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Bloodstone
Not yet published
Expected 5 May 26Scientia potentia est. Knowledge is power.
The year is 1936, and twenty-two-year-old history student Amelia “Mel”Hawkins—who’s been tagging along on artifact-finding expeditions with her nonna since she could walk—can’t pass up the opportunity to retrieve the priceless Amulet of Amun, hidden inside the Temple of Seti the First. Especially when she’s getting paid to do it.
Armed only with her wits and her absentee-father’s switchblade, she finds out the hard way that the man claiming to be the emissary from the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities is actually a member of the Thule Society, known as the God Men, sent to kill her and take the amulet for the growing German Third Reich. When he fails, she’s forced to rely on the brilliant, brooding museum employee, Bes Belzoni, and his visually impaired cousin, Cecilio Giudice, to protect her and the amulet from the swarm of fascists hunting them down. Because it’s no coincidence her guide was one of the God Men, or that more are after her.
Thrown into a deadly world of secrets and spy games, the three of them travel to the Italian Alps, where they run into trouble from the God Men and Mussolini’s Blackshirts at every turn. But even her companions aren’t what they seem: she quickly discovers that they’re keeping secrets from her. Secrets so powerful they could change everything she thought she knew about her family, and uncover an ancient magic she never could’ve imagined.
With evil rising to power, Mel must make a choice: ignore the growing threat in the world and save herself, or take a stand against it before she loses everything she’s come to love.
The year is 1936, and twenty-two-year-old history student Amelia “Mel”Hawkins—who’s been tagging along on artifact-finding expeditions with her nonna since she could walk—can’t pass up the opportunity to retrieve the priceless Amulet of Amun, hidden inside the Temple of Seti the First. Especially when she’s getting paid to do it.
Armed only with her wits and her absentee-father’s switchblade, she finds out the hard way that the man claiming to be the emissary from the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities is actually a member of the Thule Society, known as the God Men, sent to kill her and take the amulet for the growing German Third Reich. When he fails, she’s forced to rely on the brilliant, brooding museum employee, Bes Belzoni, and his visually impaired cousin, Cecilio Giudice, to protect her and the amulet from the swarm of fascists hunting them down. Because it’s no coincidence her guide was one of the God Men, or that more are after her.
Thrown into a deadly world of secrets and spy games, the three of them travel to the Italian Alps, where they run into trouble from the God Men and Mussolini’s Blackshirts at every turn. But even her companions aren’t what they seem: she quickly discovers that they’re keeping secrets from her. Secrets so powerful they could change everything she thought she knew about her family, and uncover an ancient magic she never could’ve imagined.
With evil rising to power, Mel must make a choice: ignore the growing threat in the world and save herself, or take a stand against it before she loses everything she’s come to love.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 5, 2026
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198 people want to read
About the author
M.K. Deoradhán
3 books181 followersM.K. Deoradhán (djō-rǒn) writes fantasy, romantasy, and a dash of historical! You can always find romance, kick-ass women, and swoon-worthy men in her books. Although she’s lived all over the U.S., she now resides on the west coast with her husband and two dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 23, 2026
Firstly, thank you so much to M.K. Deoradhán for allowing me to beta read!! Had so much fun with this one!
BloodStone is the perfect pick for anyone craving a classic adventure rush with strong The Mummy and National Treasure vibes. Set in 1936, it follows a sharp, history-savvy heroine diving into a hunt for ancient artifacts, complete with shadowy organizations, globe-trotting danger, and a dash of romance amidst the chaos.
The FMC, Mel, is an absolute standout—witty, sassy, and unapologetically bold. She delivers snappy dialogue and handles high-stakes situations with a clever edge that keeps the pages turning. If you love a protagonist who can outsmart villains while throwing shade, she’s definitely an FMC to watch for.
The plot moves at a steady pace and stays easy to follow despite some dense historical and mythological details packed in. At times, it felt like a bit of information overload with lots of lore about artifacts, ancient secrets, and the era’s politics, but it never derailed the momentum. The action sequences are packed with thrills: chases, close calls, and tense confrontations that give it that cinematic, pulse-pounding energy, making it an overall fun, escapist read with some classic old school adventure!
BloodStone is the perfect pick for anyone craving a classic adventure rush with strong The Mummy and National Treasure vibes. Set in 1936, it follows a sharp, history-savvy heroine diving into a hunt for ancient artifacts, complete with shadowy organizations, globe-trotting danger, and a dash of romance amidst the chaos.
The FMC, Mel, is an absolute standout—witty, sassy, and unapologetically bold. She delivers snappy dialogue and handles high-stakes situations with a clever edge that keeps the pages turning. If you love a protagonist who can outsmart villains while throwing shade, she’s definitely an FMC to watch for.
The plot moves at a steady pace and stays easy to follow despite some dense historical and mythological details packed in. At times, it felt like a bit of information overload with lots of lore about artifacts, ancient secrets, and the era’s politics, but it never derailed the momentum. The action sequences are packed with thrills: chases, close calls, and tense confrontations that give it that cinematic, pulse-pounding energy, making it an overall fun, escapist read with some classic old school adventure!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
BloodStone has a really fun concept and feels like a classic historical adventure. The 1930s setting, the focus on ancient artifacts, and the mix of danger and mystery made it an engaging read. It has that kind of story where you are constantly moving from one tense situation to the next.
Mel was a strong main character. She is confident, clever, and not afraid to take risks, which made her interesting to follow. I also liked the group dynamic and the sense that everyone had their own secrets.
There is a lot of historical and mythological detail woven into the story. At times it felt a bit heavy, but it also added depth to the world and what was at stake.
For me, I think this was more of a timing issue than anything else. I can see why other readers would really enjoy it, but I did not fully connect with it the way I wanted to. Still, I think it is a solid adventure story and worth picking up if you enjoy this genre.
BloodStone has a really fun concept and feels like a classic historical adventure. The 1930s setting, the focus on ancient artifacts, and the mix of danger and mystery made it an engaging read. It has that kind of story where you are constantly moving from one tense situation to the next.
Mel was a strong main character. She is confident, clever, and not afraid to take risks, which made her interesting to follow. I also liked the group dynamic and the sense that everyone had their own secrets.
There is a lot of historical and mythological detail woven into the story. At times it felt a bit heavy, but it also added depth to the world and what was at stake.
For me, I think this was more of a timing issue than anything else. I can see why other readers would really enjoy it, but I did not fully connect with it the way I wanted to. Still, I think it is a solid adventure story and worth picking up if you enjoy this genre.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for allowing me the opportunity to Beta read! (Go check her IG out, it's filled with gorgeous artwork!!) I loved her other books (book 1 and 2 of A Trial of Bronze and Blood) so when applications for this one opened, I jumped on it!
TOBAB was excellently researched (Roman Empire but second-world fantasy) and the author taps back into her Italian heritage again for this Indiana Jones meets the Mummy inspired romp that starts in Egypt but then takes us through 1930's Italy!!! I don't want to spoiler too much but I really enjoyed the diverse cast of characters (Cec will always have my heart!) and the slow-burn romance. But the gorgeous descriptions of Italy have me yearning, as always!
I'm real eager to get the hardcover in my hands, what a shelf trophy it will be✨🤩✨!!
TOBAB was excellently researched (Roman Empire but second-world fantasy) and the author taps back into her Italian heritage again for this Indiana Jones meets the Mummy inspired romp that starts in Egypt but then takes us through 1930's Italy!!! I don't want to spoiler too much but I really enjoyed the diverse cast of characters (Cec will always have my heart!) and the slow-burn romance. But the gorgeous descriptions of Italy have me yearning, as always!
I'm real eager to get the hardcover in my hands, what a shelf trophy it will be✨🤩✨!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Bloodstone is a well written historical romance set in 1936.
