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The Lost Guardian
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5 copies available
U.S. only
With a grandfather’s dying words, Santiago learns that his bedtime stories weren’t myths. They were warnings.
Before he knows it, Santiago Rios is leaving Los Angeles for Lima, Peru. Armed with a mysterious map and hunted by ruthless tomb robbers, the quiet archaeologist is thrust into a brutal race across the Andes to unearth the lost tomb of the final Incan emperor.
His only weapon is Ali, a fierce, feline woman who knows far more than she’s letting on. The closer they grow, the more certain Santiago becomes…Ali is trouble. Just the kind of trouble he likes.
To fulfill his grandfather’s final wish, Santiago and Ali will solve ancient riddles, outwit deadly enemies, and honor a legacy straight out of antiquity. Because it’s not just their lives on the line—not by a long shot.
Based on the true history of Atahualpa, the last emperor of the Inca people, indie sensation Natalia Hernandez delivers a powerhouse romantasy adventure set in the modern age.
Before he knows it, Santiago Rios is leaving Los Angeles for Lima, Peru. Armed with a mysterious map and hunted by ruthless tomb robbers, the quiet archaeologist is thrust into a brutal race across the Andes to unearth the lost tomb of the final Incan emperor.
His only weapon is Ali, a fierce, feline woman who knows far more than she’s letting on. The closer they grow, the more certain Santiago becomes…Ali is trouble. Just the kind of trouble he likes.
To fulfill his grandfather’s final wish, Santiago and Ali will solve ancient riddles, outwit deadly enemies, and honor a legacy straight out of antiquity. Because it’s not just their lives on the line—not by a long shot.
Based on the true history of Atahualpa, the last emperor of the Inca people, indie sensation Natalia Hernandez delivers a powerhouse romantasy adventure set in the modern age.
439 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 6, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was lucky enough to get a NetGalley widget from the lovely Entangled insiders team & I’m BEYOND happy! Thank you so much 💗
What a delight! This story was a mix of movies that I love ; Indiana Jones, Lara Croft, Night at the museum & Kingsman. It was so well written & action packed that I felt like I was living through it. My heart was racing in some parts and I was at the edge of my seat.
Santiago, the mmc, is a soft & socially awkward archeologist. He’s not one to make a lot of noise & he just doesn’t want to be perceived. Ali, the fmc, is a literal force to be reckoned with. It was amazing to be reading about those two characters because the role switch isn’t something I have the chance to read often. I love soft mmc’s but we don’t get enough of them. Their dynamic was especially rare because the mmc was really dependent of the fmc’s fierceness & strength. They complemented each other really well & were both smart but the fmc was more resourceful. She was amazing & I loved both of these characters so much.
The storyline & plot were just really compelling. I’ve always loved history, archeology & reading about different cultures & myths so this checked all of my interests. I hadn’t heard of that particular myth before so I was glued to the page.
The romance was a slow burn & I loved how their relationship developed. The scene in the water had me on my knees & that is the highest praise coming from me because I usually skip sex scenes. I was glued to the page I just know I would’ve folded.
This is a side note and more personal but I loved that there was a fmc that actually didn’t want kids. Like Ali, I raised my younger siblings. The youngest was born when I was 11 and my mom didn’t want him. He called me mom until I was 16 and he was 5 and actually understood I was his big sister and not his mom. I love him more than anything in the galaxy but I do not have the need for children for the rest of my life and this is underrepresented in Fantasy.
It was just such an enthralling read. I had seen that it’s a standalone but I found myself thinking I would love reading about this universe some more & there’s a sequel for a new adventure announced so I’m really looking forward to it! I’ll come back on publication date with my quotes.
What a delight! This story was a mix of movies that I love ; Indiana Jones, Lara Croft, Night at the museum & Kingsman. It was so well written & action packed that I felt like I was living through it. My heart was racing in some parts and I was at the edge of my seat.
Santiago, the mmc, is a soft & socially awkward archeologist. He’s not one to make a lot of noise & he just doesn’t want to be perceived. Ali, the fmc, is a literal force to be reckoned with. It was amazing to be reading about those two characters because the role switch isn’t something I have the chance to read often. I love soft mmc’s but we don’t get enough of them. Their dynamic was especially rare because the mmc was really dependent of the fmc’s fierceness & strength. They complemented each other really well & were both smart but the fmc was more resourceful. She was amazing & I loved both of these characters so much.
The storyline & plot were just really compelling. I’ve always loved history, archeology & reading about different cultures & myths so this checked all of my interests. I hadn’t heard of that particular myth before so I was glued to the page.
The romance was a slow burn & I loved how their relationship developed. The scene in the water had me on my knees & that is the highest praise coming from me because I usually skip sex scenes. I was glued to the page I just know I would’ve folded.
This is a side note and more personal but I loved that there was a fmc that actually didn’t want kids. Like Ali, I raised my younger siblings. The youngest was born when I was 11 and my mom didn’t want him. He called me mom until I was 16 and he was 5 and actually understood I was his big sister and not his mom. I love him more than anything in the galaxy but I do not have the need for children for the rest of my life and this is underrepresented in Fantasy.
It was just such an enthralling read. I had seen that it’s a standalone but I found myself thinking I would love reading about this universe some more & there’s a sequel for a new adventure announced so I’m really looking forward to it! I’ll come back on publication date with my quotes.
September 17, 2026
This was so freaking unique! Set in Peru and inspired by Incan history, The Lost Guardian felt unlike any romantasy I’ve read before. I loved following Santiago and Ali through the jungle as they searched for a lost tomb, solved ancient riddles, faced curses, and tried to stay ahead of their enemies.
The entire book played like an Indiana Jones movie in my head—but with magic and romance! The Peruvian setting and history made the story feel so vivid, and I loved that the romance added to the adventure without taking it over. This was exciting, atmospheric, and just so much fun to read!
The entire book played like an Indiana Jones movie in my head—but with magic and romance! The Peruvian setting and history made the story feel so vivid, and I loved that the romance added to the adventure without taking it over. This was exciting, atmospheric, and just so much fun to read!
September 13, 2026
Think Lara Croft vibes, but make the lead a hot, nerdy Latin man and throw him headfirst into a Peruvian adventure involving ancient Incan history, curses, danger, and mystery. Yeah… I was SOLD.
The Lost Guardian by Natalia Hernandez was such a freaking fun ride. The adventure and mythology had me completely hooked, and I loved how deeply the Peruvian and Incan elements were woven into the story. It gave the entire book this rich, atmospheric feeling that made the world come alive.
And our nerdy leading man?! LOVE. Give me a smart, slightly unexpected hero getting tangled up in ancient curses and dangerous adventures any day.
This genuinely felt like reading an archaeological adventure movie, and I had an absolute blast with it. If you love ancient mysteries, cursed artifacts, mythology, adventure, and a lead you’re going to become mildly obsessed with, put this one on your radar.
5⭐️ 2.5 🌶️
The Lost Guardian is coming soon from Entangled Publishing & Red Tower Books, and you’re definitely going to want this one on your TBR.
I will definitely be continuing this series! Can’t wait for Jose’s book 📖
The Lost Guardian by Natalia Hernandez was such a freaking fun ride. The adventure and mythology had me completely hooked, and I loved how deeply the Peruvian and Incan elements were woven into the story. It gave the entire book this rich, atmospheric feeling that made the world come alive.
And our nerdy leading man?! LOVE. Give me a smart, slightly unexpected hero getting tangled up in ancient curses and dangerous adventures any day.
This genuinely felt like reading an archaeological adventure movie, and I had an absolute blast with it. If you love ancient mysteries, cursed artifacts, mythology, adventure, and a lead you’re going to become mildly obsessed with, put this one on your radar.
5⭐️ 2.5 🌶️
The Lost Guardian is coming soon from Entangled Publishing & Red Tower Books, and you’re definitely going to want this one on your TBR.
I will definitely be continuing this series! Can’t wait for Jose’s book 📖
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 4 stars
The Lost Guardian is an adventure that takes place in Peru, where Santiago must find the lost tomb of Atahualpa to lay his grandfathers ashes to rest there, before it’s too late and the emperor will wake and curse the land.
Having visited Peru years ago and seeing the stories this book was inspired by, I was beyond excited to dive in! I could see the influences of for example Lara Croft and Atlantis!
It’s not often that I read books, where a man is the main character, but I honestly loved Santiago! He gave off those golden retriever vibes, his rambling about history when he got excited was honestly adorable and I just kept picturing Milo, except more buff when I imagined him! He is a very relatable character, and it really helped me connect to the story!
