Secrets of a Sun King - Emma Carroll

Secrets of a Sun King - Emma Carroll

Having loved Letters From The Lighthouse (Emma came into our school last year and had the children enthralled), we were keen to get my hands on her new book.

Set in London in 1922, the book follows Lilian Kaye who is desperate to save her grandfather's life as he lies gravely ill in hospital.  After finding a parcel at his flat, she fears he is the victim of King Tutankhamun's curse and takes on the responsibility of returning the canopic jar to its rightful place in Egypt.  Incorporating Lysandra's story, Lilain, together with her friends, Tulip and Oz, learn the truth about what happened to Tutankhamun during his final days, as they journey to Egypt in an action-packed race against time.

K's Opinion:

What a wonderful read this was!  This is a story of friendship, trust, family and curses - it has it all!  Full of excitement and adventure, I very much liked the characters in the book.  Tulip's sense of determination and independence is striking (especially given the period in history) and gives a strong message to readers; as does the fact that Lilian's father touches upon women's rights ("I don't want you to be held back because you came from a working-class family or because you're a girl.").  I also like to portrayal of Howard Carter as somebody who is not to be trusted - a more realistic portrayal?  I think perhaps it is.

This book is a celebration of difference and being yourself ... and being proud of that.  It shows us that friendships can be formed quickly and that your closest friends can often be people you haven't known for very long.  It's a story of bravery and following what you believe is right.  In short, Emma Carroll has done it again!  This will be a guaranteed hit in the classroom come September!  

O's opinion:

The reason I loved this book is because it has mystery and adventure everywhere the characters went: the streets of London; the ferries and trains and the amazing barge in Egypt. Incorporating

Lysandra's story into the plot was amazing because it helped me understand more about Tuttenkhamun when I don't know that much about him; it made me realise he was actually a real person, a young boy, and not just a ruler. I found this book a delight to read.

I loved Oz because he was very smart and, as his sister called him, a "walking encyclopaedia". He wasn't like everyone else, but he is liked by his sister and Lil. I also liked Tulip because she took charge when she needed to and she also let others tell her what to do. If I could be one person in the book I would be Lil's granddad because he travelled the world with his digging friends and discovered lots of interesting artefacts.

This book made me want to visit Egypt and discover everything that lurks there. Emma Carroll has written another fabulous book to add to her collection. Well done.