"A time-hopping historical adventure. "
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
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| Primary Genre | Indie Author Books |
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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.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Charlie's Truth and determined it is suitable for children aged 9-10 years old
Charlie's Truth features in the following genres: Adventure Stories, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Crime & Mystery, Featured Books for 9+ readers, Recommendations, Historical Fiction, Indie Books We Love, Indie Author Books
Charlie's Truth is available in Paperback, Ebook
Charlie's Truth was written by Alistair Rainey and published by Grosvenor House Publishing
£10.99
