Eye of Tyr

by Gabrielle R Herd

The darkness might feel different down here, deeper and hungrier than the night, but shadows do not posses a mind of their own…


Evangeline Gray dreams of becoming an Archaeologist, but first she must complete her studies. She risks the wrath of her superiors and starts an excavation site at the location of her uncle’s disappearance, intending to continue his life’s work. It is here that she makes her first solo discovery.
Two ancient tombs.
The first tomb is rich with dozens of funerary items surrounding a decorated sarcophagus. The second tomb is ten times larger than the first, but there are no funerary items. No signs pointing to who it belongs to. Worst of all, the sarcophagus inside is empty.
Evangeline’s discovery is quickly threatened when her academic rival, Kai Luv, returns from studying abroad. Her superiors deliver an ultimatum: work with Kai to excavate the tombs, or be removed from the project entirely.

With no choice but to work with Kai, Evangeline is thrust into a dangerous quest. But is the danger in unearthing the secrets of her discovery, or in the form of Kai Luv? Because Evangeline is starting to feel more than just contempt for her rival.



The Mummy meets Pirates of the Caribbean in this epic romantic fantasy novel filled with adventure, high-stakes action, and rivals-to-lovers.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Fantasy Romance, Fiction, Mystery

389 pages, Paperback

Published August 27, 2024

Reviews

[Kie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love everything about this book.
Rivals to lovers, love letters, pirates, found family (and did I mention PIRATES 🏴‍☠️ )
Skander is my spirit animal.
Kai and Evangeline’s banter had me flipping through pages faster than I could breathe. The plot was rather fast paced which I loved! And I loved how all our characters (even our minor ones) had depth to them
I’m interested to see more of Francis & his crew in the next book (hopefully) and I need Book 2 now because WHAT was that ending??

[demi fiore · Rating 2 out of 5]

*2.5

I want to forget about this book as soon as possible. This book took me a whole MONTH, because it was just that bad 😭

This book had the potential to be soooo good, if the author had executed it better. I absolutely loved the archeology stuff and the tombs, but they were barely mentioned at the end of the book??? Somehow the author also wanted to fit pirates in the book, that didn’t fit the plot at all 😭😭

And don’t even get met started on the characters, they’re all bland and annoying. Kai and Evangeline especially pissed me off so bad. This book is marketed as rivals to lovers, where in the book can I find that??? They’re already in love when you start reading? And the thing with letters, I smelled that coming for AGES. The plot twists didn’t plot twist at all.

This book fr could’ve been so good 🙏🏻

— read with Sam <3

[Katy Greaves · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really did like this!
I thought the concept of these archeologist rivals was really fun and I liked the pirate twist to it as well.
The author did a beautiful job writing it!
My only complaint is that it did feel like it dragged on a little throughout the middle.
Overall I enjoyed this read and will definitely read more from this author!
3.5 ⭐️

[holly &#x1fae7;]

I genuinely don’t even know where to start. I finished this book in the span of one day but not for a good reason. I got to about chapter 15 and I just had to start skimming through it because I felt a reading slump happening. This book had so much potential with the first chapter and now I’m so disappointed

Now I’m not against writers not using contraction words, however it got to the point where I felt like every time a character spoke it was very robotic. It doesn’t give us any clues as to when this book is set either. Also, the whole rivals to lovers thing went by so quick and I feel like they weren’t even really rivals at the beginning. The whole love letters for 3 years by a stranger was crazy too because why was she not terrified??? Plus getting freaky right before a “battle”??? Time and place people!!!

Like I said the first chapter was really good and engaging, but then it just jumps right into the main plot of the book very quickly. Around halfway through it completely changed into a pirate book and by the end the whole archaeologist aspect of it was forgotten. The end was also so abrupt I was a bit shocked that it ended there. It wasn’t even much of a cliffhanger either so I genuinely just felt like there was something missing. The first half and the second half felt like two different books. Obviously for a fantasy book it does have to explain a lot about the setting and the lore, but at some points I feel like it just rambled on a bit too much about tiny little details that I really didn’t need to have six sentences about.

This book had so much potential I just wish it had stayed with the archaeologist / the mummy theme, I feel like it could’ve been really cool.

[henrietta ✰ · Rating 3 out of 5]

~ 3.63 stars
—
I am HEAVILY anticipating the second book with that ending !! I felt as if it was the perfect cliffhanger to end on 🤭

I will say that the first half of the book did take me a while to get through, as per all fantasy novels. The setting and plot of the book was illustrated slower than usual, but i do believe it’s because Gabrielle planned for this book to be apart of a series so it made more sense to plan it like that. The plot was definitely unique and different to other fantasy books I’ve read, to which I thoroughly enjoyed. The incorporation of archaeological fantasy and very intriguing to read about, and I love how it tied in with other fantasy elements.

The banter between Evangeline and Kai was VERYYY entertaining and I enjoyed reading the development of their relationship ALOT. I will say I originally thought that this book was YA until I realised it was…DEFINITELY NOT 😭😭 The banter, although entertaining, felt a little juvenile at times which led me to believe they were a lot younger than I thought especially with the insta-love trope. I think seeing better emotional and romantic development in their relationship for book 2 will definitely emphasise maturity in both their characters.

I thought the second-half was written really well, and I sped through it ALOT quicker as the plot really kicked off. The side characters are really interesting to read about also and I CANNOT WAITT to read more of them in book 2!! I would also LOVE to see Kai’s POV in book 2 — it would definitely shape his character and overall lot very nicely.

Overall, a great introduction to the series and I have a feeling book 2 will definitely be getting a higher rating from me ☺️☺️

[Joyee · Rating 5 out of 5]

GIVE ME THE NEXT BOOK

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

the basic plot of the book is great, the idea of the temples being connected and such. however i just think it isn’t executed well. the book isn’t bad, but it isn’t great

the second half of the book solely focuses on pirates and the two main characters. it is advertised as enemies to lovers which is definitely not what happened as they never actually hated or despised one another. at one point, it’s almost as mount tyr is completely forgotten about as it is too swept up in what is happening between evangeline and kai.

the plot twists fall flat and aren’t super surprising. it jumps around a lot in certain areas and not completely explaining a lot of needed background such as what things kai did to make evangeline hate him.

i do love a lot of the background characters like mae and matteo, they are well written and could definitely be expanded on

— read w fiore

[Emmaline · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25✨

This was such a fun read!! I can’t wait for the sequel. I really enjoyed the plot, the romance, the friendships—they were so well done.

However, I did have a bit of difficulty with some of the sentence structure, unfortunately. That said, it was still enjoyable and I can’t wait for the next book!

I loved Evangeline and Kai! Their dynamic was so fun to read and as far as other characters go, Skander, Alek, and Elenore were some of my favourites that I can’t help but mention!!

Quotes:

“I love it when you say my full name.” His grin makes it terribly difficult to be mad at him. “It sounds like you’re calling me love ”


Perfect for fans of Pirates of the Caribbean ✨

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an Egyptology and Archeology fan, I ate this up!!!! This was a delightfully mystifying story with romance and pirates thrown in. I will say that the romance piece and Evangeline’s somehow blind naivety was annoying when it was beyond clear why was going on, but I still really liked the story. I wish there had been more discovery and discussion of the mysterious tombs, but I know that’ll come in future books. I’m really intrigued with finding out what all of it means and need the next book now!!

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I NEED BOOK 2 NOW! For my Indiana Jones, Pirates of the Caribbean, romantasy loving friends, YOU NEED TO READ THIS. The tension in the beginning of this book is ✨chefs kiss✨. And then the author dangles exactly what you in front of you to just rip it away (hello cliffhanger). If I don’t get book 2 in my hands soon, I will riot.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't break my heart like that! I need the next book

[erin &#x1f353; · Rating 2 out of 5]

i physically couldn’t even finish this but I read more of it than not so it’s counting idc

[aneira · Rating 2 out of 5]

click bait TikTok meets average read sorry !!!! I did read this on nights though so maybe that’s why

[Lu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I NEED THE NEXT ONE RIGHT NOW PLEASE GABRIELLE. I COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN. I NEED MORE OF THEM. I AM IN AWE RIGHT NOW.

[Céline De Munter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The banter, the yearning??? Yes, please.

[Madison Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing vibes, super refreshing and new! The thing is the stuff that I thought I was gonna have figured/play out by the end of this book absolutely didn’t happen and it totally shifted…I’m stunned and I’m gonna need a second book! 🏴‍☠️🌊⚓🔮⋆༺𓆩☠︎︎𓆪༻⋆🧭🧿🗡️💫

I will say everything was progressing at a slower pace and then BAM it was a rapid descent into plot at the end, I’m not mad at it tho 🤷‍♀️

[Angela Raponi · Rating 2 out of 5]

this was literally unfinished…so much potential what a shame

[nabelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not rivals to lovers yall get your facts straight. He loves her right off the bat. She does too, just in denial.


First of all, I like the premise of the book. Archeologists, tombs, excavating. That is so new and fresh to read! I want to know what about Eye of Tyr and so on. And I do love that Kai been loving her for so long, though he masked it because its forbidden (yeah hes worried of her bcs of his upbringing). Their romance grew better by the end of the book (however I dont think the spice is necessary—THEY ARE ON THE VERGE OF DYING.

“I can’t stand. I can’t get to you, so I need you to come to me.” He is breathing harder. And his eyes are pained. “Please, come here.

“You are right, Evangeline. I do want what I can’t have.”

As to why the stars are redacted....so I don't think the letter plot is needed... I knew for a bat its him.. like... really? L? This is trying to be divine rivals but without the prose and better execution. I REALLY don't think its needed. And why are the whole of the book about pirate when I want to know about the Mount of Tyr and all? Why did they havent arrived at their destination at all?

It makes sense that its the first in the book... but.. that lost my interest in reading the second one. Though I would read it, again, the premise intrigues me and I think the author did a great job in writing it.

Anyway it is interesting. Adding the pirate is indeed fun (but I hate that its because Ev is late and she didnt apologize once and proceed to make her own decision to board the pirate and whrn people said its dangerous she brushed them off? and the other people all just follow along??) Again, the plot is VERYY interesting, but needs better execution.

[andie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story initially just jumped straight into the storyline and the plot. I think I would have enjoyed more world building as to why learning about Athenians history is so important. And why scribes and archaeologists are so renowned in their world. The plot is really interesting but, I feel like the story starts very plot centered, romance is a sub plot, but at the end the main storyline is the romance not the plot. It gets lost among the way, and its hard to remember what is even the main plot by the end of it. I feel like we go from 0 to 100 with the romance. Evangeline hates him, kinda acts like a pick me, but is so attracted to him and just gives in? And its so; they're having a cute moment and all of a sudden its so explicit? I think the story started out good, but I think it could go on and be better.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

"That's it," he says. "Use me. Show me what you like."

"Me? Staring at you?" His eyes glitter. I know I'm in trouble when his smile becomes a roguish smirk. "Yes. Yes I do."

Ahhhhhhh, I wish I could read this for the first time all over again!

This is one of the most enjoyable stories I have read in a very long time.

The characters are so beautifully thought-out, all with their own depth that makes you want to consume more and more.

Evangeline's strengths and weaknesses make her so real and tangible. I found myself relating to her on a very profound level.

I can't wait to see what Gabrielle R Herd does with Evangeline Gray and Kai Luv next.

[Ezra Amelia · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book felt like I was reading a sequel rather than the first novel of a series.

The backstory felt like it was thrown in without care which created so much confusion to me.

Getting past all the tropes on top of tropes, the archaeology discover girl in her field and discover a secret would have been really cool if it wasn’t forgotten about one third into the book, the uncle? What happened to him? The whole plot of ‘ enemies to lovers’ was rushed and confusing, plus throwing in pirates and gods and more confusing unexplained character background???

This could have been done well if it stuck to one idea rather than jumping around everywhere.

[˚₊‧✩ ryane ✩‧₊˚ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ☆
the mummy (1999) meets pirates of the caribbean IM SAT

add on top of that: academic rivals, a sprinkle of yearning, banter, love letters, pirates, archaeology, found family…it was beautiful and stunning

i LOVE kai luv. end of sentence. i LOVE AND ADORE evangeline. now them together??? chef's kiss. our whole cast of characters had depth and i want to learn more about them!!

also i want to know more about the mythology and the tombs because omg i was eating it up!!!

the ending was tough and now i am not so patiently waiting for book two (take your time queen, i’ll be here)

[Mylee J. Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

The vibes were definitely here. I really liked the rivals energy we had going on, although I guessed her “secret admirer” in like two seconds. I really enjoyed the friend banter within the friend group, and the middle chunk of the book was very interesting.

However, hardly anything happened and the romance felt a bit rushed at the end. The spice was so unnecessary too. I do have high hopes for the next book being better. 3.5/5 stars

[Sophette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super easy, cute and quick read - kept me interested and entertained the whole way through and Evangeline is SO CUTE in it! I loved all the characters and they all had such great, loveable personalities. Amazing banter between our two MCs and it was just so entertaining the whole way through! Definitely recommend and literally cannot wait for book 2 - slightly evil ending but I bet it’ll be worth it for the second book!

[Marián Gil · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5? no sé cómo sentirme con este libro. a ratos quería que me gustara más, otras veces quería odiarlo.

la prosa es inconsistente, la protagonista a veces es tontísima, hay trozos que son aburridos... pero las primeras 150 páginas son una pasada, y las últimas 100 también.

no quiero decir que no me gusta, porque de verdad me parece que tiene cosas muy buenas, pero la parte del barco... es dura

[Freya Quigley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The history nerd in me knew I was going to love this book before I even started it. The world created is beautiful and the pirate twist was divine. Even the side characters had me invested with all the relationships blooming. But the best part, THE BANTER, omg I was kicking my feet the whole time. I’ve already recommended this to all my friends go read it rn!

[Dami · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. It had so much potential, but it just jumped all over the place closer to the end. It was archeology and then pirates and now gods? I don't even know the time and setting of this book. In the beginning it seemed to have been set irl but now there's sea serpents and idk what to think. They weren't even rivals. The entire thing was one sided and so short.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not too bad. The plot and characters were really good and the vibes were great but I didn’t like the formal writing style without using contractions as it sounded robotic. Could have done with another round of editing probably but for a first book it was ok and I’ll definitely read the next when it’s out.

[Roxane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this, I mean don’t get me wrong I liked the concept of it, but I never really got into the story sadly:( I feel like it had great potential but not much was happening and I was never hooked because of it.. like I said the setting itself (like archeologists searching for answers about an ancient tombs?!!) was really cool but I didn’t really love the way it was explored🥺

[Shivani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5 stars / 5

This book had everything! Tension. Swoon worth romance. Archaeology. Pirates ???!! Mystery. Suspense!

All archaeology/fantasy fanatics need to drop everything and read this! It’s absolutely brilliant