If you love anything Indiana jones, tomb raider or my personal favorite romancing the stone this book is a must! Any book that has these vibes I read because there is something immersing to me about romance in the jungle looking for lost treasure together. Benson does just that I can’t to see if this series wil be continued!

It's was a little hard to rate this one. honestly, this book was ok. I liked the start and the characters, the themes of archaeology and a scholar fmc were something I was really excited to read more about, but the story was just too simple/ok (?)
I kept hoping it would get better, but it never did. It's not bad, but it's not super exciting or very good either. one thing that affected my enjoyment was the writing, it felt unnecessarily detailed, like the type that doesn't really add anything to the story. It dragged a bit and made the reading a little tiring.
as for the characters, l liked them together. ellie and adam were cute and had some funny banter, but individually, they lacked depth. I couldn't really connect with them. ellie sometimes annoyed me, but adam was great. 3.25 stars

This book was such a pleasant surprise! 𝗜 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝘁 🥰 Such a fun adventure!!!! A historical fantasy romance with the perfect amount of banter. Very well written I couldn’t put it down. I am excited for book two

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC!

After a couple false starts, I finally got this book finished and overall enjoyed it!
Promising a book for fans of The Mummy was both a help and a hindrance in this case. I was dragging my feet because I worried that it would underdeliver on the comparison to such an iconic piece of storytelling. On the plus side, I’m immediately going to pick up anything that says it’s for fans of The Mummy.

The two main characters’ dynamic worked well, the writing had pockets of beauty, and although plot wasn’t complex, it still was an enjoyable ride!
I’ll definitely be adding this to my list of adventure recommendations!

What an incredible book!
If you like films about ancient mummies and slow burn this book is definitely for you!

Thank you to Crimson Fox Publishing and Jacquelyn Benson for allowing me to review Empire of Shadows, Raiders of the Arcana, Book 1.
Empire of Shadows caught my eye in the post-reading slump after I read another historical adventure fantasy book. I wanted a book to get lost, with a strong female character leading the charge against a dastardly villain in historical fantasy adventure with lost civilisations, mythology and a pinch of romance to sweeten the story to perfection between the main characters, Ellie and Adam. Thank you, Jacquelyn Benson, for answering my bookish prayers!

I gobbled down reading this book; the plot was entertaining action-packed with a dash of magical realism that brought to life the mystery and wonder of an ancient civilisation. Jacquelyn Benson's writing paints a wonderfully vivid tropical setting to encase her characters' escapades with interesting, comical, and heart-warming storytelling to bring to life this perfect blend of historical fantasy and romance elements in the plot. One of the highlights of the story was an excellent villain with a chilling presence on the pages, a gang of henchmen, and giving chase on the heels of the protagonist – but the villain isn't your stereotypical villain type, making him slicker and more wicked with a clear-cut black and white portray of good vs evil construct in Empire of Shadows.

Ellie and Adam are great main characters who complement each other perfectly in terms of personality and build a pithy team dynamic between them. They might start as strangers, but they quickly find a common course and friendships as they are both intelligent, respectful, and packing plenty of sassy and grit to get them through the perils of their jungle journey to find a lost civilisation before the baddies do. I loved the personality dynamic between Adam and Ellie – she's the impulsive, bookish, undaunted one with gumption, and he is the clever-headed, prepared, outdoorsy type with charm. Their romance is a slow burn with a gentle bubbling chemistry that starts with their snarky and witty banter lighting up the page with humour and teasing. While the main characters, Ellie and Adam, steal the show of the book with their dynamic, electric banter and mischief towards one another – Jacquelyn Bensons brings to life her second characters with warmth, respect, and insightful cultural elements to the local people who Ellie and Adam interact with on their quest.

I think Jacquelyn Benson did a fantastic job of representing the era, including the struggle for women's rights, the rise of anti-colonialism across the world opposing European rule and respect for the cultural heritage of native peoples without an agenda, reporting on the actual history, ideologies, and events framed around the context of her story. She brings to life the beautiful and complicated ancient cultures of the Mayan and Aztec empires, which I agree don't get as much exposure as other ancient civilisations unless your will to travel thousands of miles to visit the countries once home to these great peoples. The culture and history woven through the story in the former British Honduras, now modern-day Belize, was riveting and enthralling. I've picked up several historical books about the era and region to satisfy my curiosities about the culture and history of this area.

Check out the Empire of Shadows if you want a book about treasure hunting, archaeologists and far-flung destinations with an exciting plot. A perfect historical adventure with a peppering of fantasy and magic vibes of movies like Uncharted and The Mummy. It might keep you sane if you are waiting for the release of another book with similar themes but featuring a Victorian setting and ancient Egyptian history.

Single POV, Strong Willed FMC, Breaking Gender Stereotypes, Historical Romance

Perfect for fans of The Mummy, Empire of Shadows follows Ellie who is looking to find her way in the world as more then just a secretary. When a lost item is thrust into her hands she follows her guts and sets off to search for the lost civilization the item belongs to. The male MMC, Adam Bates, is equal parts charming and exasperated by strong willed Ellie. While this book does start on the slow side once it gets going it really transports the reader and feels thrilling.

I was liking it at the beginning but then I realized that it is not for me and I abandoned it, but I definitely recommend it because it is a book that many people may like. so give it a chance.

Victorian + Fantasy? Yes!

This is such a unique and engaging world, I wasn’t really sure what to expect but I couldn’t get enough honesty. I loved the packing, the worldbuilding and characters.

