, inspired by a recent trip to Egypt. The tale of the sacred scarab began life as a little anecdotal tale for my 2 nephews (then 10 and 12), who had accompanied me on the Egyptian trip. We had a marvellous time and it truly was the catalyst in changing my career. This short story grew into a children’s book, the first in the adventure series, Chronicles of the Stone. After the usual spate of rejections from snobby (British) agents, which I believe it every writer’s baptism of fire, I discovered America and made the decision to be published there. The book has done well there, even though the young heroes are South African, and has already garnered two impressive fiction nominations.
I’m already immersed in the next book in the series—The Search for the Stone of Excalibur—a huge treat for young King Arthur fans (and older ones as well). Although I do not have children of my own, I have an adopted teenage foster child, from an underprivileged background who is just discovering the joys of reading for pleasure. My interests include literature, art, theatre, collecting antiques, animals, music, movies, and wondering when I am going to be the next J.K. Rowling.

Reviews

[Peggy McAloon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four souls are aboard a small plane that crashes in the Mexican jungle. Cousins Adam and Justin have taken a quick tour of the rainforest, accompanied by Kim (the foster daughter of their Aunt Isabel Sinclair) and anthropologist James, who pilots the small craft. Is it simply bad luck their plane went down or something more sinister like Dr. Faisal Khalid, who is intent on capturing the seven stones for his own purposes?

The children are terrified when the plane settles in the lower branches of the trees. James is unconscious and everyone knows the jungle is inhabited by snakes, bugs, crocodiles, and possibly from the uncontacted tribes who very possibly are cannibals.

The story relies heavily on the ancient Mayan civilization dating back 5,000 years and the Aztecs who ruled this area so many years ago. When they meet the tribal leader, they discover his son and his family have disappeared in the jungle and are perhaps captives of the terrifying Smoking Mirror who the people believe is the ancient god Tezcatlipoca. With only seven days for Mexican authorities to discover the plane crash, will they have enough time to find the stone? Can the young warrior, Tukum, lead them to the ancient ruins regardless of the burden on his heart placed there by a father he believes has failed them?

Fiona Ingram has not only written a perfect tale, but she has interspersed the story with a brightly colored history of Mexico and the ancient people who built the temples and pyramids there.

Middle-grade students & up will quickly see how the three main characters grow in both wisdom and compassion as the story unfolds. They will see how the kids solve some sticky problems and discover a new passion for learning about another culture and country. What kid or grownup wouldn’t delight in a ball game with potentially catastrophic consequences? I highly recommend this book for any student who doesn’t particularly like history, but loves to read.

[Jessica Bronder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adam, Justin and Kim are on the hunt for the third Stone of Power. They find themselves flying to the Mexican jungle when things go wrong and the plane crashes. The kids know the dangers of the jungle but they still need to find the stone. They come across some Maya descendants that are being terrorized by a man calling himself Tezcatlipoca and believing himself a god. It’s up to the kids to find the stone, keep it out of Dr. Khalid’s hands, and to stop this man posing as a god.

I just love this series. This time the kids are in Mexican jungle and we get to learn more about the Aztec and Mayans cultures and mythology. I loved learning with the kids. I felt for Tukum and everything he had on his shoulders. Of course I hated Tezcatlipoca, Smoking Mirror and how he was treating the people. I was so glad when he got his.

This is a great adventure series for midgrade readers and any age. You learn history as the kids race to claim the Stones of Power. I am officially hooked and can’t wait to find out where the next stone will take the kids.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

[Emily-Jane Orford · Rating 5 out of 5]

The three young people are off on yet another adventure. They have to find all of the seven stones of power before evil claims them for evil gains. Adam and Justin, cousins, and their Aunt Isabel’s ward, Kim, are on a mission to find the third precious stone of power. Like their adventures in Scotland and Egypt, this third book in the “Chronicles of the Stone” series takes the young people to Mexico and the land of the Aztec and Maya. With a mixture of adventure, fantasy and history, the plot unfolds with the same excitement as the first two books, this one beginning with a plane crash in the jungle. Left to their own devices, the stranded young people must find their way to a lost Maya city, where they believe the third stone is hidden. Dr. Khalid, the evil that has plagued their adventures so far, has once again cheated death and is hot on their trail.

