Secret of the Sands

Dec 28, 2008 J.R. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Rai Aren's "Secret of the Sands" should not be kept a secret. It is a wonderfully thought out story, and I highly recommend it to anyone.

I have always been intrigued with Egyptology, although I don't ever recall reading a book on the topic. Apparently the Indiana Jones series quenched my thirst. :)

That said, I found myself unable to put this book down. The chapters are fairly quick, which fit in wonderfully with my incredibly hectic schedule, especially during the holiday season. It is filled w...more

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Jul 22, 2012 Gary Val Tenuta rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Anyone who enjoys the settings and adventures common to the Indiana Jones series.

SECRET OF THE SANDS has BLOCKBUSTER written all over it!

Fans of what might be called the "Indiana Jones" genre of fiction will be thrilled with Secret Of The Sands . Like a race horse on steroids it blasts out of the gate in the opening prologue and doesn't stop running until it reaches the finish line.

This remarkably well-conceived and well-executed first-time novel by Rai Aren and her co-author, Tavius E. is loaded with adventure, prophecy, mystery, secrets, deception, epic-scale battles, rom...more

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Nov 26, 2008 Cheryl rated it 4 of 5 stars

Alexandra "Alex" and Mitch are both archaeologists.They have been on many dig sites but none of them have been as exciting as this latest dig at never the Great Sphinx at Giza in Egypt. Alex and Mitch discover a chest. Hidden inside of the chest are some cylinders. One of the cylinders contained a book filled with paintings and writing in as well as many other artifacts, dating as far back as 12,000 B.C. This is a great discovery for Alex and Mitch but there is just only small problem...these ar...more

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Oct 17, 2008 Ann Keller rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everyone, especially those who love Egyptology and intrigue

Shelves: historical-fiction

In Secret of the Sands, talented authors Rai Aren and Tavius E. weave the threads of the past and present into an intricate literary tapestry surrounding the great sphinx of Egypt. From the moment I turned the first page, I was caught up in their tale, gasping for breath as the secret trap door slammed closed, cutting off my air, shouting for joy at Mitch and Alex’s archaeological discoveries, chuckling at their friends’ Jack and Bob’s antics, and frowning at Zazmaria’s greed and treachery.

The m...more

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Nov 04, 2012 Jennifer Wardrip rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: trt-posted-reviews

Reviewed by Erikka Adams aka "The Bookbinder" for TeensReadToo.com

Alex and Mitch are the outcasts of the archaeological dig site they are working at in Egypt. Their supervisor/Professor, Dustimaine, is out to thwart their every attempt at success. If he misses anything, his underling, Fessel C. Blothers, is there to catch them.

One day, Alex and Mitch literally stumble upon a secret; a secret thousands and thousands of years old, unknown to anyone but them. With the help of their lab tech friend...more

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Jan 05, 2009 Ruth rated it 5 of 5 stars

From the beginning when the priests are scrambling to hide important scrolls from their attackers, I was drawn into the book. I could easily see this being a movie. The book alternates from the past to the present. In the present we are introduced to two archaeologists, Mitch and Alex who are digging near the Sphinx. They find mysterious containers that hold the scrolls. From there, we are taken back to the past when the events in those scrolls that Mitch and Alex were examining are brought to l...more

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Jan 02, 2009 Susan Jane McLeod rated it 5 of 5 stars

Have you ever wondered how old the Sphinx really is? Have you been intrigued by the mysteries swirling like the desert sands around this awesome ancient monument? Rai Aren and Tavius E. have written a mesmerizing story in which two young archaeologists discover an artifact that could provide all of the answers. But they are not the only ones who are interested in this relic, for it holds a power unlike anything seen on Earth before...
Secret of the Sands takes us back 12,000 years to the origins...more

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Oct 09, 2008 Lance rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everyone wanting to experience an exciting adventure

Typically, as an Author I find little time to read another's literary work unless something very creative catches my eye. Secret of the Sands caught my interest and I read the first chapter. "Grab you hat and hang on for an adventure." Sadly, there were no more pages to turn. I can hardly wait for the sequel. Rai Aern, I believe will give Spielberg some serious competition.

