Prepare yourself for an
incredible adventure in ancient Egypt when you pick up Sons of the Sphinx by
Cheryl Carpinello. The story starts with a prophecy that sets the tone for
magic, mystery, and mayhem in places. Rosa, 15, has an unusual gift she
inherited from her grandmother: she hears the dead. Maybe it would be easier if
she could see them and tell them to go away properly, and not have to put up
with an annoying interruption in her maths test. Of course it is all Nana’s
fault because once Nana told Rosa and a friend about the spirits that visited
her, life was never quite the same. At age 15, when all you want to do is fit
in and be accepted, that’s not the kind of thing guaranteed to win friends and
influence people. The really scary part comes when, from only being a voice,
the young pharaoh Tutankhamun appears large as life in Rosa’s bedroom, telling
her he needs her to help in a vital mission. How much better can it get? Tut
tells Rosa that part of his one true love, Ankhesenamun, is now contained within
Rosa, and he needs to take Rosa along with him to find her burial place so they
can be united. The problem is this mission must be fulfilled within seven days
and Rosa’s parents, who’ve gone to a movie, will be back by midnight. But
that’s not a problem as Tut explains what a time wrap is to the bemused Rosa. However,
hurtling back to the ancient past isn’t going to be an easy ride. Danger,
magic, evil and the possibility that Rosa might not be able to return home dog
their footsteps.
What a story as Cheryl
Carpinello displays her expertise as both a writer and an educator in her
incredibly detailed portrayal of life in ancient Egypt. Readers will feel the
sun’s heat, smell the perfumes and spices, taste the food, touch the artefacts,
and bask in the glory of Egypt’s past. Threaded through the non stop action and
adventure, the author drops in the right kind of historical information in bite
sized pieces, painting a portrait of the ancient past, the story behind the
rulers and their people, their relationships, and their choices, both good and
bad. I really enjoyed the portrayal of Rosa as a typical teenager with the
issues, problems, angst, crushes, and awkwardness of her age. The dialogue is
spot on with the nuances and colloquialisms that will appeal to the intended
target market. I also enjoyed Rosa’s often sarcastic inner monologue as she
deals with sand, heat, sunburn and a lot of discomfort, not having had 3000
years to rack up the right kind of experience with these matters. For me, the
most compelling part of this intriguing adventure is the subtle lessons Rosa
learns that are contained in the story: the value of life, the value of love,
trusting your instincts, trusting in friendship, finding the courage within,
and finding self belief. I think teens will just love every aspect of this well
written, mesmerising tale.
If you’re looking for
more adventures, then please visit The Quest Books, where Cheryl Carpinello,
Wendy Leighton-Porter and I have teamed up to offer readers an array of
exciting quests. Sign up for our monthly newsletter with updates and exclusive material
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