Rise of the Snake Goddess

April 1, 2022
Readers are reunited with Prohibition-era aspiring archaeologist Samantha Knox and her friends as they travel to Crete to unlock the mystery of an ancient Minoan goddess. Although Sam has completed her first year of study at the University of Chicago at the top of her class, professor Atchinson refuses to include her in his summer field study at Knossos. Angered by his dismissiveness, Sam jumps at the opportunity to travel to Crete anyway with old friends Joana and Bennett Steeling. Their discovery of a beseeching letter from a museum curator to professor Wallstone, a returning character from Curse of the Specter Queen (2021), provides the impetus to explore a Cretan cave with a mysterious symbol. Upon arrival, the trio are swept up into exciting adventures including cave exploration, earthquakes, shady characters, daring escapes, charmed snakes, and--most importantly--the finding of a golden girdle that ensnares Sam with its siren song. Throughout, professor Atchinson remains a thorn in Sam's side, constantly belittling her gender, talents, and ambition. Sam's response to his misogyny and classism propels the book's action but also, in the deft hands of the author, provides readers with insights into the complexities of identity, self-awareness, and right action. While never becoming preachy, the book also thoughtfully explores issues related to the ethics of the acquisition and ownership of antiquities. All characters appear White. Another satisfying supernatural adventure featuring an intrepid solver of puzzles. (Adventure. 13-18)

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May 15, 2022
Grades 8-10 Heroine Samantha Knox, last seen on an adventure to stop the Celtic Specter Queen from rising and taking vengeance (Curse of the Specter Queen, 2021), has earned the top undergrad spot in her archaeology class. Normally that honor means she would travel to Greece with the graduate students, but before Sam can even celebrate, crabby Professor Atchinson denies her the experience. But Sam won't be deterred, and soon she and rich friends Jo and Bennett are off to Crete on a mission of their own. When said mission leads them to the magical girdle of the unnamed Snake Goddess, Sam is sure she'll be able to show up her professor. But as the theft of the girdle leads them on an ever-more-perilous journey through crypts and high society, it may end up being a story they can never tell anyone. Billed as the heir apparent to Indiana Jones, Samantha is a witty and wise adventurer, and it feels as though Moke is building towards an eventual greater purpose for her heroine.

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July 1, 2022

Gr 9 Up-Aspiring archeologist Sam Knox finds herself in another magical mess as she attempts to participate in a dig in Crete in the early 1920s. The fallout from her first adventure in Ireland doesn't help her case when the misogynistic Professor Atchinson refuses to allow her to accompany the graduate field expedition, even though she has earned her place. However, a well-timed letter sends her and two best friends sailing off to Greece, where they encounter all manner of criminals and find the golden girdle of the Snake Goddess, which sets off a chain of events that could destroy the world. The star of this show is Sam's friend Joana, an insouciant flapper with nerves of steel (mostly) and the ability to talk her way into and out of most trouble, while looking fabulous and cracking jokes. Her brother Bennett, Sam's boyfriend, is a little stodgy and exasperated, and Sam herself is kind of a mess. There are earthquakes, mythological monsters, archaic rituals, smugglers with guns, and plenty of alcoholic beverages. Knowledge of the first book would definitely fill in some gaps. Characters present white. VERDICT An entertaining but additional purchase, where the first book circulates well.-Mara Alpert

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