The Secret of the Sacred Scarab

The Chronicles of the Stone #1

by Fiona Ingram

In this exciting Middle Grade adventure set in Egypt, a 5000-year-old mystery comes to life. A scruffy peddler gives Adam and Justin Sinclair an old Egyptian scarab on their very first day in Egypt. Only when the evil Dr. Faisal Khalid shows a particular interest in the cousins and their scarab, do the boys realise they are in terrible danger. Dr. Khalid wants the relic at all costs. Justin and Adam embark upon the adventure of a lifetime, taking them down the Nile and across the harsh desert in their search for the legendary tomb of the Scarab King, an ancient Egyptian ruler. They are plunged into a whirlpool of hazardous and mysterious events when Dr. Khalid kidnaps them. They learn more about the ancient Seven Stones of Power and the mysterious Shemsu-Hor. They must translate the hieroglyphic clues on the underside of the scarab, as well as rescue the missing archaeologist James Kinnaird, and their friend, the Egyptologist Ebrahim Faza, before time runs out!

The Secret of the Sacred Scarab is the kind of adventure book boys and girls love! The fast-paced action, the evil villain readers delight in hating, the secrets of the past, and the mysterious ancient setting make this novel a sure-hit favorite for all the young and adventurous at heart. Ingram's impeccable and fascinating research into Egyptian history illuminates the adventure and makes the secrets of Egypt's past as thrilling to the reader as the boys' dangerous encounters. Book Award Nominations &
·         Finalist Children's Fiction  USA Next Generation 2009 Indie Book Awards
·         Finalist Juvenile Fiction USA National Best Books 2009 Awards
·         Winner Pre-Teen USA 2009 Readers' Favorites Awards
·         Number 2 in the USA Children's & Teens Book Connection Top Ten Favourite Books of 2009 for Kids, Tweens & Teens
·         Winner Silver Medal Teen Fiction 2010 Nautilus Book Awards
·         Finalist Children's Fiction 2010 International Book Awards
·         Winner Bronze Medal Pre-Teen Fiction 2010 Moonbeam Book Awards
·         Finalist 2011 Rubery Book Awards
·         Winner Gold Award Mystery Pre-Teen 2011 Children's Literary Classics Awards
·         2nd Place in the 2011 YA Sharpwrit Book Awards·         Gold Medal 2013 Wise Bear Book Awards WinnerFor colouring-in enthusiasts, nine original black and white illustrations including a map make for more enjoyment!

Genres: Middle Grade, Adventure, Childrens, Historical Fiction, Historical, Mystery

258 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2008

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

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am giving this book 2 stars for all the Egyptian history that you learn in this book [though you can learn just as much watching The Mummy movies or reading a far superior book series by Rick Riordan called The Kane Chronicles] and that is all. This book took me forever to finish and I love history, especially ancient Egyptian history.

At no time did I ever believe that 2 young boys would have been allowed to run around Egypt the way Adam and Justin do in this book [and I grew up with a lot of freedom and a lot of traveling]. I also did not like how the author wrote this as middle schoolers are essentially morons who need a lot of extra padding in a book to get them through it. There was a ton of stuff in this book that was just not needed. A good 50 pages or so of extra meh stuff. It dragged the story down and made it almost impossible to read. The writing was just bad - almost condescending to the audience it is trying to reach. And then end...well, I am not a fan of pat endings, nor am I am fan of encouraging lying in order to get what one wants or to go on more adventures.

I would not recommend this book to anyone. Especially to any of the middle school aged kids that I know. They would laugh in my face at this ridiculous read.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book 6 stars instead of 5, I wouldn’t … because what I’d really like to do is award it 10! I absolutely loved it. I can honestly say, hand on heart, that it’s one of the best children’s books I’ve ever read and I’m sure there couldn’t be a single young reader out there who won’t be as gripped by this enthralling tale as I was. The story was so good that I just didn’t want it to end and I made myself read the book as slowly as possible, resisting with difficulty the urge to devour it all in one go.

The Secret of the Sacred Scarab is a wonderful adventure, full of thrills, spills, mystery and intrigue – think “Indiana Jones” meets “Death on the Nile” meets Enid Blyton’s “Famous Five”. It has a slightly old-fashioned flavour which I found utterly charming. Fiona Ingram is a gifted storyteller who draws you deep into the tale from the very first page, keeping you well and truly hooked until the story reaches its dramatic conclusion. Along the way, she weaves a clever tapestry of historical facts, geographical scenery and local colour, but at no time do you feel that the author is ramming unnecessary information down your throat. Instead she paints a picture that makes you want to step inside - in fact you almost feel as if you are there in Egypt, witnessing it all at first-hand.

The story begins with cousins, Adam and Justin, who have been invited on a trip to Egypt by their Aunt Isabel, a renowned investigative journalist. The boys are beside themselves with excitement and who wouldn’t be? The very name “Egypt” conjures up images of magical adventure and mystery, from the shifting desert sands, to the sparkling river Nile and the awe-inspiring ancient temples and monuments. A trip to the land of the Pharaohs is about exciting as you can get – I know, I’ve been there! So the young explorers set off hoping for adventure and that’s exactly what they get, but it turns out to be even more exciting and far more dangerous than they ever could have imagined.

