The Seventh Jewel is a fantasy-adventure fiction geared for
youth (ages 11 and up). J.J. Pritchard crammed several
tantalizing elements in only 278 pages. The reader is taken
on a journey that involves a treasure hunt, a noble quest and
the discovery of an ancient civilization. The author touches
upon family relationships, dealing with death and coming to
terms with loosing a limb. The Seventh Jewel is also an
educational book that brings up serious issues from poverty
to discrimination. Mr. Pritchard's approach to encourage
readers to use his glossary of the ancient Inca language
was very well done.
J.J. Pritchard, author of 6 books including The Seventh
Jewel, has participated in a climbing expedition in Peru. His
first hand knowledge of Peru, global warming and ancient
Inca history is shown by tasteful and accurate use of facts.
He couples this with highly plausible events throughout the
story, making this book very well rounded, unique and
realistic.
There are four main characters: Emma, a gutsy and witty
teenage amputee, teaches the reader understanding and
respect for what amputees experience. I think she could be
a role model for many readers. Joel, her brave 11-year-old
brother, displays a loyal adventurous heart. Uncle Jake, a
well-connected treasure hunter by trade, plays the part of a
hero and protector during a few points in the story. Estrella,
a beautiful professor, has a chip on her shoulder that
begins to melt when she meets Uncle Jake. Her life long
dream is to honor her people by discovering the mysterious
jewel of the Ancient Inca.
They are all thrown together when scientists discover that
knowledge of an extremely rare element may exist in the
ancient records of the Inca. This element has the potential
to combat global warming and it is worth an inconceivable
amount of money. Because of this value, people of
questionable character are attracted to treasure hunt ? but
they play by their own rules and answer to their own ethics.
The Seventh Jewel was an exceptional read. I highly
encourage readers to pick up a copy of J.J. Pritchard's latest
book. You won't be disappointed!
ISBN#: 0595336744
Author: J. J. Pritchard
Publisher: iUniverse
~ Lillian Brummet - Book Reviewer - Co-author of the book Trash Talk, a guide for anyone concerned about his or her impact on the environment ? Author of Towards Understanding, a collection of poetry.
http://www.sunshinecable.com/~drumit