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Serpent's Treasure #1
The Ancestral Key
A two-thousand-year-old prophecy lingers at the threshold of fulfillment. Sworn to slaughter anyone they suspect could fulfill it, the Leoni family has nearly succeeded in wiping out the family they consider their greatest threat. Meanwhile, Nicolai Cavallo, eccentric heir to the vast Cavallo fortune, has hunted his entire life for his family’s long-lost treasure and is positive his search is paying off when he stumbles across what he believes is the missing key to his encoded map. In Serpent’s Treasure: The Ancestral Key a race against time begins when the computer system designed to help solve Nick’s family riddles is hacked. Elaine T. Cook expertly weaves this thrilling narrative of betrayal and daring. Nick must relocate the system’s unwilling programmer, Juliana Matthews, and convince her to aid him once more. Even so, can she fix the system before the Leonis learn Nick is attempting to fulfill the prophecy or, more importantly, before they discover he has found the key to do so?
340 pages, Paperback
First published June 4, 2013
1760 people want to read
About the author
Elaine T. Cook
1 book16 followers“Kawaii ko ni wa tabi o saseyo" was a Japanese proverb I learned while living in Japan a few years ago. It means: If you have a cute child that you love, you will send them on a journey so they can learn by experience.
In Japan, I learned the beauty of simplicity in words. Japanese is an elegant language. It takes so few words to create a sentence of immensely deep meaning. The people of Japan, the culture, and the language have become an integral part of who I am. They have positively influenced my storytelling, increasing my ability to see the world in a different perspective. Perhaps in learning the language, I discovered for the first time that a simple word choice can produce a statement of profound meaning. I grew to know and love people, who were like me, yet existing within a culture that live by a different set of rules. It broadened my mind to other cultures, people, places, and languages.
Influencing my writing, probably more than even I realize, is genealogy and family history research. I began hunting for elusive ancestors in my family tree when I was eight years old. What does that mean? It means I understand easy answers are rare. There is worth in getting the whole story, no matter how many twists and turns are discovered along the way. Studying ancestors in my family tree has taught me that the choices of one individual can affect generations, and because I am dealing with entire families, the information I have gathered has allowed me to see situations from multiple points of view. I have gained profound knowledge from ancestors I have never met as I have learned about them.
Still, the greatest benefit to my writing has come from having my own family. Entertaining and instructing my children has allowed me to find unique solutions and ideas. My five children have incredible imaginations, which has rekindled my own. Furthermore, with seven individuals and one puppy in the household, communication is a must. Because of my husband and children, I have profited from an increased ability to express myself. Serpent’s Treasure – The Ancestral Key was written for them, as well as for you. My five children are cute, and I do love them. Therefore, I created an adventure. May you enjoy the journey.
In Japan, I learned the beauty of simplicity in words. Japanese is an elegant language. It takes so few words to create a sentence of immensely deep meaning. The people of Japan, the culture, and the language have become an integral part of who I am. They have positively influenced my storytelling, increasing my ability to see the world in a different perspective. Perhaps in learning the language, I discovered for the first time that a simple word choice can produce a statement of profound meaning. I grew to know and love people, who were like me, yet existing within a culture that live by a different set of rules. It broadened my mind to other cultures, people, places, and languages.
Influencing my writing, probably more than even I realize, is genealogy and family history research. I began hunting for elusive ancestors in my family tree when I was eight years old. What does that mean? It means I understand easy answers are rare. There is worth in getting the whole story, no matter how many twists and turns are discovered along the way. Studying ancestors in my family tree has taught me that the choices of one individual can affect generations, and because I am dealing with entire families, the information I have gathered has allowed me to see situations from multiple points of view. I have gained profound knowledge from ancestors I have never met as I have learned about them.
Still, the greatest benefit to my writing has come from having my own family. Entertaining and instructing my children has allowed me to find unique solutions and ideas. My five children have incredible imaginations, which has rekindled my own. Furthermore, with seven individuals and one puppy in the household, communication is a must. Because of my husband and children, I have profited from an increased ability to express myself. Serpent’s Treasure – The Ancestral Key was written for them, as well as for you. My five children are cute, and I do love them. Therefore, I created an adventure. May you enjoy the journey.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 3, 2013
Wow! Within the first few chapters of reading this book I thought it was a mix of Romeo and Juliet (without the tragedy) and The Divinci Code. By the end of the book I added Indiana Jones adventures to the mix. What a fun book to read. It had everything you want, adventure, romance, and a bit of fantasy mixed in. Reading this book was a breath of fresh air. It’s not a YA book, which was nice because none of the drama and erratic behaviors from characters are present. That being said, the book can be enjoyed by young and old. The characters were well developed and easy to like, or hate in some cases. The story is also well developed with bits of excitement and adventure tucked in. The romance is clean and exciting at the same time. I have been immersed in the world that Elaine T. Cook has presented and I am hooked! I am eagerly awaiting the release of book two.
April 19, 2013
I really liked this book. Elaine writes it for a young adult reader, but does not speak down to the reader like other youth books tend to do. She uses expresive language to describe the characters and settings, and writes a good clean book that doesn't need sex or foul language to shock an audience. There is a little romance, mystery, adventure and fantasy all in one. I also love that the heroine in the story is a strong women that will stand by her family and beliefs.
April 6, 2013
I started reading this to my teenage daughters and they were caught up in it immediately. I liked it so much that I read it without them. I found this book engaging and fun to read. I found the characters believable. I also liked that it was a story that dealt with adult emotions but a clean read at the same time.
June 3, 2013
Treasure, a powerful artifact, life on the run, romance, this book has it all. Like all the members of her family, Juliana has a gift. But it's a gift she doesn't want anything to do with. Her family has been hunted for generations until she and her Uncle Andrew are the only ones left. But she wants nothing to do with it. Unfortunately for her, fate has something else in mind for her. The question becomes one of survival and keeping the artifact out of evil hands.
I enjoyed the 'treasure hunting' aspects of the novel. Like any good mystery, there are plenty of twists and turns. With plenty of magical elements, the author takes the reader on a fascinating journey.
The characters provide a mix of possibilities. Juliana, the reluctant heroine, must make life-altering choices that effect many beyond those who she loves. Leigh, who seems to be a friend, but may not be trustworthy. Nick Cavallo, the man who will do anything to get his hands on the artifact.
All in all, a fun read. The only problem I had with the book was the fanciness of the language. The author uses a lot of 'fancy' or big words that for me, slowed the flow of the story. I sometimes had to stop and think about what the author was really saying. Sometimes simple works best when telling a story. Other than that though the story was enjoyable.
I enjoyed the 'treasure hunting' aspects of the novel. Like any good mystery, there are plenty of twists and turns. With plenty of magical elements, the author takes the reader on a fascinating journey.
The characters provide a mix of possibilities. Juliana, the reluctant heroine, must make life-altering choices that effect many beyond those who she loves. Leigh, who seems to be a friend, but may not be trustworthy. Nick Cavallo, the man who will do anything to get his hands on the artifact.
All in all, a fun read. The only problem I had with the book was the fanciness of the language. The author uses a lot of 'fancy' or big words that for me, slowed the flow of the story. I sometimes had to stop and think about what the author was really saying. Sometimes simple works best when telling a story. Other than that though the story was enjoyable.
September 28, 2014
I have read the Serpent's Treasure, The Ancestral Key several times and look forward to reading it again, what a fun book. The First time I read the book I could not put it down and that did not change reading it a second time. The way the Author makes the characters come alive is very exciting and as you turn the pages you can not help but wonder what is going to happen next. Then all of a sudden out of the blue she gets you again with something else you would not be expecting. All the different emotions that come into play make it even better. This book is one that even small children, teens and adults can enjoy. And parents don't have to worry about keeping the content away from young and impressionable minds. Thanks for a Great Book. Have fun reading this one.
October 19, 2013
The Ancestral Key is an interesting book. It wasn't what I was expecting and I'm not sure if that's bad or good. The only thing I can say I didn't enjoy was all the computer talk and code information (which I do not like or understand). But, the main character is likable and she goes through a wide range of emotions and trials throughout the book, which makes her believable. I do appreciate the fact that she is a strong and feisty female which I love in fiction- good role models for girls. The story takes an interesting turn toward the end, but has a nice happy ending, although it gives way to book 2. All in all I would say that it is a good read, well written, and enjoyable, especially if you're a sci-fi technical fan.
March 29, 2013
It took me a bit to get into the spirit of the book, but pretty soon the pace picked up and I became more and more intrigued and curious as to how it would end.
I loved that the book had a great romantic interest develop without anything inappropriate. I would have no problem recommending this to my younger reading friends.
A solid effort from a great new author.
I loved that the book had a great romantic interest develop without anything inappropriate. I would have no problem recommending this to my younger reading friends.
A solid effort from a great new author.
August 16, 2014
I'm picky! I love to read, but it has to grab my attention, and keep it, or I just won't finish the book. "The Ancestral Key" definitely delivered! This book was a delightful read,with an interesting storyline, and twists and turns throughout the whole book!! I didn't want to put it down! I'm anxiously anticipating the next book in this series.
March 28, 2018
I liked it. The action and plotting is very good. It probably could have used a stronger editing touch, but the writing gets tighter as you get into the story. Give this a chance and encourage the author to complete the series!
June 1, 2013
Read the review on my blog:
http://thaliasbooks.tumblr.com/post/5...
http://thaliasbooks.tumblr.com/post/5...
February 11, 2019
I don't typically read fiction .... I enjoyed the unexpected twists and turns in the story, the mystery and adventure.... I look forward to Elaine's next book.
July 8, 2013
I've had this book since it was released but I haven't had a chance to read it. Man I wish I read it sooner. I LOVE this book! I couldn't put it down. I'm finding it hard to explain the things I loved most about this book without giving things away.... hmmm so I'm just going to say - Check it out for yourself, you won't be sorry!
May 5, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. The story line holds my attention and I am anxious to read the next book. The only thing about the book that I found a bit distracting were the author's very specific details when it came to things like food or clothing.
February 16, 2014
I love a good book where the characters are well defined and Ms. Cook has done an excellent job of this. It flows nicely which is the sign of good writer. The heroine is easy to identify with. I'm looking forward to her next novel.
March 14, 2013
The book captivated me. The characters and relationships Elaine T. Cook conjured up are intriguing, the pace is fast and the story line is compelling. I'm ready for the sequel.
April 4, 2013
Fun story line and great characters. When is the next book due, Elaine? I don't like having unanswered questions.
August 13, 2014
It was great! As you get into the book, you just cant stop reading. Great ending that wants you to read the, soon to come, next book.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews