The other worlds of fantasy are immensely popular with readers of all ages, but the other worlds of history do not seem to attract the same enthusiasm.  This new Australian series could change that opinion for many young readers with its adventures, dangers and descriptions of a world way outside our own.

Ramose is the spoilt son and heir of the Egyptian pharaoh, but his life is in danger from his stepmother who wants her own son on the throne.  His two brothers have already died from poisoning so his tutor and nurse fake his death to enable him to escape and live in the desert as a lowly scribe's apprentice.

These two books (leading off a series) follow his adventures as he tries to deal with this sudden change of life, then prove the treachery and return to the palace as a prince.  At first he is not very successful, but very gradually he learns to survive on his wits and courage.

Carole Wilkinson has created two very detailed and fascinating worlds for her readers.  The first is Ancient Egypt, with all its daily details of work, food, buildings and attitudes.  The second is Ramose himself as he struggles to cope with the hard life of a commoner without servants or other luxuries.

In the first story he has to help build and decorate his own tomb, fights with other apprentices and his lazy master, survives a fall from a mountain cliff, but manages to find some friends in a slave and another apprentice.  The second novel sees them fleeing a flash flood only to be captured by desperate tomb robbers.

Through all these adventures Ramose gradually changes from a spoilt brat to a capable and confident survivor, learning the importance of trust and friendship.  Encounters with his sister serve to highlight how far he has been thrust from his earlier life and how hard his fight back will be.

The chapters are short and the action brisk throughout, leading the reader on through the mysterious world of ancient Egypt.  There is also a short glossary at the back of each book to help explain unfamiliar terms and details.

The Ramose books are an exciting new venture in Australian children's novels for readers who like to go beyond the predictable.

Other books in this series:
Ramose: sting of the scorpion (Black Dog Books 2002)
Ramose: wrath of Ra (Black Dog Books 2003)

Review by David Beagley

© 2001 David Beagley