Publisher: GRAPHIX
Release Date: April 29, 2014
When a young Cleopatra (yes, THAT Cleopatra) finds a mysterious tablet that zaps her far, REALLY far future, she learns of an ancient prophecy that says she is destined to save the galaxy from the tyrannical rule of the evil Xaius Octavian. She is enrolled in Yasiro Academy, a high-tech school with classes like algebra, biology, and alien languages (which Cleo could do without), and combat training (which Cleo loves). With help from her teacher Khensu, Cleo learns what it takes to be a great leader, while trying to figure out how she's going to get her homework done, make friends, and avoid detention.
On the one hand I absolutely loved this story. I love the concept of taking a character from the past (a famous one at that) and throwing her into the distant future where a prophecy says she will save the world. She is brave, funny, and is convincingly heroic. On the other hand, Cleo acclimates to this new world really fast. After all, isn't shooting a ray gun the same as a slingshot? Oh and, if you were sent to the future, wouldn't they immediately enroll you in school?
Truthfully, I think I liked it because it was a combination of Indiana Jones meets The Search for WondLa, with some travel added into the mix. The adventure, the fun cast, as well as Cleo's quick whit are page turner enough before you add in prophecies, ray guns, and cats. My only major criticism is that Cleo is fifteen, but she really doesn't act like a teenager. The audience for the book is clearly not young adult and since Cleo already acts like she is twelve, it would not have hurt to make her a little younger. Weirdly enough it would have made the story more believable, especially if we are talking about the Cleopatra VII Philopator who was a regent at the age of 14.
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