What an adventure!

If Indiana Jones and The Mummy had a baby, it would be this book.

Dual perspective story following two sisters as they deal with the consequences of their archeologist father.

Sounds familiar yet?

Lila and Tess could not be more different. Lila preferring practical, intellectual and thought out decisions. While Tess is a hot headed, fly by the seat of your pants adventurer. Their relationship and skills are put to the test when one sister gets abducted by treasure hunters searching for an item their father has been studying.

I am not usually a reader of historical fictions, but I could not put this one down. Tess and Lila are so unbelievably likeable. Every-time the spoke out about something sarcastic and spunky, I couldn’t help but smile.

This is my first read by Kelly and Thorne and I fully intend on picking up more of their books. Their writing was very easy to read and they did such a great job at building the customers, that it held your interest during the slow bits.

Bravo!!

I really enjoyed this! I liked the mix of romance and adventure. I especially loved the setting and the way this story was written. I thought that the discussion and commentary on colonialism and archaeological intrusion was done really well, and really made me think because it is not something that is overly discussed (from an archaeological viewpoint) in media. Overall, really fun time and I highly recommend this!
For the audiobook specifically: I enjoyed the narrators and I think they added a lot of liveliness to an already very interesting and well-done story. I think the adventure came to life even more in the audiobook than it did in the physical reading of the book.

I want to describe The Antiquity Affair as Indiana Jones meets Lara Croft meets The Mummy, but I'm afraid that gives the impression that it's a non-stop adventure novel. And there are adventures, for sure, but there's a lot more simmering beneath the surface.

Egyptian history is one of my favorite subjects, so I couldn't wait to read this book. Set in 1907 in the early days of Egyptology, it's the story of two sisters, Lila and Tess, the daughters of a famous archaeologist. Lila is highly intelligent, gifted at math and languages, while Tess is a free spirit, desperate to follow in her father's footsteps. On the eve of Lila's Manhattan debutante ball, Tess is kidnapped by the members of a secret society, who are in pursuit of a legendary Egyptian artifact known as the Serpent's Crown. This mythical relic will grant its wearer absolute power, and when Lila and her father realize Tess is being taken to Egypt for the society to use as a tool in its retrieval, it's a race against time to rescue her -- and to locate the Crown before the society does.

Written in alternating chapters narrated by Lila and Tess, The Antiquity Affair is an immersive historical adventure that touches on several important themes: complex family dynamics, the role of women in turn-of-the-century society, wealth and privilege, and most importantly, the colonization of Egypt and the misappropriation of Egyptian artifacts. I found it completely engrossing, even during some of the slower parts of the book (things don't start to get really exciting until the last 20%), most likely due to my affinity for the subject matter. I found it to be a thoughtful exploration of several meaningful topics, cloaked in a clever adventure featuring an imaginative fictional Egyptian myth.

The writing team of Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne worked together seamlessly. Their writing styles are different enough to give each sister her own unique voice, but still similar enough in tone and structure to feel cohesive. The language and jargon feel appropriate for the time period in which the book is set. Most of the chapters end on a cliffhanger, as though one author was writing the characters into a scenario that the other author would have to get them out of (something I always find fun in duo-written novels). The audiobook is narrated by Brittany Pressley (Lila) and Holly Linneman (Tess), and they both do a fantastic job giving voice to the sisters.

With adventures and puzzles, some social critique, and a dash of predictable romance, The Antiquity Affair is a novel that will appeal to fans of historical fiction, classic adventure stories, or any reader who likes books about strong women doing daring things and smashing the privileged patriarchy. Thank you to Harper Muse and NetGalley for the early listening opportunity.

So so good! I was hooked from the start and loved the sisters. The dual POV was amazing and I think the whole story was paced perfectly. The riddles were super fun and I loved the high stakes and romance!

I liked the premise of this book. Some positives: I liked Lila and Alex's relationship and how it progressed. I also liked how the authors incorporated Egyptian history and mythology.
I think not marketing this book as a YA will do it a disservice. It read very Young Adult with the dialogue and predictable plot. I would have enjoyed this a lot more in middle school or high school. I also think the sister's relationship could have been developed more. From the start of the book we were told that there was discourse between the sisters but we were never given a plausible reason. It was just a lot of miscommunication. That also made it feel more YA. Lastly, Tess and William's relationship developed too fast and that was the biggest giveaway to twist. I could see it coming from the very beginning. Overall I think that this book would do very well in a younger market.

This was a swashbuckling adventure story that read like movie. Two sisters, one a debutante and the other an unconventional “instrument of chaos,” get caught up in the search for an ancient artifact.

Kidnapping, mistaken identity and a transatlantic treasure hunt all make this story a fast paced romp.

The one drawback for me is that it didn’t feel like it was taking place in 1907. There was a modern day sensibility about removing artifacts and “colonizing” that seemed too politically correct for the time. The author’s note explains this as a deliberate choice. It also reads YA ish. That is not a criticism just informational.

Recommended for fans of Indiana Jones, puzzle solvers and adventure seekers.

I read and listened to this story.
Brittany Pressley and Holly Linneman did a fantastic job narrating this adventure.

I’m not a huge fan of historical fiction so maybe that is why I couldn’t connect with the plot. Over all it was a decent story, it just wasn’t my cup of tea.

Lila and Tess Ford's lives have taken them in two different directions. On the evening of Lila's debut, Tess would rather be helping her father - world renowned archaeologist Dr. Warren Ford - excavate a tomb of some sort in the deserts of Egypt than have to get dressed up and deal with pretentious socialites. What Tess doesn't understand is that Lila is mingling with Manhattan socialites because her father's expeditions are extremely expensive and the family's money is quickly dwindling. Lila has to make a good match in husband for the sake of the family - at least that's what her grandmother keeps reminding her. Lila seems to have caught the attention of Williams Hendricks whose family has no shortage of power and money. Truth be told, Lila has always been a little jealous of Tess.

But then Tess is kidnapped and Lila, determined to find her, enlists the help of her estranged father. Come to find out, Tess was taken because Dr. Ford has a piece to the legendary puzzle of the Serpent's Crown.

Now, in a high-stakes chase across the ocean and into Paris then on to Egypt, they'll find there's more on the line than fortune and glory.

The Antiquity Affair is told from Lila and Tess's points of view in alternating chapters. I liked the dual narration as I thought that each narrator really brought to life their character, but also did great in kind of seamlessly tying together the secondary characters so it all flowed very organically from one chapter to the next despite changing narrators each time.

I thought it was interesting in the fact that they almost do a sister swap. I feel like each started out wanting certain things and then for whatever reason their prerogatives changed and they almost settled. Lila, for her part, wanted more scholarly pursuits but having lost her mother, she was kind of groomed by her grandmother to be this beacon of hope for the family financially speaking. Tess on the other hand wanted her father's approval so much that she inserted herself into his space. She does have a fondness for history, but I think a lot of it stems from wanting to please her father. Then they each find themselves turning in the other direction and I think they really got to understand each others' perspective for the first time.

I think both Lila and Tess are shown as very three dimensional characters. Both with strengths and flaws and vulnerabilities. This makes both of them really likable. I would get caught up in each chapter to the point where when point of view changed with each new chapter, I'd almost have to acclimate myself again with where we left off with that sister previously. It makes me interested to find out if each author wrote for one sister.

Probably one of my favorite things was how for me, it's like Indiana Jones from the point of view of his children. From the outside he's this cool, confident, handsome and adventurous archaeologist. But if you look at him in the guise of father - like with Dr. Ford - you see all the ways he's lacking. Questionable morals and seemingly aloof where his daughters are concerned. Being absent when they needed him the most. It's a little less glamorous for sure. This, of course, ensures that Lila and Tess remain front and center of the story. Because really it's about them and their relationship and trying to build something back that might be lost.

Of course not everything is as it seems with the story at face value. For me, being that this is an adventure novel, I kept waiting for the twists and turns to happen. I knew that things couldn't be so straightforward. I think I was on such high alert for the twists that when they happened, I wasn't surprised by anything.

I did enjoy how the story builds. It's a slower build, laying out the groundwork of the mythology and the stakes at risk, but I think the end payoff was perfectly executed.

I had not read anything previously by Lee Kelly or Jennifer Thorn. I like this type of adventure story and the time period in which it's set. I think there are plenty of opportunities for more stories and I felt like there was a hint that more could be possible. I would definitely check it out.

Overall, I think this is a fun read. Even though it's technically a historical fiction, I still felt like it had a lot of very relevant commentary.

Confession: I've never seen Indiana Jones. I don't intend to the see the new movie. It's just not cup of tea, and I would honestly rather be reading a good book, but when I saw this title on NetGalley and saw that it is narrated in part my one of my favorites, Brittany Pressley, I had to give it a chance. And I'm so happy I did.

The authors were able to tell a mystery, a story that was so beautifully woman led, a tale of sisterhood, of love, of adventure. It was masterfully done. They painted a picture of every setting from New York, to London, To Egypt with perfect precision.

Sisters Lila and Tess could not be more different. Layla, getting ready to be engaged to a New York socialite, and Tess, the adventurer who follows their archeologist father on his digs in Egypt. After Tess poses as Lila and is kidnapped by a clan of men in search of the powerful serpent's crown, Lila and her father embark on a quest to find Tess. When the sisters are reunited, its time to put the past behind them and prevent the serpent's crown from getting in the wrong hands.

This book covers a lot of ground, and I did find myself losing focus a few times during reading it but all-in-all it was very enjoyable with an action-packed ending that is extremely satisfying.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Muse for the ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

3.75 stars rounded up to four

ARC REVIEW: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🐍THE ANTIQUITY AFFAIR BY

🛑STOP RIGHT NOW!🛑
If you are a fan of Indiana Jones, Tomb Raider, The Mummy, or the Jungle Cruise then you are going to need to add this book to your TBR yesterday!

This is a turn of the century archaeological adventure! There’s history, kidnapping, running through ancient ruins, romance, betrayal, and all kinds of twists and turns as you follow sisters - Lila and Tess through the adventure of a lifetime in the deserts of Egypt.

Lila is the older sister. Trying to do what she thinks is best for her family, she is preparing to enter society and find a wealthy husband to cover her family’s debts.

Tess, a wild card for the family, just wants to be seen. By her sister, her father, anyone. She wants to follow her fathers foot steps and become an archaeologist.

Neither understands the other, but when Tess is kidnapped and Lila is yanked from her orderly life by her father in order to avoid the same fate, they will have to relearn what it means to rely on each other.

Don’t miss this epic adventure!

Available at Barnes and Noble, Amazon, etc!

The Antiquity Affair is a fun book. It’s got history, action, suspense, family drama, and a bit of romance. Our main characters, sisters Lila and Tess, are wrapped up in a race for the Serpent’s Crown, a powerful legendary relic. They have friends and family on their side but of course, there’s an evil brotherhood that also wants the crown so they can control Egypt and then, presumably, the world.

I liked Lila and Tess and how they come to understand each other better throughout the book and work on repairing their relationship. Each of the women is capable in her own way and their skills play off each other’s well. I listened to the audiobook and having two narrators, one for each of the women, worked out well. I do wish their voices had been a little more different.

The book touches on women’s place in society and the questionable ethics of removing historical artifacts from their countries of origin, both topics worth discussing today.

My problem with the book is that while it freely owns being an homage to movies/books like Indiana Jones, for me the parts that took place in the tomb were way too much like some specific scenes from The Last Crusade, just given an Egyptian flair.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse Audio for the free audio book in exchange for an honest review. This is narrated by Brittany Pressley and Holly Linneman, both of whom do an excellent Job! Highly recommend the audio book!

I loved this story! It was such a unique and refreshing change for a historical fiction novel! Also, I thought it was well researched. Set in the early 1900s, an archeologist has essentially abandoned his 2 daughters to their grandmother after the death of his wife. Dr Ford is an esteemed archeologist and Oxford professor in pursuit of the Egyptian discoveries that are currently being made. Upon the eve of his daughter's societal coming out party, things go horribly wrong. Both daughters are kidnaped as a nefarious cult believe that Dr Ford has the answers to finding the Serpent's Crown, a powerful Egyptian relic. The race is on to see who can find this precious relic.

Both daughters, Lila and Tess, are strong female characters that are well developed and very sharp. I love seeing strong female characters despite the timeline of 1907. The setting of New York, Paris and Egypt flowed well and stayed true to the era. The archaeological digs and descriptions were very colorful with vivid imagery. This is a fast paced story that quickly draws you in and has a touch of romance. I also enjoyed reading about the family drama and seeing where the characters would go in healing old wounds.

Overall a fantastic read!! Highly recommend.

This was so much fun. It was filled with Indiana esque adventure, but make it socially and culturally responsible. I loved that there was so much discussion around not taking treasures away from the people they belong to. It also made two women equally heroic instead of a man which was done so well. The dual POV was done very well and each sister felt like they received equal time and importance. There was a little bit of a twist that I didn’t see coming at all. And a very satisfying conclusion that makes me hope this is the first in a series potentially?

Thank you to Net Galley and Harper Muse for a copy of this e-book. And to Harper Muse for the audiobook. The audiobook was well-done with different voices for the two sisters which helped the listener.

1907 New York City - Lila on the eve of her debut as a Manhattan socialite and well groomed by her well-to-do grandmother. Her younger sister Tess is a non-conformist longing to follow in her father's footsteps as an Egyptologist. When a legendary lost relic is missing, a secret organization kidnaps Tess thinking it is Lila and Lila's father shows up in secret to take Lila away with him. All are now on the run to escape this organization and capture the Serpent's Crown, the relic that is desperately being sought by Dr. Ford as well as this secret organization. An Indiana Jones type story with two very different sisters using their skills of solving puzzles to try and figure this out.

This did not feel very historical or a big mystery but it was an entertaining fictional story that takes place from NYC to Paris to Cairo. It was more of a light storytelling like Indiana Jones more that historical fiction.

The found the premise of the novel to be intriguing and I’m so glad I request this novel. I loved the Indiana Jones- esque aspect of this novel, plus it being mainly women-led was super exciting! I enjoyed the writing style, the plot, and the character development. Loved that the authors explained a little bit more of the history behind the novel at the end and acknowledged the various aspects of colonization that impacted archeology and the plundering of artifacts from different countries during that time.

Loved the narrators of this novel. Found them to be engaging and really brought the novel to life.

Read this if you're a fan of Indiana Jones and The Mummy.

We've got ourselves a fun and fast-paced historical fiction set in Egypt during the 1900s. Picture this: Tess and Lila, daughters of an archaeologist who claims to be the next Indiana Jones (minus the whip and altruism), and guess what? These ladies are pretty brilliant themselves. Lila can crack codes like a pro, and Tess knows Egyptian mythology. Each girl has their own strengths that compliment their father's brillance.

As much as I enjoyed the adventurous romp, I couldn't help but wish for a stronger feminist take, as alluded to in the author's note. Don't get me wrong, our leading ladies are smart and capable, but I wanted that fierce, unapologetic female empowerment to shine through. The potential was there, but it left me yearning for more.
This journey will take you through a whirlwind of puzzle-solving, dastardly villains with twists and a thrilling race to unearth the long-lost tomb of The Five Ladies. Oh, did I mention that each of our heroines finds herself accompanied by a love interest? Yeah, those charming souls who conveniently appear whenever a helping hand is needed. Love works in mysterious ways, my friends.

Speaking of love, I gotta be honest. I could've done with a little less of it. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for romance, but I was more invested in the pulse-pounding treasure hunt and ancient enigmas. Sometimes less is more, you know?

That ending screams 'To be continued!'I 'm willing to stick around for the next chapter. Despite my longing for a stronger feminist perspective and my minor quibbles, this book was still fun. So, if you're ready to embark on an adventure that blends history and imagination, grab your explorer's hat and join the quest. The next installment awaits, my fellow seekers of excitement!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the advanced audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

First of all, I'm on a lucky streak when it comes to great narrators. The audiobook was really nice.

I really liked the story, although I'm not gonna lie, I had to go back a few times to fully follow some of the mysteries 😅 Our main characters have quite a few differences between them, but it's nicely explained why each of the characters feels the way they do about the situation they are in. The action is very fast and I was very intrigued as to what was going to happen next.

I'm usually not the biggest fan of romance, but here it definitely wasn't a main point of the story and honestly I really didn't mind the way it was told.

I also really appreciate that I had a chance to learn some new things about actual relics that were woven into the story with some fantastical twists.
There's also some debate about the ethics of archeology and the different approaches towards it.

It was overall a fast, engaging read.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is a book that I wish I could listen to again for the first time. Brittany Pressley and Holly Linneman do an amazing job of narrating and I was totally caught up in the action. It's the adventure book that I didnt know I needed, but since I love puzzles I shouldn't have been surprised that I loved it. Despite being set in 1907 the characters felt relatable and I enjoyed reading both sister's chapters. It was so interesting to see them grow and change throughout the story. It has all the best Indiana Jones vibes and I'm hoping the author's will continue this style of writing.

5/5 stars. To be released July 2023.

This is a review of the audiobook! First, there were two narrators who swapped back and forth as the chapters were told from two sister's perspectives. They did a great job bringing the story to life and adding additional dimensions to the characters through their narration. As for the book itself, it was fantastic! The authors definitely took inspiration from adventure movies like Indiana Jones but with a spin from the female perspective. I can absolutely say I was completely immersed in the storyline and enjoyed every moment. If you like movies, books, games, etc. like Indiana Jones, Tomb Raider, and even The Mummy, you will absolutely love this book!

I was given an ARC audiobook from Harper Muse in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

This audiobook was a bit hit or miss for me. I really enjoyed the narrator and I liked a good chunk of the story. There were just a few parts that I got a bit lost in. I think I would have been able to follow a bit easier with a hard copy instead of an audiobook. However, overall I really enjoyed the suspense and family drama. I think I will give this book another try when the book is published.

This book follows the story of Dr. Warren Ford, an archeologist, and his two daughters. Lila and Tess. Lila the intellectual and Tess the nonconformist (following in her fathers footsteps) get involved when a secretive organization seeks to find a lost relic famous for its dangerous power. Instead of this organization turning to Dr. Warren Ford, they turn to his daughters. The daughters and their father must work together to either help or escape this secretive organization and protect themselves. This dangerous power they seek is to kill for.

Read if you enjoy:
Archeology
Family Drama
Mystery
Smart Women