The Shadow of Atlantis by Wendy Leighton-Porter

The Shadow of Atlantis

Shadows from the Past Book 1

by Wendy Leighton-Porter.

Know More

Ten-year-old twins Jemima and Joe Lancelot have no idea why their parents have disappeared, but a mysterious old book belonging to their father holds the answer … and so begins a quest to uncover the truth.

Together with Max their Tonkinese cat, and Charlie from next door, the children embark on an epic adventure, travelling back in time to the lost city of Atlantis, unaware of the dangers that await them.

Can they save the people of Atlantis from the disaster which is about to destroy their land forever? And will they find their way back to the safety of their own time before it’s too late?

A Word from the Author

The first book in a Middle Grade time-travel series, The Shadow of Atlantis will transport young readers back into the past, to an ancient city shrouded in mystery.

James and Isabel Lancelot have vanished in mysterious circumstances, leaving behind their children, 10-year-old twins Jemima and Joe. Nobody knows what’s happened to them, apart from the sole witness to their disappearance – the family cat, Max.The couple used the portal of an old book – Shadows from the Past – to travel back in time but, on this occasion, left behind the key to bring them home and they are now trapped somewhere in the pages of history. With their parents missing, the twins are sent to live in London with their Uncle Richard, a professor of ancient history and archaeology, where they soon befriend the boy next door, Charlie.

One day, the children decide to investigate the old book for themselves but, finding it locked, can’t open it until Jemima realises she has the key – it’s hanging on her necklace (that had belonged to her mother). They also discover four golden owl-shaped charms inside the wooden chest containing the book.

With the book unlocked, an astonishing series of events unfolds, not least the appearance of a strange cloud. When they step inside it, the children are transported into the past, to the mythical city of Atlantis. It soon transpires that the owl charms have a purpose, enabling them to communicate with the Atlanteans, but when Jemima attaches one to Max’s collar, the cat begins to speak. They can’t believe their ears, especially when he tells them about the missing adults.

Knowing their parents aren’t dead, but simply lost in time, is wonderful news for the twins who now know they must begin a quest to rescue them. But, first, the youngsters have an important mission – to warn the people of Atlantis of the disaster about to destroy their city. Will they succeed? And can they find their way back to the safety of their own time before it’s too late?

“In the dynamic Shadows from the Past series, author Wendy Leighton-Porter continues to deliver exceptional literature for a youth audience. With exciting plots and historically relevant scenarios, Joe and Jemima enchant young readers with their thrilling adventures.” CHILDREN’S LITERARY CLASSICS BOOK AWARDS

“Wendy Leighton-Porter has created such vivid characters, with every story chock-full of historical events and significance; the books are hard to put down once you start reading… the author introduces history in a way that is so subtle children won’t even realize that they are learning.” READERS’ FAVORITE BOOK AWARDS

“Young readers are being introduced to history through the eyes of a very adventurous, time-traveling cat. I loved this story from start to finish; education and adventure go hand in hand with these books.” READERS’ FAVORITE BOOK REVIEWS

(Wendy Leighton-Porter, 2021)