Justin and Adam, two cousins who are always looking for a grand adventure, and in the first book in the Chronicle of the Stone “The Secret of the Scared Scarab” by author Fiona Ingram, an adventure is exactly what they get. Accepting an invitation from their aunt Isabel to join her and their Grandmother on a trip to Egypt the boys are sure that an adventure awaits. Their idea is further established at their aunt’s house when they discover that the world renown Scottish archaeologist, James Kinnaird has disappeared trying to find the secret tomb of the Scarab King. The boys are determined to find the missing archaeologist and prove that the Scarab King is more than just a legend. When they land in Cairo they are unaware just how close they are to a real adventure. Joining up with the collective group that comprised Ramesside Tours, the boys are shocked when the tour guide, Laila informs them that the little scarab they brought with them was more than just a trinket but in fact was a cippi that supposedly harbored the power to save someone. Arriving at their first destination Memphis, the group is sent off to explore the ancient capital of Lower Egypt. Soon Justin and Adam encounter an odd peddler who is acting odd and asking if the boys happened to be English. Saying yes the peddler places three tiny scarabs into the Adams hand and run off soon to be arrested. From there things only become worse when aunt Isabel’s camera is stolen and instantly replaced by Dr. Khalid. After that Adam is connived that someone is following him. When they return to their hotel Adam discovers that the peddler also slipped a larger scarab into the pocket of his pants. Aunt Isabel tries to convince Adam and Justin that the scarab is just a souvenir but the boys are sure that the scarab is the key to finding James Kinnaird. Their suspensions are conformed when Dr. Khalid spots the drawing of the scarab in Adams notebook and then pays to have it stolen. Then Adam and Justin decides to follow Khalid they find that Khalid is behind the smuggling ring that has been plundering Egypt of it’s artifacts. Soon the boys are in more trouble than they know how to handle but they are still determined to solve the mystery on their own. When Adam is nearly killed at the Sphinx and has to be rescued by Ebrahim, he gives Adam his card and tells him call if he happens to need help. Adam then decides to give to the card to his Gran for safe keeping. Once again Adam finds himself in serious trouble after he and Justin figure out that the peddler also slipped a piece of paper into his pocket along with the scarab. Aunt Isabel demands that the boys explain to her what is going on. After telling their Aunt everything she sends a telegram from the ship to James’ father telling him the location that James is being held. From their it escalates out of control when Justin and Adam goes missing, and Isabel is also kidnapped. It’s now up to their Gran to solve the problem. Calling the number on the card once she arrives at the Embassy, Gran is determined to rescue her family. Figuring out that Dr. Khalid is the master mind behind the plot, they soon figure out that the scarab is not only an artifact but also one of the keys needed to open the tomb of the Scarab King. Finally the Justin, Adam, Aunt Isabel, and James are rescued and reunited with their families. Although this adventure comes to an end I’m sure it’s just the beginning of many more adventures to come.

Fiona Ingram is the master of writing historical fiction for young adults. Her way with wording has you feeling as though you are part of the adventure. Each turn of the page delivers more action, adventure, and history. “The Secret of the Sacred Scarab”, is a must read for all young adults especially young Egyptologists. Fiona Ingram has not only added a brilliant cast of character but has also included Egypt as one of the characters instead of using it as just a backdrop for the story. Truly a book I would recommend reading, An amazing start to what I’m sure is going to be a wonderful series full of action and adventure.