This premise kind of couldn’t fail for me- Victorian archeology adventure with light-touch gods-related fantasy is a lot of catnip. Writing was good, characters were fun, adventure was pretty fun. Enjoyed this a lot. Just a few things that knocked a star off for me. First thing is very much personal preference and other people’s mileage may vary but the political angle was a bit heavy handed and on the nose which is just not to my taste. I think that kind of thing is more powerful when it’s a bit more subtle and feels more natural to the storyline. Second thing was a video game style plot where they had to keep beating levels and moving on to the next at the ending which I found so boring and made it hard to finish a book I had been really enjoying up to that point. Still a really fun read and if you like the sound of the premise I’d highly recommend.

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⚠️

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for offering me an arc of this delight for an honest review.

I don’t know how I’m going to survive until the next book.
This was everything I’ve been wanting in novel and more and now I’m thoroughly obsessed with Ellie and Adam.
The mummy meets female Indiana jones.
The wit, the banter, the pacing, the story, characters, this was the best thing I’ve read in such a long time I think any book is going to top this for me this year.
Thoroughly enjoyed this and now I’m going to become my entire personality while I shout from the rooftops my adoration for this book.

While I loved the premise of this book it did not hold my attention like I thought it would. I enjoyed the main character. She was Strong and smart with an adventurous heart.

Everyone talks about this being like the Mummy...that's really really BIG shoes to fill for me at least. I mean the Mummy is like the quintessential pillar of fantasy romance movies for me. Peak Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz sexiness and a gripping historic story that won't let you go! So going into Empire of Shadows I was a bit skeptical to say the least.

While Empire of Shadows gave me a little bit of the taste of the Mummy vibes overall it just came up short and that's no fault of the author at all, like I mentioned before BIG SHOES. If it wasn't compared so much I would find this to be a fun romcom with a bit of fantasy sprinkled in. Ellie is a bit annoying at times but she eventually grows on you and Adam is okay. Their spicy scene was a bit random but I did feel the chemistry between them was genuine.

Overall it was an okay read. I probably won't be continuing the series but I would recommend if you're into adventure and romance and you've never seen The Mummy lol. Thank you so much to Crimson Fox Publishing for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

**A Captivating Blend of History and Fantasy**

Benson's historical fantasy earns a resounding 5 stars for its swashbuckling adventure and meticulous attention to geopolitical detail, reminiscent of beloved classics like Indiana Jones and The Mummy. The interactions between Ellie and Adam are both delightful and genuine, navigating through tense and gripping situations with charm and believability.

Benson adeptly twists the Lady and the Rogue trope, infusing it with a fresh and humorous perspective that pays homage to classic Hollywood films. The fantasy elements seamlessly intertwine with deep character development, showcasing Benson's skill in crafting both plot and persona.

While the romance unexpectedly heats up—imagine navigating perilous death traps together—the initial burst of attraction may initially overshadow Ellie's strong-willed character. However, her journey from skepticism to trust in Adam is a compelling reflection of her suffragist convictions and the historical realities of the era.

Despite occasional pacing hiccups and unresolved plot threads, this novel's vibrant historical backdrop and sparkling dialogue make it essential reading for fans of adventurous romances such as Romancing the Stone and The Mummy. Benson's meticulous research and engaging storytelling set the stage for an exciting sequel, teasing an Egyptian escapade that promises even greater thrills to come.

Years ago, I read the first version of this book: The Smoke Hunter. Though I loved that book, this re-write is perfection. The writing, characters and plot are all tightened and updated to unreal levels. I am incredibly excited for this new series and where these archelogists will explore next with the lost arcana!

If you re-watched The Mummy too many times as a kid - definitely check this out.

“You and me,” Adam replied. “Against ten guys with guns. A sociopathic human lie detector.”
“An imminent monsoon,” Ellie added, barely fighting back a giggle.
“And one really sweaty professor,” Adam added wryly.
The giggle burst out. Ellie clamped her hand over her mouth to contain it, conscious of the men just outside the tent. “No problem,” Adam whispered confidently.
Ellie rose from the cot and brushed off her trousers. “I shall start making a plan,” she declared.

An incredibly fun escapist read. From the moment our heroine pockets a map to a fantastical city, we’re off on an adventure with scallawags, evil henchmen, mythical gods, and a hero and heroine who must battle through it all to win the day.
I appreciate that the author spotlights the very real Maya people and culture (of the 1890s) and not just the ancient civilization of the lost city.
This book would appeal to fans of Indiana Jones, the Mummy franchise, or anyone who enjoys a tale of adventure and derring-do.

✔️ archaeologist adventure
✔️slow-burn
✔️suffragist

real rating 2.75

This was a good book, really. Unfortunately, it didn't work for me. The story became way too long and it was becoming a burden for me to read, so, sadly, I had to dnf. Something I try to avoid as much as I can with arcs but I just couldn't push this any longer.

Ellie, the fmc, is a brave and reckless young woman. I liked her character and it was promising. But I found her inconsistent and exasperating. Adam, the mmc, was great. I loved how unconventional, laid-back, and fun he was. He was a big reason why I continued reading.

I wanted to love this book so badly and, clearly, mine is an unpopular opinion. But, I know many people will love it and they should.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I haven't watched the Mummy (maybe I should) but apparently this book has the same vibes? I liked the adventurous atmosphere, it was a well paced story even if I thought the ending was a bit rushed for my taste. I just wished the author would've edited out the random side quests popping up every twenty pages because they were a little annoying and useless. Otherwise, a fun experience.

Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing!
This book was so much fun, and definitely gave off Indiana Jones/Jungle Cruise vibes. The adventure begins the minute we meet Ellie, and doesn’t let up as she jumps continents, avoids villains, and smashes every female stereotype there is. The character of Adam is a perfect foil for her, and I can’t wait to see where their next adventure takes them!