Children’s stories come in lots of different genres, one being historical fiction. Historical fiction is a magical gateway to ancient worlds where dusty scrolls, grand monuments, and mythical tales come alive. Through vivid and engaging storytelling, young readers absorb facts, enhancing their knowledge, as they marvel at pharaohs, pyramids, and the daily lives of real people – very often without even knowing they’re learning. Which brings us to The Heart Scarab by Saviour Pirotta.
When it comes to historical fiction, few ancient civilisations captivate the imagination like Ancient Egypt: a land of sweeping deserts, towering pyramids, enigmatic sphinxes, and a pantheon of gods who guided every sunrise and sunset. For kids, exploring this world through the eyes of daring characters turns hieroglyphs into puzzles, tombs into treasure troves, and dusty sand into the setting for unimaginable adventures.
The Heart Scarab is the first instalment in The Nile Adventures series set in Ancient Egypt, suitable for readers of junior fiction. Children’s historical fiction combines a touch of real history with mystery and magic and The Heart Scarab delivers on these fronts, pairing accurate details of Ramesses II’s Egypt with supernatural thrills that keep young hearts pounding.
The Heart Scarab takes readers back to the year 1269BCE in Ancient Egypt, the 10th year rule of Ramesses II. The story introduces us to Renni and Mahu, two brothers who are as different as chalk and cheese. Renni is a gentle soul who spends his days an apprentice painter decorating royal tombs with hieroglyphs. Mahu on the other hand is restless, reckless and resourceful, he dreams of getting rich quick with the least effort possible. When Mahu hatches a plan to steal a priceless heart scarab from a long-dead general’s sarcophagus, to save their struggling family, Renni is dragged into the heist.
But as soon as the scarab leaves its resting place, a chain of events is set into motion and dark magic unfurls. Whispering spirits, cursing cobras, and the looming spectre of Anubis, Egypt’s god of the dead, soon turns into a desperate race against time. Can the brothers undo their mistake, recover the heart scarab, and escape the Valley of the Kings before their souls are claimed?
Overall, The Heart Scarab is an excellent action-packed fast-paced adventure story, brimming with history. Saviour Pirotta is an excellent writer of historical fiction that is entertaining and packed with facts blended within a magical and engaging story.
With sun-baked desert landscapes, bustling river ports, and shadowy tomb chambers, the story feels utterly real with a feel of authenticity. Incorporating real history such as Ramesses II’s grand reign, Egyptian burial rites and river-borne trade that are woven seamlessly into the plot, it has a touch of enchantment that keeps readers guessing: will Renni’s quick wit and Mahu’s daring be enough to outsmart vengeful spirits?
While it is a fantastic story full of action and adventure, with pages brimming with ancient magic, it also examines concepts of right and wrong, learning from your mistakes and the importance of taking responsibility for your own actions.
Set in Ancient Egypt, the historical aspects of the story seem to have been very well researched by the author, adding in accurate factual elements surrounding the culture, life and the gods of the Ancient Egyptians.
It has tomb raiders, magic and brotherly bonds combined with facts, adventure and good moral messages. As well as being a fantastic thrilling adventure for junior readers, it would make an excellent book to support classroom and curriculum studies about Ancient Egypt.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £6.99 (Paperback)
For more information, visit maverickbooks.co.uk. Available to buy from Amazon here.
