This book was an amazing! In my opinion it was better than the first one. The story kept my attention the whole time.

This is a great sequel audiobook that really carries the spirit of the 90s film "classic" The Mummy.
This time in Eygpt, Ellie and Adam are joined by Ellie's brother, and a family friend as they search for the staff of Moses.
Lots of great adventure and timeless hilarity ensue.
I really liked Alex Picard narrating again. I think they do a superb job bringing the story to life.

Tomb of the Sun King was even better than its predecessor! I loved absolutely everything about this book. Jacquelyn Benson has crafted a true masterpiece with all the spirit of The Mummy or Indians Jones. Ellie is such a fun character to read and I love the way that her character adapts to meet each new challenge she faces. Her relationship and interactions with her brother were especially entertaining and I greatly enjoyed getting to see the shift in their relationship when he started to view her as a peer, rather than a just woman or younger sibling. Getting chapters from his POV was especially helpful in furthering his character growth. I also love how Adam regards Ellie and how their relationship grows to encompass both of their desires and moral standings. The pacing in Tomb of the Sun King was excellent and the story completely took over my mind. I simply could not get it out of my head. The world building was vivid and rich and made me feel as though I could be walking alongside the characters on their adventure. This is is a story that I will not soon forget and I will be eagerly awaiting the next chapter!

The audio for Tomb of the Sun King was excellent and I love how the narrator brought the characters to life. She perfectly captured the inflections of the characters and really helped to escalate the action during the conflicts. Her accents were wonderfully entertaining and I truly feel like they elevated my experience.

Just as much fun as book 1! I love Ellie & Adam together so much, their dynamic is great! I really loved all the new characters as well, some we had seen or heard of before (Neil, Connie) & some we hadn’t (Zeinab, Sayyid). The audio narrator Alex Picard does a great job making all of the different POVs distinct, overall a really engaging performance!

All of Ellie & Adam’s interpersonal conflict comes from them wanting to be together but not being sure what that could look like when Ellie doesn’t want to get married. They struggle to come to terms with what that would mean in the world and time that they live in and I thought that exploration was well done. I like that these books are more than just fun hijinks and treasure hunting, they also have interesting things to say about the time period.

I’m really looking forward to the next book and seeing more of Connie’s dynamic with her grandmother!

Just as adorable as book one! I feel even more in love with the characters. The action was fun without feeling too overwhelming, and I'm dying for book 3.

Tomb of the Sun King is the second book in the series and mostly sets off where the first book finishes. Adam and Ellie find themselves in Egypt, once again trying to discover a magical historical artifact to prevent the villains from finding and using it. Ellie and Adam’s romance continues to blossom and let’s just say the slow burn becomes a 🔥! We are also reintroduced to Ellie’s best friend, the charming and outspoken Constance, as well as Ellie’s brother (and Bates’ best friend), Neil, a nerdy and anxious archeologist.The second book was just as good as the first and I ATE IT UP! I loved the added potential romance between Connie and Neil - I can’t wait to see what happens next with these 2!

Also, Alex Picard also does a FANTASTIC job at narrating this audiobook!

Thank you so much to the author and NetGalley for the advanced listener copy!

benson wrote another book for the girlies that love archaeology, with a little something special for the ones who loved rick riordan's kane chronicles trilogy. i liked the first book already, and this one not only kept up with all that i loved about book 1, but expanded the lovable cast and subjected me to LESS professor dawson. tomb of the sun king is a continuation of empire of shadows, rather than something brand new; their actions in book 1 have consequences in book 2. the additions of neil, constance, sayyid, and the zeinab and the girls were delightful, and only brought more heart into the story. the elaboration on jacobs' character and motivations was really interesting, and i'm on the edge of my seat to find out where the story will go.

the narrator of these books is fantastic. her accents are flawless, her emotion is perfect, and her comedic timing is *muah* chef's kiss.

Tomb of the Sun King is the second offering in Jacquelyn Benson’s Raiders of the Arcana. I enjoyed the first book, Empire of Shadows. I LOVED this one.

Ellie Mallory and Adam Bates are my new favorite IT couple. But Ellie, Ellie is fantastic all on her own. She is a smart, capable, and determined young woman who knows what she wants and is not going to stop until she gets it.

Following the adventures in Honduras, Ellie and Adam are hurrying to Egypt to the tomb where her brother, Dr Neil Fairfax, and coincidentally Adam’s best friend, is exploring a tomb.

Constance Tyrrell, a friend of Ellie’s joins the group and now we have, not one, but potentially two young couples. Or maybe not.

I enjoyed every minute of this book; I didn’t want it to end. The dialogue is fun, the flirtatious behavior, and the situations the group find themselves in are Indiana Jones-esque.

This is a great fun read, and I am already wanting the next book.

I was extremely lucky to discover that the second book in the audio version was available to review just as I finished the first. I welcomed this news with more than a little excitement. As I started listening to the book, my enthusiasm for the series just got better ( not something that I thought was possible).

The story added two more characters into the narrative without diluting the original pair’s involvement in the adventure. We find ourselves in Egypt and this time around everything is out in the open from the beginning. We know what’s at stake even if the newer duo is playing catch up. The narration is perfect for the setup and we jump between irreverent intelligent chatter which made me laugh to serious life-threatening scenarios. I’m not too sure I liked the Indian accent and given that the next book is to be set in India, I might just go for the ebook version. I definitely plan to continue with the series and highly recommend it to anyone who likes well-written characters and dialogue.

I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but my review is entirely based on my own listening experience.

I was so ready to dive back into the world of Ellie and Adam in this action packed adventure. This has become my favorite series! Jacquelyn Benson masters world building and character depth and Alex Picard does a wonderful job of bringing these characters to life with her narration. I adore every character in this book. The story had me hooked from the very beginning and I was quickly whisked to Egypt to meet Ellie’s brother, fight off the bad guys and engage in shenanigans. The story has so much life and world building, so much detail I feel like I am in the tomb discovering artifacts with them. Ellie is my new best friend and I cannot wait until their next adventure!

This book offers an engaging blend of "Indiana Jones," "The Da Vinci Code," and the 1999 film "The Mummy."
Archivist Ellie Mallory is tasked with recovering a legendary artifact from ancient Egypt, pursued by a group of unscrupulous villains. Alongside her rather conservative archaeologist stepbrother Niel, the roughish Adam—with whom she develops romantic feelings—and her fearless friend Constance, Ellie unravels a conspiracy that dates back thousands of years.

I love historical novels. They can present historical facts and contexts, making them accessible to readers through engaging narratives. By incorporating real historical elements, these novels can create a richer world that relies on the readers' existing knowledge of history. The historic vibe can help ground the fantastical elements of the story. Additionally, historical novels can deconstruct historical frameworks through their storytelling, as characters with modern mindsets grapple with, critique, and navigate these structures. This particular novel achieves all three of these elements while also offering an enjoyable, Indiana Jones-like adventure complemented by a touch of romance.

While some historical details were occasionally inaccurate, the overall atmosphere effectively conveyed the setting’s essence. The archaeology presented was a mix of well-researched elements and imaginative interpretations, allowing for an engaging exploration of "Da Vinci Code"-worthy secrets and conspiracy theories.

The characters were exceptionally well-crafted. Each character exhibited depth and complexity, firmly rooted in their historical context while still appealing to modern sensibilities. A personal highlight was witnessing one of the main characters undergo growth, recognizing past mistakes, and striving to amend them. I found the historical inaccuracies and vagueness manageable, as they generally served to enhance the fantastical aspects of the story or to make the characters do badass shit.

Furthermore, I valued the depiction of colonial power structures. The narrative did not shy away from addressing the historical context of archaeology as a means of exploitation, highlighting the inequalities faced by colonized peoples. The critique of this system, while not historically precise, serves as a thoughtful reflection for a contemporary audience.

Although I had not read the first novel, I could follow the story without difficulty. However, I did miss some character development, particularly concerning the series' villains, which would have been beneficial to understand. Nonetheless, I still enjoyed the experience a lot but would recommend reading the first book for a more enriched understanding of the characters. Your enjoyment will likely be significantly enhanced compared to my standalone reading.

Alex Picard and Jacquelyn Benson are a match made in heaven. I loved reading this sequel to Empire of Shadows and I loved listening to it even more. The characters are brought to life and I feel as though I am on this adventure alongside them. Everyone should listen to this series. You will not be dissapointed!

*Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.*

A rollicking good time of a sequel, that leans even harder into its "The Mummy" (2001) comparison, in all the best ways. It continues the development of Ellie and Adam's relationship in a realistic and satisfying way. We have the addition of Ellie's brother, Neil, and best friend, Connie, to the adventuring party as we travel to Egypt. They were both a blast. I liked that Neil had a very realistic reaction to finding himself in this crazy situation. He was honestly just really entertaining. Connie was super fun once again, and learning more about her was a great addition to the story.
The setting was rich and beautifully described. The British occupation of Egypt and their focus on archaeology and the stealing of ancient artifacts was dealt with really well. We see the situation from multiple points of view and opinion. At no point did I feel like the characters were spouting anachronistic opinions when they talked about the poor treatment of the Egyptian people and culture. Ellie spends a lot of time fighting against the patriarchy and injustice, why wouldn't she also be against imperialism and oppression when she sees it?
It was also fun reading more about some of the Ancient Egyptian history I learned in high school, such as Hatshepsut and Akhenaten.
The audiobook was really good. The narrator did a great job of changing her voice for each character; though there were a couple times when she transitioned from a male voice to a female voice where they sounded a bit too similar.

Tomb of the Sun King is an electrifying blend of history, adventure, and suspense, and the audiobook format only enhances its gripping intensity. With rich narration that brings every moment to life, this story transports listeners deep into the heart of an archaeological mystery filled with danger, betrayal, and long-buried secrets.

Set against the backdrop of Egypt’s legendary Valley of the Kings, the novel follows a daring expedition that uncovers more than they bargained for. As ancient riddles unravel and modern-day enemies close in, the stakes rise with every chapter. The immersive storytelling and atmospheric details make you feel the heat of the desert, the weight of the past, and the pulse-pounding urgency of the chase.

What makes the audiobook experience particularly captivating is the narrator’s ability to evoke tension, emotion, and intrigue. Whether whispering secrets of forgotten dynasties or racing through action-packed sequences, the performance adds an extra layer of depth to an already compelling tale.

For fans of Indiana Jones, The Da Vinci Code, or any high-stakes historical thrillers, Tomb of the Sun King is an absolute must-listen. Prepare to be transported, enthralled, and completely unable to press pause.

I had such a fun time with this book.
It was a clever move to turn this series into a more ensemble cast. The character dynamics are fantastic when it comes to our four protagonists. They’re all so different but bring a valuable skill to the team. Ellie and Adam’s relationship matures in a lovely way and there’s a great scene where Ellie’s brother finds out about the two of them. I felt that the plot aspects of this book were a lot stronger and Benson managed to amp up the plot.

My main complaint is how Benson addresses colonialism and its links to archaeology. However, it was addressed in a very ham-fisted way. In a way that ended up with an Egyptian man apologising to a white woman. It would have been a glaring omission if Benson hadn’t have addressed this in a book set in the 1890s but it needed to be done in a more embedded way like the author could trust her audience with the fact that we’d pick up the message.

Also, I’m convinced Adam has some massive sensory issues with the amount of times he strips his shirt off, but I think that says more about me than anything.

I was a huge fan of The Mummy and jumped at a chance to listen to this story!
I didn't read book 1 but I didn't feel like I was missing any information.
This was a super cute read, but at times I found the story line lacking a bit and loosing my attention.
I felt link the narrator did a fantastic job and would love to listen to more of their work.

I loved Tomb of the Sun King even more than the first book! I received an audiobook for both books in the series and honestly love the narrator so much. The narrator does an amazing job and makes me love the book even more. I was so excited for the second book after the ending of the first. We are left with the perfect semi-cliff hangar and hints for what is to come. This second installment of The Raiders of the Arcana series takes place in Egypt and I couldn't be happier! First I love Egyptian lore and mythology so I always love books focusing on Egypt. Second, The Mummy is forever one of my comfort movies so I love all The Mummy vibes in this series. It's perfect!

One of my favorite things from this book has to be the four pov's. Ellie and Adam are once again so funny and their relationship continues to grow. I love their interactions. But for me Constance stole the show. We are introduced to her in the first book as Ellie's best friend who encourages Ellie to go on her adventure. Constance is fearless and honestly a hellion. I loved all of her parts in the book. Add Ellie's brother Neil to the mix and we have a hilarious group of main characters. All of their interactions were so funny and I don't know how they got anything accomplished!

Once again the storytelling was incredible and really pulled me in from the start. I love this world and the characters and can't wait to see where the next book goes. Highly recommend this series!

Thank you to Jacquelyn Benson, Victory Editing, and NetGalley for this arc!

This was such a fun adventure! I can’t wait to see what Adam and Ellie get up to next!

This book picks up where the first book left off. Ellie and Adam have traveled to Egypt in hopes of stopping the bad guys from getting their hands on another magical artifact. Through their travels they accidentally form a team of scholars and adventurers…find themselves among revolutionaries, and stir up all kinds of adventures and clues to try and stay ahead of their villainous counterparts.

While I greatly enjoyed the first book, this one takes the cake! It definitely had some slight “The Mummy” vibes but it’s completely a story of its own. Book one focuses on Ellie and Adam’s character development as they are solo traveling through the jungle but in this one Ellie’s BFF & step-brother join the adventure which made for excellent storytelling and progressing the story at a good pace. I absolutely recommend this series to anyone who loves historical fantasy & archeological adventure!

Thanks to Vaughan Wood Publishing and NetGalley for the audiobook ARC.

Thank you Vaughan Woods Publishing and NetGalley for the audiobook version of this ARC. All opinions are my own.

In this sequel to Empire of Shadows, Ellie and Adam continue their quest to find more magic-imbued artifacts before they fall into the hands of the same secret society they faced in the first book. This time they travel to Egypt in search of Moses’ staff where they team up with Ellie’s brother Neil, her best friend Constance, and some locals to get the job done.

Alex Picard’s narration of this story was well done and fun to listen to. The only voice I disliked was Neil’s, whose fussiness was made even more irritating by her exaggerated portrayal of him. Otherwise, she does a great job making every character of different origin, age, and gender sound unique and easy to pick out.

The story itself was a bit of a let down after the first one, but I still enjoyed the majority of it. Because Ellie and Adam’s team grows in this one, we don’t get as much time with either of the two main couples (Ellie & Adam, Neil & Constance) so their relationships, especially N & C’s, felt underdeveloped. The author also either didn’t do very thorough research into Biblical text and the history of the Hebrew people or simply decided to take great liberties with both, which makes me wonder how accurate her historical references to the other cultures in her books are.

Aside from these things, I enjoyed the adventure, the friendships, the sibling relationship, and the Egyptian culture. If you’re a fan of Indiana Jones or The Mummy, you should give this series a try.

My rating: 3.5

Tomb of the Sun King
By Jacquelyn Benson
Narrated by Alex Picard
5 ⭐️

I adore this series so far. The relic treasure hunting adventure continues in Egypt. Booby traps, buttheads with blasters trying to make way with the loot, puzzles to work through, and twists that save the day abound. All of this was very fun and kept me deeply invested in the story.

We get more of Ellie and Adam’s story. Their dynamic fondly reminds me of Emily Wilde and Wendell’s relationship (one of my absolute favorites). E and A have to navigate social expectations when E ardently is opposed to what society has turned marriage into. I loved A’s response to her. Absolutely swoon worthy. I also really loved Neil and Constance’s push and pull as their feelings come to light. Constance is quickly becoming a favorite character for me.

The audiobook is an easy, good listen. I devoted this in a smidge over a day but could have easily done it in one. Picard does a phenomenal job. If you liked the narration in book 1, book 2 is identical.

This is a top rec from me, especially for anyone wanting a bit of a break from epic/more elaborate fantasy reads. This is high on adventure and lower on the fantasy scale. Very reminiscent of a The Mummy mixed with National Treasure 2 and The Goonies.

While I have received an audiobook ARC (thank you NetGalley, Jacquelyn Benson and Vaughan Woods Publishing), I have also purchased this as well.