Curse of the Mummy's Tomb

Plot Summary: The biggest loser in the world (also known as Gabe) goes to visit Egypt with his parents and complains the whole time. They soon abandon him with his Uncle Ben who is an archaeologist. Uncle Ben takes his daughter Sari and Gabe into a pyramid where a crazy guy (Ahmed) intent on maintaining an ancient 'curse' tries to mummify them all alive. Then they're saved by actual mummies.

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Not going to lie, the majority of this book is a snoozefest. I'm guessing we're supposed to identify with Gabe and find him likeable and to some extent, he is. However, my god is this kid annoying. He's a coward and a loser which is nice in a kids book but Stine took it too far. Everything scares this kid and it makes the majority of the book unbearable and incredibly boring. However, it does have a pretty damn scary conclusion which is more unique than most mummy books. The fact that the bad guy is trying to mummify them alive, boil them in hot tar and possibly suffocate them to death is far darker than they usually tread in these books. Ahmed also super calm the entire time which I'm not sure if it makes it scarier or more hilarious. The ending alone would probably get a rating of 4 from me but alas, I can't forgive the majority being so dull and without plot. Also the hand thing is a little contrived and how well Uncle Ben takes everything is downright hilarious. But kudos to Stine for creating the horrifying image of hundreds of people being mummified alive in a room for four thousand years.

Stine shows how politically correct he is: 'I'll say one nice thing about Egypt. The Coke tastes just as good as the Coke back home.'

Mr. Blase: Uncle Ben. Also doubles as a Terrible Family alert:

"Daddy-he's going to kill us! And then turn us into mummies!"
Uncle Ben held Sari and looked over her shoulder accusingly at Ahmed "Is this true?"

After being told him and his family are about to be dipped in hot tar:

"Ahmed, can't we talk about this calmly and rationally as scientists?"

Worst Bond Line: After summoning actual mummies to kill the bad guy using the hand of a mummy:

"Thanks for the helping hand."

Rating:

.5