Five Hieroglyphs

In this inspiring and richly illustrated young adult mystery-adventure, a Chicago teen discovers that Egyptian hieroglyphs may be more relevant--and powerful--than he thought.

"A dazzling, erudite tale of archaeological intrigue and self-discovery." --Fredric P. Williams, retired director of exhibits, Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service

A cruise to the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World turns dangerous for 17-year-old Dante Rivera when he defies orders to stop blogging about a shadowy organization that collects legendary antiquities.

As Dante falls ever deeper into harm's way, his connection to Thoth--the ancient Egyptian god of wisdom, magic, and writing--grows.

The sudden appearance of a series of Egyptian hieroglyphs--signals from Thoth, he's convinced--leads Dante to revelations that could spark an untapped talent and self-discovery.

Inspired by this new guide to push on, Dante begins to gain insights into the secretive organization, its connection to an Ancient Wonder lost to history, and its possible link to his estranged father. Will Dante prevail against the weight of a haunting childhood memory and the nefarious organization dead set on his downfall?

Five Hieroglyphs brings to life the power of myth, memory, and dream, and speaks to the importance of ancestral connections and of finding courage and purpose during moments of crisis. Set against the sea, the sky, and the majesty of the Seven Wonders, Five Hieroglyphs evokes the archaeological adventures of the Amelia Peabody Series; the mythology fiction of The Alexander Cipher, The Red Pyramid, and The Seven Wonders Book Series; and the themes of ancestral truths and justice in Elatsoe. Illustrated with 26 original woodcut-style drawings.

"That's the magic of traveling. To just drop into a new location and let it hit you--its sights and sounds, its people. And maybe discover something unexpected about yourself, too . . ."

"Five Hieroglyphs will make a reader and a history buff out of even the most reluctant young readers." --Jason Cummings, PhD, director of student programs, Global Online Academy