Iron Age Archaeology & Indiana Jones-type Adventure - an Editorial Review of "Scorpions Ascent"

Book Blurb:

Scorpions Ascent is an action-packed young adult novel that blends Iron Age archaeology with the thrill of Indiana Jones adventure.

Tzakhi dreads being apprenticed to the smelting fires of King Solomon’s mines, but when his father is kidnapped, he has the opportunity to rescue him and demonstrate that he already has a different set of skills.

Tzakhi’s father Nachshon is steward over the mines of the Arava, and Tzakhi’s older half brothers serve the fires. Tzakhi loves working with the animals of the caravansary at Tamar and learning desert craft from Captain Avi-dan, commander of the Tamar fortress. Tzakhi visits Scorpions’ Ascent, where he’d seen his older brother Salmah draw in a pack of wolves with his flute. He, too, draws in the pack with his shofar—a song his mother sang of an epic journey and wolves.

When his father is kidnapped for his metallurgical skill by Hadad, Tzakhi tracks the kidnappers. A Torah teacher known only as the Levite gives Tzakhi a sword and a blessing that the ancient hornet of Moses go before him.

Tzakhi finds the raiders’ camp at the suspected Mt. Sinai. Can Tzakhi use desert craft and the lessons he learned from Avi-dan and the Levite to cut them down?

Scorpions Ascent takes a thriller turn, showing readers how the imagination and faith of the young can carve out solutions.

Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/nWBPjsA

Editorial Review:

The camels groaned, yawned, belched, and farted to the tinkle of bells, drovers’ shouts, and the creaking of their heavy baggage. Only their hooves in the sand were silent. The sun’s orange glow rose in the east, prepared to slip warm fingers atop the mountains of Moab and vault into the desert sky. By noon, the sun’s morning kiss would become a demonic sheid1 erasing every cool shadow of the caravansary.

The silver-haired boy slipped the few coins he’d earned into the leather pouch around his neck and concealed it beneath his tunic. Never let anyone see a money purse, even if your father is the steward over the king’s copper mines...even if your father has a detachment of soldiers and a fortress.

Those first paragraphs of chapter one pull us into the action of the story while also introducing us to the language and the culture the story is set in. Alewine's writing brims with suspense and rich sensory depth from the first page. More than just introducing the reader to the universe, the first few sentences transport us to the dusty breath of the desert and the throb of old mysteries.

Scorpions Ascent by Dr. Hollisa Alewine is a sprawling young adult novel that skillfully combines coming-of-age themes, biblical history, and archaeological intrigue into a vividly conceived desert epic. With the harsh Arava wilderness and King Solomon's mines as dramatic backdrops, this book captivates the reader from the very first phrase and doesn't let go. Scorpions Ascent is a gripping and unforgettable book that fulfills on several levels, regardless of whether you're interested in the Iron Age backdrop, the Indiana Jones-style action, or the spiritual undertones derived from Torah and Jewish tradition.

The high-stakes, multi-layered plot of Scorpions Ascent never feels forced or unduly complicated. Tzakhi, a reluctant apprentice forced to accept his true duty after being dragged into a rescue attempt, is at the center of the story. The journey leads into the rugged terrain surrounding Mount Sinai, a place steeped in mystery and symbolic weight, where Tzakhi's father, Nachshon, is abducted for his metallurgical expertise, creating tension naturally.

Tzakhi's path is spiritual as well as physical. By adding the Levite—a Torah teacher who provides a sword, bestows a blessing, and makes references to the biblical "hornet of Moses"—the plot is elevated from a straightforward rescue effort to a religiously charged rite of passage. The pacing guarantees that every new revelation or setback strikes with emotional and narrative power, and the stakes are both mythic and intimate.

Alewine skillfully strikes a mix between action scenes—such as camel chases, clashes with raiders, and the perils of the wilderness—and more subdued, contemplative periods that highlight Tzakhi's innermost thoughts and developing knowledge. Up to the pivotal encounter in the raiders' camp, the tension is naturally increased by the well-paced narrative framework.

Tzakhi is a young hero who is complex yet approachable. He doesn't start off as a leader or a fighter. He starts it as a young lad who would rather hear stories than swing a hammer and who likes animals over furnaces. One of the novel's greatest joys is seeing him grow—learning from Captain Avi-dan, finding strength in his mother's songs, and overcoming danger on his own.

The development of supporting characters is equally strong. In addition to being a father who has been abducted, Nachshon represents duty and tradition. The commander of the fortress, Avi-dan, serves as a mentor without ever becoming overly corny. One particularly interesting figure is the Levite, who is wise but never preachy, familiar but mysterious. Hadad, the adversary, is more than just a stereotypical bad guy; he has political, power, and knowledge-based motives.

With his flute that enchants wolves, Tzakhi's half-brother Salmah contributes a special spiritual element to the story. Together with Tzakhi's personal shofar, this magical realism deepens their relationship and emphasizes themes of mystical heritage and lineage.

The book is well-written, expertly formatted, and meticulously edited. To give readers a chance to catch their breath, chapter breaks occur at organic pauses in the action or introspection. Alewine's language is understandable without being overly simple, and the dialogue and story are well-balanced. The seamless integration of Hebrew terminology and Torah allusions adds cultural depth without overpowering readers who are not familiar with the custom.

There are no unexpected formatting errors or distracting typos. By allowing the story and characters to take center stage, the layout enhances the immersive experience.

Human voices approached from behind the rocks. Her nose told her they’d relieved themselves. Two humans. Sheep-men, not caravan men. Not furnace-men. Not horsemen. They smelled of their sheep. The men noticed her. Baka looked up, allowing the green water to stream from her muzzle. The men spoke to one another. Baka went back to the water and finished drinking.

The water was warm, but it felt good to her hooves. A nap in the protection of the sheep herd would be nice, but when she tried to graze a bit near the pool, the sheep-men shouted at her, moving her away. There wasn’t much grazing here, and the sheep had already stripped away much. Better to trot on home. She was close. Food was there. A safe stall to sleep in at night.

Baka turned her nose to the wind, scenting. One of the sheepmen approached. Did he have barley? Suddenly, he grabbed her halter and gave a shout to the other sheep-man. It was a glad shout. He jerked on her halter. This confused her. She was supposed to go home. Home to food. Home to water. Home to the boy’s care. Kind words. The last human who’d jerked on her neck like this was the one who beat her.

Throughout Scorpions Ascent, Alewine exhibits a surprising level of continuity. The plot never strays from its intended path, and each character's actions and growth remain consistent. When employed, flashbacks serve a function and blend in well. A gratifying trajectory is created by the slow build-up from caravansary life to spiritual battle, and each story point is resolved without seeming hurried.

The plot arc is timeless yet novel- Tzakhi transforms from a timid youngster into a self-assured young man via education, training, faith, and perseverance rather than through magic or superpowers. It serves as a reminder that genuine strength frequently originates from inside and manifests itself in our interactions with God and other people.

There isn't another young adult book like Scorpions Ascent on the market. Alewine sets the story in Iron Age Israel and grounds it in historical, archaeological, and Torah-based contexts, creating something entirely unique even though there are echoes of traditional adventure stories and biblical epics.

Few young adult novels try to combine ancient history, adventure, and faith in such a captivating and non-preachy manner. Even more uncommon is a tale in which the protagonist's life is impacted by spiritual tools like shofars, Torah blessings, and prophetic visions in a meaningful way.

This novel is unique in that it uses animals - more especially, camels and wolves - as symbolic and narrative devices. Alewine incorporates the natural world's wisdom and enigma into her story with beauty and respect.

Alewine has a talent for telling stories. Her writing is poetic without being overdone. The desert, fortifications, and oases are vividly described, conjuring not only images but also sounds, textures, and scents. Whether a character is a mystic instructor, a commander who has been in combat, or a peaceful flute player, their dialogue is authentic.

Tzakhi nodded and walked forward. Only then did the bowmen relax, and the first detachment reined their horses in different directions to inspect the battleground.

“You’ve met Yoachim? The captain from Sela?” asked Avidan.

“Yes, Captain,” said Tzakhi. “I don’t think he quite believed my story. But maybe if you explain you trained me yourself, it will be more believable.”

Avidan looked around at the dead, taking it in, then at the two Egyptian horses Tzakhi had tied to the tree. “These are man-stealers? You did all this yourself?” he asked.

Tzakhi nodded again. “Mostly. Wolves were chasing them, so I can’t take all the credit.”

More significantly, she can incorporate profound spiritual lessons into the story without slowing it down or turning off people who are not religious. Her writing is obviously influenced by her experience as a Torah teacher, yet she never allows the message to overshadow the narrative. Rather, it strengthens the mythology and moral compass of the universe she has created.

Scorpions Ascent has a happy and heartfelt finish. It ties up story lines, provides emotional closure, and leaves just enough space for potential continuation - all without giving away any specifics. The conclusion is more rewarding since Tzakhi wins by guts, strategy, and conviction rather than by using force.

As the teachings Tzakhi learned from his mother's songs, his mentor's survival skills, and the Levite's blessing all come full circle, there is also a poignant feeling of generational continuity and fulfillment. Readers are left with the impression that young people's faith and creativity had the power to influence fates even in ancient times.

Dr. Hollisa Alewine's Scorpions Ascent is a singular and incredibly fulfilling book. It is a unique young adult book that creates a universe rich in historical detail, cultural relevance, and spiritual resonance rather than catering to current fads. This novel will stick with readers long after they've turned the last page because of its gripping protagonist, fast-paced plot, deep character arcs, and strong moral core.

Fans of biblical adventures, historical fiction, and young adult heroes who journey not just across the desert but also toward destiny will find this book to be highly recommended.

4.5 stars from The Historical Fiction Company

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