Scions of the Sphinx
ACTION ADVENTURE FANTASY YOUNG ADULT
17th Century or Earlier,Across Centuries,Contemporary
R. Scott Boyer
TaleFlick Pick!
Logline
When teen Bobby Ether’s parents are abducted, the trail leads to the Great Sphinx at Giza and the discovery of an ancient civilization that predates Egypt. With past and future on the line, he must race to protect a lost city’s secrets from the nefarious Core, who seek the power hidden within.
Genre
Action,Adventure,Fantasy,Young Adult
Short Summary
Bobby comes home from summer camp to discover his parents missing. The only clue to their disappearance is a postcard of the Great Sphinx and Giza with the inscription "See you soon" on the back, and a plan ticket to Cairo.
Bobby and his friends flashes back to the ancient past, where they relive the events that caused the downfall of Atlantis while, at the same time, defeating the antagonist in the present timeline. They then seal up the necropolis and destroy it so that none may access its awesome power.
Setting
Los Angeles, Egypt (Cairo, Giza, Valley of the Kings)
Based on a True Story
No
Plot - Premise
Overcoming Monster/Villain,Quest,Voyage and Return
Plot - Other Elements
Coming of Age,Happy Ending
Mature Audience Themes
Information not completed
Main Character Details
Name: Bobby Ether
Age: 17
Gender: Male
Role: Protagonist
Key Traits: Adventurous,Heroic,Honorable,Leader,Underdog,Strong Moral Code,Selfless
Additional Character Details
The author has not yet written this
Additional Character Details
The author has not yet written this
Additional Character Details
The author has not yet written this
Development Pitch
When teen Bobby Ether’s parents are abducted, the trail leads to the Great Sphinx at Giza and the discovery of an ancient civilization that predates Egypt. The spirit of an ancient princess holds secrets that could redefine history and reshape the future. The lost city of Atlantis lies buried far below the modern-day Valley of Kings. Bobby must work with his friends to unravel its mysteries, access the necropolis, and protect its secrets before the nefarious Core can use it to reinvent humanity.
Genre
ACTION, FANTASY
Brief
Bobby learns his parents are missing and have left him with a plane ticket to meet them in Egypt. He follows them, finding out they have been kidnapped by Mu'at who is looking for the lost city of Atlantis and it's missing treasures. Bobby is joined by his friends and meets Zaria who helps them navigate Egypt. Bobby finds the Godheart in the lost city and battles Mu'at from getting while saving his love, Zaria.
Overall Rating
GOOD
Narrative Elements
Authors Writing Style: GOOD
Characterization: GOOD
Commerciality: GOOD
Franchise Potential: EXCELLENT
Pace: GOOD
Premise: GOOD
Structure: GOOD
Theme: GOOD
Accuracy of Book Profile
Yes, the book profile accurately reflects the book.
Draw of Story
The story begins with the explanation of the hidden, magical forest sanctuary Bobby lives with other ability kids. It is run by Chief, a Native American with special abilities. It is refreshing to see other cultures with magic and powers especially indigenous people.
Possible Drawbacks
The story has some diversity but for modern audiences, could be increased. The Chief being indigenous is a great addition but it should stretch to more of the main characters. The story focuses on Ancient Egypt and then switches into the discovery of Atlantis. It feels like two competing tales of lore.
Use of Special Effects
THE STORY RELIES A LITTLE BIT ON SPECIAL EFFECTS
Primary Hook of Story
The hook is that Bobby's parents are taken by a man who believes he is on the key to finding the Godsheart in the lost city of Atlantis. I would watch this movie for adventure that takes the characters to Egypt. It is always interesting to see a different mythology on the Lost City of Atlantis.
Fanbase Potential
This could have a large fanbase with the 13-18 year old demographic. There is adventure, history, romance and action. The characters are relatable and have good dynamics.
Awards Potential
This does not have awards potential. It is a solid story that doesn't deep dive into much character development or story development. It follows the formula of many YA action adventure sagas.
Envisioned Budget
MEDIUM BUDGET
Similar Films/TV Series
THE MUMMY RETURNS, ATLANTIS, NATIONAL TREASURE, X-MEN: APOCALYPSE
What’s New About the Story
The story is not very original. There are many stories that have been adapted about Atlantis and lost treasures in Egypt. As this is the third book in a series, it was difficult to determine if the cast was diverse or where the story has taken the characters previously.. It was refreshing to have the "Professor X" of the story be Indigenous. The Native American tribes should be given more representation especially with mythology grounded in North America.
Lead Characters
The lead character, Bobby, doesn't stand out. He is a typical male character for the genre of story. Most of the story, he is reacting to the circumstances that the audience doesn't get a great understanding of him as an individual.
Uniqueness of Story
This is not a rare gem but is a solid action , adventure that would be appealing to audiences. The antagonist has some interesting moments and connections with some of the characters as well.
Possible Formats
Film: Studio, Streaming TV Series: Limited Run / Mini-Series, Streaming
Analyst Recommendation
CONSIDER
Justification
This is a consider because the story is a well rounded, entertaining action adventure. The characters are likeable and the story gives a fun twist on Egyptian mythology, history and the lore of Atlantis. At times, that twist feels unconnected and random. One should tie in a bit more seamlessly. The meta abilities are hinted at but not shown to any great extent. For anyone not familiar with the previous books, this might seem lacking . There should be more involving that because that is what put Bobby in the circumstances he is in.