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Ethan Frost Archaeological thriller #1
The Golden Sphinx
A mysterious ancient relic. A forgotten civilization. A truth that could change the world forever.
In 1906, an Egyptologist uncovered a map carved in stone inside an ancient temple. Convinced that it pointed to a lost city of gold somewhere deep in the desert, he set out on another expedition the following year. He was never seen again.
In present day Yale, a professor is brutally murdered on the university campus, and a mysterious artefact is stolen from its vaults.
Former Delta Force operator Ethan Frost is used to high-pressure situations, but when his former mentor Professor Goodwin is murdered and an old journal in his care is stolen, Ethan is pulled into a world he thought he'd left behind. Intent on bringing Goodwin’s murderer to justice and retrieve the stolen artefact, Ethan teams up with the professor's research assistant and three of his former associates from the military.
They soon discover that the professor’s murder is connected to a conspiracy led by a ruthless Egyptian magnate seeking to re-write history and reshape the world in his image. Following the clues from the journal, the team venture to Cairo and the barren, sun-scorched deserts of Egypt, where a forgotten city and a truth that could change the world wait to be uncovered.
With a trail of bodies in their wake and nefarious forces bent on their destruction closing in, Ethan’s team must race against time to find the lost city and unravel the ancient mystery.
Indiana Jones meets Bruce Wayne - you will not be able to put this book down!
In 1906, an Egyptologist uncovered a map carved in stone inside an ancient temple. Convinced that it pointed to a lost city of gold somewhere deep in the desert, he set out on another expedition the following year. He was never seen again.
In present day Yale, a professor is brutally murdered on the university campus, and a mysterious artefact is stolen from its vaults.
Former Delta Force operator Ethan Frost is used to high-pressure situations, but when his former mentor Professor Goodwin is murdered and an old journal in his care is stolen, Ethan is pulled into a world he thought he'd left behind. Intent on bringing Goodwin’s murderer to justice and retrieve the stolen artefact, Ethan teams up with the professor's research assistant and three of his former associates from the military.
They soon discover that the professor’s murder is connected to a conspiracy led by a ruthless Egyptian magnate seeking to re-write history and reshape the world in his image. Following the clues from the journal, the team venture to Cairo and the barren, sun-scorched deserts of Egypt, where a forgotten city and a truth that could change the world wait to be uncovered.
With a trail of bodies in their wake and nefarious forces bent on their destruction closing in, Ethan’s team must race against time to find the lost city and unravel the ancient mystery.
Indiana Jones meets Bruce Wayne - you will not be able to put this book down!
482 pages, Paperback
Published January 16, 2026
About the author
Lex Faulkner
18 books27 followersLex Faulkner is the Amazon bestselling author of the Andrew Sterling action-adventure series and the Ethan Frost archaeological thriller series. His novels have consistently ranked in the Top 10 Amazon Rankings for their individual categories, and they have been enjoyed by thousands of readers the world over.
Lex's novels combine historical facts with contemporary fiction, weaving together compelling stories that take the reader on fast-paced journeys back through time and across continents in a way that echoes the author's own favourite genres – archaeological and historical thrillers, mystery novels and military action thrillers. The result is page-turning books in the vein of Indiana Jones, Jason Bourne and James Bond. His novels can be read independently of each other and in any order.
Lex has travelled extensively in Southeast Asia, Europe, Africa and Japan and speaks several languages.
He now lives in London and is currently working on his next novel.
Lex's novels combine historical facts with contemporary fiction, weaving together compelling stories that take the reader on fast-paced journeys back through time and across continents in a way that echoes the author's own favourite genres – archaeological and historical thrillers, mystery novels and military action thrillers. The result is page-turning books in the vein of Indiana Jones, Jason Bourne and James Bond. His novels can be read independently of each other and in any order.
Lex has travelled extensively in Southeast Asia, Europe, Africa and Japan and speaks several languages.
He now lives in London and is currently working on his next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
December 7, 2025
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Lex Faulkner, and Boldwood Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Always eager to discover authors new to me, I reached for this ARC, a series debut by Lex Faulkner. When an Egyptologist uncovered a map in 1906, it told of a lost city that held riches of many varieties, When the man trekked off to discover this land, he was never seen again, but left a journal behind for others to follow. In the present day, a Yale professor took up that task and uses an ancient artefact to fuel his own expedition. However, someone obviously wanted the truth kept away from prying eyes, killing the professor in his office and stealing the artefact. Enter, former Delta Force member, Ethan Frost. With excessive amounts of family money, Ethan is used to dodging people, but also prefers to protect those dear to him, When he learns that one of his former professors was murdered, Ethan begins a mission to set things right. He wants justice and to return the artefact to Yale. Working alongside a small group je's put together, Ethan leads an effort over to Egypt to uncover the truth and ensure something can be done. Dodging bullets, accusations, and a rewriting of history, Ethan hopes to find something that will solve the mystery that has long lingered in the Egyptology community. A great series debut that has me interested in reading more by Lex Faulkner.
I am quite intrigued about the work of Lex Faulkner, particularly how he combines fact and fiction. The narrative works from the outset, building in a variety of ways to keep the reader curious. There is much going on and the approach used helps hook the reader from the outset. Thorough chapters delve deeply into a number of subjects, presenting discussions about them, which will require the reader to remain attentive. While simply the debut, I can see there are great things to come, should Faulkner keep writing and offering more about Ethan Frost and his ARC group, as discussed in the epilogue.
Characters are well-placed, as their backstories connect with ongoing development. The thorough introduction of Ethan Frost paved the way for much more discovery about the protagonist as the book progressed. Adding a handful of others who matter helps give the reader something on which to latch as the story progresses, There are good secondary characters as well, each of which serves their own purpose to flavour the piece and add something worth the reader's time. I am eager to see if some of those who helped Ethan will be back as the series progresses, as they have made an impact here.
Surprises work well in thrillers and Lex Faulkner does not skimp at any point. Keeping things from being too predictable is key to the success of the piece. Twists emerge, not only to dispel fact and fiction, but to add a layer of intrigue that is sure to develop as the series continues. I liked how Faulkner kept the reader on edge as things progressed and made sure nothing was entirely predictable for those who paid close attention. I am eager to see where things are headed and how Ethan Frost will emerge in various ways throughout.
Kudos, Mr. Faulkner, for a strong series debut!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at: http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Always eager to discover authors new to me, I reached for this ARC, a series debut by Lex Faulkner. When an Egyptologist uncovered a map in 1906, it told of a lost city that held riches of many varieties, When the man trekked off to discover this land, he was never seen again, but left a journal behind for others to follow. In the present day, a Yale professor took up that task and uses an ancient artefact to fuel his own expedition. However, someone obviously wanted the truth kept away from prying eyes, killing the professor in his office and stealing the artefact. Enter, former Delta Force member, Ethan Frost. With excessive amounts of family money, Ethan is used to dodging people, but also prefers to protect those dear to him, When he learns that one of his former professors was murdered, Ethan begins a mission to set things right. He wants justice and to return the artefact to Yale. Working alongside a small group je's put together, Ethan leads an effort over to Egypt to uncover the truth and ensure something can be done. Dodging bullets, accusations, and a rewriting of history, Ethan hopes to find something that will solve the mystery that has long lingered in the Egyptology community. A great series debut that has me interested in reading more by Lex Faulkner.
I am quite intrigued about the work of Lex Faulkner, particularly how he combines fact and fiction. The narrative works from the outset, building in a variety of ways to keep the reader curious. There is much going on and the approach used helps hook the reader from the outset. Thorough chapters delve deeply into a number of subjects, presenting discussions about them, which will require the reader to remain attentive. While simply the debut, I can see there are great things to come, should Faulkner keep writing and offering more about Ethan Frost and his ARC group, as discussed in the epilogue.
Characters are well-placed, as their backstories connect with ongoing development. The thorough introduction of Ethan Frost paved the way for much more discovery about the protagonist as the book progressed. Adding a handful of others who matter helps give the reader something on which to latch as the story progresses, There are good secondary characters as well, each of which serves their own purpose to flavour the piece and add something worth the reader's time. I am eager to see if some of those who helped Ethan will be back as the series progresses, as they have made an impact here.
Surprises work well in thrillers and Lex Faulkner does not skimp at any point. Keeping things from being too predictable is key to the success of the piece. Twists emerge, not only to dispel fact and fiction, but to add a layer of intrigue that is sure to develop as the series continues. I liked how Faulkner kept the reader on edge as things progressed and made sure nothing was entirely predictable for those who paid close attention. I am eager to see where things are headed and how Ethan Frost will emerge in various ways throughout.
Kudos, Mr. Faulkner, for a strong series debut!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at: http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
February 26, 2026
I had really high hopes for The Golden Sphinx, with the touch of Egyptian history and a thriller element.
Unfortunately it felt like a B-grade movie that was undeveloped. All action, no build up and a tidy finish. The main character is rich as hell and a former delta force member, so there is no hoops to jump through for anything, if it’s restricted security footage, hacking into ultra high tech equipment or obtaining weapons, it’s all just a phone call away.
When it came to the discovery of any kind of treasure or artefact it was just sitting there waiting for them to walk into. I like the ending and how they are going to proceed with protection of artefacts but overall I am left feeling a bit disappointed.
Unfortunately it felt like a B-grade movie that was undeveloped. All action, no build up and a tidy finish. The main character is rich as hell and a former delta force member, so there is no hoops to jump through for anything, if it’s restricted security footage, hacking into ultra high tech equipment or obtaining weapons, it’s all just a phone call away.
When it came to the discovery of any kind of treasure or artefact it was just sitting there waiting for them to walk into. I like the ending and how they are going to proceed with protection of artefacts but overall I am left feeling a bit disappointed.
February 15, 2026
Thank you to Libro.fm and Boldwood Books for a listener’s copy of The Golden Sphinx by Lex Faulkner in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
The Golden Sphinx by Lex Faulkner is a suspenseful thriller that feels like a combination of Batman and Indiana Jones. The complex plot features Ethan Frost, a hunky tech billionaire, former Delta Force operator, and archaeology student. When Ethan’s former Yale professor is found murdered, Ethan and the professor’s knowledgeable and beautiful research assistant, Sophie, join forces to find the killers and solve a mystery involving an ancient lost city in Egypt.
I listened to this audiobook on a roadtrip with my husband. The narrator, William Hope, did an admirable with the majority of accents and kept us engaged. We were both intrigued by the premise, and there was no shortage of action scenes with imminent danger and heroics. These scenes and the dialogue were far fetched at times, but entertaining. I would have liked for Ethan to have more emotional depth and more of a connection between the characters. This appears to be the first novel in a series, so I anticipate more character development in future installments. Overall this is a breezy, fast-paced page-turner that feels like a summer blockbuster. 3/5⭐️
The Golden Sphinx by Lex Faulkner is a suspenseful thriller that feels like a combination of Batman and Indiana Jones. The complex plot features Ethan Frost, a hunky tech billionaire, former Delta Force operator, and archaeology student. When Ethan’s former Yale professor is found murdered, Ethan and the professor’s knowledgeable and beautiful research assistant, Sophie, join forces to find the killers and solve a mystery involving an ancient lost city in Egypt.
I listened to this audiobook on a roadtrip with my husband. The narrator, William Hope, did an admirable with the majority of accents and kept us engaged. We were both intrigued by the premise, and there was no shortage of action scenes with imminent danger and heroics. These scenes and the dialogue were far fetched at times, but entertaining. I would have liked for Ethan to have more emotional depth and more of a connection between the characters. This appears to be the first novel in a series, so I anticipate more character development in future installments. Overall this is a breezy, fast-paced page-turner that feels like a summer blockbuster. 3/5⭐️
January 26, 2026
The Golden Sphinx by Lex Faulkner is a fast paced, action packed thriller that delivers a thrilling adventure from start to finish.
Set against the striking desert landscapes and ancient mysteries of Egypt, this story pulls you in quickly and never really lets go. When Ethan Frost’s longtime mentor is murdered and priceless artifacts are stolen, Ethan refuses to sit back and wait for justice. Instead, he teams up with the professor’s assistants and follows a trail of clues that stretches across continents and deep into history.
I really enjoyed how unique this story felt, blending modern day action with historical threads reaching back to the early 1900s. The pacing keeps things moving at a steady clip, with plenty of suspense, danger, and discovery along the way. The Egyptian setting adds atmosphere and intrigue, making the story feel cinematic and immersive.
This is a solid choice for readers who enjoy globe trotting thrillers, ancient artifacts, and nonstop momentum. A gripping and entertaining read that kept me turning pages and left me eager to see where Ethan Frost’s adventures lead next.
Set against the striking desert landscapes and ancient mysteries of Egypt, this story pulls you in quickly and never really lets go. When Ethan Frost’s longtime mentor is murdered and priceless artifacts are stolen, Ethan refuses to sit back and wait for justice. Instead, he teams up with the professor’s assistants and follows a trail of clues that stretches across continents and deep into history.
I really enjoyed how unique this story felt, blending modern day action with historical threads reaching back to the early 1900s. The pacing keeps things moving at a steady clip, with plenty of suspense, danger, and discovery along the way. The Egyptian setting adds atmosphere and intrigue, making the story feel cinematic and immersive.
This is a solid choice for readers who enjoy globe trotting thrillers, ancient artifacts, and nonstop momentum. A gripping and entertaining read that kept me turning pages and left me eager to see where Ethan Frost’s adventures lead next.
April 25, 2026
This is the beginning of an Ethan Frost archeological adventure series by an author who is well-known for writing excellent, well-researched historical-action fiction. This new series also has some interesting researched, ancient Egyptian information that questions the timeline of Egypt’s remarkable history.
As some reviewers have indicated, the main character seems like a mixture of Indiana Jones and Bruce Wayne. You could also add in military special forces expertise to round out the actions that drive the story. Ethan (and his team of four) sets out to bring to justice those who killed his friend, Yale professor Godwin, and find Egypt’s lost city of gold that many had pursued dating back to the early 1900’s in an area detached from the Nile River valley.
