Infinity Ring 4: Curse of the Ancients

Infinity Ring 4: Curse of the Ancients by Matt De La Rena (Scholastic Inc.)

HB RRP $14.99

ISBN 978-0-545–38699-9

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Sera, Dak and Riq are still fighting against the end of history as they know it. They are fighting for the continuance of their world and fighting to gain the ‘remnants’ which float just outside of corners of their memories. To do this they must keep travelling through time repairing tears in history which threaten to rip huge holes in the very fabric of the world causing cataclysmic events – flooding, earthquakes and extreme weather patterns.

In this book, as they travel towards the year 1562 and the ancient Mayan civilisation, Sera has a horrifying glimpse of the ‘Cataclysm’ and begins to understand that it is not only the disintegration of the world that is at stake if they fail, but also the disintegration of the worlds’ people. Throughout this Mayan adventure Sera is unable to tell Riq and Dak what she has witnessed which leaves her feeling even more alone.

As in previous books, Time Wardens and their SQ foe are lurking in the surrounding population. Hystorians, however, do not yet exist in this part of the world which makes it harder for the children to find allies to trust to help them in their mission.

The ancient Mayan civilisation is the setting for Curse of the Ancients. The Mayan society, beliefs and codex are a fascinating part of history and this small glimpse into their Mayan lives, is an important part of this gripping adventure.

As each book in the Infinity Ring series is written by a different author, each story has a slightly different feel which fits nicely with the different settings and historical context. While it means not all the threads are picked up in every story, the three characters remain consistent. Each book could stand alone but it would be better to read them in order. This thrilling adventure ride for eight to fourteen year olds, continues to get more complex as the series progresses.

Curse of the Ancients continues the multi-platform adventure series, Infinity Ring and like the other books, includes a top secret clue to be opened at the adventures conclusion. This gives access to a new adventure on www.infinityring.com which the reader may then embark upon while waiting for the next instalment of the series.