Mel, the MFC, is a hard headed artifact finder. With strong The Mummy and Indians Jones vibes, this story is well paced with a easy flowing storyline. I love the fact there is a disabled character in this book too, Cec brings wit and a refusal to allow his disadvantage to be his focus, often bringing the most important areas of the story to his front.
Bes, the MMF, is handsome and brooding, making him and Mel a perfect duo.
With political issues of the time being woven into the story, it makes the whole novel more 'real', and with action that has consequences instead of just disappearing by the next chapter, the book brings a raw and honest storyline that helps you to actually gives depth to each character.
This was an ARC book received from the author, all views are my own.
Mel, the MFC, is a hard headed artifact finder. With strong The Mummy and Indians Jones vibes, this story is well paced with a easy flowing storyline. I love the fact there is a disabled character in this book too, Cec brings wit and a refusal to allow his disadvantage to be his focus, often bringing the most important areas of the story to his front.
Bes, the MMF, is handsome and brooding, making him and Mel a perfect duo.
With political issues of the time being woven into the story, it makes the whole novel more 'real', and with action that has consequences instead of just disappearing by the next chapter, the book brings a raw and honest storyline that helps you to actually gives depth to each character.
This was an ARC book received from the author, all views are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
When MK shared she had a story coming that was inspired by both Indiana Jones and The Mummy, two of my favourite franchises, I absolutely JUMPED at the chance to beta read this book. To be fair I practically begged to be able to read it early 😆
I definitely picked up on the vibes from both Indy and The Mummy, which I loved but it is definitely its own story, which I loved even more. The depth of research MK put into this story to provide a rich background steeped in actual history but with a fantastical twist was impressive.
The banter and interactions between the characters is spot on, and there is just enough action between the history to keep your heart racing.
I am very excited to read it again in its final form!!
Thank you once again MK for letting me be a part of your journey 🥰
I definitely picked up on the vibes from both Indy and The Mummy, which I loved but it is definitely its own story, which I loved even more. The depth of research MK put into this story to provide a rich background steeped in actual history but with a fantastical twist was impressive.
The banter and interactions between the characters is spot on, and there is just enough action between the history to keep your heart racing.
I am very excited to read it again in its final form!!
Thank you once again MK for letting me be a part of your journey 🥰
Review of advance copy received from Author
Five stars! Perfectly balances the historical elements with a thrilling adventure plot (and some romantic tension).
I love good character development and the trio of main characters delivers.
Another thing this book does right is the details. Every single detail is thoughtful and shows how much the author loves history, art, language, and reminding us of their values.
There's never a bad time for story like this but now feels very much like the right time. The FMC's dilemma is one many of us are facing - chose personal safety and living in ignorance or looking evil and injustice straight on and choosing the fight.
For folks who love The Mummy and Indiana Jones but wanted a female lead.
I love good character development and the trio of main characters delivers.
Another thing this book does right is the details. Every single detail is thoughtful and shows how much the author loves history, art, language, and reminding us of their values.
There's never a bad time for story like this but now feels very much like the right time. The FMC's dilemma is one many of us are facing - chose personal safety and living in ignorance or looking evil and injustice straight on and choosing the fight.
For folks who love The Mummy and Indiana Jones but wanted a female lead.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Bloodstone is a truly entertaining and thrilling read. From the wonderful characters and their banter, to the intense scenes the cast is thrown into, this story is hard to put down and makes for a great escape. This is the first book I’ve read from this author but it won’t be the last, I have become a big fan and can easily recommend this story. Well done!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow wow wow! For once, I'm glad I was sick and had an excuse to read a day away.
Bloodstone is *the* book for those who grew up loving Tomb Raider, The Mummy, Relic Hunter, Atlantis, etc. Magical realism, ancient artefacts, a
I cannot wait for book two!
Bloodstone is *the* book for those who grew up loving Tomb Raider, The Mummy, Relic Hunter, Atlantis, etc. Magical realism, ancient artefacts, a
I cannot wait for book two!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you for the ARC! Fantastic book!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews