Hunt for the Golden Scarab (Time Keys, book 1)

In Hunt for the Golden Scarab, we meet Sim Lockier and his mother, Callidora, and learn they have never lived anywhere for very long. At present they are based in London. Previously educated at home, Sim now attends school and has a best friend, Nelson. Life seems uneventful until the night two dangerous men arrive at their home, forcing Sim and his mother to flee to safety. Sim discovers that his mother has been keeping a huge secret from him - she is a key, and has the power to open doors in time.

The two men, Penhooligan and Kabir, are members of the evil Council of Keys, and are trying to locate the lost tomb of the Egyptian pharaoh, Nefertiti, in order to find her golden heart scarab. Callidora, Sim and his new-found cousin Jeopardy are swept into a dangerous and thrilling adventure as they try to find the tomb - and solve the mystery of the scarab - before the Council stop them.

M.G Leonard has hit the jackpot yet again with this fast-paced end exciting novel. Packed full of historical facts it would make a perfect class reader for any teacher covering the topic of Ancient Egypt. We are taken into the world of pyramids and mummification while enjoying a rip-roaring adventure. We are also shown how powerful music can be - it is the playing of a musical instrument which lets the key open up a time door.

The characters are well drawn and interesting - I loved Jeopardy in particular, a child who has recently been reunited with her father, Emmett, but does not really understand why. She is brave and sometimes reckless, but is also very clever. Sim and his mother have a lovely relationship; Sim's father died when he was very young and Callidora has always protected Sim.

The lovely, atmospheric illustrations by Manuel Sumberac are a perfect addition to the book, and the cover is glorious! We are given a taste of Sim and Jeopardy's next adventure at the end of the book; it seems that we will be accompanying them on a trip into Viking times - I can't wait!

288 pages / Reviewed by Beverley Somerset, school librarian

Suggested Reading Age 9+

M.G Leonard’s new epic series Time Keys starts with Hunt for the Golden Scarab.  This time-travelling adventure is full to the brim with mystery, sinister characters and a gripping storyline that will captivate the readers imagination.

Sim is an ordinary 12-year-old boy. He and his mom live and take care of the John Soane Museum and have a simple life. Previously, Sim and his mum, Callidora, moved around a lot until she got the cleaning job at the museum. Then everything changes for Sim as he discovers that his mum has been keeping secrets from him; she has the ability to open 'Time doors', but she is not registered with the Council and is therefore known as a renegade key. The Council have sent a hunt man to look for Callidora because they see her as a reckless threat.

Sim's life suddenly becomes unrecognisable as he is determined to help her in any way he can. Sim and his friends need to piece together long-hidden clues and help to solve the mystery of where an Ancient Egyptian artefact is before life can resume normality again.

I really enjoyed reading this book as it created an historical mystery with a twist. Children will love reading about the discovery of doors and how hidden clues help to unfold and solve an ancient mystery. Children learning about Ancient Egypt will enjoy reading this book as it gives readers a fictional storyline entwined with historical facts about an ancient civilisation. Opening doors through time allows Sim and his friends to talk to people of historical significance, that many readers will recognise.

Hunt for the Golden Scarab has a brilliant ending because you know the fight against the Council is not over and that the next book in the series promises to be just as good as the first book.

288 pages / Reviewed by Hayley Summerfield, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 9+