"The Curse of the Specter Queen" is a thrilling adventure novel written by Jenny Elder Moke, published in 2021. The story follows protagonist Samantha Knox, a young archaeology student who embarks on a quest to break the curse of an ancient Egyptian queen. At the beginning of the story, Samantha's mother goes missing while on an archeological dig in Egypt, leaving behind a strange artifact - a golden scarab beetle. Determined to find her mother and uncover the truth, Samantha travels to Egypt, where she discovers a hidden world of ancient secrets and supernatural beings. In her quest, Samantha teams up with a charming and mysterious stranger named Jax, who claims to have information about her mother's disappearance. Together, they navigate treacherous tombs, decipher ancient hieroglyphs, and uncover clues that lead them closer to the truth.
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2015
To stop them, Sam must solve a deviously complex cipher - one that will lead her on a treasure hunt to discover the ancient relic at the heart of the ritual a bowl carved from the tree of life. When a mysterious package arrives with an ancient diary and brings with it the destruction of her bookshop, Sam becomes determined to uncover its origins.
Together, they navigate treacherous tombs, decipher ancient hieroglyphs, and uncover clues that lead them closer to the truth. Along the way, Samantha learns about the curse of the Specter Queen, an ancient Egyptian ruler believed to have powerful magical abilities. Legend has it that anyone who possesses the Queen's scarab will suffer a terrible fate.
CURSE OF THE SPECTER QUEEN
A fast pace, compelling supernatural mystery, and intriguing historical setting add up to broad appeal.
Set in the Roaring ’20s, this is the first entry in a series starring puzzle-solving aspiring archaeologist Samantha Knox.
Sam, whose father was killed during the Great War, has remained in her rural Illinois town to work in an antiquarian bookshop owned by the father of her childhood friends, siblings Joana and Bennett Steeling. One day, a package from Ireland with a mysterious book containing a coded letter is delivered. Before Sam can properly examine it, two Irishmen try to steal it, in the process setting fire to the shop. Sam, wisecracking sidekick Joana, and love interest Bennett learn that a centuries-old club is trying to enact an ancient curse to call forth Morrigan, the Celtic goddess of war and death. Traveling by train and steamship, the trio make their way to Dublin, encountering an array of additional characters along the way. With each chapter ending in a cliffhanger, the plot unfolds quickly. Classic elements include hidden clues, narrow escapes, a magical ritual object, and a fearsome mythical creature. Sam is an appealing heroine: smart, well-read, gutsy, and introspective. While solving the mystery (and discerning friend from foe), Sam comes to terms with the lingering effects of her grief, a plot element that provides unexpected emotional depth. However, repetitive bickering among the main characters proves tedious. All characters appear White.
A fast pace, compelling supernatural mystery, and intriguing historical setting add up to broad appeal. (Adventure. 13-18)
Pub Date: June 8, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-368-06398-2
Page Count: 352
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Review Posted Online: April 7, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2021
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Samantha realizes that her mother may have become entangled in this curse, and she must find a way to break it before it's too late. As Samantha and Jax delve deeper into their investigation, they face numerous challenges and encounter dangerous adversaries. They must decipher riddles, outmaneuver Egyptian authorities, and confront supernatural forces to unravel the mysteries surrounding the curse. Throughout the novel, Moke expertly combines elements of fantasy, history, and thrilling suspense. Her vivid descriptions of ancient Egyptian mythology and culture bring the story to life, immersing readers into a world of pharaohs, pyramids, and magical relics. "The Curse of the Specter Queen" is not just an action-packed adventure; it also explores themes of friendship, family, and the power of self-discovery. Samantha's journey forces her to confront her fears, embrace her own strength, and trust in herself and those around her. In conclusion, "The Curse of the Specter Queen" is a captivating novel that takes readers on an exhilarating journey through ancient Egypt. Moke's imaginative storytelling, engaging characters, and rich world-building make this a must-read for fans of adventure and fantasy..
Reviews for "Breaking the Chains: Escaping the Specter Queen's Curse"
1. John - 2 stars - I was extremely disappointed with "Curse of the Specter Queen". The plot was weak and predictable, and the characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth. I had high expectations for this book based on the synopsis, but it fell flat. The pacing was inconsistent, with moments of intense action followed by long stretches of boring dialogue. Overall, I found it to be a lackluster read.
2. Emily - 1 star - I couldn't even finish "Curse of the Specter Queen". The writing style was incredibly juvenile, and it felt like it was targeted towards a much younger audience than advertised. The dialogue was cringe-worthy, and I couldn't connect with any of the characters. The plot was unoriginal, and I found myself predicting the twists and turns. It's safe to say that this book was not for me.
3. Sarah - 2.5 stars - While "Curse of the Specter Queen" had an intriguing premise, it failed to deliver. The world-building was weak, and I struggled to picture the settings described in the book. The pacing was all over the place, with a slow start and rushed climax. Additionally, the characters lacked development, and their actions often felt unrealistic. I wanted to enjoy this book, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations.
4. Michael - 2 stars - I found "Curse of the Specter Queen" to be quite underwhelming. The plot was predictable, and there were no surprises or twists that kept me engaged. The dialogue felt forced, and the attempts at humor fell flat. The relationship between the main characters was poorly developed, and I didn't feel invested in their journey. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and wouldn't recommend it to others.