I would compare this archeological thriller to those of James Rollins, Ernest Dempsey, Matt James, and Nick Thacker. I look forward to reading his next Ethan Frost adventure.
As some reviewers have indicated, the main character seems like a mixture of Indiana Jones and Bruce Wayne. You could also add in military special forces expertise to round out the actions that drive the story. Ethan (and his team of four) sets out to bring to justice those who killed his friend, Yale professor Godwin, and find Egypt’s lost city of gold that many had pursued dating back to the early 1900’s in an area detached from the Nile River valley.
I would compare this archeological thriller to those of James Rollins, Ernest Dempsey, Matt James, and Nick Thacker. I look forward to reading his next Ethan Frost adventure.
December 9, 2025
This is a fascinating look at ancient Egypt as Ethan, once in Delta Force, travels there as odd things are happening that point to disturbances there (bombings, a long-lost journal, and other weird anomalies). He has no idea what to expect and what he ultimately finds will blow his mind as he connects with others who are mystified as well!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
March 10, 2026
An action packed, suspenseful thriller that delivers and then some- it was a combination of Indiana Jones meets Bruce Wayne with the thriller aspect of a Robert Langdon adventure, The Golden Sphinx had me gripped and hanging on the edge of my seat throughout the book. It explores the journey which is taken by the main character Ethan Frost from present day America to the dust storms of Cairo in order to avenge the death of his university mentor whilst retrieving a lost artifact and stopping a ruthless man and his nefarious plans of a takeover of Egypt.
Ethan works with two of his friends from his Delta days along with two women (one of whom is very well versed in Egyptology from pre pharaohs and Giza up until the present day) in order to get justice and save the lives of millions of people in the process.
An amazing book with very informative ancient historical facts that tied in perfectly to the story.
I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Thankyou to Net galley and Bold wood Books for an arc of this book.
Ethan works with two of his friends from his Delta days along with two women (one of whom is very well versed in Egyptology from pre pharaohs and Giza up until the present day) in order to get justice and save the lives of millions of people in the process.
An amazing book with very informative ancient historical facts that tied in perfectly to the story.
I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Thankyou to Net galley and Bold wood Books for an arc of this book.
January 24, 2026
Loved it
Well I have been on tender hooks awaiting the arrival of this new series from Lex Faulkner. And it didn't disappoint. Superbly written and as usual for this author a lot of research has gone into this adventure where he uses historical facts and turns them into a fantastic work of fiction. He introduces you to likable characters that will no doubt be the basis for future adventures and lays the foundations for moving forward. I am a great fan of Andrew Clawson, Steve Berry, Luke Richardson if you enjoy those authors then read Lex Faulkner's work you won't be disappointed, I have already pre-ordered the next installment.
Well I have been on tender hooks awaiting the arrival of this new series from Lex Faulkner. And it didn't disappoint. Superbly written and as usual for this author a lot of research has gone into this adventure where he uses historical facts and turns them into a fantastic work of fiction. He introduces you to likable characters that will no doubt be the basis for future adventures and lays the foundations for moving forward. I am a great fan of Andrew Clawson, Steve Berry, Luke Richardson if you enjoy those authors then read Lex Faulkner's work you won't be disappointed, I have already pre-ordered the next installment.
May 8, 2026
Hold on to your seat.
Yes hold on to your seat it's a wild ride that you don't want to miss. Best adventure I ever read. Written to be fun to read and exciting to be a part of. Don't miss this book for sure. Page after page it's going to get you. Such a great story. A few places it is to descriptive but that's nothing for the joy you will find here. Get this book.
Yes hold on to your seat it's a wild ride that you don't want to miss. Best adventure I ever read. Written to be fun to read and exciting to be a part of. Don't miss this book for sure. Page after page it's going to get you. Such a great story. A few places it is to descriptive but that's nothing for the joy you will find here. Get this book.
February 3, 2026
This book was a thrilling read from start to finish.
February 10, 2026
Another series of great books
I just couldn’t wait to get to the end of the book, couldn’t put it down.
Pre-ordered the next already!
I just couldn’t wait to get to the end of the book, couldn’t put it down.
Pre-ordered the next already!
March 27, 2026
Egyptian History Being Rewritten
Great first book in the new series.
Looking forward to the next installment.
New characters, new adventures and history being examined
Great first book in the new series.
Looking forward to the next installment.
New characters, new adventures and history being examined
June 11, 2026
Loved it
It took me a little while to get into it, but once I did what more could I say, I loved it.
I love these archaeological thrillers, and this one really had me gripped.
It took me a little while to get into it, but once I did what more could I say, I loved it.
I love these archaeological thrillers, and this one really had me gripped.
June 12, 2026
Looking forward too the next one
Fast,exciting ,keeps you onyour toes, makes me want more. Each character has a adding talent. Cannot wait to start the next one.
Fast,exciting ,keeps you onyour toes, makes me want more. Each character has a adding talent. Cannot wait to start the next one.
June 18, 2026
JetReader
Action packed. High tech and ancient history in one fast paced read. Hope there is a sequel to the Golden Sphinx.
Action packed. High tech and ancient history in one fast paced read. Hope there is a sequel to the Golden Sphinx.
April 11, 2026
great
Great characters, fast paced, historical. Plenty of action and plenty of historical facts that I believe in, cannot wait for the next book
Great characters, fast paced, historical. Plenty of action and plenty of historical facts that I believe in, cannot wait for the next book
June 4, 2026
Wow! Action-packed, seat-of-your-pants thrills. Hard to put down. Intriguing archeological thriller. Faulkner creates believable relatable characters. Great start to a series.
May 15, 2026
great time
If you like adventure and archeology this is a book for you. Heroes and villains with a very plausible turn on ancient history. Fun read!
If you like adventure and archeology this is a book for you. Heroes and villains with a very plausible turn on ancient history. Fun read!
December 11, 2025
This is the first time I have read a book by this author, and what better place to start than with the first book in a new series.
This is a fabulous read and one that is based on fact, and then warped with various conspiracy theories and the author's fictional angle. All blend with ease and make for a thrilling ride. His main character is ex-Delta Force operative Ethan Frost, a man who has been around, has family wealth, and tries to make his own way in the fields that interest him. Someone you can call on when things hit the fan! When he is approached to look for an ancient artefact, it is not something that is out of his area of expertise. It is something he is knowledgeable about, then his former tutor is killed, and things start to develop, making other connections, he is suddenly in the midst of a thrilling mystery and needs the help of others.
This first book paves the way brilliantly for what will follow. The story brings together people with different experiences, backgrounds, and together they start something new. Getting to know the team and how they work is as much part of the story as is the race across continents and deserts. Looking at ancient clues, reading journals, following markers and all manner of other long-forgotten theories and items from history.
The pacing of the story is great; there are areas where it slows for explanations, and again, this is very much part of the story. Then they are off and running again, trying to beat "The Baddies" to the end goal. This is one of those books that you need your eyes to read faster than they are able; talk about addictive.
I really enjoyed this book, it was adrenaline-fuelled, with some great characters, lots of drama, tension and danger, good explanations and just an absolute pleasure to read. One of the tag lines mentions this as being a blend of "Indiana Jones meets Bruce Wayne ", and this is absolutely spot on.
If you are looking for an action and adventure treasure hunt style of thriller, then this is one you want to have on your list. I am definitely looking forward to reading more in this series, and I would definitely recommend this one.
This is a fabulous read and one that is based on fact, and then warped with various conspiracy theories and the author's fictional angle. All blend with ease and make for a thrilling ride. His main character is ex-Delta Force operative Ethan Frost, a man who has been around, has family wealth, and tries to make his own way in the fields that interest him. Someone you can call on when things hit the fan! When he is approached to look for an ancient artefact, it is not something that is out of his area of expertise. It is something he is knowledgeable about, then his former tutor is killed, and things start to develop, making other connections, he is suddenly in the midst of a thrilling mystery and needs the help of others.
This first book paves the way brilliantly for what will follow. The story brings together people with different experiences, backgrounds, and together they start something new. Getting to know the team and how they work is as much part of the story as is the race across continents and deserts. Looking at ancient clues, reading journals, following markers and all manner of other long-forgotten theories and items from history.
The pacing of the story is great; there are areas where it slows for explanations, and again, this is very much part of the story. Then they are off and running again, trying to beat "The Baddies" to the end goal. This is one of those books that you need your eyes to read faster than they are able; talk about addictive.
I really enjoyed this book, it was adrenaline-fuelled, with some great characters, lots of drama, tension and danger, good explanations and just an absolute pleasure to read. One of the tag lines mentions this as being a blend of "Indiana Jones meets Bruce Wayne ", and this is absolutely spot on.
If you are looking for an action and adventure treasure hunt style of thriller, then this is one you want to have on your list. I am definitely looking forward to reading more in this series, and I would definitely recommend this one.
January 30, 2026
Lex Faulkner is the author of more than a dozen novels. The Golden Sphinx was published a week ago and is the first of his Ethan Frost Archaeological thriller series. It is the 7th title I’ve completed reading in 2026.
I received an ARC of this book for free through https://www.netgalley.com and I am voluntarily leaving this review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. Due to scenes of violence and some mature language, I categorize this novel as R.
In 1906, Egyptologist Howard Templeton uncovered a stone-carved map hidden within an ancient Egyptian temple. He believed it led to a legendary lost city of gold buried deep beneath the desert sands. Labeled a fantasist and shunned by the archaeological establishment, Templeton mounted one final expedition the following year, and vanished without a trace.
More than a century later, Cairo erupts in chaos when a bomb tears through the city, leaving dozens dead and ignites regional tensions.
Ethan Frost is no stranger to danger. A former Delta Force Master Sergeant who retired at the height of his career, Ethan traded combat zones for classrooms, earning a master’s degree in history and archaeology at Yale. There, he studied under Professor Charles Goodwin, a renowned scholar who became his mentor and close friend.
When Goodwin is brutally murdered on Yale’s campus and mysterious artifacts are stolen from the university vaults, Ethan’s two worlds collide. The theft is quickly followed by the revelation that Templeton’s final journal is one of the items that was taken.
Pulled back into the field, Ethan assembles a hand-picked team that blends brains with battlefield experience. Sophia Lockwood, Goodwin’s sharp-witted research assistant, brings deep historical insight and a fearless curiosity. From his military past, Ethan recruits Mitch Kazinsky, a combat pilot; Scarlett Fox, a former CIA analyst with a talent for uncovering secrets; and Luke Garrett, an ex-Delta operator who knows how to survive when plans fall apart.
Their investigation leads them to Cairo, where a high-risk operation reveals that Goodwin’s murder is tied to a vast conspiracy orchestrated by Zohar Al-Masry, a powerful and ruthless Egyptian magnate. Al-Masry seeks more than wealth - he intends to rewrite history itself and reshape Egypt in his image.
Following the clues hidden within Templeton’s journal, Ethan and his team push beyond the city and into the unforgiving deserts of Egypt. There, beneath the sun-scorched sands, lies a forgotten city. And a surprising truth powerful enough to change history.
With enemies closing in, bodies left behind, and time running out, Ethan must decide how far he’s willing to go to uncover an ancient secret that powerful forces are willing to kill to keep buried.
I enjoyed the 7.5 hours I spent reading this 338-page thriller. I like the chosen cover art. I give this novel a rating of 4 out of 5.
You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).
I received an ARC of this book for free through https://www.netgalley.com and I am voluntarily leaving this review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. Due to scenes of violence and some mature language, I categorize this novel as R.
In 1906, Egyptologist Howard Templeton uncovered a stone-carved map hidden within an ancient Egyptian temple. He believed it led to a legendary lost city of gold buried deep beneath the desert sands. Labeled a fantasist and shunned by the archaeological establishment, Templeton mounted one final expedition the following year, and vanished without a trace.
More than a century later, Cairo erupts in chaos when a bomb tears through the city, leaving dozens dead and ignites regional tensions.
Ethan Frost is no stranger to danger. A former Delta Force Master Sergeant who retired at the height of his career, Ethan traded combat zones for classrooms, earning a master’s degree in history and archaeology at Yale. There, he studied under Professor Charles Goodwin, a renowned scholar who became his mentor and close friend.
When Goodwin is brutally murdered on Yale’s campus and mysterious artifacts are stolen from the university vaults, Ethan’s two worlds collide. The theft is quickly followed by the revelation that Templeton’s final journal is one of the items that was taken.
Pulled back into the field, Ethan assembles a hand-picked team that blends brains with battlefield experience. Sophia Lockwood, Goodwin’s sharp-witted research assistant, brings deep historical insight and a fearless curiosity. From his military past, Ethan recruits Mitch Kazinsky, a combat pilot; Scarlett Fox, a former CIA analyst with a talent for uncovering secrets; and Luke Garrett, an ex-Delta operator who knows how to survive when plans fall apart.
Their investigation leads them to Cairo, where a high-risk operation reveals that Goodwin’s murder is tied to a vast conspiracy orchestrated by Zohar Al-Masry, a powerful and ruthless Egyptian magnate. Al-Masry seeks more than wealth - he intends to rewrite history itself and reshape Egypt in his image.
Following the clues hidden within Templeton’s journal, Ethan and his team push beyond the city and into the unforgiving deserts of Egypt. There, beneath the sun-scorched sands, lies a forgotten city. And a surprising truth powerful enough to change history.
With enemies closing in, bodies left behind, and time running out, Ethan must decide how far he’s willing to go to uncover an ancient secret that powerful forces are willing to kill to keep buried.
I enjoyed the 7.5 hours I spent reading this 338-page thriller. I like the chosen cover art. I give this novel a rating of 4 out of 5.
You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).
December 21, 2025
I read this book as an ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest feedback based on my reading the book.
I came away pleasantly entertained but not quite swept off my feet. Lex Faulkner knows how to craft a propulsive plot. The opening scenes grab you with a mystery rooted in early twentieth century Egyptology and then catapult the reader into a modern hunt for a lost city of gold. Set pieces move at a brisk clip and there are moments of genuine cinematic flourish that had me envisioning sandy chases and claustrophobic tombs. If you come to this book wanting pure escapist fun you will find a lot to enjoy.
Where the book struggled for me was with its characters. The protagonist is competent and likable enough to carry the action but he rarely surprised me. Supporting players drift in and out with clear agendas but sometimes lack the depth to make their choices feel earned. That makes several plot twists rely more on convenience than on emotional logic. The stakes are high on paper but I wanted greater complexity in the relationships that would have given those stakes more weight. Also Lex seems to have a massive inspiration from stock characters like Bruce Wayne, Tony stark, Oliver Queen and several others, basically zillionaires with money, power and access to tech to do what they please under a wide term as vigilantes. Nothing wrong with this inspiration but the plot always seemed to bend towards the protagonist and everything came easy. Lex tries to sell (and does it well) the grieving child who's lost his parents and focused on his stint with special forces to showcase his independent streak.
Lex clearly did much of his homework on ancient lore and the book pays steady attention to archaeological detail without bogging the reader down. There are aberrations in accuracy but it does not help or derail the story. The research lends a pleasing texture to the adventure and there are flashes of clever world building that suggest richer material to explore in later books. At times though the pace and the treasure hunt framework crowd out quieter moments that could have deepened the themes. The prose is readable and often vivid but occasionally lapses into overly direct exposition when a scene might have benefited from showing rather than telling.
Overall I am giving The Golden Sphinx three stars. It is an enjoyable start to a new archaeological series with confident plotting and entertaining action. Fans of classic adventure will likely have a good time. For me the book would have climbed another star if the characters had felt more three dimensional and a few of the narrative turns had been less predictable. I will be curious to see where Lex takes this world next and whether subsequent installments build on the promising groundwork here.
I came away pleasantly entertained but not quite swept off my feet. Lex Faulkner knows how to craft a propulsive plot. The opening scenes grab you with a mystery rooted in early twentieth century Egyptology and then catapult the reader into a modern hunt for a lost city of gold. Set pieces move at a brisk clip and there are moments of genuine cinematic flourish that had me envisioning sandy chases and claustrophobic tombs. If you come to this book wanting pure escapist fun you will find a lot to enjoy.
Where the book struggled for me was with its characters. The protagonist is competent and likable enough to carry the action but he rarely surprised me. Supporting players drift in and out with clear agendas but sometimes lack the depth to make their choices feel earned. That makes several plot twists rely more on convenience than on emotional logic. The stakes are high on paper but I wanted greater complexity in the relationships that would have given those stakes more weight. Also Lex seems to have a massive inspiration from stock characters like Bruce Wayne, Tony stark, Oliver Queen and several others, basically zillionaires with money, power and access to tech to do what they please under a wide term as vigilantes. Nothing wrong with this inspiration but the plot always seemed to bend towards the protagonist and everything came easy. Lex tries to sell (and does it well) the grieving child who's lost his parents and focused on his stint with special forces to showcase his independent streak.
Lex clearly did much of his homework on ancient lore and the book pays steady attention to archaeological detail without bogging the reader down. There are aberrations in accuracy but it does not help or derail the story. The research lends a pleasing texture to the adventure and there are flashes of clever world building that suggest richer material to explore in later books. At times though the pace and the treasure hunt framework crowd out quieter moments that could have deepened the themes. The prose is readable and often vivid but occasionally lapses into overly direct exposition when a scene might have benefited from showing rather than telling.
Overall I am giving The Golden Sphinx three stars. It is an enjoyable start to a new archaeological series with confident plotting and entertaining action. Fans of classic adventure will likely have a good time. For me the book would have climbed another star if the characters had felt more three dimensional and a few of the narrative turns had been less predictable. I will be curious to see where Lex takes this world next and whether subsequent installments build on the promising groundwork here.
Read
December 22, 2025More than a hint of Clive Cussler with a dash if Indiana Jones is evident in The Golden Sphinx a fast paced and intriguing mystery set in Egypt, as an ancient aspect of Egyptian history comes into contention when noted Egyptologist Professor Tobias Goodwin is murdered.
Ethan Frost, the reluctant heir to the Frost Consortium is at a crossroads in his life. Recently discharged from Delta force and grieving the death of his parents in a helicopter crash, he is astounded when he hears the news that his old lecturer and friend Tobias Goodwin is dead and for no clear reason.
He makes the decision to go to New Haven to find out more, to see if there is anything he can do to help find the perpetrator. By doing so he discovers an entirely different aspect of Egyptian history, one that is only slowly beginning to emerge with evidence recently uncovered to a prior and far more sophisticated civilization having been in existence long before the Pyramids were constructed.
Ethan, with the help of Sophia Lockwood, a research assistant working with Goodwin, begins to understand that whatever Goodwin was working on in his retirement was extremely sensitive, which has been based on the diaries and hand drawn maps of an American explorer and Egyptologist in 1906.
As they dig deeper into the information in Templeton’s diaries and Goodwins research notes on the ancient past of Egypt, they also realise there is a modern-day terrorist cell active, which is responsible for the death of Goodwin and a Shopping Complex bombing in Egypt.
But why sees Ethan forming a team of old friends and new, before heading to Egypt to follow the evidence they have and see where the pathway leads.
How these aspects are based firmly in a well-researched modern and ancient Egyptian historic background forms the basis of a very good thriller, as although Ethan and the team are equipped with the very latest and then some technology, it will come down to who survives the brutality of the dessert at its most challenging.
The Golden Sphinx from Lex Faulkner is book one in a two part series and recommended for a thriller of a read on a lazy afternoon
Ethan Frost, the reluctant heir to the Frost Consortium is at a crossroads in his life. Recently discharged from Delta force and grieving the death of his parents in a helicopter crash, he is astounded when he hears the news that his old lecturer and friend Tobias Goodwin is dead and for no clear reason.
He makes the decision to go to New Haven to find out more, to see if there is anything he can do to help find the perpetrator. By doing so he discovers an entirely different aspect of Egyptian history, one that is only slowly beginning to emerge with evidence recently uncovered to a prior and far more sophisticated civilization having been in existence long before the Pyramids were constructed.
Ethan, with the help of Sophia Lockwood, a research assistant working with Goodwin, begins to understand that whatever Goodwin was working on in his retirement was extremely sensitive, which has been based on the diaries and hand drawn maps of an American explorer and Egyptologist in 1906.
As they dig deeper into the information in Templeton’s diaries and Goodwins research notes on the ancient past of Egypt, they also realise there is a modern-day terrorist cell active, which is responsible for the death of Goodwin and a Shopping Complex bombing in Egypt.
But why sees Ethan forming a team of old friends and new, before heading to Egypt to follow the evidence they have and see where the pathway leads.
How these aspects are based firmly in a well-researched modern and ancient Egyptian historic background forms the basis of a very good thriller, as although Ethan and the team are equipped with the very latest and then some technology, it will come down to who survives the brutality of the dessert at its most challenging.
The Golden Sphinx from Lex Faulkner is book one in a two part series and recommended for a thriller of a read on a lazy afternoon
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Former Delta Force operator, and wealthy Frost group member, Ethan Frost, was devastated to discover his mentor, Professor Goodwin, had been murdered. The Yale museum where he spent his time, was the place the murderer took his life, and removed a golden artefact, along with an ancient and special journal. When Ethan met up with Sophia, Goodwin's assistant, she was prepared to help him find the killer. He also brought Scarlett into the group, a top class hacker, and Luke, another Delta member. The four of them headed to Egypt, the pyramids, and the person who'd brutally murdered Goodwin.
A ruthless Egyptian fanatic was prepared to stop at nothing to stop Ethan and his group, and when the journal and artefact were stolen back from him, and he discovered who'd taken them (obviously forgetting he'd stolen them in the first place) he was livid. Ethan and friends had to stay one step ahead. But could they, in a country which was filled with badness, and they were just four, plus Mitch, their pilot?
The Golden Sphinx is the 1st in the Ethan Frost Archaeological thriller series by Lex Faulkner and the first by this author that I've read. If you're a fan of archaeology and the history behind it all, you'll enjoy this book. As I'm not, I did a lot of skimming through the history lessons. I'm disappointed as I expected a different type of book - a thriller perhaps, and yes, that was there. And I love the cover, which was what initially drew me to the book. But there was way too much in the way of history lessons for me! Well written, I can't deny that, but I won't be reading anymore in the series. Recommended to fans.
With thanks to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for my digital ARC to read and review.
A ruthless Egyptian fanatic was prepared to stop at nothing to stop Ethan and his group, and when the journal and artefact were stolen back from him, and he discovered who'd taken them (obviously forgetting he'd stolen them in the first place) he was livid. Ethan and friends had to stay one step ahead. But could they, in a country which was filled with badness, and they were just four, plus Mitch, their pilot?
The Golden Sphinx is the 1st in the Ethan Frost Archaeological thriller series by Lex Faulkner and the first by this author that I've read. If you're a fan of archaeology and the history behind it all, you'll enjoy this book. As I'm not, I did a lot of skimming through the history lessons. I'm disappointed as I expected a different type of book - a thriller perhaps, and yes, that was there. And I love the cover, which was what initially drew me to the book. But there was way too much in the way of history lessons for me! Well written, I can't deny that, but I won't be reading anymore in the series. Recommended to fans.
With thanks to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for my digital ARC to read and review.
January 18, 2026
The Godlen Sphinx by Lex Faulkner
Genre - Mystery / Thriller / Action
Published on January 16, 2026
Thank you @theboldbookclub and @netgalley for the gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The history of Egyptian land has always been my favourite theme for expeditions, who can resist its mystery and magical approach, so I picked this.
It's a gripping action packed thriller that swayed by the mystic and age old legends of the pyramid of Egypt.
Blurb-
A mysterious ancient relic. A forgotten civilization. A truth that could change the world forever.
In 1906, an Egyptologist uncovered a map carved in stone inside an ancient temple. Convinced that it pointed to a lost city of gold somewhere deep in the desert, he set out on another expedition the following year. He was never seen again.
In present day Yale, a professor is brutally murdered on the university campus, and a mysterious artefact is stolen from its vaults.
Former Delta Force operator Ethan Frost is used to high-pressure situations, but when his former mentor Professor Goodwin is murdered and an old journal in his care is stolen, Ethan is pulled into a world he thought he'd left behind. Intent on bringing Goodwin’s murderer to justice and retrieve the stolen artefact, Ethan teams up with the professor's research assistant and three of his former associates from the military.
They soon discover that the professor’s murder is connected to a conspiracy led by a ruthless Egyptian magnate seeking to re-write history and reshape the world in his image. Following the clues from the journal, the team venture to Cairo and the barren, sun-scorched deserts
⏳
With extended research work and enlightening inputs this book is absolutely rocking, blended with murder mystery and dashing character Ethan this book gives hot adrenaline rush to your blood.
All the time the book reminds me about Ethan Hunt 😃 Tom Cruise 🤩🤩🥰🩷
I am glad I picked this novel.
Rating 4⅕/5⭐
Don't miss it if you are interested in Egypt 😉 and Ethan.
Genre - Mystery / Thriller / Action
Published on January 16, 2026
Thank you @theboldbookclub and @netgalley for the gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The history of Egyptian land has always been my favourite theme for expeditions, who can resist its mystery and magical approach, so I picked this.
It's a gripping action packed thriller that swayed by the mystic and age old legends of the pyramid of Egypt.
Blurb-
A mysterious ancient relic. A forgotten civilization. A truth that could change the world forever.
In 1906, an Egyptologist uncovered a map carved in stone inside an ancient temple. Convinced that it pointed to a lost city of gold somewhere deep in the desert, he set out on another expedition the following year. He was never seen again.
In present day Yale, a professor is brutally murdered on the university campus, and a mysterious artefact is stolen from its vaults.
Former Delta Force operator Ethan Frost is used to high-pressure situations, but when his former mentor Professor Goodwin is murdered and an old journal in his care is stolen, Ethan is pulled into a world he thought he'd left behind. Intent on bringing Goodwin’s murderer to justice and retrieve the stolen artefact, Ethan teams up with the professor's research assistant and three of his former associates from the military.
They soon discover that the professor’s murder is connected to a conspiracy led by a ruthless Egyptian magnate seeking to re-write history and reshape the world in his image. Following the clues from the journal, the team venture to Cairo and the barren, sun-scorched deserts
⏳
With extended research work and enlightening inputs this book is absolutely rocking, blended with murder mystery and dashing character Ethan this book gives hot adrenaline rush to your blood.
All the time the book reminds me about Ethan Hunt 😃 Tom Cruise 🤩🤩🥰🩷
I am glad I picked this novel.
Rating 4⅕/5⭐
Don't miss it if you are interested in Egypt 😉 and Ethan.
June 21, 2026
Book Review: The Golden Sphinx by Lex Faulkner
Rating: 4 Stars
I recently finished The Golden Sphinx by Lex Faulkner, and this was a pretty enjoyable read that earned a solid four stars from me. The story kicks off with a gripping mystery set back in 1906, where an Egyptologist finds a stone-carved map inside an ancient temple. Believing it leads to a fabled lost city of gold hidden deep in the desert, he embarks on an expedition the following year—and then vanishes without a trace.
Fast forward to present-day Yale, where a brutal murder shakes the university: a professor is killed, and a mysterious artifact disappears from the campus vault. Enter Ethan Frost, a former Delta Force operator who thought he’d left this kind of chaos behind. But when his old mentor is murdered and an important journal goes missing, Ethan assembles a team—including the professor’s research assistant and some old military comrades—to track down the killer and retrieve the artifact.
Their investigation reveals a dangerous conspiracy led by an ambitious Egyptian tycoon aiming to rewrite history on his terms. The chase takes them from Yale to Cairo and into the harsh Egyptian desert, where secrets of a forgotten civilization and a truth that could change everything lie buried. The stakes keep climbing as bodies pile up and enemies close in, pushing Ethan and his team to race against time to uncover the lost city’s secrets.
What really drew me in was the book's fast pace and well-crafted characters who are easy to root for. I also have to give props to the cover—it's perfection and totally pulled me in before I even started reading. This felt like a strong debut installment and sets up what I’m confident will be an exciting series going forward.
If you love adventure thrillers with historical mysteries, likable heroes, and plenty of action, The Golden Sphinx is definitely worth checking out!
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: 4 Stars
I recently finished The Golden Sphinx by Lex Faulkner, and this was a pretty enjoyable read that earned a solid four stars from me. The story kicks off with a gripping mystery set back in 1906, where an Egyptologist finds a stone-carved map inside an ancient temple. Believing it leads to a fabled lost city of gold hidden deep in the desert, he embarks on an expedition the following year—and then vanishes without a trace.
Fast forward to present-day Yale, where a brutal murder shakes the university: a professor is killed, and a mysterious artifact disappears from the campus vault. Enter Ethan Frost, a former Delta Force operator who thought he’d left this kind of chaos behind. But when his old mentor is murdered and an important journal goes missing, Ethan assembles a team—including the professor’s research assistant and some old military comrades—to track down the killer and retrieve the artifact.
Their investigation reveals a dangerous conspiracy led by an ambitious Egyptian tycoon aiming to rewrite history on his terms. The chase takes them from Yale to Cairo and into the harsh Egyptian desert, where secrets of a forgotten civilization and a truth that could change everything lie buried. The stakes keep climbing as bodies pile up and enemies close in, pushing Ethan and his team to race against time to uncover the lost city’s secrets.
What really drew me in was the book's fast pace and well-crafted characters who are easy to root for. I also have to give props to the cover—it's perfection and totally pulled me in before I even started reading. This felt like a strong debut installment and sets up what I’m confident will be an exciting series going forward.
If you love adventure thrillers with historical mysteries, likable heroes, and plenty of action, The Golden Sphinx is definitely worth checking out!
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
May 15, 2026
This was an entertaining and engaging read. I really enjoyed the plot and found many of the ideas intriguing and even plausible, especially given how much mystery still surrounds the advanced nature of Ancient Egyptian civilization. It also made me reflect on how much Egypt has changed over time.
One of the highlights for me was the characterization. The author avoids common clichés—particularly when it comes to military male and female characters. The elite military male characters are not portrayed as invincible; they experience fear and suffer injuries, which makes them more realistic. The female characters are intelligent and capable, reacting appropriately to danger without falling into exaggerated stereotypes. I also appreciated that the author avoided including gratuitous romantic or sexual scenes. While there is a clear attraction between Ethan and Sophia, it never detracts from the story or overshadows the main plot, which keeps the narrative believable and focused.
The antagonists are also well written and not overly exaggerated, which adds to the story’s realism.
However, there is a significant factual error that stood out. At one point, Sophia states that the primary colors are blue, green, and red. In reality, the primary colors are red, blue, and yellow; red, green, and blue refer to the RGB color model. This is a basic concept, and the mistake was surprising and somewhat distracting. Additionally, there are some grammatical errors and instances of redundancy throughout the book, though these did not significantly detract from the overall experience.
Because of these issues—particularly the incorrect information regarding primary colors—I rated the book four stars rather than five.
My only suggestion would be for the author to work with a stronger editor in future novels to catch these types of errors.
Overall, this is still a very entertaining story, and I look forward to reading the sequels when they are released.
One of the highlights for me was the characterization. The author avoids common clichés—particularly when it comes to military male and female characters. The elite military male characters are not portrayed as invincible; they experience fear and suffer injuries, which makes them more realistic. The female characters are intelligent and capable, reacting appropriately to danger without falling into exaggerated stereotypes. I also appreciated that the author avoided including gratuitous romantic or sexual scenes. While there is a clear attraction between Ethan and Sophia, it never detracts from the story or overshadows the main plot, which keeps the narrative believable and focused.
The antagonists are also well written and not overly exaggerated, which adds to the story’s realism.
However, there is a significant factual error that stood out. At one point, Sophia states that the primary colors are blue, green, and red. In reality, the primary colors are red, blue, and yellow; red, green, and blue refer to the RGB color model. This is a basic concept, and the mistake was surprising and somewhat distracting. Additionally, there are some grammatical errors and instances of redundancy throughout the book, though these did not significantly detract from the overall experience.
Because of these issues—particularly the incorrect information regarding primary colors—I rated the book four stars rather than five.
My only suggestion would be for the author to work with a stronger editor in future novels to catch these types of errors.
Overall, this is still a very entertaining story, and I look forward to reading the sequels when they are released.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
🖤💛 The Golden Sphinx ARC Review 💛🖤
Thank you so much to Lex Faulkner and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read and review this book!
The Golden Sphinx is an archaeological thriller and book 1 in the Ethan Frost series. When a professor at Yale is murdered and an old journal and an artifact are stolen, former special forces soldier Ethan Frost finds himself in a world he thought he left behind. When he agrees to help find the stolen artifact, he finds himself on an adventure that takes him all the way to the ancient deserts of Egypt. Willis the information he seeks rewrite history as we know it?
This was a fun thriller story. I did enjoy the historical aspects of this novel and the overall mystery of the plot. While I liked Ethan in general, I did struggle a little bit with some of his characteristics as it just felt a little too unrealistic to have a billionaire corporate heir, an Ivy League historian and an elite military special forces officer all wrapped into one perfect vigilante package. It did lead to me feeling like things came too easily for him without consequences or struggles which made it hard for me to get emotionally invested in his success because his money or connections made everything happen for him
Overall this was a solid three star read. I enjoyed the historical aspects of this story but struggled with the portrayal of Ethan being perfect with no flaws to make him feel more realistic. This book does have some darker elements, so please check triggers if you’re sensitive. This book did not contain any romantic subplots so no rating for spice will be given
If you’re a fan of thrillers with globetrotting adventures, strong characters and a strong history vibe, then absolutely pick this one up!
Thank you so much to Lex Faulkner and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read and review this book!
The Golden Sphinx is an archaeological thriller and book 1 in the Ethan Frost series. When a professor at Yale is murdered and an old journal and an artifact are stolen, former special forces soldier Ethan Frost finds himself in a world he thought he left behind. When he agrees to help find the stolen artifact, he finds himself on an adventure that takes him all the way to the ancient deserts of Egypt. Willis the information he seeks rewrite history as we know it?
This was a fun thriller story. I did enjoy the historical aspects of this novel and the overall mystery of the plot. While I liked Ethan in general, I did struggle a little bit with some of his characteristics as it just felt a little too unrealistic to have a billionaire corporate heir, an Ivy League historian and an elite military special forces officer all wrapped into one perfect vigilante package. It did lead to me feeling like things came too easily for him without consequences or struggles which made it hard for me to get emotionally invested in his success because his money or connections made everything happen for him
Overall this was a solid three star read. I enjoyed the historical aspects of this story but struggled with the portrayal of Ethan being perfect with no flaws to make him feel more realistic. This book does have some darker elements, so please check triggers if you’re sensitive. This book did not contain any romantic subplots so no rating for spice will be given
If you’re a fan of thrillers with globetrotting adventures, strong characters and a strong history vibe, then absolutely pick this one up!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review: A mix of thriller edged in fantasy. Really a direct ripoff from the Indiana Jones series with a splash of James Bond. The author gives lends a nod or two to Indiana as tongue and cheek. Where Biggus D. deviates from Indiana is that he is a retired Delta Force and Royal Marine operator whom happens to own majority share of a high tech company with its fingers in the DOD pie. He even has his own "Q" to provide cutting edge tech. Besides being a billionaire special ops Yale graduate, he is so good looking all the women drop their shjt and come running like locusts to a corn field. Hate him yet?
Ah, but how do you hate an easy going ah shucks kinda guy with a noodlehead and a penchant for revenge? Loose shirts, hiking boots, blue jeans and an easy smile with a billion dollars in his back pocket and special forces flong glurk hapkidojitsu, round out Radthor McGunny's presence. I mean he can take out 5 armed Cairo street toughs in about 15 seconds. And after, he gives the bleeding leader a stern talking to. Luckily for them he held back or they would all be dead. This same theme carries through the novel again and again. Suspension of disbelief is a requirement.
What really is sad in all this fantastical story telling is that the author is technically very good. Story line flows well and is cogent. Where it fails is that the movement should allow for character builds that never happen. Hunky guys get even more hunky-er? The gurls get hotter than popcorn farts and the sexual tension never builds to consumation which drops this to PG rated. Just a standard Indiana Bond themed novel.
What I really hate is wanting to continue with this series.
3.7/5
Ah, but how do you hate an easy going ah shucks kinda guy with a noodlehead and a penchant for revenge? Loose shirts, hiking boots, blue jeans and an easy smile with a billion dollars in his back pocket and special forces flong glurk hapkidojitsu, round out Radthor McGunny's presence. I mean he can take out 5 armed Cairo street toughs in about 15 seconds. And after, he gives the bleeding leader a stern talking to. Luckily for them he held back or they would all be dead. This same theme carries through the novel again and again. Suspension of disbelief is a requirement.
What really is sad in all this fantastical story telling is that the author is technically very good. Story line flows well and is cogent. Where it fails is that the movement should allow for character builds that never happen. Hunky guys get even more hunky-er? The gurls get hotter than popcorn farts and the sexual tension never builds to consumation which drops this to PG rated. Just a standard Indiana Bond themed novel.
What I really hate is wanting to continue with this series.
3.7/5
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Golden Sphinx by Lex Faulkner reads very much like a popcorn action movie in book form. The plot moves quickly, the stakes are clear, and there’s no shortage of danger, chases, and last-minute heroics. If you’re looking for a breezy, cinematic adventure where the hero saves the day, this delivers exactly that.
Where the book falters—at least for me—is in its characters. Nearly everyone comes across as a cardboard cutout or a familiar cliché, filling their roles without much depth or surprise. The biggest issue is the protagonist, Ethan Frost. He’s smart, athletic, wealthy, handsome, and seemingly incapable of making a meaningful mistake. In short, he’s perfect—and that perfection made him frustrating rather than inspiring.
I struggled to feel invested in Ethan’s journey because there’s little emotional friction. Without flaws, doubts, or consequences, it’s hard to connect to him or genuinely root for his success. Why should I cheer for perfection? For me, that lack of vulnerability drained much of the tension from the story.
That said, the book is competently written, fast-moving, and clearly aimed at entertainment first. Readers who enjoy straightforward action and don’t mind thin characterization may have a good time.
There is adult language, violence, and adult situations, so this is firmly an adult read.
In short: an entertaining but shallow adventure that earns three stars. Fans of action-heavy, movie-style thrillers may find more to enjoy here than I did.
I was given a free copy of the book from NetGalley and the Publisher for an honest review.
Where the book falters—at least for me—is in its characters. Nearly everyone comes across as a cardboard cutout or a familiar cliché, filling their roles without much depth or surprise. The biggest issue is the protagonist, Ethan Frost. He’s smart, athletic, wealthy, handsome, and seemingly incapable of making a meaningful mistake. In short, he’s perfect—and that perfection made him frustrating rather than inspiring.
I struggled to feel invested in Ethan’s journey because there’s little emotional friction. Without flaws, doubts, or consequences, it’s hard to connect to him or genuinely root for his success. Why should I cheer for perfection? For me, that lack of vulnerability drained much of the tension from the story.
That said, the book is competently written, fast-moving, and clearly aimed at entertainment first. Readers who enjoy straightforward action and don’t mind thin characterization may have a good time.
There is adult language, violence, and adult situations, so this is firmly an adult read.
In short: an entertaining but shallow adventure that earns three stars. Fans of action-heavy, movie-style thrillers may find more to enjoy here than I did.
I was given a free copy of the book from NetGalley and the Publisher for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The story begins with Ethan traveling to the Catskills to work on building his log cabin. While there Mitch, a pilot, shows up saying he needs to get back to NYC for an emergency. You see, Ethan is the majority stakeholder for Frost Industries and the board needs his approval to proceed with a plan to stop the Chinese from getting their hands on technology. The next morning Etan is watching the news and discoveries that his former professor and friend has been murdered. Ethan quickly rides to Yale where the murder happened and meets up with Sophia, the professor's assistant. Shortly thereafter after discovering who the killer was, Ethan along with Sophia, Scarlette, a hacker and friend, as well as Mitch, the pilot for Frost Ind., travel to Egypt to find the killer. While in Egypt the group Ethan adds Luke, another friend, to his team.
Follow Ethan and his team as the team travels through Egypt following a trail that might lead to a lost city many 1,000 years old. In their journey they are pursued by the professor's killer who is also searching for the lost city. Discover who is behind the killing as well as why he wants to find the lost city.
The story will definitely keep your interest right till the end. This is well worth reading, don't miss out!
The story begins with Ethan traveling to the Catskills to work on building his log cabin. While there Mitch, a pilot, shows up saying he needs to get back to NYC for an emergency. You see, Ethan is the majority stakeholder for Frost Industries and the board needs his approval to proceed with a plan to stop the Chinese from getting their hands on technology. The next morning Etan is watching the news and discoveries that his former professor and friend has been murdered. Ethan quickly rides to Yale where the murder happened and meets up with Sophia, the professor's assistant. Shortly thereafter after discovering who the killer was, Ethan along with Sophia, Scarlette, a hacker and friend, as well as Mitch, the pilot for Frost Ind., travel to Egypt to find the killer. While in Egypt the group Ethan adds Luke, another friend, to his team.
Follow Ethan and his team as the team travels through Egypt following a trail that might lead to a lost city many 1,000 years old. In their journey they are pursued by the professor's killer who is also searching for the lost city. Discover who is behind the killing as well as why he wants to find the lost city.
The story will definitely keep your interest right till the end. This is well worth reading, don't miss out!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews