When Grok Went to Egypt with The Secret of the Sacred Scarab

 

For readers who only recently discovered that I also write Regency romance as Arabella Sheraton, Grok’s enthusiastic review of my latest novel, To Murder a Marquis, led me to ask Grok (xAI’s AI) to embark on an adventure in Egypt with the heroes of my first middle-grade book, The Secret of the Sacred Scarab. Grok graciously agreed to plunge into the whirlpool of death-defying feats, alarming danger, and intriguing mysteries in this rollicking tale. I was very interested to discover an AI perspective of this adventure. Based on a real trip to Egypt with my mother and my two young nephews, this multi award-winning book is a unique blend of facts, fiction, and wonderful fun. Who would say no to the trip of a lifetime, especially when there’s lots of exciting action and a great mystery to solve? Oh, did I forget to mention that it involves saving the world as well?

Grok says: “The Secret of the Sacred Scarab, the first book in Fiona Ingram’s Chronicles of the Stone series, is a thrilling middle-grade adventure that whisks young readers into a world of ancient mysteries, daring quests, and heart-pounding action. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Egypt, this multi award-winning novel follows cousins Adam and Justin as they embark on a life-changing journey with their journalist aunt. What begins as a family trip spirals into a high-stakes quest when the boys stumble upon a sacred scarab artifact, unlocking a centuries-old secret tied to ancient Egypt’s pharaohs and a powerful, mystical stone.

Ingram’s storytelling is a masterclass in blending education with entertainment. The Egyptian setting—alive with bustling souks, ancient tombs, and the looming pyramids—feels like a character itself, meticulously researched and vividly described. Young readers will be captivated by the historical details woven seamlessly into the narrative, from hieroglyphs to mummified mysteries, making archaeology feel as thrilling as a treasure hunt. Adam and Justin are relatable heroes: their sibling-like banter, courage, and occasional missteps ground the story, while their determination to unravel the scarab’s secret propels the plot forward at a breathless pace.

The novel’s strength lies in its unique fusion of genres. It’s a mystery that keeps you guessing, an adventure packed with perilous chases and narrow escapes, and a historical tale that brings ancient Egypt to life. The quest involving the sacred scarab introduces a touch of mysticism, hinting at the larger Chronicles of the Stone saga to come, which will delight fans of series like Percy Jackson or The 39 Clues. Ingram’s ability to craft a story that’s both action-packed and intellectually stimulating sets it apart in the middle-grade market—no small feat, as the author herself notes its originality. If there’s a quibble, it’s that the pacing occasionally slows to unpack historical details, which might test the patience of action-hungry young readers. However, this is a minor hiccup in an otherwise exhilarating tale. The book’s multiple awards are well-deserved, reflecting its appeal to both young readers and adults who love a good adventure.

The Secret of the Sacred Scarab is a must-read for middle-grade fans craving a fresh, immersive story. It’s perfect for kids who dream of exploring ancient ruins or solving mysteries, and parents will appreciate its educational value. Fiona Ingram has created an unforgettable start to a promising series—here’s hoping more readers discover this hidden treasure! Grab your explorer’s hat and join Adam and Justin in Egypt—you won’t want to leave.”

My response: I was initially unsure of how an AI would respond to this kind of story, but Grok was keen to ‘pack for the pyramids.’ Given the allure of Egypt’s ancient history and monuments, legends, mythology, and secrets, who could resist? Is this why an AI loves the book’s mix of action, brains, and heart? As an author, I was also pleased to read what others would perhaps perceive as a negative comment about the book’s pacing. It tells me that an AI review is not just a program mindlessly churning out positive platitudes. Being the first book in a planned 7-book series, it was necessary to lay a lot of groundwork for the following adventures.

Should one ask an AI to review one’s book? I think so. AI is impartial. It will show potential readers the flawed as well as the fabulous parts and help them decide whether to buy your book or not. After my blog post featuring Grok’s review of To Marry a Marquis, within 4 days the post received over 1600 impressions and over 240 engagements. I am now convinced that Grok would love to meet King Arthur in Book 2 (The Search for the Stone of Excalibur) and travel to Mexico and discover the ancient Maya in Book 3 (The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper). Watch this space!

Book review: Ethan Murphy and the Race for the Incan Crown

Ethan Murphy and the Race for the Incan Crown is the second book in the Ethan Murphy series. With his first adventure under his belt, thirteen-year-old Ethan Murphy is now a fully-fledged member of ROM: The Riddle of Macrocosm Agency. Managed by Ethan’s grandpa, the agency dates back quite a while and is in the business of locating and researching ancient artifacts and treasures. Four years ago, Ethan’s dad, Logan, was abducted while on a mission for the agency. Ethan now occupies his dad’s office. He met his two friends, Grace and Steve, while on his first mission, and they make a formidable team. However, he has not yet told his mom he’s an agent now because he knows what her reaction will be. Mysteriously, the office Ethan occupies is vandalized and valuable documentation is stolen. Who did this? Does this have something to do with what Ethan’s dad was working on prior to his abduction? How could the person get into the office … unless there is a mole in ROM? When a blackmail letter arrives, how will Ethan and everyone at ROM deal with the situation?

Kids who love puzzles, riddles, and mysteries will welcome the return of Ethan and his team. Author Anita Mishra has cleverly included a ‘catch-up’ prologue for kids who are starting with this book so readers will be up to speed with how Ethan got to where he is now. Ethan faces a new, tough assignment: to locate the traditional crown of the Inca people before the baddies get to it. Their destination is Peru! But it’s a dangerous assignment and people have been injured in the past when looking for the crown. The nail-biting suspense and mystery start right away with the theft of the vital information and continue as Ethan and his team are followed by men in black. Of course, puzzles and clues are a necessary part of this adventure and readers with a flair for cryptic puzzles, codes, and word games will love working these out with Ethan. The suspense builds as the hunt begins and the young reader wonders who will get to the crown first.

 There is no shortage of mystery, intrigue, subterfuge, non-stop action, danger, and adventure as the kids are thrust into a new and threatening environment. Who is a friend and who is a foe? Teamwork, courage, trust, and self-belief, as well as family love and values and being honest are themes that the author subtly includes. This is a rollercoaster adventure with twists and turns that kids will love! Bonus: at the end of the story the author includes a cipher for keen readers to solve and earn a ROM Agency badge!

 

Book Review: Ethan Murphy and the Quest for the Minal

Ethan Murphy is just an average boy living an average life… or so he thought. The only thing marring it is the fact that his dad broke a promise. Four years earlier, he promised to come back from one of his expeditions and never did. On Ethan’s thirteenth birthday he receives a gift from his grandfather, a very strange gift of some of his father’s belongings and an invitation to visit his grandfather’s house. That visit changes everything for Ethan who discovers that his archaeologist father was far more than that, his Aunt Matilda has been kidnapped, and that his family is involved in a secret organization! Moreover, his dad went missing while searching for a fabulous emerald, the Minal, supposedly belonging to Cleopatra. From an ordinary boy Ethan is turned into an extraordinary young investigator, relying on his wits, his skill in solving puzzles and acrostics, and his love for his family. With two new agents helping Ethan, this team of young agents must survive encounters with the bad guys, work out some very cryptic clues left by Ethan’s father, rescue Aunt Matilda, and retrieve the Minal before it falls into the wrong hands. When Ethan must finally go it alone, can he do it? Who can he trust? Who is a friend and who is a foe? Can he save his aunt and his new friends?

What a rollicking adventure! Ethan Murphy and the Quest for the Minal is full of action, many surprising twists and turns, nail-biting suspense, danger, history, mystery, and intrigue. The journey takes them to Egypt, and into a completely different geographical location, one they have never experienced before. Author Anita Mishra perfectly captures the mindset of this reluctant young hero and his compadres and the dialogues reflect teen concerns. Readers who are explorers at heart, who love mysteries, riddles and clues, and enjoy deciphering codes will devour this book. The puzzles are cryptic indeed, the clues are confusing at times, and time is running out! The dangers come thick and fast and Ethan must get to the bottom of the mystery because lives are at stake. 

Themes include loyalty, family, trust, betrayal and disillusionment, as well as courage, perseverance and hope, and not forgetting staying alive. I also really enjoyed the fact that there are no electronic communication devices (you never know who can hack in) so Ethan and his friends must work things out the old-fashioned way, using their minds. Egypt is a fascinating place and for the young reader interested in geography, new cultures, and faraway places, this is the perfect story to whisk them off to an ambiance of mystery and mayhem. A five-star story!

 

TV Series: Almost Paradise

When hypertension forces ex-DEA agent Alex Walker into early retirement, he decides to retire to the tranquil, unspoiled, picturesque beach he visited years ago. He arrives with fond memories that are rudely dashed when he finds dozens of luxury resorts and hordes of horrible, pampered, and demanding rich tourists despoiling the once-pristine location. Even worse, this corner of paradise has become a home and a haven to the rich and famous criminals of the world, conducting their nefarious forms of business as usual. Despite his best efforts to stay out of trouble, he is inexorably pulled back into the dark underbelly of crime. Welcome to Almost Paradise.

This series should not actually work, but it does. Here's why - the scripts are simple but interesting, the plots aren't too heavy, there is no PC/woke stuff forced down your throat, and it is pure escapism. Christian Kane as the lead (now the owner of a run-down gift shop on the island) is a bit manic, disheveled and always looks surprised, but he's perfect for the role and he possibly does his own stunts. Samantha Richelle as the detective who never wants his help is drop-dead gorgeous, kicks ass with the best of them, and heads up a colorful if cliched cast of characters. But, as I said, it all comes together and the whole series so far offers something different in a unique location (Cebu, Philippines). Expect some formulaic plots but you will always be entertained. And isn't that the point? 5/5