Fiona IngramBesprekingen

The Secret of the Sacred Scarab by Fiona Ingram is one of the books that literally took me on a roller coaster ride. I must say this is absolute read for kids as well as adults. Not many books like these are written these days. Kids would love them and I say this because my daughter who is not much of a reader loved it and made me read it to her every night. This book has been sitting on my computer for a while but I couldn't read it since last few months. It was really getting me difficult to put my mind to reading after my dad passed away in March.

Then again when I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down. Adam and Justin Sinclair are two cousins who get to visit Egypt with their Aunt. Egypt, the land of adventures unfolds yet another adventure for them and suddenly they are in the middle of a huge mystery. The story is about how these two young kids solve it. The details are amazingly written by the author Fiona Ingram. I could see the whole story running in my mind while reading this book.

Very enchanting and capturing book. I totally enjoyed it.

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.

Cousins Justin and Adam Sinclair have just recently returned from Egypt after spending several months desperately searching for the illustrious First Stone of Power - one of seven ancient stones that were lost centuries ago. After such a harrowing adventure, both boys are looking forward to going home and taking a well-deserved break from saving the world. Yet, before they've even thought about putting their feet up and taking a deep breath, Adam receives an urgent letter from his Scottish archeologist friend, James Kinnaird.

James reveals that the Second Stone of Power quite possibly has been found. This stone might be embedded in the hilt of a recently discovered sword dating from the early sixth century A. D. Based on the location of the find: deep in a bog somewhere near Cornwall, archeologists seem fairly certain that this particular sword is truly exceptional - the legendary sword of battle belonging to King Arthur: Excalibur.

As Adam and Justin prepare to fly from their home in Durban, South Africa to James' ancestral home of Strathairn Castle in Scotland, they have no way of knowing that their long-standing nemesis, Dr. Khalid is intent on following them. Neither do they realize that another deadly society known as the Eaters of Poison are searching for them as well. The members of this particular society have their own private mission to complete, but don't have any qualms about how they accomplish it.

Time is apparently running out for the cousins as the confluence of the planets draws ever closer. Can Justin and Adam complete this second adventure in time? Will they find the second Stone of Power and survive? And why on earth would their poor, harried Aunt Isabel suddenly foist a mysterious twelve-year-old girl on them?

Justin and Adam must find the second Stone of Power and make sure that such an amazing artifact doesn't fall into the hands of the greedy Dr. Khalid. Their quest quickly expands to include locating and securing the safety of the mysterious Scroll of the Ancients, a secret document which holds important clues to the seven Stones of Power. As their adventure unfolds, the boys learn many things and face dangers that make even their perils in Egypt look tame. And how annoying for them that Aunt Isabel's surprising last-minute choice of traveling companion, Kim, seems to have such good ideas when they are both stumped.

I must say that I have always enjoyed reading anything having to do with the legend of Arthur or with Camelot itself. I love reading about the magic of that legend, although I will also say that I prefer reading stories based around an historically accurate representation of the legend of Arthur and the creation of Camelot. In my opinion, while I would have personally preferred to read the first book in this series, it is not absolutely necessary for the enjoyment of the second book. There was enough of a filling out of the background from the first book for me not to feel disconnected from the second book. I would give this book a definite A!½

Fascinating fast-paced action adventure!
I thoroughly enjoyed this extremely well-written story woven around fascinating early Egyptian history and legend. It was very easy to get into and a compelling read. The characters were believable and most of them were very likeable. I particularly liked the way that most of them supported each other and how their strengths were drawn out of them as the story unfolded. I also enjoyed the humorous asides, which were just enough to lift the tension and keep the story flowing. All in all a great read for children and adults that both entertains and informs.

Loved it! This book was a great, engaging read! The writing is easy-to-read and the story just sucks you in. Definitely a great book for an older child or a teenager.

An excellent adventure! I'll be picking up a copy for my grandson, and looking for the next in the series.

