Arcanum: In The Temple Shadows

This was a great start to the Arcanum series, it had everything that I was looking for from the genre and was enjoying the overall feel of this book. It does a great job in introducing us to the world and was glad it had that overall feel that I was hoping for. The characters worked and were written perfectly and can’t wait for more. Kelly O'Hearn has a great writing style and enjoyed the journey.

Arcanum : In The Temple Shadows is a fascinating story about past lives, reincarnation, fate, and magic. I knew I had to read this book when I read that the author had channeled this story about her past life through Tarot Cards. Channeling, divination, and the occult are fascinating subjects and I believe anyone who reads this book will feel a sense of destiny about it.

The story follows Sarah Fuller, a perfumer who has become bored with her life, until she has a Tarot reading that helps her to make sense of the visions from the past she is having. This book is a dual timeline story, one set in present day New York City and the other in Ancient Egypt, following the soul and heart of Sarah as an Egyptian mystic, muse, and lover to a powerful Pharaoh. It is clear that Egyptian Sarrah wants nothing more than to awaken her gifts and be a powerful woman as does present day Sarah who must learn how to take back her power, listen to her intuition, and follow her heart. I loved the juxtaposition between the past life and present life of Sarah and the connecting threads that were woven to both lives. The beguiling ways the past, present, and future aligns for Sarah kept me on the edge of my seat in wonder and anticipation as to when and how she would reconnect with her soul mate, destiny, and power. The story was mystical and aroused a magical sensory experience with great attention to detail that only a channeled story could describe.

I really enjoyed this book and I cannot wait to read the rest of the Arcanum series.

"Arcanum: In The Temple Shadows" by Kelly O'Hearn is an intriguing blend of past life romance and mystical exploration, marking the first book in a unique series channeled through tarot cards. This novel introduces readers to Sarah Fuller, a luxury fragrance mogul who finds herself grappling with a profound sense of déjà vu on her 40th birthday. The book embarks on a journey through time and emotion, exploring the concept that love can transcend lifetimes.

The narrative kicks off with Sarah experiencing a midlife crisis-like scenario, made all the more perplexing by the appearance of a dark, handsome stranger who seems eerily familiar. Her encounters with a psychic who claims she was once a Pharaoh’s lover and a powerful mystic in ancient Egypt add layers of mystery and allure to the story. As a skeptic, Sarah’s transformation into a believer is both fascinating and a bit rushed, reflecting her deep connection to a past she’s desperate to uncover.

O'Hearn's premise is captivating, and the intertwining of past and present lives is handled with a delicate touch, providing readers with an engaging experience. The historical and mystical elements are well-researched, offering a vivid depiction of ancient Egypt that enriches the storyline.

However, the book has its shortcomings. The pacing is somewhat uneven, with the plot meandering at times, causing some sections to drag. The character development, particularly of secondary characters like Sarah’s husband and best friend, feels a bit superficial. Their roles in the story often seem more like plot devices rather than fully fleshed-out individuals.

Sarah’s journey is compelling, but her swift acceptance of the psychic’s revelations can feel a bit unconvincing. A deeper exploration of her internal conflict and skepticism would have added more depth to her character arc. Additionally, while the romantic elements are steamy and add excitement, they sometimes overshadow the more profound themes of self-discovery and spiritual awakening.

In conclusion, "Arcanum: In The Temple Shadows" is a promising start to Kelly O’Hearn’s series. It offers a unique twist on the romance genre with its incorporation of past lives and tarot, appealing to readers who enjoy a mix of history, mysticism, and love. While it has areas that could be improved, the book sets up an intriguing premise for the series that may well develop further in subsequent installments. Fans of mystical romance will find much to enjoy in this novel, even if it doesn’t quite reach its full potential.

Gripping from the first page, ARCANUM: IN THE TEMPLE SHADOWS by Kelly O'Hearn is breathless, well-wrought fantastical wonderful. On board with the sensations that Sarah knows are not just dreams, are just as real as the reality she lives in New York City in the current day with husband and children in an apartment that never felt right to her. On her fortieth birthday, Sarah's hard-won reality is shattered and the lives she has lived come into full, living glory along with the man who has been there all along. I won't go into the details, but suffice it to say they are as heartfelt and sensory-rich as the Sarah in our here and now. Of course, there are dilemmas and complications, all described and handled with deft grace and creativity. Well-written, fun, and so well-plotted, this book is the first in what promises to be along line of wonderful stories. I received a copy of this book and these opinions are my own, unbiased thoughts.

Arcanum In The Temple Shadows by Kelly O’Hearn, is the first book in a new series in book one is about Sarah she’s 40 years old owns her own perfume company in Manhattan in despite a gorgeous husband and two perfect children she is unsatisfied. All her life she has been drawn to the Egyptian wing at the national museum and her husband throws her a surprise 40th birthday party there, she meets a man named Harry and all the lines blur. Next we meet Sarah in ancient Egypt she has many mystical abilities she is a part of the royal court unlike most royal families Sarah‘s also has intrigue and dangerous situations I love the way the author gave ancient Egypt Sarah similar ties to modern day Zara. I found the story very complex and on paper I should’ve absolutely loved the book I don’t know if it was the African setting but I just couldn’t get into this book despite the great detail the awesome romance it just wasn’t a book I found myself enjoying. The story was plausible as far as time travel and time slip novels go. I just don’t think every book is going to be for every reader and this one wasn’t for me and although I didn’t love it The way others have I may truly enjoy the second book I wasn’t over the moon about the first but would still recommend it as it’s well written has a good romance and a plausible story to tell. I want to thank the publisher for my free arc copy Net galley. Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.