LoveReading4Kids Says
Available in Kindle and Paperback on Amazon.
The Wicton Village museum and Library are to be closed so new houses can be built on the site. In one last class visit to the museum, Charlie and Saima find themselves sketching the strange head of a statue of the Roman god Janus. However, coming into contact with the statue sends the pair back to Roman times, where they must keep together, stay safe and find a way home. Drawn into a conflict between the local blacksmith and a cruel Roman tax collector, the children with their new friend Ruus uncover a complex plot to steal thousands, and must put a stop to it and clear Metallus’ name.
Charlie's Truth by Alistair Rainey is a multi-faceted story, with lots to enjoy and discuss along the way. Each of the characters are well-crafted, with Charlie’s reputation for telling lies both getting him into and out of trouble and Saima’s studious nature that helps them to figure out what is happening and what to do next. The two characters are very different, and these differences are utilised throughout the book, allowing them to work together and overcome challenges. Charlie and Saima also learn from each other and become a bit more open to their new friend’s perspectives. The plotline is very well researched and includes a lot of detail about Roman history that would appeal to young history fans. There's also a glossary at the end for readers to learn more about the terms used within the book. With the added excitement of the time travel element I think that this would be an engaging and educational story for the 9-12 target audience.
Charlotte Walker, A LoveReading4Kids Ambassador
LoveReading4Kids Ambassador
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Charlie's Truth Synopsis
Available in Kindle and Paperback on Amazon.
When Wicton Village Museum and Library are to be developed, the mysterious curator, Miss Isadora Dean, is incensed. On a visit to the museum, Charlie and Saima, in Year 5 at the village school, are given a statue's head of Janus to draw but as they hold it they are thrust back to Wicton in Roman times.
Orcus, a cruel Roman tax collector, is involved in stealing thousands of denarii. Ruus, the son of the blacksmith Metallus, witnesses a fake ambush and murder, all part of an elaborate plot to steal thousands more. When the silver is stolen, it is buried in a clearing not far from town. Charlie, Saima and Ruus, not without some danger, unearth the bags.
However, all three children become embroiled and they themselves become suspects 'on the run'. Whilst Metallus is imprisoned at the fort, they are trapped by Orcus in the temple, yet notice another hoard within. Charlie, always full of ideas, sees a way to trap the real culprits and sets out his plan. They must use the Janus head and go back to the future then return to free Ruus.
Saima, truthful, stubborn and fast, runs to the fort to inform the authorities and just in the nick of time, soldiers arrive and arrest the true thieves. Charlie and Saima return to present day Wicton and when Alfie, a classmate, mentions a horse he had to draw carved on a brick from the temple, they set out on a treasure hunt. In the dead of night, they dig up a fortune at the museum building site but are immediately arrested.
Back at school, they are marched into assembly. They expect the worst until Mr Blewin, the developer, springs a pleasant surprise.
About This Edition
| ISBN: |
9781803810928 |
| Publication date: |
23rd June 2022 |
| Author: |
Alistair Rainey |
| Publisher: |
Grosvenor House Publishing Ltd |
| Format: |
Paperback |
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Alistair Rainey Press Reviews
What a brilliant book! I can't tell you how much I loved this book. The plot is excellent and the time travel element works really well. There is a fascinating level of detail about Roman Britain, although we don't get bogged down in the terminology at all as it is introduced so naturally. You have a cast of interesting and diverse characters, who are all well-rounded, credible and distinct. Charlie and Saima are brilliant, and you do a fine job of showing their strengths and faults in equal parts. Your dialogue is handled well and sounds natural, and your narrative energy is excellent and keeps us turning the pages. Altogether this makes for a warm and compelling story. Well done! I'm very much hoping there is a sequel - Jenny Warren, Editor (CIEP)
About Alistair Rainey
About Alistair Rainey - A retired, Primary teacher who plays golf and enjoys a bar or two of chocolate while watching rugby on telly. Moving to Norfolk with his wife, Pam, three years ago, he often acts as her sous- gardener. He retains his Christmas cracker sense of humour and sings Gilbert and Sullivan songs for a dog biscuit. Still a kid at heart, Charlie is most definitely a part of him.
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