All the characters in the book are skilfully drawn, displaying realistic emotions and reactions; Adam is a likeable boy who is thoughtful, sensitive and honest, qualities which result in him being “chosen” to perform an important task whilst in Egypt. Justin, who is slightly older than Adam and clearly enjoys the slight superiority this affords him, is equally likeable, showing bravery and integrity when it counts. Their Aunt Isabel is firm but fair and Gran, who also accompanies them on the tour, is wonderfully wacky! Then we have evil Dr Khalid, the ultimate baddy, suave and sophisticated, yet calculating, ruthless and corrupt through and through – you desperately want him to get his come-uppance. These are only the major characters, however. There is a supporting cast who are depicted with equal skill, often supplying lovely moments of humour, and all of whom play their part in this wonderfully entertaining story.

The best bit of all about this book is that it’s only the first step in “The Chronicles of the Stone” quest, which means that there will be more thrilling adventures to come. I simply can’t wait to read the next one!

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

We at http://MotherDaughterBookReviews.com usually do kid/grown-up reviews and for this book, we did something special. The "Mom" is from Mother Daughter Book Reviews and the "Kid" is Erik from http://ThisKidReviewsBooks.com Come visit us to see what we have to say!


MOM SAYS:

Wow! That was an action-packed story! I loved how Ms. Ingram just dove right into the story. From the time that Adam is given the scarab to the time that Adam and Justin return home, there is non-stop action. Through Ms. Ingram’s fantastic writing skills, I was able to visualize all of the events as they were occurring. I can totally see the story in this book transformed into a screenplay for the big screen. I think it’s a fabulous story filled with mystery, intrigue, and action.

We recently reviewed another book with Egypt as the setting and which also included “Scarab” in the title, The Golden Scarab by SW Lothian. In that review, I highlight how I enjoyed reading about Egyptian mythology. The Secret of the Sacred Scarab is quite different from that book in that the focus is more on Egyptian history rather than Egyptian mythology. For example, in The Golden Scarab there are supernatural elements such as when the statues of the Egyptian Gods come to life; whereas in The Secret of the Sacred Scarab, there is less suspension of disbelief with perhaps the most unusual element being the glowing of the hieroglyphics on the pyramidion. I can’t say that I enjoyed one book more than the other. They were equally enjoyable.

Aside from the main plot, the two main characters Adam and Justin were entirely likable and relatable and the interaction between them as cousins who have known each other their whole lives was completely believable. In addition to Adam and Justin, Ms. Ingram has assembled a memorable cast of supporting characters such the stern investigative journalist Aunt Isabel; the quirky but tough Grandmother; the evil protaganist Dr. Khalid; the mysterious Ebrahim who is charged with protecting the tomb of the Scarab King; as well as the diverse group of tourists who accompany Adam and Justin on their trip to magnificent Egypt. The attention to developing each of these characters without losing the main plot line was excellent.

I’m all for suspending disbelief when immersing myself in a story steeped in mystique and folklore, but there was just one event that didn’t quite fit. When Justin and Adam return to home to South Africa after their trip to Egypt, they tell their respective classes all about their adventures with the expectation that nobody believes them. Without giving away too much, they get a surprise visit minutes after Adam shares his story that essentially validates his story, much to the surprise of his classmates and teacher. Of all the things the events that occur in the book, I don’t know why that particular snippet was less believable, but it felt a bit contrived (although I understand how it serves a purpose in setting up the next book). It was not by any stretch of the imagination a big issue, it just made an impression on me because that’s essentially how the book ends.

One final note, there is some violence in this book. Adam and Justin are in real danger throughout the book and they, along with other characters, are threatened with death by Dr. Khalid. There are guns and knives involved in the story with one person getting shot by a gun and one (minor) character dying a not-so-nice death.

My bottom line:

Once I started reading this book, I couldn’t put it down. It is a non-stop rollicking adventure filled with mystery, peril, and intrigue all set within the backdrop of culturally and historically rich Egypt. Due to the violence in the book, I would recommend this book to boys and girls aged 10+.

**The Secret of the Sacred Scarab was provided to me by the author free-of-charge in exchange for our honest review.**

[Jemima Pett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adam and Justin manage to get leave from school to go with their aunt to Egypt – provided they tell their classes about the history they’ve learned and explored when they get back, of course. Their aunt is on the trail of a missing archaeologist, who may have discovered the tomb of the Scarab King, a monarch even older than the 1st Pharaonic Dynasty. However on the surface of it, they are on a standard tourist trip starting in Cairo, and going up and back down the Nile.

It’s exciting enough as a trip in itself, but when a ragged bystander secretes an odd stone in Adam’s back pocket, while ostensibly selling him three others, things start to turn strange. And strange in Egypt can be dangerous – very dangerous!

Ms Ingram spins a great yarn, and keeps the many characters to just the right number at a time for my tired brain to handle. She also kindly lets the protagonists catch up with each other at regular intervals, which, considering that it’s a long story, is no bad thing – although if you were reading it without interruptions it could slow the narrative down. I was juggling a lot of things while I read this, and I think it’s all credit to the author that whenever I started the book again (sometimes after well over a week, and reading another book in between) I found it easy to pick up with the characters and the story, and get fully immersed in the Egyptology again.

