"The Curse of the Specter Queen" is a gripping and thrilling adventure novel written by Jenny Elder Moke. It follows the story of Sam Kemi, a young alchemist living in modern-day London, as she embarks on a quest to find the lost tomb of Cleopatra and break a deadly curse. Sam comes from a long line of alchemists, but she never thought that her skills would be put to the test in such a dangerous and exciting way. When her mother goes missing and a mysterious stranger reveals that Sam's family may be the key to finding Cleopatra's tomb, Sam is thrust into a world of ancient secrets and magic. Joined by her best friend, Mike, and a mysterious archaeologist named Zain, Sam travels to Egypt, following clues left behind by her ancestors. As they navigate through hidden tombs, treacherous traps, and encounters with supernatural beings, Sam begins to unravel the true nature of the curse that has plagued her family for generations.
Cracking page-turner with a multiethnic band of misfits with differing sexual orientations who satisfyingly, believably jell into a family . (Fantasy. 14 & up)
Samantha Knox put away her childish fantasies of archaeological adventure the day her father didn t return home from the Great War, retreating to the safety of the antique bookshop where she works. 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.
As they navigate through hidden tombs, treacherous traps, and encounters with supernatural beings, Sam begins to unravel the true nature of the curse that has plagued her family for generations. With each step closer to the tomb, Sam discovers that the curse is not just a legend, but a very real and deadly force. To break it, she must decipher ancient spells, overcome her own fears, and confront the specter queen herself.
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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Along the way, Sam also learns about the power of friendship, courage, and the importance of embracing her own abilities. "The Curse of the Specter Queen" is a fast-paced and action-packed novel that combines elements of history, mythology, and fantasy. Moke's writing is compelling, and she deftly blends the modern world with ancient legends, creating a unique and captivating story. Overall, "The Curse of the Specter Queen" is a thrilling adventure filled with mystery, danger, and magic. It will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end, and leave them eagerly anticipating more from Jenny Elder Moke..
Reviews for "Tales from the Crypt: The Curse of the Specter Queen"
- Emily - 2/5 stars - I found "Curse of the Specter Queen" to be quite disappointing. The plot felt predictable and lacking in originality. The characters were not well-developed, making it hard for me to connect with them or care about their journey. Additionally, the pacing of the story felt off, with moments of action followed by long periods of filler. Overall, I was hoping for a more engaging and exciting read, but unfortunately, this book fell short of my expectations.
- John - 1/5 stars - I couldn't get into "Curse of the Specter Queen" at all. The writing style was mundane and lacked creativity. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it hard to believe in the characters' interactions. Moreover, the world-building was shallow and underdeveloped, leaving me feeling disconnected from the story. I struggled to stay engaged and ended up abandoning the book halfway through. I would not recommend it to anyone seeking an immersive and captivating reading experience.
- Sarah - 2/5 stars - "Curse of the Specter Queen" was a letdown for me. The plot had potential, but it was executed poorly. The pacing was uneven, with slow and uneventful moments that made it hard for me to stay focused. The twists in the story felt contrived and forced, lacking the element of surprise. Additionally, the writing style was mediocre, lacking the depth and richness that could have made this book truly compelling. Overall, I was disappointed by the missed opportunities and lackluster execution of what could have been an interesting story.
- Mark - 2/5 stars - I was not impressed with "Curse of the Specter Queen." The characters were one-dimensional and cliché, making it hard for me to invest in their journey. The world-building felt shallow and unoriginal, lacking depth and creativity. The plot had potential, but it was predictable and lacked the complexity I was hoping for. While the book had its moments, overall, it failed to captivate me and left me feeling underwhelmed.