When a mysterious envelope arrives for Jake Ransom, he and his older sister, Kady, are plunged into a gripping chain of events. An artifact found by their parents—on the expedition from which they never returned—leads Jake and Kady to a strange world inhabited by a peculiar mix of long-lost civilizations, a world that may hold the key to their parents' disappearance.
But even as they enter the gate to this extraordinary place, savage grackyls soar across the sky, diving to attack. Jake's new friends, the pretty Mayan girl Marika and the Roman Pindor, say the grackyls were created by an evil alchemist—the Skull King. And as Jake struggles to find a way home, it becomes obvious that what the Skull King wants most is Jake and Kady—dead or alive.
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"At first this book didn't look like much. It actually looked like an unoriginal but still slightly original story. But no. This book was absolutely amazing. The creative power it must take to create this be world of Calypso or something like that is completely amazing. Now I've never actually read the other James Rollins series but this series on its own is wonderful. I didn't really see a down side to this book. It was pretty straightforward like any other mythical fantasy book. Main character(s) come across some interesting info or something leading up to the turning point where they are thrown onto the path of adventure and usually ending with a cliffhanger leading into the next story. So, great book." — Sean (5 out of 5 stars)
"At first this book didn't look like much. It actually looked like an unoriginal but still slightly original story. But no. This book was absolutely amazing. The creative power it must take to create this be world of Calypso or something like that is completely amazing. Now I've never actually read the other James Rollins series but this series on its own is wonderful. I didn't really see a down side to this book. It was pretty straightforward like any other mythical fantasy book. Main character(s) come across some interesting info or something leading up to the turning point where they are thrown onto the path of adventure and usually ending with a cliffhanger leading into the next story. So, great book."
“This rollicking adventure story is a wonderfully startling mix of ancient Mayan culture, archeologists, prehistoric animals, and evil personified in the form of the Skull King...This...will definitely be a favorite with younger readers.”
“A quick, fun read.”
“A rollicking good story.”
“Readers...will be caught up in the adventure, particularly those who are interested in Mayan culture. The characters are likable, especially Jake and Pindor, who experience the insecurities of most teens. Unanswered questions surrounding their parents’ disappearance and the connection between Jake and the Skull King will have readers eagerly looking for the next installment in the series.”
“The author’s first for children starts out as a realistic thriller but takes a big left turn into fantasy without abandoning the thrills...An author of science-fiction-tinged adventures for adults, Rollins has created a page-turning first volume in a series that will have readers with elastic suspension of disbelief clamoring for the next volume.”
" Review to come. I think it's 3,5 stars but since I cannot give halves.. "
" Finally finished reading this book. Took me ages! It's a fascinating book actually and the genre is really my type. The thing I am not really satisfied with is the ending. It doesn't give me this 'oomph' feeling and I don't really feel like reading it again if I have to. "
" A book my 11 yr old and my husband were reading with me -- yes, juvenile in parts, but full of action and fun. "
" Nice YA adventure story. (rather for boys I think, though) "
" Definitely a kids book, but I enjoyed it. "
" Simply put: This is the book that never ends... it just goes on and on my friends... I started reading it... not knowing what it was... haha, yeah, this felt like the longest book ever... "
" This is a fun book for young fans of Indiana Jones. "
" Not great, but good. I think I might recommend this one to fans of the Fablehaven series. "
" Great book. I read it aloud to a group of students and we were all amazed at the author's imagination! Also, the vocabulary in the book was fantastic. I was constantly impressed with word choice. "
" I think it is a really good book. I am listening to it on audio and it has me hooked. I am looking forward to the sequel. I am a sucker for a seriesz. "
" pretty good, although kind of odd. I felt confused throughout, until it all came together at the end "
" This was an adventure romp with something for everyone: Mayans, Roman legions, Vikings, dinosaurs, archaeology, alchemy, science... I can't wait to read more of the series. "
" Time travel, adventure, lost world, lost civilization.... An interesting adventure. May put it on the Percy Jackson read-alike list. "
" Interesting combination of multiple cultures. "
" A very enjoyable read. There were a lot of fun surprises. I look forward to more in this series. "
" This was really well written. There are lots of interesting archeological history things going on and a lot of fantasy mixed in. I liked the combination. "
" Amazing book - fast paced - easy to read - just loved it "
" A good adventure for kids AND adults. Thank you, Dr. Rollins. May I see your mammoth tusk? What is the story behind that? "
" Very interesting, will keep you reading on the edge of your seat!! "
" I absolutely love this book! I recommend it to any and all ages. I read it in one day! It is quite the adventure and I cannot wait to read the next. I'm getting it right now! "
" Similar to Lightning Thief, Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp. Book you can hand to almost anyone. Already had two copies stolen from my library. "
" Rollins' first young adult novel. It is a great adventure, I'd suggest it to anyone who likes a good adventure. "
" This is a very enjoyable fantasy story. Good for anyone! "
" really interesting, full of action, mystery and adventure. a big mystery is still not solved, but I guess that's why there's another book? kept me wanting to read more each time I finished a chapter! "
" This book was OK. I read it because it was a Texas Bluebonnet award nominee. It ripped off a bit too much from "Harry Potter" for my taste. "
" I think the story in this book would make a great family adventure movie. The story was definitely imaginative,adventurous and action packed. "
" I was very surprised to see that James Rollins had delved into the young adult genre. I throughly enjoyed the story and the character of Jake Ransom. I look forward to more in this series. "
" Very readable. Reminded me somewhat of Cryptid Hunters. Easier to read for a younger audience. lots of action. "
" This story intriques me. It reminds me of Peter Pan and the Star Catchers with out the Disney story behind it. I will read the next book in the series. It is ideal for any young boy that seeks adventure on your Christmas list. "
James Rollins is the author of New York Times bestselling thrillers. His writing has been translated into more than forty languages and has sold more than 20 million books.
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