What do you think?
Rate this book
Harley James Adventures #1
Harley James and the Mystery of the Mayan Kings
Will Harley Find the Missing Mayan Statue & Save the World?
Amateur cryptologist Harley James has just landed in the sticky jungle of Tikal, Guatemala—home to the famous Mayan ruins. She’s made a few friends, a few mistakes…and a ground-breaking discovery.
The legendary statue of the long-lost Mayan King.
Just as she is about to impress her father with her discovery, the statue is stolen. Right from her own room!
And what’s worse? The legend says if the statues of the three kings are reunited, they’ll bring back an army from the dead to rule the world.
Follow along with Harley as she tracks down the missing Mayan statue, solves a few riddles and stumbles upon a secret society that will change her life forever!
Amateur cryptologist Harley James has just landed in the sticky jungle of Tikal, Guatemala—home to the famous Mayan ruins. She’s made a few friends, a few mistakes…and a ground-breaking discovery.
The legendary statue of the long-lost Mayan King.
Just as she is about to impress her father with her discovery, the statue is stolen. Right from her own room!
And what’s worse? The legend says if the statues of the three kings are reunited, they’ll bring back an army from the dead to rule the world.
Follow along with Harley as she tracks down the missing Mayan statue, solves a few riddles and stumbles upon a secret society that will change her life forever!
150 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 11, 2022
100 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 15, 2022
Harley James is the daughter of a renowned archeologist. She’s also an amateur cryptologist as there’s nothing she likes to do more than breaking codes and deciphering messages. While exploring the jungle around some Mayan ruins, she puts her skills to use and finds an old Mayan statue. She decides to bring it home with her. But when she’s about to present her discovery to her dad, it’s no longer where she put it. Harley’s determined to find out who stole it. She needs to be quick though. The statue she found is one of three legendary statues that are part of an eerie Mayan legend. Should the statues ever manage to come together, they will bring back an army from the dead to rule the world.
You might think at first glance that this is Indiana Jones for kids. And this story definitely does have some of those elements. But at its heart it’s much more a fun and adventurous children’s mystery story in a really cool setting. It’s quite a simple kind of plot with Harley trying to find out who stole her statue. It’s also a little bit educational, in a very fun and rather casual way. And it’s definitely a joy to read. I can only hope some kids might get inspired to learn more about Mayan history and culture, or maybe even aspire them to explore the world themselves one day, after reading this book.
I must admit it’s a clever ending, with a pretty good conclusion to wrap up the story at hand while also setting things up for the rest of the series. It feels like this will be a kid’s series in the same vein as TV shows like The Librarians, Relic Hunter and Hooten & the Lady. And in that regard, this book feels like a pretty good start if you ask me.
You might think at first glance that this is Indiana Jones for kids. And this story definitely does have some of those elements. But at its heart it’s much more a fun and adventurous children’s mystery story in a really cool setting. It’s quite a simple kind of plot with Harley trying to find out who stole her statue. It’s also a little bit educational, in a very fun and rather casual way. And it’s definitely a joy to read. I can only hope some kids might get inspired to learn more about Mayan history and culture, or maybe even aspire them to explore the world themselves one day, after reading this book.
I must admit it’s a clever ending, with a pretty good conclusion to wrap up the story at hand while also setting things up for the rest of the series. It feels like this will be a kid’s series in the same vein as TV shows like The Librarians, Relic Hunter and Hooten & the Lady. And in that regard, this book feels like a pretty good start if you ask me.
July 28, 2022
Twelve year old Harley James isn’t your typical teenager… spending her time travelling around the world with her archaeologist Dad, Harley’s life is not quite ordinary.
A budding cryptologist, intelligent and stubborn Harley is currently on a dig in Tikal, Guatemala with her father and tutor Jessica. Along with her new friend Aly, her furry sidekick Daisy and the mysterious Deacon, Harley must uncover the secret location of the three jade statues which house the ‘hearts’ of the Three Kings who, according to superstition will return and wreak havoc if the three statues are reunited.
This story is the first in the Harley James’ series and what a way to kick it off. Jam packed with suspense and adventure I found it very hard to put down. Not only was it an exciting read, but I found it very interesting with all the historical and cultural facts that I learnt about the Mayans and Guatemala as I read.
Delving into themes of friendship, self-worth, family and courage I enjoyed joining Harley on this epic adventure and I can’t wait to see what kind of trouble she gets herself into next.
A budding cryptologist, intelligent and stubborn Harley is currently on a dig in Tikal, Guatemala with her father and tutor Jessica. Along with her new friend Aly, her furry sidekick Daisy and the mysterious Deacon, Harley must uncover the secret location of the three jade statues which house the ‘hearts’ of the Three Kings who, according to superstition will return and wreak havoc if the three statues are reunited.
This story is the first in the Harley James’ series and what a way to kick it off. Jam packed with suspense and adventure I found it very hard to put down. Not only was it an exciting read, but I found it very interesting with all the historical and cultural facts that I learnt about the Mayans and Guatemala as I read.
Delving into themes of friendship, self-worth, family and courage I enjoyed joining Harley on this epic adventure and I can’t wait to see what kind of trouble she gets herself into next.
May 1, 2022
Actual rating 4.5 stars, rounded down to 4 because it's not quite a 5 for me.
Leah Cupps has written a fun and exciting middle grade novel with a main character, Harley James, who will appeal greatly to the intended readers. Harley James and the Mystery of the Mayan Kings is the first in a proposed series of middle grade chapter books featuring Harley, who travels to different archaeological sites around the world with her father and gets embroiled with mysteries at each of these sites that she has uniquely suited skills to help solve. I look forward to the continuing series for several reasons.
There is much to like in this first novel, starting with Harley herself. She is the age of her intended readers (12), and she is both studious and adventurous. She is neither bratty nor too precocious, and she has fears and flaws that middle grade young people will be able to identify with and understand. She is good at solving puzzles, quite adept at cryptology, loves learning about history, but she is not a genius know-it-all. She struggles with some of the studies she has to undertake, and she gets in trouble for not always obeying her father. It's also great that she has a loving father, but one who doesn't just give her a pass on her impulsive actions that may help to solve whatever mystery is afoot, but also puts her in some danger. Her mother has recently died, and she has moments of sadness and grief, which will also be helpful to readers who have also experienced a loss.
Another aspect of this novel that I liked, also connected to Harley's age and the intended audience, is that the author has written the story from Harley's point of view, and this includes using phrasing and descriptions that a 12-year-old narrator would use. Some adult readers might find this off-putting (there is a bit of hyperbole in the way Harley describes things), but the 11, 12, and 13-year-olds reading the story will "hear" themselves in such language. As an example, at one point Harley says that sweat was leaking all over her body, making her clothes stick to her skin. A smoother phrasing would be something like "I broke out in a sweat," but there is a charming and authentic ring to Harley's "sweat leaking all over my body" that the 12- and 13-year-olds I know would understand immediately. The author's note mentions that Cupps wrote this book for and with the help of her daughter, and I think that is wonderful, and accounts for the way the story reads.
Additionally, while Harley will appeal especially to young girls, there is plenty in this novel to appeal to middle grade boys. The novel goes into some interesting descriptions of Mayan culture that boys will find appealing - zip lining, the ancient sport of pok-ta-pok (a soccer-like game with dire consequences for the losers), exploring the jungle, and a male character who will no doubt feature in future books in the series. Other bonuses in this book: the imparting of history, archaeology, and cryptology in an organic way through Harley, her dad, and other characters rather than a seeming "lecture" about those things; and, most importantly, the empowering message of learning to conquer one's fears. Harley confronts and manages to do things she fears greatly, giving her much-needed boosts of self-confidence, but it is also clear that the fears aren't completely erased, and that is a highly important message for tweens and teens to realize. And, of course, it's great to see characters who are both smart AND adventurous, showing that being something of a "nerd" (as Harley is) is a plus in many of these adventures.
There are some pre-publication technical issues that I hope will be corrected through a careful proofreading/editing pass: some misspellings, missing words, some incorrect pronoun attributions (using "her" when it's clearly intended to indicate a male character and vice versa), and in a couple of places some confusing details: in one case, when the scene is described as only Harley and her dad talking in a room, Jessica suddenly interjects something, but it's not clear she was in the room or when she arrived; in another scene, Harley is said to have put an item in her backpack for safekeeping, but in the next moment, Jessica is said to be reaching out to take that same item out of Harley's hands. These are all fairly easy fixes through proofreading and will ease confusion for readers in the final published book.
My 1/2 star deduction comes from my disappointment that, given the setting, there is not an attempt to include more instances of Spanish dialogue from characters like Aly, her brother Ricardo, Aly's parents (all of whom are from the area, not English-speaking transplants like Harley and her dad or Deacon and his parents). It is understandable why Jessica would speak mostly English as she is a graduate student in the US and living with Harley and her dad as a tutor and a graduate assistant to Harley's dad. But, it is mentioned a few times that Jessica is from Guatemala and went to the US to study. The assumption would be that she would speak Spanish to people in the area who also speak Spanish. The same with Aly and her family. Aly would naturally speak English to Harley since Harley doesn't speak Spanish very well, but it implies that Aly and her family are almost native English speakers in the way their dialogue is rendered - wouldn't they struggle a little with some words, perhaps throwing in a word or two in Spanish when they aren't sure of the English word? It seems a bit inauthentic to have characters who are described as being native to Guatemala talk only English except for the odd "hola," especially when they are speaking to each other. This is also a missed opportunity to include some organic Spanish language lessons for the intended readers. Harley states at one point that she has started to pick up on the language, but hasn't mastered it. And wouldn't Harley's dad have made some attempt to learn some of the language to speak to people working with him on the archaeological site who are from the area? I could easily see a few scenes in which Aly and Jessica help Harley learn some phrases in Spanish as part of her lessons in Mayan culture. Perhaps her dad could encourage her to practice her Spanish with Aly.
Final thoughts: I am sure this story and the planned sequels will appeal to the middle grade target audience. There are lots of entertaining and truly fascinating elements that will keep young readers interested, and Harley is an endearing main character - I love the added touch of Daisy, the dog. This is an added draw for this age group. Although the downloadable materials from the website mentioned in the front of the book were not available to download when I went to the website, this will be another added element that will excite these young readers, and encourage them to put their brains to work like Harley. I look forward to seeing the final published version of the book, and I will be looking for the rest of the planned series! We NEED more books like this for this age group!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to Book Sirens and Leah Cupps for the opportunity to read and review this wonderful story.
Leah Cupps has written a fun and exciting middle grade novel with a main character, Harley James, who will appeal greatly to the intended readers. Harley James and the Mystery of the Mayan Kings is the first in a proposed series of middle grade chapter books featuring Harley, who travels to different archaeological sites around the world with her father and gets embroiled with mysteries at each of these sites that she has uniquely suited skills to help solve. I look forward to the continuing series for several reasons.
There is much to like in this first novel, starting with Harley herself. She is the age of her intended readers (12), and she is both studious and adventurous. She is neither bratty nor too precocious, and she has fears and flaws that middle grade young people will be able to identify with and understand. She is good at solving puzzles, quite adept at cryptology, loves learning about history, but she is not a genius know-it-all. She struggles with some of the studies she has to undertake, and she gets in trouble for not always obeying her father. It's also great that she has a loving father, but one who doesn't just give her a pass on her impulsive actions that may help to solve whatever mystery is afoot, but also puts her in some danger. Her mother has recently died, and she has moments of sadness and grief, which will also be helpful to readers who have also experienced a loss.
Another aspect of this novel that I liked, also connected to Harley's age and the intended audience, is that the author has written the story from Harley's point of view, and this includes using phrasing and descriptions that a 12-year-old narrator would use. Some adult readers might find this off-putting (there is a bit of hyperbole in the way Harley describes things), but the 11, 12, and 13-year-olds reading the story will "hear" themselves in such language. As an example, at one point Harley says that sweat was leaking all over her body, making her clothes stick to her skin. A smoother phrasing would be something like "I broke out in a sweat," but there is a charming and authentic ring to Harley's "sweat leaking all over my body" that the 12- and 13-year-olds I know would understand immediately. The author's note mentions that Cupps wrote this book for and with the help of her daughter, and I think that is wonderful, and accounts for the way the story reads.
Additionally, while Harley will appeal especially to young girls, there is plenty in this novel to appeal to middle grade boys. The novel goes into some interesting descriptions of Mayan culture that boys will find appealing - zip lining, the ancient sport of pok-ta-pok (a soccer-like game with dire consequences for the losers), exploring the jungle, and a male character who will no doubt feature in future books in the series. Other bonuses in this book: the imparting of history, archaeology, and cryptology in an organic way through Harley, her dad, and other characters rather than a seeming "lecture" about those things; and, most importantly, the empowering message of learning to conquer one's fears. Harley confronts and manages to do things she fears greatly, giving her much-needed boosts of self-confidence, but it is also clear that the fears aren't completely erased, and that is a highly important message for tweens and teens to realize. And, of course, it's great to see characters who are both smart AND adventurous, showing that being something of a "nerd" (as Harley is) is a plus in many of these adventures.
There are some pre-publication technical issues that I hope will be corrected through a careful proofreading/editing pass: some misspellings, missing words, some incorrect pronoun attributions (using "her" when it's clearly intended to indicate a male character and vice versa), and in a couple of places some confusing details: in one case, when the scene is described as only Harley and her dad talking in a room, Jessica suddenly interjects something, but it's not clear she was in the room or when she arrived; in another scene, Harley is said to have put an item in her backpack for safekeeping, but in the next moment, Jessica is said to be reaching out to take that same item out of Harley's hands. These are all fairly easy fixes through proofreading and will ease confusion for readers in the final published book.
My 1/2 star deduction comes from my disappointment that, given the setting, there is not an attempt to include more instances of Spanish dialogue from characters like Aly, her brother Ricardo, Aly's parents (all of whom are from the area, not English-speaking transplants like Harley and her dad or Deacon and his parents). It is understandable why Jessica would speak mostly English as she is a graduate student in the US and living with Harley and her dad as a tutor and a graduate assistant to Harley's dad. But, it is mentioned a few times that Jessica is from Guatemala and went to the US to study. The assumption would be that she would speak Spanish to people in the area who also speak Spanish. The same with Aly and her family. Aly would naturally speak English to Harley since Harley doesn't speak Spanish very well, but it implies that Aly and her family are almost native English speakers in the way their dialogue is rendered - wouldn't they struggle a little with some words, perhaps throwing in a word or two in Spanish when they aren't sure of the English word? It seems a bit inauthentic to have characters who are described as being native to Guatemala talk only English except for the odd "hola," especially when they are speaking to each other. This is also a missed opportunity to include some organic Spanish language lessons for the intended readers. Harley states at one point that she has started to pick up on the language, but hasn't mastered it. And wouldn't Harley's dad have made some attempt to learn some of the language to speak to people working with him on the archaeological site who are from the area? I could easily see a few scenes in which Aly and Jessica help Harley learn some phrases in Spanish as part of her lessons in Mayan culture. Perhaps her dad could encourage her to practice her Spanish with Aly.
Final thoughts: I am sure this story and the planned sequels will appeal to the middle grade target audience. There are lots of entertaining and truly fascinating elements that will keep young readers interested, and Harley is an endearing main character - I love the added touch of Daisy, the dog. This is an added draw for this age group. Although the downloadable materials from the website mentioned in the front of the book were not available to download when I went to the website, this will be another added element that will excite these young readers, and encourage them to put their brains to work like Harley. I look forward to seeing the final published version of the book, and I will be looking for the rest of the planned series! We NEED more books like this for this age group!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to Book Sirens and Leah Cupps for the opportunity to read and review this wonderful story.
January 10, 2023
Harley travels around the world with her archeologist dad, visiting historic sites and learning about ancient legends. While in Guatemala, Harley learns the legend of the three Mayan kings. If the statues containing their souls are ever reunited, the three kings could return with an army of the dead to conquer the world. Harley and her friends must stop thieves from stealing the statues. When she discovers a secret message, Harley doesn't know who to trust.
This is a fun story with a lot of mystery and adventure! I liked the puzzle aspects of the story where Harley has to decode a secret message or encryption. The plot is not very complex, but it kept my attention. The writing style is good, but kind of simplistic, which fits the target age range.
I really loved Harley's character. She is afraid of heights, but forces herself to cope with situations where she has to climb trees or go to the top of a Mayan pyramid. She pushes herself to the limits of her endurance and exhibits a lot of courage. I liked that she has a personal inward journey to face her fears.
The illustrations are really well done and bring the story to life! I like the cartoony style, but I wish the artwork was in color instead of black and white.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
This is a fun story with a lot of mystery and adventure! I liked the puzzle aspects of the story where Harley has to decode a secret message or encryption. The plot is not very complex, but it kept my attention. The writing style is good, but kind of simplistic, which fits the target age range.
I really loved Harley's character. She is afraid of heights, but forces herself to cope with situations where she has to climb trees or go to the top of a Mayan pyramid. She pushes herself to the limits of her endurance and exhibits a lot of courage. I liked that she has a personal inward journey to face her fears.
The illustrations are really well done and bring the story to life! I like the cartoony style, but I wish the artwork was in color instead of black and white.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
April 22, 2024
interesting kids book. Has the overtones of one of the educational adventure chapter books favoured by scholastic, (Magic Treehouse, etc) but is eventually generally better plotted, less overtly educational in its overtones, clear in its feminism and body positivity messages and actually a more exciting mystery than expected
Downsides include the strange way of speaking that the local Guatemalan characters have, (they seemingly have all learned English from a book, and do not know how to use shortened forms) and a bit of a white saviour tinge to the affair, and a slightly disappointing wrap up,leading to a glaringly obvious setup for a series to follow. However the 8 year old fellow reader did express interest in following up the series, so I think it's done its job!
Downsides include the strange way of speaking that the local Guatemalan characters have, (they seemingly have all learned English from a book, and do not know how to use shortened forms) and a bit of a white saviour tinge to the affair, and a slightly disappointing wrap up,leading to a glaringly obvious setup for a series to follow. However the 8 year old fellow reader did express interest in following up the series, so I think it's done its job!
June 25, 2022
This was such a fun middle grade adventure. Harley is a smart, really clever, and brave MC that is definitely a good role model for younger kids (minus the sneaking out of course 😂). I also like her friend Aly, who is the best type of friend!
The adventure was fun and quick paced and learning about Mayan culture while reading was interesting too. The plot twist actually got me, I had no idea until just before it was revealed. Definitely a great book for young readers!
The adventure was fun and quick paced and learning about Mayan culture while reading was interesting too. The plot twist actually got me, I had no idea until just before it was revealed. Definitely a great book for young readers!
September 9, 2022
Thank you Book Sirens for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I absolutely love this series! Harley James is such a wonderful and likable character. The adventures she goes on are exciting and thrilling. I would have loved to have read these books when I was younger! Leah Cupps writing style is excellent. This is the second book I’ve read in the Harley James series and will definitely finish the rest. I even read the series to my 4 and 7 year old boys and they love it!
I absolutely love this series! Harley James is such a wonderful and likable character. The adventures she goes on are exciting and thrilling. I would have loved to have read these books when I was younger! Leah Cupps writing style is excellent. This is the second book I’ve read in the Harley James series and will definitely finish the rest. I even read the series to my 4 and 7 year old boys and they love it!
August 2, 2022
I read this book to my son and I have to say that I enjoyed the story just as much as he did! Leah Cupps has created a wonderfully imaginative series for kids that I can’t wait to follow to see where the adventures lead next. Well done. 5 stars for plot/storyline/characters. Giving this a 4/5 overall because I think one more round of edits will make it perfect, although the handful of typos I noticed didn’t detract from the enjoyability of the story.
The story moves fast and keeps the younger reader engaged with shorter, plot-driven sentences and suspense while also deftly incorporating history, geography, and more complex language to appease the 10-12 year old reader.
Highly recommend. I will be reading this entire series for sure.
The story moves fast and keeps the younger reader engaged with shorter, plot-driven sentences and suspense while also deftly incorporating history, geography, and more complex language to appease the 10-12 year old reader.
Highly recommend. I will be reading this entire series for sure.
July 26, 2022
You can read my full review on my blog, The Bookwyrm's Den, here.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Overall
This is one of those books that I picked up completely on a whim thinking that the littles in my library would love it. I obviously don’t read all the books my library gets for kids, but part of my job is recommending things, so I like to read some of the books. Mystery is a huge thing for my young readers, and I’m a pretty big fan of it myself, so this one seemed like a perfect fit. Plus, who can resist the Mayans?!
Harley James and the Mystery of the Mayan Kings is perfect for early or struggling readers, easy to read and filled with a compelling mystery. Plus, it’s set in Guatemala and focuses a lot on Mayan culture, which is always fun!
I had a lot of fun reading this book. The writing and plot is a little simple for more confident readers, but it’s perfect for young or reluctant readers who want a more adult story with simpler writing. The story certainly won’t be for everyone, because it focuses a lot on the Mayans who, if you’ve been living in a cave for the past millennium, can be just a teensy bit brutal. Like, human sacrifice brutal. (If you’ve been living in a cave for the past millennium, welcome, by the way . . . your timing could have been better, but at least it’s not 2020 anymore). For readers who can handle the darker content, the mystery and adventure is fun, and I think it’ll be a fun series.
My Thoughts
- Meet Harley James, daughter of a renowned archeologist and explorer in her own right. She’s been on adventures before, but none quite like the one she’s about to go on. First, can I just say how much I love books where archaeology and (in rarer situations) paleontology are a focus? Characters that focus on one of those two sciences will almost always convince me to read a book. What can I say? Old passions die hard. Or, you know, not at all, in this case.
Harley James isn’t quite like your average kid, which is part of what makes her so interesting. In the ways that count the most, she is your average kid: missing her late mother, afraid of spiders and heights, and sometimes making the wrong decisions and getting herself grounded. However, I’d bet that most of us don’t get to travel the world on dig sites and study archaeology, right?
I feel like there are a lot of Indiana Jones type books for middle graders that feature male characters, so it’s nice to see one with a female lead. Middle grade readers will likely relate to Harley and, hopefully, also get swept up in the mystery with her!
- Harley isn’t in it alone, though. She’s got a team of friends to help her, from her tutor, Jessica, to her best friend, Aly, to her very supportive father. While I didn’t feel like I particularly grew to know any of these characters well, they do help Harley along with her adventure. Aly is probably the one who gets most screen time, mostly because she’s Harley’s best friend and the two do plenty of things together. Harley’s father is also there, doing his father thing with some terribly nerdy puns which I absolutely love, because I’m that kind of gal.
What would a novel be without some adversaries, too? Like the mystery British boy named Duncan who shows up to the dig and immediately starts acting rude. Harley believes there’s more to him than meets the eye. She’s just not sure what.
- This book is set in Guatemala and focuses on Mayan culture, which I think is super cool . . . but also probably not for the faint of heart. I think young readers will be interested to learn more about the Mayans and their culture. I certainly was! Despite already having a cursory understanding of the Mayan culture, I learned several new and interesting things. Nothing particularly graphic happens in this book, but there are mentions of human sacrifices, so that’s definitely a thing. Still, this introduces readers to some really neat aspects of the Mayan culture and beliefs.
- One of the most interesting things about this mystery is the way it involves ciphers and codes that Harley has to crack in order to find clues. I don’t think readers themselves will find it particularly worthwhile to attempt to solve the clues themselves before Harley (though, I suppose, they could attempt it). So that’s maybe not necessarily a draw for people who are looking for that type of book. However, Harley mentions several types of codes, a couple which I didn’t know about, like the Polybius square. I could definitely see a young reader (or, heck, myself) taking this newly learned cipher and writing things in code themselves. The code breaking was pretty simple but it was fun.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Overall
This is one of those books that I picked up completely on a whim thinking that the littles in my library would love it. I obviously don’t read all the books my library gets for kids, but part of my job is recommending things, so I like to read some of the books. Mystery is a huge thing for my young readers, and I’m a pretty big fan of it myself, so this one seemed like a perfect fit. Plus, who can resist the Mayans?!
Harley James and the Mystery of the Mayan Kings is perfect for early or struggling readers, easy to read and filled with a compelling mystery. Plus, it’s set in Guatemala and focuses a lot on Mayan culture, which is always fun!
I had a lot of fun reading this book. The writing and plot is a little simple for more confident readers, but it’s perfect for young or reluctant readers who want a more adult story with simpler writing. The story certainly won’t be for everyone, because it focuses a lot on the Mayans who, if you’ve been living in a cave for the past millennium, can be just a teensy bit brutal. Like, human sacrifice brutal. (If you’ve been living in a cave for the past millennium, welcome, by the way . . . your timing could have been better, but at least it’s not 2020 anymore). For readers who can handle the darker content, the mystery and adventure is fun, and I think it’ll be a fun series.
My Thoughts
- Meet Harley James, daughter of a renowned archeologist and explorer in her own right. She’s been on adventures before, but none quite like the one she’s about to go on. First, can I just say how much I love books where archaeology and (in rarer situations) paleontology are a focus? Characters that focus on one of those two sciences will almost always convince me to read a book. What can I say? Old passions die hard. Or, you know, not at all, in this case.
Harley James isn’t quite like your average kid, which is part of what makes her so interesting. In the ways that count the most, she is your average kid: missing her late mother, afraid of spiders and heights, and sometimes making the wrong decisions and getting herself grounded. However, I’d bet that most of us don’t get to travel the world on dig sites and study archaeology, right?
I feel like there are a lot of Indiana Jones type books for middle graders that feature male characters, so it’s nice to see one with a female lead. Middle grade readers will likely relate to Harley and, hopefully, also get swept up in the mystery with her!
- Harley isn’t in it alone, though. She’s got a team of friends to help her, from her tutor, Jessica, to her best friend, Aly, to her very supportive father. While I didn’t feel like I particularly grew to know any of these characters well, they do help Harley along with her adventure. Aly is probably the one who gets most screen time, mostly because she’s Harley’s best friend and the two do plenty of things together. Harley’s father is also there, doing his father thing with some terribly nerdy puns which I absolutely love, because I’m that kind of gal.
What would a novel be without some adversaries, too? Like the mystery British boy named Duncan who shows up to the dig and immediately starts acting rude. Harley believes there’s more to him than meets the eye. She’s just not sure what.
- This book is set in Guatemala and focuses on Mayan culture, which I think is super cool . . . but also probably not for the faint of heart. I think young readers will be interested to learn more about the Mayans and their culture. I certainly was! Despite already having a cursory understanding of the Mayan culture, I learned several new and interesting things. Nothing particularly graphic happens in this book, but there are mentions of human sacrifices, so that’s definitely a thing. Still, this introduces readers to some really neat aspects of the Mayan culture and beliefs.
- One of the most interesting things about this mystery is the way it involves ciphers and codes that Harley has to crack in order to find clues. I don’t think readers themselves will find it particularly worthwhile to attempt to solve the clues themselves before Harley (though, I suppose, they could attempt it). So that’s maybe not necessarily a draw for people who are looking for that type of book. However, Harley mentions several types of codes, a couple which I didn’t know about, like the Polybius square. I could definitely see a young reader (or, heck, myself) taking this newly learned cipher and writing things in code themselves. The code breaking was pretty simple but it was fun.
July 26, 2022
RATING:
4 STARS
Leah Cupps’ Harley James and the Mystery of the Mayan Kings, the first book in the Harley James Adventures series, is an exciting and action-packed middle-grade tale. In a nutshell, it’s like a kid-friendly version of National Treasure or The Mummy. Harley, the titular character of the series, travels the world with her archaeologist father and ends up finding herself in the middle of a mystery surrounding the ruins they are currently working in. Will Harley be able to solve the mystery of the Mayan kings and save the day?
The worldbuilding is fantastic in this book. As a die-hard mythology fan (thank you to the books by Rick Riordan and the Rick Riordan Presents authors), it was cool to see the inclusion of Mayan mythology and cultural references in the story. For example, one of the coolest things I learned about while reading was the game of pok-a-tok (a soccer-like game you do not want to lose - check out The Road to El Dorado movie for a more visual example of what I mean). Ms. Cupps added another layer to the worldbuilding through the use of various illustrations included throughout the book (all of which were done in a very child-friendly style matching the cover). Overall, it was a great balance of educational value and quality entertainment.
The characters were authentic and relatable. I really enjoyed Harley’s character in particular - she’s a stereotypical ‘tween’, eager to follow in her parent’s footsteps while at the same time desiring her own freedom. She reminded me a bit of a young Indiana Jones-esque character. One unexpected (and pleasant surprise) with the book was the ability for readers to work on solving the puzzles and riddles with Harley - that made the story into an almost interactive adventure tale, and I personally had a blast with it.
When a book is less than 200 pages, you have to make every page count. Leah Cupps certainly did not disappoint in that regard. The pacing of the book is great, and there was never a dull moment in the story.
Altogether, Harley James and the Mystery of the Mayan Kings is an entertaining action-packed book filled with great worldbuilding and relatable characters. While the intended audience is children, I think it would be equally enjoyable for adults as well. If you’re a fan of family-friendly tales with mystery, action, and humor, and would like a new series to start reading, then check out Harley James and the Mystery of the Mayan Kings today. It’s perfect for budding adventurers and archaeologists alike!
Thank you to the author and Book Sirens for providing me with a complimentary review copy of the book. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review Harley James and the Mystery of the Mayan Kings immensely. Please note - I voluntarily read and reviewed the book. All opinions expressed in the review are my own and not influenced in any way.
Leah Cupps’ Harley James and the Mystery of the Mayan Kings, the first book in the Harley James Adventures series, is an exciting and action-packed middle-grade tale. In a nutshell, it’s like a kid-friendly version of National Treasure or The Mummy. Harley, the titular character of the series, travels the world with her archaeologist father and ends up finding herself in the middle of a mystery surrounding the ruins they are currently working in. Will Harley be able to solve the mystery of the Mayan kings and save the day?
The worldbuilding is fantastic in this book. As a die-hard mythology fan (thank you to the books by Rick Riordan and the Rick Riordan Presents authors), it was cool to see the inclusion of Mayan mythology and cultural references in the story. For example, one of the coolest things I learned about while reading was the game of pok-a-tok (a soccer-like game you do not want to lose - check out The Road to El Dorado movie for a more visual example of what I mean). Ms. Cupps added another layer to the worldbuilding through the use of various illustrations included throughout the book (all of which were done in a very child-friendly style matching the cover). Overall, it was a great balance of educational value and quality entertainment.
The characters were authentic and relatable. I really enjoyed Harley’s character in particular - she’s a stereotypical ‘tween’, eager to follow in her parent’s footsteps while at the same time desiring her own freedom. She reminded me a bit of a young Indiana Jones-esque character. One unexpected (and pleasant surprise) with the book was the ability for readers to work on solving the puzzles and riddles with Harley - that made the story into an almost interactive adventure tale, and I personally had a blast with it.
When a book is less than 200 pages, you have to make every page count. Leah Cupps certainly did not disappoint in that regard. The pacing of the book is great, and there was never a dull moment in the story.
Altogether, Harley James and the Mystery of the Mayan Kings is an entertaining action-packed book filled with great worldbuilding and relatable characters. While the intended audience is children, I think it would be equally enjoyable for adults as well. If you’re a fan of family-friendly tales with mystery, action, and humor, and would like a new series to start reading, then check out Harley James and the Mystery of the Mayan Kings today. It’s perfect for budding adventurers and archaeologists alike!
Thank you to the author and Book Sirens for providing me with a complimentary review copy of the book. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review Harley James and the Mystery of the Mayan Kings immensely. Please note - I voluntarily read and reviewed the book. All opinions expressed in the review are my own and not influenced in any way.
June 19, 2022
History, mystery, puzzles, and tons of action make this the perfect book to get lost in and leaves the wish to travel the world.
Harley is the only daughter of an archaeologist, and gets to travel the world and visit the most amazing places. While in a jungle in South America, Harley heads out to explore a little on her own...which her father wouldn't like if he knew...and runs across an ancient wall buried between the trees. When she figures out which stone is missing and fits it into place, a hidden statue comes into view. She wants to show it to her father and hides it under her bed until she has a chance, but someone steals it. Not only does she need to figure out who took it, but coded notes, secret meetings and a strange boy mean she's in for more than just a little adventure.
This is the first book in a series, and what a beginning it is! Harley is a curious girl, who loves to solve puzzles and likes to explore. She ranks friendship high, loves her father, isn't a homework fan, and despite her desire for a little more independence, does hesitate, sometimes. In other words, she's a pretty normal girl, who many readers will be able to identify with and wish they could explore with her.
The pacing makes this book hard to put down. Something is always happening, and little clues slide in here and there. Written in first person, the reader always knows what Harley is thinking, and her down-to-earth nature makes her easy to identify with. The mystery mixes with tension, and the twists and turns aren't always easy to see coming. The characters leave just enough uncertainty in their true natures and intentions to keep the reader guessing. And all of it is age appropriate.
While the tale is already fun, puzzles and historical facts give it even more richness. The reader gets to solve the riddles with Harley, and these vary in types and difficulty. The entire tale is based on historical and cultural facts and myths, allowing the reader to learn more about the Mayans along the way. None of this comes across as preachy or teach-y, but rather, it melds right in with the plot. As an extra bonus, the website offers puzzles, facts and other tidbits connected with the story. So, there are quite a few possibilities and things to do. Oh, and there are illustrations sprinkled in the chapters as well.
This is a read for mystery and puzzle fans with more than a little adventure, and the beginning of what promises to be a great series. So, yes, I can recommend this one. I received a complimentary copy through Netgalley and am so glad I gave this one a go.
Harley is the only daughter of an archaeologist, and gets to travel the world and visit the most amazing places. While in a jungle in South America, Harley heads out to explore a little on her own...which her father wouldn't like if he knew...and runs across an ancient wall buried between the trees. When she figures out which stone is missing and fits it into place, a hidden statue comes into view. She wants to show it to her father and hides it under her bed until she has a chance, but someone steals it. Not only does she need to figure out who took it, but coded notes, secret meetings and a strange boy mean she's in for more than just a little adventure.
This is the first book in a series, and what a beginning it is! Harley is a curious girl, who loves to solve puzzles and likes to explore. She ranks friendship high, loves her father, isn't a homework fan, and despite her desire for a little more independence, does hesitate, sometimes. In other words, she's a pretty normal girl, who many readers will be able to identify with and wish they could explore with her.
The pacing makes this book hard to put down. Something is always happening, and little clues slide in here and there. Written in first person, the reader always knows what Harley is thinking, and her down-to-earth nature makes her easy to identify with. The mystery mixes with tension, and the twists and turns aren't always easy to see coming. The characters leave just enough uncertainty in their true natures and intentions to keep the reader guessing. And all of it is age appropriate.
While the tale is already fun, puzzles and historical facts give it even more richness. The reader gets to solve the riddles with Harley, and these vary in types and difficulty. The entire tale is based on historical and cultural facts and myths, allowing the reader to learn more about the Mayans along the way. None of this comes across as preachy or teach-y, but rather, it melds right in with the plot. As an extra bonus, the website offers puzzles, facts and other tidbits connected with the story. So, there are quite a few possibilities and things to do. Oh, and there are illustrations sprinkled in the chapters as well.
This is a read for mystery and puzzle fans with more than a little adventure, and the beginning of what promises to be a great series. So, yes, I can recommend this one. I received a complimentary copy through Netgalley and am so glad I gave this one a go.
May 14, 2022
It’s Spy Kids and The Mummy for kids!
Harley James and the Mystery of the Mayan Kings by Leah Cupps, is the first in the Harley James Adventures series. Harley James is an 11 year old who’s the daughter of a famous archeologist. She is super smart and loves to solve puzzles and codes while learning about each place her father’s work takes her. One day she comes across a statue and some stones with Mayan glyphs on them, curious about them, she takes the statue but later finds out her father is looking for it. But when she tries to get it to give to him, she realizes it's gone. She sets off on an adventure with her friends to find out who took the statue, why, and what they’ll do with it.
This is a perfect book for 8-12 year olds and even older! Between the adventure, mystery, and exciting characters overall, all levels of readers will love Harley James! This was an excellent introduction to the Harley James Adventure series. Leah was able to set up things to leave us satisfied while also wanting more. A perfect blend! Let’s not forget the beautifully detailed illustrations throughout, amazing!
I loved that Harley was an explorer and adventurer who followed in her parents’ footsteps. Being 11 years old, she wanted to have some freedom of her own and she did not disappoint. I loved that throughout the story, she was forced to face her biggest fears, time after time. In addition, the different types of clues she got and the ways to solve them was admirable. This opens the doors for children readers to get into new things like cryptography or solving different types of puzzles.
Best of all, this book also has educational aspects. Mixed in all of the mythological information, there’s some true history inside as well. Great for school and leisure reading.
Just as Harley said, “ My mind flooded with visions of pirates, treasure hunts and, of course, white sand beaches. When do we leave? ” I can’t wait to read the next adventure!
*This was an honest review for a complimentary copy of Harley James and the Mystery of the Mayan Kings from Leah Cupps via Booksprout
Harley James and the Mystery of the Mayan Kings by Leah Cupps, is the first in the Harley James Adventures series. Harley James is an 11 year old who’s the daughter of a famous archeologist. She is super smart and loves to solve puzzles and codes while learning about each place her father’s work takes her. One day she comes across a statue and some stones with Mayan glyphs on them, curious about them, she takes the statue but later finds out her father is looking for it. But when she tries to get it to give to him, she realizes it's gone. She sets off on an adventure with her friends to find out who took the statue, why, and what they’ll do with it.
This is a perfect book for 8-12 year olds and even older! Between the adventure, mystery, and exciting characters overall, all levels of readers will love Harley James! This was an excellent introduction to the Harley James Adventure series. Leah was able to set up things to leave us satisfied while also wanting more. A perfect blend! Let’s not forget the beautifully detailed illustrations throughout, amazing!
I loved that Harley was an explorer and adventurer who followed in her parents’ footsteps. Being 11 years old, she wanted to have some freedom of her own and she did not disappoint. I loved that throughout the story, she was forced to face her biggest fears, time after time. In addition, the different types of clues she got and the ways to solve them was admirable. This opens the doors for children readers to get into new things like cryptography or solving different types of puzzles.
Best of all, this book also has educational aspects. Mixed in all of the mythological information, there’s some true history inside as well. Great for school and leisure reading.
Just as Harley said, “ My mind flooded with visions of pirates, treasure hunts and, of course, white sand beaches. When do we leave? ” I can’t wait to read the next adventure!
*This was an honest review for a complimentary copy of Harley James and the Mystery of the Mayan Kings from Leah Cupps via Booksprout
July 13, 2022
Harley James & the Mystery of the Mayan Kings
By
Leah cupps
Rating:5/5
Description:
Will Harley Find the Missing Mayan Statue & Save the World?Amateur cryptologist Harley James has just landed in the sticky jungle of Tikal, Guatemala—home to the famous Mayan ruins. She’s made a few friends, a few mistakes…and a ground-breaking discovery. The legendary statue of the long-lost Mayan King.Just as she is about to impress her father with her discovery, the statue is stolen. Right from her own room!And what’s worse? The legend says if the statues of the three kings are reunited, they’ll bring back an army from the dead to rule the world.
Review:
👉Talking about the title of the book, the title of the book is really so interesting to read.
👉The cover is appealing and attractive as well.Writing style is quite appreciable .
JICC (Junior International Cryptography Competition) is an online competition that follows the story of two explorers as they embark on a cryptographic adventure. Harley Rebecca James has just landed in the sticky jungle of Tikal, Guatemala—home to the famous Mayan ruins. Harley had taken a particular interest in the Mayan glyphs, given her love of codes and symbols. The Three Kings, Jasaw, Yax K’uk, and Jacinto, were dethroned. Earlier that night, the elders told him that when the Three Kings were defeated, a powerful magic had captured their souls. The priests then cast a spell and locked those souls inside three jade statues. If the statues were reunited on the Eve of the thirteenth Baktun, the Three Kings would return. And in their revenge, they would bring an army of the dead to rule the world. Will Harley be able to find out the missing statue ? The first five symbols stood for Jaguar, Sun, Snake, Rain, and Skull. But the sixth nook was empty. She tried to find out what it is. But just as she is about to impress her father with her discovery, the statue is stolen right from her own room.
Wow! What a book! I am in love with the book
For complete read do order the book on @amazondotin @amazondotcom
👉I just loved reading the book
Happy reading..
By
Leah cupps
Rating:5/5
Description:
Will Harley Find the Missing Mayan Statue & Save the World?Amateur cryptologist Harley James has just landed in the sticky jungle of Tikal, Guatemala—home to the famous Mayan ruins. She’s made a few friends, a few mistakes…and a ground-breaking discovery. The legendary statue of the long-lost Mayan King.Just as she is about to impress her father with her discovery, the statue is stolen. Right from her own room!And what’s worse? The legend says if the statues of the three kings are reunited, they’ll bring back an army from the dead to rule the world.
Review:
👉Talking about the title of the book, the title of the book is really so interesting to read.
👉The cover is appealing and attractive as well.Writing style is quite appreciable .
JICC (Junior International Cryptography Competition) is an online competition that follows the story of two explorers as they embark on a cryptographic adventure. Harley Rebecca James has just landed in the sticky jungle of Tikal, Guatemala—home to the famous Mayan ruins. Harley had taken a particular interest in the Mayan glyphs, given her love of codes and symbols. The Three Kings, Jasaw, Yax K’uk, and Jacinto, were dethroned. Earlier that night, the elders told him that when the Three Kings were defeated, a powerful magic had captured their souls. The priests then cast a spell and locked those souls inside three jade statues. If the statues were reunited on the Eve of the thirteenth Baktun, the Three Kings would return. And in their revenge, they would bring an army of the dead to rule the world. Will Harley be able to find out the missing statue ? The first five symbols stood for Jaguar, Sun, Snake, Rain, and Skull. But the sixth nook was empty. She tried to find out what it is. But just as she is about to impress her father with her discovery, the statue is stolen right from her own room.
Wow! What a book! I am in love with the book
For complete read do order the book on @amazondotin @amazondotcom
👉I just loved reading the book
Happy reading..
July 3, 2022
Harley's father is an archaeologist, and they're currently at a dig in Guatemala. Their family of two has been traveling together to digs around the world for years, so Harley is used to the routine.
When she isn't doing sixth-grade homework or being tutored (by Jessica, a graduate student), she enjoys cryptography; solving and using codes and cyphers.
Thanks to Harley's hobby, she almost stumbles onto a valuable artifact. But it's soon out of her possession, and on its way to causing the return of three ancient kings of the Maya. By reuniting the three relics, legend says the kings will raise an army of the dead and rule the world. So it would be bad.
A thirteen year old girl needs help to save the world, so Aly and an surprising character join Harley (and a couple of cheerful dogs), in their mission to thwart an evil society and save Guatemala if not the world!
This is a fun adventure story with a little history and geography mixed in, and not so much reality that it spoils things (i.e., the kids walk through the jungle at night). There are no descriptions of the Mayan glyphs or symbols, but drawings are included where it matters.
I was disappointed that Harley, such a bright girl, couldn't think of a way to hold onto the dog's leash.
4/5 Stars
Thanks to Vision Forty and NetGalley for the preview of this ebook; the review is voluntary.
#HarleyJamesandtheMysteryoftheMayanKings
#VisionForty #NetGalley
#ChildrensFictionGuatamala
#ChildrensFictionJungleAdventure
#ChildrensFictionMystery
#ChildrensDetectivesBooks
#ChildrensActionandAdventureLiterature
#ChildrensActionandAdventureBooks
When she isn't doing sixth-grade homework or being tutored (by Jessica, a graduate student), she enjoys cryptography; solving and using codes and cyphers.
Thanks to Harley's hobby, she almost stumbles onto a valuable artifact. But it's soon out of her possession, and on its way to causing the return of three ancient kings of the Maya. By reuniting the three relics, legend says the kings will raise an army of the dead and rule the world. So it would be bad.
A thirteen year old girl needs help to save the world, so Aly and an surprising character join Harley (and a couple of cheerful dogs), in their mission to thwart an evil society and save Guatemala if not the world!
This is a fun adventure story with a little history and geography mixed in, and not so much reality that it spoils things (i.e., the kids walk through the jungle at night). There are no descriptions of the Mayan glyphs or symbols, but drawings are included where it matters.
I was disappointed that Harley, such a bright girl, couldn't think of a way to hold onto the dog's leash.
4/5 Stars
Thanks to Vision Forty and NetGalley for the preview of this ebook; the review is voluntary.
#HarleyJamesandtheMysteryoftheMayanKings
#VisionForty #NetGalley
#ChildrensFictionGuatamala
#ChildrensFictionJungleAdventure
#ChildrensFictionMystery
#ChildrensDetectivesBooks
#ChildrensActionandAdventureLiterature
#ChildrensActionandAdventureBooks
April 22, 2022
This was just the quick read that I needed. A cute young adult book that is clever and would be easy to read for kids, yet fun enough for adults to enjoy as well.
Harley James is a 12-year-old girl whose father is a world traveled archaeologist, this time landing in Tikal, Guatemala. Harley herself is a clever cryptologist who has just discovered a long-lost relic of the Mayans, a statue of a long-lost Mayan king. Excited, she takes the statue back to her house with plans to show her dad after dinner, hoping to impress him. A dark legend surrounding the statue says that if all three statues of the kings are found and reunited, they will raise an army of the dead and rule the world. When Harley goes to get the statue after dinner, its missing and she fears whoever took it is looking to reunite the three kings.
Join Harley, her friend Aly and discover if she can solve the riddles, find the statue and save the world before it's too late!
I really enjoyed this book. I have a 12-year-old daughter myself, so I told her this was one she should read next. The chapters are short, and the story flowed along nicely. All the clues were there to solve the mystery and I felt the characters were well fleshed out as well as leaving room for growth not just with them but with the story as well. I can see this becoming a great series for young adults to see just what Harley can get herself into next. I received this book free from Booksirens for an honest review.
Harley James is a 12-year-old girl whose father is a world traveled archaeologist, this time landing in Tikal, Guatemala. Harley herself is a clever cryptologist who has just discovered a long-lost relic of the Mayans, a statue of a long-lost Mayan king. Excited, she takes the statue back to her house with plans to show her dad after dinner, hoping to impress him. A dark legend surrounding the statue says that if all three statues of the kings are found and reunited, they will raise an army of the dead and rule the world. When Harley goes to get the statue after dinner, its missing and she fears whoever took it is looking to reunite the three kings.
Join Harley, her friend Aly and discover if she can solve the riddles, find the statue and save the world before it's too late!
I really enjoyed this book. I have a 12-year-old daughter myself, so I told her this was one she should read next. The chapters are short, and the story flowed along nicely. All the clues were there to solve the mystery and I felt the characters were well fleshed out as well as leaving room for growth not just with them but with the story as well. I can see this becoming a great series for young adults to see just what Harley can get herself into next. I received this book free from Booksirens for an honest review.
December 2, 2022
We stayed on the path, but the surrounding jungle was teeming with strange noises. Screams, caws, and the sounds like wild animals came from around every corner, tree, and bush.
Wow!! What an adventure! Harley James and the Mystery of the Mayan Kings puts the reader right in the heart of the Guatemalan jungle with vivid descriptions of sounds, scenery and wildlife. Leah Cupps’ fantastic writing sets the stage for an exciting action-filled story from the very first page.
She climbed up into the dark tree. A few moments later, she lit more lamps, and what I saw took my breath away.
It was a giant treehouse.
Harley, along with her brave little dog, Daisy, and her best friends, Ally and Deacon, explore musty pyramids, stumble upon planted clues and decipher ancient runes.
Above the jungle in the distance were strange-looking pink clouds that were swirling high above the treetops. It looked like the Mayan gods were making cotton candy in the sky.
The trio and their furry companion find themselves in a desperate race against time to solve the mystery of the Mayan statues and save the world. Because legends….you see….are meant to stay legends. Harley has no intentions on finding out if the Mayan legend is true.
I adored Harley and her tenacious personality. This book has found its way to my shelf of top 10 favorite middle grade books! I will definitely be continuing with the sequel in this series.
Wow!! What an adventure! Harley James and the Mystery of the Mayan Kings puts the reader right in the heart of the Guatemalan jungle with vivid descriptions of sounds, scenery and wildlife. Leah Cupps’ fantastic writing sets the stage for an exciting action-filled story from the very first page.
She climbed up into the dark tree. A few moments later, she lit more lamps, and what I saw took my breath away.
It was a giant treehouse.
Harley, along with her brave little dog, Daisy, and her best friends, Ally and Deacon, explore musty pyramids, stumble upon planted clues and decipher ancient runes.
Above the jungle in the distance were strange-looking pink clouds that were swirling high above the treetops. It looked like the Mayan gods were making cotton candy in the sky.
The trio and their furry companion find themselves in a desperate race against time to solve the mystery of the Mayan statues and save the world. Because legends….you see….are meant to stay legends. Harley has no intentions on finding out if the Mayan legend is true.
I adored Harley and her tenacious personality. This book has found its way to my shelf of top 10 favorite middle grade books! I will definitely be continuing with the sequel in this series.
June 4, 2022
“If the statues were reunited on the Eve of the thirteenth Baktun, the Three Kings would return. And, in their revenge, they would bring an army of the dead to rule the world.”
Harley James, daughter of a renowned archeologist and world traveler, was a kid that loved riddles and solving puzzles. Currently, she was in Tikal, Guatemala, knowns for its archeological sites and Mayan temples. While walking about, Harley was pulled off the path and into the jungle, where she uncovered a glowing statue. She thought she could impress her dad with it, until…it goes missing from her possession. A series of clues follow as she searches for that missing statue. Can these spy kids find the statues before they fall into the wrong hands and bring about the end of the world?
With great black-and-white illustrations, this adventure story captures the reader from beginning to end. With its easy and witty narrative, story is seamless, mysterious, and exciting. Harley utilizes some crafty critical thinking and crypto smarts. Don’t we all wish that we were as good as Harley. It’s like a mini version of Indiana Jones.
I look forward to more Harley James adventures. A great and fun read!
Harley James, daughter of a renowned archeologist and world traveler, was a kid that loved riddles and solving puzzles. Currently, she was in Tikal, Guatemala, knowns for its archeological sites and Mayan temples. While walking about, Harley was pulled off the path and into the jungle, where she uncovered a glowing statue. She thought she could impress her dad with it, until…it goes missing from her possession. A series of clues follow as she searches for that missing statue. Can these spy kids find the statues before they fall into the wrong hands and bring about the end of the world?
With great black-and-white illustrations, this adventure story captures the reader from beginning to end. With its easy and witty narrative, story is seamless, mysterious, and exciting. Harley utilizes some crafty critical thinking and crypto smarts. Don’t we all wish that we were as good as Harley. It’s like a mini version of Indiana Jones.
I look forward to more Harley James adventures. A great and fun read!
June 6, 2022
What a fun middle grade reading book. Harley James, a twelve year old, travels around the world with her father to archaeological sites. One mystery after another seems to pop up and Harley seems to be good at figuring them out.
This is a well thought out story. The author seems to have been able to place herself in Harley’s shoes. She has created a character who has a twelve-year-old’s fears and feelings, but is also smart and full of curiosity. Full of sadness at times and yet full of fun.
All of this combines to make a great book. This was not just middle grade reading age to me. I think what we call the tweenage reader would really enjoy it too. I sure had fun.
This particular book is Book 1 in a series titled “Harley James Adventures”. Check it out.
This is a well thought out story. The author seems to have been able to place herself in Harley’s shoes. She has created a character who has a twelve-year-old’s fears and feelings, but is also smart and full of curiosity. Full of sadness at times and yet full of fun.
All of this combines to make a great book. This was not just middle grade reading age to me. I think what we call the tweenage reader would really enjoy it too. I sure had fun.
This particular book is Book 1 in a series titled “Harley James Adventures”. Check it out.
June 23, 2022
The perfect summer read adults and middle grade readers will agree on! I’m always on the lookout for books to hook and challenge my kids and this is it. The story had the perfect combination of description and adventure to pull you instantly into the story. I found it relatable for middle grade readers and all the extra graphics heightened the immersion into Harley’s story. Bonus, Harley James practically hand delivers fun and learning outside the pages too! Create your own cipher, make a treasure map to follow, investigate different cultures and locations, the possibilities are endless and reinforce reading is enjoyable. Two thumb relics up for Harley James and the Mystery of the Mayan Kings!
July 31, 2022
Leah Cupps has written a fun and entertaining mystery kids are sure to enjoy. The book is set in Tikal, Guatemala where Harley James and her father, who is an archeologist, are currently on a dig. Superstition has it that there are three jade statues that house the hearts of there Mayan Kings. Reuniting the statues could mean the end of the world, and it's up to Harley and her friends to keep this from happening. Finding the missing statues isn't Harley's only problem. She also has to figure out who to trust.
Harley James and the Mystery of the Mayan Kings is seeped in myths and legends. Harley James is curious, adventurous, and likable. Kids are sure to enjoy unraveling the mystery right along with Harley.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Harley James and the Mystery of the Mayan Kings is seeped in myths and legends. Harley James is curious, adventurous, and likable. Kids are sure to enjoy unraveling the mystery right along with Harley.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 29, 2022
Harley James and the Mystery of the Mayan Kings is the first book of the Harley James Adventures series.
It's an adventurous book that kept me turning the pages until the mystery was solved.
It was a pleasant reading. The book has beautiful pictures and entertaining problems to solve with the main character.
I enjoyed the time I spent with this short but lovable novel.
I am certainly going to recommend this book to young readers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It's an adventurous book that kept me turning the pages until the mystery was solved.
It was a pleasant reading. The book has beautiful pictures and entertaining problems to solve with the main character.
I enjoyed the time I spent with this short but lovable novel.
I am certainly going to recommend this book to young readers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 30, 2022
This story really hits the targeted age range (9-12). There is adventure, danger, and twists and turns in this book. Older children would probably be bored with the slow pace, but it works to give the sense of the characters in the book and where it will be going, as well as where things might be going in future books. There is some ignoring of parental commands, but I think that is something kids will get a laugh out of. I’ll try the second book of the series. Don’t let your kids miss this one.
June 20, 2022
My son Jacks and I had fun reading this book together! There's plenty of action and mystery to keep the young readers guessing and entertaining! Harley is a fun and entertaining character! She's the typical twelve year old! She doesn't like doing homework, she loves puzzles, her father and exploring! The story is told from her point of view so you get to know pretty well! Overall with the mystery, adventure and the action it would be a great addition to the younger ones library!
June 21, 2022
This was such a fun adventure! This book will capture your interest from the start, and older readers will easily fly through the pages (It's hard to put down). Harley is a great lead character, and it'll be easy for middle graders to like her. I love that Harley gets to travel with her father to various archaeological sites, and that mystery and legend are woven into the story. This was an amazing opening book to a new series, and I look forward to reading the ones that come next!
April 6, 2023
A fun adventure about a young girl solving a mystery and discovering secret organizations! I would have loved this book even more as a kid. While the characters were basic and the plot was simple, it reminded me a lot of a modern boxcar children book. The setting and legend were interesting, not many books for the age group about Mayan civilization. I don’t know if I will read any more in this series, but i look forward to recommending it to my kids when they get a little older!
April 27, 2022
A perfect blend of fact and fiction, Harley James and the Mystery of the Mayan Kings takes us on an adventure filled with mystery and intrigue, mythology and cryptology!
Our heroine, Harley, proves that with a little bit of logic and a whole lot of heart, girls can do anything!.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Our heroine, Harley, proves that with a little bit of logic and a whole lot of heart, girls can do anything!.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 24, 2022
Leah Cupps has brought to life a well-conceived and original story that will captivate young minds.
This was above all, a thrilling adventure! Some moments were predictable, but Cupps did a wonderful job of placing enough doubt on what I thought was about to happen for me to question myself.
It was an adventurous and heartwarming story.
This was above all, a thrilling adventure! Some moments were predictable, but Cupps did a wonderful job of placing enough doubt on what I thought was about to happen for me to question myself.
It was an adventurous and heartwarming story.
July 9, 2022
I really loved this book. I thought it was a super cute story. It had just the right amount of mystery and intrigue with interesting history thrown in. I love history, so any type of book that helps get kids excited about history too is a win for me!!
I think this is an excellent adventure that kids of all ages will love!
I am beyond excited for the next one!
I think this is an excellent adventure that kids of all ages will love!
I am beyond excited for the next one!
May 12, 2022
I was interested because the indiana jones elements and glad I read this, it was a fun adventure novel. It was a great adventure series, and I enjoyed every minute of it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 21, 2022
Harley James travels the world with her father, an archeologist. In this adventure, they are looking for Mayan artifacts, specifically 3 jade statues. Harley makes friends with kids her age and they share in the adventure. This is a great story filled with action, puzzles and fun.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews