Empire of Shadows by Jacquelyn Benson

This book was gifted to me by Crimson Fox Publishing through NetGalley. This is no way impacts the rating of the books. All of my reviews contain my honest opinions.

Title: Empire of Shadows

Series: Raiders of the Arcana

Author: Jacquelyn Benson

Release Date: April 2, 2024

Publisher: Crimson Fox Publishing

Genre: Adventure, Historical, Romantasy

Source: digital, NetGalley

TW: colonization, blood, sexism, animal death, violence, child death, racism, slavery

Synopsis

Nice Victorian ladies don’t run off to find legendary lost cities.

One trifling little arrest shouldn’t have cost Ellie Mallory her job, but it’s only the latest in a line of injustices facing any educated woman with archaeological ambitions.

When Ellie stumbles across the map to a mysterious ancient city, she knows she’s holding her chance to revolutionize Pre-Colombian history. There’s just one teensy complication. A ruthless villain wants it, and Ellie is all that stands in his way.

To race him to the ruins—and avoid being violently disposed of—she needs the help of maverick surveyor Adam Bates, a snake-wrangling rogue who can’t seem to keep his dratted shirt on.

But there’s more than Ellie’s scholarly reputation (and life) on the line. Her enemies aren’t just looters. They’re after an arcane secret rumored to lie in the heart of the ruins, a mythical artifact with a power that could shake the world.

Between stealing trousers, plummeting over waterfalls, and trying not to fall in love with her machete-wielding partner, will Ellie be able to stop the oracle of a lost empire from falling into the wrong hands?

Empire of Shadows is the first book in Jacquelyn Benson’s smart, swashbuckling Raiders of the Arcana series. Read it now and dive into a rip-roaring historical fantasy adventure perfect for fans of Romancing the Stone and The Mummy.

Thoughts

Empire of Shadows by Jacquelyn Benson is an exhilarating adventure story that transported me to a world of mystery and ancient ruins. The author's skillful portrayal of dreams and visions added an otherworldly touch to the narrative, while still maintaining clarity and understanding. I was truly amazed by Benson's ability to convey the confusion and clarity of these experiences.

This book reminded me of Indiana Jones and Tomb Raider, taking me on a thrilling journey filled with action and suspense. The pacing was perfectly suited for an adventure story, keeping me on the edge of my seat until the very end. The build-up of tension as the story reached its climax was nail-biting and left me eager to discover what would happen next.

The relationship between the main characters, Ellie and Adam, was captivating. Ellie initially insisted on independence, but as their bond grew, she realized the value of Adam's assistance in her quest. Their banter was adorable, and their chemistry was palpable. I loved Ellie's intelligence and humor shining through, while Adam's charm and bravery made him an irresistible character.

Benson's vivid and descriptive writing style brought the story to life, making it easy for me to imagine every scene as if it were playing out on a movie screen. The author's ability to create such vivid imagery was commendable and added to my overall enjoyment of the book.

As a reader, I am eagerly anticipating the continuation of Ellie and Adam's adventures in the next book. Benson has crafted a world full of intrigue and excitement, and I can't wait to see where their journey takes them. The only downside is the wait, as I'll have to patiently wait a whole year for the next installment.

In conclusion, Empire of Shadows is a well-written and captivating historical fantasy adventure that thoroughly entertained me. Jacquelyn Benson's storytelling skills, dynamic characters, and immersive world-building make this book a must-read for fans of romance, history, and fantasy genres.