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Ethan Frost Archaeological thriller #1
The Golden Sphinx
Not yet published
Expected 16 Jan 26A mysterious ancient relic. A forgotten civilization. A truth that could change the world forever.
In 1906, an Egyptologist uncovered a map carved in stone inside an ancient temple. Convinced that it pointed to a lost city of gold somewhere deep in the desert, he set out on another expedition the following year. He was never seen again.
In present day Yale, a professor is brutally murdered on the university campus, and a mysterious artefact is stolen from its vaults.
Former Delta Force operator Ethan Frost is used to high-pressure situations, but when his former mentor Professor Goodwin is murdered and an old journal in his care is stolen, Ethan is pulled into a world he thought he'd left behind. Intent on bringing Goodwin’s murderer to justice and retrieve the stolen artefact, Ethan teams up with the professor's research assistant and three of his former associates from the military.
They soon discover that the professor’s murder is connected to a conspiracy led by a ruthless Egyptian magnate seeking to re-write history and reshape the world in his image. Following the clues from the journal, the team venture to Cairo and the barren, sun-scorched deserts of Egypt, where a forgotten city and a truth that could change the world wait to be uncovered.
With a trail of bodies in their wake and nefarious forces bent on their destruction closing in, Ethan’s team must race against time to find the lost city and unravel the ancient mystery.
Indiana Jones meets Bruce Wayne - you will not be able to put this book down!
In 1906, an Egyptologist uncovered a map carved in stone inside an ancient temple. Convinced that it pointed to a lost city of gold somewhere deep in the desert, he set out on another expedition the following year. He was never seen again.
In present day Yale, a professor is brutally murdered on the university campus, and a mysterious artefact is stolen from its vaults.
Former Delta Force operator Ethan Frost is used to high-pressure situations, but when his former mentor Professor Goodwin is murdered and an old journal in his care is stolen, Ethan is pulled into a world he thought he'd left behind. Intent on bringing Goodwin’s murderer to justice and retrieve the stolen artefact, Ethan teams up with the professor's research assistant and three of his former associates from the military.
They soon discover that the professor’s murder is connected to a conspiracy led by a ruthless Egyptian magnate seeking to re-write history and reshape the world in his image. Following the clues from the journal, the team venture to Cairo and the barren, sun-scorched deserts of Egypt, where a forgotten city and a truth that could change the world wait to be uncovered.
With a trail of bodies in their wake and nefarious forces bent on their destruction closing in, Ethan’s team must race against time to find the lost city and unravel the ancient mystery.
Indiana Jones meets Bruce Wayne - you will not be able to put this book down!
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 16, 2026
2 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Lex Faulkner
21 books18 followersLex Faulkner is the author of the Andrew Sterling action-adventure series. His novels have consistently ranked in the Top 10 Amazon Rankings for their individual categories, and they have been enjoyed by thousands of readers the world over. Although part of an ongoing series, his novels can easily be read independently of each other and in any order.
The Andrew Sterling series combines historical facts with contemporary fiction, weaving together compelling stories that take the reader on a fast-paced journey back through time and across continents in a way that echoes the author's own favourite genres - archaeological and historical thrillers, mystery novels and military action thrillers. The result is a page-turning series in the vein of Jason Bourne, Indiana Jones and James Bond.
Lex has travelled extensively in South East Asia, Europe, Africa and Japan, and speaks several languages.
He now lives in London and is currently working on the next Andrew Sterling novel.
The Andrew Sterling series combines historical facts with contemporary fiction, weaving together compelling stories that take the reader on a fast-paced journey back through time and across continents in a way that echoes the author's own favourite genres - archaeological and historical thrillers, mystery novels and military action thrillers. The result is a page-turning series in the vein of Jason Bourne, Indiana Jones and James Bond.
Lex has travelled extensively in South East Asia, Europe, Africa and Japan, and speaks several languages.
He now lives in London and is currently working on the next Andrew Sterling novel.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 7, 2025
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Lex Faulkner, and Boldwood Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Always eager to discover authors new to me, I reached for this ARC, a series debut by Lex Faulkner. When an Egyptologist uncovered a map in 1906, it told of a lost city that held riches of many varieties, When the man trekked off to discover this land, he was never seen again, but left a journal behind for others to follow. In the present day, a Yale professor took up that task and uses an ancient artefact to fuel his own expedition. However, someone obviously wanted the truth kept away from prying eyes, killing the professor in his office and stealing the artefact. Enter, former Delta Force member, Ethan Frost. With excessive amounts of family money, Ethan is used to dodging people, but also prefers to protect those dear to him, When he learns that one of his former professors was murdered, Ethan begins a mission to set things right. He wants justice and to return the artefact to Yale. Working alongside a small group je's put together, Ethan leads an effort over to Egypt to uncover the truth and ensure something can be done. Dodging bullets, accusations, and a rewriting of history, Ethan hopes to find something that will solve the mystery that has long lingered in the Egyptology community. A great series debut that has me interested in reading more by Lex Faulkner.
I am quite intrigued about the work of Lex Faulkner, particularly how he combines fact and fiction. The narrative works from the outset, building in a variety of ways to keep the reader curious. There is much going on and the approach used helps hook the reader from the outset. Thorough chapters delve deeply into a number of subjects, presenting discussions about them, which will require the reader to remain attentive. While simply the debut, I can see there are great things to come, should Faulkner keep writing and offering more about Ethan Frost and his ARC group, as discussed in the epilogue.
Characters are well-placed, as their backstories connect with ongoing development. The thorough introduction of Ethan Frost paved the way for much more discovery about the protagonist as the book progressed. Adding a handful of others who matter helps give the reader something on which to latch as the story progresses, There are good secondary characters as well, each of which serves their own purpose to flavour the piece and add something worth the reader's time. I am eager to see if some of those who helped Ethan will be back as the series progresses, as they have made an impact here.
Surprises work well in thrillers and Lex Faulkner does not skimp at any point. Keeping things from being too predictable is key to the success of the piece. Twists emerge, not only to dispel fact and fiction, but to add a layer of intrigue that is sure to develop as the series continues. I liked how Faulkner kept the reader on edge as things progressed and made sure nothing was entirely predictable for those who paid close attention. I am eager to see where things are headed and how Ethan Frost will emerge in various ways throughout.
Kudos, Mr. Faulkner, for a strong series debut!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at: http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Always eager to discover authors new to me, I reached for this ARC, a series debut by Lex Faulkner. When an Egyptologist uncovered a map in 1906, it told of a lost city that held riches of many varieties, When the man trekked off to discover this land, he was never seen again, but left a journal behind for others to follow. In the present day, a Yale professor took up that task and uses an ancient artefact to fuel his own expedition. However, someone obviously wanted the truth kept away from prying eyes, killing the professor in his office and stealing the artefact. Enter, former Delta Force member, Ethan Frost. With excessive amounts of family money, Ethan is used to dodging people, but also prefers to protect those dear to him, When he learns that one of his former professors was murdered, Ethan begins a mission to set things right. He wants justice and to return the artefact to Yale. Working alongside a small group je's put together, Ethan leads an effort over to Egypt to uncover the truth and ensure something can be done. Dodging bullets, accusations, and a rewriting of history, Ethan hopes to find something that will solve the mystery that has long lingered in the Egyptology community. A great series debut that has me interested in reading more by Lex Faulkner.
I am quite intrigued about the work of Lex Faulkner, particularly how he combines fact and fiction. The narrative works from the outset, building in a variety of ways to keep the reader curious. There is much going on and the approach used helps hook the reader from the outset. Thorough chapters delve deeply into a number of subjects, presenting discussions about them, which will require the reader to remain attentive. While simply the debut, I can see there are great things to come, should Faulkner keep writing and offering more about Ethan Frost and his ARC group, as discussed in the epilogue.
Characters are well-placed, as their backstories connect with ongoing development. The thorough introduction of Ethan Frost paved the way for much more discovery about the protagonist as the book progressed. Adding a handful of others who matter helps give the reader something on which to latch as the story progresses, There are good secondary characters as well, each of which serves their own purpose to flavour the piece and add something worth the reader's time. I am eager to see if some of those who helped Ethan will be back as the series progresses, as they have made an impact here.
Surprises work well in thrillers and Lex Faulkner does not skimp at any point. Keeping things from being too predictable is key to the success of the piece. Twists emerge, not only to dispel fact and fiction, but to add a layer of intrigue that is sure to develop as the series continues. I liked how Faulkner kept the reader on edge as things progressed and made sure nothing was entirely predictable for those who paid close attention. I am eager to see where things are headed and how Ethan Frost will emerge in various ways throughout.
Kudos, Mr. Faulkner, for a strong series debut!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at: http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
December 9, 2025
This is a fascinating look at ancient Egypt as Ethan, once in Delta Force, travels there as odd things are happening that point to disturbances there (bombings, a long-lost journal, and other weird anomalies). He has no idea what to expect and what he ultimately finds will blow his mind as he connects with others who are mystified as well!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
December 21, 2025
I read this book as an ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest feedback based on my reading the book.
I came away pleasantly entertained but not quite swept off my feet. Lex Faulkner knows how to craft a propulsive plot. The opening scenes grab you with a mystery rooted in early twentieth century Egyptology and then catapult the reader into a modern hunt for a lost city of gold. Set pieces move at a brisk clip and there are moments of genuine cinematic flourish that had me envisioning sandy chases and claustrophobic tombs. If you come to this book wanting pure escapist fun you will find a lot to enjoy.
Where the book struggled for me was with its characters. The protagonist is competent and likable enough to carry the action but he rarely surprised me. Supporting players drift in and out with clear agendas but sometimes lack the depth to make their choices feel earned. That makes several plot twists rely more on convenience than on emotional logic. The stakes are high on paper but I wanted greater complexity in the relationships that would have given those stakes more weight. Also Lex seems to have a massive inspiration from stock characters like Bruce Wayne, Tony stark, Oliver Queen and several others, basically zillionaires with money, power and access to tech to do what they please under a wide term as vigilantes. Nothing wrong with this inspiration but the plot always seemed to bend towards the protagonist and everything came easy. Lex tries to sell (and does it well) the grieving child who's lost his parents and focused on his stint with special forces to showcase his independent streak.
Lex clearly did much of his homework on ancient lore and the book pays steady attention to archaeological detail without bogging the reader down. There are aberrations in accuracy but it does not help or derail the story. The research lends a pleasing texture to the adventure and there are flashes of clever world building that suggest richer material to explore in later books. At times though the pace and the treasure hunt framework crowd out quieter moments that could have deepened the themes. The prose is readable and often vivid but occasionally lapses into overly direct exposition when a scene might have benefited from showing rather than telling.
Overall I am giving The Golden Sphinx three stars. It is an enjoyable start to a new archaeological series with confident plotting and entertaining action. Fans of classic adventure will likely have a good time. For me the book would have climbed another star if the characters had felt more three dimensional and a few of the narrative turns had been less predictable. I will be curious to see where Lex takes this world next and whether subsequent installments build on the promising groundwork here.
I came away pleasantly entertained but not quite swept off my feet. Lex Faulkner knows how to craft a propulsive plot. The opening scenes grab you with a mystery rooted in early twentieth century Egyptology and then catapult the reader into a modern hunt for a lost city of gold. Set pieces move at a brisk clip and there are moments of genuine cinematic flourish that had me envisioning sandy chases and claustrophobic tombs. If you come to this book wanting pure escapist fun you will find a lot to enjoy.
Where the book struggled for me was with its characters. The protagonist is competent and likable enough to carry the action but he rarely surprised me. Supporting players drift in and out with clear agendas but sometimes lack the depth to make their choices feel earned. That makes several plot twists rely more on convenience than on emotional logic. The stakes are high on paper but I wanted greater complexity in the relationships that would have given those stakes more weight. Also Lex seems to have a massive inspiration from stock characters like Bruce Wayne, Tony stark, Oliver Queen and several others, basically zillionaires with money, power and access to tech to do what they please under a wide term as vigilantes. Nothing wrong with this inspiration but the plot always seemed to bend towards the protagonist and everything came easy. Lex tries to sell (and does it well) the grieving child who's lost his parents and focused on his stint with special forces to showcase his independent streak.
Lex clearly did much of his homework on ancient lore and the book pays steady attention to archaeological detail without bogging the reader down. There are aberrations in accuracy but it does not help or derail the story. The research lends a pleasing texture to the adventure and there are flashes of clever world building that suggest richer material to explore in later books. At times though the pace and the treasure hunt framework crowd out quieter moments that could have deepened the themes. The prose is readable and often vivid but occasionally lapses into overly direct exposition when a scene might have benefited from showing rather than telling.
Overall I am giving The Golden Sphinx three stars. It is an enjoyable start to a new archaeological series with confident plotting and entertaining action. Fans of classic adventure will likely have a good time. For me the book would have climbed another star if the characters had felt more three dimensional and a few of the narrative turns had been less predictable. I will be curious to see where Lex takes this world next and whether subsequent installments build on the promising groundwork here.
December 11, 2025
This is the first time I have read a book by this author, and what better place to start than with the first book in a new series.
This is a fabulous read and one that is based on fact, and then warped with various conspiracy theories and the author's fictional angle. All blend with ease and make for a thrilling ride. His main character is ex-Delta Force operative Ethan Frost, a man who has been around, has family wealth, and tries to make his own way in the fields that interest him. Someone you can call on when things hit the fan! When he is approached to look for an ancient artefact, it is not something that is out of his area of expertise. It is something he is knowledgeable about, then his former tutor is killed, and things start to develop, making other connections, he is suddenly in the midst of a thrilling mystery and needs the help of others.
This first book paves the way brilliantly for what will follow. The story brings together people with different experiences, backgrounds, and together they start something new. Getting to know the team and how they work is as much part of the story as is the race across continents and deserts. Looking at ancient clues, reading journals, following markers and all manner of other long-forgotten theories and items from history.
The pacing of the story is great; there are areas where it slows for explanations, and again, this is very much part of the story. Then they are off and running again, trying to beat "The Baddies" to the end goal. This is one of those books that you need your eyes to read faster than they are able; talk about addictive.
I really enjoyed this book, it was adrenaline-fuelled, with some great characters, lots of drama, tension and danger, good explanations and just an absolute pleasure to read. One of the tag lines mentions this as being a blend of "Indiana Jones meets Bruce Wayne ", and this is absolutely spot on.
If you are looking for an action and adventure treasure hunt style of thriller, then this is one you want to have on your list. I am definitely looking forward to reading more in this series, and I would definitely recommend this one.
This is a fabulous read and one that is based on fact, and then warped with various conspiracy theories and the author's fictional angle. All blend with ease and make for a thrilling ride. His main character is ex-Delta Force operative Ethan Frost, a man who has been around, has family wealth, and tries to make his own way in the fields that interest him. Someone you can call on when things hit the fan! When he is approached to look for an ancient artefact, it is not something that is out of his area of expertise. It is something he is knowledgeable about, then his former tutor is killed, and things start to develop, making other connections, he is suddenly in the midst of a thrilling mystery and needs the help of others.
This first book paves the way brilliantly for what will follow. The story brings together people with different experiences, backgrounds, and together they start something new. Getting to know the team and how they work is as much part of the story as is the race across continents and deserts. Looking at ancient clues, reading journals, following markers and all manner of other long-forgotten theories and items from history.
The pacing of the story is great; there are areas where it slows for explanations, and again, this is very much part of the story. Then they are off and running again, trying to beat "The Baddies" to the end goal. This is one of those books that you need your eyes to read faster than they are able; talk about addictive.
I really enjoyed this book, it was adrenaline-fuelled, with some great characters, lots of drama, tension and danger, good explanations and just an absolute pleasure to read. One of the tag lines mentions this as being a blend of "Indiana Jones meets Bruce Wayne ", and this is absolutely spot on.
If you are looking for an action and adventure treasure hunt style of thriller, then this is one you want to have on your list. I am definitely looking forward to reading more in this series, and I would definitely recommend this one.
Read
December 22, 2025More than a hint of Clive Cussler with a dash if Indiana Jones is evident in The Golden Sphinx a fast paced and intriguing mystery set in Egypt, as an ancient aspect of Egyptian history comes into contention when noted Egyptologist Professor Tobias Goodwin is murdered.
Ethan Frost, the reluctant heir to the Frost Consortium is at a crossroads in his life. Recently discharged from Delta force and grieving the death of his parents in a helicopter crash, he is astounded when he hears the news that his old lecturer and friend Tobias Goodwin is dead and for no clear reason.
He makes the decision to go to New Haven to find out more, to see if there is anything he can do to help find the perpetrator. By doing so he discovers an entirely different aspect of Egyptian history, one that is only slowly beginning to emerge with evidence recently uncovered to a prior and far more sophisticated civilization having been in existence long before the Pyramids were constructed.
Ethan, with the help of Sophia Lockwood, a research assistant working with Goodwin, begins to understand that whatever Goodwin was working on in his retirement was extremely sensitive, which has been based on the diaries and hand drawn maps of an American explorer and Egyptologist in 1906.
As they dig deeper into the information in Templeton’s diaries and Goodwins research notes on the ancient past of Egypt, they also realise there is a modern-day terrorist cell active, which is responsible for the death of Goodwin and a Shopping Complex bombing in Egypt.
But why sees Ethan forming a team of old friends and new, before heading to Egypt to follow the evidence they have and see where the pathway leads.
How these aspects are based firmly in a well-researched modern and ancient Egyptian historic background forms the basis of a very good thriller, as although Ethan and the team are equipped with the very latest and then some technology, it will come down to who survives the brutality of the dessert at its most challenging.
The Golden Sphinx from Lex Faulkner is book one in a two part series and recommended for a thriller of a read on a lazy afternoon
Ethan Frost, the reluctant heir to the Frost Consortium is at a crossroads in his life. Recently discharged from Delta force and grieving the death of his parents in a helicopter crash, he is astounded when he hears the news that his old lecturer and friend Tobias Goodwin is dead and for no clear reason.
He makes the decision to go to New Haven to find out more, to see if there is anything he can do to help find the perpetrator. By doing so he discovers an entirely different aspect of Egyptian history, one that is only slowly beginning to emerge with evidence recently uncovered to a prior and far more sophisticated civilization having been in existence long before the Pyramids were constructed.
Ethan, with the help of Sophia Lockwood, a research assistant working with Goodwin, begins to understand that whatever Goodwin was working on in his retirement was extremely sensitive, which has been based on the diaries and hand drawn maps of an American explorer and Egyptologist in 1906.
As they dig deeper into the information in Templeton’s diaries and Goodwins research notes on the ancient past of Egypt, they also realise there is a modern-day terrorist cell active, which is responsible for the death of Goodwin and a Shopping Complex bombing in Egypt.
But why sees Ethan forming a team of old friends and new, before heading to Egypt to follow the evidence they have and see where the pathway leads.
How these aspects are based firmly in a well-researched modern and ancient Egyptian historic background forms the basis of a very good thriller, as although Ethan and the team are equipped with the very latest and then some technology, it will come down to who survives the brutality of the dessert at its most challenging.
The Golden Sphinx from Lex Faulkner is book one in a two part series and recommended for a thriller of a read on a lazy afternoon
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review: A mix of thriller edged in fantasy. Really a direct ripoff from the Indiana Jones series with a splash of James Bond. The author gives lends a nod or two to Indiana as tongue and cheek. Where Biggus D. deviates from Indiana is that he is a retired Delta Force and Royal Marine operator whom happens to own majority share of a high tech company with its fingers in the DOD pie. He even has his own "Q" to provide cutting edge tech. Besides being a billionaire special ops Yale graduate, he is so good looking all the women drop their shjt and come running like locusts to a corn field. Hate him yet?
Ah, but how do you hate an easy going ah shucks kinda guy with a noodlehead and a penchant for revenge? Loose shirts, hiking boots, blue jeans and an easy smile with a billion dollars in his back pocket and special forces flong glurk hapkidojitsu, round out Radthor McGunny's presence. I mean he can take out 5 armed Cairo street toughs in about 15 seconds. And after, he gives the bleeding leader a stern talking to. Luckily for them he held back or they would all be dead. This same theme carries through the novel again and again. Suspension of disbelief is a requirement.
What really is sad in all this fantastical story telling is that the author is technically very good. Story line flows well and is cogent. Where it fails is that the movement should allow for character builds that never happen. Hunky guys get even more hunky-er? The gurls get hotter than popcorn farts and the sexual tension never builds to consumation which drops this to PG rated. Just a standard Indiana Bond themed novel.
What I really hate is wanting to continue with this series.
3.7/5
Ah, but how do you hate an easy going ah shucks kinda guy with a noodlehead and a penchant for revenge? Loose shirts, hiking boots, blue jeans and an easy smile with a billion dollars in his back pocket and special forces flong glurk hapkidojitsu, round out Radthor McGunny's presence. I mean he can take out 5 armed Cairo street toughs in about 15 seconds. And after, he gives the bleeding leader a stern talking to. Luckily for them he held back or they would all be dead. This same theme carries through the novel again and again. Suspension of disbelief is a requirement.
What really is sad in all this fantastical story telling is that the author is technically very good. Story line flows well and is cogent. Where it fails is that the movement should allow for character builds that never happen. Hunky guys get even more hunky-er? The gurls get hotter than popcorn farts and the sexual tension never builds to consumation which drops this to PG rated. Just a standard Indiana Bond themed novel.
What I really hate is wanting to continue with this series.
3.7/5
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Golden Sphinx by Lex Faulkner reads very much like a popcorn action movie in book form. The plot moves quickly, the stakes are clear, and there’s no shortage of danger, chases, and last-minute heroics. If you’re looking for a breezy, cinematic adventure where the hero saves the day, this delivers exactly that.
Where the book falters—at least for me—is in its characters. Nearly everyone comes across as a cardboard cutout or a familiar cliché, filling their roles without much depth or surprise. The biggest issue is the protagonist, Ethan Frost. He’s smart, athletic, wealthy, handsome, and seemingly incapable of making a meaningful mistake. In short, he’s perfect—and that perfection made him frustrating rather than inspiring.
I struggled to feel invested in Ethan’s journey because there’s little emotional friction. Without flaws, doubts, or consequences, it’s hard to connect to him or genuinely root for his success. Why should I cheer for perfection? For me, that lack of vulnerability drained much of the tension from the story.
That said, the book is competently written, fast-moving, and clearly aimed at entertainment first. Readers who enjoy straightforward action and don’t mind thin characterization may have a good time.
There is adult language, violence, and adult situations, so this is firmly an adult read.
In short: an entertaining but shallow adventure that earns three stars. Fans of action-heavy, movie-style thrillers may find more to enjoy here than I did.
I was given a free copy of the book from NetGalley and the Publisher for an honest review.
Where the book falters—at least for me—is in its characters. Nearly everyone comes across as a cardboard cutout or a familiar cliché, filling their roles without much depth or surprise. The biggest issue is the protagonist, Ethan Frost. He’s smart, athletic, wealthy, handsome, and seemingly incapable of making a meaningful mistake. In short, he’s perfect—and that perfection made him frustrating rather than inspiring.
I struggled to feel invested in Ethan’s journey because there’s little emotional friction. Without flaws, doubts, or consequences, it’s hard to connect to him or genuinely root for his success. Why should I cheer for perfection? For me, that lack of vulnerability drained much of the tension from the story.
That said, the book is competently written, fast-moving, and clearly aimed at entertainment first. Readers who enjoy straightforward action and don’t mind thin characterization may have a good time.
There is adult language, violence, and adult situations, so this is firmly an adult read.
In short: an entertaining but shallow adventure that earns three stars. Fans of action-heavy, movie-style thrillers may find more to enjoy here than I did.
I was given a free copy of the book from NetGalley and the Publisher for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews