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Whispers from the Abyss
Let none disturb what the labyrinth holds, lest the shadows wake to crave your soul.
Archaeologist Emmeline Ravenscroft dreamed of working alongside her parents in the field, but that dream shattered six years ago when the Egyptian dig site claimed her mother’s life. Haunted by whispers of her father’s madness and the unanswered questions of what really happened in the ancient tunnels, Emmeline has returned to Egypt to unearth the truth before it consumes her too.
As if scorching heat and skittering scorpions aren’t enough, the dig site presents another obstacle she doesn’t need—her insufferable rival, Julian Blackwood. When the labyrinth beneath the temple steals them both, they’re trapped in an inescapable nightmare.
As whispers turn into screams and ghosts claw their way into the light, Emmeline must face an impossible truth—her father wasn’t mad. The horrors below are real. And Julian, the man she swore to never trust, will stop at nothing to save her. Even if it costs his life, his humanity, and his soul.
A gothic romance woven with supernatural terror, aching devotion, and impossible choices. Perfect for fans of The Mummy, Lara Croft, and A Discovery of Witches.
One-click now to enter the maze, but never expect to leave.
Archaeologist Emmeline Ravenscroft dreamed of working alongside her parents in the field, but that dream shattered six years ago when the Egyptian dig site claimed her mother’s life. Haunted by whispers of her father’s madness and the unanswered questions of what really happened in the ancient tunnels, Emmeline has returned to Egypt to unearth the truth before it consumes her too.
As if scorching heat and skittering scorpions aren’t enough, the dig site presents another obstacle she doesn’t need—her insufferable rival, Julian Blackwood. When the labyrinth beneath the temple steals them both, they’re trapped in an inescapable nightmare.
As whispers turn into screams and ghosts claw their way into the light, Emmeline must face an impossible truth—her father wasn’t mad. The horrors below are real. And Julian, the man she swore to never trust, will stop at nothing to save her. Even if it costs his life, his humanity, and his soul.
A gothic romance woven with supernatural terror, aching devotion, and impossible choices. Perfect for fans of The Mummy, Lara Croft, and A Discovery of Witches.
One-click now to enter the maze, but never expect to leave.
371 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2026
About the author
M.S. Weaver
8 books17 followersM. S. Weaver writes dark fantasy romance and romantasy steeped in myth, magic, and emotional depth. Her stories explore cursed love, haunted landscapes, and bonds that defy fate. She also pens whimsical fantasy fairytales for charity, where hope blooms in the darkest woods.
She lives on a farm in South Africa with her husband, three children, an overenthusiastic golden retriever, and a judgmental cat. In her free time, she loves stargazing with her kids, whispering dreams into the night sky.
Step into her world—but beware the shadows. They bite.
She lives on a farm in South Africa with her husband, three children, an overenthusiastic golden retriever, and a judgmental cat. In her free time, she loves stargazing with her kids, whispering dreams into the night sky.
Step into her world—but beware the shadows. They bite.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
April 6, 2026
'We welcome you.
We warn you.
We weep for you.
Because the shadows crave your soul.' (Ch 13)
Dark Gothic Romance | Supernatural Horror | Psychological Thriller | Nightmares | Mystery | Labyrinth
Tropes:
📖 Rivals to lovers
✨ Forced proximity
🔥 Protective, burn-the-world devotion
💘 Hero falls first
🌑 Shadow creatures and shifting temple
🔗 Soul-bond and fated mates
💔 Sacrifice for love
📜 Ancient Egyptian lore
Interconnected standalone.
I'm a sucker for Tomb Raider, Indiana Jones, The Mummy, so I was intrigued by the blurb/synopsis. [Perhaps I had a missed calling for archeology — though idek how that would have turned out for me because I hate being hot and sweating 😅, and I despise bugs.]
There's just something about these stories with an ancient mystery connection and a pull from modern day that just gets me! It just fascinates and lures me in.
'The fear inside me grew, crawling up my spine until it turned into a roaring monster with gnashing teeth.' (Ch 3)
It's eerie, ominous, and heart-hammeringly thrilling with held-breath suspense and a little air of mystery. And the tension between Julian and Em was sizzling even though she tried to fight off his tormenting advances as if her life depended on it. He was rather obnoxiously onery with his innuendos and strong come ons in the beginning. Of course, forced proximity and the threat of dangerous life and death circumstances... you know the direction with this trope!
'....my other arm was trapped beneath his shoulders.
“Heaven.” Julian’s lips moved against my breast, his warm breath heating my cleavage. I reared back with a squeak. “Sorry, you’re just so damn big.”
His lips pulled up at one corner.' (Ch 19)
At some point, I started getting a nagging feeling about Julian, like he was not what he seemed or there was some kind of secret and/or information that he was keeping tightly bound from Em.
'Love didn’t scare me. Losing it did. Life was fragile, and when it ended, it hollowed you out in ways you never fully recovered from.' (Ch 22)
Really admired Em. She was so brave despite everything. She never backed down. Never gave up, even when things seemed dire and even when it seemed everything was lost... jagged, forlorn. So much pain, yet there was hope within the dark.
'....this place had changed us both. It left its mark on our bodies and our souls.... (Ch 23)
eARC courtesy of Literary Inspired
We warn you.
We weep for you.
Because the shadows crave your soul.' (Ch 13)
Dark Gothic Romance | Supernatural Horror | Psychological Thriller | Nightmares | Mystery | Labyrinth
Tropes:
📖 Rivals to lovers
✨ Forced proximity
🔥 Protective, burn-the-world devotion
💘 Hero falls first
🌑 Shadow creatures and shifting temple
🔗 Soul-bond and fated mates
💔 Sacrifice for love
📜 Ancient Egyptian lore
Interconnected standalone.
I'm a sucker for Tomb Raider, Indiana Jones, The Mummy, so I was intrigued by the blurb/synopsis. [Perhaps I had a missed calling for archeology — though idek how that would have turned out for me because I hate being hot and sweating 😅, and I despise bugs.]
There's just something about these stories with an ancient mystery connection and a pull from modern day that just gets me! It just fascinates and lures me in.
'The fear inside me grew, crawling up my spine until it turned into a roaring monster with gnashing teeth.' (Ch 3)
It's eerie, ominous, and heart-hammeringly thrilling with held-breath suspense and a little air of mystery. And the tension between Julian and Em was sizzling even though she tried to fight off his tormenting advances as if her life depended on it. He was rather obnoxiously onery with his innuendos and strong come ons in the beginning. Of course, forced proximity and the threat of dangerous life and death circumstances... you know the direction with this trope!
'....my other arm was trapped beneath his shoulders.
“Heaven.” Julian’s lips moved against my breast, his warm breath heating my cleavage. I reared back with a squeak. “Sorry, you’re just so damn big.”
His lips pulled up at one corner.' (Ch 19)
At some point, I started getting a nagging feeling about Julian, like he was not what he seemed or there was some kind of secret and/or information that he was keeping tightly bound from Em.
'Love didn’t scare me. Losing it did. Life was fragile, and when it ended, it hollowed you out in ways you never fully recovered from.' (Ch 22)
Really admired Em. She was so brave despite everything. She never backed down. Never gave up, even when things seemed dire and even when it seemed everything was lost... jagged, forlorn. So much pain, yet there was hope within the dark.
'....this place had changed us both. It left its mark on our bodies and our souls.... (Ch 23)
eARC courtesy of Literary Inspired
March 20, 2026
This book was amazing! So many twists and turns. Emmeline and Julian’s relationship was just perfection. The Egyptian mythology was so well done and the book had such a great macabre quality that made it a perfect Poe retelling!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I went in pretty blind, all I needed to see was The Mummy, gothic romance, and Egyptian lore, and I was sold.
For me, the strongest part of this book was the atmosphere and overall premise. The archaeology, the mystery, and especially the Egyptian lore really stood out. I also loved the slightly eerie tone. The constant feeling of being watched created a setting that really pulled me in.
The story felt refreshing compared to a lot of fantasy today, while still having that familiar, nostalgic Indiana Jones / The Mummy vibe.
That said, there were a few things that didn’t fully click for me. I sometimes struggled to connect with the characters, especially when it came to the romance. The dynamic between the FMC and MMC felt quite inconsistent. It shifted quickly between conflict and intense devotion, and emotionally it didn’t always feel fully earned to me.That being said, this story does include fated mates or bonds and high stakes, life and death situations, so it is not necessarily meant to feel entirely logical. This is more of a personal preference for me, and I can definitely see how others would enjoy that aspect more.
I also found parts of the writing a bit overly detailed. At times, the pacing and character conclusions felt slightly rushed or underexplained. Plot wise, there is a lot going on, and for me it occasionally felt a bit overwhelming, almost like too many ideas layered together without all of them fully landing.
I do think this book will work really well for readers who enjoy atmospheric, adventure driven fantasy with strong The Mummy vibes, Egyptian mythology, and a more dramatic, fast moving romance.
I really enjoyed the Egyptian lore, especially the parts about the gods, their lives, and the flashbacks. Those sections were so good, and for me they were some of the highlights of the book. The author did a truly amazing job with that aspect.
If you like stories that feel a bit chaotic but fun, this would definitely be your kind of read.
Overall, while it did not fully come together for me emotionally, I still found it genuinely enjoyable and had a really good time reading it.
For me, the strongest part of this book was the atmosphere and overall premise. The archaeology, the mystery, and especially the Egyptian lore really stood out. I also loved the slightly eerie tone. The constant feeling of being watched created a setting that really pulled me in.
The story felt refreshing compared to a lot of fantasy today, while still having that familiar, nostalgic Indiana Jones / The Mummy vibe.
That said, there were a few things that didn’t fully click for me. I sometimes struggled to connect with the characters, especially when it came to the romance. The dynamic between the FMC and MMC felt quite inconsistent. It shifted quickly between conflict and intense devotion, and emotionally it didn’t always feel fully earned to me.That being said, this story does include fated mates or bonds and high stakes, life and death situations, so it is not necessarily meant to feel entirely logical. This is more of a personal preference for me, and I can definitely see how others would enjoy that aspect more.
I also found parts of the writing a bit overly detailed. At times, the pacing and character conclusions felt slightly rushed or underexplained. Plot wise, there is a lot going on, and for me it occasionally felt a bit overwhelming, almost like too many ideas layered together without all of them fully landing.
I do think this book will work really well for readers who enjoy atmospheric, adventure driven fantasy with strong The Mummy vibes, Egyptian mythology, and a more dramatic, fast moving romance.
I really enjoyed the Egyptian lore, especially the parts about the gods, their lives, and the flashbacks. Those sections were so good, and for me they were some of the highlights of the book. The author did a truly amazing job with that aspect.
If you like stories that feel a bit chaotic but fun, this would definitely be your kind of read.
Overall, while it did not fully come together for me emotionally, I still found it genuinely enjoyable and had a really good time reading it.
April 26, 2026
My obsession with adventure began with Rick O'Connell in 'The Mummy', with his exploration of abandoned pyramids, a poignant story and a misunderstood mummy brought back to life.
Here we have a similar situation, but set in the modern day: Emmeline Ravenscroft is an archaeology student who, thanks to her parents’ passion and research, is trying to carry on their legacy.
It’s just a shame that Julian Blackwood is standing in her way – a top-of-the-class student on their course who’s prepared to stop at nothing to take the credit for it!
But for this latest project, he decides to take a different approach: he is willing to partner with Emmy just to help her fulfil her dream of taking part in the Fayoum Project in Egypt.
This time spent away from home will be a chance to gain practical experience in the field, discover new realities and perhaps make sense of her father’s words about what that desert land conceals.
But a mysterious shadow has been looming over Emmeline for some time now, so much so that its confident whispers, almost like a guide, will lead her into the excavation site, with the recklessness of acting before thinking, so drawn to solving this mystery!
As luck would have it, her academic rival comes looking for her before anything can happen to her, venturing in alone into an unexplored place – so ‘safe’ that, without warning, the labyrinthine structure of the pyramid shifts, blocking any certain escape route for both of them🫠
But will this obstacle be enough to dampen the curiosity of a born explorer?
Initially, I wasn't immediately won over by the story, but as I continued reading, I found myself connecting with both the film adaptation and a book based more on a retelling of Egyptian mythology that I read four years ago.
The frequent flashbacks, which bring to life a past life that experienced, felt and suffered through that seemingly idyllic period, but which was in reality a mirage, drive you to keep reading🔥
I can only suggest you to read this novel if you're into mysteries, cold/ancient cases and hard truth to swallow👊🏻
May 8, 2026
Some doors open because blood remembers. Some loves survive the dark.
The Elevator Pitch: Beneath an ancient Egyptian temple, a haunted archaeologist and her ruthless academic rival are trapped inside a labyrinth that knows her blood and feeds on fear. As the dark turns personal, old grief, buried gods, and forbidden desire force them into a trust neither of them is ready to survive. What begins as rivalry becomes a dangerous bond shaped by devotion, sacrifice, and the terror of being chosen by something older than death.
Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥 Ultra-Steamy / Erotic Romance
The Elevator Pitch: Beneath an ancient Egyptian temple, a haunted archaeologist and her ruthless academic rival are trapped inside a labyrinth that knows her blood and feeds on fear. As the dark turns personal, old grief, buried gods, and forbidden desire force them into a trust neither of them is ready to survive. What begins as rivalry becomes a dangerous bond shaped by devotion, sacrifice, and the terror of being chosen by something older than death.
Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥 Ultra-Steamy / Erotic Romance
May 5, 2026
Just 🤯
Another foray into the Once Upon a Midnight Dreary book that I was able to snag on BookSprout. Giving off vibes of The Mummy and TombRaider with Witchy vibes. Really was pulled into Emmeline's story and background. Was surprised by many things that occurred in the Labyrinth with Julian Blackwood, her shadow that she never knew she had. Was definitely packed with suspense and thriller vibes. Loved the Egyptian mythology in practice and story. Glad I picked this up!
I received the book via BookSprout and decided to leave a review for my time.
Another foray into the Once Upon a Midnight Dreary book that I was able to snag on BookSprout. Giving off vibes of The Mummy and TombRaider with Witchy vibes. Really was pulled into Emmeline's story and background. Was surprised by many things that occurred in the Labyrinth with Julian Blackwood, her shadow that she never knew she had. Was definitely packed with suspense and thriller vibes. Loved the Egyptian mythology in practice and story. Glad I picked this up!
I received the book via BookSprout and decided to leave a review for my time.
May 7, 2026
I loved the story itself. Egyptian architecture, the tunnels…but the characters were flat. They went from enemies to insta lovers. That just doesn’t work. I’m not sure how being trapped brings two people to sudden undying love.
The world building was wonderful. Just so beautifully done. And the description was excellent. It was the characters that just weren’t able to hold this story together.
The world building was wonderful. Just so beautifully done. And the description was excellent. It was the characters that just weren’t able to hold this story together.
April 1, 2026
Thank you for the ARC! Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this book. I went into it really excited because the marketing compared it to The Mummy, and there honestly aren’t many books in this little adventure-meets-Egyptian-mythology sub-trope. For me, though, the vibe leaned more toward Lara Croft–style adventure than The Mummy. It definitely had some of those elements, but not as much as I expected.
What I did enjoy was the eerie tone and the mysterious ancient Egyptian atmosphere. That part of the story really worked for me, and it’s something I wish more books explored. The setting and overall vibe were probably my favorite aspects.
Where the book struggled for me was with the characters. They felt flat and sometimes inconsistent. Em was difficult for me to connect with or fully step into her shoes. She has a sad backstory, but even with that, she still felt like she was missing some depth. Then there’s Julian. He’s supposed to be very devoted, but at the same time they’re rivals and constantly bickering. During those moments he says some really explicit things to Em, which felt out of place and honestly turned me off. The banter didn’t always land for me because of that. Em also repeatedly hits Julian, especially in the beginning, and it became distracting because it happened so often and really no reason for that.
The romance development also felt uneven. We go from Em not really caring about Julian to suddenly having very intense feelings, but the buildup just wasn’t there for me. It felt like it came out of nowhere. And just when Em starts warming up to him, Julian would drop another out-of-pocket explicit comment, which pulled me out of the moment.
Overall, I think this book has potential of a really good adventure story and is a good starting point, especially for readers looking for that Egyptian adventure vibe. With more character depth and smoother relationship development between the FMC and MMC, I think it could really shine.
What I did enjoy was the eerie tone and the mysterious ancient Egyptian atmosphere. That part of the story really worked for me, and it’s something I wish more books explored. The setting and overall vibe were probably my favorite aspects.
Where the book struggled for me was with the characters. They felt flat and sometimes inconsistent. Em was difficult for me to connect with or fully step into her shoes. She has a sad backstory, but even with that, she still felt like she was missing some depth. Then there’s Julian. He’s supposed to be very devoted, but at the same time they’re rivals and constantly bickering. During those moments he says some really explicit things to Em, which felt out of place and honestly turned me off. The banter didn’t always land for me because of that. Em also repeatedly hits Julian, especially in the beginning, and it became distracting because it happened so often and really no reason for that.
The romance development also felt uneven. We go from Em not really caring about Julian to suddenly having very intense feelings, but the buildup just wasn’t there for me. It felt like it came out of nowhere. And just when Em starts warming up to him, Julian would drop another out-of-pocket explicit comment, which pulled me out of the moment.
Overall, I think this book has potential of a really good adventure story and is a good starting point, especially for readers looking for that Egyptian adventure vibe. With more character depth and smoother relationship development between the FMC and MMC, I think it could really shine.
March 27, 2026
3.5 Stars.
Whispers from the Abyss was undeniably beautifully written, and M.S. Weaver has a strong, atmospheric style that made the world feel immersive and vivid. There were several moments where the prose really stood out, and I appreciated the darker, haunting tone throughout.
That said, the romance ended up feeling more like an impediment to the story than something that strengthened it. The emotional connection between the characters didn’t feel fully developed, and the relationship progressed so quickly that it felt less like a believable romance and more like a trauma-bond formed under intense circumstances. In particular, the FMC’s shift in how she viewed the MMC happened so abruptly that it was difficult to fully buy into the relationship as it was presented. Instead of adding emotional depth, the romance often distracted from the parts of the story I found most compelling.
I also felt like the ending was rushed, especially compared to how carefully the rest of the book was written. After spending so much time building atmosphere and tension, the resolution came together a little too quickly and didn’t quite deliver the emotional payoff I was hoping for.
Overall, this was a well-written and atmospheric read with a lot of promise, but the pacing of the romance and the rushed ending kept it from landing as strongly for me as it could have.
Whispers from the Abyss was undeniably beautifully written, and M.S. Weaver has a strong, atmospheric style that made the world feel immersive and vivid. There were several moments where the prose really stood out, and I appreciated the darker, haunting tone throughout.
That said, the romance ended up feeling more like an impediment to the story than something that strengthened it. The emotional connection between the characters didn’t feel fully developed, and the relationship progressed so quickly that it felt less like a believable romance and more like a trauma-bond formed under intense circumstances. In particular, the FMC’s shift in how she viewed the MMC happened so abruptly that it was difficult to fully buy into the relationship as it was presented. Instead of adding emotional depth, the romance often distracted from the parts of the story I found most compelling.
I also felt like the ending was rushed, especially compared to how carefully the rest of the book was written. After spending so much time building atmosphere and tension, the resolution came together a little too quickly and didn’t quite deliver the emotional payoff I was hoping for.
Overall, this was a well-written and atmospheric read with a lot of promise, but the pacing of the romance and the rushed ending kept it from landing as strongly for me as it could have.
March 31, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
—
when i tell you, you had me at “poe-inspired”, i mean that literally. i mean, my name is lenore, so it’s kind of a requirement. and when they said “poe-inspired” they meant it. this book was full of the eerie, atmospheric, spooky vibes that poe is known for, mixed up with tomb raider and the mummy. i’m a huge lover of all of those things, so when you baked them together into a pie like this it’s no wonder this book drew me in.
this story was so captivating and completely unpredictable. much like the labyrinth in this book, i genuinely had no idea what was going to happen next. i kept making notes in the margins about what i thought would be important or what would come back à la chekhov’s gun, and i was only right one time 💀 but that was part of the fun. i’m usually pretty good at figuring out where stories will go before they end, so it was really refreshing to be able to be surprised like this.
and the romance??? i love me a good rivals to lovers storyline, and the backdrop of julian and em being academic rivals, combined with the egyptian mythological story was EVERYTHING. i will say, it did sort of feel like their relationship did a 180 on a dime, but i assure you, THERE IS A REASON. so don’t let that put you off, and stick with it. i promise it will deliver.
—
when i tell you, you had me at “poe-inspired”, i mean that literally. i mean, my name is lenore, so it’s kind of a requirement. and when they said “poe-inspired” they meant it. this book was full of the eerie, atmospheric, spooky vibes that poe is known for, mixed up with tomb raider and the mummy. i’m a huge lover of all of those things, so when you baked them together into a pie like this it’s no wonder this book drew me in.
this story was so captivating and completely unpredictable. much like the labyrinth in this book, i genuinely had no idea what was going to happen next. i kept making notes in the margins about what i thought would be important or what would come back à la chekhov’s gun, and i was only right one time 💀 but that was part of the fun. i’m usually pretty good at figuring out where stories will go before they end, so it was really refreshing to be able to be surprised like this.
and the romance??? i love me a good rivals to lovers storyline, and the backdrop of julian and em being academic rivals, combined with the egyptian mythological story was EVERYTHING. i will say, it did sort of feel like their relationship did a 180 on a dime, but i assure you, THERE IS A REASON. so don’t let that put you off, and stick with it. i promise it will deliver.
April 19, 2026
This felt like The Mummy, Tomb Raider, and Indiana Jones all wrapped into one—with a dark Gothic romance twist.
This story had so much emotional depth. Em’s grief over her mom, her struggles with her dad’s mental state, and her anger toward Julian all felt very real and added weight to the adventure.
And what an adventure it was! The setting, the creepy atmosphere, the Egyptian mythology, the twists and turns—even the subtle nods to Edgar Allan Poe—all came together to create a story that kept me hooked from beginning to end.
Julian… yeah, I knew there was more to him. And once the forced proximity kicked in? My heart was invested. I really enjoyed his dynamic with Em and found myself rooting for them.
The only thing that got to me at times was Em’s extreme dislike of Julian early on—it felt a bit much—but that’s more of a personal preference.
Overall, if you’re ok with dark, emotional, and atmospheric adventures with romance woven beautifully into the chaos, this is for you!
Thanks to M.S. Weaver & Literary Inspired for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.
This story had so much emotional depth. Em’s grief over her mom, her struggles with her dad’s mental state, and her anger toward Julian all felt very real and added weight to the adventure.
And what an adventure it was! The setting, the creepy atmosphere, the Egyptian mythology, the twists and turns—even the subtle nods to Edgar Allan Poe—all came together to create a story that kept me hooked from beginning to end.
Julian… yeah, I knew there was more to him. And once the forced proximity kicked in? My heart was invested. I really enjoyed his dynamic with Em and found myself rooting for them.
The only thing that got to me at times was Em’s extreme dislike of Julian early on—it felt a bit much—but that’s more of a personal preference.
Overall, if you’re ok with dark, emotional, and atmospheric adventures with romance woven beautifully into the chaos, this is for you!
Thanks to M.S. Weaver & Literary Inspired for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.
March 30, 2026
This is the 8th book in the Once Upon A Midnight Dreary collection. This is definitely my favorite of them all. The first I’ve rated 5 stars.
I was completely absorbed in the adventure from the beginning. The archeological peer rivalry with Julian. The condition of Emmeline’s father and loss of her mother.
Egyptian mythology. A mysterious death.
Yes yes yes.
Some of it was over my head with the depth of the details and I’m sad I cannot visualize things in my head because I feel like this would have been an incredible brain movie. Especially when they’re in the labyrinth with the moving walls, pendulum, monsters, and other dangers.
And Julian. Freakin swoon. Are you kidding me with that man?!
This was everything I needed and more. I definitely recommend this book if you’re interested in a present day adventure with ancient Egyptian culture.
I did receive this as an eARC and these opinions are my own
I was completely absorbed in the adventure from the beginning. The archeological peer rivalry with Julian. The condition of Emmeline’s father and loss of her mother.
Egyptian mythology. A mysterious death.
Yes yes yes.
Some of it was over my head with the depth of the details and I’m sad I cannot visualize things in my head because I feel like this would have been an incredible brain movie. Especially when they’re in the labyrinth with the moving walls, pendulum, monsters, and other dangers.
And Julian. Freakin swoon. Are you kidding me with that man?!
This was everything I needed and more. I definitely recommend this book if you’re interested in a present day adventure with ancient Egyptian culture.
I did receive this as an eARC and these opinions are my own
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC
If you love the mummy movies and you liked the FMC then you'll definitely love the FMC in this. This book was really good. it was so different from things that I have read it's quite refreshing. this story really kept me on my toes made me want to know was going to happen next and it was so good I could not put it down to the point I read it in one day. this is definitely going to be one of the stories that will live rent free in my head and I will think about time and time again.
Thank you to the author for such a fun read.
If you love the mummy movies and you liked the FMC then you'll definitely love the FMC in this. This book was really good. it was so different from things that I have read it's quite refreshing. this story really kept me on my toes made me want to know was going to happen next and it was so good I could not put it down to the point I read it in one day. this is definitely going to be one of the stories that will live rent free in my head and I will think about time and time again.
Thank you to the author for such a fun read.
April 3, 2026
I just finished this amazing unique book!! I'm a sucker for anything that has mythology in it and the blurb for this immediately caught my eye. I was not disappointed at all. Whispers from the Abyss was definitely a 5 star read and I could not stop reading. I was sneaking pages in while trying to teach my 4 year old how to write his name. I was addicted in the best way. 😂 The characters are super unique and there was so much going on but everything was wrapped up in the end. This book is perfect for gothic romance, Edgar Allen Poe, or The Mummy lovers.
Tropes you’ll find inside:
📖 Rivals to lovers
🔥 Grumpy x snarky with hidden softness
💘 Hero falls first and does not step back
🔗 Soul-bond
💔 Trauma and healing through love
🌑 Shadow creatures and ancient magic
Thank you @sneakymewriter and @literaryinspired for including me in this ARC team
Tropes you’ll find inside:
📖 Rivals to lovers
🔥 Grumpy x snarky with hidden softness
💘 Hero falls first and does not step back
🔗 Soul-bond
💔 Trauma and healing through love
🌑 Shadow creatures and ancient magic
Thank you @sneakymewriter and @literaryinspired for including me in this ARC team
April 3, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Set at a haunting Egyptian dig site filled with ancient tunnels, restless spirits, and buried secrets, Whispers from the Abyss blends supernatural horror with a slow burn gothic romance.
Overall, this was a solid read for me.
The slow burn really worked, and I loved that it actually paid off. And yes… we get that “burn the world for you” MMC energy, which will always win me over 😏🔥
That said, the gods and priestess elements, along with the voices and layered backstory, were a bit harder for me to follow at times. I found myself skimming some of those sections, which did take me out of the story a little.
Even so, it kept me entertained and I was invested enough to want to see how it all ended.
🌶️
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Set at a haunting Egyptian dig site filled with ancient tunnels, restless spirits, and buried secrets, Whispers from the Abyss blends supernatural horror with a slow burn gothic romance.
Overall, this was a solid read for me.
The slow burn really worked, and I loved that it actually paid off. And yes… we get that “burn the world for you” MMC energy, which will always win me over 😏🔥
That said, the gods and priestess elements, along with the voices and layered backstory, were a bit harder for me to follow at times. I found myself skimming some of those sections, which did take me out of the story a little.
Even so, it kept me entertained and I was invested enough to want to see how it all ended.
April 2, 2026
I loved this book and found I couldn’t put it down. I also didn’t even realize it is part of the Once Upon A Midnight Dreary series which is a series of standalone stories that are all inspired from different works of Edgar Allen Poe. This story had great atmosphere and tension throughout the book with our characters being trapped in an ancient Egyptian labyrinth that held a forgotten curse which our FMC is tied to. There were twists and turns that kept you guessing and the end was very satisfying. The romance in it was not the main focus but it is still integral to the story. If you love The Mummy movies with Brendan Fraser then you will love this book.
April 5, 2026
If you love Egyptian mythology, The Mummy, and Indiana Jones, you are going to eat this story up! The setting and atmosphere that M.S. Weaver paints sucked me into the story. If you like face paced stories and romances, you are going to really enjoy the pacing of this book too. Very much enjoyed this read!!
ARC Review
ARC Review
April 9, 2026
so much going on in thos book it was so good!
April 7, 2026
Came for The Mummy, stayed for the excellent writing, romance, and atmosphere. I'm getting a physical copy of this one. Absolutely fantastic.
April 13, 2026
This book was amazing just like all the others! I love this series.
April 2, 2026
I absolutely loved how this book kept me on my toes with all the twists and turns. I also like the elements of mythology. it was a fascinating read.
May 5, 2026
I liked this book so much. It is part of the series Once Upon a Midnight Dreary. I loved the way the Gods of Egypt played a part in this book and how they were connected to the main characters. The FMC was a strong Character, who I loved instantly. The MMC I did not like at first. But when he showed his real character I fell in love. This book had a lot of plot twists and has an Dark Edge to the story. I definitely going to read other books in this series and going to keep follow the author for other books.
April 1, 2026
Let none disturb what the labyrinth holds, lest the shadows wake to crave your soul.
Archaeologist Emmeline Ravenscroft dreamed of working alongside her parents in the field, but that dream shattered six years ago when the Egyptian dig site claimed her mother’s life.
Haunted by whispers of her father’s madness and the unanswered questions of what really happened in the ancient tunnels, Emmeline has returned to Egypt to unearth the truth before it consumes her too.
As if scorching heat and skittering scorpions aren’t enough, the dig site presents another obstacle she doesn’t need—her insufferable rival, Julian Blackwood. When the labyrinth beneath the temple steals them both, they’re trapped in an inescapable nightmare.
As whispers turn into screams and ghosts claw their way into the light, Emmeline must face an impossible truth—her father wasn’t mad. The horrors below are real. And Julian, the man she swore to never trust, will stop at nothing to save her. Even if it costs his life, his humanity, and his soul.
A gothic romance woven with supernatural terror, aching devotion, and impossible choices. Perfect for fans of The Mummy, Lara Croft, and A Discovery of Witches.
YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that may not be suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times. Reader discretion is advised. Intended for readers 18+.
Tropes: Gothic Romance, Supernatural Terror, Aching Devotion, Impossible Choices, Rivals-to-Lovers, Forced Proximity, Proximity/Burn-the-World Devotion, MMC Falls First & Means It, Shadow Creatures, Shifting Temple, Ancient Egyptian Lore, Rivals-to-Lovers that actually Feels Earned, Forced Proximity in a High-Stakes Setting, Sacrifice for Love, Devotion that Keeps Escalating, A Temple that doesn’t behave the Way it Should, Grumpy x Snarky with Hidden Softness, MMC Falls First & Doesn’t Step Back, Soul-Bond, Trauma & Healing through Love, Ancient Magic, Protective & Obsessed Devotion, Ancient Evil Awakening, Egyptian Lore Woven into the Plot, Fated Mates, Sacrifice & Impossible Choices, Shadow Magic, Ancient Forces, MMC Falls First & Hard, Sacrifice for Love, Poe-Inspired Atmosphere, Vampire Adjacent Fantasy Creatures, Historical, Ancient Times.
Whispers from the Abyss is the 8th book in the Once Upon a Midnight Dreary Series. This is a multi-author series that is based on the works of Edgar Allen Poe. This installment is brought to us by M.S. Weaver.
This entire series has been a top must read of 2026 so far. Honestly, 5 stars is not enough for this book or this series. As a lover of Edgar Allen Poe, when I heard this series was based off his works, I knew that I couldn’t not read it, and I have loved all 8 of these books.
Now, Whispers from the Abyss is the first book by M.S. Weaver that I have read, she’s a relatively new author, but I found that as I started Whispers from the Abyss, this book gently took me by the hand, and gently led me to the cliff, and then not so gently tossed me off, only I found that it was only in the best ways possible in the end. This is such a phenomenal book, once I started, I couldn’t stop reading.
I found myself on the edge of my seat from the very first chapter. M.S. Weaver gave this book the perfect creepy vibe and I kept preparing myself for the constant jump scare I expected to come as I turned the next page. This just hooked and enthralled me right from the get go.
M.S. Weaver did such a stunningly amazing job in managing to conveying all the emotions she packed into this book. I could feel Emmeline’s sadness and there were so many times that I wanted to cry with her.
I found all the primary and secondary characters to be so lovable and so exceptional. With the exception of Jasmine, she can just curl up and disappear. Yes, some of the characters were put through the worst things possible and my heart is still hurting when I think about this story and all these characters.
I was really irritated with Julian, while I could also feel the attraction between him and Emmeline. And Emmeline is such a beautiful and amazing character on her own, and she manages to hold her own. I loved the way that Emmeline allowed herself to feel her feelings: she felt sad, hopeless, and even scared. And honestly this just made her so relatable and human.
And then there’s Emmeline’s grieving journey. M.S. Weave did such a beautiful and heart-breaking job in writing Emmeline’s grieving journey, it was so realistic and I felt like it was my own current grieving journey. (I am still grieving the death of my mom who passed in Feb of ’25.) And I connected with Emmeline’s grieving journey on such a personal level and this made reading this book on such an even more personal level making it even more immersive for me.
Julian, boy does that man ever know how to flirt, and yet at the same time he knows how to be so very annoying. I do love him, and he has become one of my favorite book boyfriends. There were so many times that I had to giggle, he’s protective as a lot of the best boyfriends are, but at the same time, he gets great joy out of annoying the living underworld out of Emmeline.
Emmeline, now she is one of my all-time favorite FMCs of all times, and with Julian by her side, they make up one of favorite couples. They have this amazing banter from the very beginning, even from their very first interaction. Emmeline might have been completely clueless about Julian’s attraction towards her which was slightly aggravating at times.
**Warning Some Spoilers**
I did find the twin brother aspect a bit messed up. It was rather random, but still it was in my opinion messed up.
Emmeline’s mom, her death broke my heart but the way in which Emmeline’s mom passed was actually pretty good and was the right way for this book. We always expect something so special and magical, but here that’s not the case. I would have found it more cliché if she had passed in a similar situation as Emmeline now found herself in.
Whispers from the Abyss is a loose retelling of Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Pit and the Pendulum” although M.S. Weaver has changed it from the Spanish Inquisition to an Egyptian tomb and the pendulum is more of this decorative time element (instead of THE DISPATCH weapon we see it is in Poe’s story). Weaver has given us the perfect physical and psychological torture elements.
Personally, I prefer M.S. Weavers ending over Poe’s original ending. And there’s this major surprise in terms of a lineage of the main protagonists, again, no spoilers, you have to read this book for yourself to find out what happens and all the twists and turns for yourself.
I found this to be such a fascinating blend of Egyptian mythology and the ruthless Earthen lore and M.S. Weaver gave us an addition of portal-hopping.
This book was truly amazing and this entire series is just the best of the year. And like the rest of the series I couldn’t put this book down. This book has put me in a reading slump that I’m struggling to pull myself out of, but it’s for all the right reasons.
If you love movies like The Mummy (both movies with Brendan Fraser and Tom Cruise) and the Lara Croft franchise and The Stargate franchise then I can promise you that you’re going to love Whispers from the Abyss and this book is going to provide you one wonderful treat. And it’s one that will see you never looking at Egyptian myths the same way ever again.
I highly recommend this book; it’s a great read. But, as always, you need to read and consider the trigger warnings before you jump into this book. But if you can handle the triggers I know you’ll love this book as much as I did.
These are some of my absolute favorite quotes:
"Do you have any idea how beautiful you are? The way your eyes spark when you’re angry. It’s like lightning striking an iceberg in the middle of the Atlantic—violent, breathtaking, and impossible to ignore. And I’m the current beneath it all, drawn to your storm, reshaped by your fire, helpless to do anything but drown in you.”
"People only have power over you if you let them get to you."
"Ghosts are the spirits of the lost, doomed to wander the earth because they couldn’t find peace in death.”
"She carries the fire that cannot be quenched."
"My soul, my body, gravitated toward him, drawn like a tide to the moon in the creeping darkness."
“I’m going to the temple that took you both from me. And no matter what I find there, I swear I’ll come back with answers. Or I won’t come back at all.”
“Reality burned its path through my soul. Mom was gone. Dad was lost in the past. And even in a house full of people, I was utterly alone.”
“I’d rather kiss Anubis, snarling teeth and all, than date this jerk.”
Archaeologist Emmeline Ravenscroft dreamed of working alongside her parents in the field, but that dream shattered six years ago when the Egyptian dig site claimed her mother’s life.
Haunted by whispers of her father’s madness and the unanswered questions of what really happened in the ancient tunnels, Emmeline has returned to Egypt to unearth the truth before it consumes her too.
As if scorching heat and skittering scorpions aren’t enough, the dig site presents another obstacle she doesn’t need—her insufferable rival, Julian Blackwood. When the labyrinth beneath the temple steals them both, they’re trapped in an inescapable nightmare.
As whispers turn into screams and ghosts claw their way into the light, Emmeline must face an impossible truth—her father wasn’t mad. The horrors below are real. And Julian, the man she swore to never trust, will stop at nothing to save her. Even if it costs his life, his humanity, and his soul.
A gothic romance woven with supernatural terror, aching devotion, and impossible choices. Perfect for fans of The Mummy, Lara Croft, and A Discovery of Witches.
YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that may not be suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times. Reader discretion is advised. Intended for readers 18+.
Tropes: Gothic Romance, Supernatural Terror, Aching Devotion, Impossible Choices, Rivals-to-Lovers, Forced Proximity, Proximity/Burn-the-World Devotion, MMC Falls First & Means It, Shadow Creatures, Shifting Temple, Ancient Egyptian Lore, Rivals-to-Lovers that actually Feels Earned, Forced Proximity in a High-Stakes Setting, Sacrifice for Love, Devotion that Keeps Escalating, A Temple that doesn’t behave the Way it Should, Grumpy x Snarky with Hidden Softness, MMC Falls First & Doesn’t Step Back, Soul-Bond, Trauma & Healing through Love, Ancient Magic, Protective & Obsessed Devotion, Ancient Evil Awakening, Egyptian Lore Woven into the Plot, Fated Mates, Sacrifice & Impossible Choices, Shadow Magic, Ancient Forces, MMC Falls First & Hard, Sacrifice for Love, Poe-Inspired Atmosphere, Vampire Adjacent Fantasy Creatures, Historical, Ancient Times.
Whispers from the Abyss is the 8th book in the Once Upon a Midnight Dreary Series. This is a multi-author series that is based on the works of Edgar Allen Poe. This installment is brought to us by M.S. Weaver.
This entire series has been a top must read of 2026 so far. Honestly, 5 stars is not enough for this book or this series. As a lover of Edgar Allen Poe, when I heard this series was based off his works, I knew that I couldn’t not read it, and I have loved all 8 of these books.
Now, Whispers from the Abyss is the first book by M.S. Weaver that I have read, she’s a relatively new author, but I found that as I started Whispers from the Abyss, this book gently took me by the hand, and gently led me to the cliff, and then not so gently tossed me off, only I found that it was only in the best ways possible in the end. This is such a phenomenal book, once I started, I couldn’t stop reading.
I found myself on the edge of my seat from the very first chapter. M.S. Weaver gave this book the perfect creepy vibe and I kept preparing myself for the constant jump scare I expected to come as I turned the next page. This just hooked and enthralled me right from the get go.
M.S. Weaver did such a stunningly amazing job in managing to conveying all the emotions she packed into this book. I could feel Emmeline’s sadness and there were so many times that I wanted to cry with her.
I found all the primary and secondary characters to be so lovable and so exceptional. With the exception of Jasmine, she can just curl up and disappear. Yes, some of the characters were put through the worst things possible and my heart is still hurting when I think about this story and all these characters.
I was really irritated with Julian, while I could also feel the attraction between him and Emmeline. And Emmeline is such a beautiful and amazing character on her own, and she manages to hold her own. I loved the way that Emmeline allowed herself to feel her feelings: she felt sad, hopeless, and even scared. And honestly this just made her so relatable and human.
And then there’s Emmeline’s grieving journey. M.S. Weave did such a beautiful and heart-breaking job in writing Emmeline’s grieving journey, it was so realistic and I felt like it was my own current grieving journey. (I am still grieving the death of my mom who passed in Feb of ’25.) And I connected with Emmeline’s grieving journey on such a personal level and this made reading this book on such an even more personal level making it even more immersive for me.
Julian, boy does that man ever know how to flirt, and yet at the same time he knows how to be so very annoying. I do love him, and he has become one of my favorite book boyfriends. There were so many times that I had to giggle, he’s protective as a lot of the best boyfriends are, but at the same time, he gets great joy out of annoying the living underworld out of Emmeline.
Emmeline, now she is one of my all-time favorite FMCs of all times, and with Julian by her side, they make up one of favorite couples. They have this amazing banter from the very beginning, even from their very first interaction. Emmeline might have been completely clueless about Julian’s attraction towards her which was slightly aggravating at times.
**Warning Some Spoilers**
I did find the twin brother aspect a bit messed up. It was rather random, but still it was in my opinion messed up.
Emmeline’s mom, her death broke my heart but the way in which Emmeline’s mom passed was actually pretty good and was the right way for this book. We always expect something so special and magical, but here that’s not the case. I would have found it more cliché if she had passed in a similar situation as Emmeline now found herself in.
Whispers from the Abyss is a loose retelling of Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Pit and the Pendulum” although M.S. Weaver has changed it from the Spanish Inquisition to an Egyptian tomb and the pendulum is more of this decorative time element (instead of THE DISPATCH weapon we see it is in Poe’s story). Weaver has given us the perfect physical and psychological torture elements.
Personally, I prefer M.S. Weavers ending over Poe’s original ending. And there’s this major surprise in terms of a lineage of the main protagonists, again, no spoilers, you have to read this book for yourself to find out what happens and all the twists and turns for yourself.
I found this to be such a fascinating blend of Egyptian mythology and the ruthless Earthen lore and M.S. Weaver gave us an addition of portal-hopping.
This book was truly amazing and this entire series is just the best of the year. And like the rest of the series I couldn’t put this book down. This book has put me in a reading slump that I’m struggling to pull myself out of, but it’s for all the right reasons.
If you love movies like The Mummy (both movies with Brendan Fraser and Tom Cruise) and the Lara Croft franchise and The Stargate franchise then I can promise you that you’re going to love Whispers from the Abyss and this book is going to provide you one wonderful treat. And it’s one that will see you never looking at Egyptian myths the same way ever again.
I highly recommend this book; it’s a great read. But, as always, you need to read and consider the trigger warnings before you jump into this book. But if you can handle the triggers I know you’ll love this book as much as I did.
These are some of my absolute favorite quotes:
"Do you have any idea how beautiful you are? The way your eyes spark when you’re angry. It’s like lightning striking an iceberg in the middle of the Atlantic—violent, breathtaking, and impossible to ignore. And I’m the current beneath it all, drawn to your storm, reshaped by your fire, helpless to do anything but drown in you.”
"People only have power over you if you let them get to you."
"Ghosts are the spirits of the lost, doomed to wander the earth because they couldn’t find peace in death.”
"She carries the fire that cannot be quenched."
"My soul, my body, gravitated toward him, drawn like a tide to the moon in the creeping darkness."
“I’m going to the temple that took you both from me. And no matter what I find there, I swear I’ll come back with answers. Or I won’t come back at all.”
“Reality burned its path through my soul. Mom was gone. Dad was lost in the past. And even in a house full of people, I was utterly alone.”
“I’d rather kiss Anubis, snarling teeth and all, than date this jerk.”
May 2, 2026
Egyptian gods, tombs, labyrinths, secrets, and a playboy-esque MMC with the hots for the FMC who despises him? I’m in.
This read was full of so many twists and turns. I loved the eerie feeling of always being watched, the banter between the characters, and the flashbacks throughout.
As someone who isn’t too familiar with Egyptian mythics and deities, I feel I still understood most of those parts.
Overall this was a super fun read that kept me on the edge of my seat and wondering what was going to happen next!
Thank you MS Weaver and Literary Inspired for my ARC copy!
This read was full of so many twists and turns. I loved the eerie feeling of always being watched, the banter between the characters, and the flashbacks throughout.
As someone who isn’t too familiar with Egyptian mythics and deities, I feel I still understood most of those parts.
Overall this was a super fun read that kept me on the edge of my seat and wondering what was going to happen next!
Thank you MS Weaver and Literary Inspired for my ARC copy!
April 8, 2026
ok read
it was ok for me the mmc and fmc relationship felt rushed. one moment she does care for Julian nexts Emmeline has strong feeling for him. that i feel like she just using him and is acting i know not the case but that how it felt to me .
it was ok for me the mmc and fmc relationship felt rushed. one moment she does care for Julian nexts Emmeline has strong feeling for him. that i feel like she just using him and is acting i know not the case but that how it felt to me .
Review of advance copy
I received a free copy lf this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
“I’m going to the temple that took you both from me. And no matter what I find there, I swear I’ll come back with answers. Or I won’t come back at all.”
5 stars is not enough, give this book all the stars in the galaxy.
✦ ───── ✦ ───── ✦ ───── ✦ ───── ✦
I was in such a bad reading slump. Read mid books, DNF’ed a few back to back, so I was going through it. Then, I stumbled upon the opportunity to read this book as an ARC and something in me told me I had to read it.
This book took me by my hand, walked me on top of a cliff and threw me off it in the best way possible. It was so good. From the first page on, I was pulled in and I could not stop reading.
I was on my toes from the very start of this book. The vibe is just a bit creepy and I kept on preparing myself to get jump scared. It got me hooked right away.
✦ ───── ✦ ───── ✦ ───── ✦ ───── ✦
“Reality burned its path through my soul. Mom was gone. Dad was lost in the past. And even in a house full of people, I was utterly alone.”
The author did an amazing job with conveying emotions. I felt Emmeline’s sadness and wanted to cry along with her. I went downstairs at 4 AM and was a bit scared in the dark It’s so well written!
The characters were all so loveable and great. Except Jasmine, fuck her. Some characters were put through hell and back in this story and my heart still aches thinking about them.
I felt the irritation towards Julian, while also feeling the attraction just like Emmeline did. Emmeline is an amazing character on her own. What I can’t stand with some FMC’s is that they keep on telling themselves how badass they are and nothing can hurt them. But they have boring personalities.
Emmeline wasn’t like this. She allowed herself to feel sad, hopeless and scared. It made her so relatable and human. Her grieving journey was beautifully written and extremely realistic. She was so real that I could place myself in her character which made reading this book so much more immersive.
✦ ───── ✦ ───── ✦ ───── ✦ ───── ✦
“I’d rather kiss Anubis, snarling teeth and all, than date this jerk.”
Julian is now part of my fave book boyfriends. Man knows how to flirt and be annoying. I love him. He’s protective but still annoys the loving hell out of Emmeline.
Emmeline is now one of my fave FMC’s and together with Julian, they’re one of my favourite couples. The banter between these two was amazing from their first interaction. Em was totally clueless about his attration towards her which was frustrating at times. Julian smelling like chedar was a bit too repetitive.
