What do you think?
Rate this book
The Adventure Guild #2
The Caesar Secret: Part 2
Desmond and his friends Corin and Diego are psyched about their trip to Rome.
While Desmond’s parents, world-famous archeologists, are there for a couple of weeks unveiling their latest museum exhibit, the kids figure they’ll see the sights, hang out together, maybe grab some authentic Italian pizza.
But when the kids find an ancient treasure map hidden in Desmond’s parents’ exhibit, what had been a carefree romp across one of the world’s oldest cities quickly turns into the quest of their young lives.
Do the map and the other clues they find hidden along the way really point to a treasure hidden by Emperor Julius Caesar? Is it possible no one has unearthed Caesar’s secret stash until now?
Unfortunately, one of the world’s sneakiest thieves is determined to find it first. And he’s not about to let three brats stand in his way of unimaginable wealth and fame—or of revenge against Desmond’s parents.
To outsmart the bad guys, Desmond, Corin, and Diego—now calling themselves the Adventure Guild—must enlist the help of their bodyguards, hired by Desmond’s wealthy parents to babysit them in Rome, and draw on their collective knowledge of history and geography to ensure they’re the first to discover Caesar’s Secret.
While Desmond’s parents, world-famous archeologists, are there for a couple of weeks unveiling their latest museum exhibit, the kids figure they’ll see the sights, hang out together, maybe grab some authentic Italian pizza.
But when the kids find an ancient treasure map hidden in Desmond’s parents’ exhibit, what had been a carefree romp across one of the world’s oldest cities quickly turns into the quest of their young lives.
Do the map and the other clues they find hidden along the way really point to a treasure hidden by Emperor Julius Caesar? Is it possible no one has unearthed Caesar’s secret stash until now?
Unfortunately, one of the world’s sneakiest thieves is determined to find it first. And he’s not about to let three brats stand in his way of unimaginable wealth and fame—or of revenge against Desmond’s parents.
To outsmart the bad guys, Desmond, Corin, and Diego—now calling themselves the Adventure Guild—must enlist the help of their bodyguards, hired by Desmond’s wealthy parents to babysit them in Rome, and draw on their collective knowledge of history and geography to ensure they’re the first to discover Caesar’s Secret.
140 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 10, 2018
About the author
Ernest Dempsey
71 books480 followersErnest 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.
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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 13, 2018
The Adventure Continues
I have been a real fan of Ernest Dempsey for some time now, and I love his Sean Wyatt, Shadow Cell and Adriana Villa series. The Caesar Secret series which is aimed squarely at the Young Adult market, and very successfully. But I still enjoyed it, even though I am definitely no longer a Young Adult! This second part is just as much fun as the first, although it does stretch the boundaries of belief a bit. I rather liked that the 'baddies' are a bit incompetent and cartoonish, rather than real villains . The descriptions of Rome and its historical attractions are excellent, and really add to the story.
As with the first book, I have dropped it from 5 stars to 4 because it is part of a serial, and is not a stand-alone, complete story in its own right, which I prefer.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, but I have voluntarily written this honest review based on my own opinions.
I have been a real fan of Ernest Dempsey for some time now, and I love his Sean Wyatt, Shadow Cell and Adriana Villa series. The Caesar Secret series which is aimed squarely at the Young Adult market, and very successfully. But I still enjoyed it, even though I am definitely no longer a Young Adult! This second part is just as much fun as the first, although it does stretch the boundaries of belief a bit. I rather liked that the 'baddies' are a bit incompetent and cartoonish, rather than real villains . The descriptions of Rome and its historical attractions are excellent, and really add to the story.
As with the first book, I have dropped it from 5 stars to 4 because it is part of a serial, and is not a stand-alone, complete story in its own right, which I prefer.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, but I have voluntarily written this honest review based on my own opinions.
September 21, 2019
The continuing adventure of three young history buffs in Rome. Turn your kids on to the excitement of history.
While exploring an off limits area of a museum in Rome, this adventurous trio stumbled upon a treasure map. If they are right and can follow the clues, it should lead them to an undiscovered treasure that belonged to Julius Caesar.
It would be a huge undertaking for anyone, but these kids don't exactly have free reign over their travels. They have a team of security guards to either enlist in the adventure or evade. Plus the clues are in Latin. Fortunately a kindly priest helps them translate the clues.
They aren't the only ones searching for this treasure. A shady historian would rather follow the kids to the gold, and he isn't interested in sharing the credit. This summer vacation suddenly turns very dangerous.
While exploring an off limits area of a museum in Rome, this adventurous trio stumbled upon a treasure map. If they are right and can follow the clues, it should lead them to an undiscovered treasure that belonged to Julius Caesar.
It would be a huge undertaking for anyone, but these kids don't exactly have free reign over their travels. They have a team of security guards to either enlist in the adventure or evade. Plus the clues are in Latin. Fortunately a kindly priest helps them translate the clues.
They aren't the only ones searching for this treasure. A shady historian would rather follow the kids to the gold, and he isn't interested in sharing the credit. This summer vacation suddenly turns very dangerous.
August 9, 2018
This second episode in the Caesar Secret trilogy is not only filled with action and intrigue, the reader is given insight into the bodyguards - Sam and Billy and their role in the Adventure Guild. As the young adventurer’s progress in trying to assemble the clues to the puzzle, secrets are shared, and the group begins to grow.
While YA fiction/adventure isn’t my preferred genre, when my Advance Review copy of this book arrived I dug into it with full abandon. The writing/storytelling is excellent and very believable, it could be the impetus for expanding my reading list. I received an advance reader copy and have chosen to provide this review.
While YA fiction/adventure isn’t my preferred genre, when my Advance Review copy of this book arrived I dug into it with full abandon. The writing/storytelling is excellent and very believable, it could be the impetus for expanding my reading list. I received an advance reader copy and have chosen to provide this review.
February 15, 2026
Similar to the first book in the series, the story itself is entertaining and well written. The characters are solid and mostly authentic, except for the idea that the kids would keep the secret from the parents and therefore open themselves to unnecessary trouble. The main reason I rate this 3.5 stars is because it ends abruptly without any sort of ending or resolution. Not really even a cliffhanger. Now I realize that the story continues and concludes in the next volume, but that is no excuse to end the book without any resolution. Ernest, my good fellow, every book deserves a beginning, a middle and an end.
June 30, 2023
The adventure continues for our young explorers. Starting off right where book one left us having escaped the clutches of Wayne and Carl; Desmond, Corin and Diego ponder their next move. It's not long before they realise they are going to have to recruit the help of their bodyguard Sam - but first they have to convince him that their tale of treasure maps and secret clues is in fact the truth.
This is a great book for young teens, fast paced and a quick read with language that caters really well for the age group. As an adult I too am enjoying the adventure.
This is a great book for young teens, fast paced and a quick read with language that caters really well for the age group. As an adult I too am enjoying the adventure.
August 13, 2018
Great second installment of an Adventure Guild Story, The Caesar Secret.
Although this is slanted toward kids. I have to say as an adult I love these stories. I hope there are many more in The Adventure Guild series.
Although this is slanted toward kids. I have to say as an adult I love these stories. I hope there are many more in The Adventure Guild series.
August 21, 2018
Fun book
I read this book because I enjoy Ernest's books. It took a while for me to get into this one but I did. I was glad to see the not do one thing they were doing in book one. Looking forward to book three
I read this book because I enjoy Ernest's books. It took a while for me to get into this one but I did. I was glad to see the not do one thing they were doing in book one. Looking forward to book three
August 30, 2018
Episode 2 Quick Read with Cliffhanger Ending
This as was Episode 1, is an adventure story for middle school kids. Fun and exciting with the old cliffhanger ending. Next up Episode 3. These are more like short stories.
This as was Episode 1, is an adventure story for middle school kids. Fun and exciting with the old cliffhanger ending. Next up Episode 3. These are more like short stories.
August 28, 2018
Caesar Secret 2
More like short story. It just started getting interesting and then it left you hanging. No bueno..rather a full length novrel.
More like short story. It just started getting interesting and then it left you hanging. No bueno..rather a full length novrel.
September 2, 2018
Intended series for a young adult, but it was interesting enough to keep me reading as well. Cute, short story. I bought the 3rd book to see how the kids wrap up their adventure.
September 29, 2018
.
I would and will recommend this series to my grandkids. Love the author . Earnest Dempsey is very interesting. He makes me look things up.
I would and will recommend this series to my grandkids. Love the author . Earnest Dempsey is very interesting. He makes me look things up.
February 1, 2019
Colin and Wayne such pieces of working!!!
This episode is a trust builder for the Adventure Guild and their security detail. Finally they get to tour the Colosseum!!!
This episode is a trust builder for the Adventure Guild and their security detail. Finally they get to tour the Colosseum!!!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews