The Pharaoh's Secret
by Clive Cussler, Graham Brown
Penguin 2015
Book 13 of The NUMA Files
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 6.3 (6th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Book 13 in a series — earlier books first
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Genre
Themes
- ancient secrets and modern science
- bio-terror and toxins
- environmental exploitation and water scarcity
- power, greed, and corruption
- loyalty and teamwork
- race-against-time rescue
- archaeology and lost civilizations
- techno-thriller espionage
About this book
After the NUMA crew is sickened by a mysterious toxin, Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala race to uncover a cure hidden in ancient Egyptian lore while battling a ruthless magnate intent on manipulating a newly discovered Saharan aquifer to resurrect a modern pharaonic empire. From underwater operations to desert strongholds, the team unravels a conspiracy linking lost history, biohazards, and high-tech greed. It’s a globe-trotting, high-stakes NUMA Files adventure blending archaeology, science, and nonstop action.
Setting: Contemporary global thriller set largely in Egypt and the Sahara Desert, with Mediterranean locales and at-sea/underwater NUMA operations
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Pharaoh's Secret right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Pharaoh's Secret. The reading level is AR 6.3, which is typical for 6th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include ancient secrets and modern science, bio-terror and toxins, environmental exploitation and water scarcity. Note: this is book 13 in a series — your child should read the earlier books first.
How long does it take to read The Pharaoh's Secret?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, The Pharaoh's Secret takes around 12h to finish. The book has 123,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Pharaoh's Secret have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Pharaoh's Secret has an AR quiz available, worth 18 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is The Pharaoh's Secret?
The Pharaoh's Secret has an AR reading level of 6.3, which places it at a 6th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.