And, if myth and history and fantasy succeed, the reincarnation of two important Aztec gods will rule again. Tezcatlipoca a powerful Aztec god, ruler of the night sky and a dark god of sorcery and war, has shattered the isolated groups of Maya descendants who continue to live in the jungle, kidnapping many of them for his own personal gains. His name, which means Smoking Mirror, continues to instil fear. It is the power of fear that allows him to take control of so many people and make them his minions. His complete opposite, Quetzalcoatl, a feathered serpent, god of the wind and the star called Venus, is the embodiment of good. Red-headed Adam bears resemblance to Quetzalcoatl. With his ability to see things, to have visions, and, even though still considered a child, his ability to do the unexpected, makes him a powerful force against evil.
Fiona Ingram’s “The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper” is a powerful, exciting story full of adventure and knowledge. The history and mythology of the Aztec and Maya people is thoroughly researched and presented in a compelling way to attract readers, young and old, to learn more about this ancient civilization. The author weaves thoughtful considerations into her characters: the importance of family, of heritage, of friendship, as well as the power of working together as a team. As good and evil project the plot forward, so, too, does the depth of characterization strengthen the bonds. The three young people, plus their new native friend and guide, Tukum, are only as strong as their ability to work together, as is seen over and over again in this story. Conflicts amongst friends are resolved with patience and understanding, creating stronger bonds in the process, as is seen between Tukum and Justin, who seem so much at odds throughout the story until Justin saves Tukum’s life.

A story which both educates and entertains. What a great combination!

http://beyondtheordinaryincanadiansto...

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A dangerous mission strands three young kids in the Mexican Jungle where myth and tradition divide the people who call the jungle home in author Fiona Ingram’s third novel in the Chronicles of the Stone series, “The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper”. Here’s the synopsis:

A plane crash! Lost in the jungle! Hunted by their old enemy, will Adam, Justin, and Kim survive long enough to find the Third Stone of Power? With only a young boy, Tukum, as their guide, the kids make their way through the dense and dangerous jungle to find the lost city of stone gods, where the Stone of Power might be located. River rafting on a crocodile-infested river and evading predators are just part of this hazardous task. Of course, their old adversary Dr. Khalid is close behind as the kids press on. But he is not the worst of their problems. This time Adam will clash with a terrible enemy who adopts the persona of an evil Aztec god, Tezcatlipoca, and is keen to revive the ancient tradition of human sacrifice. Adam, Justin, and Tukum must play a dreadful ball game of life and death and maybe survive. Will they emerge alive from the jungle? Will Dr. Khalid find the third Stone of Power before they do?

While I hadn’t read the previous two books before this, this novel did a great job of making the story stand out on it’s own feet. Finding solid ground within the jungles of Mexico, the story and characters mesh well with one another, building the overlaying backstory of the stones and their mysterious power, as well as the hunt by the modern day adventurers. The author did an amazing job exploring the complex mythology of both the Aztecs and Mayan people, as well as the culture of Mexico as a whole and the people who call it home.

The writing here is wonderful, giving middle grade readers and beyond a clear image of the scenes presented throughout the novel. While fans of the series will love the continued adventures of Adam and his group, the book does a wonderful job of bringing a new supporting character like Tukum and his people to life beautifully. The blend of culture and mythology adds to the series overall building mythos, and by books end gives the reader a nod to the next possible adventure as the mission to recover the stones.

Overall this was a fantastic read. Filled with richly developed characters, a wonderful setting filled with vivid imagery, and a detailed, suspenseful story of mythological proportions. If you enjoy a good adventure story with relatable heroes, powerful villains and a setting filled with rich culture, then you should pick up a copy of author Fiona Ingram’s The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper today!

[K.C. Finn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper continues author Fiona Ingram’s masterful mystery series with another contemporary adventure steeped in the rich culture, mysteries and mythologies of the past. Adam, Justin and Kim have been through some incredible adventures together already, but they must continue their quest to find all seven of the stones of power before the wicked Dr. Khalid gets his hands on them. So when there’s a terrible plane crash in a jungle in Mexico, a new opportunity presents itself to discover the lost city of the stone gods, so long as the trio can survive to reach it. In this tale, Ingram takes on the stories and legends of the gods of the Aztec culture to form the basis of a brand new and highly educational mystery.

One of the things I truly love about this series, the more and more that I read it, is the juxtaposing feeling of comfort of falling into the words of a well loved and well known author, but also being thrown into a totally new cultural world every time I open one of Ingram’s books. Once again the character range and development dedicated to representing people of non-Western culture is stellar, most especially in the lovely little guide Tukum who joins the kids for this wild ride through the dangers of the jungle, and the dangers of the old gods themselves. I learned a lot about ancient cultures and the Aztec belief system from this fabulous book, as I’m sure many MG and YA readers will too, but I also felt really comforted to be back with the lads and Kim as they explore another mystery and also continue to grow and learn as young people along the way. I would love to find out what more there is to come from this series in the future! I’ll be watching out for many more adventures after this wild ride through the first three.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

(I received an advance copy to read and review.)

FROM PAGE 1 I WAS PULLED INTO THIS ACTION-PACKED ADVENTURE STORY ABOUT THREE YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE ON THE SEARCH FOR THE THIRD STONE OF POWER.
Even though this is the third book in this middle grade series “The Chronicles of the Stone”, it was very easy to follow the story. There were references to the past adventures, ensuring the reader had needed knowledge, but also making the reader eager to read the other books.
The three youngsters, Adam, Justin and Kim, are believable and interesting. There is quite a dynamic amongst them and they work well together. The other characters in the novel are intriguing – from the villains Dr. Khalid (who has figured in the other novels) and the Smoking Mirror to Tukum and his grandfather Kotz.
Ingram has given us a well-researched book, offering us a fascinating insight into the history of the Mayans and Aztecs. There are many engaging stories told about the Maya and Aztec gods. There is a guide at the end of the novel to further inform readers about this intriguing time in history and about the uncontacted tribes of the jungle.

There is much to offer in Fiona Ingram’s book – interesting characters, adventure, history, and twisting plot. It was a most enjoyable read.
I highly recommend The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper – it was a fun read, a book filled with adventure and fascinating history.

[Cheryl Malandrinos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buckle up for more adventure and mystery as Adam and Justin Sinclair along with Kim and James, search for the third Stone of Power in an ancient city hidden in the depths of the Mexican jungle.

The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper is steeped in the mythology and legends of the ancient Aztec and Maya. James and his young adventurers embark on their latest journey, which quickly goes haywire when their small plane crashes. Rescued by an uncontacted tribe, the teens must carry on without James, who was injured in the crash. Led by Tukum, future leader of the tribe, they search the dense and dangerous jungle in search of the lost city, with Dr. Khalid hot on their trail.

If you like adventure, mystery, and a fast-paced story that holds your attention from first page to last, you will want to grab a copy of The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper by Fiona Ingram. In the third installment of The Chronicles of the Stone, the teens continue to meet danger head on, using their skills to search for the next Stone of Power and hopefully outwit the evil Dr. Khalid. After James is hurt, the teens must trust the uncontacted tribe to help them in their quest, so the reader is treated to new characters that play vital roles in the story.

This series just keeps getting better. Though I highly recommend starting from the beginning, this is a stand alone novel. Pick up this one or start with Book 1 and see how exciting reading can be!

[Anna del C. Dye · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper by Fiona Ingram is a delightful young adult, clean fantasy with a touch of history. I found The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper a great read for young and old. It is well written and I enjoyed the history lesson without any feeling that it was an information damp. Fiona Ingram did an excellent job mixing the story and the facts in a way that the reader doesn't get disconnected from the tale.
Two cousins and an African girl crash in the Amazon forest in the central American region. Their guide and only adult on the trip is injured and out of commission for most of the book. They kids are lucky when a friendly native group finds them and agrees to help their guide and take them to the lost city of the stone gods. Their purpose is to find the third stone of power before Dr. Khalid does. But help from the outside world disappears like the night from the day. On their way, they will have to keep a step ahead of Dr. Khalid, Tezcatlipoca's men, the jungle animals and avoid becoming human sacrifices.
The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper by Fiona Ingram will be an excellent addition to any home library. I recommend it as a great reading material for any lovers of fantasy, young adults, and Mayan and Aztec history buffs, no matter their age. It is refreshing, good paced, has lovable characters and mean enemies.

[Karlie Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper is the third book in the Chronicles of the Stone series by Fiona Ingram. Filled with obstacles every step of the way, Adam, Justin, and Kim must navigate the jungles of South America to find the third stone of power before their evil nemesis, Dr. Khalid, does.

This series in intended for middle grade audiences but, as an older audience, I found it enjoyable. The prose flows well, with just the right mix of action to slow sections to keep things interesting. There really aren't any dull moments in this interesting tale.

As this is the third in a series, I expected to feel a little lost coming in. I haven't read the previous books, but Fiona does a good job of catching the reader up to speed on the basics so you don't feel lost at all. Overall, it's an imaginative story that is filled with the history and legends of South America. And while I don't know if all the stories are true, it's enough to make me wish they were.

I give it five stars.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

With each story in this series I think the next one can't be as good as the previous one until I start reading and realize that it is as exciting as the last one I read.
This story is set in the jungles of Mexico. A wonderful, exciting adventure with lots of interesting history. It's the perfect mixture of fantasy and reality of past times in history.
The characters are well-developed. I enjoyed getting to know each one of them. The cousins are a great team. The people they meet in the jungles are wonderful characters and fun to read about.
The cover and the title of the book are a good match for the story.
I highly recommend this story to others. Middle school age children will love it.

[Amy Koster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book from this author. Not knowing it was the third book in a series, I decided to still give it a go. Without much backstory I still found the writing to be very well done. The detail and imagery were superb. The descriptions of the area and history were amazing! I really felt like I was there. The characters were fun and I enjoyed the adventure. I recommend this book for all ages and cannot wait to read more in the series with my kids.

*I received a copy of this book. All opinions written are my own.

[Christina Weigand · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper is the third book in The Chronicles of the Stone series. The series follows three young people, Adam and Justin Sinclair and their friend Kim Maleka as they search for seven mysterious stones that were lost centuries ago. In this book we find the young people searching for the third stone, The Stone of Power which might be located in ancient city hidden in the Mexican jungle.

I did not read the first two books and was unaware of it until I read this one. Fortunately I was able to follow the story of Adam, Justin and Kim as they embarked on this third journey. Fiona Ingram continued to flesh out the characters and their adventures so that in spite of not reading the first two books, the story was still fresh and new and this reader did not feel as if I was missing something not having read the first two books.

As the children along with a native guide, Tukum, traverse the dangerous jungle they face many exciting challenges. I was on the edge of my seat as they triumphed and moved on. Up until the very end I anxiously waited to see how they would find their way out of the precarious situations. I loved the characters interactions as the author developed each of their individual personalities and responses to the situations. Each of the characters was distinguishable from their companions so there was never any doubt about who was reacting in any given situation.

I also loved the historicity that Fiona Ingram sprinkled in the story. It is a good means of exposing young readers to different cultures as the characters interacted within the Mexican, Aztec and Mayan cultures.

I will definitely go back and read the first two books and I can’t wait to see what further adventures are in store for the threesome.

