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The Mythic Artifacts #1
Bloodstone
Scientia 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.
508 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 5, 2026
99 people are currently reading
449 people want to read
About the author
M.K. Deoradhán
3 books207 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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May 3, 2026: ̗̀➛ Pre-read:
I GOT THE ARC!!! 🥹
When I saw the author’s post on IG looking for ARC readers, I signed up so fast cus I LOVE archaeology and excavation adventures 😭
I was so excited & ngl a bit surprised when I got the email but now I cannot wait to read thisduring my Easter break! NOW! 😭😅
Many thanks to the author, M.K. Deoradhán for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. ⋆˙⟡
I GOT THE ARC!!! 🥹
When I saw the author’s post on IG looking for ARC readers, I signed up so fast cus I LOVE archaeology and excavation adventures 😭
I was so excited & ngl a bit surprised when I got the email but now I cannot wait to read this
Many thanks to the author, M.K. Deoradhán for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. ⋆˙⟡
April 14, 2026
First off, everything about this book appealed to me, from the catchy blurb, to the stunning cover, to the treasure hunting plot, complete with Nazis on their trail. This book is compared to Indiana Jones and the Mummy (two of my all time favorite movie series!) as well as Tomb Raider (which I prefer Uncharted, but Tomb Raider is good too).
I was prepared to LOVE this.
Sadly, I didn’t. I liked it well enough, but I didn’t love it.
Most of my issues with the book have to do with the main character Mel. I just didn’t really enjoy being in her head. She had a temper and it would flare up at the weirdest things and she would be super offended about minor things. She was also very inconsistent and frequently went against things that didn’t feel right in her head or heart, and would then be shocked when things blew up in her face.
For a situation where essentially nazis are after them, the story was quite slow in spots. I never really felt the sense of urgency because there was so much introspection and thinking by the main character. They would get away from the nazis and then wouldn’t encounter them for pages and pages, and then the Nazis would find them in the weirdest places.
I didn’t love the romance either. Bes wasn’t the most interesting love interest to me, and I didn’t really feel a connection between them, mostly because Mel spent most of the book flip flopping about whether or not she should trust him.
I also really didn’t like the anti Christian comments. I read a ton of secular books and it doesn’t usually bother me if characters are not religious (or anti religion) but in this case, it did. Mel seemed to go on and on forever about how awful Christianity is which didn’t have anything to do with the plot. But then she would say “thank God we got away” and Bes (I think) would say something like “instead of thanking god, you should be thanking me” or whatever. If there had been one or two comments it wouldn’t have bothered me, but these comments occurred all the time. It also really removed any sense of urgency that they can just sit around discussing theology instead of figuring out what to do about the villains after them.
I did really enjoy the beginning (which felt the most Tomb Raider-y, to the point that I basically pictured Mel as a blonde Lara) and the moments when the Nazis were after them were exciting as well.
There was also a reference to Last Crusade which I LOVED and was very funny and well done. I also really enjoyed the treasure hunting aspects. And that cover is gorgeous! If Mel had been more likable than she was, I would definitely have rated this higher.
I was prepared to LOVE this.
Sadly, I didn’t. I liked it well enough, but I didn’t love it.
Most of my issues with the book have to do with the main character Mel. I just didn’t really enjoy being in her head. She had a temper and it would flare up at the weirdest things and she would be super offended about minor things. She was also very inconsistent and frequently went against things that didn’t feel right in her head or heart, and would then be shocked when things blew up in her face.
For a situation where essentially nazis are after them, the story was quite slow in spots. I never really felt the sense of urgency because there was so much introspection and thinking by the main character. They would get away from the nazis and then wouldn’t encounter them for pages and pages, and then the Nazis would find them in the weirdest places.
I didn’t love the romance either. Bes wasn’t the most interesting love interest to me, and I didn’t really feel a connection between them, mostly because Mel spent most of the book flip flopping about whether or not she should trust him.
I also really didn’t like the anti Christian comments. I read a ton of secular books and it doesn’t usually bother me if characters are not religious (or anti religion) but in this case, it did. Mel seemed to go on and on forever about how awful Christianity is which didn’t have anything to do with the plot. But then she would say “thank God we got away” and Bes (I think) would say something like “instead of thanking god, you should be thanking me” or whatever. If there had been one or two comments it wouldn’t have bothered me, but these comments occurred all the time. It also really removed any sense of urgency that they can just sit around discussing theology instead of figuring out what to do about the villains after them.
I did really enjoy the beginning (which felt the most Tomb Raider-y, to the point that I basically pictured Mel as a blonde Lara) and the moments when the Nazis were after them were exciting as well.
There was also a reference to Last Crusade which I LOVED and was very funny and well done. I also really enjoyed the treasure hunting aspects. And that cover is gorgeous! If Mel had been more likable than she was, I would definitely have rated this higher.
Review of advance copy received from Author
22 year old Mel is on her first solo archeology expedition. She's being paid to find the Amulet of Amun by the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. Things go horribly wrong when her guide ends up being a Nazi and member of the Thule Society - a group from the Third Reich determined to obtain ancient and magical items for Hitler. Upon extracting the amulet and escaping from the tomb of Seti the First, Mel runs into Bes, who really is from the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. The duo escape from her Nazi captor and safely arrive at the museum, where they meet up with Bes's cousin, Cec. What follows is a whirlwind adventure of danger, secrets, and magic as Mel, Bes, and Cec attempt to outrun the Thule Society and keep the amulet out of fascist hands.
I'm rounding my review up to 4 stars. I enjoyed the high stakes action and adventure of the story. The main trio played off of each other well, and I liked the banter between characters. Cec was a much needed character. His playfulness and joking nature balanced out the seriousness of Bes and Mel. The world building was beautifully done. I could easily picture myself in 1930's Egypt and Italy, upon the high seas, and in the underground society where Bes and Cec grew up.
There were two things that lessened the experience for me. The first was the length of the book. It was at least 50 pages too long. There was a lot of repetition from Mel's inner dialog about her distrust and anxieties. Sometimes I found myself skipping her monologues so I could get back to the plot.
Her attitude as a protagonist also put me off at times. She's a spoiled brat, who gets called a brat by others, then she reflects on her actions - often apologizing, just to throw another tantrum not two minutes later. As soon as it looked like she was growing as a character, she'd regress. Some of her negative attitude is justified, don't get me wrong. She's learned huge secrets about her family, has had multiple people try to kill her, has killed other people, and her new friends haven't been fully honest with her. In the end I'm not sure she did enough to fully redeem herself, yet when I finished the book I wasn't mad at her.
Mel's volatile temper aside, I did thoroughly enjoy this book. I do think there is hope for her character arch as the series progresses. I have been yearning for a good archeological historical fiction adventure for a long time, and this one hit the mark. I am invested in what is next to come!
Thank you to the author for providing an advanced reader copy.
I'm rounding my review up to 4 stars. I enjoyed the high stakes action and adventure of the story. The main trio played off of each other well, and I liked the banter between characters. Cec was a much needed character. His playfulness and joking nature balanced out the seriousness of Bes and Mel. The world building was beautifully done. I could easily picture myself in 1930's Egypt and Italy, upon the high seas, and in the underground society where Bes and Cec grew up.
There were two things that lessened the experience for me. The first was the length of the book. It was at least 50 pages too long. There was a lot of repetition from Mel's inner dialog about her distrust and anxieties. Sometimes I found myself skipping her monologues so I could get back to the plot.
Her attitude as a protagonist also put me off at times. She's a spoiled brat, who gets called a brat by others, then she reflects on her actions - often apologizing, just to throw another tantrum not two minutes later. As soon as it looked like she was growing as a character, she'd regress. Some of her negative attitude is justified, don't get me wrong. She's learned huge secrets about her family, has had multiple people try to kill her, has killed other people, and her new friends haven't been fully honest with her. In the end I'm not sure she did enough to fully redeem herself, yet when I finished the book I wasn't mad at her.
Mel's volatile temper aside, I did thoroughly enjoy this book. I do think there is hope for her character arch as the series progresses. I have been yearning for a good archeological historical fiction adventure for a long time, and this one hit the mark. I am invested in what is next to come!
Thank you to the author for providing an advanced reader copy.
April 20, 2026
Rating: 2.5 ⭐️
Thank you to the author for giving me the chance to read this as an arc, I’m incredibly grateful for that opportunity.
Unfortunately, I struggled a lot with this book and came close to DNF-ing a few times. I’ll start by saying I adored Cec as a character, I’d read a book entirely about him. I think the Indiana Jones vibe was definitely there, and I could see it being developed and made stronger as the series goes on which will be very interesting. I don’t think it really had “The Mummy” vibes though which was the second thing it was marketed as.
I felt that, from a romance perspective, there was far more chemistry between Cec and Mel than Mel and Bes. The way it was felt forced, and unnatural.
Mel had a lot of potential but she ultimately came across as pushing the “I’m not like other girls” idea which I wasn’t a fan of. She has some great building blocks - she’s clearly knowledgeable, she’s a cool archaeologist/treasure hunter, she has a small number of vulnerable moments but it just wasn’t enough for me to care for her much. She also seemed somewhat temperamental but over weird things and that sometimes got annoying.
This book also had modern ideas and values placed into the 1930s world. Whilst that can (and has been) done in books, it didn’t feel well done here. It was clunky and a little forced at times making the book feel almost preachy rather than the characters genuinely holding modern views. If this book was picked up and placed into 2026 with almost everything being kept the same… it would have fitted better maybe and not have a disjointed vibe. I don’t know how to explain it but it just wasn’t smooth for me compared to other things I’ve read that did have historical settings yet modern and diverse ideas.
The book was also just … really quite repetitive throughout.
A lot of potential but maybe it wasn’t for me which is a shame as I adore Indiana Jones, The Mummy, and fantasy books.
Thank you to the author for giving me the chance to read this as an arc, I’m incredibly grateful for that opportunity.
Unfortunately, I struggled a lot with this book and came close to DNF-ing a few times. I’ll start by saying I adored Cec as a character, I’d read a book entirely about him. I think the Indiana Jones vibe was definitely there, and I could see it being developed and made stronger as the series goes on which will be very interesting. I don’t think it really had “The Mummy” vibes though which was the second thing it was marketed as.
I felt that, from a romance perspective, there was far more chemistry between Cec and Mel than Mel and Bes. The way it was felt forced, and unnatural.
Mel had a lot of potential but she ultimately came across as pushing the “I’m not like other girls” idea which I wasn’t a fan of. She has some great building blocks - she’s clearly knowledgeable, she’s a cool archaeologist/treasure hunter, she has a small number of vulnerable moments but it just wasn’t enough for me to care for her much. She also seemed somewhat temperamental but over weird things and that sometimes got annoying.
This book also had modern ideas and values placed into the 1930s world. Whilst that can (and has been) done in books, it didn’t feel well done here. It was clunky and a little forced at times making the book feel almost preachy rather than the characters genuinely holding modern views. If this book was picked up and placed into 2026 with almost everything being kept the same… it would have fitted better maybe and not have a disjointed vibe. I don’t know how to explain it but it just wasn’t smooth for me compared to other things I’ve read that did have historical settings yet modern and diverse ideas.
The book was also just … really quite repetitive throughout.
A lot of potential but maybe it wasn’t for me which is a shame as I adore Indiana Jones, The Mummy, and fantasy books.
April 18, 2026
Okay but this?? An absolute vibe.
I had such a good time with this book. It’s giving The Mummy meets Indiana Jones with just a sprinkle of The Da Vinci Code… and whispers yes, there’s a cult involved. You’re welcome.
We meet Amelia on her very first solo collection job, because her grandmother decided to sit this one out (rude, honestly). Her assignment? Casually travel across the world to Egypt and retrieve an ancient relic for a museum. Easy, right?
Wrong.
Because apparently no one thought to mention that this relic is highly sought after… especially by Germans. And oh, did I forget to say this is set during the Nazi regime? Yeah. Stakes = immediately raised.
Amelia is very much giving Evie from The Mummy, smart, a little chaotic, thrown into danger against her will. Would I have loved just a touch more badassery? Sure. But I was still fully on board.
What starts as a straightforward job spirals fast when we meet Bes and Cec, two cousins tangled up in something way bigger than Amelia ever signed up for. Suddenly she’s deep in a world of secrets, danger, and chaos… and thriving more than she probably should be.
This book really has a bit of everything: action, adventure, a genuinely satisfying slow-burn romance, and villains that made me want to throw hands. And not just one villain, a whole collection of them. Love that for me (hate that for Amelia).
I’m giving this one a solid 4.5⭐. The storyline pulled me in, and even though historical reads aren’t usually my go-to, this one worked. M.K. did such a great job, and honestly? There’s so much potential for more with these characters, I need to see where this goes next.
Thank you so much to the author for allowing me to experience this ARC! 🫶🏻
I had such a good time with this book. It’s giving The Mummy meets Indiana Jones with just a sprinkle of The Da Vinci Code… and whispers yes, there’s a cult involved. You’re welcome.
We meet Amelia on her very first solo collection job, because her grandmother decided to sit this one out (rude, honestly). Her assignment? Casually travel across the world to Egypt and retrieve an ancient relic for a museum. Easy, right?
Wrong.
Because apparently no one thought to mention that this relic is highly sought after… especially by Germans. And oh, did I forget to say this is set during the Nazi regime? Yeah. Stakes = immediately raised.
Amelia is very much giving Evie from The Mummy, smart, a little chaotic, thrown into danger against her will. Would I have loved just a touch more badassery? Sure. But I was still fully on board.
What starts as a straightforward job spirals fast when we meet Bes and Cec, two cousins tangled up in something way bigger than Amelia ever signed up for. Suddenly she’s deep in a world of secrets, danger, and chaos… and thriving more than she probably should be.
This book really has a bit of everything: action, adventure, a genuinely satisfying slow-burn romance, and villains that made me want to throw hands. And not just one villain, a whole collection of them. Love that for me (hate that for Amelia).
I’m giving this one a solid 4.5⭐. The storyline pulled me in, and even though historical reads aren’t usually my go-to, this one worked. M.K. did such a great job, and honestly? There’s so much potential for more with these characters, I need to see where this goes next.
Thank you so much to the author for allowing me to experience this ARC! 🫶🏻
April 20, 2026
Thank you to the author for the gifted eARC!
———
For someone re-indulging in their archaeological adventure era, this story came to me at the perfect time. Set in the historical late 1930s, we are thrown into a world of secret societies, deadly oaths, and magical ancient artifacts. Alliances are questioned, betrayals absolute, and banter gives way to undeniable, unavoidable chemistry between our main character and her brooding companion.
This book was great. The worldbuilding, overarching plot, and characterizations of our main trio were all fantastic. The sensitivity with which some of the horrible aspects of the time period—aka the rise of the Third Reich—was expertly handled. I was hooked ‘til the very end. I think this is a great start to a very promising concept. I’m eager to see what happens next. For fans of Indiana Jones and The Mummy, I would highly recommend this book.
———
For someone re-indulging in their archaeological adventure era, this story came to me at the perfect time. Set in the historical late 1930s, we are thrown into a world of secret societies, deadly oaths, and magical ancient artifacts. Alliances are questioned, betrayals absolute, and banter gives way to undeniable, unavoidable chemistry between our main character and her brooding companion.
This book was great. The worldbuilding, overarching plot, and characterizations of our main trio were all fantastic. The sensitivity with which some of the horrible aspects of the time period—aka the rise of the Third Reich—was expertly handled. I was hooked ‘til the very end. I think this is a great start to a very promising concept. I’m eager to see what happens next. For fans of Indiana Jones and The Mummy, I would highly recommend this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Unfortunately DNF around 47% due to the excessive anti Christianity phrases and blasphemous comments of the characters.
Also the FMC is angry at everyone and everything the entire time which is annoying.
And with too many repetitive sentences used for the same scenarios over and over.
I was looking forward to this book because I loved the idea of exploring Egypt and other places, and also because the first book of this author was amazing. But unfortunately I will not finish this one.
Also the FMC is angry at everyone and everything the entire time which is annoying.
And with too many repetitive sentences used for the same scenarios over and over.
I was looking forward to this book because I loved the idea of exploring Egypt and other places, and also because the first book of this author was amazing. But unfortunately I will not finish this one.
April 1, 2026
The combination of Indiana Jones, the Mummy, and Tomb Raider vibes in this book make for a nostalgic but ultimately new and unique experience. Mel the FMC is feisty and headstrong but extremely intelligent and academic lead that allows the story to move forward in the best way possible. She meets up with Bes (drool) who is an academic with a lot of secrets and Cec who is hysterical but kind to deliver this amulet (so cool, no spoilers here) to their Uncle. The historical and religious parallels in this story are so interesting and well incorporated… highly recommend a read! Thanks to the author for trusting me with this ARC!
April 26, 2026
this was exactly what I needed it to be
arc rating & review:
5 🌟
this was phenomenal. dare I say her best book yet?? i’ve read all her current published books and this is by far my favorite and her best work yet honestly.
there was so much written into this story. it starts out quick and gets the plot moving fast. we’re thrown right into this quest Mel is sent on and it just takes off from there. from fighting fascists, to finding secret magical amulets, to meeting an unlikely but chaotic duo, and then having to navigate the lies and truth from everyone around her! ugh I just loved this so much.
I loved learning about world war II in school and the way she was able to take parts of real world history and tie it into a very unique and action packed story was nothing short of fantastic. I had so many questions and guesses as to what was happening but I rarely got any of them right (which i’m totally ok with!) I loved how she wove in a bit of magic into a story that’s supposed to highlight past history but also have a unique twist to it. I loved the characters and how Mel truly never trusted a soul for most of this book. It was so refreshing to finally have a character that can stand her ground and question everything going on because of how sketchy it all is.
MK packed a huge story and world into a 500 page book and she did a PHENOMENAL job. I would personally love to be thrown into this story and be part of this trio 😭 I love Cec so much and I will defend him until my last breath. such a sweet and kind soul who was never offered anything soft or loving in his life until he met Mel. Of course he had Bes but it’s just so nice to see a strong platonic friendship between Cec and Mel develop over time.
And the SLOW BURN!!!! If there is anything this woman can do it’s write a torturous slow burn. They barely brush hands or have very longing stares until about 60-70% of this book and I was HERE FOR IT!!! I was screaming everytime they stared at each other or lingers in their physical presence for more than a few seconds. Bes and Mel are destined for great things and I am so glad I got to have a piece of them early 🥹
this is the perfect story for anyone who wants something new and different but has strong themes and feels of our favorite books. this lived up to all my expectations and I can’t wait to see what the rest of this story unfolds!!! book two needs to be released asap or I will die (ok not really but still lol)
thank you so much Mk for the arc & being part of the arc team!!! I was not paid or told to review this book. I gladly read it on my own and am sharing my thoughts!
Release day is 5.5.26!!! SO SOON!!! 🪲🗡️🕯️🤍
arc rating & review:
5 🌟
this was phenomenal. dare I say her best book yet?? i’ve read all her current published books and this is by far my favorite and her best work yet honestly.
there was so much written into this story. it starts out quick and gets the plot moving fast. we’re thrown right into this quest Mel is sent on and it just takes off from there. from fighting fascists, to finding secret magical amulets, to meeting an unlikely but chaotic duo, and then having to navigate the lies and truth from everyone around her! ugh I just loved this so much.
I loved learning about world war II in school and the way she was able to take parts of real world history and tie it into a very unique and action packed story was nothing short of fantastic. I had so many questions and guesses as to what was happening but I rarely got any of them right (which i’m totally ok with!) I loved how she wove in a bit of magic into a story that’s supposed to highlight past history but also have a unique twist to it. I loved the characters and how Mel truly never trusted a soul for most of this book. It was so refreshing to finally have a character that can stand her ground and question everything going on because of how sketchy it all is.
MK packed a huge story and world into a 500 page book and she did a PHENOMENAL job. I would personally love to be thrown into this story and be part of this trio 😭 I love Cec so much and I will defend him until my last breath. such a sweet and kind soul who was never offered anything soft or loving in his life until he met Mel. Of course he had Bes but it’s just so nice to see a strong platonic friendship between Cec and Mel develop over time.
And the SLOW BURN!!!! If there is anything this woman can do it’s write a torturous slow burn. They barely brush hands or have very longing stares until about 60-70% of this book and I was HERE FOR IT!!! I was screaming everytime they stared at each other or lingers in their physical presence for more than a few seconds. Bes and Mel are destined for great things and I am so glad I got to have a piece of them early 🥹
this is the perfect story for anyone who wants something new and different but has strong themes and feels of our favorite books. this lived up to all my expectations and I can’t wait to see what the rest of this story unfolds!!! book two needs to be released asap or I will die (ok not really but still lol)
thank you so much Mk for the arc & being part of the arc team!!! I was not paid or told to review this book. I gladly read it on my own and am sharing my thoughts!
Release day is 5.5.26!!! SO SOON!!! 🪲🗡️🕯️🤍
March 25, 2026
Thank you so much to the author for providing me with an eARC in order to read this before the release date!
This is literally one of my favorite books of the year, and probably of all time. I have never finished a book and then immediately wanted to start it all over again (which I would totally do if I had the time, but maybe when it comes out I’ll do a reread🤭) I have no words to describe how much I loved this book. If you like The Mummy or any Lara Croft movie, you are going to fall in love with the story and these characters.
Speaking of characters, I loved our FMC Mel even if she could be a bit hard headed at times. She’s outspoken and doesn’t let society’s rules hold her back. Cec is also a delight. His sarcasm and humor was a joy to see in conjunction with the other characters, and I just want to give him the biggest hug. And Bes (OMG BES MY LOVE), our MMC, is PERFECTION. He’s more of a soft character, unlike many arrogant MMCs we see, but I loved him all the same. Something about him had me squealing whenever he was on the page and he has made his way to the top of my book boyfriend list. I NEED more of this kind, charming man. Even when I wasn’t reading, I was thinking about Bes (like actually daydreaming about him).
The romance was one of my favorite parts in this book and be warned it’s SLOW BURN. The tiniest hints we got of it had me giggling and kicking my feet, and I’m dying to see more in the sequel. The tension between Mel and Bes was immaculate and I ate up every moment when they were together.
While the romance was delectable, the plot itself was also fun and intriguing. I loved the adventure aspect to it and all the places we got to go alongside all the characters. My treasure hunting heart was very happy. I really enjoyed the small bits of magic we get and can’t wait to see how it’ll influence the rest of the overall story.
This was such a joy to read and I will treasure this story for many years to come. These characters feel like my friends and I’m devastated that I finished because I have to let them go now. I will be eagerly anticipating the second book when I get to join them on their next adventure. This book feels as though it’s a part of my soul now and I cannot stop thinking about it. More people need to read it so I can talk about it. Truly a fantastic novel that I HIGHLY recommend that you check out🥰
This is literally one of my favorite books of the year, and probably of all time. I have never finished a book and then immediately wanted to start it all over again (which I would totally do if I had the time, but maybe when it comes out I’ll do a reread🤭) I have no words to describe how much I loved this book. If you like The Mummy or any Lara Croft movie, you are going to fall in love with the story and these characters.
Speaking of characters, I loved our FMC Mel even if she could be a bit hard headed at times. She’s outspoken and doesn’t let society’s rules hold her back. Cec is also a delight. His sarcasm and humor was a joy to see in conjunction with the other characters, and I just want to give him the biggest hug. And Bes (OMG BES MY LOVE), our MMC, is PERFECTION. He’s more of a soft character, unlike many arrogant MMCs we see, but I loved him all the same. Something about him had me squealing whenever he was on the page and he has made his way to the top of my book boyfriend list. I NEED more of this kind, charming man. Even when I wasn’t reading, I was thinking about Bes (like actually daydreaming about him).
The romance was one of my favorite parts in this book and be warned it’s SLOW BURN. The tiniest hints we got of it had me giggling and kicking my feet, and I’m dying to see more in the sequel. The tension between Mel and Bes was immaculate and I ate up every moment when they were together.
While the romance was delectable, the plot itself was also fun and intriguing. I loved the adventure aspect to it and all the places we got to go alongside all the characters. My treasure hunting heart was very happy. I really enjoyed the small bits of magic we get and can’t wait to see how it’ll influence the rest of the overall story.
This was such a joy to read and I will treasure this story for many years to come. These characters feel like my friends and I’m devastated that I finished because I have to let them go now. I will be eagerly anticipating the second book when I get to join them on their next adventure. This book feels as though it’s a part of my soul now and I cannot stop thinking about it. More people need to read it so I can talk about it. Truly a fantastic novel that I HIGHLY recommend that you check out🥰
April 24, 2026
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.75)
Indiana Jones vibes with a conspiracy twist… fun, but a little messy.
This was a fast-paced, cinematic adventure that throws you straight into action and does not let up. If you’re looking for something with strong Indiana Jones energy mixed with a bit of The Da Vinci Code–style conspiracy, this definitely delivers on that front. It’s chaotic, plot-heavy, and honestly a pretty fun ride.
What I liked:
The action starts immediately and keeps going, which made this super easy to fly through—especially in the beginning. It has that globe-trotting, treasure-hunting feel with high stakes and constant movement. Cecilio was easily my favorite character; he had the most personality and the best banter, and I found myself way more invested whenever he was on the page.
What didn’t work for me:
Somewhere around the middle, I started to lose the thread of the plot. It felt like the story kept adding new elements—secret societies, codes, magic—without fully grounding them, and by the end I wasn’t always sure what the main goal was anymore. The pacing also started to drag because of how many similar action sequences we got back-to-back.
I also struggled to connect with the characters, especially Amelia and Bes. A lot of their dynamic felt told rather than built, and I never fully bought into their relationship. On top of that, the historical setting felt more like a backdrop than something immersive—there were a few modern-feeling details and sensibilities that pulled me out at times.
Closing thoughts:
Overall, this is a fun, action-packed adventure if you go in for the vibes and don’t overthink the details. I just wish it had been a bit tighter and more grounded in both its characters and plot.
Indiana Jones vibes with a conspiracy twist… fun, but a little messy.
This was a fast-paced, cinematic adventure that throws you straight into action and does not let up. If you’re looking for something with strong Indiana Jones energy mixed with a bit of The Da Vinci Code–style conspiracy, this definitely delivers on that front. It’s chaotic, plot-heavy, and honestly a pretty fun ride.
What I liked:
The action starts immediately and keeps going, which made this super easy to fly through—especially in the beginning. It has that globe-trotting, treasure-hunting feel with high stakes and constant movement. Cecilio was easily my favorite character; he had the most personality and the best banter, and I found myself way more invested whenever he was on the page.
What didn’t work for me:
Somewhere around the middle, I started to lose the thread of the plot. It felt like the story kept adding new elements—secret societies, codes, magic—without fully grounding them, and by the end I wasn’t always sure what the main goal was anymore. The pacing also started to drag because of how many similar action sequences we got back-to-back.
I also struggled to connect with the characters, especially Amelia and Bes. A lot of their dynamic felt told rather than built, and I never fully bought into their relationship. On top of that, the historical setting felt more like a backdrop than something immersive—there were a few modern-feeling details and sensibilities that pulled me out at times.
Closing thoughts:
Overall, this is a fun, action-packed adventure if you go in for the vibes and don’t overthink the details. I just wish it had been a bit tighter and more grounded in both its characters and plot.
April 24, 2026
Indiana Jones meets Tomb Raider meets Uncharted meets The Mummy 🪲🥾🐪
This book was very entertaining and drew me in with its comparison to films I adored as a child and still adore as an adult. I could tell that the author also held the same adoration for these films/games, which added to the experience of reading her book.
To start with some highlights, I really enjoyed the world building and found that there had been a lot of research into what 1930s Egypt and Italy would entail, which was incredible! Often in historical fiction novels I find myself lost in time, but I felt tethered to this book because of the author’s rich understanding of the world and her ability to convey that clearly to her readers. Additionally, I liked the main trio (Mel, Cec, and Bes) as they all interacted well and played off of each other well! The magic and connection to the Egyptian gods was also something I found really interesting, especially as someone who grew up with The Mummy.
Some things that I didn’t feel as connected to was being stuck in Mel’s head during her consistent volatile moods. Don’t get me wrong, Mel has a LOT going on and is on the run from literal Nazis, but often she would flare up, reflect, cool down, and then start the cycle over again. There was little change and growth from her and I was expecting something of the sort towards the end in that regard.
All things considered, I found this novel to be perfect for summer and a very entertaining read with likable characters who fight for the greater good.
Thank you M.K. Deoradhán for the ARC of this book!
This book was very entertaining and drew me in with its comparison to films I adored as a child and still adore as an adult. I could tell that the author also held the same adoration for these films/games, which added to the experience of reading her book.
To start with some highlights, I really enjoyed the world building and found that there had been a lot of research into what 1930s Egypt and Italy would entail, which was incredible! Often in historical fiction novels I find myself lost in time, but I felt tethered to this book because of the author’s rich understanding of the world and her ability to convey that clearly to her readers. Additionally, I liked the main trio (Mel, Cec, and Bes) as they all interacted well and played off of each other well! The magic and connection to the Egyptian gods was also something I found really interesting, especially as someone who grew up with The Mummy.
Some things that I didn’t feel as connected to was being stuck in Mel’s head during her consistent volatile moods. Don’t get me wrong, Mel has a LOT going on and is on the run from literal Nazis, but often she would flare up, reflect, cool down, and then start the cycle over again. There was little change and growth from her and I was expecting something of the sort towards the end in that regard.
All things considered, I found this novel to be perfect for summer and a very entertaining read with likable characters who fight for the greater good.
Thank you M.K. Deoradhán for the ARC of this book!
April 21, 2026
This was a solid adventure!
I always enjoy a good historical fiction with fantasy elements thrown in and this was a solid one.
The story was well paced and engaging. I couldn’t stand the FMC but I think that shows the talent of the authors writing in building characters that elicit emotion out of the reader:) I did however, love the two mmcs:)
I liked the romancing the stone-Indiana jones vibes. I’m also looking forward to seeing how the characters grow in the future as it definitely is open for a sequel;)
Thank you to the author for the arc. This review is freely given and the words are my own:)
I always enjoy a good historical fiction with fantasy elements thrown in and this was a solid one.
The story was well paced and engaging. I couldn’t stand the FMC but I think that shows the talent of the authors writing in building characters that elicit emotion out of the reader:) I did however, love the two mmcs:)
I liked the romancing the stone-Indiana jones vibes. I’m also looking forward to seeing how the characters grow in the future as it definitely is open for a sequel;)
Thank you to the author for the arc. This review is freely given and the words are my own:)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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!
April 11, 2026
⚔️ Tomb Raider, but make it WWII, magic, and a little bit unhinged 👀
First off, huge thank you to M.K. Doeradhán for the eARC! This one had me from the concept alone and did NOT let go.
Think: dangerous artifact hunts, secret societies, Nazi era intrigue, and just enough mystical chaos to keep you flipping pages way past bedtime. I absolutely devoured this. The blend of historical fiction with magical archaeology = Obsessed.
Mel & Bes??? The tension. The yearning. The chef’s kiss of it all.
And Cec, truly the MVP for keeping things light when the stakes got REAL.
I also loved the unique angle on WWII history, especially the focus on Germany’s obsession with collecting powerful art and artifacts. It added such a rich, eerie layer to the story.
💎 Fast paced
📜 Atmospheric
🤠 Nerdy in the best way
💀 Just enough romance to make your heart ache
Needless to say I am already feral waiting for book two (there WILL be one, right?! 😅)
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
First off, huge thank you to M.K. Doeradhán for the eARC! This one had me from the concept alone and did NOT let go.
Think: dangerous artifact hunts, secret societies, Nazi era intrigue, and just enough mystical chaos to keep you flipping pages way past bedtime. I absolutely devoured this. The blend of historical fiction with magical archaeology = Obsessed.
Mel & Bes??? The tension. The yearning. The chef’s kiss of it all.
And Cec, truly the MVP for keeping things light when the stakes got REAL.
I also loved the unique angle on WWII history, especially the focus on Germany’s obsession with collecting powerful art and artifacts. It added such a rich, eerie layer to the story.
💎 Fast paced
📜 Atmospheric
🤠 Nerdy in the best way
💀 Just enough romance to make your heart ache
Needless to say I am already feral waiting for book two (there WILL be one, right?! 😅)
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
April 9, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5 stars)
Bloodstone feels like a treasure unearthed at the crossroads of adventure and myth — as though the spirit of Indiana Jones, Tomb Raider, and The Mummy has been distilled into something darker, more intimate, and quietly spellbinding. There’s that same sense of discovery, danger, and ancient pull… but layered with a depth that lingers far beyond the thrill of the chase.
I had the absolute pleasure of reading this as an ARC, and it’s one of those stories that feels like it’s holding its breath — like something larger is always just beneath the surface, waiting.
Without revealing too much, Bloodstone unfolds in layers — magic threaded through tension, mystery woven into every interaction, and an atmosphere that lingers long after you’ve stepped away. It’s not a story that rushes; it unfurls. And in doing so, it allows its characters the space to feel real — flawed, complicated, and achingly human.
The character dynamics are where this story truly glows. The push and pull between the FMC and MMC is charged with unspoken tension and shifting understanding, evolving in a way that feels both natural and compelling.
And then there’s Cecilio — who completely stole scenes in the most effortless way. His presence brings a perfectly timed lightness to the story, offering moments of humour exactly when they’re needed, without ever breaking the emotional weight of the narrative. More than that, he subtly sharpens the dynamic between the FMC and MMC, acting almost like a quiet catalyst — nudging, grounding, and occasionally disarming them in ways that made their interactions even richer. I adored him.
The pacing leans into a slower, more deliberate rhythm, which may not be for everyone — but for me, it added to the sense of immersion. When the story does shift, it does so with purpose, and there are moments that genuinely caught me off guard.
The reason this sits at 4.5 stars rather than a full five comes down to wanting just a touch more in certain areas — a little more depth here, a little more expansion there. But even so, the atmosphere, character work, and underlying tension made this an incredibly engaging read.
✨ If you love stories that feel like:
– ancient secrets waiting to be uncovered
– slow-burning tension beneath high-stakes adventure
– character dynamics that evolve and linger
– humour woven gently through darker threads
…Bloodstone is one to keep firmly on your radar.
If this is where the path ends for now… I have a feeling its roots lead somewhere far more extraordinary. ✨
Bloodstone feels like a treasure unearthed at the crossroads of adventure and myth — as though the spirit of Indiana Jones, Tomb Raider, and The Mummy has been distilled into something darker, more intimate, and quietly spellbinding. There’s that same sense of discovery, danger, and ancient pull… but layered with a depth that lingers far beyond the thrill of the chase.
I had the absolute pleasure of reading this as an ARC, and it’s one of those stories that feels like it’s holding its breath — like something larger is always just beneath the surface, waiting.
Without revealing too much, Bloodstone unfolds in layers — magic threaded through tension, mystery woven into every interaction, and an atmosphere that lingers long after you’ve stepped away. It’s not a story that rushes; it unfurls. And in doing so, it allows its characters the space to feel real — flawed, complicated, and achingly human.
The character dynamics are where this story truly glows. The push and pull between the FMC and MMC is charged with unspoken tension and shifting understanding, evolving in a way that feels both natural and compelling.
And then there’s Cecilio — who completely stole scenes in the most effortless way. His presence brings a perfectly timed lightness to the story, offering moments of humour exactly when they’re needed, without ever breaking the emotional weight of the narrative. More than that, he subtly sharpens the dynamic between the FMC and MMC, acting almost like a quiet catalyst — nudging, grounding, and occasionally disarming them in ways that made their interactions even richer. I adored him.
The pacing leans into a slower, more deliberate rhythm, which may not be for everyone — but for me, it added to the sense of immersion. When the story does shift, it does so with purpose, and there are moments that genuinely caught me off guard.
The reason this sits at 4.5 stars rather than a full five comes down to wanting just a touch more in certain areas — a little more depth here, a little more expansion there. But even so, the atmosphere, character work, and underlying tension made this an incredibly engaging read.
✨ If you love stories that feel like:
– ancient secrets waiting to be uncovered
– slow-burning tension beneath high-stakes adventure
– character dynamics that evolve and linger
– humour woven gently through darker threads
…Bloodstone is one to keep firmly on your radar.
If this is where the path ends for now… I have a feeling its roots lead somewhere far more extraordinary. ✨
May 1, 2026
This is a story that grips you from the first page. I found myself glued to the pages trying to figure out how Amelia was going to get out of each situation. I loved the small nods to Indiana Jones, especially with knives versus gun fights. The plot was solid, and had a clear direction for readers to follow. The pacing of this novel was perfect, each line captured my attention one after the other.
Amelia is the perfect combination of Lara Croft and Indiana Jones. We are presented with a FMC who is whip smart and ready for action making her nonna proud. There were a lot of times that I loved her personally, heavy on act now think later, and some times when I would express my frustration to an empty room on some of her decisions. This is what makes a great character, someone human like us, who can make impulsive decisions.
The descriptions were correct when naming Amelia, Bes, and Cec a chaotic trio. They all had different personalities that complemented one another. Their dynamic made the book even more memorable, as their interactions with each other was my favorite part of this book. Aside from the trio I do love a good brooding love interest, and a man like Bes is definitely a catch. The only thing I would want more of is a slow burn for their relationship to really grow and really tune the chemistry.
I do have to mention the various anti Christianity speeches in the book, and as a reader I can accept differing opinions without letting it affect my judgement of the book. Did I find those parts necessary to the story… not really. But as a whole this was a solid adventure story that I will continuously re read. This was a great break from fantasy, and a genuinely fun read. If the story doesn’t draw you in, the characters and scenes will.
Any fans of a fast paced action/adventure, daring heroines, and 1940’s history… look no further for a new book to dig into. Thank you so much for letting me arc read, I’ve had an absolute blast.
Amelia is the perfect combination of Lara Croft and Indiana Jones. We are presented with a FMC who is whip smart and ready for action making her nonna proud. There were a lot of times that I loved her personally, heavy on act now think later, and some times when I would express my frustration to an empty room on some of her decisions. This is what makes a great character, someone human like us, who can make impulsive decisions.
The descriptions were correct when naming Amelia, Bes, and Cec a chaotic trio. They all had different personalities that complemented one another. Their dynamic made the book even more memorable, as their interactions with each other was my favorite part of this book. Aside from the trio I do love a good brooding love interest, and a man like Bes is definitely a catch. The only thing I would want more of is a slow burn for their relationship to really grow and really tune the chemistry.
I do have to mention the various anti Christianity speeches in the book, and as a reader I can accept differing opinions without letting it affect my judgement of the book. Did I find those parts necessary to the story… not really. But as a whole this was a solid adventure story that I will continuously re read. This was a great break from fantasy, and a genuinely fun read. If the story doesn’t draw you in, the characters and scenes will.
Any fans of a fast paced action/adventure, daring heroines, and 1940’s history… look no further for a new book to dig into. Thank you so much for letting me arc read, I’ve had an absolute blast.
May 7, 2026
4.5⭐️ - This new romantic historical adventure novel by M.K. Deoradhán was exactly what I was missing in my life! It was action packed and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book. And there was so much to love in this one - a hot-head archeologist FMC, a brooding MMC, a chaotic good trio, a delicious slow burn romance complete with all the tension, plenty of banter, found family, a magical amulet, a hidden society, secrets galore, punching fascists 👊🏼, visually impaired rep, and so much more!
We start out with the action literally from the start. Our FMC Mel is in Egypt to locate an artifact, and she immediately clocks that her guide may not be who he says he is. Chaos ensues once they make it to the temple and she discovers his true identity.
But fear not! Our MMC Bes makes his appearance to assist soon after. But does he truly make things better for Mel, or simply help pull her into further danger? You’ll have to read the book to be the judge of that.
Trust doesn’t come easy for either of our main characters, and that definitely created some friction between Mel and Bes. And the banter between these two was great.
The third person to round out our chaotic good trio is Cec, and he must be protected at all costs. Cec was absolutely my favorite character. He doesn’t let being mostly blind hinder him in the slightest, and honestly he saved our group more times than I could count thanks to his heightened hearing. He brought tons of humor to this one, but his character was way more than just comedic relief. If Cec doesn’t make it out of this series alive, I might riot… 😅
I’m not 100% sure how I feel about the Order yet. I kind of agree with Mel that it might be a cult. 😂 but I can’t deny that they do seem to be the lesser of 2 evils compared to the fascists they’re fighting against. Only time will tell if that remains to be the case.
Thank you so much to M.K. Deoradhán for the gifted ARC! I cannot wait to see what happens next in this series! ✨
We start out with the action literally from the start. Our FMC Mel is in Egypt to locate an artifact, and she immediately clocks that her guide may not be who he says he is. Chaos ensues once they make it to the temple and she discovers his true identity.
But fear not! Our MMC Bes makes his appearance to assist soon after. But does he truly make things better for Mel, or simply help pull her into further danger? You’ll have to read the book to be the judge of that.
Trust doesn’t come easy for either of our main characters, and that definitely created some friction between Mel and Bes. And the banter between these two was great.
The third person to round out our chaotic good trio is Cec, and he must be protected at all costs. Cec was absolutely my favorite character. He doesn’t let being mostly blind hinder him in the slightest, and honestly he saved our group more times than I could count thanks to his heightened hearing. He brought tons of humor to this one, but his character was way more than just comedic relief. If Cec doesn’t make it out of this series alive, I might riot… 😅
I’m not 100% sure how I feel about the Order yet. I kind of agree with Mel that it might be a cult. 😂 but I can’t deny that they do seem to be the lesser of 2 evils compared to the fascists they’re fighting against. Only time will tell if that remains to be the case.
Thank you so much to M.K. Deoradhán for the gifted ARC! I cannot wait to see what happens next in this series! ✨
May 6, 2026
Bloodstone, book one in The Mythic Artifacts series by M. K. Deoradhán
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
3 stars
For me, Bloodstone was a middle-of-the-pack novel that showed some promise but didn’t exactly deliver.🤷🏻♀️
The author did a fantastic job building a moody, evocative world heavy in ancient magic and political tension. (Think Third Reich.) From page one you are smacked in the face with Mel’s action-adventure flick experience in the tomb. We simultaneously learn of the Bloodstone and its origins.
BUT the pacing was all over the place. I really enjoyed the Tomb Raider esque first chapters. The novel started out strong and then it…fizzled. (Which was really disappointing because after an opening like it had, I was ready to set a marathon race with the pace.) Mel also had a lot of conversations with herself in her head. Maybe they would have been more tolerable if she didn’t keep having the same conversation over and over? I felt like I knew what was going to happen well before it did and this made the plot twists land shakily. (For me.)
The characters were also hit-or-miss for me. The FMC was boring and not very memorable despite her killer start. There were also some support characters that felt like they were important but weren’t very well developed. I also found the MMC a bit insufferable (Bis?).
As I said earlier, this novel showed promise. There IS a lot of lore. And I do feel like the ending left it open for a better sequel. (I hope.)
Overall, Bloodstone had potential and is a solid 3/5. Will I read the sequel? The jury is out on that.
Thank you to the author for the digital advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
Expected publish date: TODAY May 5, 2026
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
3 stars
For me, Bloodstone was a middle-of-the-pack novel that showed some promise but didn’t exactly deliver.🤷🏻♀️
The author did a fantastic job building a moody, evocative world heavy in ancient magic and political tension. (Think Third Reich.) From page one you are smacked in the face with Mel’s action-adventure flick experience in the tomb. We simultaneously learn of the Bloodstone and its origins.
BUT the pacing was all over the place. I really enjoyed the Tomb Raider esque first chapters. The novel started out strong and then it…fizzled. (Which was really disappointing because after an opening like it had, I was ready to set a marathon race with the pace.) Mel also had a lot of conversations with herself in her head. Maybe they would have been more tolerable if she didn’t keep having the same conversation over and over? I felt like I knew what was going to happen well before it did and this made the plot twists land shakily. (For me.)
The characters were also hit-or-miss for me. The FMC was boring and not very memorable despite her killer start. There were also some support characters that felt like they were important but weren’t very well developed. I also found the MMC a bit insufferable (Bis?).
As I said earlier, this novel showed promise. There IS a lot of lore. And I do feel like the ending left it open for a better sequel. (I hope.)
Overall, Bloodstone had potential and is a solid 3/5. Will I read the sequel? The jury is out on that.
Thank you to the author for the digital advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
Expected publish date: TODAY May 5, 2026
May 5, 2026
ARC Review
When I first read the blurb, it was an immediate “sign me up” moment. Give me Tomb Raider and Indiana Jones vibes with a strong FMC and I’m already sold.
Bloodstone absolutely delivered on that adventurous, treasure-hunting, bad-guy evading energy.
The plot was such a fun ride. I loved the concept, the pacing of the adventure, and especially the dynamic between the trio. Cec, in particular, was such a standout, he brought balance, charm, and a much-needed grounding presence to the group.
That said, Mel’s POV could be a little frustrating at times. I found myself wanting just a bit more character growth and depth from her. However, this is only the beginning of the series, so I’m hopeful we’ll see that development unfold in future books.
The slow burn romance is definitely slow, we’re talking around 80% before things really shift, which is usually right where I like it. But the payoff was a little short-lived, and I found myself wishing for just a bit more once we finally got there.
Overall, though, I genuinely enjoyed this one. The adventure, the characters, and the premise completely won me over, and I’m already looking forward to the next installment in the Mythic Artifact series- consider this my official request to be signed up for that ARC as well!
Thank you for the opportunity to read this ahead of release
When I first read the blurb, it was an immediate “sign me up” moment. Give me Tomb Raider and Indiana Jones vibes with a strong FMC and I’m already sold.
Bloodstone absolutely delivered on that adventurous, treasure-hunting, bad-guy evading energy.
The plot was such a fun ride. I loved the concept, the pacing of the adventure, and especially the dynamic between the trio. Cec, in particular, was such a standout, he brought balance, charm, and a much-needed grounding presence to the group.
That said, Mel’s POV could be a little frustrating at times. I found myself wanting just a bit more character growth and depth from her. However, this is only the beginning of the series, so I’m hopeful we’ll see that development unfold in future books.
The slow burn romance is definitely slow, we’re talking around 80% before things really shift, which is usually right where I like it. But the payoff was a little short-lived, and I found myself wishing for just a bit more once we finally got there.
Overall, though, I genuinely enjoyed this one. The adventure, the characters, and the premise completely won me over, and I’m already looking forward to the next installment in the Mythic Artifact series- consider this my official request to be signed up for that ARC as well!
Thank you for the opportunity to read this ahead of release
May 5, 2026
ARC Review
"Michigan summers did not prepare me for the sweltering Egyptian sun or the adrenaline of a three-hour car ride with a switchblade in my pocket."
If you grew up wanting to be Indiana Jones or Lara Croft, I found your new obsession. 10/10 🔥
It’s August 1936. American archaeologist Amelia Hawkins arrives in Egypt for her first solo expedition, tasked with retrieving the legendary Amulet of Amun. What should have been a standard archaeological dig turns into a high-stakes race for survival.
The 1930s atmosphere is so vivid..one moment you're in a booby-trapped flooded temple in Egypt, and the next you're navigating the moonlit backstreets of fascist Italy.
The character dynamics are the absolute highlight. Amelia is brilliant and uses her wit as a weapon. Then there’s Bes. He is guarded, devastating, and aggressively bad at feelings. The tension between them is the slowest burn I’ve ever read, and it’s perfect.
The magic system is unlike anything I’ve read..blood oaths that physically bind your tongue, a living Tree of Life that enforces loyalty in your very blood, and an ancient amulet that grants invisibility while revealing people’s auras. It’s grounded, cinematic, and left me desperate for the next book.
If you love The Mummy, Indiana Jones, or Tomb Raider, add this to your TBR immediately!! 📚✨
"Michigan summers did not prepare me for the sweltering Egyptian sun or the adrenaline of a three-hour car ride with a switchblade in my pocket."
If you grew up wanting to be Indiana Jones or Lara Croft, I found your new obsession. 10/10 🔥
It’s August 1936. American archaeologist Amelia Hawkins arrives in Egypt for her first solo expedition, tasked with retrieving the legendary Amulet of Amun. What should have been a standard archaeological dig turns into a high-stakes race for survival.
The 1930s atmosphere is so vivid..one moment you're in a booby-trapped flooded temple in Egypt, and the next you're navigating the moonlit backstreets of fascist Italy.
The character dynamics are the absolute highlight. Amelia is brilliant and uses her wit as a weapon. Then there’s Bes. He is guarded, devastating, and aggressively bad at feelings. The tension between them is the slowest burn I’ve ever read, and it’s perfect.
The magic system is unlike anything I’ve read..blood oaths that physically bind your tongue, a living Tree of Life that enforces loyalty in your very blood, and an ancient amulet that grants invisibility while revealing people’s auras. It’s grounded, cinematic, and left me desperate for the next book.
If you love The Mummy, Indiana Jones, or Tomb Raider, add this to your TBR immediately!! 📚✨
April 11, 2026
Firstly, I want to thank M.K. Deoradhan for the opportunity to read this ARC early!!
WHEN I TELL YOU I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS BOOK!? The Mummy x Lara Croft x Indiana Jones experiences were promised and they were DELIVERED!
The plot of the story really had me feeling like I was along for the ride! The world building, how these quests came to life were so vivid!! Can I be a treasure hunter too!? I’d love to join a secret society protecting artifacts of the world. The archaeology, the history, philosophy elements intertwined in this story are chefs kiss.
I had such a great time reading this ! Our FMC Mel is a delight! She’s spunky, outspoken, has a big heart but also has flaws. She can be a bit hard-headed at times but like… who isn’t!? Our MMC, Bes!? Pleaseeeeeee he is perfect. How he carries himself, his surety, his charm!? What a guy! A walking green flag!!
The absolute slowwwwwww burnnnnnnn between these two is sooo good! And the tension!? Cut it outtttttttt, the giggles, the grins lighting up my face were frequent!!! CEC!? My babyyyyy I loveeeee himmmm! His sarcasm and his whit, his humor.. the bestest best friend anyone could want.
Friendddssssss… if you’re looking for banter for days, action packed historical adventure, a little romance, then this is ABSOLUTELY THE BOOK FOR YOU!!!
WHEN I TELL YOU I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS BOOK!? The Mummy x Lara Croft x Indiana Jones experiences were promised and they were DELIVERED!
The plot of the story really had me feeling like I was along for the ride! The world building, how these quests came to life were so vivid!! Can I be a treasure hunter too!? I’d love to join a secret society protecting artifacts of the world. The archaeology, the history, philosophy elements intertwined in this story are chefs kiss.
I had such a great time reading this ! Our FMC Mel is a delight! She’s spunky, outspoken, has a big heart but also has flaws. She can be a bit hard-headed at times but like… who isn’t!? Our MMC, Bes!? Pleaseeeeeee he is perfect. How he carries himself, his surety, his charm!? What a guy! A walking green flag!!
The absolute slowwwwwww burnnnnnnn between these two is sooo good! And the tension!? Cut it outtttttttt, the giggles, the grins lighting up my face were frequent!!! CEC!? My babyyyyy I loveeeee himmmm! His sarcasm and his whit, his humor.. the bestest best friend anyone could want.
Friendddssssss… if you’re looking for banter for days, action packed historical adventure, a little romance, then this is ABSOLUTELY THE BOOK FOR YOU!!!
May 5, 2026
Thank you to M.K. Deoradhán for entrusting me with a gifted early copy!
Bloodstone by M.K. Deoradhán
The Mythic Artifacts book 1
Romantic historical action/adventure
Artifact hunter FMC, brooding MMC, danger and on the run, banter, visually impaired rep, secret society, The Mummy vibes, reluctant allies to ?, magical artifacts, chaotic good trio, found family, so many secrets, slowwww burn (steamy)
Mel is in Egypt to find an artifact for an Egyptian museum, but immediately her instincts are telling her that her guide is up to no good. Then when things indeed go wrong they keep going more and more terrible as she is dragged deeper and deeper into danger.
This was a fun adventure that has non stop action! The bad guys were relentless and when they got to the safe haven there was a new kind of danger. Sometimes I wanted to bang Mel's head something to make her make better decisions, but her brash attitude kept things interesting and her banter is great. Bes has his own complicated past, and I'm interested to see their journey continue! Also loved the little trio with Cec as he is so funny and their dynamic together made me smile. Looking forward to seeing what happens next!
Bloodstone by M.K. Deoradhán
The Mythic Artifacts book 1
Romantic historical action/adventure
Artifact hunter FMC, brooding MMC, danger and on the run, banter, visually impaired rep, secret society, The Mummy vibes, reluctant allies to ?, magical artifacts, chaotic good trio, found family, so many secrets, slowwww burn (steamy)
Mel is in Egypt to find an artifact for an Egyptian museum, but immediately her instincts are telling her that her guide is up to no good. Then when things indeed go wrong they keep going more and more terrible as she is dragged deeper and deeper into danger.
This was a fun adventure that has non stop action! The bad guys were relentless and when they got to the safe haven there was a new kind of danger. Sometimes I wanted to bang Mel's head something to make her make better decisions, but her brash attitude kept things interesting and her banter is great. Bes has his own complicated past, and I'm interested to see their journey continue! Also loved the little trio with Cec as he is so funny and their dynamic together made me smile. Looking forward to seeing what happens next!
March 27, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars
What to expect
✨ Hot headed Archeologist FMC
✨ Brooding love interest
✨ Hidden society
✨ Ancient Magic Amulet
✨ Banter
✨ Chaotic good trio
✨ Slow burn romantic subplot
This book was so good! I haven’t read anything like this before.
It’s set in 1936, our FMC Amelia “Mel” Hawkins is a history student on an expedition to find the Amulet of Amun hidden inside The Temple of Set the First.
She is confidant and sassy. And relies on proof before believing things.
After she escapes the Temple she meets our MMC Bes, the brooding museum employee and his usually impaired cousin Cecilio and together they protect her from the Thule Society know as the God Men.
This book is action packed it takes you on such an immersive journey.
This author has such a beautiful writing style.
The chemistry between this characters was soo good. Love a book with tension!
Can’t wait to see what this author does next.
Highly recommend!
Thank you to the author for including me in your arc team😊
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars
What to expect
✨ Hot headed Archeologist FMC
✨ Brooding love interest
✨ Hidden society
✨ Ancient Magic Amulet
✨ Banter
✨ Chaotic good trio
✨ Slow burn romantic subplot
This book was so good! I haven’t read anything like this before.
It’s set in 1936, our FMC Amelia “Mel” Hawkins is a history student on an expedition to find the Amulet of Amun hidden inside The Temple of Set the First.
She is confidant and sassy. And relies on proof before believing things.
After she escapes the Temple she meets our MMC Bes, the brooding museum employee and his usually impaired cousin Cecilio and together they protect her from the Thule Society know as the God Men.
This book is action packed it takes you on such an immersive journey.
This author has such a beautiful writing style.
The chemistry between this characters was soo good. Love a book with tension!
Can’t wait to see what this author does next.
Highly recommend!
Thank you to the author for including me in your arc team😊
April 18, 2026
I was lucky enough to get an early copy of Bloodstone, and it’s been a massive success for me. If you’re a fan of Indiana Jones, The Mummy, or Lara Croft, you are going to love this. It’s got that goofy historical adventure vibe, complete with Nazis and fascists as the villains, which always makes for a satisfying read.
I usually stick strictly to fantasy, so I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about a "real world" setting, but this book actually had plenty of fantastical elements that kept me hooked. The romance was great, the angst was at just the right level, and the pacing never slowed down.
The lead character was funny and interesting. She did get on my nerves sometimes because she’s incredibly stubborn, but I actually am okay with that.
There are enough twists and turns to keep you guessing, and it feels completely ready for the world to read it. Even if you don't usually do historical fiction, give this one a go
I usually stick strictly to fantasy, so I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about a "real world" setting, but this book actually had plenty of fantastical elements that kept me hooked. The romance was great, the angst was at just the right level, and the pacing never slowed down.
The lead character was funny and interesting. She did get on my nerves sometimes because she’s incredibly stubborn, but I actually am okay with that.
There are enough twists and turns to keep you guessing, and it feels completely ready for the world to read it. Even if you don't usually do historical fiction, give this one a go
April 26, 2026
I started off with high expectations. Unfortunately, It didn't work for me.
2.5⭐
📖 What's the best part?
Mel was enthusiastic, truly a risk-taker and thrill- seeker. The premise was really good. It had so much potential. The historical scenarios were incorporated beautifully. The activities of the secret society was to steal the precious, rare and magical artifact, known for its special power— typically the followers of Nazis, called God Men and Mussolini’s Blackshirts. It created a complete historical setup in 1936 and an instantly gripping plot. I loved the world building and magical concept.
📖 What didn't work for me?
This story was extremely descriptive. I forced myself to finish this book. I skimmed through last few chapters to avoid DNFing it. I didn't feel the urgency to devour the story.
I felt the chemistry was missing between the main characters. It was a slow burn but there was a lack of connection between them.
If you like the storyline, you can give it a try. I think everyone has their own perspectives and preferences. Thank you so much to the author for sending me an ARC copy.
2.5⭐
📖 What's the best part?
Mel was enthusiastic, truly a risk-taker and thrill- seeker. The premise was really good. It had so much potential. The historical scenarios were incorporated beautifully. The activities of the secret society was to steal the precious, rare and magical artifact, known for its special power— typically the followers of Nazis, called God Men and Mussolini’s Blackshirts. It created a complete historical setup in 1936 and an instantly gripping plot. I loved the world building and magical concept.
📖 What didn't work for me?
This story was extremely descriptive. I forced myself to finish this book. I skimmed through last few chapters to avoid DNFing it. I didn't feel the urgency to devour the story.
I felt the chemistry was missing between the main characters. It was a slow burn but there was a lack of connection between them.
If you like the storyline, you can give it a try. I think everyone has their own perspectives and preferences. Thank you so much to the author for sending me an ARC copy.
May 5, 2026
3,75 stars
First of all, thank you to the author for giving me an ARC copy of this book.
It was marketed for fans of The Mummy and Indiana Jones and I must say it delivered on that part (although I think it’s more Indiana Jones than the Mummy)
This story was steady paced but I think there was some part that had a lot of repetition as if to make sure I was following and I got a tiny bit annoyed about that 😅
I liked our main characters (ok I would have loved to have more of Cec he is the best character in this book hands down) but would have loved to have another POV but I think this is because I love multiple POV books. I did rolled my eyes at Hawkins a couple of times but I liked her a lot. Also, her and the MMC Bess need to communicate more my poor childrens you are just PINING for one another but are BOTH SO STUBBORN (that’s why they need my boi Cec otherwise they would be lost hehe)
I got into this adventure thinking it was a standalone (my bad I can’t read lol) but I am happy that it eill have a sequel! Can’t wait to dive in more into secret societies, world war II, family secrets and treasure hunting!
Overall I liked this adventure, the characters, the multiple setting and all the little twists. Can’t wait to see what the sequel will bring!
First of all, thank you to the author for giving me an ARC copy of this book.
It was marketed for fans of The Mummy and Indiana Jones and I must say it delivered on that part (although I think it’s more Indiana Jones than the Mummy)
This story was steady paced but I think there was some part that had a lot of repetition as if to make sure I was following and I got a tiny bit annoyed about that 😅
I liked our main characters (ok I would have loved to have more of Cec he is the best character in this book hands down) but would have loved to have another POV but I think this is because I love multiple POV books. I did rolled my eyes at Hawkins a couple of times but I liked her a lot. Also, her and the MMC Bess need to communicate more my poor childrens you are just PINING for one another but are BOTH SO STUBBORN (that’s why they need my boi Cec otherwise they would be lost hehe)
I got into this adventure thinking it was a standalone (my bad I can’t read lol) but I am happy that it eill have a sequel! Can’t wait to dive in more into secret societies, world war II, family secrets and treasure hunting!
Overall I liked this adventure, the characters, the multiple setting and all the little twists. Can’t wait to see what the sequel will bring!
May 4, 2026
Indiana Jones meets Tomb Raider and I had absolutely so much fun with this. It’s so action-packed and fast paced, it felt like a movie. The worldbuilding was actually unreal and that’s why I felt like I was right there along with them. The author definitely put a lot of research and thought into this.
Mel stressed me out a little. Not gonna lie. She made some absolutely ridiculous decisions and has a hot temper and fully committing to bad choices like okay girl I see you. But she was real and genuine and I love that. I’m also absolutely obsessed with Bes and Cec. The banter between the three of them was hilarious. I was laughing so much. I also love that all three of them are actually intelligent and academic. It was refreshing. Also, hella slow burn. I was begging for some kissing!!!
There were so many twists and betrayals that my head was spinning. The ending has me so desperate for more. I need book two immediately!!
ETA: I forgot to mention how much I enjoyed the different descriptions of the food. Oh my god I was so hungry reading this 😂
Mel stressed me out a little. Not gonna lie. She made some absolutely ridiculous decisions and has a hot temper and fully committing to bad choices like okay girl I see you. But she was real and genuine and I love that. I’m also absolutely obsessed with Bes and Cec. The banter between the three of them was hilarious. I was laughing so much. I also love that all three of them are actually intelligent and academic. It was refreshing. Also, hella slow burn. I was begging for some kissing!!!
There were so many twists and betrayals that my head was spinning. The ending has me so desperate for more. I need book two immediately!!
ETA: I forgot to mention how much I enjoyed the different descriptions of the food. Oh my god I was so hungry reading this 😂
May 6, 2026
I had such a great time with this book. It’s like if Indiana Jones and the da Vinci Code had a baby but just not quite as heavy on the religious conspiracy, and better because the main character is a woman!
Mel is a great, badass woman but she’s still flawed, still rushes into things, makes mistakes, gets things wrong, and actually, I love her for that. I love a capable woman but we are all only human!
And her friendship with Bes and Cec is perfect, the banter between the 3 of them is top notch. Cec is a sweetie and I hope to see him find his backbone just a tiny bit more as the story progresses. Bes and Mel have one of the slowest burns I’ve read in a while and I love it!
I have got some *feelings* about the Order - the kind of organisation that has you wondering how good they really are. But of course the true bad guys being the Third Reich means no one looks that bad in comparison.
I will definitely be reading book 2 in this series 🖤
Mel is a great, badass woman but she’s still flawed, still rushes into things, makes mistakes, gets things wrong, and actually, I love her for that. I love a capable woman but we are all only human!
And her friendship with Bes and Cec is perfect, the banter between the 3 of them is top notch. Cec is a sweetie and I hope to see him find his backbone just a tiny bit more as the story progresses. Bes and Mel have one of the slowest burns I’ve read in a while and I love it!
I have got some *feelings* about the Order - the kind of organisation that has you wondering how good they really are. But of course the true bad guys being the Third Reich means no one looks that bad in comparison.
I will definitely be reading book 2 in this series 🖤
May 1, 2026
Bloodstone starts off immediately captivating as you start the adventure with our heroine Mel. Without giving too many details the author does a great job with world building and laying threads that will later in the book come together in a giant Aha moment. Great tension between main characters in this enemies to lovers storyline with hilarious moments of third wheel banter. I do have to say as a blonde Italian American I felt very seen by this author, certain small things she’s added in were huge to me that others might not understand. It plays on my nineties nostalgia of Indiana Jones and The Mummy without feeling like a copycat or overdoing it, the author does a great job of fulfilling those wants while creating her own unique story. It was a thrilling adventure that leans heavily into there being a sequel that I 100% will be reading!!
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