The Race for the Lost Coin

Coin of Time (Book # 2) #2

by Luciana Cavallaro

Fans of Indiana Jones will love the action and the chase for supernatural artefacts.
One toss of the coin is all it takes.

Nik’s life just got more complicated. The trip to Paris to meet his grandfather didn’t go as expected. Now Nik is on the run, evading the French police, Interpol agents and a powerful, wealthy Slovakian magnate.

Nik teams up with a French taxi driver, a hacker and a librarian to avoid capture. Clues take him to Geneva and Rome, where he learns there is more to the coin than what his grandfather told him. After a close encounter with the police, Nik forms an alliance with the most unlikely partner—Detective Sauveterre. But is that the right decision?

Fans of Steve Berry, James Rollins, and Dan Brown will love this latest action-packed and suspense story from Award-Winning author Luciana Cavallaro.

220 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 29, 2025

About the author

Luciana Cavallaro is a multi award-winning author of historical adventure fiction with a mythological twist. Her stories blend ancient history, legendary heroes, and gripping quests, drawing readers into immersive, cinematic worlds. Her books—The Labyrinthine Journey, Minotaur’s Lair, and The Guardian’s Legacy—have been recognised internationally, including as a Finalist in the New Media Film Festival and Quarterfinalist in the ScreenCraft Cinematic Book Competition.

Luciana grew up in Western Australia, where her passion for myths and storytelling began early—so early, in fact, she once tried to drive the family car at age three. That early spark of curiosity and mischief now fuels the imaginative adventures she writes today.

She loves connecting with readers, so feel free to follow her here on Goodreads or visit her website.

Reviews

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in the Coin of Time series, The Guardian's Legacy by Luciana Cavallaro, and I couldn't wait to get my hands on the second book. The Race for the Lost Coin is just as gripping, as the action continues to unfold.

Nik is now the Guardian of the coin, a heavy responsibility that falls on him to save the world. He must adhere to the rules and keep the coin safe from a secret organization and destructive forces that are eager to claim it for themselves. Before he can learn more, his grandfather is kidnapped by those who seek the coin. Now, Nik must uncover the secrets of the coin while trying to rescue his grandfather.

The Race for the Lost Coin is an engaging and unique story rooted in mythology, presented as a fast-paced thriller steeped in ancient Greek history, which adds significant depth to the narrative. Nik and his unusual group are on a relentless quest and will leave no stone unturned.

This entertaining tale kicks off with action, tension, and suspense right from the beginning. It reminds me of the TV series The Librarian, which is one of my favourite shows. I eagerly look forward to reading book three!

[Jacqui · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luciana Cavallaro's The Race for the Lost Coin (2025) is Book 2 of the trilogy, Coin of Time, the story of an ancient coin representative of a legacy whose protection is passed down through generations. Those entrusted with it must agree to protect it at all costs and accept the danger that goes with it. A modern day history teacher, Nik, is now the Guardian, passed on to him by the most recent Guardian, his grandfather. Before he even knows much of what it means, his grandfather is kidnapped by those who want the coin and its power. To rescue his grandfather, he must find out the true power of this coin, how to use it, and what it can do for him and the world.

As with all of Cavallaro's novels, this story includes lots of ancient Greek history and enough action to keep everyone entertained. ​ It’s hard to find good Ancient Greek fiction that accurately represents the era and she does it expertly. The story has excellent characters with lots to like and no shortage of action and intrigue. If you like geopolitical stories that draw on history for their plot you won’t want to miss this one. The good news is the story doesn’t end here. The bad news is, it ends on a cliffhanger!  I can’t wait for the next book.

[Margaret Both · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this new fast paced book. The Coin’s capabilities are fascinating. I love how Nick finds help and friends in the most unusual of places. Only think I dislike was that it ended way too soon.
Looking forward to Bk 3.
Thanks Luciana - all of your books are wonderful!!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an action packed story which had me gripped throughout. After the cliffhanger ending of the previous book this second novel didn’t disappoint. We were straight back into the adventure for supernatural artefacts, along with high school teacher turned guardian Nik. His trip to Paris to meet his grandfather didn’t go to plan and he finds himself on the run, and trying to evade the French police, Interpol agents and a wealthy and powerful Slovakian magnate. Nik teams up with a French taxi driver, a hacker and a librarian and they follow the clues to Geneva and Rome. Nik discovers that there is more to the coin than what his grandfather told him. Following a close encounter with the police Nik makes a decision to form an alliance with Detective Sauveterre, but remains uncertain if this is the right decision. I enjoyed being back with the realistic and likeable main character Nik, and I liked getting to know him better in this story. I was once again hooked by the storyline and the plot twists and turns kept me guessing, whilst the suspense grew chapter by chapter. Another cliffhanger ending has me impatiently waiting for the next book in the series, again!

[Finn Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Race For The Lost Coin is book 2 of the "Coin of Time" Series by Luciana Cavallaro. Definitely, Definitely, read these in order, trust me, you dont want to miss a single word! I thought the first book was amazing and then I got my hands on this and just wow. I definitely have a new favorite author that's for sure! That cliff hanger absolutely killed me, I cant wait for more!

[Charlotte Patrone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy the story but find the speech a bit difficult to read. There's something about it that feels a little off, like the language isn't quite the way people actually talk. As with the previous book in this series, it lacks depth. The relationships all seem very superficial and don't come across as genuine. I do like it being fast paced though. Whilst I haven't rated it very highly I do enjoy the story and want to read the next book when it's out.

[Lynseygibs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to BookSirens, publishers and author for an ARC of The Race for the Lost Coin.
Throughly enjoyable series, and anxiously awaiting the next book.

[Diane Richmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

The race is on, to find the missing coin. In the right hands the rain coins can continue to be hidden safely, but in the wrong the results could be globally disastrous.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[Kimmie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read by Luciana Cavallaro! The Race for the Lost Coin kept me hooked from the first page. I stayed up late into the night reading this one! Absolutely loved this series!!!

[Anantha Rusum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a fan of Greek history and hence picked this book though it is no 2 of the trilogy . Though I did not read book 1, this book got my attention till the very end . The story revolves around a legacy of guardianship of a coin which passes on from generation to generation. Nik, a historian is now the current guardian of the coin after his grandfather is suddenly kidnapped. Now Nik faces two trials , rescue his grandfather and also protect the coin understanding its true power and why people are chasing it . He makes enemies and befriends strangers , one of them a detective , and then the plot becomes embroiled in action and suspense . There are few books which can combine historic fiction and action so well, this book does an incredible job. I enjoyed reading this book.

[Zoe Piengkham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very much Indiana Jones vibe and I love it! Lots of action, treasure hunting style adventure. Lots of history and research in this quest to find a missing family member and discover what this coin is and how his family has carried the responsibilities of it.

This book is the second in this series but was a great read and stands on its own well. Easy to finish in one reading and I am excited to read the first book and dive back into this wonderful tale!
Would recommend!

[Rebecca Payne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Race for the coin in my second book by Luciana Cavallaro and the second in this series. I enjoyed it. The pacing was a little slower than I enjoy but I understand that to include the travel and making the characters realistic requires a little more than continuous action. I am enjoying Nike’s character immensely and would have moved more of his grandfather.

[Linnea Tanner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timing is running out as Nik Zosimo races to find the second ancient coin that, with one flip, could destroy world order. The Race to the Lost Coin by Luciana Cavallaro is the second book in the international thriller Coin of Time Series. Nik, an Australian school teacher already possessing one of the coins, galvanizes into action when he learns a clandestine, neo-Nazis society has kidnapped his grandfather and is scheming to combine the two ancient coins and unleash their destructive forces. The French Police and INTERPOL mistakenly believe Nik is part of the secret organization and is in hot pursuit of him. With the aid of a taxi driver, a hacker, and a librarian, Nik needs to outwit law enforcement agencies and hitmen in his quest to save his grandfather and to find the second coin. However, should he dare trust the attractive Detective Alexandrie Sauveterrre, who is as likely to arrest him than to help him find his grandfather and the other ancient coin.

Author Luciana Cavallaro has written a taut thriller/suspense with mythological elements woven into the storyline, adding another layer connecting the present to the past. The backstory weaves smoothly into the narrative, giving enough information for the book to be read as a standalone. However, I suggest reading the entire series as each book ends on a cliffhanger.

There is a good balance of riveting actions scenes, natural dialogue, and internal thoughts for a page-turning story. Nik is an engaging character who thinks quickly on his feet. He learns from his mistakes and diligently plans his next moves accordingly. A skilled female hacker and a librarian help him to evade police and potential assassins. Suspense heightens when Nik seeks Detective Sauveterre’s help to uncover the truth about the French police’s role in a nefarious conspiracy. Alexandrie is a compelling character and a match for Nik. Potential romance sparks between the two as they play a cat and mouse game.

Fans of genre-bending suspense connecting the present to the mythical past should enjoy reading The Race to the Lost Coin, a fast-paced adventure about ancient coins that could doom the future with one flip. It reminds me of the adventures of Indiana Jones, an everyday hero who relies on luck and wit instead of supernatural strength. Highly recommended.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Nik feels a little in over his head. It wasn’t long ago that he was having a couple of beers with his grandfather, just an ordinary dude. Now he’s the guardian of a pretty old, magical coin, and he's on a wild adventure to save his grandfather from a group who want the coin for its unbelievable power. With the help of a ragtag group, he travels all over following clues that reveal there is more to the coin than his grandfather revealed. A whole lot more.

Things definitely amp up in this installment, I was not disappointed. I loved the fast pace and the intrigue. The new characters were pretty awesome, and I loved getting to know Nik better, as that was one of the issues I had with the first book; I just felt there wasn’t enough time to get deeply connected to the character. I loved the dynamic of Niks little group of quirky followers, and whilst reading, I genuinely thought that this would make a fab movie, having the same vibe as books like The Da Vinci Code, or movies like Indiana Jones. Also, the terrible tendency I have of shipping characters together reared its ugly head, and without giving anything away, I was shipping hard. Little hints towards the end had me squealing a little bit, so fingers crossed for the rest of the adventure. Once again, there was plenty of action, and Cavallaro writes in an engaging and thrilling way that keeps you on the edge of your seat. This book does end on a cliffhanger, with things sort of feeling up in the air, which I wasn’t a massive fan of, but if anything, this just makes me want to carry on reading the series.

Once again, I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good thriller with historical and mythological elements, as well as a touch of the fantastical. The Coin of Time series is very enjoyable, so go ahead and read the first installment ‘The Guardian's Legacy’ as well.

[Roxsanne Lesieur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nik is back and still in Paris where he agreed to meet his Grandfather, but that didn't go quite to plan, he went to the hotel as requested, but he never met his Grandfather there, instead, a message was on waiting for him from someone called Resnik, a name he had never heard of and now never wants to hear again because he is a Slovakian magnate with money and influence within France and the rest of the world.

Unfortunately for Nik, this isn't his only problem, after he had reported his Grandfather as missing to the police, he was sent another message to meet and retrieve his Grandfather, however, they didn't go to plan when the police turned up and messed up the whole plan and now he finds out that he is wanted by the police in connection with the events!

He does have one person who is willing to help though, a taxi driver who picked him up from the airport on the day he arrived and he is now very thankful for this because unbeknownst to Nik, this driver just happens to know a lot of people within a lot of different fields and so they work together to piece together information on Resnik and why he has kidnapped Nik's Grandfather.

Will they be able to out fox the police and the others after them, especially when Interpol get involved and the noose tightens around them? This is a fast paced adventure with plenty of action and mystery, as well as a healthy dose of magical realism as the past influences the future, all while on the run and avoiding the target painted upon them.

[Jessica Godwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picking up right where the first book left off: Nik is on the run in Europe, framed for crimes he didn't commit and hunted by everyone from Interpol to a ruthless Slovakian billionaire. With his grandfather still missing, Nik has to navigate a world of shadowy alliances—teaming up with a hacker, a librarian, and even a skeptical detective—to find the second ancient coin before his enemies do. The search takes him from the sun-drenched landscapes of Greece to the historic streets of Rome. Along the way, he realizes that his role as a Guardian isn't just about protecting a piece of metal—it's about surviving a secret war that has been simmering for centuries. Cavallaro clearly knows her geography and history, making the jumps between international locales feel authentic and vivid. While the first book introduced the coins, this one dives deeper into the mythological mechanics. We get a better look at how the artifacts actually function and the heavy price of using them. Nik really comes into his own here. He’s no longer just reacting to the chaos; he’s starting to think like a Guardian, showcasing a sharper edge and a more tactical mind. This is a satisfying expansion of the series that trades some of the mystery of the first book for pure, unadulterated adrenaline. It manages to balance the high-concept "time-bending" elements with a very human story about a grandson trying to save his family.

[Ganesh Subramanian]

Race for the Last Coin is the second book in the "Coin of Time" series, picking up with ancient history teacher Nik. After an altercation with the powerful Neo-Nazi, Resnik, at the Musée Rodin in Paris, Nik's grandfather is kidnapped.
The rest of the novel is a non-stop chase to rescue his grandfather and unravel the mystery behind the abduction. Nik's journey takes readers across Europe—from Paris to Rome, Austria, and finally, Spain. The plot weaves in elements of Neo-Nazi history and Nik’s secret role as a "keeper of stones." Now wanted by both the French police and Interpol, Nik must evade a massive police dragnet while trying to understand the true reason for his grandfather's disappearance.
The book ends with Nik planning a trip to Madrid. He believes this journey will lead him to the rare coin Resnik is hunting for, which is key to finding and freeing his grandfather.
While the story offers vivid descriptions of the cities Nik travels through, it ultimately lacks the expected bite and gripping mystery of a true thriller. Additionally, some events described strains credibility. This book will primarily appeal to dedicated readers who are already fans of this specific genre.
Thank you to BookSirens for providing an advance copy of this book for review.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

The Race for the Lost Coin is the second book in the Coin of Time series by Luciana Cavallaro. Following on from Book #1 where we met Nik who had no idea that his life was about to take a very dramatic and exciting turn when his grandfather reveals a huge secret. With a 3000 year-old coin with unbelievable powers started off his adventures.
Ms. Cavallaro blends mythology, high-stakes suspense, and globe-trotting adventure in this second installment where she wastes no time plunging readers back into the dangerous quest of Nik Zosimo, whose mission to recover a second legendary coin could determine the fate of the world.
The story shifts seamlessly between richly detailed historical flashbacks and tense, modern-day chases. Incorporating mythological elements that felt authentic yet fresh, drawing on Greek legends while weaving in original twists that keep the storyline unpredictable.
A smart, intriguing, and immersive read that will satisfy fans of historical thrillers, myth-inspired fiction, and/or fast-paced mysteries.
I wonder what Ms. Cavallaro has in store for us next?
Happy Reading…

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Coin Of Time series. You do definately need to read these books in order as this book follows on from the first. It is a gripping tale of action, adventure, danger, mystery, mythology and magic all rolled into one. The author does an amazing job of switching between historical flashbacks and present day chaos which making the story easy to follow and entertaining.

We are back with Nik as he takes over responsiblity as Guardian of the coin and what a big responsibility that is. Not only is his job to protect the coin he has but also to find the missing coin before it has the chance to fall into the wrong hands. Add to this the fact that if both coins fall in the wrong hands that could mean the end of the world as we know it.
It is a race against time for Nik to find this missing coin but as well as that he needs to find his grandfather who has been kidnapped and learn what exactly the coins are about and what they can do, all while the net keep closing tighter around him.
Will he be able to succeed?
This is a great read and I love the authors attention to details and greek mythology it really brings the story to life.

[Brandy Jo Rymer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Race for the Lost Coin is Luciana Cavallaro's second book in her Coin of Time Book series. This was a great mythological story that was quite captivating. I loved the writing style of this author and the mysteriousness of each of the characters. The story is a great blend of an action story, along with a mythological spin on it, very Indiana Jones-esque in style. The only thing I struggled with was the French; I didn't always understand what the characters were saying, but it definitely put it into perspective in the whereabouts of the story taking place.

Nik, our main character, meets a lot of great allies as he works to find his grandfather, who was taken from Disneyland. Some of my favorite characters that help Nik are a computer hacker, a French taxi driver, and a librarian. All of which are the most unlikely helpers, but who all play a key role in helping Nik protect his family's heirloom and look for his grandfather. This story was full of twists and turns and held my attention throughout the story. It kept me guessing on who we could trust and who we needed to watch out for.
@Brandy Rymer
1/2026

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series that I have enjoyed reading. I highly suggest reading the previous book as well to help your enjoyment of this author’s writing skills. I enjoy this author’s creative characters as well as their creative plot. This is a well written story about Nik and his trip to Paris that totally goes wrong. He finds himself on the run and teams up with a taxi driver, a librarian and a hacker to avoid being captured. When he realizes that there is so much more to this coin situation than what he was told. This is where the story really starts picking up for Nik and you don’t want to miss what happens. I enjoyed all the characters in this story. They are engaging, strong and I enjoyed how the author used details to make them come to life. I also enjoyed the speed of the growth of the story that made it easy to read. I found this story to be fast paced and kept me turning pages to the end. I look forward to seeing what is next for this author. I highly recommend this story.

[Tausha Treadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Race for the Lost Coin (Coin of Time) by Luciana Cavallaro. This is the 2nd book in the Coin of Time series and I highly recommend reading the first book to get a better sense of the story and characters. In this addition Nik is now the Guardian of the Coin and he is realizing how very serious this situation is. He has to keep a certain group of people from this coin so that he can save the world. While trying to protect the coin his grandfather is kidnapped and he must learn everything he can about the secrets of the coin. Also while learning about the coin he must also try to find his grandfather before its too late.In the midst of all this the French Police and Interpol think he in involved in the secret organization. With the help of a taxi driver, librarian and a computer hacker will Nik be able to find his grandfather and save the coin from the bad guys! This is such a fun fast paced tale that will keep you flipping pages late in the night. I'm so excited for the next book in this series!

[Shannen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, if I hadn’t had the second book ready to go the moment I finished the first, I might have lost it. I flew through book one and jumped straight into this one without even taking a break. I was completely hooked and couldn’t bring myself to put it down. If you enjoy adventures with nonstop action and mysterious artifacts, this one is right up your alley. It kicks off fast when Nik’s trip to Paris goes completely off the rails, and suddenly he’s running from everyone. The chase across Paris, Geneva, and Rome feels cinematic, like you’re right there with him. It would be stunningly beautiful if it wasn’t so tense! I loved the mix of characters he teams up with, especially the taxi driver and the librarian, who add a lot of charm and humor. The coin at the center of the story is genuinely intriguing, and the twists kept me guessing again. The alliance with the detective had me constantly questioning who to trust. If you’re in the mood for a smart, fun, high-energy thriller, I’d definitely recommend this one.

[Jamie Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Race for the Lost Coin- Enjoy the sprint through its pages! 🪙🏃🗺️🧩⏳📘
Race for the Lost Coin is a fast-paced treasure hunt that barely lets you catch your breath. From the first clue to the final dash, the story races through twists, traps, and clever surprises that make every chapter feel like a countdown.
It’s playful, adventurous, and packed with that irresistible “just one more page” energy. The hunt isn’t only about the coin. It’s about teamwork, clever thinking, and the thrill of chasing something legendary before time runs out.
A perfect pick for readers who love puzzles, adventure, and stories that move like a sprint with a grin.
Emoji Review! 🪙🏃🗺️🧩⏳📘
🪙 for the lost treasure at the heart of the story
🏃 for the nonstop race and urgency
🗺️ for clues, quests, and exploration
🧩 for riddles, strategy, and problem-solving
⏳ for the ticking clock and high stakes
📘 for the adventure itself

[Kerry Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book to kick start the new year with. It is the second book in the series and I would personally recommend reading them in order. We are taken back into another adventure with Nik, spanning Europe as he races to find the second coin. As with the first book, this one is exciting, fast-paced and action packed the whole way through. It really felt like one of those action adventure movies, but in the form of a book.
This is a gripping story to read and, as a reader, I was taken along for the ride with Nik. This is the kind of book that I am loathe to put down as I was enjoying reading it so much. I wanted to see what else was in store for him and if he alliances were well placed or if he would find himself in greater danger. This was a brilliant book and a great addition to the series.

[Nancy Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Race for the Lost Coin really hooked me — it was just an adrenaline-fueled expedition. The way Luciana Cavallaro incorporated ancient history with myth and suspense made the whole story feel heavy yet thrilling. I totally thought Nik was a strong, almost relatable hero, and I just kept cheering him on as he traversed Paris, Geneva, and Rome through each twist and turn. The balance of the nail-biting action scenes, natural-feeling dialogue, and neat little clues turned it into a page-turner that I truly could not put down. I also thoroughly enjoyed how the mythology and their coin lore gave background without negating the speed of the storyline. I have to say that mix of adventure, intrigue, suspense, and emotion was extremely enjoyable. Bring on the next one!).

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed The Race for the Lost Coin—the nonstop action and hunt for supernatural artifacts had me hooked from the start. Nik’s trip to Paris going sideways had me holding my breath, and I loved the clever mix of allies he picks up along the way, from a witty taxi driver to a resourceful hacker. Traveling through Geneva and Rome added a great sense of adventure, and the coin’s mysterious powers kept me intrigued. Teaming up with Detective Sauveterre was an interesting twist, though it didn’t always feel completely natural to me. I had a lot of fun with the story, but it didn’t quite capture the same magic I felt with Luciana Cavallaro’s first book. That’s why I’m giving it four stars instead of five—it’s thrilling, but just shy of being unforgettable for me.

[Susanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Straight into action as it is a continuation from book one “the Guardian’s Legacy.” Nik is on the run and making friends in Paris as he evades the police and interpol and searches for clues on his grandfathers location. He is learning more about the coin as he navigates its travel properties. Can he keep under the radar and find his grandfather before it is to late?
This is a fun action adventure book. I really enjoyed the mythos and story. There were a few repetitive sections repeating the history of the coin that were unnecessary but overall a fun fast paced read. that leaves you waiting for the final book in the trilogy. Though I’m still waiting to come full circle to get back to the scene from the opening of the first book.

[Brandy L Vaughn · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Race for the Lost Coin (Coin of Time)" by Luciana Cavallaro is an exciting and imaginative adventure that kept me hooked from start to finish. The story blends mythology, history, and suspense in a way that feels fresh and captivating. Cavallaro’s descriptive writing brings the world to life, and the characters are engaging and memorable, each with their own unique voice. The pacing is excellent, with just the right mix of action and mystery. I especially enjoyed how the concept of time is woven into the plot, adding depth and intrigue. A thoroughly enjoyable read for fans of fast-paced, adventurous tales!

[Katie Burgess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Race to the Lost Coin is a fast-paced, action-packed 4-star adventure that’s a total blast from start to finish. The Indiana Jones–style vibes really shine as Nik races across Europe, dodging police, secretive enemies, and uncovering the mysteries behind the coin. The cast of characters is fun and memorable, and I loved how the story jumps from Paris to Geneva to Rome without ever slowing down. The mix of history, secrets, and nonstop chase scenes keeps the momentum high, and the twists keep you guessing. Overall, it’s an exciting, well-crafted thriller that’s perfect for readers who love globe-trotting adventures and high-stakes mysteries.