✦ ───── ✦ ───── ✦ ───── ✦ ───── ✦
Some spoilers
I could not put this book down. It was truly just amazing and it’s the best read i had this year. This is going to put me into another reading slumo for all the right reasons.
I have read 200+ books and only 3 of them are my God tier books. Guess I have to welcome a fourth one now.
“I’m going to the temple that took you both from me. And no matter what I find there, I swear I’ll come back with answers. Or I won’t come back at all.”
5 stars is not enough, give this book all the stars in the galaxy.
✦ ───── ✦ ───── ✦ ───── ✦ ───── ✦
I was in such a bad reading slump. Read mid books, DNF’ed a few back to back, so I was going through it. Then, I stumbled upon the opportunity to read this book as an ARC and something in me told me I had to read it.
This book took me by my hand, walked me on top of a cliff and threw me off it in the best way possible. It was so good. From the first page on, I was pulled in and I could not stop reading.
I was on my toes from the very start of this book. The vibe is just a bit creepy and I kept on preparing myself to get jump scared. It got me hooked right away.
✦ ───── ✦ ───── ✦ ───── ✦ ───── ✦
“Reality burned its path through my soul. Mom was gone. Dad was lost in the past. And even in a house full of people, I was utterly alone.”
The author did an amazing job with conveying emotions. I felt Emmeline’s sadness and wanted to cry along with her. I went downstairs at 4 AM and was a bit scared in the dark It’s so well written!
The characters were all so loveable and great. Except Jasmine, fuck her. Some characters were put through hell and back in this story and my heart still aches thinking about them.
I felt the irritation towards Julian, while also feeling the attraction just like Emmeline did. Emmeline is an amazing character on her own. What I can’t stand with some FMC’s is that they keep on telling themselves how badass they are and nothing can hurt them. But they have boring personalities.
Emmeline wasn’t like this. She allowed herself to feel sad, hopeless and scared. It made her so relatable and human. Her grieving journey was beautifully written and extremely realistic. She was so real that I could place myself in her character which made reading this book so much more immersive.
✦ ───── ✦ ───── ✦ ───── ✦ ───── ✦
“I’d rather kiss Anubis, snarling teeth and all, than date this jerk.”
Julian is now part of my fave book boyfriends. Man knows how to flirt and be annoying. I love him. He’s protective but still annoys the loving hell out of Emmeline.
Emmeline is now one of my fave FMC’s and together with Julian, they’re one of my favourite couples. The banter between these two was amazing from their first interaction. Em was totally clueless about his attration towards her which was frustrating at times. Julian smelling like chedar was a bit too repetitive.
✦ ───── ✦ ───── ✦ ───── ✦ ───── ✦
Some spoilers
I could not put this book down. It was truly just amazing and it’s the best read i had this year. This is going to put me into another reading slumo for all the right reasons.
I have read 200+ books and only 3 of them are my God tier books. Guess I have to welcome a fourth one now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2026
Rating: 3 ⭐, Spice: 🌶.5
In Weaver's novel we get a journey through Egypt and into the underground labyrinth, weaving together Egyptian lore, present day archaeology, magic, and generational curses.
There were quite a few aspects about the book that I enjoyed and which made me strive to finish it! Something that I admired the most was the history of the temple and getting the snippets of mythology surrounding the gods, goddesses, and pharaohs. The intensity that began shortly after Emmeline lands in Egypt due to the uncertainty of what she will find was built nicely and it made me sympathize with her. As it became amplified after she was locked in the temple it definitely felt palpable and brought a rush of adrenaline every time she faced a trial.
Something that I really appreciated was the intricacy of the labyrinth with it's different levels, the depth of it and how much the tunnels contained inside, how gorgeous Weaver described all the details along the walls and the statues, and ultimately the history that was revealed just in everything that was left behind.
Unfortunately, there were a few aspects that made it difficult to truly connect with the story and caused me to struggle to want to continue. Firstly, these two characters have been rivals for a while and he constantly is demeaning towards her, tries to psych her out of her own academic capabilities, and she is repulsed by him. This dynamic seems to instantly be forgotten about when they arrive in Egypt and Julian becomes very protective of her and constantly pops up around her, even saying lewd remarks in front of the lead archaeologist and her uncle! He becomes very obsessive and devoted to her once they are stuck in the temple together which Emmeline doesn't seem to question as much as she should, in my opinion. He also says some demeaning comments throughout the book that she brushes off and he is physically hit by her in anger or playful ways, sometimes with little distinction between the two, which felt out of character and unnecessary.
Secondly, as they explore the tunnels the history unfolds around them, primarily in Em's head through visions that connect to each discovery they make. What didn't make sense was how easily both characters accepted the development of magic and wielded it nonchalantly, in a world where they had never been privy to it before. Their ancestral ties to the temple are also revealed around the 60-75% mark and it is just accepted by Em while Julian admits to knowing about it all his life? It felt like a way to tidy everything up and close up potential plot holes for the ending rather than something that felt finished. As for the ending itself, it felt rushed and didn't seem like the book came to a close, but instead it was paused.
Ultimately, I would recommend this book to those who enjoyed the Mummy, Indiana Jones, and Motherland: Fort Salem (hidden magic revealed). Thank you to Weaver for allowing me an ARC! These are my honest opinions. ❤
In Weaver's novel we get a journey through Egypt and into the underground labyrinth, weaving together Egyptian lore, present day archaeology, magic, and generational curses.
There were quite a few aspects about the book that I enjoyed and which made me strive to finish it! Something that I admired the most was the history of the temple and getting the snippets of mythology surrounding the gods, goddesses, and pharaohs. The intensity that began shortly after Emmeline lands in Egypt due to the uncertainty of what she will find was built nicely and it made me sympathize with her. As it became amplified after she was locked in the temple it definitely felt palpable and brought a rush of adrenaline every time she faced a trial.
Something that I really appreciated was the intricacy of the labyrinth with it's different levels, the depth of it and how much the tunnels contained inside, how gorgeous Weaver described all the details along the walls and the statues, and ultimately the history that was revealed just in everything that was left behind.
Unfortunately, there were a few aspects that made it difficult to truly connect with the story and caused me to struggle to want to continue. Firstly, these two characters have been rivals for a while and he constantly is demeaning towards her, tries to psych her out of her own academic capabilities, and she is repulsed by him. This dynamic seems to instantly be forgotten about when they arrive in Egypt and Julian becomes very protective of her and constantly pops up around her, even saying lewd remarks in front of the lead archaeologist and her uncle! He becomes very obsessive and devoted to her once they are stuck in the temple together which Emmeline doesn't seem to question as much as she should, in my opinion. He also says some demeaning comments throughout the book that she brushes off and he is physically hit by her in anger or playful ways, sometimes with little distinction between the two, which felt out of character and unnecessary.
Secondly, as they explore the tunnels the history unfolds around them, primarily in Em's head through visions that connect to each discovery they make. What didn't make sense was how easily both characters accepted the development of magic and wielded it nonchalantly, in a world where they had never been privy to it before. Their ancestral ties to the temple are also revealed around the 60-75% mark and it is just accepted by Em while Julian admits to knowing about it all his life? It felt like a way to tidy everything up and close up potential plot holes for the ending rather than something that felt finished. As for the ending itself, it felt rushed and didn't seem like the book came to a close, but instead it was paused.
Ultimately, I would recommend this book to those who enjoyed the Mummy, Indiana Jones, and Motherland: Fort Salem (hidden magic revealed). Thank you to Weaver for allowing me an ARC! These are my honest opinions. ❤
Review of advance copy received from Author
A fascinating mashup of Egyptian myths and bloodthirsty Earthen lore with a dash of portal-hopping.
I swear, you’ll never look at Egyptian myths the same again. If you loved The Mummy (both movies with Tom Cruise and Brendan Fraser) and the Lara Croft franchise as well as Stargate, you’re in for a dark treat.
I loved the intro and the conflict between the main protagonists - such a delish hint into the enemies-to-lovers trope. The whole lab and looking at relics setting gave me Dr Brennan and Bones feels.
Loved all the metaphors and animating the inanimate - like history being left in the sun for too long and the Fayoum waiting and watching.
The story is a loose retelling of Poe’s The Pit and the Pendulum - though instead of Spanish Inquisition you have an Egyptian tomb and the pendulum is more decorative time element (rather than THE dispatch weapon), but the physical and psychological torture elements are spot on. I kinda liked the author’s ending, not Poe’s original one (sorry, Edgar). Also, a major surprise in terms of lineage of main protagonists, but no spoilers, read it yourself.
The story was fast-paced - travelling from labs to Egyptian pyramids with escape-room challenges and hopping to otherworldly origins with elaborate ease. Such a rollercoaster read with deliciously heartbreaking bits stringed in - yum! Some scenes echoed one of my fave one about the Scorpion King in The Mummy Returns and while the FMC did remind me of Evie, the MMC was no Rick, this one was way darker and deadlier.
Intriguing, great characters, well-paced story, tinged with horror and modern day movie references but an undeniably novel take on Egyptian gods.
Recommended for lovers of Poe as well as Egyptian lore mixed with scifi.
I swear, you’ll never look at Egyptian myths the same again. If you loved The Mummy (both movies with Tom Cruise and Brendan Fraser) and the Lara Croft franchise as well as Stargate, you’re in for a dark treat.
I loved the intro and the conflict between the main protagonists - such a delish hint into the enemies-to-lovers trope. The whole lab and looking at relics setting gave me Dr Brennan and Bones feels.
Loved all the metaphors and animating the inanimate - like history being left in the sun for too long and the Fayoum waiting and watching.
The story is a loose retelling of Poe’s The Pit and the Pendulum - though instead of Spanish Inquisition you have an Egyptian tomb and the pendulum is more decorative time element (rather than THE dispatch weapon), but the physical and psychological torture elements are spot on. I kinda liked the author’s ending, not Poe’s original one (sorry, Edgar). Also, a major surprise in terms of lineage of main protagonists, but no spoilers, read it yourself.
The story was fast-paced - travelling from labs to Egyptian pyramids with escape-room challenges and hopping to otherworldly origins with elaborate ease. Such a rollercoaster read with deliciously heartbreaking bits stringed in - yum! Some scenes echoed one of my fave one about the Scorpion King in The Mummy Returns and while the FMC did remind me of Evie, the MMC was no Rick, this one was way darker and deadlier.
Intriguing, great characters, well-paced story, tinged with horror and modern day movie references but an undeniably novel take on Egyptian gods.
Recommended for lovers of Poe as well as Egyptian lore mixed with scifi.
April 6, 2026
This rivals to lovers romance gives The Mummy vibes while the MCs attempt to solve an ancient curse while trapped in an underground labyrinth.
Emmie has worked tirelessly to prove her skills and earn a spot on the research team her parents were part of. She has spent years yearning for the truth and is determined to find answers in the Ancient Egyptian tunnels where her parents met terrible fates.
Competing with the gallivanting, chauvinistic Julian for a spot on the team, Emmie ends up joining the research crew with him at her side, literally. She not only has to face her deepest fears, she has to deal with the rude, controlling man that gets trapped in the dark with her. Trying to keep her own secrets, Emmie goes into the dark abyss of the labyrinth, revealing dark, ancient secrets that drag her and Julian deeper and deeper into the shadows. What will they find at the end?
I had such a great time with this! There are creepy moments where you feel the hair on the back of your neck stand up. Moments where your heart races and you're yelling at the MC to hurry up! Moments where your mind is guessing how the heck things will end up all right. And of course, there are the moments of relief, love, and hope. Sprinkled in here and there...
The plot, lore, present and past timelines, internal monologues, and vivid descriptions and scenes made this book a joy to read and absorb. I was able to theorize AND be surprised. I stressed and hoped so so hard! A rollercoaster of emotions and I loved the journey.
If you like spooky elements, mysterious ancient curses, a rivals to lovers romance with plenty of snark and banter before the coupling, Egyptian lore, and tense battles where the MCs are in peril you should pick up this book!
Emmie has worked tirelessly to prove her skills and earn a spot on the research team her parents were part of. She has spent years yearning for the truth and is determined to find answers in the Ancient Egyptian tunnels where her parents met terrible fates.
Competing with the gallivanting, chauvinistic Julian for a spot on the team, Emmie ends up joining the research crew with him at her side, literally. She not only has to face her deepest fears, she has to deal with the rude, controlling man that gets trapped in the dark with her. Trying to keep her own secrets, Emmie goes into the dark abyss of the labyrinth, revealing dark, ancient secrets that drag her and Julian deeper and deeper into the shadows. What will they find at the end?
I had such a great time with this! There are creepy moments where you feel the hair on the back of your neck stand up. Moments where your heart races and you're yelling at the MC to hurry up! Moments where your mind is guessing how the heck things will end up all right. And of course, there are the moments of relief, love, and hope. Sprinkled in here and there...
The plot, lore, present and past timelines, internal monologues, and vivid descriptions and scenes made this book a joy to read and absorb. I was able to theorize AND be surprised. I stressed and hoped so so hard! A rollercoaster of emotions and I loved the journey.
If you like spooky elements, mysterious ancient curses, a rivals to lovers romance with plenty of snark and banter before the coupling, Egyptian lore, and tense battles where the MCs are in peril you should pick up this book!
July 19, 2026
Wow! I knew I was going to love a full-length novel by this author since I've adored every single one of her short stories, but my, oh, my was I not expecting how absolutely AWESOME this book is! There is so much woven into this dark magical realism story that has fantastic gothic vibes. I don't quite know where to begin!
Okay, maybe we can begin with Edgar Allan Poe's The Pit and the Pendulum which this particular story forms a retelling of. It hits the Poe creepy vibes to perfection and manages to stay perfectly balanced on the tightrope, never straying into horror, but staying very dark, creepy, and "poeish" nonetheless. Combinging that vibe with a Wuthering Heights level of obssessive gothic romance? It's sheer genius! And I'm not a particular fan of Catherine and Heathcliffe, but M.S. Weaver manages to make the dark obsession and the yearning for the impossible feel so much more real and believable than I ever found Brontë's classic.
Then there's the archaeology and Egyptology in particular. Honestly, I loved the "getting trapped in an ancient labyrinth" storyline, and the attention to detail is amazing. It totally felt like I went into the abyss with Emmeline and Julian, and discovered the ancient (and very creepy) secrets with them. The Egyptian twist also added a fantastic layer to Poe's original, which I truly enjoyed.
And the rivals to lovers romance? It's perfect! The dynamic reminded me so strongly of Anne of Green Gables, and I've honestly never come across another book with such an irritating and nonetheless endearing MMC since reading that fantastic book (and the rest of the series too). Loved it! And I honestly cannot wait to see what else this author will write, because she's amazing and I totally loved every minute of this intense, crazy read.
Okay, maybe we can begin with Edgar Allan Poe's The Pit and the Pendulum which this particular story forms a retelling of. It hits the Poe creepy vibes to perfection and manages to stay perfectly balanced on the tightrope, never straying into horror, but staying very dark, creepy, and "poeish" nonetheless. Combinging that vibe with a Wuthering Heights level of obssessive gothic romance? It's sheer genius! And I'm not a particular fan of Catherine and Heathcliffe, but M.S. Weaver manages to make the dark obsession and the yearning for the impossible feel so much more real and believable than I ever found Brontë's classic.
Then there's the archaeology and Egyptology in particular. Honestly, I loved the "getting trapped in an ancient labyrinth" storyline, and the attention to detail is amazing. It totally felt like I went into the abyss with Emmeline and Julian, and discovered the ancient (and very creepy) secrets with them. The Egyptian twist also added a fantastic layer to Poe's original, which I truly enjoyed.
And the rivals to lovers romance? It's perfect! The dynamic reminded me so strongly of Anne of Green Gables, and I've honestly never come across another book with such an irritating and nonetheless endearing MMC since reading that fantastic book (and the rest of the series too). Loved it! And I honestly cannot wait to see what else this author will write, because she's amazing and I totally loved every minute of this intense, crazy read.
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