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The Mythic Artifacts #1
Bloodstone: A Romantic Historical Adventure
Scientia potentia est. Knowledge is power.
The year is 1936, and twenty-two-year-old history student Amelia “Mel”Hawkins—who’s been tagging along on artifact-finding expeditions with her nonna since she could walk—can’t pass up the opportunity to retrieve the priceless Amulet of Amun, hidden inside the Temple of Seti the First. Especially when she’s getting paid to do it.
Armed only with her wits and her absentee-father’s switchblade, she finds out the hard way that the man claiming to be the emissary from the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities is actually a member of the Thule Society, known as the God Men, sent to kill her and take the amulet for the growing German Third Reich. When he fails, she’s forced to rely on the brilliant, brooding museum employee, Bes Belzoni, and his visually impaired cousin, Cecilio Giudice, to protect her and the amulet from the swarm of fascists hunting them down. Because it’s no coincidence her guide was one of the God Men, or that more are after her.
Thrown into a deadly world of secrets and spy games, the three of them travel to the Italian Alps, where they run into trouble from the God Men and Mussolini’s Blackshirts at every turn. But even her companions aren’t what they seem: she quickly discovers that they’re keeping secrets from her. Secrets so powerful they could change everything she thought she knew about her family, and uncover an ancient magic she never could’ve imagined.
With evil rising to power, Mel must make a choice: ignore the growing threat in the world and save herself, or take a stand against it before she loses everything she’s come to love.
The year is 1936, and twenty-two-year-old history student Amelia “Mel”Hawkins—who’s been tagging along on artifact-finding expeditions with her nonna since she could walk—can’t pass up the opportunity to retrieve the priceless Amulet of Amun, hidden inside the Temple of Seti the First. Especially when she’s getting paid to do it.
Armed only with her wits and her absentee-father’s switchblade, she finds out the hard way that the man claiming to be the emissary from the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities is actually a member of the Thule Society, known as the God Men, sent to kill her and take the amulet for the growing German Third Reich. When he fails, she’s forced to rely on the brilliant, brooding museum employee, Bes Belzoni, and his visually impaired cousin, Cecilio Giudice, to protect her and the amulet from the swarm of fascists hunting them down. Because it’s no coincidence her guide was one of the God Men, or that more are after her.
Thrown into a deadly world of secrets and spy games, the three of them travel to the Italian Alps, where they run into trouble from the God Men and Mussolini’s Blackshirts at every turn. But even her companions aren’t what they seem: she quickly discovers that they’re keeping secrets from her. Secrets so powerful they could change everything she thought she knew about her family, and uncover an ancient magic she never could’ve imagined.
With evil rising to power, Mel must make a choice: ignore the growing threat in the world and save herself, or take a stand against it before she loses everything she’s come to love.
473 pages, Paperback
First published May 5, 2026
About the author
M.K. Deoradhán
3 books212 followersM.K. Deoradhán (djō-rǒn) writes fantasy, romantasy, and a dash of historical! You can always find romance, kick-ass women, and swoon-worthy men in her books. Although she’s lived all over the U.S., she now resides on the west coast with her husband and two dogs.
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Did Not Finish
May 22, 2026soft dnf-ing this one rn at 30% ... 💗💗 Nothing against the book or the story, i just need a break cus I've been "reading" it for a month and barely made any real progress since I started this during my finals, which wasn't the best idea... I just feel like ive been dragging it out and I dont want that to affect my opinion on the book! I'll get back to it real soon!!
: ̗̀➛ Pre-read:
I GOT THE ARC!!! 🥹
When I saw the author’s post on IG looking for ARC readers, I signed up so fast cus I LOVE archaeology and excavation adventures 😭
I was so excited & ngl a bit surprised when I got the email but now I cannot wait to read thisduring my Easter break! NOW! 😭😅
Many thanks to the author, M.K. Deoradhán for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. ⋆˙⟡
: ̗̀➛ Pre-read:
I GOT THE ARC!!! 🥹
When I saw the author’s post on IG looking for ARC readers, I signed up so fast cus I LOVE archaeology and excavation adventures 😭
I was so excited & ngl a bit surprised when I got the email but now I cannot wait to read this
Many thanks to the author, M.K. Deoradhán for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. ⋆˙⟡
April 14, 2026
First off, everything about this book appealed to me, from the catchy blurb, to the stunning cover, to the treasure hunting plot, complete with Nazis on their trail. This book is compared to Indiana Jones and the Mummy (two of my all time favorite movie series!) as well as Tomb Raider (which I prefer Uncharted, but Tomb Raider is good too).
I was prepared to LOVE this.
Sadly, I didn’t. I liked it well enough, but I didn’t love it.
Most of my issues with the book have to do with the main character Mel. I just didn’t really enjoy being in her head. She had a temper and it would flare up at the weirdest things and she would be super offended about minor things. She was also very inconsistent and frequently went against things that didn’t feel right in her head or heart, and would then be shocked when things blew up in her face.
For a situation where essentially nazis are after them, the story was quite slow in spots. I never really felt the sense of urgency because there was so much introspection and thinking by the main character. They would get away from the nazis and then wouldn’t encounter them for pages and pages, and then the Nazis would find them in the weirdest places.
I didn’t love the romance either. Bes wasn’t the most interesting love interest to me, and I didn’t really feel a connection between them, mostly because Mel spent most of the book flip flopping about whether or not she should trust him.
I also really didn’t like the anti Christian comments. I read a ton of secular books and it doesn’t usually bother me if characters are not religious (or anti religion) but in this case, it did. Mel seemed to go on and on forever about how awful Christianity is which didn’t have anything to do with the plot. But then she would say “thank God we got away” and Bes (I think) would say something like “instead of thanking god, you should be thanking me” or whatever. If there had been one or two comments it wouldn’t have bothered me, but these comments occurred all the time. It also really removed any sense of urgency that they can just sit around discussing theology instead of figuring out what to do about the villains after them.
I did really enjoy the beginning (which felt the most Tomb Raider-y, to the point that I basically pictured Mel as a blonde Lara) and the moments when the Nazis were after them were exciting as well.
There was also a reference to Last Crusade which I LOVED and was very funny and well done. I also really enjoyed the treasure hunting aspects. And that cover is gorgeous! If Mel had been more likable than she was, I would definitely have rated this higher.
I was prepared to LOVE this.
Sadly, I didn’t. I liked it well enough, but I didn’t love it.
Most of my issues with the book have to do with the main character Mel. I just didn’t really enjoy being in her head. She had a temper and it would flare up at the weirdest things and she would be super offended about minor things. She was also very inconsistent and frequently went against things that didn’t feel right in her head or heart, and would then be shocked when things blew up in her face.
For a situation where essentially nazis are after them, the story was quite slow in spots. I never really felt the sense of urgency because there was so much introspection and thinking by the main character. They would get away from the nazis and then wouldn’t encounter them for pages and pages, and then the Nazis would find them in the weirdest places.
I didn’t love the romance either. Bes wasn’t the most interesting love interest to me, and I didn’t really feel a connection between them, mostly because Mel spent most of the book flip flopping about whether or not she should trust him.
I also really didn’t like the anti Christian comments. I read a ton of secular books and it doesn’t usually bother me if characters are not religious (or anti religion) but in this case, it did. Mel seemed to go on and on forever about how awful Christianity is which didn’t have anything to do with the plot. But then she would say “thank God we got away” and Bes (I think) would say something like “instead of thanking god, you should be thanking me” or whatever. If there had been one or two comments it wouldn’t have bothered me, but these comments occurred all the time. It also really removed any sense of urgency that they can just sit around discussing theology instead of figuring out what to do about the villains after them.
I did really enjoy the beginning (which felt the most Tomb Raider-y, to the point that I basically pictured Mel as a blonde Lara) and the moments when the Nazis were after them were exciting as well.
There was also a reference to Last Crusade which I LOVED and was very funny and well done. I also really enjoyed the treasure hunting aspects. And that cover is gorgeous! If Mel had been more likable than she was, I would definitely have rated this higher.
Review of advance copy received from Author
22 year old Mel is on her first solo archeology expedition. She's being paid to find the Amulet of Amun by the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. Things go horribly wrong when her guide ends up being a Nazi and member of the Thule Society - a group from the Third Reich determined to obtain ancient and magical items for Hitler. Upon extracting the amulet and escaping from the tomb of Seti the First, Mel runs into Bes, who really is from the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. The duo escape from her Nazi captor and safely arrive at the museum, where they meet up with Bes's cousin, Cec. What follows is a whirlwind adventure of danger, secrets, and magic as Mel, Bes, and Cec attempt to outrun the Thule Society and keep the amulet out of fascist hands.
