Whew, what a ride!

When I first stated reading this, I hadn't read the first book, Jake Ransom and the Skull King's Shadow. I found it confusing, and kind of didn't want to even read it after that. But I'd won it on GoodReads (thanks!), so I felt responsible for finishing and reviewing it.

Well!!

I am so happy I stuck with this! (I bought the first book and read it, so this one made a LOT more sense after that!) This should seriously be made into a movie -- I'd watch it, for sure!

Jake Ransom and his older sister, Kady, are back, still searching through time for their mother and father, who have been missing for the past three years. In the last book, they were accidentally transported into the distant past, where they were able to experience different cultures and make new friends, all while helping to save the land of Calypsos from the Skull King.

This time around, they've deliberately gone back in time in order to continue their search for their parents.

On their last adventure, we met Mayans, Neanderthals, Vikings, and Romans. This time Jake and Kady (as well as their friends from Calypsos) are transported into an Egyptian land, meeting the haughty princess Nefertiti and battling an evil cult.

Here are some things I love about this series so far:

History! The author includes a lot of historical facts -- as well as some fun stuff that isn't meant to be taken as realistic. There's enough here, though, to interest kids who might want to do some research on their own. This would be a great jumping off point for homeschool kids, especially.

Books for boys! For girls, too -- obviously -- but it seems like it's difficult to find books to interest boys enough to get them (and KEEP them) reading. No problems here -- adventure abounds, with battles, intrigue, and heroics on every page.

Good family values! Yeah, I know how that sounds, but it really is true. Jake and his friends are GOOD. They do the right thing, helping even those who wouldn't help them. Jake has a real sense of responsibility, and he takes it very seriously. He's kind, strong, caring, and intelligent -- and he also kicks ass. I especially like the way he treats his sort-of kind-of love interest (a very sweet subplot that is a VERY minor part of the story -- no yucky kissing parts here), Marika. He is chivalrous and protective, but not OVER protective. Marika is no shrinking violet, either. She's faster than Jake, and just as smart and brave, and she's as dedicated to doing the right thing as he is.

Neanderthals! They are presented in an interesting way, as the wisest of the people Jake meets. While perhaps not scientifically accurate (but who knows?), they are proud, but unassuming, strong, but not forceful. They're almost . . . elemental? Another possible subject to encourage young readers to research.

Again, there is this strong devotion to family and friends in this book, as there was in the previous one. it's slightly old-fashioned, I guess, but very sweet -- and I wish this sort of devotion and loyalty was something presented more often in our society. (Preachy, preachy! Sorry!)

Another thing that I really like about this series is that there aren't any sneak attacks emotionally -- while there are characters who aren't who they initially seems to be, the people whom Jake trusts are true friends. I think this is wonderful for younger readers who might be unduly upset by a trusted friend's betrayal.

Really, the only complaint I have here is with the books' portrayal of Jake's sister, Kady. Although she is strong and smart, there is a certain shallowness to her. She cares a little too much about makeup and boys, which is probably the way boys see their older (and younger?) sisters. But still. I'm hoping Kady grows even more in future books. The other girls/women in the series, so far -- with notable exceptions -- are less superficial. And maybe that's the author's point? Maybe Kady is written as a product of the time she lives in, when we're all probably more superficial than people in previous times?

I highly recommend this book (and the series) for boys AND girls -- probably in the tween range -- as well as for any adults who like a bit of adventure. I could honestly see this as a successor to Harry Potter -- although this is in no way like that series, other than in the characterizations of the hero and his friends.

And please -- bring on the Jake Ransom movies!!