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of the Hebrew people or simply decided to take great liberties with both, which makes me wonder how accurate her historical references to the other cultures in her books are.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.

Not really my cup of tea. The book was fairly nice, but the story it's not on my liking and I really struggled to finish it. I guess if you are not into Fantasy/ Historical fiction it's not worth it. But funny enough I do enjoy every now and then a different type of historical fiction.

An absolute new favourite!! This was even more adventurous, informative and fun compared to the first book, and I think the characters have become a part of my life that I cannot help but cheer for them from the sidelines.

In this second installment of the series, We follow Adam Bates & Eleanora Mallory try to stop the bad guys from attaining the mystical artifact from Egypt. They have the journey cut out for them, and have to go through even more troubles in this adventure. This was more high stakes and full of action, which made the journey memorable and exciting for me, and now I'm really eager to read the next book in the series.

First and foremost, the author deserves a huge applause for throwing light on the Egyptian pharaoh who deserved all recognition & fame but was outshined by their successors and remained less known to the world. To be honest, there isn't a person who doesn't know Tutankhamun but if you ask someone about the person mentioned here, very few would know about it. And it was such an eye-opener for me as well since the author presented the glorious achievements of this pharaoh who influenced the theological concepts of Egypt and also the greater world. I always love when books impart knowledge alongside being a fun experience.

I would also like to mention that the audiobook was truly an amazing experience for me as the narrator did various tone modulations and added uniqueness to the characters with such ease and precision, and I'd definitely recommend you do an immersive reading if possible or at least listen to the audiobook for a great adventure.

And now coming to the characters, Adam Bates, who still continues to steal my heart by being the absolute gentleman. He's the staunch supporter of Ellie, and an advocate for women's rights!! He's always there to stand up for her in front of others, and thinks two steps ahead when it comes to her protection. Even though it seems like he's overprotective, he's never restrictive towards what Ellie wants, and that's his absolute charm!!! He lets Ellie proceed with her dreams and goals, and not even at a single point does he try to influence her decision or make it for her (how can someone so perfect be fictional?!!😭). Trust me, he's got both brains and brawn, and you couldn't resist his charming nature as you get to know him more!!!

Not to mention the fact that Ellie complements him perfectly - it's like they're truly each other's counterparts and that they fit just right!!! Even though her ideals are so different when it comes to the societal obligations, she keeps her mind open for the sake of Adam, who truly makes her understand that she's the sole decision maker when it comes to her future, and that does change her perspective as the novel progresses. Also she's the only one who sees through the facade of Adam, and when she learns about his inner struggle, she listens to his inner conflict, & comforts him by lending her shoulder. This change & growth in their relationship made me root for them even more!! Also, Ellie will always be a favourite character as her excitement and happiness when looking at historically significant places, in this case, Egypt had me equally enthralled too, and it felt like I was truly seeing the magnificent Egypt through her eyes.

Also we have two more additional povs here, Constance (Ellie's best friend) and Neil (Ellie's elder brother), who also were such a delight to follow. Connie was a force to be reckoned with, and it was amusing to watch her free-spirited & spontaneous nature which always bent towards adventure & trouble rather than a monotonous life. And Neil did grow on me as the novel progressed. He was such a skeptical, law-abiding person who had immense trust in every sort of person he met, and that was truly annoying at first. But he goes through a great character arc in this novel, and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I started to like him towards the end.

I cannot wait to see what's more in store for our characters, and I'm so thrilled for the next book now!!!

Well as I loved the first one, how could I not love the second? The narrator is wonderful and the story is just fantastic. I love this series and can't wait for the next one in all its forms.

Historical fantasy romance AND similar to the mummy!? Absolutely immediate yes yes yes.
I was drawn to this book because the cover is amazing. Then read the blurb and was like YEP I gotta read it! This audiobook did not disappoint! Thank you so much for the early copy!

I read TOMB OF THE SUN KING and the first book in the series, EMPIRE OF SHADOWS, back-to-back, so my review of this book will probably blend the two somewhat. These are historical fantasy romance, but very light on the fantasy elements – the comparisons to The Mummy are absolutely on point but would also appeal to fans of similar books with slightly more (The Memoirs of Lady Trent) or slightly less (the Amelia Peabody series) fantasy elements.
I actually thought it was really well chosen that this book - TOMB OF THE SUN KING – is specifically the second book, not the first. I think if this was the first in the series, the comparisons to The Mummy would perhaps just feel TOO right on the nose, and the other books (which tackle artifacts in other cultures) would just feel like add-ons?
I have very little to say about this book – the curse of a good book! Honestly, imagining a mash-up novelisation of The Mummy, Indiana Jones and Romancing the Stone but set in the Victorian era pretty much gives you a perfect sense of what you’ll be getting.
The characters are charming and each with their flaws. Ellie and Adam’s relationship continues to develop in interesting and unexpected ways while Benson adds in new characters (and a new POV character in Ellie’s brother, Neil). With Neil and a couple of other characters joining Ellie and Adam on their quest, this book has a slightly more ensemble cast feel to it than the first one. The ending wraps up nicely, while setting up a nice clear sense of where the series is going next (no details announced as yet, but the goal/setting seems a foregone conclusion).
If I had one critique, it’s that these books are perhaps a touch on the long side for the stories they’re telling, but I really enjoyed every minute, so it’s not a real problem.

As a fan of the Mummy and Indiana Jones, this is everything I could ever want in a book. As the sequel to Empire of Shadows, it just keeps getting better and better. Our leads have all the charm and chemistry of Rachel Weisz and Brendan Fraser (last The Mummy reference because this series really does stand on its own). They are trying to stop a social club of rich, out of touch, dangerous/selfish men from acquiring ancient artifacts with magical abilities. In this story we see more of Ellie’s friend Constance and her brother and Adam’s friend, Neil. Unfortunately for Neil, who has been on an excavation of his own during Ellie’s previous adventures, he now has to grapple with learning her boss is part of the evil social club AND his sister and best friend are…having relations? It’s all very confusing isn’t it. But this race against the clock is every bit as enjoyable and thrilling as the previous. I can’t recommend this series enough to lovers of historical mysteries and thrillers with a side of romance.

Thank you to NetGalley and Vaughn Woods Publishing for the audiobook ARC!

If you’ve seen The Mummy or read any Amelia Peabody mysteries, you know roughly what to expect with this adventure story. It’s got lush descriptions, a beautiful, funny, quirky cast of characters, dastardly villains, and of course some raging against the (colonial) machine.

It’s the characters that make this adventure so much fun - I enjoyed meeting some new friends as well as continuing Ellie and Adam’s story… and best of all, the gang’s sticking together as they head to the Indian subcontinent for book 3. Sign me up!

The narrator of this audiobook was INCREDIBLE! She really brought the story to life along with giving each character their own unique voice and giving me the perfect idea of how to view them.

The story itself was well done! You could tell that the author really did her research with Egyptian studies and religion (specifically the story of Moses). She very much makes her own fantastical story that almost feels straight out of history. We have some humor, action, and a blooming romance the has continued on from the first book. The new characters are such a delight! Especially Constance. This book had me thinking about how history is preserved and if it was okay to take artifacts away from their origin country. Always love a book that makes me think!

While still a great adventure story, it lacked some of the magic that just Ellie and Adam brought to the story. I liked the addition of Constance, but Neil was just whiny. I also thought this was just going to be a duology, but the ending indicates a continuation. I will definitely continue the story, hopefully Neil redeems himself in book 3.
As always, the narrator was fantastic! I love her voices.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ALC!

Unfortunately this book didn't grab me- I wanted more of the archeology and action. I think that this is a great choice for anyone who loves fast-paced historical romance, though!!

🗺️ "Tomb of the Sun King" by Jacquelyn Benson🗺️

The "Raiders of the Arcana" series continues with another captivating blend of historical fiction and romance! "Tomb of the Sun King" is just as entertaining as its predecessor, "Empire of Shadows," with new characters, exciting locales, and a deepening mystery.

Constance is a fantastic addition to the cast! Her cleverness, strength, and independent spirit shine through. While Neil's initial naivety might be frustrating, his redemption arc adds depth to the story.

It's a delight to witness Ellie and Adam's relationship evolve as they navigate new challenges and delve deeper into the world of arcana. The historical and mythological elements are seamlessly interwoven, creating a rich and immersive experience.

Alex Picard once again delivers a stellar performance as the audiobook narrator. Her lively delivery and impressive accents bring the story to life. The pace, her inflection, her way with accents. Picard is a master at her craft.

If you enjoyed "Empire of Shadows," you won't want to miss "Tomb of the Sun King"! It's a thrilling adventure with captivating characters and a fascinating glimpse into history.

These books are an absolute delight, and I hope there are at least 20 of them. I will read them all.

I am obsessed with The Mummy and this delivered on all of the The Mummy vibes whilst still managing to feel fresh and exciting. I loved the characters and really enjoyed following their adventures across Egypt. It was a really fun read, and I will definitely be going back to read the first book in this series (and be coming back to read the next).

I'm so glad Adam and Ellies's story continued and I hope there will be more books in this series cause it's just so much fun! This time we got to meet Ellie's brother, Neil, and he became a pretty pivotal character and I loved him! I hope he continues to join in the adventures moving forward. The first book was marketed as "if you like The Mummy, you'll love this book," and that still holds true for the sequel!! Loved it so much! Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for my audio ARC!!

After falling in love with "Empire of Shadows" just a few months ago, I was eager to dive into the next installment of Jacquelyn Benson's series. Unfortunately, "Tomb of the Sun King" didn't quite hit the same high notes for me.

What captivated me about "Empire of Shadows" was the deep and nuanced relationship between Ellie and Adam. Their bond was the heart of the story, and I was thrilled to see that connection continue in this book. However, the introduction of Neil and Connie felt somewhat distracting. While their narratives added new layers to the story, I found myself yearning for the focus to remain on Ellie and Adam. The switch between multiple perspectives diluted the intimacy and depth I so cherished in the first book.

That said, the writing remains as engaging as ever. Benson's ability to craft compelling characters and intricate plots is undeniable, and I’m still fully invested in Ellie and Adam's journey. Their relationship is beautifully written, and I can’t wait to see where the series takes them next.

As for the audiobook, Alex Picard’s narration is nothing short of stellar. Her skill in distinguishing characters through accents and tone elevates the listening experience. Her performance brings the story to life in a way that makes the audiobooks an absolute must for me. I wouldn’t dream of experiencing this series any other way.

Despite some of my reservations with this installment, I’m eagerly looking forward to the next book. The allure of Benson’s writing and the promise of more Ellie and Adam are enough to keep me hooked.

Thank you to Jacquelyn Benson, Alex Picard, Vaughan Woods Publishing, and NetGalley for sending me the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

This was brilliant! I loved every second of listening to it, and found the entire reading experience delightful. It was *everything* I want in a Indiana Jones-style story, with all the wit and banter and danger and narrow escapes and discovery and magic... while *also* being very anti-British-Empire and being very clear about architectural discoveries needing to stay in the countries they are found in and belong to the people who live there, not the invading colonizers.

I wasn't sure how suddenly introducing a second romantic storyline would work but it did. I liked how Benson chose to split the party and sent each pair of potential lovers in different directions facing different perils. It let them have plenty of banter and attraction without being overwhelming.

All of the characters were wonderful and I became very attached to the whole party. They all also played vital roles in the discoveries and escapes so that was nice.

These books are longer than the typical romances I read but that works because they pack in so much plot (and banter) that I never wanted to stop reading.

I loved the first book and I loved this one and I cannot wait to devour the third.

The audiobook was brilliantly performed as well. All of the characters' voices and accents were easily recognizable and believable and it's hard to believe they all were voiced by one person. It was a joy to listen to.

*Thanks to Crimson Fox Publishing and Vaughan Woods Publishing for providing an early copy for review.

After battling through rainforests to save an ancient and powerful Mayan artefact from falling into the wrong hands, archivist and suffragette Ellie Mallory should be taking a well earned break to figure out her growing feelings for her former-guide-slash-partner-in-crime Adam. Instead, Ellie and Adam are thrown into adventure again when they travel to Egypt in a race to find the legendary Staff of Moses before the ruthless villains get to it. Joined this time by Ellie’s straight-laced brother and her terrifyingly fearless best friend Constance, the team must follow a trail of three-thousand-year-old clues across pyramids and tombs to unlock one of the biggest discoveries in Ancient Egyptian history.
✨
This is the second book in the Raiders of the Arcana series and it definitely lived up to the first one. I like that we had some new characters come into play whilst also getting to see Ellie and Adam’s storyline develop. As always, there was a great feminist theme as well as an anti-colonialism narrative which I found really interesting to read. The setting of Egypt was so fun and we got plenty of action, banter and romance along the way. Overall, I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend this series!
✨
Rating: 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Diverse Rep: British-Indian SC, Egyptian/Muslim SCs
✨
Thank you Netgalley for the gifted audiobook.

I tried speeding it up and slowing it down, but I cannot for the life of me get into this book. I am retaining 0 details and can't seem to wrangle my thoughts long enough to stay focused on this any time I go back and re-read a section.

Had I known this was Historical Fiction, I wouldn't've picked it up. I like Fantasy and I love The Mummy, so those were the vibes I was looking for. But the Fantasy in this is so negligible that it's not worth mentioning.

This is a severe case of it's not you, it's me. So I'll be giving a neutral 3/5

Thank you to the publisher for granting me this ALC