The mysteries of Egypt have always fascinated me ever since I was little. I used to watch anything and everything about Egypt and read any books about the mysterious land of the pharoahs. I read this book in two sittings as it was so easy to read and understand. It caught me from the first page and had me going until the end. How awesome for these two boys to be able to go on a trip like this to Egypt and then find themselves embroiled in a 5000 year old mystery. The danger and intrigue is prevalent throughout the story and the characters believable. I think this story would make an awesome movie. Even though The Secret of the Sacred Scarab is for the pre-teen, I think this book can be read by anyone who wants a bit of history, mystery and dastardly deeds. I highly recommend it

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.

This book is aptly named. Wales is unique country, full of enchantment and legend. This is particularly true in the time period of the book — the Dark Ages. A land so well defended that the Vikings are not able to conquer it.

Reminiscent of tales from the Brothers Grimm as well as the epic legend of Beowulf, this saga is full of giants, trolls, sorcery, and monsters. Dane, the only Viking survivor of a landing party in southern Wales, cannot gain ground no matter where he turns.

He is stranded in this awesome land where he must battle warrior tribes, trolls and giants, but that is not the worst of his exceptional adventure. Oh, most definitely not! When he first meets Queen Shera, he thinks he is safe. He soon discovers the error in his thinking. Shera is a sorceress, a witch of seduction and mystery. He is so overcome with her wiles that he wishes to remain with her forever, and to do so means he must battle the kraken, a dragon, and still she wants more. She is a taker of the highest order and a giver of misery. The castle is full of wasted, almost corpse-like men, fed constantly with white “poppy powder.” Dane knows the drug for what it is and somehow is able to avoid this nightmare.

This book, a collaboration between Robertson of the US, and Ingram of South Africa, is a fantastical horror story, a saga of intense drama and action, and a jolly good yet brutal legend. The authors’ previous works have certainly provided fodder for this genre, and the illustrations are well suited to the era. The writing is populated with bits of poetry and unique artwork. The book is relatively short, but totally packed with adventure.

Loved It!!!!- I Really hope this becomes a series
Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew/Bobsy Twins books where on my mind while reading this. What an excellent story for young adults. Excellent descriptors in writing style about an adventure about 2 cousins going to egypt with an aunt and their grandmother. It is well written and kept my attention even as an adult. Good job
-- Well worth the price

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.½

The Secret of the Sacred Scarab - Fiona Ingram

This is an adventure story about two cousins, Adam and Justin who live in South Africa. They are typical young teen age boys who are excited when their aunt, an investigative journalist and their grandmother take them along on a trip to Egypt.

Adam is convinced that he is going to have the adventure of a lifetime and is not disappointed. Adam is given 3 small scarabs by a strange peddler. When the authorities come by, the peddler quickly hands the items to Adam and disappears without being paid. Adam later finds out an expensive scarab in his pocket. A famous archeologist is missing and the boys feel that the scarab is involved in the mystery.

This book is filled with nuggets of information about Egypt. Some items are common knowledge things but she fills the novel with a lot of details about Egypt. This would be a fun classroom read 4th - 6th grade, if you were studying Egypt. The students would have fun "checking" the facts that Fiona Ingram has woven into the story.

The book reminded me a lot of the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew series of my childhood because the kids are the brains in the investigation and outwit the adult "bad guys". Students who like either mystery or adventure stories, would like this book. Students who are interested in Egypt would like this as well. While the main characters are boys, girls would also like this book. It will keep an adult's interest and it perfect for a family reading activity.

The only thing that I would change would be the cover if it is marketed in the United States as the cover illustration pictures boys who look a lot younger than the almost 13 and 14 year old characters. The cover looks dated and students "judging a book by its cover" might not pick it up.

This is the first book of a series and I am going to read the other books in the series this summer.

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.

My Take: What a great summer read for tween boys especially. This book has all of the elements that boys would find interesting, boys for the main character, the adventure of Egypt the mystery behind the Sacred Scarab and the action of the chase and kidnapping. Girls will enjoy this book as well.
A by- product of this books may spark an interest in Egytian culture and history and what a better way for kids to spend time than learning. Great book!!

We find upon opening this book that young Adam and his cousin Justin Sinclair have been invited to go on a tour of Egypt by their Aunt Isabel, an investigative journalist, and will be accompanied by their grandmother as well. Their excitement is palpable as they begin a journey of adventure, danger and even deception before finally making the discovery of which dreams are made.

Joining their tour group in Cairo, Adam is given three small scarabs by a peddler who disappears when the police arrive. Suddenly their average run of the mill tour is replaced by mystery and intrigue, some which place the boys in danger and some which give them insight into not only the three scarabs but another unique scarab they discover has been slipped unknown into a pocket of Adams’ pants.

When they discover that the famous archeologist James Kinnard is missing, the boys are more than ever drawn to finding out what is so special about the scarabs they now have in their possession. They have a feeling that Kinnard’s disappearance is somehow mixed in with the mysterious peddler and the searching of their room. But it isn’t until their Aunt’s camera is stolen and they are suddenly given a much more expensive version by a highly placed Egyptian man, who just happens to be around when the thief is caught, that they are drawn even deeper into the mystery and become more involved as the days pass watching and waiting for the next turn in their adventure.

Even meeting Dr. Faisal Khalid, the head of the Egyptian museum somehow makes them uncomfortable and when they follow some men into a hidden room, they boys know they are in for trouble if they do not discover, before someone else does, the real importance of the scarab they hide so carefully.

Add to this a trip down the Nile, a face in their window, the story of the Scarab King, ruins galore and the appearance of many sinister characters and you have the makings of a book any young reader will find not only riveting but fun to read as well.

I highly recommend this for the young adventurer in your life. Through it’s twists and turns the author leads the reader to an end and puts two young boys and assorted characters through many exciting and mesmerizing times.

It is a book that young readers will cling to for it’s excitement and suspense and a book that older readers will enjoy for the pure joy of reading a book filled with possibilities of treasure in Egypt.

I know, I enjoyed this book as much, as my young son will and I intend to obtain every copy I possibly can, of books, author Fiona Ingram has written. For in this day and age of real life horrific tales, this is one that safely takes the reader into a land of mystery and intrigue yet delivers them in the end safely back at home, ready for the next adventure of Adam and Justin. And that in my opinion, is what makes a successful writer for young readers, that safe ending that is premised by excitement, promise of treasure, adventure intertwined with twists and turns galore!

The Secret of the Sacred Scarab
Fiona Ingram
IUniverse
1663 Liberty Dr, Bloomington, IN 47403
1-800-288-4677 www.iuniverse.com
978-0-595-45716-8, $17.95, 12/09/2008

This book is a cross between the Goonies meets Indiana Jones. The story revolves around Adam and Justin who are cousins that go to Egypt with their Aunt Isabel and Gram (Grandmother). The boys are interested in James Kinnaird who is an Archeologist who is searching for the tomb of the ancient Egyptian ruler, The Scarab King. A lot of myths and legends surround this ancient ruler and the boys try to figure out what is fact and what is fiction.
While on the street, the boys meet a mysterious street peddler who gives Adams an ancient scarab. Very bizarre things start to happen from this moment on and they start to believe it is this scarab that is causing them misfortune. At the museum, they meet Dr. Khalid who is the head of the Department of antiquities and research, and he shows an interest in their scarab. Adam and Justin soon learn that their hero, James Kinnaird is missing and they feel that something is defiantly going on here. The boys are being chased by countless enemies and eventually they are kidnapped by these men. The motive appears to be Dr. Khalid is trying to locate the sacred tomb and get the treasures.
Eventually, the boys evade their captors and finally fond James Kinnaird and Laila at the same time. The foursome is able to escape the tomb in the nick of time before it crumbles to the ground and is covered with sand. The boys are reunited with their Aunt and Grams and they return to the United States. Ebrahim, a man they had met in Egypt, shows up at their school and rewards them both with gold medallions to commemorate their visit. He also gives them a replica of the scarab.
This was a great novel for young adults and had a lot of action in it, although it did not appear until late in the novel. The author is very knowledgeable about Egypt and the history of it as well. She is also very descriptive in the landmarks in Egypt. I only gave it four stars because I thought it was lacking in something that I couldn’t quite put my finger on.

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.

The second adventure begins with more twist and turns, plots within plots, mystery and secrets, danger and villains for teens and young adult readers to enjoy.

Our young cousin heroes Adam and Justin Sinclair received this letter and the secret implied is deafening: “Dear Adam and Justin,” James wrote. “I hope you’re both ready for some action because things have been happening faster than I’d expected. I think the second Stone of Power has been discovered, but I can’t say more. I’ve enclosed your air tickets. I’m sure Isabel will persuade your parents that an educational trip to Scotland will be just the thing to fill your July vacation. Looking forward to seeing you both. Your friend, James.”

With their trip secured and the blessings of their parents, Adam and Justin wait at the airport for their Aunt Isabel to chaperone them to Scotland. “Surrounded by their luggage in the departure lounge of Johannesburg Airport, Adam and Justin Sinclair stood with their mouths open, staring at their Aunt Isabel racing toward them, frantic. She had an African girl with her and clutched the child firmly by one hand.”

What teen boy wants a girl tagging along, getting in the way? After all we are talking about real danger here with “Dark Ages warfare and weaponry”, the real “World of King Arthur”, secrets and mysteries surrounding “Strathairn Castle”, ancient writings, dusty museums, tombs and the “six Stones of Power before the confluence of the planets”.

Here is tease from the book: “The weather had changed while they were in the museum. Slate-gray storm clouds darkened the sky and it began to rain hard. As large pelting drops chilled their faces and slid down their necks, they turned up their jacket collars and dashed back in the direction of the flower shop.

Kim suddenly stopped. “What’s that noise?”

Justin and Adam stopped as well. A faint scrabbling noise came from an alley where garbage lay in heaps.

Adam pointed to a trashcan. “Rats.”

Kim shook her head. “No, it was a squeaking noise.”

“Rats squeak,” said Justin with exaggerated patience. “It must be coming from that pile of trash.”

“This was more like a puppy or a kitten squeaking,” Kim said, walking determinedly up to the trashcan.

Justin and Adam rolled their eyes at each other behind her back, but they followed her. Girls. Once they had some idea in their heads, they didn’t give up.

Kim peered behind the trashcan at a small pile of garbage. “There’s something here,” she cried. “I can see an animal.”

“Don’t touch it,” Justin advised her. “It might have a disease.”

Kim ignored him. Crooning softly, she crouched down and pulled away some pieces of soggy newspaper. Underneath the paper lay a small, shivering mound.

“Look, a dog.”

“Be careful—” Adam began to say, but he was too late.”

Eleven strategically placed exquisite hand drawn illustrations by South African artist Lori Bentley bring the story, dialog and characters to life.

Author Fiona Ingram dedicates her Chronicles Of The Stone series “For Young Explorers Everywhere, and for anyone who has ever dreamed of saving the world.”

The author provides detailed, educational information about King Arthur and Excalibur in the back of the book. For a broader educational experience author Fiona Ingram provides ‘The Young Explorer’s Companion-The Official Illustrated Guide to The Search for the Stone of Excalibur: Chronicles of the Stone Book 2’ as a free download on her website. http://www.chroniclesofthestone.com/

Cold Coffee Press/Café endorses The Search For The Stone Of Excalibur (The Chronicles Of The Stone Series Book Two) by Fiona Ingram as a fictional story illuminated with history and facts that brings the days of King Arthur to life for young readers. The Chronicles Of The Stone Series should be included in summer reading program book lists and in all libraries. We reviewed this book from Kindle/PDF format. The review was completed on February 4, 2016. For more information please visit Cold Coffee Press http://www.coldcoffeepress.com and Cold Coffee Café http://coldcoffeecafe.com/

Amazon Kindle Purchase Link
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O97QG94/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&a...

A family holiday with Aunt Isabel and Gran to Egypt ignites cousins Adam and Justin’s quest for teenage adventure when a peddler who was showing the boys his wares, gives Adam several scarabs when he notices police. Unbeknownst to the boys, one of the scarabs has mystical importance in Egyptian mythology. With the scarabs stored away in Adam’s rucksack, their imagination tells them that there is treasure to be found.

With Eleven Book Award Nominations & Wins, enjoy outstanding story telling with realistic dialog that will draw middle grade and young adult readers into this action, adventure packed, suspenseful, historical fiction that rivals Indiana Jones. Boys will be boys and soon trouble will find them. Careful not to spoil the story, I quote a passage to whet your appetite.

“Quick as a flash, they dashed behind a marble pillar, trying to smother their giggles. “Now what?” Adam said.

Justin grabbed his arm. “I noticed a room leading away from the main hall. It was full of boxes and crates. The lights were off so no one was in there. Let’s go back and see if we can find something interesting.”

They retraced their steps to the small display hall Justin had seen. It contained several cabinets holding statues, and a few stone sarcophagi. Stacks of boxes and wooden crates lined the far wall. They wandered around, looking at the Arabic-inscribed labels and trying to guess what was inside the boxes. It wasn’t long before the sound of echoing footsteps sent them scuttling behind a large sarcophagus.

Two men walked in, speaking Arabic in low voices. Over the next few minutes, the voices floated around the room and then right past Adam and Justin’s hiding place, before finally disappearing near the back. After a moment of silence, they looked at each other, puzzled, and then listened a bit longer to make sure the men had gone. Then they peeked above the sarcophagus to check that the coast was clear before creeping out. They both looked toward the back of the room, where the voices had disappeared.

Adam pointed to a door standing ajar. The door was labeled with an Arabic inscription. “What do you think it says?” he asked, as they walked quietly to the door, giving occasional sideways glances to check they were still alone.

“Um … I have no idea,” Justin said. “It’s probably a notice for the museum staff. That door looks like a fire escape. I think those men we heard went down there.”

Justin pushed the door all the way open. A set of stone steps disappeared into inky darkness. If the men had gone through the door, then there was only one way to go—down.

Frightened and excited, they hesitated on the top step, unsure of whether to investigate.

Justin turned to Adam. “We should follow and see what they’re up to, but you know we’ll get into the worst kind of trouble if we’re caught.”

Adam gave a nervous nod.

Justin grinned. “Then let’s go. We just have to risk it.”

The Secret Of The Sacred Scarab (The Chronicles Of The Stone Series Book One) by Fiona Ingram is well researched. The book cover art and nine exquisite hand drawn graphics within the book are by South African Artist Lori Bentley.

Thirty-four riveting chapters packed with adventure will keep you turning the pages. Author Fiona Ingram continues the history lessons at the end of the book with a Readers’ Guide to Ancient Egypt that includes “Endnotes that will help book-lovers enjoy the story even more while reading. This additional material will increase your knowledge of the world of ancient Egypt, and help you uncover the meaning of the Stone of Fire and the secret of the sacred scarab. In this glossary, you’ll be able to look up information on words or ideas that you read about in The Secret of the Sacred Scarab. It will add to your enjoyment of Adam and Justin’s incredible adventure because there are clues everywhere!”

Cold Coffee Press/Café endorses The Secret Of The Sacred Scarab (The Chronicles Of The Stone Series Book One) by Fiona Ingram as a fictional story illuminated with history that brings Egypt to life for young readers. This first book in The Chronicles Of The Stone Series should be included on summer reading program book lists. The Search for the Stone of Excalibur (The Chronicles Of The Stone Series Book Two) is also available at Amazon. We reviewed this book from Kindle/PDF format. The review was completed on January 24, 2016. For more information please visit Cold Coffee Press http://www.coldcoffeepress.com and Cold Coffee Cafe http://coldcoffeecafe.com/

Amazon Kindle Purchase Link
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005CRRU5E/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&a...

Inspiring biodography of courage and hope!
This sensitively-written and moving 'biodography' brings awareness to Champ's story, animal rescue and the awesome power of love. With the compassion of his carers and his natural capacity for love and forgiveness he made the choice to live and became a symbol of hope for others in dire circumstances. His heartwarming progress is documented and illustrated in a video diary. Included is a delightful little story for children in which the courageous Champ foils the dognappers with the help of the Chicken Ladies and the Pigeon Ladies Flying Club, and reinforces the message of how often good comes from bad. All this and the opportunity to donate to a worthy cause by simply buying the book. I urge everyone to buy a copy!

Nomination: The Secret of the Sacred Scarab was nominated a Finalist in the 2009 New Generation Indie Book Awards

Title: The Secret of the Sacred Scarab
Author: Fiona Ingram

Reviewed by: Barbara Milbourn for Writers in the Sky

Author Fiona Ingram understands that young readers have no patience for long, drawn-out prologues. At the first sentence—a one-word exclamation—of The Secret of the Sacred Scarab, she jettisons readers off on an adventure to a far-away land with two young cousins.
Justin and Adam are leaving the comforts of home and the family dog for a one-week adventure in Egypt with ace writer/researcher Aunt Isabel and their loveable and zany Gran. In exchange for missing school, their assignment is to keep a daily record of things they’ve seen and learned along the way. It so happens that their aunt’s current project and the boys’ recent history lessons coincide and set the reader on firm footing before they even lift off.
Aunt Isabel has guaranteed their maximum travel experience and personal safety by booking them on a tour with a host of entertaining fellow sojourners and a tour-guide who is suspected of knowing far more than she shares with the group. Safety vanishes early in the hot, still air of a marketplace when the boys are encountered by a ragged peddler who bestows upon them four scarabs; one of which is particularly ancient and coveted.
The story flies forward from there as the boys put together fortuitous pieces of a puzzle in quest of a legendary tomb of an ancient Egyptian ruler and a missing archeologist. Ingram writes the landscape and the legend vividly and keeps the boys barely one step ahead of death and dismemberment at the hands of men in black, the fangs of a giant cobra, and all manner of danger that lurks in caves, shifting sands, and things hidden in deep, dark places.
The Secret of the Sacred Scarab is entertainment for readers up to around age fourteen and for those who wish they were fourteen again. It is at once adventure and history, art and architecture, humor and redemption, travel writing and social studies, and great fun. Fiona Ingram presents this as her first of seven in a series titled Chronicles of the Stone.

The Secret of the Sacred Scarab
by Fiona Ingram
Middle grade fiction
The Secret of the Sacred Scarab by Fiona Ingram is a middle grade fiction book that reminded me why I fell in love with reading in the first place.
When I was young, I read a lot of Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys. Those books feature teenagers (the Hardy boys and Nancy Drew, dur) invariably finding themselves engrossed in something mysterious. There’s pretty clear good guys and bad guys, with a surprise character not being bad or not being good, and usually some plot twists. They were so much fun!
The Secret of the Sacred Scarab has so much fun in it! Justin and Adam, cousins, travel with their archaeologist aunt to Egypt to go site seeing. Trouble follows these boys around on their vacation, starting with when a street peddler surreptitiously slips a scarab into Adam’s pocket. Dr. Khalid, the evil guy who causes most of Adam and Justin’s trouble, knows Adam and Justin must have the scarab and he will stop at nothing to take it from them. The boys use various tricks and slipperiness to avoid Dr. Khalid, sometimes resulting in hilarious situations!
The author has a great writing style, and she has a great sense of humor that shines through her writing. I think it’s a great testament to an author’s writing when the interest can be held of readers outside of the targeted audience. Ms. Ingram held my attention and made me reminisce about books that I read many years ago.
If I had a child around age 9, up until age 13 or 14, I would thrust this book into their hands and encourage them to read it. It’s books like this that spark a love of reading.
Rating: 90 out of 100
Trish Collins
TLC Book Tours

Foreword Magazine Review
YOUNG ADULT
The Secret of the Sacred Scarab
by Fiona Ingram
Four Stars (out of Five)

Ingram has crafted a fascinating story of adventure. Ancient Egypt is a topic that captivates most young adults, and Ingram incorporates information about Egypt’s modern culture, as well as ancient legend. The story’s many twists and turns may be too complex for younger readers, but teens and tweens who can keep straight the many characters and navigate the long and detailed story will appreciate this well-researched adventure. The Secret of the Sacred Scarab is the first book in a series that will feature Adam and Justin. There is a glossary of unfamiliar terms on the book website.
Whitney Hallberg


An Excellent Mystery, February 28, 2009
By William P. Robertson "Bucktail novelist" (Duke Center, PA USA)

Fiona Ingram creates very believable boy characters caught up in a scintillating adventure. Her descriptions of the Egyptian landscape are breathtaking. She also imparts a wonderful knowledge of Egyptian culture in a way that young people will understand. Her map and diagrams will help her readers follow the story more easily.

Superb, January 22, 2009
By R. E. Tregaskis (South Africa)

Fiona has done a remarkable story and everyone who has children will delight in either reading this story to them or letting them read it again and again. It will become a classic soon.