Gold Medal Winner — Readers' Favorite 2026 International Book Awards
Catalina Kennedy has spent fifteen years training as a Master of Blades under her Irish grandfather's watchful eye—and fifteen years waiting for her family in Perú to send for her. She's learned to fight, to survive, and to bury the question that keeps her up at night: Why haven't they called me home?
When darkness, wearing a charming smile, tries to cage her future, Cat refuses to surrender. She feels it—something ancient and wrong lurking in the shadows of a rival clan. With her brother Robby at her side, she flees across the Atlantic, chased by storms and whispers that follow her all the way to her homeland. But the family waiting in Perú isn't what she expected. They're more.
Deep in the Amazon, Cat discovers a world where an Irish myth collides with the ancient power of Incan gods—where temples loom with deadly traps and a god-warrior captures her heart as fiercely as he fights beside her. To protect the family she fought to reclaim and the love she never saw coming, Cat will need every blade skill she possesses—because the Fates are watching, the ancient evil hunting her is older than legend, and it knows exactly what she is.
LOST, Book One, Gold Medal Winner — Readers' Favorite 2026 International Book Awards
Brigid Kennedy is the author of the OF IRISH MYTHS & INCAN LEGENDS series, a historical fantasy rooted in her real family history. Her great-grandfather Robert Patrick Kennedy was a real Irish treasure hunter who married Eudocia Rodrigues at a monastery in Arequipa, Peru in 1910 and disappeared into the Amazon. When her grandmother came to her in a dream and asked her to write the family story, Brigid said yes. She was a violin teacher who had never written a novel in her life. Her debut novel LOST — The Lost City of Incan Gold launched St. Patrick's Day 2026 with 75 five-star reviews at 100% rating. The full cast audiobook featuring 21 character voices and an original soundtrack is available on Audible, Amazon, and Apple Books. Brigid lives in Blacksburg, Virginia with her family. She is currently working on Books 2, 3, and 4 of the series. Find her at brigidkennedybooks.com and @brigidkennedybooks on all platforms.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review.
Brigid Kennedy's retelling of hunting for the lost city of gold is highly imaginative and full of twists and turns. The story begins with a very slow sailing journey to Peru, but immediately picks up in pace as the siblings reunite to find the Lost City. Together they must learn to work together in order to survive the brutal Amazonian forest.
Kennedy's writing style is extremely descriptive. One can envision the characters and the scenes with ease. I greatly appreciated her creation of strong, female characters who refused to be pigeonholed into gender roles. These characters wanted to hold positions based upon their earned skillsets. Her novel is an inventive take on treasure hunting in the Amazonian forests.
I received an ARC of this book. I enjoyed the story, I felt that it was a unique spin on the treasure hunter trope. My only qualms were that there were some historical inaccuracies, but I don’t believe this is listed as historical fiction, so that is more just a personal issue. However, no 15 year old boy would be making openly gay comments in 1825. Especially not someone of high society. Also, I wish the author had used the Irish spelling of the name Shamus-Seamus, since he is from Ireland. I did feel like I was thrown into the middle of the story and was taken through at 90mph, but I didn’t hate it. It was a quick read. I wish we had gotten a little more character development though.
Thank you to the author for an early ARC of this book. I wanted to like this book more than I did. The overall storyline was intriguing but I felt that the story could have been fleshed out some more. There were some abrupt changes of locations or times that didn’t flow smoothly, and there were some phrases that felt out of place in 1825. It could have just been me but I didn’t feel a connection to Cat or any of the other characters. The magical elements were interesting and can hopefully be fleshed out more in the next book.
An enjoyable story composed of myths, legends, and family history. It has a nice pace with a mix of suspense and intrigue balanced with romance and danger.
The characters are adventurous siblings hunting the Amazon for their long lost father who was searching for the mythical Incan city of gold. Through their dangerous adventures the siblings discover their own strengths and the strength of the bond that creates a family.
A very Impressive book. The lost city, mythical elements, and exploration sequences make you feel like you are uncovering history alongside the characters. The emotional connections between the characters add heart to the adventure, showing that the story is not only about what they find, but also about who they become along the way. Readers who love lost civilizations, ancient mysteries, and fantasy adventures will find plenty to appreciate here.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review: 2.5 stars There are some spoilers. The illustrations are gorgeous (though I do feel that the first one depicting the twins made them look far too old for being 15).
I will preface that I began writing this review in the midst of reading, so it will likely sound like several thoughts/notes that I simply jotted down so I wouldn't forget rather than a cohesive flowing blurb- because it is. I have read hundreds of YA fantasy/ romantasy books, thousands of pages, so I have experienced varying levels of writing maturity as well as styles.
It would have been very helpful to know how old Cat was when she was sent away. We know Patrick is 4, but that's it, and it would have been very helpful to follow the set up of the story. This is supposed to be in the early 1800s, but I will say that the vernacular used is certainly more modern day American. Saying, "Okay, well bye," is not authentic. Using "guys" as slang for the group of them, also not authentic. And how do they still know their Spanish? They should be having some struggle communicating since the only ones they could have practiced with for 15 years is each other, and it appears they left when they were still fairly young. I also have a hard time with the fact that the siblings return to Peru, find out almost everyone is dead, disappeared, or abandoned, and Cat only cries for about a day. She never really speaks about her mother again in an emotionally heartbreaking way.
Finding out her dad's been missing for 15 years and has almost not poignant reaction? Also not believable. How did she never even confront her aunt and uncle for leaving their 5 year old brother and then lying about the twins for 15 years? Makes. No. Sense. A ton of believability is completely lost. The only one who seems to act somewhat appropriately considering the circumstances is Patrick. His anger? Yes, makes sense.
Another thing, the twins are newly 15 and obnoxiously pampered, yet somehow they want to jump on the trip to the deadly Amazon? Nope. And Fernando and Aurora just let them? Also no. There should have been fighting, yelling, sneaking out of the house in the dead of night; not the two of them saying, "Okay, be safe," to their supposedly prized and pompous children. They're kids. I have a 15 year old myself- that wouldn't happen.
As the story progresses, they are back in Peru and into the Amazon on their quest. Cat is making observations like, oh Patrick is actually apologizing...that is so unlike him. What? She doesn't know him. She doesn't know what's out of character. The dialogue continues to be inauthentic- now there are young ladies from the Amazonian jungles in 1825 using the word "awesome." While the author makes the story move along with an eventful plot, it's disjointed, lacks flow...almost like it moves too quickly, jumps from scene too much to make sense of it.
At this point as I'm writing, almost 200 pages in and I finally learn how old Cat is. That clarity would've been nice in the beginning. I also noticed there are parts that "say but don't show." For example, just got to a part where Bastien comes up to Cat and says he wants her to know the real him, not the showy facade he puts up to keep the silence out.....and then that's the end of the sentence and conversation. So..... who is he?
I've finished the book. Some parting thoughts: Bastien is made to be flamboyant and ridiculous. Uncomfortable comments about flirting with the same guy crushing on his sister. The comments about his flashy prized scarves...if it was meant to be humorous (like the strange passing priests with their anti-girl comments), then it falls way flat. Better to leave them out. Dialogue continued to be modern, stilted. There is no flow. Everything started to become so rushed that I feel the writing began to lack even more. Her "I love you with all of my heart" was completely not believable because the development was lacking and they'd known each other for only a couple of weeks. Between things being rushed and not thoroughly fleshed out and explained, it wasn't an enjoyable read for me. I made a commitment to finishing it, so I did. The author has good use of adjectives to write isolated scenes, but as for a smooth connection between them, it needs some work. I also am huge on grammatical edits and typos, of which I found scant few, so big praise for that!
This really should be for young teens, minus the kissing scenes (or at least tone down the little bit of spice). It needs polishing, refining, attention to finer detail within character development.
I also want to point out that the dates on some chapters seemed irrelevant. The beginning made sense- setting and when it went backwards a few hours, but other than that, they were unnecessary; the movement of the plot already set a logical time flow. And really, with the modern day vernacular, could have just made it a current time period.
*Lost: The Lost City of Incan Gold* is an exhilarating blend of fantasy, mythology, adventure, and romance that immediately transports readers into a world where ancient legends are not relics of the past but living forces shaping the future. Brigid Kennedy crafts a story that balances pulse-pounding action with heartfelt emotion, creating a novel that feels as personal as it is epic.
What stayed with me most was Catalina Kennedy's journey toward discovering where she truly belongs. After spending years waiting for answers about her family and questioning her place in the world, Cat's return to Perú becomes far more than a homecoming. It's a search for identity, purpose, and the courage to embrace a destiny she never imagined. Her resilience, determination, and willingness to fight for the people she loves make her an instantly compelling heroine.
One of the novel's greatest strengths is the way it brings together two rich mythological traditions. The collision of Irish folklore with the ancient world of the Incan gods feels fresh and imaginative, creating a mythology that is uniquely its own. The hidden temples, deadly trials, and ancient prophecies give the story a constant sense of wonder while maintaining genuine emotional stakes.
I also appreciated the balance between adventure and character development. The fast-paced quest never overshadows the relationships at the heart of the novel. Cat's bond with her brother Robby adds warmth and authenticity, while the romance develops naturally amidst danger, sacrifice, and shared purpose. Every challenge the characters face strengthens both the emotional core and the momentum of the story.
Beyond its exciting action sequences, *Lost* explores themes of family, belonging, destiny, courage, and the choices that define who we become. It's a story about reclaiming one's heritage while forging an identity independent of the past, making the adventure feel emotionally rewarding as well as thrilling.
Brigid Kennedy has created a captivating debut that combines rich mythology, memorable characters, cinematic adventure, and heartfelt emotion into a thoroughly entertaining read. Fans of mythological fantasy, archaeological adventures, romantic fantasy, and stories featuring courageous heroines will find plenty to love in *Lost: The Lost City of Incan Gold*. It's the kind of novel that leaves readers eager to continue the journey long after the final page.
We meet the characters of this book, Catalina Kennedy and her brother Robby, surrounded by their family in Peru. They must say goodbye as they are being sent for warrior training with their grandparents in Ireland for a short while. Well that short time stretches to 15 years and Cat needs to escape after a marriage announcement binding her to the prince of a sinister family. Cat and Robby make their way onto a boat, but are quickly caught in a storm at sea. Once they make it home, they return to a family they didn’t expect- some are gone and there are a couple unexpected additions.They learn that shortly after they left, their father went on on his life’s mission, to find the treasure of The Lost City. The siblings decide to follow this journey and start on their own quest to find the Lost City. While on this journey, they start realizing they all have magic and need to figure out how to control it while navigating booby trapped temples, getting captured by a local tribe, and simply trying not to be eaten by the Amazonian jungle beasts. Oh, and an old Irish folklore of an evil spirit who sucks the life fore out of people turns out to be real, and he is also in pursuit of the Lost City and has a grudge to pick with the Kennedy family. This book is labeled as YA, which I can understand in some areas ( very low spice but also that insta love-falling in love after 4 days). But there were also areas that didn’t feel YA, very high stakes fantasy world with evil undertones and gruesome death scenes. I loved that this story is low in spice but high in adventure! The action does end on a cliffhanger!
I also love a book with short chapters and this one did not disappoint. The reason I took stars away is because I am not a fan of the insta love in this book (insert eye roll), and also because there were a couple times the scene would transition suddenly and it left me confused. I’m wondering if these areas were supposed to be new chapters. However, if this were changed, everything else is amazing!
I’ve always had a soft spot for Irish stories and legends, and that’s what pulled me in first. Seeing them woven into this family’s story is what kept me reading. The Kennedys are the heart of this book for me. They tease each other, they fight, they get on each other's nerves, and then they would walk through fire for one another without thinking twice. It made me laugh out loud more than once at their banter, and a few pages later I was holding my breath because one of them was in real danger. That mix kept me reading way past my bedtime.
Cat was so easy to root for. She is brave and stubborn and a little bit lost herself, and watching her slowly learn to trust what she feels was one of my favourite parts. And there is one quiet sibling in this family who completely snuck up on me. By the end I was more protective of him than anyone else.
The jungle is where this book really comes alive. It feels beautiful and dangerous at the same time, and there were moments when I could almost smell the rain and feel the heat. Once the story gets there, there is a turn I honestly did not see coming, and I just sat there for a minute going wait, what?...
How much heart sits under all the adventure was what I liked most. There is magic and gold and legend, but underneath it is a story about family, about where we come from, and about the people who keep watching over us even when they are gone. Reading the author's note afterwards made it hit even harder.
Lost: The Lost City of Incan Gold is an exciting blend of fantasy, adventure, mythology, and romance. I really enjoyed the way Brigid Kennedy brings Irish myths and Incan legends together while taking readers on a dangerous journey filled with mystery, ancient secrets, and unexpected discoveries.
Catalina is a strong and determined heroine, and her journey of finding her family, her identity, and her place in a world filled with ancient powers kept me interested. The Amazon setting and treasure-hunting elements added a great sense of adventure, while the emotional relationships gave the story heart.
Overall, this was an enjoyable and imaginative read with a unique premise, memorable characters, and plenty of action. A great choice for readers who love fantasy, mythology, adventure, and romance.
*Lost: The Lost City of Incan Gold* is an enjoyable adventure that brings together Irish myths, Incan legends, mystery, and the excitement of searching for something long hidden.
I really enjoyed the way Brigid Kennedy blends different mythological traditions into the story. There’s a strong sense of mystery and discovery throughout, and the idea of exploring the legends surrounding the lost city makes the book especially intriguing.
The combination of history, mythology, and adventure gives the story its own unique atmosphere. I also appreciated how the book creates a larger world that feels like there is still much more to uncover.
Overall, *Lost* was an entertaining read and a great starting point for readers who enjoy **ancient legends, mythology, mystery, and adventure**. It definitely made me curious about the stories that follow.
UNTOLD is an intriguing collection that adds more depth to the world introduced in *Lost: The Lost City of Incan Gold*. I enjoyed the way Irish myths and Incan legends are brought together, giving the stories a unique cultural and mysterious atmosphere. The accompanying stories add interesting layers to the overall world and leave you curious to discover more. A good read for anyone who enjoys mythology, legends, adventure, and stories rooted in different cultures.
I received this book as an Arc. However I didn’t realize it was a YA novel and that is completely on me. My review is from the standpoint that I would’ve enjoyed this when I was younger and the style of writing is engaging for a YA audience but for what I read now as an adult, it was predictable. But all of that is again on me for missing the book type.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the magic system and other fantasy elements of this book. I did not like the animal death in this book. It was very entertaining overall. I loved the writing style and romantic scenes.
I'm typically a romance reader, but when I came across this one, having read about The Lost City years ago, the title drew me in. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed reading it! The book is well written, and learning that the author drew from her family story made it even better!
This book..... I absolutely loved it! It has a bit of everything for everyone. I really loved the mixing of two mythologies and the storyline. PS I received an ARC for an honest review