Empire of Shadows

Ellie Mallory's having a bad day, she’s getting fired after being arrested at a suffragettes protest and when she accidentally comes across a mysterious map an amulet in her bosses office she decides it’s time for an adventure. But when stealing the map she’s soon found out and the villain is after her across the Atlantic…

This is like the cheesy lovechild between The Mummy and Indiana Jones. It’s not perfect but reads like an 80-90’s adventure movie and it’s kind of fun.

Didn’t really buy the love story, the MC throws a few “Why you stuck up, half witted, scruffy looking nerf herder!” his way just because. The first impression and irritation between them feels pretty forced. Both of the MCs are very cliché, we’ve seen these characters before in movies. There’s a lot of mention of how muscular the man is, male flesh etc etc and he’s often missing his shirt. Maybe tell yourself that this is an 80’s movie and you can just roll with it? If those kind of movies are not appealing to you, maybe this is not the book for you.

But I had fun and I will look for the second part in the series and see if it can keep it up for a second book. Just finished it so maybe I’m overdoing it but, eff it, 4 stars!

(4.75) Adventure, romance, danger, and a bit of ancient magic

This book is marketed towards fans of The Mummy and I think it delivers on that. You get a strong-willed, intelligent female lead and her brash, resourceful, charming male counterpart. Their partnership is full of witty banter, respect, and keeping each other from dying.

There are dangerous rivals. Ancient booby traps. Conveniently ripped clothing. False identities. Deadly puzzles. Old friends and new friends. And yet always time for flirting. The story kept my attention in both pacing and plot.

Slow burn, annoyed-acquaintances-to-lovers with no overt spice but enough innuendo that I could see future books leaning that way.

There are a handful of glaring typos I caught (and probably some that I missed) but it's in no way unreadable. They were easy enough to immediately move past. The writing itself was good.

I'd recommend this specifically for anyone who loved The Mummy (1999) or the Amelia Peabody series, and more generally for anyone looking for a bit of romance, mystery, and adventure in a jungle setting.

Special shoutout to the person who borrowed this book before me and MARKED their reactions in a LIBRARY BOOK. In pen. You're a monster.

Book Review: Empire of Shadows by Jacquelyn Benson

Rating: 4.5 Stars

As an avid reader with a penchant for historical adventures, I recently delved into the captivating world of “Empire of Shadows” by Jacquelyn Benson. Let me start off by gushing over the stunning cover - it truly sets the tone for the thrilling escapades that await within the pages.

From the moment I dived into the story, I was hooked. The protagonist, Ellie Mallory, defies societal norms with her archaeological ambitions, making her a strong and relatable character. The author skillfully weaves a tale of mystery, adventure, and a hint of romance that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.

Jacquelyn Benson's writing is nothing short of exceptional. The narrative is fast-paced, drawing readers into a world where danger lurks at every turn. The plot unfolds seamlessly, with twists and turns that kept me eagerly turning pages to uncover the secrets hidden within the ancient city.

One of the highlights of the book is the dynamic between Ellie and her unlikely partner, Adam Bates. Their banter is witty and entertaining, adding a layer of charm to their quest. The historical backdrop of the story is richly detailed, immersing readers in a bygone era filled with intrigue and discovery.

“Empire of Shadows” is a delightful blend of adventure and romance that left me craving more. I found myself swept away by the exhilarating journey, rooting for Ellie as she faces formidable foes in her quest to safeguard a powerful artifact. The book left me yearning for the next installment, eager to continue following Ellie's and Adam's adventures in the Raiders of the Arcana series.

In conclusion, “Empire of Shadows” is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, mystery, and adventure. Jacquelyn Benson has crafted a spellbinding tale that is sure to captivate readers from start to finish. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone looking for a thrilling escapade into the heart of a lost empire.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️