I did take issue with a few details of temples visited and so on, since too much bussing was involved on the riverboat trip, and it’s quite hard to look down on the Sphinx. I didn’t like the ‘one stone to rule them all’ event near the end, which smacked of too many other legends. I don’t think it is a real Egyptian myth, but the source I checked with admitted he wasn’t familiar with pre-Pharaonic history. However I only realised it was the first in a series in the autumn when the second book came out, and it’s cleverly organised to be able to scamper through a number of different legends in various parts of the world, all of which appeal to young people and their history teachers.

It’s very well written and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys history, especially adventures in Egyptian tombs with plenty of booby traps!

[Julie Grasso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adam and Justin accompany their Aunt Isabel,( a very cool world traveling journalist), along with their Gran on a once in a life time holiday to Egypt. Both boys long for an adventure, but neither could imagine a chance meeting with a disheveled old street peddler, would send them on ride so wild that not even the kids in their class back home would believe their tale.


When Adam discovers a dirty scarab and a random piece of paper in the bottom of his pants pockets, he starts to question everyone, everything, and even his own sanity as strange and dangerous events begin to unfold. The Scarab clearly becomes more than just a junky old artifact and Adam, Justin, Isabel and Gran find themselves embroiled in a race to solve the mystery of the disappearance of a renowned archaeologist. When the creepy Dr Khalid crosses path's with the adventurers, Adam and Justin realise they have uncovered more than just a smuggling ring, they have the key to unlock a power so great that it threatens the safety of the entire world.


Ms Ingram has developed an intricate story with very endearing characters. Adam and Justin were typical fun loving cousins, in search of adventure and Isabel and Gran had so much personality between them I found myself just enjoying their witty banter. The setting in Egypt was depicted with such incredible detail, I felt like I was really there on that tour bus with them. There was loads of action, and edge of your seat moments, I really began to wonder if the boys would prevail. Ms Ingram has also included some fantastic illustrations, that gave such an authentic flavour to the characters and the setting of the story. There was some violence which I think would be appropriate for the 10+ age group, but Ms Ingram dotted so many light hearted moments which were so effective in neutralising the tension. Well, until the next edge of your seat moment anyway.... Ms Ingram weaves in so much fascinating information about Egypt, that I think this book would be an awesome read for school kids studying Egypt. I thoroughly enjoyed this gripping tale and I can't wait to read the next instalment. 5 STARS

[Amy Eye · Rating 3 out of 5]

Egypt - full of fantasy, adventure, secrets, curses, and treasure. This intriguing land is one that I have always wanted to experience for myself, so anytime a fun new book comes out surrounding the mysteries of this extraordinary land, the temptation to dive in is overwhelming.

The same feelings sit with the heroes of our story. Justin and Adam are two youngsters getting ready to go on a family outing with their famous Aunt Isabel. Adam and Justin cannot wait for the adventures to start, after all, if an adventure was going to start anywhere, Egypt would be the place.

Soon after the group arrives the mysteries start to unfold; a merchant slips free gifts to the boys in a hurry and runs off before the boys can question him or even thank him! Cameras are broken and rucksacks are nabbed. In contradiction to Isabel's claims of "NO ADVENTURES", this trip is turning out exactly the way the boys would like. Hidden messages, sacred objects, and danger at every stop. Throw in a smuggling ring, and this is turning into a true life story for these young boys. What the boys soon learn is that the real adventures are often more dangerous and frightening than they seem from the outside. Once fully immersed in the danger, you cannot wish yourself out.

This is a grand adventure for any child who is looking for a journey to one of the most fascinating areas on the planet. With all of the secrets Egypt still has to offer, people of all ages are drawn to this place as were the boys in the story. The pacing may be a bit slow for older readers, but I think any young adult will have a full experience with this book. The story really gripped my interest as the final chapters unfolded.

The different tombs, areas, and the culture in this book will make even the most reluctant student want to pick up another book about Egypt. This is the first of a series, and I have no doubt that the children will be waiting on pins and needles to get the next installment of the adventures of Adam and Justin.

[B.J. Burgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secret of the Sacred Scarab
BY: Fiona Ingram
PUBLISHED BY: iUniverse
PUBLISHED IN: 2008
ISBN: 978-0-595-457168
Pages: 258
Ages: Teen & Up
Reviewed by Billy Burgess

In this first chapter of the Chronicles of the Stone, Adam and his cousin Justin are invited to go on a trip to Egypt by their Aunt Isabel and their Grandmother. The boys are excited about visiting another country. Their Aunt tells them that the archaeologist, James Kinnaird, has disappeared while looking for the tomb of the Scarab King. The tomb of the Scarab King is just a legend and has never been proven to exist by any archaeologist.

When they arrived in Cairo, they joined a tour group. A stranger gives three tiny scarabs to Adam. More odd things happen. Their aunt’s camera is switched with Dr. Khalid’s camera. Adam then discovers a fourth scarab in his back pocket. What are theses mysterious scarabs? Is someone one following them? Is the legend of the Scarab King real? Adam and Justin must try to solve the mystery.

