Spell 30: Book of the Dead is the first book in The Aaron Thanos Action Adventure Series written by Verona McColl and illustrated by Robin Thomson.
This four-book action-adventure series follows the misadventures of twelve-year-olds Aaron and Manar as they are swept back into Ancient Egypt and face a host of vengeful Gods and Goddesses determined to stop them from finding their way back home. They must outwit a plotting vizier, help Tutankhamun win a war against Kush invaders and learn how to decipher hieroglyphic spells from the Book of the Dead. Manar botches a spell that hurls them back to Ancient Egypt, testing their friendship and exiling them on separate journeys. Their relationship deteriorates on this perilous adventure where spells from The Pyramid Texts bring forth different Gods and new obstacles. While writing a book about time-travel, ancient curses draw Manar into the afterlife where she can no longer contact Aaron and fears he would not come to find her even if he could.
- Book 1: Spell 30: Book of the Dead
- When 12-year-old Aaron must stay with his estranged father in Egypt, he knows he’s going to die. But worse happens when he is accidently swept back to Ancient Egypt with Manar, a savvy Bedouin girl. They fight angry Gods, expose a plotting vizier and help a young Tutankhamun to win a battle against Kush invaders and those aren’t even his toughest battles! They do not know how to get home.
- Book 2: Trapped in Ancient Egypt
- Book 3: Spell 68
- Book 4: The Pyramid Texts: Not Another Spell
About the Author – Verona McColl:
With a passion for travel, Veronica left Australia and journeyed across America, wound her way around Europe and spent many years driving a truck across Africa. Egypt has always had a calling for Veronica, so she ended her travels there and set up a business that allowed her to explore the history of the remarkable country. Although she writes fictional stories for young people, she weaves her authentic experiences and historical knowledge into these tales with the hope that she shares some of this enjoyment with her readers.
MEDIA REVIEWS
“Primary teachers are always seeking resources that will help their pupils learn in a fun and interesting way. This book ‘Spell 30. Book of the Dead’ (Book 1 of The Aaron Thanos Action Adventure Series) certainly ticks this box for the Irish History curriculum for 3rd to 6th classes.
In this adventure story, twelve-year-old Aaron is accidentally swept back to Ancient Egypt with Manar, a clever Bedouin girl. This age group will enjoy reading about how they fight angry gods, meet a young Tutankhamun and navigate their way around Ancient Egypt while all the time trying to figure out how to get back home. They will identify with the young Australian boy who has left behind his Jack Russell terrier, his sick mother and his X-box and will be fascinated with the savvy Bedouin girl who is able to decipher hieroglyphics and understand some of the ancient customs and practices.
For teachers, it will be possible to examine the Strand of Early People and Ancient Societies, Strand Unit Egyptians by discussing the homes, clothes, food, weapons, beliefs and burial practices that Aaron and Manar encounter on their exciting adventure.” – Kathryn Crowley, past principal of St Louise’s NS, Ballyfermot, past Primary Director NCCA (Ireland)
