Tara: Initiate of Heliopolis [Paperback]

Theresa Welsh (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

A mysterious papyrus sends 13-year-old Tara Monteil back to Cleopatra's Egypt, finding herself standing between the paws of the Sphinx looking into the piercing eyes of a stranger... who has been expecting her! He is the high priest, Maneto, who takes her to what's left of the holy city of Heliopolis. Tara joins another young girl, Nannora, as an initiate of the ways of Osiris and begins a friendship that spans the centuries. Through her efforts to help Tara get back home, Nannora learns the real purpose of her life. Adventure, romance, and surprises make this an exciting story.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

A mysterious papyrus sends 13-year-old Tara Monteil back to Cleopatra's Egypt, a subject she was researching for a school paper. Tara's father, a university professor, told her the Egyptians deserved to be conquered because they had put their energy into foolish beliefs, but her mother said the Egyptians were a spiritual people who lost their way. Tara discovers her own truth as she finds herself standing between the paws of the Sphinx looking into the piercing eyes of a stranger... who has been expecting her! He is the high priest, Maneto, who takes her to what's left of the holy city of Heliopolis. Tara joins another young girl, Nannora, as an initiate of the ways of Osiris and begins a friendship that spans the centuries.

Tara learns Egypt is in turmoil as the Romans, led by Caesar, are at the shores of Alexandria. The other initiates believe Tara is a prophet because she knows the future. Tara insists Cleopatra must meet with Caesar and make an alliance. The senior initiate, the handsome Karmenes, takes Tara to visit the monuments of Giza. He then takes her on a mission to meet and talk with Cleopatra who is in hiding at the port of Bubastis, the city of the cat goddess Bast.

But Tara yearns to go home to her family. Nannora learns the truth about Tara and relates her own sad story. Through her efforts to help Tara get back home, Nannora learns the real purpose of her life. Adventure, romance, and surprises make this an exciting story.

Theresa Welsh especially enjoys stories that take place in ancient times, like this one. She lives and writes in Ferndale, Michigan, with a husband, a teen-aged daughter, and two cats.

About the Author

Theresa Welsh has been a feature writer, business writer, and technical writer. She has co-authored a business book, The Brave New Service Strategy, published by AMACOM in January, 2000. She has always wanted to write for young adults, especially working in historical fiction, which she enjoyed so much in her own youth.

Tara is her second work in this genre.

Theresa Welsh is married and lives in Ferndale, Michigan with her husband David, her daughter Amy, and two cats named Lewis and Milo. You can reach the author by e-mail at [e-mail].

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 148 pages
• Publisher: Hats Off Books (August 31, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1587360020
• ISBN-13: 978-1587360022
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,857,711 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Intriguing time-travel book, November 5, 2000

By 

E. A Solinas "ea_solinas" (MD USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Tara: Initiate of Heliopolis (Paperback)

It's easy to say what ancient peoples believed and/or deserved -- but what if you actually were there?

That's the question of "Tara: Initiate of Heliopolis." Upon discovery of a piece of old papyrus, Tara is sent back in time, to ancient Egypt. The heroine becomes enmeshed in the politics of the time -- also, she's thought to be a prophet, since she knows their future. Between giving advice, she befriends a young woman named Nannora.

The idea of a modern person in ancient times has become a screaming cliche in books and television alike, but every now and then an author pulls it off with style. There were some definitely cringe-worthy passages in this book, but Tara adapts better to the Egyptian life better and more believably than the usual time-traveller.

The writing style is a bit stark, but it's certainly not bad. The heroine is basically the average teen, which is also a bit cliched, but her lack of in-your-face attitude saves her from mediocrity.

The historical background and intriguing storyline of this book definitely make it worth the while of any kid who stumbles on it.