Author Fiona Ingram mixes history and legends in this fast action adventure that keeps you reading till the very end. The characters are cleverly written. Young readers can easily step into the shoes of these two cousins and experienced this exciting adventure that takes you into the heart of Egypt. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery.

[Cheryl Carpinello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ingram's modern Egyptian adventure is a page-turner. The two young South African protagonists will capture young readers' attention and their ensuing adventure will fuel dreams of treasure hunts amid mysterious lands. Long has Egypt held young readers attention because of its mystic, hidden treasures, and hint of marvelous adventures. Ingram captures the nature of an real Egyptian visit and follows the boys from their arrival in Cairo along with their journey south to Abu Simbel and back to the Valley of the Kings. In each site, readers are enveloped into the mystery, danger, and excitement right along with the characters. I loved reading this. It just seems that nowhere else on Earth calls to more readers than Egypt.

[Cathy Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fiona Ingram's written a very good first book in "The Secret of the Sacred Scarab." I always enjoy the kind of books with a good story where I can learn a little something something, too. Ingram delivers tons of information about ancient Egypt, from tomb raiding to mythology. It's a great read for boys, with two youngsters serving as the protagonists.

[Mamta Madhavan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adam was excited, he was finally going to Egypt to spend a week there with Gran and Aunt Isabel. All along Adam was dreaming of the desert, camels, pyramids, and the tombs of the Pharaohs. Since Adam was missing a few days of school, his teacher Miss Briggs wanted him to sketch some of the monuments he would see there and record his activities while in Egypt. Adam and his cousin Justin would fly to Johannesburg, meet up with Gran and Aunt Isabel, and take the evening flight to Cairo. A cab collected them from the airport and dropped them off at Aunt Isabel's place. Aunt Isabel was a journalist, and so they ended up discussing James Kinnaird, the famous Scottish archaeologist whose sensational discovery about Egypt might throw new light on the place and its history. Adam was keen on an adventure in Egypt, like looking for lost treasure. Kinnaird had vanished while reporting about the number of thefts of precious artifacts from archaeological digs, and Adam felt there was an adventure already in it. Laila was their tour guide in Egypt and they ran into Dr. Khalid at the Egyptian Museum, the man who was appointed by the Egyptian government to crack the smuggling ring. The turn of events after that made Justin and Adam suspicious about Dr. Khalid after his reaction to seeing the sketch of a black scarab by Adam. The story takes a different turn when the boys go missing at the Valley of the Kings, and their tour bus gets hijacked.

'The Secret of the Sacred Scarab: Book I: The Chronicles of The Stone' by Fiona Ingram is a fascinating adventure story that will take young readers into different dimensions as the plot unfolds. Be it the story of the Scarab King, the disappearance of James Kinnaird, the scarabs put into Adam's pocket by a peddler, the scary encounter with Egyptologist Ebrahim near the Sphinx, the disappearance of the boys, the hijacking of the tour bus, the story will keep readers glued to it till the very last page. The chapters segue into the next one perfectly, and that gives the story a good pace and fluidity while reading. The characters including the two protagonists, Justin and Adam, have been sketched well, and they are not only real and relatable, but their personalities are also strong and leave an indelible impact in the minds of readers.

The author's keen eye for details and the historical angle of the plot give a unique appeal to the story and will make readers young and old familiar with the sights and sounds of Egypt in a fascinating way. I like the way the author weaves in an intriguing, suspenseful, mysterious, and adventurous plot, taking readers deep into the history of the civilization, places of interest, and sights and sounds that make Egypt the fascinating country it is. For those who have not visited Egypt, this book will encourage them to travel there to experience the magic of the place, and for those who have been to Egypt, this will bring back nostalgic memories of the wonderful trip they have undertaken. I relived my trip to Egypt after reading this book; the Nile cruise, Luxor, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Philae, the Egyptian Museum, the pyramids, etc., and many other places in the story came to life all over again. The book is a fine mélange of adventure and history, and I am sure the author is going to spring more surprises, adventure, and suspense in Book 2, and I can't wait to read it.

[Ben Gartner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an original story that will have you and your kids on the edge of their seat. There are moments when you'll worry that Adam and Justin couldn't possibly find their way out of the trouble that has fallen upon them, but rest assured they do! The amount of Egyptology detail is wonderful, with lots of supplemental information at the back that kids interested in ancient Egypt will devour. This story feels almost like a Young Indiana Jones chronicle, complete with villain you'll love to hate.

[Robin Chambers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This rip-roaring yarn is so utterly in the genre of ‘Boys’ Own’ adventure stories that it took me right back to my weekly journeys to the local library more than sixty years ago on the lookout for another selection of Tarzan / Biggles / Famous Five – type adventure stories to get my pre-pubescent teeth into. If it had anything to do with treasure, I was in, just like Adam and Justin. Revisiting the genre at the age of 75, one sentence towards the end resonated: “No adult would ever believe what they had just experienced.” Well, we needn’t let that stand in the way of an eager and heaps-more-credulous child reader, need we?!

The story is loaded with the sort of characters, places, situations and interesting objects that you can confidently expect to find in such a tale: young boys determined upon an adventure, an aunt who takes them on one while warning them that they are on no account to get involved in it, the evil Dr Khalid effortlessly duping almost all the inexplicably credulous adults around him while so obviously (at least to Adam and Justin and the readers of this book) being an out-and-out heartless villain operating a smuggling operation with the aid of a large gang of shady characters, the kidnapping of an intrepid and worthily upper-class English archaeologist who must be rescued before it’s too late, the pyramids and tombs of Ancient Egypt, tunnels and secret rooms, sets of stone steps that disappear into inky darkness, a ring that looks like a jewelled dagger piercing an intricate knot with a gem-studded snake writhed around the hilt of the dagger, the sacred scarab and its incredible secret … I could go on, but you get the general idea!

There is so much to admire here. The locations have been well-researched, the story is replete with interesting, educational, historical and factual details and there are further notes at the end. It is very well-written and moves along at a cracking pace. I am not at all surprised that it has garnered awards and attracted a good number of enthusiastic, five-star reviews. I cannot go back to being twelve again, but it is good to know that today’s twelve-year-olds are being given the opportunity to lose themselves in the kind of gripping tale of derring-do that so completely captivated me when I was that age.

[Jessica Bronder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adam and Justin Sinclair are over joyed when their journalist Aunt Isabel invites them to explore Egypt with her. On their first day they run into a peddler that gives them an Egyptian scarab that catches the eye of Dr. Faisal Khalid. The boys sense they are in danger and do end up kidnapped at one point. But they are on an adventure to solve the riddle of the scarab and find the tomb of the Scarab King.

This is a wonderful midgrade adventure in Egypt. Both boys are excited to find the tomb and are aware that Dr. Khalid is going to do whatever it takes to find the tomb also, including kidnapping the boys. The boys are going to be up to their necks in trouble but they keep fighting through.

This is a great adventure story for kids with a dash of Egypt. I think it will appeal to kids and adults alike. I really enjoyed how this was the first in a series that clearly opens the way to more about the Seven Stones of Power. I can’t wait to read the next book to see what happens next.

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

[Quinn Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wise Bear Books Reviews The Secret of the Sacred Scarab by Fiona Ingram -- 5 Paws!

The Secret of the Sacred Scarab is a classic mystery adventure in the spirit of Indiana Jones, King Solomon's Mines, The Mummy and The Scorpion King except that the novel's protagonists are young tween cousins. Adam and Justin Sinclair have been yearning for an adventure since their journalist aunt, Isabel, invited them to accompany her and their Grandmother (aka Gran) on an Egyptian tour.

Upon their arrival in Egypt, Aunt Isabel and the boys learn that renowned archaeologist James Kinnaird has gone missing while searching for an ancient tomb associated with a lesser-known ancient Egyptian ruler called the Scarab King. As lovers of Egyptian culture, history and mythology, Adam and Justin immediately see this as their opportunity for adventure without understanding the considerable danger they'll encounter.

Despite Isabel's repeated attempts to preemptively squelch the boys’ mutual desire for an adventure, fate intervenes soon after they have settled into their hotel. The boys wander through the local bazaar searching for souvenirs when a peddler attempts to lure them away with the promise of showing them special scarabs. Their interaction is interrupted by police officers who are looking for the suspicious peddler. Turning to flee, the peddler utters a secret word in haste to the boys and then quickly retreats from the pursuing lawmen. The boys discover later back at the hotel that the peddler also managed to drop an unusual looking scarab into Adam's backpack.

Determined to keep their adventure secret from their aunt and grandmother, Adam and Justin soon realize they are being followed and targeted by the wonderfully evil Dr. Kahlid—James Kinnaird's nemesis. It takes a while for Aunt Isabel to reconcile herself to the fact that they are caught in the middle of a dire situation and the only way out of it is to go through it. Once Aunt Isabel and Gran understand the danger they're in, they become great allies in aiding Adam and Justin to a dramatic outcome.

The Secret of the Sacred Scarab is a well-written novel with a good story structure and very good character development, which is often lacking in young adult adventure tales. The characters work together effectively toward the author's ultimate desired conclusion.

Ingram has superior descriptive skills that transport readers to sand swept Egypt, which keeps the novel moving despite the book's length. The story contains lots of historical information as an added bonus for young readers. Laila, the tour guide, is a great source of factual data regarding Egyptian culture, landmarks, pharaohs and even hieroglyphics. The Secret of the Sacred Scarab could be an ideal book for middle school teachers and their students.

We found the story to have a slightly slow start, mostly because of important background information readers will need as the novel progresses, so be patient. Once the story gets going, there are few breaks between action scenes and it is a thoroughly enjoyable read for tweens, parents and teachers.

Egyptian fantasy tales of adventure, secrets, curses and treasure are not particularly uncommon. Fortunately, the author doesn't get caught in the trap of trying to be a spinoff of a bigger, better-known brand. The Secret of the Sacred Scarab has its own authentic appeal with unique characters, a fine plot-driven story and an outstanding finish.

This book was reviewed as part of the Wise Bear Digital Book Awards competition. Entry fees associated with the contest are administrative in nature and do not influence our honest, unbiased book reviews.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you remember the excitement and mystery of a child’s view of Egypt? All the strange possibilities that waken the imagination when mummies are first introduced? The dreams of magical powers and Pharaoh’s treasure in ancient tombs? The pyramid’s curse? If you do, then you’ll love The Secret of the Sacred Scarab by Fiona Ingram.

