The Silver Coin (Ancient Elements) (Volume 3)

By Marie Sontag

Description:

The Mycenaean captain laughed and addressed his prisoners. "By the time people realize you're missing, you'll all be slaves of Greek merchants or landowners. And I’ll be that much richer!" Sam swallowed hard. Now I’ll never find Uncle Zim. And who will want to buy a crippled slave? Numbness overtook him as he saw his hopes, like the sail of the Phoenician ship, go up in flames.

Book three of the Ancient Element Series finds Amata in Egypt in the middle of a political power struggle, while Sam travels from Egypt to Crete, Cyprus, and then Phoenicia in search of his uncle Zim. Both characters encounter love interests, but must choose between love and survival as they navigate the dangers of the ancient world. Ultimately, Sam faces the danger of a vengeful father, challenging Sam's understanding of true love and forgiveness.

Sontag's Mediterranean world is a vivid one, and the story makes clear that even thousands of years ago, residents of the region were well traveled and knowledgeable about their realm . . . individuals looking for curriculum-based fiction may find the book a valuable tool. --- Kirkus Reviews

Book Takeaway:

Any benefits derived from wealth, power, or revenge pale in comparison to the riches found in family, love, and forgiveness.

Why the author wrote this book:

Book three of the Ancient Elements Series allows Sam to finally reach his ultimate goal, reuniting with his Uncle Zim in Phoenicia. The book also reveals more about the ancient Egyptian culture and the politics of its day, while allowing for the introduction of the Mycenaean, Cretan and Canaanite cultures as the series comes full circle.