[Cathy Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fiona Ingram’s latest book in the middle grade series, The Chronicles of the Stone, follows the intrepid adventurers to Mexico and THE TEMPLE OF THE CRYSTAL TIMEKEEPER. Adam, Justin, and Kim are searching now for the third stone of power, and as always, they must find the stone before the villainous Dr. Khalid can get his hands on it–and them. But there’s an added twist to this tale, a warlord who believes himself the incarnation of an Aztec god. And he’s right in the thick of this adventure!

And so in this third book, the Aztecs come into play along with the Mayans. From the beginning, when our trio’s plane crashes into the forest, until the end and the life and death game-changing action, there’s a ton of history, religion, and culture to soak up!

Lucky Fiona Ingram to have a book release on a subject that everyone’s talking about now! I was watching a riveting public TV documentary series about Mexico and there on the screen was a cenote (a sinkhole resulting from the collapse of limestone) and I literally sat up from my usual half-reclining position of viewing. I’d just read all about a cenote in The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper! And next came Tezcatlipoca, the Aztec god, and the temple ruins deep in the forests. Hold on! I know all about Tezcatlipoca! And then came…hey! I see what you’re doing and it’s not going to work.

Read THE TEMPLE OF THE CRYSTAL TIMEKEEPER for yourself!

(It's a hefty read but there’s plenty of action to keep the story moving. If you want to sneak in that Social Studies unit on Mexico and the Aztecs and Mayans, especially for your reluctant guy readers, here’s the book to do it. And check out Fiona’s website for more information about the story, as well as additional resource material to download for free.)

[Kurt Springs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was first published on Kurt's Frontier.

Synopsis:

Adam, Justin, and Kim are searching for the Third Stone of Power when their plane crashes in the Mexican jungle. With their guide, Dr. James Kinncaird injured, they must rely on a young Mayan boy named Tukum to guide them through the dangerous jungles to a lost city ruled by an enemy who adopts the persona of the ancient god known to the Aztecs as Tezcatlipoca (Smoking Mirror). There old enemy, Dr. Khalid is also close behind. Adam, Justin, and Tukum must play a game of life and death, and even victory doesn’t assure that they won’t be the next humans to be sacrificed.

Review:

Ms. Ingram has moved from Egypt and Scotland, to the Jungles of Mexico and into the mythology of the Aztecs and Maya. When sabotage forces their plane down, Adam, Justin, and Kim must leave the archaeologist, James Kinncaird, in the care of an uncontacted group Mayans living in the jungle. A man has taken on the persona of the ancient god Tezcatlipoca and is kidnapping people in the area in a quest for power. Weaving elements of Mesoamerican mythology, Ms. Ingram has created a mystery that once again keeps the audience turning the pages.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say this exceeded expectations would be an understatement. The story has everything - action, adventure, and lore. Think Indiana Jones only three kids and aimed at a younger audience. Perfect for anyone who still has that love of adventure and discovery in their hearts no matter how old. Definitely recommend!!!

[Carol Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have an interest in Mayan or Aztec history, you will not want to miss this third book in the Chronicles of the Stone Series. Set deep in the forest of Mexico, it is filled with adventure. The female readers will be glad to see Kim take a larger roll in this book. The information at the end of the book is again present to provide further insite into these cultures for those left wanting to learn more. The violence is similar to the previous two books and is otherwise a clean book.

[Susan Walt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

In The Secret of the Crystal Timekeeper, Kim, Adam and Justin are stranded in the Mexican rain forest.

The Jaguar People found them and looked after James, who was unconscious after the crash.

Tukum, the leaders' son, escorts them to the lost city, searching for the next stone.

But this time, they face an even more formidable foe - Benito Gracia - who enslaves the tribes and plans to overthrow the Mexican government.

The three children need all their grit and determination to overcome the challenges in their way, find the stone, and return safely to civilization.

Would you please read the review of the Chronicles of the Stone series on my blog?
https://readorrot.com/the-chronicles-...