The Legend of Viking Thunder

With Uncle Emmett missing and on the run from the Council of Keys, Sim and Jeopardy are determined to find him. Their quest leads them to Viking Norway and a mission to prevent the mythical Gjallarhorn, believed to signal the coming of Ragnarök, from falling into the wrong hands.

I absolutely adored ‘Hunt for the Golden Scarab’, the first Time Keys adventure, and so ‘The Legend of Viking Thunder’ didn’t even make it to the TBR pile, but was read immediately! A pacy, thoroughly enjoyable adventure, it is also rich in history and a love of music.

The idea of time ‘doors’ will make readers look at any ancient door they meet with new eyes and the story leads to some very specific locations which are described in tempting detail, showing that history is everywhere and that, although we might not all be able to pass through time, these links to the past can be easily found and investigated! The level of historical detail woven into each story is incredible- Viking in this adventure, Egyptian in the last- effortlessly enriching knowledge of the period and piquing interest. I can’t wait to see where they explore next- Italy from the sneak peak of the next book added at the end of this one!

Sim, Jeopardy and Nelson continue to work as an excellent team with the adults, Sim’s mum, Calli, and Jeopardy’s dad, Emmett, playing a main part in the action, unlike many children’s books where grown-ups are killed off early! More is discovered about Jeopardy in this story- her relationship with her father and her skills as a time key- but we also learn more about Sim’s father and how he (Sim) differs from the others.

Full of action and adventure, this would make an excellent class story to engage and excite children. Although part of a series, this could be read in isolation as through a diary entry and a letter information is given which sets the scene, filling the reader in on the previous events. Skilful writing, compelling story line, great illustrations- it’s a brilliant read!

Time Keys: The Legend of Viking Thunder

M G Leonard, illustrated by Manuel Sumberac

Macmillan ISBN: 978-1035005987

You can read my review of ‘Hunt for the Golden Scarab’ here.

Hunt for the Golden Scarab

Sim’s mum works as a cleaner at Sir John Soane’s Museum where the two live in the attic flat. They never stay anywhere for long but, for the first time, Sim is attending the local school instead of being homeschooled. When some sinister strangers appear at the museum one night, Sim is left with even more unanswered questions about who his mum is- and what she is hiding from. Learning that she has the power to open doors in time, he finds himself on the adventure of a lifetime to locate the golden heart scarab of Nefertiti before the mysterious Council of Keys lay their hands on it- and him.

Combining all the classic elements of exciting adventure story with time travel, ‘Hunt for the Golden Scarab’ is a fast-moving, action-packed romp of a read, rich in historical and locational details which will leave readers desperate for more. It is also one of those books which is so hard to review without spoiling for others!

Sim’s adventure starts in London before taking him to Egypt – ancient and modern. With his school friend, Nelson, supporting him at home and his newly found cousin, Jeopardy, accompanying him on his travels, well developed characters are a real strength of this story, including the adults. Sim’s mother, Callidora, has brought her son up on her own and is portrayed as strong (physically and mentally), capable and resourceful, facilitating her son’s development and taking an active part in the story rather than being killed off, kidnapped or somehow lost along the way. Similarly, her brother, Emmett, who she warns Sim is untrustworthy, is far more nuanced than many adults in children’s stories, enriching the plot and promising more in future books.

Locations are also well developed and engaging, sure to spark curiosity and interest. Sir John Soane’s Museum is a fascinating place, crammed with treasures, well worth visiting and yet, perhaps, one of London’s less well-known attractions. Details about Sir John and other historic places and events mentioned in the story are offered in Nelson’s ‘Time Traveller’s Diary’, included at the end of the book. Tutankhamun’s tomb and places in Egypt are also carefully described and there is a ‘Key’s Guide to Ancient Egypt’ which helps to explain some of the key figures and events relating to that part of the action.

A love of music and a fascination with history permeate the story, enhancing the reader’s enjoyment of this epic adventure!

Time Keys: Hunt for the Golden Scarab

M G Leonard, illustrated by Manuel Šumberac

Macmillan ISBN: 978-1035005963

Publication date: 30th January 2025

You can read my review of The Arctic Railway Assassin here and Sabotage on the Solar Express here.