It is very noticeable that a lot of research has gone into the book. The history of the Inca’s, of Peru and the cultural importances are noticeable and I loved how I could also learn more about the country itself. The way it was woven into the story made it interesting to read on.
The plot itself was fun and engaging, with a lot of adventure and action happening throughout. The writing style made it an easy and quick read for me as well. I do think the plot was a bit predictable overall. A lot of the twists, I had guessed before they happened. Nonetheless, it didn’t lessen my enjoyment of the book itself.
Overall, The Lost Guardian was a fun read, and perfect for readers looking for a fun adventure with a magical aspect added.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC of this book via Colored Pages Book Tours in exchange for an honest review!
The Lost Guardian is an adventure that takes place in Peru, where Santiago must find the lost tomb of Atahualpa to lay his grandfathers ashes to rest there, before it’s too late and the emperor will wake and curse the land.
“Never apologize for loving history, my friend. It is one of the ways we honor those who have come before us.”
Having visited Peru years ago and seeing the stories this book was inspired by, I was beyond excited to dive in! I could see the influences of for example Lara Croft and Atlantis!
It’s not often that I read books, where a man is the main character, but I honestly loved Santiago! He gave off those golden retriever vibes, his rambling about history when he got excited was honestly adorable and I just kept picturing Milo, except more buff when I imagined him! He is a very relatable character, and it really helped me connect to the story!
It is very noticeable that a lot of research has gone into the book. The history of the Inca’s, of Peru and the cultural importances are noticeable and I loved how I could also learn more about the country itself. The way it was woven into the story made it interesting to read on.
The plot itself was fun and engaging, with a lot of adventure and action happening throughout. The writing style made it an easy and quick read for me as well. I do think the plot was a bit predictable overall. A lot of the twists, I had guessed before they happened. Nonetheless, it didn’t lessen my enjoyment of the book itself.
Overall, The Lost Guardian was a fun read, and perfect for readers looking for a fun adventure with a magical aspect added.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC of this book via Colored Pages Book Tours in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This one was soooo fun !! It gave Indian jones but better bc I've never actually seen Indiana jones but I feel like this is what it probably was like ? Lmao santiago was thrust into a world he didn't know existed as an archeologist, he must lay his grandfather to rest at the tomb before the enemies bloodline does , so much happens along the way fighting for survival and racing against the clock , and booby traps!! Near deaths , betrayals , confusion, some romnace and it's just simply amazing, I'm excited for book 2!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Okay listen babes….what if I told you Indiana Jones + The Mummy + National Treasure ANDDD….a little romantasy were about to collide in Peru?👀
The Lost Guardian by @nataliahernandezauthor delivered that🤌🏾🔥
Santiago is a quiet history obsessed archaeologist. He gets thrown WAY outside his comfort zone when he discovers that the stories he grew up hearing weren’t just stories. Oh no babe. So he starts racing across Peru, chasing clues and solving ancient riddles. Trying to uncover a lost Incan tomb and while of course being chased by bad guys aka treasure hunters are hot on his trail.😅
And then there’s Ali… 👀
She’s mysterious (I may have been side eyeing her THE WHOLE freakin time because she just showed up out of the blue. Besides being a total badass…she knows WAY more than she’s letting on.
I will admit, history isn’t much my thing but learning about the Peruvian and Incan history and culture throughout this story was captivating. This is the way I can get down with learning history👏🏾👏🏾.
The whole time I was reading I could literally picture this as a movie.😂 The puzzles, hidden clues, and treasure hunters. And the betrayals, magic, and race against time kept me turning the pages.
And SANTIAGO🥹…Nerdy history boy who gets to ramble about the thing he loves and then discovers he’s capable of WAY more than he ever thought he was. Going from a hesitant guy into someone who started believing in himself was🥹🥹😭.
If you love:
🏺 Ancient mysteries
🗺️ Treasure hunts
🧩 Ancient riddles & puzzles
🏹 Action & adventure
🎬 Books that feel like a movie playing in your head
Put this one on your TBR babes! The Lost Guardian releases October 6, 2026, so you can absolutely start planning that preorder.
The Lost Guardian by @nataliahernandezauthor delivered that🤌🏾🔥
Santiago is a quiet history obsessed archaeologist. He gets thrown WAY outside his comfort zone when he discovers that the stories he grew up hearing weren’t just stories. Oh no babe. So he starts racing across Peru, chasing clues and solving ancient riddles. Trying to uncover a lost Incan tomb and while of course being chased by bad guys aka treasure hunters are hot on his trail.😅
And then there’s Ali… 👀
She’s mysterious (I may have been side eyeing her THE WHOLE freakin time because she just showed up out of the blue. Besides being a total badass…she knows WAY more than she’s letting on.
I will admit, history isn’t much my thing but learning about the Peruvian and Incan history and culture throughout this story was captivating. This is the way I can get down with learning history👏🏾👏🏾.
The whole time I was reading I could literally picture this as a movie.😂 The puzzles, hidden clues, and treasure hunters. And the betrayals, magic, and race against time kept me turning the pages.
And SANTIAGO🥹…Nerdy history boy who gets to ramble about the thing he loves and then discovers he’s capable of WAY more than he ever thought he was. Going from a hesitant guy into someone who started believing in himself was🥹🥹😭.
If you love:
🏺 Ancient mysteries
🗺️ Treasure hunts
🧩 Ancient riddles & puzzles
🏹 Action & adventure
🎬 Books that feel like a movie playing in your head
Put this one on your TBR babes! The Lost Guardian releases October 6, 2026, so you can absolutely start planning that preorder.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Lost Guardian by Natalia Hernandez
3.5/5⭐️
1/3🌶️ (1 scene)
1/3🦋
•My Thoughts•
I loved the premise of this one. Incan/Peruvian history and mythology and all of the treasure hunting, booby traps, sneaky magic and clues you could want. I enjoyed the writing style and the story telling. I struggled a bit with the type of MMC in this one. Santiago is super smart, hot and nerdy (all lovely) but I struggled with how passive he was with his life, and how nervous and bumbling he was at every interaction. She had to save him at every turn, she drove the gettaway car (he didn’t even offer), and SO OFTEN, she had to protect him. I love a strong female but I really love a strong, protective MMC too. He did grow and become more confident throughout the story, but I didn’t find this dynamic very swoony or romantic. I fully recognize this is a personal preference. All in all, this was a fun premise with a bingeable writing style but the romance (which is my favorite part of a story) just wasn’t for me.
Thank you to Red Tower books and entangled publishing for the gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
•••
This is a standalone but it looks like it might be the start of an interconnected standalone series based on the excerpt included at the end of this book. I would definitely consider reading more by this author!
3.5/5⭐️
1/3🌶️ (1 scene)
1/3🦋
•My Thoughts•
I loved the premise of this one. Incan/Peruvian history and mythology and all of the treasure hunting, booby traps, sneaky magic and clues you could want. I enjoyed the writing style and the story telling. I struggled a bit with the type of MMC in this one. Santiago is super smart, hot and nerdy (all lovely) but I struggled with how passive he was with his life, and how nervous and bumbling he was at every interaction. She had to save him at every turn, she drove the gettaway car (he didn’t even offer), and SO OFTEN, she had to protect him. I love a strong female but I really love a strong, protective MMC too. He did grow and become more confident throughout the story, but I didn’t find this dynamic very swoony or romantic. I fully recognize this is a personal preference. All in all, this was a fun premise with a bingeable writing style but the romance (which is my favorite part of a story) just wasn’t for me.
Thank you to Red Tower books and entangled publishing for the gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
•••
This is a standalone but it looks like it might be the start of an interconnected standalone series based on the excerpt included at the end of this book. I would definitely consider reading more by this author!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to Entangled/Red Tower and Colored Pages Book Tour for the gifted book and ebook.
I enjoyed this action/adventure fantasy book with the Peruvian culture and Incan history. I thought it was a fun adventure with some stressful action scenes mixed in. Definitely pick this book up if you are an Indian Jones fan. Also, I would highly recommend this book if you were obsessed with the Nickelodeon show Legends of the Hidden Temple as a kid.
A little bit of spice and romance, but mostly it was a fun and action-filled book that also had some food descriptions that made my mouth water and want to book a trip to Peru!
Unique take on the usual fantasy genre. Pick this one up on October 6!
I enjoyed this action/adventure fantasy book with the Peruvian culture and Incan history. I thought it was a fun adventure with some stressful action scenes mixed in. Definitely pick this book up if you are an Indian Jones fan. Also, I would highly recommend this book if you were obsessed with the Nickelodeon show Legends of the Hidden Temple as a kid.
A little bit of spice and romance, but mostly it was a fun and action-filled book that also had some food descriptions that made my mouth water and want to book a trip to Peru!
Unique take on the usual fantasy genre. Pick this one up on October 6!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What fun this was!
As someone that grew up on Indiana Jones I loved the way this whole story unfolded.
Santi is so perfectly "geeky", his love of history is infectious and I enjoyed how those really close to him never wanted him to change.
Following clues to find a lost city while trying to out run the treasure hunters felt like an action movie in words.
It was so fun to read and I especially loved that it looks like it will be a series of interconnected standalones so I'm excited to see what else happens.
Thank you to Entangled and Netgalley for the review copy and these thoughts are my own.
As someone that grew up on Indiana Jones I loved the way this whole story unfolded.
Santi is so perfectly "geeky", his love of history is infectious and I enjoyed how those really close to him never wanted him to change.
Following clues to find a lost city while trying to out run the treasure hunters felt like an action movie in words.
It was so fun to read and I especially loved that it looks like it will be a series of interconnected standalones so I'm excited to see what else happens.
Thank you to Entangled and Netgalley for the review copy and these thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thabk you Entangled for the e-ARC!
This book was so nostalgic for me.
It had tomb raider meets Indiana Jones with a sprinkle of the mummy if you make him the librarian and her the hired protector.
There's drama, tension, yearning, and of course nystery of the puzzles.
I was definitly wary of Ali but the ending was honestly just so good.
This book was so nostalgic for me.
It had tomb raider meets Indiana Jones with a sprinkle of the mummy if you make him the librarian and her the hired protector.
There's drama, tension, yearning, and of course nystery of the puzzles.
I was definitly wary of Ali but the ending was honestly just so good.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When a clue from his late grandfather sends archaeologist Santiago Rios on a quest to find the lost tomb of the last Incan emperor, he teams up with the enigmatic Ali to race across the Andes, outwit treasure hunters, break an ancient curse, and uncover secrets of the past while falling in love. Blending adventure, romance, and Incan history, The Lost Guardian by Natalia Hernandez is a thrilling modern-day quest inspired by the true story of Atahualpa and the enduring legacy of the Inca civilization.
Santiago is a passionate history enthusiast who spends his days curating museum exhibits, with a special focus on Incan heritage. Often burdened by self-doubt and perceived as "boring" because of his nerdy nature, his story begins with him being unsure of his place in the world. What made his journey so compelling was watching him grow into someone who embraces himself wholeheartedly. As he races across the Andes, Santiago not only gains confidence but also discovers love, reconnects with his roots, and develops a deeper appreciation for his family's heritage.
Ali was an equally compelling character. She is fierce and determined, yet there is a gentleness to her that balances her strength. I loved how her practical knowledge of Peru and its culture complemented Santiago's academic expertise. Their shared curiosity and intellectual nature, particularly Ali's interest in astronomy, made them an effective team when deciphering clues and solving mysteries. Together, they helped each other confront their insecurities, creating a partnership that felt genuine.
One of the book's strongest aspects is its setting. The author vividly captures Peru's landscapes, history, and mythology, making them feel alive on the page. Several locations were described so beautifully that I found myself searching for them online afterwards. At times, I even wished I had a deeper understanding of Peruvian history to fully appreciate all the references woven into the story.
That said, the pacing was uneven for me. While some sections were filled with excitement and intrigue, the middle portion slowed considerably once Santiago and Ali continued the journey on their own. Although I remained interested, I occasionally had to push myself through those chapters. The final part of the novel, however, was much stronger, with rising stakes, confrontations with tomb raiders, and a race against time that kept me engaged until the end.
I also found the romance somewhat underdeveloped. While I liked both Santiago and Ali as individuals, I never felt fully invested in their relationship. Apart from a few standout moments, particularly near the climax, I struggled to connect emotionally with their romance. I was also disappointed that Brooke, introduced as Santiago's best friend early in the story, largely disappeared from the narrative. I hope there’s something planned for her in the future installments.
Overall, The Lost Guardian was an enjoyable adventure with fascinating historical elements, immersive world-building, and strong character growth. While the pacing and romance did not fully work for me, the rich setting and engaging premise made it a worthwhile read, even if it left me wishing for a little more depth and emotional connection.
Santiago is a passionate history enthusiast who spends his days curating museum exhibits, with a special focus on Incan heritage. Often burdened by self-doubt and perceived as "boring" because of his nerdy nature, his story begins with him being unsure of his place in the world. What made his journey so compelling was watching him grow into someone who embraces himself wholeheartedly. As he races across the Andes, Santiago not only gains confidence but also discovers love, reconnects with his roots, and develops a deeper appreciation for his family's heritage.
Ali was an equally compelling character. She is fierce and determined, yet there is a gentleness to her that balances her strength. I loved how her practical knowledge of Peru and its culture complemented Santiago's academic expertise. Their shared curiosity and intellectual nature, particularly Ali's interest in astronomy, made them an effective team when deciphering clues and solving mysteries. Together, they helped each other confront their insecurities, creating a partnership that felt genuine.
One of the book's strongest aspects is its setting. The author vividly captures Peru's landscapes, history, and mythology, making them feel alive on the page. Several locations were described so beautifully that I found myself searching for them online afterwards. At times, I even wished I had a deeper understanding of Peruvian history to fully appreciate all the references woven into the story.
That said, the pacing was uneven for me. While some sections were filled with excitement and intrigue, the middle portion slowed considerably once Santiago and Ali continued the journey on their own. Although I remained interested, I occasionally had to push myself through those chapters. The final part of the novel, however, was much stronger, with rising stakes, confrontations with tomb raiders, and a race against time that kept me engaged until the end.
I also found the romance somewhat underdeveloped. While I liked both Santiago and Ali as individuals, I never felt fully invested in their relationship. Apart from a few standout moments, particularly near the climax, I struggled to connect emotionally with their romance. I was also disappointed that Brooke, introduced as Santiago's best friend early in the story, largely disappeared from the narrative. I hope there’s something planned for her in the future installments.
Overall, The Lost Guardian was an enjoyable adventure with fascinating historical elements, immersive world-building, and strong character growth. While the pacing and romance did not fully work for me, the rich setting and engaging premise made it a worthwhile read, even if it left me wishing for a little more depth and emotional connection.
Did Not Finish
September 10, 2026Thank you to Colored Pages Book Tours and RedTower Books for the NetGalley widget!
The Lost Guardian is described as "a gender-swapped The Mummy meets Atlantis, in which a nerdy historian and brush gunslinger must unearth the tomb of the last Incan Emperor". I loved The Mummy (once I was old enough to not be scared by it) as well as Atlantis, and I do so enjoy books that incorporate history in this way, so I was immediately sold on it.
Unfortunately I really struggled with this one, and it was a DNF at 52% for me. I think it was primarily due to how it was marketed and hyped, and its failure to live up to those expectations for me. I'll skip past my frustrations with the ill-defined lines between YA and New Adult, as well as what makes a true romantasy, and stick with stuff that is directly related to this specific book.
This book was comped to The Mummy (1999), which was the main selling point for me, but personally I didn't feel like this was a great comp for this book - unless Evie gets paired with a love interest more akin to Beni than Rick. It's simply a quest focused on a myth from an ancient civilization where our main characters have to locate this mythological place and also protect it from those who mean to vandalize it - kind of your typical archeological hero story - with some degree of romantic subplot.
Both MCs are young: I think they are supposed to be early 20s? But they read much younger, closer to high school, despite Santi being a grad student (granted, he skipped a few grades, so his actual age is unclear). The romance also skewed young and I struggled with finding any real chemistry between these two. It felt very insta-lusty to me.
Santi also continuously struggles with his confidence, and eventually I grew tired of reading about how jealous he was of literally any other man giving Ali attention, and how vehemently he does not believe in magic (of which there was very little thus far). It started to get a bit too repetative in both aspects.
Meanwhile, Ali was not "trouble", as the book summary describes her - she's just a girl who is well-versed in self-defense and has excellent driving skills. And Santi is at no point in time giving me the idea that he prefers women who are trouble - also going against the book summary.
And do not involve your logic when reading, because then you will start to question far too much of this story, as I did.
The writing really didn't excite me - I prefer more fluid, lyrical writing, and in comparison this felt very plain and straightforward - and ultimately this book just could not keep my attention, so I put it down halfway in and moved on.
Honestly, this book might work for you if you go in with the right expectations - a quest by two people in their late teens involving Incan history and lore with a little hint of romance - but unfortunately for me, I had different expectations than what I felt this book actually was, resulting in my dissatisfaction.
The Lost Guardian is described as "a gender-swapped The Mummy meets Atlantis, in which a nerdy historian and brush gunslinger must unearth the tomb of the last Incan Emperor". I loved The Mummy (once I was old enough to not be scared by it) as well as Atlantis, and I do so enjoy books that incorporate history in this way, so I was immediately sold on it.
Unfortunately I really struggled with this one, and it was a DNF at 52% for me. I think it was primarily due to how it was marketed and hyped, and its failure to live up to those expectations for me. I'll skip past my frustrations with the ill-defined lines between YA and New Adult, as well as what makes a true romantasy, and stick with stuff that is directly related to this specific book.
This book was comped to The Mummy (1999), which was the main selling point for me, but personally I didn't feel like this was a great comp for this book - unless Evie gets paired with a love interest more akin to Beni than Rick. It's simply a quest focused on a myth from an ancient civilization where our main characters have to locate this mythological place and also protect it from those who mean to vandalize it - kind of your typical archeological hero story - with some degree of romantic subplot.
Both MCs are young: I think they are supposed to be early 20s? But they read much younger, closer to high school, despite Santi being a grad student (granted, he skipped a few grades, so his actual age is unclear). The romance also skewed young and I struggled with finding any real chemistry between these two. It felt very insta-lusty to me.
Santi also continuously struggles with his confidence, and eventually I grew tired of reading about how jealous he was of literally any other man giving Ali attention, and how vehemently he does not believe in magic (of which there was very little thus far). It started to get a bit too repetative in both aspects.
Meanwhile, Ali was not "trouble", as the book summary describes her - she's just a girl who is well-versed in self-defense and has excellent driving skills. And Santi is at no point in time giving me the idea that he prefers women who are trouble - also going against the book summary.
And do not involve your logic when reading, because then you will start to question far too much of this story, as I did.
The writing really didn't excite me - I prefer more fluid, lyrical writing, and in comparison this felt very plain and straightforward - and ultimately this book just could not keep my attention, so I put it down halfway in and moved on.
Honestly, this book might work for you if you go in with the right expectations - a quest by two people in their late teens involving Incan history and lore with a little hint of romance - but unfortunately for me, I had different expectations than what I felt this book actually was, resulting in my dissatisfaction.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received an advanced copy of this book from Entangled Insiders, Netgalley, Red Tower, and the author Natalia Hernandez in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to read The Lost Guardian.
I was getting movie vibes, especially Atlantis x National Treasure x The Mummy. It also flipped the gender roles. Santiago Rios is our MMC, he is an archaeologist who receives word that his grandfather in Peru has died. As he is trying to process this information, his door is broken down by armed men trying to get a “key” from him. He has no idea what is happening and then a woman, Ali, saves his life and tells him that he is the last living Guardian for a lost tomb and lost treasure. His job is to take his grandfather's ashes to the tomb to help refresh the magic that keeps the tomb hidden and to protect the tomb’s location from treasure hunters and raiders. Santiago is our studious and unprepared reluctant hero, think Milo from Atlantis while Ali is a cross of Rick O’Connell and Ardeth Bay (The Mummy), she is our tough and life saving muscle. She is of course gorgeous, talented with a gun and is from a family that has been tasked with protecting the Guardians. They travel to Peru to find the lost tomb and have to solve hidden clues and riddles while trying to beat the “bad guys”, basically Ian Howe from National Treasure, the rich tomb raider who wants to ransack the tomb for the rumored gold and jewels.
This is a moderate paced adventure romantasy, there are parts that are very fast paced and exciting and then others were they are just tromping through the forest and looking at the sky. It is based on the true history of Atahualpa, the last emperor of the Inca people. I enjoyed the adventure of the story. The problem solving is presented in an interesting and conversational way vs lectures. Ali starts out as a mysterious and skilled body guard but eventually develops into a secretly intellectual woman with hidden depths. Santiago was a little too timid of a character for me, he was definitely the reluctant hero. After a while he did start to grow on me and he was much more confident at the end, he had a lot of character growth and development into a confident individual. The romantic love story was a little underdeveloped for me. There were some twists and turns in the story that were predictable but I think that is ok. The storyline was interesting enough to keep going and as a reader, I don’t have to be shocked by every story.
If you are craving an adventure story with a small side of romance with a non-conventional hero, then this is perfect! I would rate it a 1 chili pepper, it is also low on the gore and blood even though there are deaths and gun violence. The Peruvian and Inca influences were fantastic, I loved all the culture and history sprinkled throughout the story. I enjoyed this book and thank you to all for letting me read it early!
I was getting movie vibes, especially Atlantis x National Treasure x The Mummy. It also flipped the gender roles. Santiago Rios is our MMC, he is an archaeologist who receives word that his grandfather in Peru has died. As he is trying to process this information, his door is broken down by armed men trying to get a “key” from him. He has no idea what is happening and then a woman, Ali, saves his life and tells him that he is the last living Guardian for a lost tomb and lost treasure. His job is to take his grandfather's ashes to the tomb to help refresh the magic that keeps the tomb hidden and to protect the tomb’s location from treasure hunters and raiders. Santiago is our studious and unprepared reluctant hero, think Milo from Atlantis while Ali is a cross of Rick O’Connell and Ardeth Bay (The Mummy), she is our tough and life saving muscle. She is of course gorgeous, talented with a gun and is from a family that has been tasked with protecting the Guardians. They travel to Peru to find the lost tomb and have to solve hidden clues and riddles while trying to beat the “bad guys”, basically Ian Howe from National Treasure, the rich tomb raider who wants to ransack the tomb for the rumored gold and jewels.
This is a moderate paced adventure romantasy, there are parts that are very fast paced and exciting and then others were they are just tromping through the forest and looking at the sky. It is based on the true history of Atahualpa, the last emperor of the Inca people. I enjoyed the adventure of the story. The problem solving is presented in an interesting and conversational way vs lectures. Ali starts out as a mysterious and skilled body guard but eventually develops into a secretly intellectual woman with hidden depths. Santiago was a little too timid of a character for me, he was definitely the reluctant hero. After a while he did start to grow on me and he was much more confident at the end, he had a lot of character growth and development into a confident individual. The romantic love story was a little underdeveloped for me. There were some twists and turns in the story that were predictable but I think that is ok. The storyline was interesting enough to keep going and as a reader, I don’t have to be shocked by every story.
If you are craving an adventure story with a small side of romance with a non-conventional hero, then this is perfect! I would rate it a 1 chili pepper, it is also low on the gore and blood even though there are deaths and gun violence. The Peruvian and Inca influences were fantastic, I loved all the culture and history sprinkled throughout the story. I enjoyed this book and thank you to all for letting me read it early!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Book rating: 4⭐️
Genre: adventure fantasy
Themes: Incan history, curses, ancient puzzles, quest, legacy
📖 Read if you like: The Mummy, National Treasure, Tomb Raider
Imagine that The Mummy, National Treasure and Tomb Raider had an Incan baby and you would have this book. It was a fun and action packed adventure, diving into a lost civilization and all the lasting cultural influences it presents.
Santiago Rios has just discovered his grandfather has passed and that he has left a legacy Santi could not have imagined. For all those bedtime stories were not just myths to entertain children, but his destiny. With a necklace and a canister full of ashes, Santi is forced to flee LA for Peru alongside a mysterious woman to search for the lost tomb of the last Incan emperor. As they race against murderous tomb raiders intent on stealing the legendary treasure held within the tomb, the two will start to grow inextricably attached, though Ali remains a riddle with her fair share of secrets.
Santiago is a dreamy main character. Part dork who loves to extol his collection of historical facts whenever he sees something interesting and part rock climbing Latin hunk with wavy lochs and long eyelashes. He is a self-conscious and nervous archeologist that trusts easily and must suspend his disbelief on this quest he finds himself on. It was refreshing to get this smart but unlikely hero lead the way. He is a complete contrast to the gun slinging, motocycle riding, fierce badass that is Ali. The opposites attract relationship is rather cute with a heartfelt connection.
I enjoyed the riddles and myths of an ancient civilization, just as I enjoyed the wilderness and modern culture of Peru. It was also interesting to have Santi as a third culture kid who wants to connect to his heritage though he was encouraged to assimilate when his parents moved to LA. It posed some complicated questions on identity and legacy that I myself have struggled with making him an easy character to empathize and connect with.
The larger plot points were obvious to me, but that is probably owing to my healthy addiction to movies within this genre. Still I was entertained with a plot full of myths, curses, Incan history, puzzles, magic, mystery and plenty of danger. I thought it was well researched and really evoked the magic within Peruvian culture and history.
Thank you to @coloredpagesbt @redtowerbooks @entangledteen and @nataliahernandezauthor for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Genre: adventure fantasy
Themes: Incan history, curses, ancient puzzles, quest, legacy
📖 Read if you like: The Mummy, National Treasure, Tomb Raider
Imagine that The Mummy, National Treasure and Tomb Raider had an Incan baby and you would have this book. It was a fun and action packed adventure, diving into a lost civilization and all the lasting cultural influences it presents.
Santiago Rios has just discovered his grandfather has passed and that he has left a legacy Santi could not have imagined. For all those bedtime stories were not just myths to entertain children, but his destiny. With a necklace and a canister full of ashes, Santi is forced to flee LA for Peru alongside a mysterious woman to search for the lost tomb of the last Incan emperor. As they race against murderous tomb raiders intent on stealing the legendary treasure held within the tomb, the two will start to grow inextricably attached, though Ali remains a riddle with her fair share of secrets.
Santiago is a dreamy main character. Part dork who loves to extol his collection of historical facts whenever he sees something interesting and part rock climbing Latin hunk with wavy lochs and long eyelashes. He is a self-conscious and nervous archeologist that trusts easily and must suspend his disbelief on this quest he finds himself on. It was refreshing to get this smart but unlikely hero lead the way. He is a complete contrast to the gun slinging, motocycle riding, fierce badass that is Ali. The opposites attract relationship is rather cute with a heartfelt connection.
I enjoyed the riddles and myths of an ancient civilization, just as I enjoyed the wilderness and modern culture of Peru. It was also interesting to have Santi as a third culture kid who wants to connect to his heritage though he was encouraged to assimilate when his parents moved to LA. It posed some complicated questions on identity and legacy that I myself have struggled with making him an easy character to empathize and connect with.
The larger plot points were obvious to me, but that is probably owing to my healthy addiction to movies within this genre. Still I was entertained with a plot full of myths, curses, Incan history, puzzles, magic, mystery and plenty of danger. I thought it was well researched and really evoked the magic within Peruvian culture and history.
Thank you to @coloredpagesbt @redtowerbooks @entangledteen and @nataliahernandezauthor for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 14, 2026
If Indiana jones was a nerdy history student from Peru who may or may not be a part of an ancient line of guardians of a hidden tomb.
You follow the MMC, Santiago, who is a bit of a history buff and spends most of his time working at a museum on exhibits related to ancient South American civilizations due to his heritage and the stories her grew up with. When a beautiful women asks him on a date, he agrees but when he learns of his grandfathers death through a cryptic letter, and then is almost immediately attacked, the woman Ali that he accidentally stood up comes to his rescue and helps him flee the country. When they arrive in Peru, he is able to collect his grandfathers remains form another history professor he looks up to, and ends up setting off the “key” that he has worn around his neck that will lead him to this ancient tomb to lay his grandfather to rest. This new team of three must unlock all the clues to this tomb before the men chasing them and looking for the gold buried within can catch them.
I really enjoyed the plot line of this book and the adventure that the otherwise reserved MMC was forced to embark on and get out of his shell. It’s fun seeing them unlock all the puzzles and clues and seeing the history of the Inca culture weaved so well into it! I also loved all the references to the different foods and more modern culture whenever the crew was in cities or had down time between parts of the adventure! There was some building tension between the MMC and Ali and I liked how she does her best to boost his moral and help with his confidence in their mission and how protective of each other they both come. As they get deeper into this trail to the tomb, some reveals and betrayals and some epic magic had me hooked into the book and I couldn’t put it down. Overall this was a fun and exciting read and would love more adventures to follow for this crew, my rating 4.6/5!
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!
You follow the MMC, Santiago, who is a bit of a history buff and spends most of his time working at a museum on exhibits related to ancient South American civilizations due to his heritage and the stories her grew up with. When a beautiful women asks him on a date, he agrees but when he learns of his grandfathers death through a cryptic letter, and then is almost immediately attacked, the woman Ali that he accidentally stood up comes to his rescue and helps him flee the country. When they arrive in Peru, he is able to collect his grandfathers remains form another history professor he looks up to, and ends up setting off the “key” that he has worn around his neck that will lead him to this ancient tomb to lay his grandfather to rest. This new team of three must unlock all the clues to this tomb before the men chasing them and looking for the gold buried within can catch them.
I really enjoyed the plot line of this book and the adventure that the otherwise reserved MMC was forced to embark on and get out of his shell. It’s fun seeing them unlock all the puzzles and clues and seeing the history of the Inca culture weaved so well into it! I also loved all the references to the different foods and more modern culture whenever the crew was in cities or had down time between parts of the adventure! There was some building tension between the MMC and Ali and I liked how she does her best to boost his moral and help with his confidence in their mission and how protective of each other they both come. As they get deeper into this trail to the tomb, some reveals and betrayals and some epic magic had me hooked into the book and I couldn’t put it down. Overall this was a fun and exciting read and would love more adventures to follow for this crew, my rating 4.6/5!
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!
September 21, 2026
An ancient mystery and a quest
This story was “a full-on, one hundred percent bad**s adventure” with a bit of romance thrown in. So strap in for this teeth clenching, edge of your seat, twisty turny epic tale. The story beautifully weaves together exhilarating action, palpable tension, plot twists, mystery, suspense, humor, magic, romance, and history with just the perfect amount of emotions to invest you in the lives of the main characters. Santiago lives in LA and is a PhD candidate in archeology with a focus on pre-Columbian Andean societies. He’s hoping to go on a dig trip with his advisor but she assigns him admin work instead. But his plans for boring admin work take an unexpected and exciting left turn when he receives a mysterious death letter from his Peruvian grandfather which contains his chakana, states the stories are all true and instructs Santi to spread his ashes in Peru. This is the beginning of Santiago being swept up in a pulse pounding adventure with Ali who claims she was sent by his grandfather to help him fulfill his destiny and stay away from the bad actors. Now Santiago is in a race to protect the final resting place of the last Incan emperor from tomb raiders. The storyline is so rich and vibrant, I felt like I was there with the characters feeling their feelings, living their lives, and participating in the mysteries and adventure of the quest. The storyline especially made the history nerd in me so happy. It is full of all these juicy details of the ancient Incans and Peruvians - the people, history, languages, cultures and traditions all wound around the story of Atahualpa and the effect of power, colonization, and betrayal on the history in Peru. I loved the characters and the unfurling of the tale in this one so I am so happy there will be more stories starring Santiago.
This story was “a full-on, one hundred percent bad**s adventure” with a bit of romance thrown in. So strap in for this teeth clenching, edge of your seat, twisty turny epic tale. The story beautifully weaves together exhilarating action, palpable tension, plot twists, mystery, suspense, humor, magic, romance, and history with just the perfect amount of emotions to invest you in the lives of the main characters. Santiago lives in LA and is a PhD candidate in archeology with a focus on pre-Columbian Andean societies. He’s hoping to go on a dig trip with his advisor but she assigns him admin work instead. But his plans for boring admin work take an unexpected and exciting left turn when he receives a mysterious death letter from his Peruvian grandfather which contains his chakana, states the stories are all true and instructs Santi to spread his ashes in Peru. This is the beginning of Santiago being swept up in a pulse pounding adventure with Ali who claims she was sent by his grandfather to help him fulfill his destiny and stay away from the bad actors. Now Santiago is in a race to protect the final resting place of the last Incan emperor from tomb raiders. The storyline is so rich and vibrant, I felt like I was there with the characters feeling their feelings, living their lives, and participating in the mysteries and adventure of the quest. The storyline especially made the history nerd in me so happy. It is full of all these juicy details of the ancient Incans and Peruvians - the people, history, languages, cultures and traditions all wound around the story of Atahualpa and the effect of power, colonization, and betrayal on the history in Peru. I loved the characters and the unfurling of the tale in this one so I am so happy there will be more stories starring Santiago.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to Entangled Publishing for providing this ARC. This book was a fun action adventure blending Peruvian/Andean/Incan legend and history - I immediately had a movie running in my mind as I read! I loved the play between ancient stories, real-life archaeology, and day-to-day cultural-meets-modern traditions. The main character, Santiago, is a quiet male doctorate student, and it was so refreshing to read alongside his growth and development as he is thrown into situations that are completely out of his comfort zone. There are so many female main characters out there and the author handles the male view really well! A great action adventure always has a good romance too and this book doesn’t disappoint - I liked that Ali was confident and helped Santiago figure out who he really was and made him see that he had it all within him without her but, like all good partnerships, they were better together as they navigate all of the history, riddles, and bad guys. Jose is the dashing, handsome, mentor and archaeology professor with an Indiana Jones vibe but better - he is Latin after all!
The story starts slower to set up Santiago in his predictable life and then suddenly throws readers into the fast-paced, race-the-clock plot. The author also kept me guessing as to where twists could come from, especially as the story progressed. I hope the next book brings these characters back together for another adventure. I’d love more of Ali and Jose’s backstories and a dash more of Brooke, Santiago’s best friend. The magic of the Incan legends and the beauty of the Andean landscape has me looking up travel itineraries to head out on my own action adventure in Peru! I’ll also be reading more from this author - including the next book.
The story starts slower to set up Santiago in his predictable life and then suddenly throws readers into the fast-paced, race-the-clock plot. The author also kept me guessing as to where twists could come from, especially as the story progressed. I hope the next book brings these characters back together for another adventure. I’d love more of Ali and Jose’s backstories and a dash more of Brooke, Santiago’s best friend. The magic of the Incan legends and the beauty of the Andean landscape has me looking up travel itineraries to head out on my own action adventure in Peru! I’ll also be reading more from this author - including the next book.
September 22, 2026
Santiago Rios is having a heck of a day. First, he gets shot down by his advisor to go on an archeology dig in Peru, his homeland. But then, he meets an absolutely gorgeous stranger, Ali, who wants to meet him for a drink later. Only to go home and find a letter from his grandfather, telling him that if he's holding this, it's because he is dead and Santi is the last living Guardian of the tomb of Atahualpa. Then two armed gunmen break into his apartment and who is he rescued by? The enigmatic Ali, who was sent by his grandfather to return his ashes to the tomb. And if they don't return those ashes, a curse will be released upon the world. Talk about a day. Ali and Santi go racing across Peru, solving clues left by the Guardians, while trying to outrun grave robbers, time, and their growing feelings for each other.
This book was so different than what you usually see from a Romantasy. It reminds me of a James Rollins/Clive Cussler type of book, which are two of my favorite authors. The plot was outstanding, the locations were so well described. I loved the action and the finding of clues together. I think my favorite part was the role reversal of the MMC and FMC. Usually it's the MMC who's all badass, but this time, Santi is soft and a bit nerdy (and very hot apparently). And Ali is the one kicking ass and taking names. I really liked them together. The "twist" we knew was coming was pretty well done as well. The only thing I couldn't quite get on board with was the "magic." It just didn't go with the flow of the book.
Overall, I thought it was well done and a really great debut novel. 4/5 stars for sure.
Thank you SO much to the publisher for this eARC. Received a copy in exchange for a review, all opinions are mine.
This book was so different than what you usually see from a Romantasy. It reminds me of a James Rollins/Clive Cussler type of book, which are two of my favorite authors. The plot was outstanding, the locations were so well described. I loved the action and the finding of clues together. I think my favorite part was the role reversal of the MMC and FMC. Usually it's the MMC who's all badass, but this time, Santi is soft and a bit nerdy (and very hot apparently). And Ali is the one kicking ass and taking names. I really liked them together. The "twist" we knew was coming was pretty well done as well. The only thing I couldn't quite get on board with was the "magic." It just didn't go with the flow of the book.
Overall, I thought it was well done and a really great debut novel. 4/5 stars for sure.
Thank you SO much to the publisher for this eARC. Received a copy in exchange for a review, all opinions are mine.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Lost Guardian by Natalia Hernandez is an absolute masterpiece of a modern romantasy adventure that masterfully blends Indiana Jones vibes with The Mummy. Hernandez takes a brilliant, nerdy archaeologist protagonist, Santiago Rios, and throws him out of his quiet life in Los Angeles and straight into a high-stakes, adrenaline-fueled race across the Andes. The plot—centered around a mysterious map, deadly tomb raiders, and the hidden final resting place of Atahualpa, the last Incan emperor—hooks you right from the prologue and never lets go.
The worldbuilding and historical integration are flawless. Hernandez utilizes real Incan mythology and history to anchor the story, injecting the narrative with dangerous ancient riddles, curses, and an incredibly vivid Peruvian setting. The chemistry between Santiago and his mysterious, fierce guide, Ali, is absolute perfection. Watching a quiet academic team up with a bold, dangerous companion creates an exceptional slow-burn romance that crackles with tension and clever banter on every page.
What makes this a definitive five-star read is the sheer momentum of the pacing alongside the rich atmosphere. Hernandez balances genuine psychological dread and ancient curses with heart-pounding action sequences effortlessly. It is a sweeping, brilliant, and incredibly fresh addition to the fantasy genre that will leave you absolutely breathless.
The worldbuilding and historical integration are flawless. Hernandez utilizes real Incan mythology and history to anchor the story, injecting the narrative with dangerous ancient riddles, curses, and an incredibly vivid Peruvian setting. The chemistry between Santiago and his mysterious, fierce guide, Ali, is absolute perfection. Watching a quiet academic team up with a bold, dangerous companion creates an exceptional slow-burn romance that crackles with tension and clever banter on every page.
What makes this a definitive five-star read is the sheer momentum of the pacing alongside the rich atmosphere. Hernandez balances genuine psychological dread and ancient curses with heart-pounding action sequences effortlessly. It is a sweeping, brilliant, and incredibly fresh addition to the fantasy genre that will leave you absolutely breathless.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Natalia Hernandez and NetGalley for the e-ARC read.
The Lost Guardian was a great take on the myths and stories from history with a bit of a magical twist. The main character, Santiago, is a humble nerd who underestimates himself. His journey through this story helps him see what he’s capable of, connect with his family’s history, and find love. Santiago and Ali were both very lovable characters that had you rooting for them. The overall riddles and tests were entertaining and also had me learning a little more about the history of Atahualpa, the Incans, and Peru.
A few items that fell flat for me though. The romance in this felt a bit rushed, given the main characters only met recently and were bonding under such high stakes. Since it seems the author is going to continue the series, I would not have been hard pressed for the romance at this level in this first book. Seemed forced and misplaced to escalate the romance in what seemed to be more of high stakes treasure hunting mission. Additionally, don’t understand the need to introduce the best friend character for the first few chapters of the book only to never hear from her again. Seemed unnecessary.
Overall, if you’re a fan of Indiana Jones or Lara Croft or just love a good magical twist on myths and legends, you’ll likely enjoy this new book from Natalia Hernandez.
The Lost Guardian was a great take on the myths and stories from history with a bit of a magical twist. The main character, Santiago, is a humble nerd who underestimates himself. His journey through this story helps him see what he’s capable of, connect with his family’s history, and find love. Santiago and Ali were both very lovable characters that had you rooting for them. The overall riddles and tests were entertaining and also had me learning a little more about the history of Atahualpa, the Incans, and Peru.
A few items that fell flat for me though. The romance in this felt a bit rushed, given the main characters only met recently and were bonding under such high stakes. Since it seems the author is going to continue the series, I would not have been hard pressed for the romance at this level in this first book. Seemed forced and misplaced to escalate the romance in what seemed to be more of high stakes treasure hunting mission. Additionally, don’t understand the need to introduce the best friend character for the first few chapters of the book only to never hear from her again. Seemed unnecessary.
Overall, if you’re a fan of Indiana Jones or Lara Croft or just love a good magical twist on myths and legends, you’ll likely enjoy this new book from Natalia Hernandez.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this arc. Here is my honest review.
I had an absolute blast with this story. From the very first page its just go go go. There's action, high stakes, and its fast paced. There was never a moment where I was bored and wondering when the next event was going to happen. Once I started this book i Could. Not. Put. It. Down.
This book definitely gives National Treasure vibes and im all here for it. I loved following along and seeing the clues and trying to figure out what was going to happen next. The world building was perfection! You can tell the author did a ton of research on the topics, history, and people mentioned in this book!
Santi is such a (hot) nerd. All of the random fact spewing and and rambling made me love him so much! He is so awkward and sweet, just an all around green flag.
And Ali is such a bada**. A beautiful woman that can stick up for herself! She's so protective over the people she cares about.
One of the plot twists at the end, I unfortunately did see coming, but the way that this author tied it into the story made up for it!
And that ENDING! Im so impatiently excited to see what will happen in the next book!
5/5 ⭐️
I had an absolute blast with this story. From the very first page its just go go go. There's action, high stakes, and its fast paced. There was never a moment where I was bored and wondering when the next event was going to happen. Once I started this book i Could. Not. Put. It. Down.
This book definitely gives National Treasure vibes and im all here for it. I loved following along and seeing the clues and trying to figure out what was going to happen next. The world building was perfection! You can tell the author did a ton of research on the topics, history, and people mentioned in this book!
Santi is such a (hot) nerd. All of the random fact spewing and and rambling made me love him so much! He is so awkward and sweet, just an all around green flag.
And Ali is such a bada**. A beautiful woman that can stick up for herself! She's so protective over the people she cares about.
One of the plot twists at the end, I unfortunately did see coming, but the way that this author tied it into the story made up for it!
And that ENDING! Im so impatiently excited to see what will happen in the next book!
5/5 ⭐️
Review of advance copy
Thank you to @nataliahernandezauthor, @redtowerbooks, @entangledteen, and @coloredpagesbt for the generous #gifted e-book!
This adventure was a thrill from start to finish. Packed with fast-paced action and Indiana Jones-style excitement, it kept me hooked.
I particularly enjoyed the rich Incan history about Atahualpa, the last emperor of the Inca, woven into the story. The vivid descriptions of Lima and the epic quest to find the lost tomb brought the setting vividly to life.
Santiago and Ali’s daring race from Los Angeles to Peru was filled with danger and adrenaline, as ruthless grave robbers chased them at every turn. Santiago’s transformation from a shy, timid student to a courageous hero dedicated to preserving history was inspiring. I loved Ali’s fierce protectiveness as his steadfast ally.
The book’s twists kept me on the edge of my seat, and Santiago’s puzzle-solving journey was brilliantly crafted. I was especially captivated by the gripping ending. I hope to see these characters return in the next book.
If you’re a fan of high-stakes suspense, epic treasure hunts, a touch of romance, curses, and history, this book will have you racing through the pages. Mark your calendars for the release on October 6, 2026!
This adventure was a thrill from start to finish. Packed with fast-paced action and Indiana Jones-style excitement, it kept me hooked.
I particularly enjoyed the rich Incan history about Atahualpa, the last emperor of the Inca, woven into the story. The vivid descriptions of Lima and the epic quest to find the lost tomb brought the setting vividly to life.
Santiago and Ali’s daring race from Los Angeles to Peru was filled with danger and adrenaline, as ruthless grave robbers chased them at every turn. Santiago’s transformation from a shy, timid student to a courageous hero dedicated to preserving history was inspiring. I loved Ali’s fierce protectiveness as his steadfast ally.
The book’s twists kept me on the edge of my seat, and Santiago’s puzzle-solving journey was brilliantly crafted. I was especially captivated by the gripping ending. I hope to see these characters return in the next book.
If you’re a fan of high-stakes suspense, epic treasure hunts, a touch of romance, curses, and history, this book will have you racing through the pages. Mark your calendars for the release on October 6, 2026!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Lost Guardian is a brilliant treasure hunting adventure, rich in its own history and magical lore, and I was completely hooked!
Once I started reading, I couldn't put this book down. It had such a National Treasure meets Tomb Raider feel to it, and I was completely swept up in the story and the adventure.
There were a couple of things I predicted along the way, but that didn't lessen my enjoyment at all. Instead, it gave me that deeply satisfying feeling of developing a theory about where the story was heading and then discovering I was right.
The evolving relationship between Santiago and Ali was captivating. I loved their banter and the smaller, lighter moments that balanced the action sequences beautifully. There's one particular moment where my heart absolutely ached for Santiago, and I loved watching his entire character arc unfold.
The ending was unique, and the setup for the next book left me more than intrigued. I reached the end wanting to keep reading rather than stop, which is always a very good sign!
Thank you so much to Natalia Hernandez, Entangled Publishing, and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC. This review reflects my honest thoughts and feelings, shared voluntarily.
Once I started reading, I couldn't put this book down. It had such a National Treasure meets Tomb Raider feel to it, and I was completely swept up in the story and the adventure.
There were a couple of things I predicted along the way, but that didn't lessen my enjoyment at all. Instead, it gave me that deeply satisfying feeling of developing a theory about where the story was heading and then discovering I was right.
The evolving relationship between Santiago and Ali was captivating. I loved their banter and the smaller, lighter moments that balanced the action sequences beautifully. There's one particular moment where my heart absolutely ached for Santiago, and I loved watching his entire character arc unfold.
The ending was unique, and the setup for the next book left me more than intrigued. I reached the end wanting to keep reading rather than stop, which is always a very good sign!
Thank you so much to Natalia Hernandez, Entangled Publishing, and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC. This review reflects my honest thoughts and feelings, shared voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Whoa! This story sucked me in from the beginning and I was HOOKED! It was set mostly in Peru and had serious Indiana Jones vibes. Hidden treasure? CHECK. Bad guys? CHECK. Family legacy? CHECK. Love interest? CHECK. Ancient riddles and a bit of magic? CHECK. Oh, and booby traps.
Santiago is searching for the lost tomb of Atahualpa so he can spread his grandfather’s ashes there. He’s grown up hearing the legend of Atahualpa’s tomb and its guardians. Turns out he’s part of the line of guardians. The problem is that others are looking for the tomb as well. Santiago and Ali (who whisked him off to Peru after saving him from the bad guys who were waiting for him at home) had to solve riddles, outrun the bad guys, and stay alive.
Although Ali was a really strong FMC, I loved seeing Santiago grow from a “boring” grad student to a confident explorer. I do wish we could have gotten more of Santiago and Brooke’s friendship; I loved her role in his life! I ate this book up and am really excited for the next one!
🇵🇪strangers to lovers
⚒️archaeology
🇵🇪Indiana Jones vibes
⚒️real historical characters
🇵🇪nerdy (secretly hot) MMC
⚒️baddie FMC
Thanks to Entangled Publishing/Red Tower Books (via NetGalley) for an advance copy of this book!
Santiago is searching for the lost tomb of Atahualpa so he can spread his grandfather’s ashes there. He’s grown up hearing the legend of Atahualpa’s tomb and its guardians. Turns out he’s part of the line of guardians. The problem is that others are looking for the tomb as well. Santiago and Ali (who whisked him off to Peru after saving him from the bad guys who were waiting for him at home) had to solve riddles, outrun the bad guys, and stay alive.
Although Ali was a really strong FMC, I loved seeing Santiago grow from a “boring” grad student to a confident explorer. I do wish we could have gotten more of Santiago and Brooke’s friendship; I loved her role in his life! I ate this book up and am really excited for the next one!
🇵🇪strangers to lovers
⚒️archaeology
🇵🇪Indiana Jones vibes
⚒️real historical characters
🇵🇪nerdy (secretly hot) MMC
⚒️baddie FMC
Thanks to Entangled Publishing/Red Tower Books (via NetGalley) for an advance copy of this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I don't think I have the words to explain how much I enjoyed reading this book. It was adventurous, funny, interesting, and informative. I loved how the author shared tidbits about Peru and its culture. It was very well done and relevant to the plot.
Another thing I absolutely loved is having a bad-4$$ FMC saving the day and the MMC's ass most of the time. Ali definitely knows how to kick butt. The scene where she rides the motorcycle while escaping from the bad guys was freaking amazing. Totally cinematic. I could picture it so clearly!
Santiago, the MMC, is a nerd with a hot body, a brain that can store insane amounts of information, and a neck to solve complex puzzles. He is a total green flag and a sweety.
Santi is kind, compassionate, and a bit insecure, and it was really cute to see him fall for Ali. The connection between these two is amazing, and it is heartwarming to see how much they care for each other.
I was hooked pretty much right away by the plot and the characters. My favorite part is the inner monologue Santi usually has when nervous or feeling insecure. It was so cute!
Despite being a plot-driven story, the characters are well-developed, and it is impossible not to root for them all the way. The moment I picked up the Indiana Jones vibe, I was in. This book is a yes.
Another thing I absolutely loved is having a bad-4$$ FMC saving the day and the MMC's ass most of the time. Ali definitely knows how to kick butt. The scene where she rides the motorcycle while escaping from the bad guys was freaking amazing. Totally cinematic. I could picture it so clearly!
Santiago, the MMC, is a nerd with a hot body, a brain that can store insane amounts of information, and a neck to solve complex puzzles. He is a total green flag and a sweety.
Santi is kind, compassionate, and a bit insecure, and it was really cute to see him fall for Ali. The connection between these two is amazing, and it is heartwarming to see how much they care for each other.
I was hooked pretty much right away by the plot and the characters. My favorite part is the inner monologue Santi usually has when nervous or feeling insecure. It was so cute!
Despite being a plot-driven story, the characters are well-developed, and it is impossible not to root for them all the way. The moment I picked up the Indiana Jones vibe, I was in. This book is a yes.
September 20, 2026
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... Jones and The Mummy vibes, but set in Peru.
This story completely captivated my attention. With rich descriptions and an even richer culture to draw from, everything in this book was thoroughly entertaining. Humor, spice, puzzles...and honestly this book should probably come with a warning about how hungry you'll get because the food sounds so delicious.
Narrated from MMC Santi's POV, he is thrust in to an intense quest to not only lay his grandfather's ashes to rest, but find the lost treasure/ransom of Atahualpa. Our reluctant hero is way out of his comfort zone but eventually manages to embrace it. He's just capable enough physically to be relatable, and knowledgable enough to explain the situation to readers with zero background on the topics necessary to solve the mysteries. Most importantly, he's willing to listen to others. FMC Ali is smart and sexy, which basically means she's irresistible to Santi. The tension is high and hot.
This book has it all - history, suspense, mystery, fantasy, romance.
Thank you Entangled Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This story completely captivated my attention. With rich descriptions and an even richer culture to draw from, everything in this book was thoroughly entertaining. Humor, spice, puzzles...and honestly this book should probably come with a warning about how hungry you'll get because the food sounds so delicious.
Narrated from MMC Santi's POV, he is thrust in to an intense quest to not only lay his grandfather's ashes to rest, but find the lost treasure/ransom of Atahualpa. Our reluctant hero is way out of his comfort zone but eventually manages to embrace it. He's just capable enough physically to be relatable, and knowledgable enough to explain the situation to readers with zero background on the topics necessary to solve the mysteries. Most importantly, he's willing to listen to others. FMC Ali is smart and sexy, which basically means she's irresistible to Santi. The tension is high and hot.
This book has it all - history, suspense, mystery, fantasy, romance.
Thank you Entangled Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
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September 21, 2026Thank you so much to Entangled Publishing for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
I thought this story of Santi, an archaeologist who after the death of his grandfather finds out he is the last protector of an ancient tomb was fun!
The role reversal was fun to see with Ali, the main FMC, being the boss in just about every sense of the word from being the protection to driving the getaway cars. I love a strong female FMC and she definitely embodied that so well.
The qualms I had were the love connection kind of felt a little off to me though. It definitely felt more like a relationship of convenience and rushed vs genuine connection. The other issue I had was the timing/pacing of the book- felt like it had so many lulls and was super slow in parts that I had to push through to keep reading.
However some of the things I really enjoyed were the Indiana Jones vibes, the way Santi developed over the book growing in confidence of hisself and his skills, and the Peruvian setting. The details and history woven throughout the book were amazing and so fun to learn about. The history and setting was definitely my favorite part of the book.
I thought this story of Santi, an archaeologist who after the death of his grandfather finds out he is the last protector of an ancient tomb was fun!
The role reversal was fun to see with Ali, the main FMC, being the boss in just about every sense of the word from being the protection to driving the getaway cars. I love a strong female FMC and she definitely embodied that so well.
The qualms I had were the love connection kind of felt a little off to me though. It definitely felt more like a relationship of convenience and rushed vs genuine connection. The other issue I had was the timing/pacing of the book- felt like it had so many lulls and was super slow in parts that I had to push through to keep reading.
However some of the things I really enjoyed were the Indiana Jones vibes, the way Santi developed over the book growing in confidence of hisself and his skills, and the Peruvian setting. The details and history woven throughout the book were amazing and so fun to learn about. The history and setting was definitely my favorite part of the book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I love the flip of characters, the fmc is the protector, bada** one and the mmc is the smart one that is kinda the “damsel in distress” you could say.
Santiago (the mmc) is so relatable. He’s nerdy, anxious, over thinker, afraid of flying, etc. It’s ridiculous but cute lol. At times I wanna smack him haha like get yo sh*t together sir but that also makes me human, we all react different in certain situations.
Overall, the book is fun. Gives me National Treasure and Indiana Jones vibes. You can tell a lot of research was taken and worked on for this book. It leans very heavy on the history and culture so if you’re looking for something more fantasy this isn’t it but just like Indiana Jones, in leans a little bit on the supernatural side when it comes to the artifact’s myth and legends. Which is fun for me.
I give it a 3.5 . Love that it’s unique I just wanted a little something more at times, don’t ask me what haha. I like we are getting more of these types of stories added to the mix of what everyone is reading.
Santiago (the mmc) is so relatable. He’s nerdy, anxious, over thinker, afraid of flying, etc. It’s ridiculous but cute lol. At times I wanna smack him haha like get yo sh*t together sir but that also makes me human, we all react different in certain situations.
Overall, the book is fun. Gives me National Treasure and Indiana Jones vibes. You can tell a lot of research was taken and worked on for this book. It leans very heavy on the history and culture so if you’re looking for something more fantasy this isn’t it but just like Indiana Jones, in leans a little bit on the supernatural side when it comes to the artifact’s myth and legends. Which is fun for me.
I give it a 3.5 . Love that it’s unique I just wanted a little something more at times, don’t ask me what haha. I like we are getting more of these types of stories added to the mix of what everyone is reading.
September 16, 2026
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
I will read any story with archaeology and so I knew I had to The Lost Guardian. It also certainly helps that it came from a favorite author of mine! The Lost Guardian is a fun and action packed story about family secrets, betrayal, and romance. I adored each archaeologist and historical fact. Reading The Lost Guardian felt like an adventure in and of itself. I loved that Santiago does not know what to do with Ali. We love a badass Queen and Ali is here for us! She's talented, smart, and beautiful all at once. I was instantly rooting for them and our slightly bumbling, obsessed cinnamon roll Santiago. If you love stories with puzzles, think National Treasure style riddles and history knowledge, then you have to read The Lost Guardian.
I will read any story with archaeology and so I knew I had to The Lost Guardian. It also certainly helps that it came from a favorite author of mine! The Lost Guardian is a fun and action packed story about family secrets, betrayal, and romance. I adored each archaeologist and historical fact. Reading The Lost Guardian felt like an adventure in and of itself. I loved that Santiago does not know what to do with Ali. We love a badass Queen and Ali is here for us! She's talented, smart, and beautiful all at once. I was instantly rooting for them and our slightly bumbling, obsessed cinnamon roll Santiago. If you love stories with puzzles, think National Treasure style riddles and history knowledge, then you have to read The Lost Guardian.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I love adventure and puzzles in general so I knew this book would be a read I enjoyed a lot. This is kind of like tomb raider x inheritance games in one but due to the content, definitely made for a bit of a mature audience.
I really enjoyed exploring Peru with Santi and Ali as MCs. Since Santi is a PhD student who studies this part of history, I felt fully immersed in the world with his POV and descriptions. It was really informative but also not too overwhelming. This descriptions were read beautifully and the plot was engaging. I like the hint of fantasy with how magical the jungle/Peru is always displayed but did cover of some not so pretty aspects in the culture as well.
I thoroughly enjoyed this read and wasn't expecting romance either so I'd probably categorize this read as an adventure romance. Thank you Red Tower Books for the arc copy of this read!
I really enjoyed exploring Peru with Santi and Ali as MCs. Since Santi is a PhD student who studies this part of history, I felt fully immersed in the world with his POV and descriptions. It was really informative but also not too overwhelming. This descriptions were read beautifully and the plot was engaging. I like the hint of fantasy with how magical the jungle/Peru is always displayed but did cover of some not so pretty aspects in the culture as well.
I thoroughly enjoyed this read and wasn't expecting romance either so I'd probably categorize this read as an adventure romance. Thank you Red Tower Books for the arc copy of this read!
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