A really enjoyable children’s book, the Secret of the Sacred Scarab starts with two boys in South Africa getting ready for a week-long trip to Egypt with their aunt and grandmother. It’s the trip of a lifetime and they can scarcely wait.

The author places them on a plane for their first ever flight, and delightfully conveys their youthful excitement. The same sense of newness and adventure pervades the whole tale. They arrive in Egypt and we see the sights through their eyes, beautifully described (so I long to go there too), but never devolving into travelogue. It’s a masterful acheivment.

And then the boys are placed in danger too. The story’s told with all the innocent love of adventure that I enjoyed when I was growing up. It’s fun. It’s exciting. The boys must use their wits, intelligence and imagination, as must their grandmother in some truly hilarious scenes. Officials, good, bad and indifferent, intervene. Mysterious gifts bestow mysterious powers. And when the story ends—a good strong ending indeed—the reader knows there’s more and hopes it will come soon.

I’ve never been to Egypt or seriously studied its history, but I’m fairly sure Fiona Ingram has. She describes the steps of the tour very beautifully and convincingly, and she gives an entirely plausible background to the history of her tale. I really enjoyed this adventure and would recommend it to any adventure-loving readers of any age.

[Bernadette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adam and Justin yearn for nothing less than a real-life adventure on their upcoming trip to Egypt. They get just what they're looking for – and then some – from the moment Adam is handed three scarabs from a mysterious peddler on their very first day in Cairo. As the boys try to solve the mystery behind the disappearance of a famed archaeologist and his connection to the scarabs, they learn a pyramid's worth of information about ancient Egypt. (The author has obviously done her research on ancient Egypt!) Through museums, temples, and tombs - despite kidnappers, thieves, and corruption - Adam and Justin passionately follow their dream of adventure and determination to know once and for all - is the Scarab King just a legend or does his treasure lay buried in the desert sands?

Despite a few inaccuracies about modern day Egypt (nagging probably only to me), this book would definitely find its place on my classroom library shelf! I love learning - and teaching - through stories and The Secret of the Sacred Scarab would make a great supplemental trade book to a unit on ancient Egypt, motivating reluctant learners and readers or providing an extension read for the more curious. The Secret of the Sacred Scarab would be especially appealing to readers who prefer an action-packed plot.

[Mindy/fangedmom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to be Adam. What an INCREDIBLE vacation to take with your Aunt and Grandma..TO EGYPT! Egypt is HONESTLY one of my bucket list destinations. I am forever fascinated with Egyptian History, legends, culture and lore. I would love to go to the Valley of the Kings just to admire it all! To see the Sphinx (although NOT in the manner Adam did) would be breathtaking. To stand at the pyramid of Giza, dream come true.


Author Fiona Ingram did a fantastic job in describing every detail of Egypt. I honestly felt as though I was on the bus with Adam and his family, standing in front of the must see places of Egypt and sweating! The heat of Egypt may be the one thing that will keep me from visiting if it really is how Adam describes it (not a fan of the heat)!


I loved this book. It was an absolute joy to read. I can honestly see it appealing to 11-14 year old's (maybe a little younger and older both). Everyone loves a great adventure and treasure hunt! To add in anything Egyptian makes for an incredible adventure! This book reminded me of The Hardy Boys Mystery series (my absolute favorite as a young girl). The book is told from the view point of preteen Adam but not through the eyes of a child. The descriptions and scenes are so real.


I can't wait for my son to get the privilege of reading this book in a few years.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book targeted to tweens but it still held my interest. Two young cousins, Adam and Justin are very excited about their trip to Egypt with their Aunt. While it is supposed to be an educational trip the boys are looking for ADVENTURE! And adventure they find. While the boys are exploring a marketplace a strange peddler gives them several scarabs; three are quite ordinary but one is very unusual. From that point on the boys are a target of a madman who ultimately kidnaps them as part of a plot to steal ancient treasures. I don't want to give too much away but your tweens will be enthralled with this tale.

The story manages to be both educational and compelling. Ms. Ingram teaches about ancient Egypt and about the wrongs committed by smugglers in a smooth fashion that ties into the plot. The characters are well developed and in some cases downright fun. The bad guys are very, very bad! I think the target audience will find themselves racing through the pages to get to the very satisfying conclusion. The book is the first in what I hope is a long series. These boys are smart and fun.

[William Bentrim · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secret of the Sacred Scarab by Fiona Ingram

This is a tale of two boys visiting Egypt and their mysterious adventure eminently suitable for the young and even mature reader.

This is a rousting adventure story for young readers. It had nothing inappropriate. There was violence but not overblown or dwelled upon. The characters were likeable and painted clearly. Ingram did a very insightful work on the young male psychic. She clearly captures the age appropriate disregard for safety and saneness. Her protagonists blithely fly into danger with little caution for the consequences.

It is refreshing to have an adventure story for this age group that has no vampires or wizards. The setting is aptly described. You’ll find yourself seeking out liquid refreshment as you sweat in the desert scenes.

Young Indiana Jones stand back and watch Adam and Justin steal your thunder. This is the first book in a series that is sure to please.

