The Seventh Jewel

by J.J. Pritchard

For more than 500 years an Inca princess lay peacefully buried atop Peru's highest peak, perfectly preserved under a shroud of ice and snow. Now the mummy has been uncovered by Emma's and Joel's Uncle Jake, a fortune hunter who may have unwittingly awakened a long dormant curse. A startling discovery about the mummy's necklace fuels an international search for its origin, as it may hold the long sought secret to fighting global warming. Backed by...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0595336744
• ISBN13: 9780595336746
• Release Date: March 2005
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Length: 280 Pages
• Weight: 0.91 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0"
• Age Range: 4 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 7

Customer Reviews

The Seventh Jewel - Review

"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!" ~ 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)

A High Altitude Adventure Well Worth Reading

Pritchard has outdone himself once again. This book hooks you in right from the start and has you continually wondering what will happen next to characters Emma, Joel and Uncle Jake. The story moves along quickly from one exciting chapter to the next leaving the reader anxious for more. Pritchard's first hand travels in Peru's Andes Mountains are evident as he takes his readers on such an exciting journey in search of the treasure. The reader feels the dangers and excitement every step of the trip as they cling to hope for Emma and Joel. "The Seventh Jewel" comes HIGHLY recommended, as do Pritchard's other titles "The Secret Treasures of Oak Island" and "Quest for the Pillars of Wealth (A Children's Guide to Growing Rich)."

Another great adventure story from J.J. Pritchard!

I thoroughly enjoyed "The Seventh Jewel". Pritchard's technique of alternately writing from Emma's and Uncle Jake's perspectives gave me a chance to live the adventure, danger and antics through each of them. I really got to know Emma, Joel and Uncle Jake. The search for the Seventh Jewel drew me in and kept me thinking about it long after I finished the story.

A Jewel Worth Waiting For

I am so excited this book is finally on your shelves! I've waited since 2002 for JJ's next book, since The Secret Treasures of Oak Island" was published. The fact that Mr. Pritchard has personally traveled to this part of the world, makes this new thriller even more enchanting! Keep 'em coming, JJ! My shelves wouldn't be the same without your treasures! Terry Ann, Seattle

Exciting and thoughtful young adult adventure fiction

I enjoyed this book tremendously- this is an exciting old-fashioned adventure story, involving vast jungles, long-dead princesses, mysterious relics and lost cities, all seen through the eyes of our fiesty red-haired teenage heroine Emma and her little brother Joel. Reminiscent of "King Solomon's Mines" or "Indiana Jones," Emma, Joel, their adventurer uncle and a scientist band together to find a priceless treasure of the ancient Incas, and the story bounds from incident to incident with great energy and momentum- there are plot twists galore, and not to mention some thoroughly nasty and ruthless villains, who try to thwart our heroes at every turn. What is particularly wonderful about this book is the exploration of Peru and the Incas- the historical angle of ritual sacrifice is fascinating, and the descriptions of the Peruvian cloud forest are lovely and evocative. After reading it, I wanted to go visit the Manu national forest and Machu Picchu! I highly recommend this for people who are tired of the usual dull nonsense passing itself off as young adult fiction and want to read a real story.