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!
Rebecca M. Douglass has been reading and writing stories since she was old enough to hold a pencil. She has a special fondness for fantasy thanks to childhood visits to Narnia and Middle Earth. Ms. Douglass uses her word-processor near San Francisco, CA, where she lives with her husband and two teenage sons, while her imagination runs where it will, in this world and out. She is the author of the beloved Ninja Librarian books, as well as a picture book for outdoor families, a mystery for the parents, and of course the middle-grade fantasy, Halitor the Hero. Website: 
Wendy Leighton-Porter devotes her time to writing books for children after 20 years of teaching French, Latin and Classical studies. Shadows from the Past is a series of time-travel adventure stories, featuring three children and a rather special Tonkinese cat. She lives in France and Abu Dhabi, and is currently working on the ninth book in the series, The Shadow of the Tudor Rose. Website: 
S.W. Lothian is the creator of edge-of-your-seat time-travel adventures that provide thrills for all ages. From his sun-drenched home in Australia he pens exciting books that launch readers into epic settings filled with amazing action. Great characters, mystery, and humour make a broth of irresistible tales.
Through recent personal experience, S.W. has become a passionate advocate of raising awareness of Childhood Cancer. Improved awareness leads to increased research, which hopefully will lead to a cure. Website: 
Unlike many authors Annaliese Matheron never knew what she wanted to be. She wanted to do a million and one different things – be an ice-skater, or an archaeologist, or an astrophysicist, or a theatre director – luckily she realised that by being an author she could be all these things and more.
Annaliese now spends her time making stuff up and writing it down.
Her humorous adventure story Ninja Nan and Sidekick Grandad was a finalist in the 2013 People’s Book Prize. Website: 
Jemima Pett lives in a three-bedroom red-brick castle surrounded by water, along with her guinea pigs, the inspiration for brain-twisting The Princelings of the East. She writes their adventures as fast as she can, but sometimes writes science fiction adventures about asteroid miners and their friends instead. She lives in Norfolk, writes in UK English and occasionally in US English or double Dutch. Website: 