I highly recommend the book.

[Wise Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adam reminded me of my 11 year old son. He wants adventure, thinks he can be Indiana Jones and I bought this book with him in mind. It suited his age perfectly and seemed to be written just for him!
The illustrations were very well drawn, and my son thoroughly enjoyed it. If there’s a book to get kids away from the Xbox then this is it!
Imagine my delight in realising this was the first in a series of seven books! The story revolves about two young boys on a family holiday to Egypt with their eccentric gran and Aunt Isobel. They soon discover that a famous archaeologist is missing and Adam has a scarab slipped to him from a mysterious stranger.
Full of mystery and adventure. Move over Harry Potter, welcome Adam and Justin!

[Cherry London · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s the vacation of a life time, touring the ancient city of Cairo and other mystical, interesting and mesmerizing places. Adam and Justin, these cousins were on the lookout to find the famous King tut’s tomb and treasure that the well known Scottish Archaeologist James Kinnard spoke about. They were taken on one of their finest adventures ever by their Aunt and Grandmother, until weird and sinister things started happening and black robed characters with guns kept appearing around the corners. They were plagued with break ins, kidnappings and even murder. This was truly a one in a million vacation, the story was well written with an intense and thrilling ending, fast pace and truly exciting. Adventurous kids would enjoy this book.

[Terry]

I love a good mystery, and this is a good mystery. There are a few predictable elements, but there is still plenty of suspense. The story is loaded with lots of factual detail about prehistoric Egypt, touring Egypt, and topical issues like protecting a national treasure. Of the two boys, Adam is the more well-developed character, and he is the one kids will most likely connect with.

To read our full review, go to the Reading Tub.

[Kurt Springs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ancient Egypt has kept many secrets for millennia. Now two young cousins are coming to Egypt on holiday. This is a story of Adam and his older cousin Justin. They are on holiday with their Aunt and Grandmother when an apparent peddler in the street gives them three scarabs and slips a fourth into Adam's pocket. Now, some very dangerous men are trailing them.

This is a well written story. It is intended for young adults but adult adults will enjoy it too. I believe I've found a Christmas gift for my niece.

[Carol Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Egypt - full of adventure, magic, danger, secrets. Ingram brings that Egypt to life. Great story for middle schoolers - exciting, exotic, fun.

[Kirstin Pulioff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes a book comes along that you want to read over and over again... This is it. Thankfully I get the chance as my kids read this book and enjoy the adventure.
Great book!

[Toni Michelle-Editor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The adventure as these two boys set out on their quest to find the tomb of the Scarab King is amazing. I got hours of enjoyment out of this book. Definitely worth picking up!

[Stephen Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justin and Adam Sinclair are two regular South African tweens who get to take an exciting trip to Egypt with their Aunt Isobel and her mother, their Gran. The boys are up for an adventure, while their cautious aunt would prefer they stay as far away from trouble as possible. When a mysterious peddler at a bazaar in Memphis slips a dirty old scarab into Adam’s pocket, seconds before being chased away by the police, the rollercoaster begins. As they travel on an organized bus tour from Cairo down the Nile, their Egyptian history lesson takes them down a perilous path. With the villainous Dr Khalid and his henchmen watching their every move, can they make it back to Cairo in one piece? You’ll have to read the multiple award-winning book The Secret of the Sacred Scarab by Fiona Ingram to find out. Go ahead, you can thank me later.

A lot is going on in The Secret of the Sacred Scarab, and it’s all relevant. There’s the missing archaeologist, James Kinnaird, who is somehow connected to the scarab in Adam’s possession. There’s the smuggling of ancient artifacts out of the country, a belly dancer who isn’t who she claims to be, and life and death situations involving pits, cobras, quicksand, and an ancient temple curse. And just who is this mysterious ‘master’ that Dr Khalid keeps referring to? In a story this adventurous, the secondary characters play essential roles. I’m hard pressed to choose a favourite; however, Suleiman and Ictzak, the Turkish carpet salesman, might be the ultimate winners. You’ll know what I mean when you get to the British Embassy scene.

Gran is my next favourite character. As much as she’d rather sit in the tour bus and knit than go and look at the pyramids up close, when needed, she stands up. And she does this in fine form, even if she isn’t actually British. Once again, you’ll have to read Secret of the Sacred Scarab to know what I’m talking about. And finally, there’s the bossy Mrs. Brice-Gibbons, a character you’ll find in every tour group, annoying as hell to everyone else, until it’s their chance to save the day. I went from hating her to loving her in a one tumultuous scene.

The novel grabs your attention early on. The enthusiasm the boys have for adventure is catching, and the reader can’t help getting swept up in it. While its target audience is tweens, I’m in my 50s and couldn’t put it down. Justin and Adam are the boys I always wanted to be, but never quite got there. I can’t wait for the second instalment. Fiona Ingram is a master storyteller. Her enthusiasm for the destinations, coupled with her extensive research of the history of the era, gives you an education at the same time as a rollicking good read. The glossary of terms at the end is a treasure trove of information about Ancient Egypt, and I encourage every reader not to skip over it. I recommend this book to everyone! You’ll laugh, cry, cheer, and stay up late reading ‘just one more chapter’ as once you pick it up, you can’t put it down. Bring on the rest of the series!

[Alice Gent · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic children's book of non- stop action that has certainly renewed my interest in Ancient Egypt.

'The Secret of the Sacred Scarab' follows Adam and Justin's tour holiday in Egypt with their Aunt and Gran. The first half of the book followed their explorations in Cairo, Memphis and then their cruise visiting temples and bazaars off the Nile. Having never quite done this style of holiday, I found this part fascinating, like visiting all these places and learning about their rich history without ever leaving my house. I was so intrigued, I was soon googling all about the Shemsu-Hor and Neteru. I'd never realised the link between Atlantis and Ancient Egypt via Plato. I have to admit that even as a grown adult, I learnt a lot from this book! The history was presented in an exciting way that was sure to intrigue even the most reluctant of 11 year old historians! Then again a gang of evil Egyptians complete with a belly dancer, trying to kill you, is enough motivation for anyone to work out a mystery, I think!

The second half turned into non-stop adventure in true Indiana Jones style with hidden treasures, collapsing tombs and of course the risk of 'the end of the world.' I have to say I found the second half a much easier read, whereas I needed a few breaks from the first half. It was any school kid's dream. Find the hidden treasure, save the world, and be rewarded with a medal in front of all the children in your class.

If I had to improve one thing, it would be that sometimes the head-hopping was a bit jarring. The first half of the book was told almost exclusively from Adam's point of view (POV), which was easy to settle into. Later the plot needed parts of the tale told from other's POV, such as Gran's hilarious adventure pretending to be the English queen, which saved them all. As these were separate chapters, that worked well.

What I found tricky was when the POV all of a sudden changed mid section, flicking between Adam, Justin, Isabel and even the captain of the boat. The most jarring point was when we suddenly understood Ismal's Arabic from a brief dive into Aziz's head. Having spent the whole book not knowing what the Egyptians were saying, it felt quite odd, and didn't add to the plot. This is however something I suspect I notice as an adult that wouldn't put off a younger reader at all.

All in all, I would highly recommend this read to all children between 8-13, especially those who struggle to read, and look forward to reading it to my own son, when he is old enough. It is exciting, educational and well put together.

[Saty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an adventure story of two cousins: Adam and Justin. They traveled to visit Egypt with their Aunt Isabel and Gran on a supposedly educational trip, but all the boys wanted was to go on an adventure. Little did they know that a strange, mysterious peddler would give them three scarabs, one of which was mystic, and the adventure would begin. At first, they thought the scarabs were fake as they were pretty similar to those available in the market. But they could guess the link between the scarab and the Scarab King, and soon, they realized its worth.

The mysteries and adventure unravel themselves page after page and keep readers at the edge of their seats. Apart from the main plot and story itself, I fell in love with the two main characters and their relatable wants. Like Indiana Jones, we also have a well-developed villain to be disliked as a bad guy. The dialogues will appeal to most middle-graders, and they will instantly fall in love with Adam and Justin. The pacing is just right to keep the readers engaged and to move the story further. What else do you need from a fun adventure?

I’m planning to include this book into our family-read-aloud time in the homeschool as children can learn a lot of Egyptology details without even realizing that they are learning. There is also Young Explorer’s Companions available to use with the book. At the end of the book, there is a glossary to help with the Egyptian terminologies used in the book. The children who love ancient history, myths, and legends will definitely have a great time reading this.

I highly recommend this book to any child aged nine and above as a reader. Teachers and homeschoolers can include this book as a read-aloud or a reader, as children can learn many historical facts in a fun way. Last but not least, if you are looking for a middle-grade adventure for your child, look no further and grab a copy of The Secret of the Sacred Scarab.

[Amy Ayan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi,

Do you like ancient Egyptian history? I most certainly do. Do you like adventure books? I adore them, too. As much as I love learning about ancient Egypt, I enjoy reading mystery and adventure books.

‘The Secret of the Sacred Scarab’ is a mix of both and much more; it also has mythology, history, legends, and hieroglyphs clues (my favorite).

This book is a story of two cousins, Adam and Justin, and their trip to Egypt, where they go on an educational trip with their journalist aunt. Aunt Isabel had invited them to stay with her and Gran for a week. They were supposed to take notes of their learning and share them with their classmates. But Adam wanted to have an adventure on their trip. And they most certainly did. Right from their first day in Egypt, they experienced strange things that led the two into mystery and peril.

The main characters felt very real to me. I could immediately connect with Adam and Justin. Adam’s fear of traveling by airplane for the first time made him very relatable. I enjoyed the adventure along with Adam and Justin: walking in the market, sweltering heat of Egypt, crowded streets, bus rides, visiting Sphinx and the pyramids; everything felt real and full of life.

I loved that the story was fast and engaging right from the very beginning. I learned a lot more about Egyptian mythology and history than I had expected from a fiction book.

None of the book’s parts were confusing. I also liked the end of the book glossary, which contains more information on the Egyptian terminologies used in this book.

I recommend this book for children eight years and older as there is not much violence in the book but more suspense, adventure, and mystery that will keep the readers hooked until the last page.

I give this book 5/5 stars as it qualifies for a fun read. I can’t wait to read Book 2 in The Chronicles of the Stone series.