The Lost Emerald

Fay Hunter Archaeological Adventure #1

by R.J. Fawaz

Find the stone, or your father dies…

Expert gemologist Fay Hunter's world is turned upside down when she receives this deadly ultimatum.

Armed with nothing more than an ancient map, she enlists the help of her father's close friend, the brilliant and handsome archaeologist Zach Forester.

Together, they embark on a perilous expedition deep into the Saharan desert, which leads them to the mysterious mines that once belonged to the ancient Cleopatra and the fabled resting place of the coveted beryl emerald stone, rumoured to be more than just a gem.

Once inside, it soon becomes a battle of wits and survival as they contend to fight not only with a rival seeking the stone, but also with the haunting Egyptian Goddess who, unbeknownst to them, holds the secret of the lost stone.

In the meantime, someone else is engaging in a deadly game of deception – and is desperate to intercept Fay at all costs! Can Fay unravel the enigma behind the stone and save her father before it's too late?

Join Fay and Zach on this thrilling fast-paced, action-packed adventure that intertwines elements of the paranormal with a pulse-pounding race against time that will have you gripped and on the edge of your seat.

For fans of The Mummy, Tomb raider and Indiana Jones, The Lost Emerald is Book # 1 of the New Fay Hunter Archaeological Adventure Series. This book can also be read as a standalone.

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2025

About the author

R. J. Fawaz is the author of The Lost Emerald, Book 1 in the new Fay Hunter Archaeological Adventure Series.

Her books blend archaeological intrigue, high-stakes action, and ancient mysteries, all infused with a slow-burn romance and a touch of paranormal suspense. With pulse-pounding plots and richly historical backdrops, R J Fawaz delivers stories that keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

Her passion for adventure thrillers is rooted in a deep love of history, archaeology, and the ancient tales that continue to shape our world. She writes fast-paced, emotionally charged adventures filled with suspense, danger, and heart.

She loves to travel and explore new places, gathering information that will eventually find its way into her stories. And that is where you will often find her, immersed in her latest project, cappuccino in hand, at the coffee shop, library or even at her kitchen table.

Rana lives in London, England and when she is not absorbed with writing her next novel or reading a page turner, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, baking, and hanging out on social media.

Reviews

[Amanda Ho · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, such a ride, completely captured my attention and even helped me forget about very real adult problems that have been very hard recently. Loved that I just needed more and I hated it to end! The build up for book two is amazing and I cannot wait to see where it goes! So happy to have won this via Goodreads giveaways! One of the best I’ve ever won! This book has you guessing, wanting more, and yearning to be a faster reader… page after page of pure energy for this entertaining story!

[Michele Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

PROS:I flew through this adventurous tale and didn't want it to end! Move over Indiana Jones, it's Fay Hunter's time to shine!!! And given that I studied Ancient History and Archeology - so my eagerness for any book that deals with these subjects is next level - I threw myself into Fay's world and thoroughly enjoyed myself. This book has all the hallmarks of a 5-star read for me: charming and challenging characters, riveting plot threads that had me on edge the whole time, super-fast paced (I read it over just a few days), exotic settings that took me to places I've never been (so I learnt things) and have been (so they resonated with me), the ancient history and archeology aspects were spot-on, and now I'm desperate for Book 2. So, if you want to jump into the life of a female archeologist who is brilliant, daring, strong and loveable, whose adventure is only just beginning (hopefully, as I see many books in this series) read this book!

CONS: Need Book 2 asap!

[Nancy Fagan · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting story. A lot of do or die situations like Indiana Jones, but with a female heroine.

I received an advance copy of the book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this in a giveaway.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay so this was a lot of fun! I grew up playing Tomb Raider so I was happy to pick up a book with an adventuring woman. The book didn't quite hook me at the very start but when the story really got going I read it in just a few days!
The story is fast paced after the action really starts and keeps you interested. I'm always a sucker for ancient myths and adventures and this book was definitely up that alley. The supernatural elements were very cool as well.
I quite liked Fay as a character and was definitely rooting for her as she worked to rescue her father.
I'll be happy to read more of Fay's adventures in the future!


(I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.)

[Julie's Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting debut novel. Lots of action and adventure, some cliche scenes, but overall an entertaining story. While the start of a series, it is a standalone book, with a lead-in to the next book at the end. The author is from the UK and the language reflects that, which was a slight stumbling block for me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Juliet · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast-paced, escapist adventure that transported me to the Saharan desert and deep into the world of ancient legends. Fay’s journey, driven by her love for her father, gives the story emotional momentum. Fans of archaeological thrillers will find plenty to love here! I raced through it and am now looking forward to book Two.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. Its the first book that introduces Fay Hunter, an expert gemologist, whose father is kidnapped and she must find a lost emerald. But not everything is what it seems, many are after the gem, and there is a lot of action and drama. Fast paced, twists and surprises kept it fun and interesting. Had to see what Fay would find and face to save her father.

[R.J. Fawaz]

This story is exciting, enthralling, and guaranteed to keep you gripped to the edge of your seat. From the very first page, it plunges you into a world of mystery and action-packed adventure, while weaving in elements of the paranormal—where love, danger, and suspense collide.

Without giving too much away, the story features:
-A race against time
-A strong female protagonist
-Survival, wit, and archaeological discoveries
-An ancient Egyptian goddess
-Cleopatra’s emerald mines
-The importance of family values

If you love ancient intrigue, I think this book will be right up your alley. Writing it has been an incredible experience, and it will forever hold a special place in my heart.

The Lost Emerald is now available in paperback and eBook across Amazon and other major retailers.

I truly hope you enjoy the journey.❤️