Review by Rowan, Year 5, Dallas Road Community Primary School
This book is amazing for many reasons. Firstly, the characters pass through time doors into many interesting periods in history. I liked it when they were in Tutankhamun’s burial chamber and found the secret entrance to Nefertiti’s chamber in 1330 BCE because it was the first exhilarating time door to be opened in the book. The main characters are a child called Sim and his mother, uncle and cousin called Jeopardy. My favourite character was Jeopardy because of her intriguing past, as she is desired by hunters for her power to unlock time doors in the hunt for the golden scarab. The book was full of historical facts, and it taught me about what a scarab is, and what it is used for. The core of the book develops to include more adventure and mystery, and though exciting, the style of writing is quite complicated. I would recommend this book to readers who like adventure stories, but also like complex difficult to follow plots. In conclusion, this book has encouraged me to read more of the author’s series in the future.

Review by Lucas, St George’s School CoE Academy
When Sim finds out his mum's secret, his whole life flips upside down. And when dangerous strangers appear one night, he finds out the truth. The truth to why they never live anywhere long. The truth to why his mum always seems on edge. On the run, Sim and his friends must outwit the Council of Keys and be the first to find Nefertiti’s tomb. They must piece together long forgotten clues to solve the mystery of her golden heart scarab. Can Sim and his friends find it before the Council finds them? Or are they just too late.?

I think this is an absolute thriller. I loved it! I was encapsulated from the very first page, I just wanted to continue reading! The plot was draped in a blanket of mystery, adventure and fantasy. M. G. Leonard definitely chose the right setting, from a normal museum to Ancient Egypt, every twist and turn was a new adventure to explore. Sim’s development from an ordinary high school boy to a hero highlights how people around the world can do the same. No matter who you are or where you come from, you have the ability to change everything. So, what are you waiting for! Go out and be your inner hero! 

Personally, my favourite character has to be Sim. As stated in my review, it’s inspiring to me how he rises from the bottom to the top, defying all odds. It shows students and adults alike that no matter who you are, you can be a hero.

In my opinion, this book should be read by everyone interested in mystery, adventure, history and/or fantasy. This book is for you. It explores Ancient Egypt (history), solves the mystery of the golden scarab (mystery), goes on a quest (adventure) and is overall surrounded in an atmosphere of fantasy. 

Everyone should read. It's proven to expand your vocabulary and your interest in different genres. Every book is like a portal to a new world you can explore. And as Garrison Keillor once said, ‘A book is a gift that keeps on giving.’ 

‘This is probably the most complicated concept I’ve ever had. It started with my obsession with doors. Doorways are a thing for me,’ says Leoard, somewhat unexpectedly. She later says, ‘one of the things that I love about history is how much context it gives you for the present. We’re all just minims on a beat in the existence of the planet and humanity, after all.’ 

I’m going to go read a book now, how about you do the same!