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Jack Hunter #1
Jack Hunter - Secret of the King
A castle, chilling graveyards, secret passageways, historical clues and hidden treasure; Jack Hunter is packed with electrifying child-appeal for both girls and boys. (39,000 words, approximately 130 Kindle pages). Twelve year-old Jack Hunter's life couldn't get any worse - forced to move home, ripped away from his friends and dragged to a town in the middle of nowhere. But then Jack discovers a centuries-old key that unlocks an historical secret. Suddenly he finds himself on the hunt of an ancient treasure trove with the help of some new friends. Full of twists, clues, villians and a host of potential suspects, Jack Hunter - Secret of the King provides a riveting read from beginning to end. The adventure begins now...
- GenresChildrens
200 pages, Paperback
First published July 25, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 16, 2012
My Review: Like any 12 years old, Jack Hunter did not want to leave his school and friends and move to a new place. During a visit to his grandfather house, his grandfather told him a story about a buried treasure he found and lost as a young boy. He made Jack promised never to tell anyone not even his parents and gave him a gold coin he had taken from the wooden box.
While hanging out with his new friends Jack let slip to them about the treasure and the gold coin his grandfather gave him.
Suddenly he finds himself with Jules, Martin, Holly and BT on a hunt for the treasure as they tries to discover the secrets of the mystery gold coin. They had to race against time to find the treasure and solve the clues and puzzles as they where not the only ones looking for this treasure.
This book reminds me of The Famous Five, a British television series based on the children's books of the same name by Enid Blyton. They always got caught up in adventures.
The first few chapters I found to be slow pace but then it later picked giving us a story full of twists, clues, villains and the mystery of King Richard and the Four Corners.
Overall, interesting read for young boys and girls.
Disclaimer: As per FTC guidelines, I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation. All opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone.
While hanging out with his new friends Jack let slip to them about the treasure and the gold coin his grandfather gave him.
Suddenly he finds himself with Jules, Martin, Holly and BT on a hunt for the treasure as they tries to discover the secrets of the mystery gold coin. They had to race against time to find the treasure and solve the clues and puzzles as they where not the only ones looking for this treasure.
This book reminds me of The Famous Five, a British television series based on the children's books of the same name by Enid Blyton. They always got caught up in adventures.
The first few chapters I found to be slow pace but then it later picked giving us a story full of twists, clues, villains and the mystery of King Richard and the Four Corners.
Overall, interesting read for young boys and girls.
Disclaimer: As per FTC guidelines, I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation. All opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone.
March 30, 2012
If you loved National Treasure then you will definitely love Jack Hunter - Secret of the King. There is excitement, adventure, horrible villains and treasure, pretty much everything you ever wanted in a children's novel.
The story of Jack's adventure begins with a gold coin and a mystery from his grandfather. Being 12 years of age and having too much spare time, Jack quickly begins to unravel the mystery behind the gold coin and its secret treasure. However Jack is not the only one who is interested in finding the treasure. Can Jack and his friends get to it before the other person does?
Jack Hunter reminds me of the classic adventure stories that I used to read when I was younger. It is fast paced and well written novel with a fine cast of engaging characters. Each member of the group has their own strengths and brings a good balance to the dynamics of the group. I also enjoyed how the book mixes history and myths together to add a bit of extra depth to this highly imaginative story.
You should also pay attention to the little clues found in the book as they help reveal the secret to unlocking the puzzle on the author's website.
Jack Hunter - Secret of the King is a fun and exciting start to an adventure series for young readers.
(Repost from http://www.paperlessreading.com/2012/...)
The story of Jack's adventure begins with a gold coin and a mystery from his grandfather. Being 12 years of age and having too much spare time, Jack quickly begins to unravel the mystery behind the gold coin and its secret treasure. However Jack is not the only one who is interested in finding the treasure. Can Jack and his friends get to it before the other person does?
Jack Hunter reminds me of the classic adventure stories that I used to read when I was younger. It is fast paced and well written novel with a fine cast of engaging characters. Each member of the group has their own strengths and brings a good balance to the dynamics of the group. I also enjoyed how the book mixes history and myths together to add a bit of extra depth to this highly imaginative story.
You should also pay attention to the little clues found in the book as they help reveal the secret to unlocking the puzzle on the author's website.
Jack Hunter - Secret of the King is a fun and exciting start to an adventure series for young readers.
(Repost from http://www.paperlessreading.com/2012/...)
March 16, 2012
It is amazing and wonderful what one will find on Twitter! I came across a tweet promoting Martin King's book- Jack Hunter- Secret of the King and clicked the link. From there I was taken to a page where humbly asked in return for a tweet about the book, a free copy would be recieved. So I did and as promised, recieved a free copy.
Well I now had a book in front of me and I started reading...and then read some more... and soon was whisked away into young Jack Hunter's captivating mystery adventure! What makes this wonderful story even better is at the top of each chapter you will find a letter or two. As you write them down, it will soon make out a clue. Also! At the end of each chapter you will find a number in parenthesis, write those down! After reading this wonderful book(I did very quickly today!) you are then directed to Mr. King's blog where cleverly and very well challenging, you then search for clues to solve the riddles so that you may open the treasure box! I admit a few challenged me a bit(thank you Google!)
From there...well go read the book then and you shall find out!
I give this wonderful book five stars, brilliant, clever and imaginative! I will now gladly share the book with my children! Well done Mr. King!
A.D. Duling
Well I now had a book in front of me and I started reading...and then read some more... and soon was whisked away into young Jack Hunter's captivating mystery adventure! What makes this wonderful story even better is at the top of each chapter you will find a letter or two. As you write them down, it will soon make out a clue. Also! At the end of each chapter you will find a number in parenthesis, write those down! After reading this wonderful book(I did very quickly today!) you are then directed to Mr. King's blog where cleverly and very well challenging, you then search for clues to solve the riddles so that you may open the treasure box! I admit a few challenged me a bit(thank you Google!)
From there...well go read the book then and you shall find out!
I give this wonderful book five stars, brilliant, clever and imaginative! I will now gladly share the book with my children! Well done Mr. King!
A.D. Duling
August 2, 2011
I am reviewing “Jack Hunter-Secret of the King” by Martin King
When Mr. King asked me to review his book I was intrigued for I do enjoy children's books of all ages.
I was not prepared to be hooked that quickly. The book even though it is an ebook was a page turner.
The characters were believable and generally likable.
One has know that with the author being from the UK, the style of writing is different. For example, what we would write as flavor he wrote as flavour. But don't let that stop you from giving this book a chance. It is a good old fashion who done it mystery- kids style. I am looking forward to the next installation from Mr. King in this series.
I thoroughly loved this book and if you have a young child in your family- this would be a great pick up for them.
When Mr. King asked me to review his book I was intrigued for I do enjoy children's books of all ages.
I was not prepared to be hooked that quickly. The book even though it is an ebook was a page turner.
The characters were believable and generally likable.
One has know that with the author being from the UK, the style of writing is different. For example, what we would write as flavor he wrote as flavour. But don't let that stop you from giving this book a chance. It is a good old fashion who done it mystery- kids style. I am looking forward to the next installation from Mr. King in this series.
I thoroughly loved this book and if you have a young child in your family- this would be a great pick up for them.
August 10, 2025
Unfortunately, this was not an enjoyable book to read. It would have benefitted from a stronger editing process as it reads like a rough draft. The story kept jumping ahead to a new conversation or location with no explanation as to what had happened in between. It felt very clunky and took me out of the story. The dialogue between the child characters did not feel realistic, nor did the main character's internal monologue. The latter was also disruptive to the flow of the story as the majority wasn't necessary for the plot. Exclamation marks are overused, presumably to create excitement.
I think the historical mystery aspect of the plot had potential but the jerky writing style made it difficult to follow.
I think the historical mystery aspect of the plot had potential but the jerky writing style made it difficult to follow.
February 7, 2020
How to find the grave of the king when two other countries are after it? Jack Hunter knows
March 2, 2013
Twelve-year-old Jack did not want to move. He liked where he lived and now he has to move away from all his friends and everything he knows. Jack quickly makes good friends at his new home. Jack’s grandfather (which is the reason that the Hunter Family moved – to take care of him) tells him about a treasure he had found when he was a boy and his granddad had a coin to prove it. The rest of the treasure was still out there, somewhere. Jack’s granddad made Jack promise not to tell anyone about the treasure, but Jack accidentally told his new friends and they all set off to find the ancient treasure. The kids have to crack codes and solve puzzles that lead them to the treasure. Unfortunately for them, there were some other not-so-nice people looking for and wanting the treasure too!
The characters in this book, Jack and all his friends (Holly (Shaun Hollingsworth), Jules, BT and Martin) were all great. I thought they made a great team and they were really believable kids. The plot of the book was very exciting and I liked the adventure described in the story. The book was a quick read for me, but I think that the story was told in a good way that didn’t leave me thinking it should have had more. In a couple of places I could tell what was going to happen next, but it still had enough suspense and it was a very fun read. I liked the code that Mr. King hid in the book at the beginning of each chapter.
**Note - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The characters in this book, Jack and all his friends (Holly (Shaun Hollingsworth), Jules, BT and Martin) were all great. I thought they made a great team and they were really believable kids. The plot of the book was very exciting and I liked the adventure described in the story. The book was a quick read for me, but I think that the story was told in a good way that didn’t leave me thinking it should have had more. In a couple of places I could tell what was going to happen next, but it still had enough suspense and it was a very fun read. I liked the code that Mr. King hid in the book at the beginning of each chapter.
**Note - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 9, 2015
Review from Mia, aged 11...
When Jack Hunter moves to St. Mary's Avenue, he had no idea what will be in store for him. His Grandad lives nearby and starts talking to Jack about a treasure trove underneath a golf course. Soon, with the help of his new friends, Jack begins an epic journey of discovery. The mystery involves an antique key and an old coin which are both clues to the secrets of the past...
This book contains clues to a secret code-breaker. If you collect the letters at the beginning of each chapter, you will discover the location to where the code-breaker is hidden.
This book is just under 200 pages of thrills!
Bleach House Library followers will know that I like action, adventure and mystery, so this is seriously my kind of book. I loved keeping track of the codes and my tip is to write down the numbers at the end of the chapters as well as the letters, on a piece of paper or post-it, at the front of the book. It has nice short chapters, perfect for reading homework.
I hear there is a second Jack Hunter book, called The French Connection, on the way, and I am a bit excited!!!!
Perfect for age 9+
When Jack Hunter moves to St. Mary's Avenue, he had no idea what will be in store for him. His Grandad lives nearby and starts talking to Jack about a treasure trove underneath a golf course. Soon, with the help of his new friends, Jack begins an epic journey of discovery. The mystery involves an antique key and an old coin which are both clues to the secrets of the past...
This book contains clues to a secret code-breaker. If you collect the letters at the beginning of each chapter, you will discover the location to where the code-breaker is hidden.
This book is just under 200 pages of thrills!
Bleach House Library followers will know that I like action, adventure and mystery, so this is seriously my kind of book. I loved keeping track of the codes and my tip is to write down the numbers at the end of the chapters as well as the letters, on a piece of paper or post-it, at the front of the book. It has nice short chapters, perfect for reading homework.
I hear there is a second Jack Hunter book, called The French Connection, on the way, and I am a bit excited!!!!
Perfect for age 9+
August 23, 2011
Without giving too much away this book revolves around the adventures of Jack Hunter (12) and his faithful new friends as he tries to unearth the secrets and treasure of an ancient mystery passed down to him by his grandfather. It has the charm of Indiana Jones meets the famous five, and some hidden clues coupled with a clever online interactive ‘treasure hunt’ definitely demonstrates the potential for an addictive and well designed children’s series.
The book itself reads well, is incredibly imaginative, and the storyline is as unpredictable as it is fast-paced. There is also just the right balance of historical factoids and fictional myth to encourage the reader to perhaps find out more about the English monarchy without being overbearing.
It’s clear that it has been independently/self-published by a few typographical errors, but as Ebooks are not as tied to the final version as much as paperbacks this can be easily fixed. Otherwise I found it well-written and difficult to put down (even as an older reader) and especially as I approached the closing chapters.
The book itself reads well, is incredibly imaginative, and the storyline is as unpredictable as it is fast-paced. There is also just the right balance of historical factoids and fictional myth to encourage the reader to perhaps find out more about the English monarchy without being overbearing.
It’s clear that it has been independently/self-published by a few typographical errors, but as Ebooks are not as tied to the final version as much as paperbacks this can be easily fixed. Otherwise I found it well-written and difficult to put down (even as an older reader) and especially as I approached the closing chapters.
March 7, 2012
The summary above got it right - it is like reading about a young Indiana Jones going on an adventure and finding a treasure with the help of his great team of friends like in The Goonies. While reading the book, I kept thinking how this must be what Indiana Jones was like as a kid. Jack finds out about a treasure from his grandfather so he's on the search for the treasure along with some kids he became friends with after moving to a new place. Each person in the group of friends brings something to the group in order to fulfill their quest for their treasure. And what young Indiana Jones story would be complete without a villain!
Things definitely seemed convenient at times, but I don't think that distracts from the fun of the book. It even comes with a code for the kids to crack at the beginning of each chapter for a more added fun.
The author captures the thoughts of young children quite well, especially the thoughts of Jack. I recommend this book to elementary age kids and to adults who like to read about a quick adventure.
Things definitely seemed convenient at times, but I don't think that distracts from the fun of the book. It even comes with a code for the kids to crack at the beginning of each chapter for a more added fun.
The author captures the thoughts of young children quite well, especially the thoughts of Jack. I recommend this book to elementary age kids and to adults who like to read about a quick adventure.
August 2, 2011
This book reminded me of some of my favorite movies as a kid - it was a good read! I liked the action and suspense, though muddling through the British English was a little hard for me since I'm American. There were a lot of examples of poor grammar and run-on sentences with WAYYY to many commas, but overall this was a great book and I recommend it!
June 3, 2015
Definitely a children's book, maybe aimed at boys 8-12 at a guess but I enjoyed it and even have it personally signed! :)
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews