Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books - Iszi Lawrence - The Cursed Tomb - Book Review

If you’re ready to dive into a whirlwind of curses, myths, and the magnificent mysteries of ancient Egypt, then buckle up! Iszi Lawrence’s -The Cursed Tomb, takes readers on an exhilarating ride through 1249 BCE, where the only thing more curious than the pharaohs is the eleven-year-old heroine, Henut. 

Skeptical of everything, even the gods—talk about a mood! Henut's world is shattered when a mysterious break-in at her home ignites a series of events that feels like something straight out of a treasure-hunting adventure film. Cue unsettling dreams and a shadowy figure that seems to be on a mission of its own. Will she really venture into the legendary tombs of the Valley of Kings? Well, she might not have a choice, and that’s where the fun begins!

Lawrence crafts a narrative that's not just a thrilling dangerous quest but also rich with authentic historical details. From the rule of the mighty Pharaoh Rameses II to the enchanting practices of mummification, readers will find themselves immersed in the sights and sounds of ancient Egypt. It’s like stepping into a time machine, but with less risk of getting mummified!

Fans of Emma Carroll and *Horrible Histories* will absolutely adore this gem. The humour, the heroism, and the highs and lows of Henut’s adventure combine to create a story that's both educational and  entertaining. So, whether you’re a young reader or just a young-at-heart history buff, grab your copies of *The Cursed Tomb*. It’s a page-turner that will have you racing through the sands of time, dodging curses, and cheering for Henut all the way to the final page. 

Overall, *The Cursed Tomb* is a delightful thriller that embraces the spirit of adventure and the power of belief, reminding us that sometimes, facing the unknown can lead to the most magical experiences. Don’t miss it! 

Published by Bloomsbury Education (30 Jan. 2025)

Stephen Davies - Blood & Ink - Book Review (Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books)

Diversity in children's books is a great thing, and much needed, as it often takes the reader out of their comfort zone. I don't always enjoy books like this one. Recently, I've not been able to finish a couple of books based on similar themes. Once I'd read the first chapter, I thought that this book was destined to end in the same way. However, I'm very glad that I persevered with this story as it really challenged me, both in my learning and understanding of a different culture.  

Tonight, the Islamist rebels are coming for Timbuktu.....

The plot is set in Timbuktu, a city in the West African nation, which is situated north of the River Niger on the southern edge of the Sahara Desert. The book really depicts the remoteness and the challenging landscape particularly well, in my opinion. The setting is linked to the historical events that happened in 2012; the capture of the city by the Malian military known as the Tuareg rebels.   

Historically, this book chimes with a defiant beat and gives the story a feeling of authenticity. Some of this is down to the author's understanding of events and his personal time spent living amongst the Fulani herders in Burkina Faso. 

The more that you read, the more that you are aware of the focus of the story on the troubled world of extremism and violence on West African Muslims. This makes you face up to the real issue of what is happening in the world - a regime of law that tears apart a peaceful world including a ban on television, football, radios and even music, everything that we take for granted and may hold dear to our lives.  

This is a very topical read, but with a light-hearted centre that pushes some of the seriousness and the darkness to one side to create a balance. The two main characters are brought to life; they are full of life and feeling. Kadijia is the music-loving daughter of the guardian of the sacred manuscripts. Ali is a former shepherd boy, but is now a trained warrior for Allah. Part of the story has a romantic summer step to it and lifts the book to magical heights. The harsh regime sets the two main characters apart as Kadijia's defiance draws Ali to her. It's a modern day romance that transcends religious beliefs. 

This book has everything to offer the reader; action-packed adventure, historical events and thrilling real-life danger pumped with emotions and feelings. A great infusion of religious culture will leave you thinking, even after the last page has been turned. It is fantastically plotted with many twists and turns that will keep the reader on their toes. I can see this book being a great read for GCSE students as well as readers 12 years and older. It is really enjoyable, very interesting and full of educational content - recommended 100%.  

Published by Andersen Press, June 04, 2015