The Caesar Secret

The Adventure Guild #1

by Ernest Dempsey, Chandler Dempsey

Brother and sister Diego and Corin Townsend are on the trip of a two weeks in Rome with their new best friend, Desmond, and his treasure hunter parents to open their new exhibition. All expenses paid. Insider access to all the museums and monuments the kids have long dreamed of exploring. But their plan to dig into history’s mysteries in one of the world’s great ancient cities quickly turns dangerous when the kids discover a hidden treasure map dating back to the time of Julius Caesar. But is the map real? Does it point to actual buried treasure? Well, some wicked, greedy men bent on money and fame think so. And they’ll stop at nothing to steal that map and the loot it hides—and they’re not about to let three scheming kids stop them. To avoid the bad guys and safeguard their find, Diego, Corin, and Desmond will have to rely on their knowledge of the Roman Empire, on their bravery, and on each other. Best-selling author Ernest Dempsey offers up his latest tour de force with the first book of the Adventure Guild, the start of a globetrotting whirlwind featuring three of the smartest, most fearless kids you’ve ever met. Your kids will love this series that has some of the best adventure fiction kindle unlimited has to offer. Grab your first copy today and see why these adventure fiction authors are so popular.

138 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 9, 2018

About the author

Ernest Dempsey is a huge fan of action/adventure thrillers and science fiction.

He has been creating stories since he was in high school but never published a book until 2010, long after the days of high school were gone.

His action & adventure books come from a lineage similar to Clive Cussler, Dan Brown, Steve Berry, and James Rollins. While his science fiction novels are full of influence from Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games, The Matrix movie, and Gladiator directed by Ridley Scott.

He is quickly becoming one of the hottest fiction authors in the book world.

Reviews

[Richard Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good young adult book

I have read Ernest Dempsey’s other books including the Sean Wyatt series. This book is written by Ernest and his 9 th grade cousin Chandler. It is fast paced and the situations the kids get themselves into are plausible, at least to me. When I was their age I was in B.B. gun battles with other kids over a 100 acre woods. A good book for kids and old kids like me (66).

[Big Game James · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Caesar Secret could easily be a Five Star book. The writing quality by Ernest and Chandler is excellent and the story flows nicely, chapter to chapter. Unfortunately, the untrustworthy behavior of the main characters weakens the story. At least for me. So it gets 4 stars.

The plot centers around the kids accompanying one of the kid's treasure hunter parents on a trip to Rome for an archaeological exhibition, where they stumble upon an ancient treasure map. Turns out the map was created by none other than Julius Caesar himself. But instead of notifying the parents of this fantastic find, they keep it to themselves. Which, of course, leads to trouble and serves no useful purpose.

Now I don't expect the main characters to be choirboys. We all make bad decisions and plenty of mistakes. And you would expect that from Junior High School kids all the more. But they should still have a reasonable amount of character and common sense. Especially when things get sketchy.

That said, I still look forward to reading more books from Ernest Dempsey because this dude can write.

[Irene Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free advance e-copy of this book and have chosen to write an honest and unbiased review. I have no personal affiliation with the authors. Something new from Mr. Dempsey. This is a young adult novel written with his 9th grade cousin, Chandler. This is the first book in a trilogy. ‘The Caesar Secret’ is a story of three adventurous young adults whose parents are archaeologists and who also have a keen interest in archaeology. They have an amazing adventure in Rome and get themselves in a little trouble. There is a mention of Tommy Schultz who is a character in Earnest Dempsey’s Sean Wyatt series. This is a great story for all ages. I’m anxious to find out what the Caesar secret is and what happens to these young adventurers next. There is a cliffhanger ending and I’m anxious to see what happens in the next book. This is well worth the read and I look forward to reading more from these authors in the future.

[Pete · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is aimed squarely at the Young Adult market, and I would say that it has hit that target very successfully, but even as a 'mature' adult (cough) I still enjoyed it. The story is great fun, if a little predictable. I rather liked that the 'baddies' are actually rather bumbling idiots, which fits into this genre very well, think of the burglars in 'Home Alone', 'Scooby-Doo' or even '101 Dalmations'. Setting the story in Rome adds a touch of history, and gives the opportunity for some excellent descriptions of the city and it's historical attractions.
I have dropped it from 5 stars to 4 because it is very obviously the first part of a serial, and is not a stand-alone, complete story in its own right, which is not to my taste.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, but I have voluntarily written this honest review based on my own opinions.

[Saundra Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great set of books for young teens!

Corin and Diego are not the most popular kids in school. In fact other than one another they have few friends in school. That changes when, running through the woods from bullies, a stranger, Desmond, helps them get away.


Finding how similar all their interests are, it seems crazy that they haven't met before. Corin and Diego are history buffs, something few kids their age appreciate. Desmond not only shares their love of history, his parents are archaeologists, or treasure hunters, as he prefers to think of them.

They are helping to open an exhibit of their one finds in Rome. The siblings are astonished when they get invited along on this trip, and are even more surprised when their parents agree.


This curious trio get up to much more than just a summer vacation in the historic city!

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[J.L. Rallios · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun kids adventure that was well written with good pacing and interesting plot. Some of the humor is clichéd, but the most annoying part of the story is how the kids break their parents' trust with lying and sneaking around. There wouldn't have been a story without that happening. I would have liked the kids better if they had fallen into adventure more innocently (even though they got away with it, which was a stretch to one's suspension of disbelief), which would've required more imagination to contrive -- and might've made a better story, even though this was pretty good. It would've assured me with wanting to read more of their adventures. Caring about the characters is key for me to want to go on with any series.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ernest Dempsey is back (with his cousin, Chandler) with a new series for tweens and teens. Three young people have an adventure in Rome looking for a secret treasure that Julius Caesar hid in his youth. The bad guys are not very successful at trying to get these young people to give them the map. This is a three part story, so if you don't like a continuing storyline be warned. But give it a try anyway. It's a great, fun read. Even for more mature people.
I received a free advance e-copy of this book and have chosen to write an honest and unbiased review. I have no personal affiliation with the authors.

[Cathy Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a hard one to rate. I love Ernest Dempsey writing, with this book he has teamed up with his cousin Chandler to write a book for younger readers.

Ernest's infuence is very apparent with the historical treasure hunt theme and the inevitable bad guys trying to spoil the day. The book is kept short, language is simplified and there is a definite lack of any violence perfect for those younger minds.

For me though (a few decades past the intended age) I found much of this book a little too 'dumbed down'. Everything seemed to happen too fast, too easy and too unbelieable. However it is still an enjoyable, quick to read, fun book of adventure.

[Casey Grist · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Review from an Uncool Mom

I loved the idea of the kids being involved in a treasure hunt and visiting Rome. However, in order to accomplish the goals they have as the story develops, they do a whole lot of lying to the parents and most of the other adults. And they get themselves into extreme danger and roam all over a foreign city, breaking into ancient landmarks…damaging valuable artifacts etc. Because of that I most likely won’t continue in the series, nor get these for the young ones in my life.

[D.A. Schaeffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fans of the Hardy Boys will enjoy! This was an enjoyable read! From me, that's quite a compliment. I've read so many 5 star books that just plod along. This book with the young brother and sister embarking on a vacation that turns into a mystery and adventure moved along. The settings were good, the pacing was good, the action was good. I turned pages and wanted to keep reading. This is not a long book--but I don't count that as a detriment. I would much rather read a good fast paced short book than a much longer book that plods along. Highly recommend.

[David Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book from one of my favorite action/adventure authors. While YA books don't normally catch my interest, I have to say The Caesar Secret kept my interest and has peaked my interest in reading the second and third books in this series. If you like adventure without gratuitous violence, then this may be a series for you or the younger readers in your family.
I received an Advance Reader Copy and have chosen to provide this review.

[Doreen Gardner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay - Maybe

I bought this for my grandson but wanted to read it first to be sure it was age appropriate. It plays a little loose with safety boundaries. Three kids running around a strange city, at night, with no supervision. Ok, this IS fiction.
I think the writers did a fairly good job with character development. Hoping to read more of these adventures.

[Ashton Fourie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad for a young writer

I bought this book on recommendation from Ernest. Apparently it was written by... If I recall right, his teenage nephew. As such I think it's a great work for such a young writer. A few places one could sense the lack of writing experience but all in all a pleasant read. Well done and I hope Chandler will keep writing.

[K. Counihan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Short Read

I liked the story a lot . It kind of ends abruptly?
For the kids, Please do not run around in dark
catacombs at night with bad guys chasing you.
This is fiction/make believe.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun, kids get the best of adults, kind of read. Loved it!

[Jeannie Huie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable thriller! Great story, loved the idea of the 3 old-school students!! It was exciting, but without real violence! Can't wait for the rest of the series!!

[Pat Pinner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Good

I recommend this book for any age. Terrific. Read for a great thrill. I am older but love the easy to read language.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice book for a young reader and interesting enough to keep an adult reading. On to book 2 in the series.

[Elaine Allcroft · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn't want to out this book down

As usual for Ernest Dempsy a book that holds your attention all the way through. I scant wait to read book two.

[Kenn Goslin · Rating 5 out of 5]

When will bullies ever learn???

Run 🏃for your life or them bullies will get you!!! Into the woods to an unlikely meeting with a new friend!

[Jennifer Cagle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good mystery.

This is a great little mystery I assume is for teens but I read it because I love the Sean Wyatt mysteries and this goes along with them. It was very cute!

[nancy thompson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Would be a good read for a 12 year old. I didn't read much, too you for me. Should be rated a young adventurer book.

[Carolyn G Heidkamp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I had purchased this book for my granddaughter, I wanted to read it before she did. Even as a 77 year old, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Love the intrigue and looking forward the next in the series

[K.L.]

Disappointed that the book ended the way it did. Didn't realise it was a TBC. Very enjoyable though