Wonderful to be back with the gang again! Ms Benson has created a world that is fun to be in. With this second adventure she is expanding Ellie and Adam’s world with the welcome additions of Ellie’s brother, Neil and her friend, Constance. The narrator, Alex Picard, is amazing at bringing the characters to life.

There are elements of these books that really are fun, but I wish the author and publisher had been more honest about the fact that these are really not adventure novels. They’re romance novels. And that’s fine I guess, but it makes for a poor reader experience for those not expecting or wanting that.

While I think it’s fine to include a romantic subplot in a story like this and it’s easy to root for Ellie and Adam as a couple, this takes up WAY too much space in an already overlong book, and the romance novel language and descriptions are cringey and vaguely embarrassing. Adam ruminating on the shape of Ellie’s calves may appeal to the romance audience, but this kind of stuff is pretty off-putting to the average reader. When dropped into something billed as an adventure novel, it just feels like bad writing.

The publisher keeps pushing the idea that this is The Mummy, and in addition to the fact that they take place in VERY different time periods, this book entirely missed on the cute love story during an adventure concept that The Mummy captured so well and just went straight for the schlock’.

It’s especially disappointing because when Benson IS giving us good historical detail and swashbuckling adventure it’s very well done. It’s just overshadowed both in quality and quality by goofy bodice ripper tropes.

Ellie Mallory and Adam Bates crash into her brother Neil’s comfortable, controlled and ordered existence. He's in charge of an archaeological dig and works closely with his Egyptian foreman Sayyid Al-Ahmed.

Ellie informs Neil that she and Adam are looking for arcana , and are likely closely followed by the unscrupulous Mr. Jacobs (from book one), who they know is hunting arcana. Jacobs wants these arcana for their purported powers, but Ellie would like to study them. It’s the same situation in Egypt, now, where Jacobs is after the staff of Moses, and Ellie wants to find it before him, and ensure the object stays in Egypt, with Egyptians.

Of course, multiple things go wrong, including the crashing down of a few of Neil’s beliefs. Fortuitously, Ellie’s friend Constance is in Cairo with her family,; they are eager for Constance to marry, while Constance is after adventure and new experiences, so she eagerly leaps in to help Ellie and Adam.

Again things go wrong, but this time, Constance and her lockpicking and martial arts skills are present. And, because of her stature and attractive appearance, very few realize just how capable and smart she is. It's up to Constance to rescue Neil, still holding on tight to his beliefs and his apathy for societal change remains unchallenged.

Jacquelyn Benson keeps the pace fast, the banter and arguments quick and funny, and the women in charge and finding ways out of problems. This includes some enterprising and fierce Egyptian women intent on protecting their country's culture and heritage from the rapacious Europeans, who are stealing every new thing they can dig up.

I love the way Benson skillfully weaves in social commentary, never bogging down the story with exposition, and also illuminating the problems inherent with imperialism and colonialism, which are built on white supremacy and misogyny.

My favourite nickname in this story is "danger gnome", which is Neil's for Constance when she was much younger and dragging Ellie into trouble and pranking Neil. Based on their interactions in this book, I suspect we'll be seeing sparks there, eventually. Which I look forward to, as Ellie, Constance, Adam and Neil are awakened to a huge conspiracy, and a new artifact that Jacobs will likely want to steal, so they're all off to India in the next book, which I have to read.

I listened to this story, and narrator Alex Picard does a fantastic job of voicing Ellie, and all the other characters. Picard manages to get just the right balance of high intelligence, curiosity, bravery and sensitivity with Ellie, and her Constance is such a hoot.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Vaughan Woods Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my review.

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!