Young Adult Book Reviews

Inez lives in Buenos Aires with her aunt and cousins. Her parents spend half the year in Argentina and half in Egypt where they work with archeologists. Inez has longed to go with them since she can remember, but her parents have always told her she must remain in Argentina. Suddenly, her father sends her a package that only contains a gold rings. When her parents are lost and presumed dead she goes against everyone’s wishes and makes the long journey to Egypt. She is met by her uncle’s employee, Whit, who has been told to put her on the next boat back to Argentina. However, Inez cannot be handled that easily and decides she isn’t ready to go home yet. She manages to make it to the hotel her parents stayed at and finally sees her Uncle. Her Uncle is not happy to see her and tries over and over to send her back home, but Inez feels she can be useful to the work they are doing, especially since she can now detect items that belonged to Cleopatra after trying on the ring her father sent her. Could he have sent her Cleopatra’s ring? Why did he send it when he believed so strongly in keeping artifacts where they originated? Did he know his life was in danger and is that why he sent her the ring? Will she and Whit ever get along or will he always see her as a nuisance?

This historical fiction story is fun and full of adventure. Readers will enjoy the unusual setting for a historical fiction novel and become invested in Inez and her quest for the truth. There are several supporting characters and there’s definitely a feeling of unease about who can be trusted, but even at the end of this first novel it remains unclear whose motivations are honest and who might be waiting to betray Inez. There is a touch of romance as well, so anyone who enjoys romances set in unique time periods will also like that aspect of it. The ending feels exciting and not too rushed, while also leaving the door open to a very exciting sequel.