Ranger Nader & The Unsolvable Riddle is Book 2 of The Guardian Chronicles, a contemporary scify-fantasy-green mixed genre series with secret schools, spaceships, epic battles, & evil demi-gods. Ranger, a Lebanese-American teenager, inherits a magic ax and the family feud with the demi-god Gilgamesh of epic fame. The stories take place in a secret school located inside a mountain in Lebanon where teenagers are trained to be part of the Phoenician Spaceship Merchant Marine. In the first book, Ranger Nader & The Sunstruck Phantom, Ranger has to stop Gilgamesh from destroying the cedar forest. In Ranger Nader & The Unsolvable Riddle, Ranger loses his crew and his ship to a bad decision. He compounds his troubles when he "borrows" the legendary six-bull ship and flies it solo to solve a mystery, a riddle, and a crime.
The book received SIX five-star reviews from Reader’s Favorite. Here are exerts from these reviews:
Author Kam Karem masterfully blends elements of fantasy, adventure, and mythology, creating a rich and imaginative world filled with demigods, magic, and ancient conflicts... What makes this book especially compelling is its connection to real-world issues, particularly climate change and the preservation of ancient forests. Karem’s inspiration from his family’s legacy as Keepers of the Cedars of Lebanon adds a personal level of depth to the narrative that is truly unique... I would certainly recommend it for YA sci-fi and fantasy fans everywhere.5* Review by Tanja Jurkovic for Readers’ Favorite:
Kam Karem delightfully describes the main characters and their quirky, but loving relationships with a touch of humor and lots of fun moments which will leave the reader simply wanting more! I enjoyed Karem’s skillful implementation of the Gilgamesh myth in the story, which served as a catalyst for all the dangers that Ranger and his team had to face...It is truly a delightful read for every generation.5* Review by Pikasho Deka for Readers’ Favorite:
If Harry Potter met The Guardians of the Galaxy, you would end up with something like Ranger Nader and the Unsolvable Riddle. This is the perfect sci-fi fantasy adventure series for teenagers and young adults. A sequel to Ranger Nader and the Sunstruck Phantom, this book brings new layers to the characters and explores the relationship between Ranger and his friends still further. Kam Karem has built a fascinating, fantastical world that will spark your imagination... I have immensely enjoyed both the books in this series, and I’m looking forward to reading the sequels. 5* Review by Keith Mbuya for Readers’ Favorite:
Lovers of young adult fantasy and science fiction novels with a touch of action will love Kam Karem’s Ranger Nader and The Unsolvable Riddle... Fans of Harry Potter will be hooked from cover to cover with this page-turner. 5* Review by Frank Mutuma for Readers’ Favorite:
... I was hooked from the first page to the last. The plot line flows seamlessly, leaving no room for confusion. Karem also utilized suspense to great effect, leaving one yearning for more... I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.5* Review by Liz Konkel for Readers’ Favorite:
... One of the best parts of Karem’s world is the blend of adventure and quirkiness that creates a fantastical atmosphere that has only grown since book one... Beneath the plot are prominent themes of leadership, friendship, and trust which can be seen in the various dynamics in Ranger’s life. The menagerie of misfits continues to grow and they are just as endearing as they were in book one, having evolved individually since... (The Book) is a fun YA treat that blends charm, riddles, friendship, and science fiction to create a unique adventure that readers will enjoy.