Review of Jonathan and the Sacred Scarab

[Brian Salamu Robert]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Jonathan and the Sacred Scarab" by James Bowlby.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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There are not so many books that have been written surrounding or about Egypt (at least I've not met so many). I'm glad this one does, and I've always wanted to read more of them. Pharaoh, tombs with mummies, and the overall Egyptian myths and stories always fascinate me. "Jonathan and the Sacred Scarab: So It Begins!" by James Bowlby is an adventure novel that merges historical fiction with fantasy. The story revolves around a young boy named Jonathan, whose life transforms after he and his family meet a mystical figure in the Sahara Desert. This figure, resembling a beetle, connects Jonathan with ancient Egyptian gods, and that's where his adventures start. Jonathan travels to Egypt with his mother to join his Egyptologist father at an archaeological dig. There, he discovers a sacred scarab that links him to Khepri-Ra, the god of youth and new life, granting him protection and power. This discovery, however, also draws the sinister Dr. Gorman, who seeks the scarab for its mystical properties, turning Jonathan’s initial excitement into a perilous endeavor, pitting him against both human adversaries and supernatural forces. If you are looking for something fantasy-filled that's based on Egyptian history, grab a cup of coffee and this book.

Beginning with its plot, "Jonathan and the Sacred Scarab" is one richly layered book, weaving together historical fiction, fantasy, and adventure. I like the fact that the story is original in its blend of real-world archaeology and Egyptian mythology. The well-paced events that the plot revolves around, from the initial mystical encounter in the Sahara to Jonathan's adventures in Egypt, are well written. The complexity of the plot kept me engaged as I navigated through time travel, mystical battles, and archaeological mysteries.

On its setting, you won't be disappointed. I wasn't—really. The amazing, vivid descriptions of Egypt, both ancient and modern, enhanced the story's immersive nature. The attention to detail in the book in depicting the landscapes, tombs, and artifacts brings the setting to life, and this made the story feel realistic. For example, the detailed portrayal of the tomb interiors, with their intricate paintings and statues, helped me visualize the scenes and feel as if I was a part of the adventure and story.

Overall, James Bowlby's writing style is descriptive and engaging. It was a really captivating and well-crafted adventure novel, and I rate it 5 out of 5 stars for its engaging plot, well-developed characters, rich setting, and many other positive aspects I haven't mentioned in this review. This is the perfect choice for fans of adventure and historical fiction. I don't see anything to criticize about it, and it was exceptionally well edited.

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Jonathan and the Sacred Scarab
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[Enkay Favour]

Jonathan and the Sacred Scarab by James Bowlby blends Egyptian mythology with adventure in a compelling way. The novel’s vivid setting, engaging plot, and well-crafted characters make it an intriguing read for fans of historical fiction and fantasy.