*Thank you to NetGalley and Crimson Fox Puplishing for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review*

OH MY GOD! This book was SO good. The romance was so cute that I didn't want to put it down. It reminded me "The Mummy" and Indiana Jone's adventures. I loved it so much. Ellie and Adam were a fantastic duo.

I was hooked on this book from the very beginning! When this book uses The Mummy as a comp, it is completely accurate. If you enjoyed “The Mummy” movies or the movie “The Jungle Cruise,” or you like the TV movie/series “The Librarian” and “The Librarians,” then this book is absolutely for you.

Both Ellie and Adam are knowledgeable in different areas of expertise and that knowledge comes through on the page with their thoughts and descriptions, and even in conversation with each other.

Ellie is a fierce and intelligent woman, who fights for what she believes in, even if it gets her dragged into some less-than-savory positions. I couldn’t help but fly through the pages at the beginning of her journey. And then when she disembarks the ship on the other side of the world, that’s when we are introduced to Adam…and oh boy, how these two meet was entertaining as all get out.

I just want to gush about the specifics in this story, but I also don’t want to spoil it. There’s action. There’s adventure. There’s history and magic and culture. There were a couple chapters that made me really hungry for tamales.

According to Goodreads, this book is 585 pages long, but Barnes & Noble has it listed at 476 pages. Either way, this is a nicely sized book that reads as if it is about half the length it actually is. If it hadn’t been for work, I would have probably had this all read in a day. Instead, it took me two days because I was regularly being interrupted to do work. Yes, if work is slow then I am allowed to read a bit on the clock.

Jacquelyn Benson’s writing is lovely, and you can tell that a lot of care and research went into this book. The depth of information about historical lore and culture and events just burst from the page, and I was devouring every bit of it as quickly as I could. I kept telling my husband and my co-workers about this book, and especially telling my reading co-workers that they needed to add this book to their TBRs because it is fantastic.

It was a wild ride of highs and lows for Ellie and Adam. Things would be going well and then something would happen and they would have to recalculate and adjust their plans, and the longer they spent time together, the more you could tell that they were totally into each other, but they were both still trying to respect the bounds of propriety for the time….but really, I could tell that they were two peas in a pod, basically made for each other. The tension and anticipation between them only made me want to read faster, but I also didn’t want the story to end.

If you want the same action and adventure, with a fierce and intelligent FMC and a rough and tumble MMC who is also a big softie, as well as some hints at the magic of myth being real, then this is definitely a book to keep your eye on. I am definitely adding the rest of the series to my TBR, and hopefully the wait for book two won’t feel too long.

'Empire of Shadows' by Jacquelyn Benson is such a fun archeological adventure. Great characters, sorry, and writing. Pick toys one up if you enjoy 'The Mummy' type stories.

Empire of Shadows was a total cover request. It’s just so appealing, with the pyramid front and center, the muted vintage colors, and the character portraits, that I knew it would be interesting. The synopsis really sealed the deal because there’s nothing I wanted more than a romance that reminds me of the characters in The Mummy, with all the cool archeological, exploration vibes to go along with it.

This follows Ellie Mallory, an English woman who’s always been interested in exploring ancient civilizations but has been stymied by the simple fact that she’s a woman. When Ellie is about to get fired from her job, she finds (and promptly pockets) a book with a map and an amulet inset in a cutout in the pages. Now there’s a strange man after her and within an afternoon she’s jumping onboard a boat to Belize to escape and find her own guide to find what appears to be a lost city. Ellie is typically a planner, so this reckless and impulsive decision rankles her more than it does the reader.

When she arrives in Belize, she sets off to a nice hotel and pretends to be a widow so she won’t be hassled. At this point we’re first introduced to Adam Bates, the handsome American surveyor who immediately goes to the bottom of Ellie’s list of potential guides when he barges into the bathroom to save her from a snake. The two inevitably end up setting off on quite the adventure to find the location of a legendary city before Ellie’s competition beats them to it. Think mud, bugs, wild javelinas, and dangerous rivers – it’s like a glorious return to the good Indiana Jones movies. I loved every moment of it.

Ellie and Adam make a great duo, even if they get off to a rough start. This is good ol’ fashioned adventure with some supernatural archeology and a group of bad guys searching for magical artifacts for an unknown purpose. I would love to see this adapted as a movie because it would appeal to a variety of people for a variety of reasons – action, adventure, romance, scenery – you get the picture. While so much is left unanswered in regard to the group of bad guys, it seems like more info will be forthcoming in the sequel that was so clearly set up at the end of Empire of Shadows. I can’t wait to check out more in this world and follow Ellie and Adam as they hunt for more magical artifacts!

Such a fun read! An archaeological adventure with a bit of romance thrown in, which is like my ideal description. I was a bit nervous about whether this would end up being more romance on the backdrop of everything else, but Benson clearly put in the research. For the most part, everything was not only historically accurate, but also reflected what the knowledge would have been at the time of the book (1800s). I was impressed with how direct and unflinching Benson was in her examination of heavy social issues (suffragette movement, British colonialism, ethics of archaeology) - she didn't shy away or make everyone sing Kumbaya, which is more than I can say for many similar authors. I'm already so excited for the next book at Saqqara (OG hyperfixation I fear).

4.5 stars!! I've been super into these "Mummy inspired" stories where our main characters are going after a fabled city or artifact that no one really knows it it exists or not, and this story absolutely did not disappoint. I really loved Ellie as an FMC and really loved her strength, sense of justice, and her need to preserve everything she finds and how that influences her journey. I really enjoyed her and Adam's banter and relationship from the moment they met. The plot moved at a great pace and I loved how much history and culture was embedded into the story. I am SO excited to see where Adam and Ellie go next, I need book 2!!!

This book was so much fun! A great adventure, likable characters, a sweet romance that’s isn’t too steamy (for my personal taste, and solid pacing. Really enjoyed this story.

So much more than an adventurous romp and romance, this book pits its intrepid heroine and her steamy partner against magic and mayhem in unforgettable ways. Ellie and Adam are dogged and intelligent, navigating supernatural obstacles and matters of the heart with humor and warmth.

I think you’ll love the Indiana Jones vibes and The Mummy inspired wit and romance. This adventure becomes nonstop pandemonium while keeping its feet. I loved it!

Thank you to the author for my copy. These opinions are my own.

Ellie’s only dream is to use her university education to become and archeologist. Unfortunately, late 19th century England is not welcoming to women in the field. When she stumbles upon an artifact that is pursued by a dangerous man, she travels to Honduras to uncover its providence. With the help of her guide, Adam, she races to the center of the jungle to make a historic discovery. I loved this book. This well written novel has action, adventure, history and romance. It is also, to my utter delight, the first in a series. I highly recommend this to those who want a whole lot of adventure with their romance. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.

If you loved The Mummy and the dynamics between Evie and O’Connell you will absolutely love this book!

Ellie is very strong willed, college educated woman in Woman’s suffrage era London(1898). She stumbles upon a relic and map and in order to keep it out of the wrong hands sets off to British Honduras to follow her dream of discovering and documenting a lost civilization. As things are like to do when a villain is on your heels nothing goes according to plan. She is forced to enlist the help, much to her dismay, of a local map surveyor Adam Bates and there the fun really begins. So many twists and turns. Such an amazingly great adventure, lots of laughs and mishaps. Thoroughly enjoyed. Perfect book for a palette cleanser. Clean romantic interest, no spice. I’m certainly going to be keeping an eye out for more of this series Raiders of Arcana.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crimson Fox Publishing for allowing me access to the e-Arc.

4.75 stars

I was hesitant at first when I started reading this arc. Once, I was introduced to the characters I was hooked. Ellie is a strong and feminist FMC. I love how brave and brilliant she was. She didn’t want any man holding her back from what she was doing or her potential. Things change when she meets the one man who makes her want to risk it all. I love the fact that her way of thinking never changes for him. It has the perfect historical fantasy but academic vibes. I can’t wait for the next installment.

I highly recommend it!

Firstly, thank you, Netgalley, for giving me this opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a really fun read. I loved the whole Raiders of the lost ark vibe, add to it a nice victorian lady (not so much) and a very handsome american, you get sassy banter that made me laugh out loud.
I truly enjoyed the growth of the story and the characters, and I can't wait to read the next book!

This was a really fun read. I love archaeology so this was right up my alley.

Ellie is a strong character and stays true to her values (though I did find her, at times, a bit of a know-it-all). Adam is clever and resourceful (though I wish he would have been less... chill?). Their relationship was nice and I think their first meeting was one of my favourites I've ever read. There was great chemistry between them.

While I really liked the lead up to the adventure, when they reached their destination, everything seemed very rushed. But I can't wait for the sequel!

This book is something I didn't know I needed, but I am so grateful to have read it. Jacquelyn Benson has quickly become one of my favourite authors, and I need book 2 immediately. If you love The Mummy and Tomb Raider, then you'll love this! Empire of Shadow's is a historical fiction with some fantasy sprinkled in helping to add even more mystery and suspense to this action-packed novel. I've always been interested in archaeology and history, and this novel emphasised this love as I was drawn in from the very beginning. Jacquelyn Benson's writing is incredibly descriptive and flows so naturally that I was completely immersed and felt I was walking alongside Ellie every step of the way. It had so many amazing elements, including mystical artefacts, carnivorous ants, a legendary city, and dangerous mercenaries.
I absolutely adored Ellies character and how she held her own to prove women were equal and deserved to be treated as such. Ellie is intelligent, passionate, sassy, and headstrong. I became quickly invested in Ellie, and I wanted all of her dreams and aspirations in libe to come true. I thought she would never meet her equal until she came across Adam Bates. Their banter was incredibly far to read, and they complimented each other so well. Where Ellie was more serious and logical, Adam was laid back and followed his gut. They worked well together despite their impressions of each other. Adam viewed and treated Ellie as an equal as he recognised the intellect and skill she had to offer, and I loved watching their relationship change and develop as they embarked on this archaeological expedition together. Oh, and I definitely felt we didn't get enough of Ellie's BFF Constance, so I hope we get more of her in book 2.

I have never really had a historical fiction before, but I think I need to read more going forward. This was easily a 5 star read for me as I loved every second of it.
A huge thank you to Jacquelyn Benson, Crimson Fox Publishing, and NetGalley for allowing me to read this fantastic E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Empire of shadows is a book written for fans of Indiana jones and Temple Run girlies.
The characters are great, save for Ellie , who I feel feels pretty flat esp when it comes to feminism.She constantly talks about how she's a strong, independent woman who doesn't need a man's help while she's literally in danger.

However, kudos to the author for doing research into the Mayan culture and handling topics of colonisation in a nuanced way.

Overall, pretty good read.

This book is so fun to read. I loved the history and I really learned a lot about this culture. The writing is rich and entertaining. The characters have depth. The world building is great. I appreciate Ellie's desires and wanting more from life. The villains have layers and I can't wait to see how book 2 reveals more about them. The adventure and journey of this treasure hunt was fun to read and had me on edge.

This has romantic elements, but I would not consider this a romance. This also has magical elements that nod it towards fantasy.

Very easy to read and thoroughly enjoyed, highly recommend.

I was lucky enough to read an ARC of this book (thank you @netgalley and @crimsonfoxpub!), and I had such a fun time reading it!

Set in 1898, we meet Ellie Mallory, a feisty archaeological archivist and suffragette. She has no interest in being relegated to the roles patriarchal society has thrust upon her and soon finds herself on a solo expedition to find a lost city and magical artifact in British Honduras. While trying to find the artifact before villainous looters, Ellie ends up partnered with Adam Bates, a meddlesome, rouge-ish (and unfortunately handsome) American who guides her through the jungle, aiding her search.

Just about everything that can go wrong does, with Ellie and Adam bickering the whole way. Danger increases at every turn, as well as the romantic tension between the two of them. Seeing the banter go from disgruntled to flirtatious had me giggling and laughing.

Will they save the artifact, and each other? Read it to find out!

The book gives 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘶𝘮𝘮𝘺 vibes, but is still very much its own story! I really appreciated all of the historical and cultural representation, especially in a geographical area I haven’t seen written much about yet!

You will love 𝘌𝘮𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘴 if you love:
• forced proximity
• rivals to lovers
• banter
• historical fiction
• magical realism
• slow burn

Picture this: suffragette turned explorer Ellie Mallory stumbles upon an ancient amulet, kicking off a race against time to find the lost city of Tulan. Cue the steamy jungle escapades, complete with swoon-worthy meet-cutes and heart-pounding action. Think Indiana Jones meets Tomb Raider, with a side of witty banter.

Jacquelyn Benson has crafted a couple that leaps off the page. Watching Ellie and Adam's relationship evolve from reluctant companions to fiery allies was an absolute delight. Their banter had me crackling, while their shared adventures kept me on the edge of my seat. I absolutely adored every minute of it.

Thank you NetGalley and Crimson Fox Publishing for the opportunity to delve into this captivating world! Can't wait for the next installment!

Thank you to the publisher, Author and NetGalley for allowing me early access to Empire of Shadows.

Empire of shadows is ideal for readers who are fans of The Mummy or Indiana Jones films. This story combines the perfect mix of the two!

This was a read I quite enjoyed, I was fond of both of the main characters (Ellie and Adam). Ellie reminded me a lot of Jane from Disney's Tarzan and maybe even a little like Emily Wilde from Heather Fawcett's novel Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeries. Whereas Adam very much gave me Brendan Fraser Vibes from The Mummy Franchise. The chemistry and sexual tension between the two was very apparent right from the moment they met, which was a hilarious and tense scene all at the same time.

Although I enjoyed my time reading Empire of Shadows and it would be a book that I would recommend, I would also want to make readers aware that there are at one point a lot of characters names in some scenes, it's sometimes hard to keep up with who's who. The world building and plot I felt were quite good, although could have been better if the focus was perhaps shifted from the continuous mention of Adam's Machete instead.

All in all I did enjoy reading Empire of Shadows and I would really like to read more from the series upon their upcoming release.

Happy Pub day to Empire of Shadows by @jbensonink
This is book 1 in the Raiders of the Arcana duology and I absolutely freaking loved every single second of it.

For fans of The Mummy, Indiana Jones, and What the River knows, this is full of adventure, mythology, banter and a delicious slow burn romance that had me wishing and praying these two characters would FINALLY kiss (and I was not disappointed 🥰)

An easy 5 stars for me, I’m a huge fan of historical romance, especially when there’s mystery and adventure involved. I think this book balanced the historical world building and the romance extremely well though it did have more of the former. The characters were always in close proximity to each other so I really liked having other elements drive the plot in comparison to the contemporary romcom, for lack of a better term, where the romance is at the forefront.

I loved the banter, and the moments where we saw Ellie and Adam come to trust each other while trying not to die at every turn 😂

Thank you so much @netgalley for allowing me to read this early in exchange for an honest review.

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