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Jan 22, 2009 Mike rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: all age groups

Recommended to Mike by: shameless authors group

Review of Secret of the Sands.

Secret of the Sands, by Rai Aren and Tavius E, is an entertaining mystery that takes place in ancient Egypt. The authors take us on a wild rollercoaster ride full of secrets, romance, lust, seduction, loyalty royalty and deception that takes place 12,000 years ago where all is not as it seems. Two modern day Indiana Jones type archaeologists discover the secret of the sands and unravel the mysteries and dangers the secret presents. The characters are well developed...more

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Dec 15, 2010 Jim Cherry rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Every story is a “what if?” Writers are continually writing alternate histories of the world even if they seem identical to the world we inhabit. Ancient Egypt wavers in our minds between knowledge and imagination, fact and fiction, like waves of heat coming off the desert, is what we see real or mirage?

Secret of the Sands by Rai Aren and Tavius E has two stories running concurrently and that mirror each other. The first story is the of ancient Egypt before the Pyramids but not before the Sphinx...more Every story is a “what if?” Writers are continually writing alternate histories of the world even if they seem identical to the world we inhabit. Ancient Egypt wavers in our minds between knowledge and imagination, fact and fiction, like waves of heat coming off the desert, is what we see real or mirage?

Secret of the Sands by Rai Aren and Tavius E has two stories running concurrently and that mirror each other. The first story is the of ancient Egypt before the Pyramids but not before the Sphinx. The “what if” in Secret of the Sands embraces the theory that the Sphinx is older than accepted dating based on the evidence that parts of the Sphinx show that at one time rain flowed over its body indicating that the Sphinx must have been built at a time when the Egyptian weather was much milder and wetter approximately 12,000 years ago. We’re introduced to the kingdom of King Traeus and Queen Axiana and the extended royal family that lives in the palace. Traeus and Axiana are beloved rulers and the country is at peace. Traeus has plans to build what will become the Sphinx in honor of a legendary lion that saved an ancient king, it is to be a gift from the royal family to his people. Traeus is taken aback when at the Spring Ceremony, which honors the harvest, some of his subjects stage a protest and demand that Traeus reveal all of his plans to the people. There is also strife within Traeus’ own household, Traeus’ brother Prince Alaj and his wife Zazmaria are dissatisfied with the status quo of the lack of power Alaj has within the family, and the slights and deceit they perceive from Traeus. Zazmaria is easily seduced by the powerful enemy of Traeus, Lord Draxen. But the intriguers aren’t wrong, Traeus himself does have a secret that he is hiding from everybody. He is building a secret chamber under the Sphinx (also rumored in our day and age to exist) to house some kind of machine called the Pharom. Traeus wants to harness the power of this machine to the benefit of his people.

The concurrent story is set in our world, the world of Mitch and Alexandra, they’re lifelong friends and colleagues who are doing their field work on a dig near the Sphinx to earn their doctorates. They work for Professor Dustimaine a vainglorious man more interested in taking credit for the work and discoveries of others than doing any actual field work, except to berate the doctoral students into working harder and longer. One afternoon under the Egyptian sun Alex(andra) falls asleep and has a dream of an ancient chest with strange markings. The dream upsets her so much that she jumps up and runs until she trips over something in the sand, they dig it up to discover it’s the chest Alex was dreaming about. Inside the chest they find two scrolls made of metal from a time that predated the iron age. They take the chest to their friends in the lab Jack and Bob, who provide the comic relief but they’re skilled lab technicians and if they don’t have the equipment they know other doctorial students who do have the right equipment. Together they discover a Rosetta Stone for the two scrolls found which are written in an ancient language and parts of it written in an archaic but more modern form of ancient Egyptian. Together they decide to keep the artifacts and their discoveries away from Professor Dustimaine until they can verify their findings, but each time they make a new discovery it pushes them on to a new discovery until they find the Pharom and activate the powerful machine.
I really enjoyed this book, the authors have a very natural style, that lets the reader feel as if they’re witnessing the events as they unfold, it takes a certain amount of confidence and skill that usually takes a lifetime of writing to develop. The writers have the confidence to trust in their story to let the tension build, drawing the reader farther into the story and investing themselves into the outcome, and lets the reader discover things on their own. The writing fully involves the reader and you’ll find yourself cheering the heroes, and wanting the villain(s) to get their comeuppance. The characters are vivid and palpable, especially Mitch and Alex, the camaraderie displayed by the two characters feels as if you’re getting to know two real people. The same can be said for the descriptions, at times you can almost hear sand scrapping against rock.

I know there’s a tradition in science fiction stories of not telling too much about technologies or tools that would be used everyday by the inhabitants of the world described. But I think the Pharom should have a little background on how it came to be in Traeus’ possession, what he thinks it will do to benefit his subjects, and how he knows how to use the power. We are told the Pharom is given to man by an alien race, but we never see how that contact was made and why the aliens would give such a machine to a King of a primitive society. The Pharom is alien to Traeus and his people and would naturally invite explanation, these questions need answering, some are alluded to but that’s mostly left for the reader to fill in the blanks. I think it’s a little obvious throughout the book that a lot of things are being set up for a sequel, and that may be a little unfair for the reader because we’re being intrigued and beguiled by elements that we aren’t going to see brought to fruition by the end of the book. There’s a planned sequel to Secret of the Sands but even a book with a planned sequel should give some answers to the reader be satisfied some of their questions and really to whet their appetite for the next book. But these are minor quibbles compared to all the overall quality and strengths of the book.

This is a beautifully written book and I enjoyed reading it very much, and that I would readily recommend to anyone looking for a good story to read.(less)

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Dec 15, 2010 Michael rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Tell all your friends about this Secret

Secrets, deceit and lies can make almost any novel exciting. But, add to that, two stories simultaneously told, then throw in some romance, science fiction and a power struggle and what do you get? A true page turner that takes you on one heck of a journey.
Rai Aren and Tavius E. have masterfully intertwined a story about a modern day archeological dig in Egypt with a story that took place at the same exact location in ancient times.
Enjoy digging through the...more

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Mar 23, 2009 Jim Cherry rated it 5 of 5 stars

Every story is a “what if?” Writers are continually writing alternate histories of the world even if they seem identical to the world we inhabit. Ancient Egypt wavers in our minds between knowledge and imagination, fact and fiction, like waves of heat coming off the desert, is what we see real or mirage?

Secret of the Sands by Rai Aren and Tavius E has two stories running concurrently and that mirror each other. The first story is the of ancient Egypt before the Pyramids but not before the Sphinx...more Every story is a “what if?” Writers are continually writing alternate histories of the world even if they seem identical to the world we inhabit. Ancient Egypt wavers in our minds between knowledge and imagination, fact and fiction, like waves of heat coming off the desert, is what we see real or mirage?

Secret of the Sands by Rai Aren and Tavius E has two stories running concurrently and that mirror each other. The first story is the of ancient Egypt before the Pyramids but not before the Sphinx. The “what if” in Secret of the Sands embraces the theory that the Sphinx is older than accepted dating based on the evidence that parts of the Sphinx show that at one time rain flowed over its body indicating that the Sphinx must have been built at a time when the Egyptian weather was much milder and wetter approximately 12,000 years ago. We’re introduced to the kingdom of King Traeus and Queen Axiana and the extended royal family that lives in the palace. Traeus and Axiana are beloved rulers and the country is at peace. Traeus has plans to build what will become the Sphinx in honor of a legendary lion that saved an ancient king, it is to be a gift from the royal family to his people. Traeus is taken aback when at the Spring Ceremony, which honors the harvest, some of his subjects stage a protest and demand that Traeus reveal all of his plans to the people. There is also strife within Traeus’ own household, Traeus’ brother Prince Alaj and his wife Zazmaria are dissatisfied with the status quo of the lack of power Alaj has within the family, and the slights and deceit they perceive from Traeus. Zazmaria is easily seduced by the powerful enemy of Traeus, Lord Draxen. But the intriguers aren’t wrong, Traeus himself does have a secret that he is hiding from everybody. He is building a secret chamber under the Sphinx (also rumored in our day and age to exist) to house some kind of machine called the Pharom. Traeus wants to harness the power of this machine to the benefit of his people.

The concurrent story is set in our world, the world of Mitch and Alexandra, they’re lifelong friends and colleagues who are doing their field work on a dig near the Sphinx to earn their doctorates. They work for Professor Dustimaine a vainglorious man more interested in taking credit for the work and discoveries of others than doing any actual field work, except to berate the doctoral students into working harder and longer. One afternoon under the Egyptian sun Alex(andra) falls asleep and has a dream of an ancient chest with strange markings. The dream upsets her so much that she jumps up and runs until she trips over something in the sand, they dig it up to discover it’s the chest Alex was dreaming about. Inside the chest they find two scrolls made of metal from a time that predated the iron age. They take the chest to their friends in the lab Jack and Bob, who provide the comic relief but they’re skilled lab technicians and if they don’t have the equipment they know other doctorial students who do have the right equipment. Together they discover a Rosetta Stone for the two scrolls found which are written in an ancient language and parts of it written in an archaic but more modern form of ancient Egyptian. Together they decide to keep the artifacts and their discoveries away from Professor Dustimaine until they can verify their findings, but each time they make a new discovery it pushes them on to a new discovery until they find the Pharom and activate the powerful machine.
I really enjoyed this book, the authors have a very natural style, that lets the reader feel as if they’re witnessing the events as they unfold, it takes a certain amount of confidence and skill that usually takes a lifetime of writing to develop. The writers have the confidence to trust in their story to let the tension build, drawing the reader farther into the story and investing themselves into the outcome, and lets the reader discover things on their own. The writing fully involves the reader and you’ll find yourself cheering the heroes, and wanting the villain(s) to get their comeuppance. The characters are vivid and palpable, especially Mitch and Alex, the camaraderie displayed by the two characters feels as if you’re getting to know two real people. The same can be said for the descriptions, at times you can almost hear sand scrapping against rock.

I know there’s a tradition in science fiction stories of not telling too much about technologies or tools that would be used everyday by the inhabitants of the world described. But I think the Pharom should have a little background on how it came to be in Traeus’ possession, what he thinks it will do to benefit his subjects, and how he knows how to use the power. We are told the Pharom is given to man by an alien race, but we never see how that contact was made and why the aliens would give such a machine to a King of a primitive society. The Pharom is alien to Traeus and his people and would naturally invite explanation, these questions need answering, some are alluded to but that’s mostly left for the reader to fill in the blanks. I think it’s a little obvious throughout the book that a lot of things are being set up for a sequel, and that may be a little unfair for the reader because we’re being intrigued and beguiled by elements that we aren’t going to see brought to fruition by the end of the book. There’s a planned sequel to Secret of the Sands but even a book with a planned sequel should give some answers to the reader be satisfied some of their questions and really to whet their appetite for the next book. But these are minor quibbles compared to all the overall quality and strengths of the book.

This is a beautifully written book and I enjoyed reading it very much, and that I would readily recommend to anyone looking for a good story to read.(less)

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Sep 04, 2008 Debra rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: lovers of adventure and ancient Egypt

A mystery, a secret, prophetic dreams, and a threat to the planet’s existence. Sound like a good beginning? It is. But there’s more, and it starts when young archeologists Alex (Alexandra) Logan and Mitch Carver stumble across an artifact while part of an excavation team working near the Great Sphinx. The pair don’t know what they’ve discovered, but they suspect it’s significant. They also know they can’t trust the professor they report to. Meanwhile, 12,000 years earlier, a race of people calle...more

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Aug 08, 2008 Tommy rated it 5 of 5 stars

The title of this book really drew my attention to it. I'm also a big fan of James Rollins and Wilbur Smith. I love adventure novels. And the fact that this one took place in Africa, Egypt was a plus. Rai Aren and Tavius E. really know how to tell a rollicking adventure story with humor, action and romance.

The story is both present day Egypt and historical Egypt. I love that, it goes back and forth between current day and Egypt circa 10 000BCE. Two very funny present day archaeologists discover...more

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Jun 22, 2008 Michael Timlin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviews-by-leigh-o-donovan

The sands of Egypt’s past may hold the key to unlocking the future...

The Kierani king underestimated the power it had. The Kierani priests too did not know the danger it possessed. Only the Chosen One knew of its true capabilities. But, the Kierani people will soon learn its true potential.

In present-day Egypt, archaeologists Alex and Mitch stumble upon the find of a lifetime, but are puzzled by its implications. The scrolls, key notes and obelisk are in pristine condition, but what do they me...more

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Dec 05, 2008 Lil rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Anyone who likes Egyptology, Archeology, speculative fiction and even a little romance

Shelves: favorites

Oh, my, I loved it from start to finish! Rai, and Tavius have written an awesome book! I loved Mitch and Alex and Bob and Jack were great characters who added a lot to the story. I hated to see it end and even knowing a sequel is coming out, I have that feeling, the one I get when I don't want to leave a set of characters behind.
The ancient setting and characters are every bit as engaging as the modern era characters are, I cried during some parts and laughed at Bob and Jack's antics, as seconda...more

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Jan 16, 2011 Geri Ahearn rated it 5 of 5 stars

"AN IMPRESSIVE EPIC STORY OF ENDURING APPEAL ACROSS GENERATIONS!"

Mitch and Alex find a mysterious box, while working on a dig near the statue of the Great Sphinx in Egypt,and uncover artifacts that could possibly be the biggest discovery in archaeological history. How could these artifacts exist, and will a mystery be solved, or is there a plan to destroy another society? the students continue their mission with assistance from Bob and Jack to research the significant findings, but do not share...more "AN IMPRESSIVE EPIC STORY OF ENDURING APPEAL ACROSS GENERATIONS!"

Mitch and Alex find a mysterious box, while working on a dig near the statue of the Great Sphinx in Egypt,and uncover artifacts that could possibly be the biggest discovery in archaeological history. How could these artifacts exist, and will a mystery be solved, or is there a plan to destroy another society? the students continue their mission with assistance from Bob and Jack to research the significant findings, but do not share any information with the Professor. Did the Professor intend to ruin the lives of Mitch and Alex, so that he could take all the credit? Could the Professor be trusted, and was he jealous? What secret is hidden in the desert sands as the characters come to life, along with ancient civilization? I highly recommend this spellbinding adventure that spotlights archaeological theories as it takes the reader on a thrill ride, to all lovers of the ancient world who enjoy mystery and suspense with a blend of humor and romance. The interesting characters, along with a fascinating plot capture the reader's attention from beginning to end, while fueling the imagination as you crave for more with a burning desire for the next episode. Rai Aren and Tavius E. takes the reader back twelve-thousand years to the origins of the artifacts through ancient history and excitement as they create one of the Greatest stories ever told! The two authors become Master storytellers through detailed research and fantasy with an incredible imagination in an adventure made for the movie screen. A painting is made with metaphysical and mystical happenings, and the portrait is colored with past and present archaeology of Egypt. The mesmerizing story is clear and concise with all of Egypt's glory, leaving the reader in pure contentment. What kind of power was found in this relic? How old is the Great Sphinx as mysteries blow through the desert wind? How many years do we go back to meet the royal family of King Traeus? Who were the builders of the pyramids? When did deceit and adultery exist? What did the book from a cylinder found by Alex and Mitch symbolize? What did the dreams that Alex had represent? How old are the scrolls, and what language are they written in? "SECRET OF THE SANDS" is as intelligent as CLEOPATRA, as entertaining as STARGATE and as captivating as THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, with Charlton Heston, and Yul Brynner.(less)

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Apr 17, 2013 Paul Byers rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Secret of the Sands is an interesting book running two parallel stories at the same time, yet taking place 12,000 years apart. It’s part Indian Jones, part mystery thriller.

The first part of the story is about a team of modern day archeologists who discover an ancient artifact hidden beneath the Great Sphinx of Giza in Egypt. The second story is about an unknown civilization that predates the Egyptians.

Both sets of stories are well written and interwoven in a cause an effect type setting. It al...more

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Dec 30, 2010 Bonnie rated it 3 of 5 stars

I enjoyed the idea, but I found some of the writing leaving me wanting. I agree with other reviers - the dialogue was child-like and in the present day scenes, there was way too much of it! There was very little character description because it was all in the dialogue. The scenes in the past were much more entertaining for me.

At times I found myself slightly bored and other times I had to turn the page to find out what happens next. I suppose the word I'm looking for is uneven? I do think there...more

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Dec 31, 2008 Weavre marked it as to-read

Shelves: stories-from-different-cultures, top-ill-choices

Looks awesome ... but Luzerne doesn't have it.

It's easy to browse a nonfiction section @ the library's website, check the books here to see what I'd like, and have a list ready to go to the library. It's more frustrating to try to find fiction that way. I don't like browsing the shelves in person, because there aren't a few dozen reviews a click away from each title, and I often pull out things I think I'll like but then don't, or skip over titles I might actually really enjoy. So, I look for fi...more

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Oct 27, 2011 I, Curmudgeon rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: action-adventure, historical-mystery-meets-modern-sci, kindle-book, series, thriller

Okay, a pinch of action, a healthy portion of mystery and suspense, a touch of intrigue, throw in some old shoes, a hot babe and a pair of comically nerdy geek scientists that remind me of Ryan Styles (Drew Carey, Who’s Line Is It Anyway?) and Jack Black (School of Rock, High Fidelity) and it turns out to be an entertaining adventure story…if you like Swiss cheese.

The story centers on two struggling but gifted archeology, graduate students, working on PhD’s in Egyptology while working on a larg...more

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May 15, 2011 Cathy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A really good read. Archaeology in Egypt in the present day and what the artifacts meant to the people living in 10000 BC. And those people were not what you would think. There is supposed to be a sequel that, I hope, will finish the story and reveal a surprise ending but it's not written yet. Waiting anxiously.

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Dec 19, 2010 Donald Gorman rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book bounces back and forth in a fascinating balance between modern day archeologists and a theoretical civilization from 12,000 years ago. It is a great hypothesis about the origins of the Sphynx and the civilization that created it. The story is told in a deft, yet casual style that makes it accessable and fun for any reader. There is an impressive array of characters, the story moves in a fast-moving pace that will keep you turning pages. The theory of the authors about the Sphynx, thoug...more

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Jun 04, 2011 Jason Blacker rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was a fun and very interesting novel. I loved the way the author wove the historical scenes with the modern day times. The characters were a lot of fun to read, and the humour of the modern day archaeologists added immensely to the story.

I'm very interested in reading the sequel and seeing how the story unfolds. I find the very idea of the theme both probable and intriguing in its explanation of the technology of the ancient Egyptians.

If you love Egypt, if you love fantasy, mystery and adve...more

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Jul 20, 2009 J.C. Torre rated it 3 of 5 stars

Let me just say - it's rare I leave reviews. I only do it for books I truly do love. As an author, I understand the destructive nature a bad review can give a book, so I subscribe to the old adage, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all."

Secret of the Sands has forced me to break that oath. It's a confounding book that you'd like to love but it makes you work so hard to get there that by the furious end, it leaves you winded and feeling like you worked to hard to see...more Let me just say - it's rare I leave reviews. I only do it for books I truly do love. As an author, I understand the destructive nature a bad review can give a book, so I subscribe to the old adage, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all."

Secret of the Sands has forced me to break that oath. It's a confounding book that you'd like to love but it makes you work so hard to get there that by the furious end, it leaves you winded and feeling like you worked to hard to see the resolution.

Why is it so hard? Well, for one the writing style of the authors, Rai and Tavius isn't typical to my reading preference. That's not their fault. I enjoy a descriptive narrative told in an active voice, while Rai and Tavius' work is primarily telling, passive. This is not to say they don't paint a nice picture of the imagery of what's going on - but it reads at points like a report rather than a fiction tale.

Secondly, the dialogue between the characters (especially those in present time) seems out of place at points and at times comically bad. Some of the characters are paper thin caricatures of evil villains past, such as the conniving assistant Fessel.

The authors are much better when they flashback to Ancient Egypt, but even then its hard to picture a Queen's son in antiquity calling her "Mommy". Little things like that seemed to break you out of the story.

So that's the negative. The positive and the reason I gutted through is that Secret of the Sands is a fantastic story with action, suspense, and musty dusty discoveries that amaze the mind. As Alex and Mitch sift through the clues to what the Pharom is, you're whisked back to Ancient Egypt where the old story of betrayal is interwoven with the mystical powers of an unknown origin.

As you approach the end you'll notice the writing is better, tighter and at a frantic pace. It makes for fun reading that is a page turner toward the end.

I'd recommend Secret of the Sands to those who love history, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Astronaut theory, or all of the above.

JC De La Torre
Author of

Rise of the Ancients - Annuna (less)

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Jan 26, 2010 Todd Fonseca rated it 4 of 5 stars

In present day Egypt, young Egyptologists Alexandra Logan and her coworker Mitch begin experiencing strange dreams while excavating near the Sphinx. Seeming almost more like an alternative reality than a dream, they discover ancient scrolls containing a language pre-dating the Egyptian culture. However, the containers within which they are found, though carbon dated to ancient times, contain materials and metallurgy far beyond the capabilities previously known to exist. Mitch and Alex search for...more

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Nov 11, 2008 Rai rated it 5 of 5 stars · (Review from the author)

5 out of 5 stars: Loved every minute of it!, By Marauder (Louisiana, USA), Deputy Headmistress of the Official Potterholics Annonymous

The description that initially comes to mind is Indiana Jones, with a bit of Stargate, Mummy, and 5th Element, yet remaining completely unique.

Secret of the Sands is an excitingly vivid, page-turning adventure infused with history, humor, and excitement. Rai Aren and Tavius E. have created a spectacular story with characters that I just love or simply love to hate...more

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Sep 01, 2009 GoldenjoyBazyll rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, mystery

This book is exciting from the minute the author begins putting words on the paper! Of course, I love anything that has Egyptian reference... archeology... and a little excitement rolled in! :) It's the story of 2 friends who are doing an archeology intership in Egypt. Their professor is not the most popular guy in the desert and is working all of them to exhaustian. Early on in the novel... the friends make a BIG discovery- one that could make thier careers. They plan on telling the professor (...more

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Mar 04, 2011 Dawn Jobes rated it 1 of 5 stars

Although I read a lot of good reviews on this book, and it won some kind of reward; I didn't feel that it deserved it. I was only pulled into the story to see how it would end and find out what the 'secret' was.

I didn't feel that the writing was that good. There wasn't enough description of things going on. The writers seemed to expect the reader to know what Egypt looked like currently and in the past for this story.

There wasn't enough character development for me as a reader.

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Jan 28, 2012 Darcy rated it 2 of 5 stars

I enjoyed the story about the ancient Egyptians but I didn't enjoy the overarching story of the archeologists. I didn't feel that story line was written as well as the other. There were portions of the story that seemed to be left hanging and didn't really tie well into other parts of the story. I kept expecting a bit more. While I realize there is a sequel to this - it didn't draw me in enough to want to read the sequel.

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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2211428.Secret_of_the_Sands?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348360864l/2211428.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2211428.Secret_of_the_Sands?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Secret of the Sands by Rai Aren[/url]

Secret of the Sands (Secret of the Sands #1)

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