(4) 4-6 While visiting a museum's Egyptian exhibit, Jake and Kady are drawn into another adventure in the mystical world of Pangaea. Joined by old companions and a new one--Princess Nefertiti--the gang continues to explore the mysteries of time and combat the evil schemes of the Skull King. Chases and fight scenes elbow out character development in this good-humored, frenetically paced action-adventure.

Reviewer: Megan Lynn Isaac

(3) YA This sequel to Sphinx's Princess continues Friesner's fictionalized story of Nefertiti. The adolescent future royal describes her forbidden romance with Amenophis, brother of her intended groom; her first-person narration also reveals her anger about slavery and other injustices. Back matter explains how little is known about the real historical figures, but the story's intimacy with its characters lends accessibility to an ancient era.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax

(3) YA This heavily fictionalized tale of Nefertiti creates a possible childhood and adolescence for the Egyptian royal. Friesner's protagonist is a goodhearted independent thinker surrounded by people in high places with low motives--and she's ready to take them on. Imbuing its speculations with somewhat modern sensibilities, the text attempts to flesh out characters that history has only sketched.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax

(4) YA Ancient World Leaders series. These books delve into historical, social, and political theories specific to each ancient world leader. The texts, though informative, can be dry, and some speak more generally about the ancient cultures than about the leaders themselves. Archival photographs and sidebars break up the pages; additional maps and/or illustrations would have been helpful. Most volumes include glossaries and website resources. Reading list, timeline. Bib., ind. Review covers these Ancient World Leaders titles: Nefertiti, Hammurabi, Queen of Sheba, Ramses the Great, and King David.

Reviewer: T. Borregaard