The Colossus Rises

This high-stakes adventure plunges readers into a world where a terminal diagnosis is just the beginning, launching twelve-year-old Jack McKinley and his three friends on a desperate quest tied to the legendary Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The premise masterfully blends a real-world emotional crisis with an ancient, globe-trotting mystery, creating an immediate and powerful hook that explores themes of friendship and survival against impossible odds. Young readers will be captivated by the secret organization, the mysterious island, and the life-or-death race to find seven magical orbs.

What sets this story apart is its clever integration of historical wonders into a modern-day treasure hunt, offering a thrilling entry point into ancient history and archaeology. The narrative’s relentless pace and the genuine peril the characters face—their own survival depending on their success—will particularly resonate with middle-grade readers who crave action-packed series with high emotional stakes. This is a surefire pick for any young adventurer ready to be swept into a saga of ancient secrets and contemporary courage.