The Oracle of Avaris - (Secrets of the Sands) by Alisha Sevigny (Paperback)

About the Book

After learning she is at the centre of a pair of prophecies, Sesha is left holding the fate of her brother's life and her homeland in one hand and those of her friends and any chance at a future in the other.

Book Synopsis

A search for answers from a mysterious Oracle has Sesha and her friends navigating intrigue and danger in this thrilling series finale.

Leaving the oasis, Sesha and her friends set sail for Avaris, intent on stopping the Hyksos chieftain from claiming the throne and declaring war on Thebes. On the journey, Sesha learns that she and the scroll are at the centre of a pair of prophecies made by a famed oracle -- ones with staggering implications for both her and the Hyksos people.

But when the crew arrives in the bustling port city, they are stunned to discover the oracle is missing. With the prophecies now in doubt and their lives in danger, Sesha, Paser, and Reb must race to find a mysterious priestess sect and witness the third, and final, prophecy before the upcoming lunar eclipse.

As the young scribes seek answers, Sesha must untangle her past and future while keeping war from erupting in the present. For there is one person she cannot bear to face across the Hyksos battlefield: her brother.

Be sure to read Sesha's earlier adventures, The Lost Scroll of the Physician and The Desert Prince.

Review Quotes

The conclusion to Sevigny's wonderful Secrets of the Sands mystery series whisks readers back to Ancient Egypt where friends Sesha, Paser, and Reb must find a missing oracle in order to prevent the Pharaoh from declaring war on Thebes.-- "Globe and Mail"

Alisha Sevigny does more than tell a great story. She takes us to ancient Egypt to witness the struggles of its peoples, the foods, transportation, clothing and ceremonies of its cultures and a landscape of desert, temples, palaces and humble huts.-- "CanLit for Little Canadians"

Sevigny excels at worldbuilding, layering the minutiae of daily life in convincing detail -- in her hands, ancient Egypt, perennially fascinating, becomes a character in its own right. An immersive read for lovers of historical fiction.-- "Kirkus Reviews"

A fantastic adventure series that appeals to both children and adults, Alisha Sevigny's Secrets of the Sands transports the reader to ancient Egypt with impeccable research and a heroine in the young scribe Sesha, who goes on a incredible journey with twists and turns and cliff-hangers that will keep you racing through the pages.-- "Lee Matthew Goldberg, author of The Mentor, The Ancestor, and The Runaway Train series"

Once again, Sesha's adventures will sweep readers across deserts and into the duplicitous world of Egyptian royalty. The Oracle of Avaris is a fast-paced novel that is impossible to put down.-- "Colleen Nelson, author of Governor General's Award-nominated Harvey Holds His Own"

With action, adventure, and a hint of magic in the writing, Sevigny delivers the perfect culmination to her Secrets of the Sands series while shedding light on a little-known pocket of history in The Oracle of Avaris. Sesha is a heroine who is smart, determined, and embodies girl power while kicking butt in a middle grade novel reminiscent of Lara Croft meets The Mummy. Strong plot and character development brings ancient Egypt exciting and alive for readers, like me, who need a great story to go with their history.-- "Paul Coccia, co-author of On The Line with Eric Walters"

With scheming at every turn and the stakes higher than ever, Sevigny carefully blends intrigue and action, making The Oracle of Avaris a gripping read. Sure to be a favourite for middle graders who enjoy fast paced plots intertwined with ancient settings. A magical series of ancient mystery and heroism that will endear readers.-- "B.R. Myers, author of Rogue Princess and the Nefertari Hughes series"

Immediately absorbing and brimming with intrigue. With plots that keep the reader breathless and richly detailed settings in ancient Egypt, these books truly captivate. Masterful character development reveals a worthy young heroine in Sesha who readers will loyally follow. A must-read series for upper middle-grade adventure lovers.-- "Michelle Kadarusman, author of Music for Tigers and Girl of the Southern Sea"

The spirited characters are well-drawn and believable, the material appears thoroughly (and I mean admirably) researched, and the book is hard to put down. Glimpses into how mummies are made, how to charm a cobra, and what medical treatments were used in Ancient Egypt are the type of fascinating detail that inspire reflection and appreciation if a reader can pause long enough to contemplate them between the nonstop action scenes. The heroine is smart, brave, resourceful, and persistent, the stakes grow ever higher, while palace intrigue and wild romps through catacombs supply all that an adventure-loving reader could desire.-- "Pam Withers, award-winning author of Stowaway and First Descent"

This action-packed series brings the vibrant ancient kingdom to life in wonderful, shimmering detail.-- "Kate Blair, author of The Magpie's Library"

About the Author

Alisha Sevigny is the author of the Secrets of the Sands series as well as the acclaimed young adult novels Summer Constellations and Kissing Frogs.