I'm rounding my review up to 4 stars. I enjoyed the high stakes action and adventure of the story. The main trio played off of each other well, and I liked the banter between characters. Cec was a much needed character. His playfulness and joking nature balanced out the seriousness of Bes and Mel. The world building was beautifully done. I could easily picture myself in 1930's Egypt and Italy, upon the high seas, and in the underground society where Bes and Cec grew up.
There were two things that lessened the experience for me. The first was the length of the book. It was at least 50 pages too long. There was a lot of repetition from Mel's inner dialog about her distrust and anxieties. Sometimes I found myself skipping her monologues so I could get back to the plot.
Her attitude as a protagonist also put me off at times. She's a spoiled brat, who gets called a brat by others, then she reflects on her actions - often apologizing, just to throw another tantrum not two minutes later. As soon as it looked like she was growing as a character, she'd regress. Some of her negative attitude is justified, don't get me wrong. She's learned huge secrets about her family, has had multiple people try to kill her, has killed other people, and her new friends haven't been fully honest with her. In the end I'm not sure she did enough to fully redeem herself, yet when I finished the book I wasn't mad at her.
Mel's volatile temper aside, I did thoroughly enjoy this book. I do think there is hope for her character arch as the series progresses. I have been yearning for a good archeological historical fiction adventure for a long time, and this one hit the mark. I am invested in what is next to come!
Thank you to the author for providing an advanced reader copy.
I'm rounding my review up to 4 stars. I enjoyed the high stakes action and adventure of the story. The main trio played off of each other well, and I liked the banter between characters. Cec was a much needed character. His playfulness and joking nature balanced out the seriousness of Bes and Mel. The world building was beautifully done. I could easily picture myself in 1930's Egypt and Italy, upon the high seas, and in the underground society where Bes and Cec grew up.
There were two things that lessened the experience for me. The first was the length of the book. It was at least 50 pages too long. There was a lot of repetition from Mel's inner dialog about her distrust and anxieties. Sometimes I found myself skipping her monologues so I could get back to the plot.
Her attitude as a protagonist also put me off at times. She's a spoiled brat, who gets called a brat by others, then she reflects on her actions - often apologizing, just to throw another tantrum not two minutes later. As soon as it looked like she was growing as a character, she'd regress. Some of her negative attitude is justified, don't get me wrong. She's learned huge secrets about her family, has had multiple people try to kill her, has killed other people, and her new friends haven't been fully honest with her. In the end I'm not sure she did enough to fully redeem herself, yet when I finished the book I wasn't mad at her.
Mel's volatile temper aside, I did thoroughly enjoy this book. I do think there is hope for her character arch as the series progresses. I have been yearning for a good archeological historical fiction adventure for a long time, and this one hit the mark. I am invested in what is next to come!
Thank you to the author for providing an advanced reader copy.
April 20, 2026
Rating: 2.5 ⭐️
Thank you to the author for giving me the chance to read this as an arc, I’m incredibly grateful for that opportunity.
Unfortunately, I struggled a lot with this book and came close to DNF-ing a few times. I’ll start by saying I adored Cec as a character, I’d read a book entirely about him. I think the Indiana Jones vibe was definitely there, and I could see it being developed and made stronger as the series goes on which will be very interesting. I don’t think it really had “The Mummy” vibes though which was the second thing it was marketed as.
I felt that, from a romance perspective, there was far more chemistry between Cec and Mel than Mel and Bes. The way it was felt forced, and unnatural.
Mel had a lot of potential but she ultimately came across as pushing the “I’m not like other girls” idea which I wasn’t a fan of. She has some great building blocks - she’s clearly knowledgeable, she’s a cool archaeologist/treasure hunter, she has a small number of vulnerable moments but it just wasn’t enough for me to care for her much. She also seemed somewhat temperamental but over weird things and that sometimes got annoying.
This book also had modern ideas and values placed into the 1930s world. Whilst that can (and has been) done in books, it didn’t feel well done here. It was clunky and a little forced at times making the book feel almost preachy rather than the characters genuinely holding modern views. If this book was picked up and placed into 2026 with almost everything being kept the same… it would have fitted better maybe and not have a disjointed vibe. I don’t know how to explain it but it just wasn’t smooth for me compared to other things I’ve read that did have historical settings yet modern and diverse ideas.
The book was also just … really quite repetitive throughout.
A lot of potential but maybe it wasn’t for me which is a shame as I adore Indiana Jones, The Mummy, and fantasy books.
Thank you to the author for giving me the chance to read this as an arc, I’m incredibly grateful for that opportunity.
Unfortunately, I struggled a lot with this book and came close to DNF-ing a few times. I’ll start by saying I adored Cec as a character, I’d read a book entirely about him. I think the Indiana Jones vibe was definitely there, and I could see it being developed and made stronger as the series goes on which will be very interesting. I don’t think it really had “The Mummy” vibes though which was the second thing it was marketed as.
I felt that, from a romance perspective, there was far more chemistry between Cec and Mel than Mel and Bes. The way it was felt forced, and unnatural.
Mel had a lot of potential but she ultimately came across as pushing the “I’m not like other girls” idea which I wasn’t a fan of. She has some great building blocks - she’s clearly knowledgeable, she’s a cool archaeologist/treasure hunter, she has a small number of vulnerable moments but it just wasn’t enough for me to care for her much. She also seemed somewhat temperamental but over weird things and that sometimes got annoying.
This book also had modern ideas and values placed into the 1930s world. Whilst that can (and has been) done in books, it didn’t feel well done here. It was clunky and a little forced at times making the book feel almost preachy rather than the characters genuinely holding modern views. If this book was picked up and placed into 2026 with almost everything being kept the same… it would have fitted better maybe and not have a disjointed vibe. I don’t know how to explain it but it just wasn’t smooth for me compared to other things I’ve read that did have historical settings yet modern and diverse ideas.
The book was also just … really quite repetitive throughout.
A lot of potential but maybe it wasn’t for me which is a shame as I adore Indiana Jones, The Mummy, and fantasy books.
May 4, 2026
So I have thoughts. It seems many enjoyed this book, so just take my review with a grain of salt. I want to first thank the author for the e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I don’t DNF books, like ever, especially arcs. However, I got very close to doing that multiple times with this one, but I don’t like doing that when it’s an arc, and I’ve read many with a redeeming end. So I hoped it would redeem itself….
This had such a strong start. I was so into it! The promise of adventure, action, excitement, and giving me serious Lara Croft/The Mummy vibes. But after the first like 2 or so chapters, it went downhill so fast for me.
What I did like is as I mentioned earlier, it’s quite an adventurous story with a lot of action.
I liked some (emphasis on some) of the history mentioned in here. It made things interesting. Kind of learning along the way.
Cecilio is the best character in here and he is the reason I’m even giving this two stars. He is sweet, sassy, and has this cinnamon roll energy that I love.
My biggest issue was the FMC. She was unbearable. It’s one thing to start off as a character that’s rude and unbearable, but to never grow and change is another thing. Amelia is headstrong and tough. I liked her at the start and I feel this would have been an amazing book if maybe it was only her, and no one else on this adventure. But because we had to have romance, that’s where everything went up in flames.
Amelia is so independent and does not trust easily. I get that, but then to say you have good instincts, and then trust the wrong person immediately despite those “good instincts”, and then never trust these people who have helped you and protected you for the majority of the book and tell us ALL THE TIME that you don’t trust them, that gets old real fast. Because of this, the romance fell flat. How can you be attracted to someone and want to kiss them and not trust them the entire time? You can’t have it both ways. I wouldn’t want to kiss someone I don’t trust, but I guess that’s me.
She was also petty, and downright mean. Amelia’s actions and choices and how she spoke to someone was always so mean or rude. I was so surprised there seemed to be no growth. And for someone who doesn’t like religion, she uses God and Jesus Christ a lot, which I can see using as just kind of instinctual here and there, but all the time? That seemed odd to me.
And about religion, this book was rather preachy and instead of adventure, it did seem as if the book focused more on “teaching” me things, like religion, or history, and I wanted an escape on an adventure and I didn’t really get as much of that as I wanted or hoped for.
For being set in the past, there’s a lot of modern speech and phrases used that threw me off. I kept forgetting we were in the past and not today. There’s also a lot of repetition that could have been taken out and made the book shorter.
Well, that was a lot. I didn’t enjoy myself at all except for the first couple of chapters and any moment I got with Cecilio. I adored him. Maybe the book should have been about him. Now that would have been an adventure!
This had such a strong start. I was so into it! The promise of adventure, action, excitement, and giving me serious Lara Croft/The Mummy vibes. But after the first like 2 or so chapters, it went downhill so fast for me.
What I did like is as I mentioned earlier, it’s quite an adventurous story with a lot of action.
I liked some (emphasis on some) of the history mentioned in here. It made things interesting. Kind of learning along the way.
Cecilio is the best character in here and he is the reason I’m even giving this two stars. He is sweet, sassy, and has this cinnamon roll energy that I love.
My biggest issue was the FMC. She was unbearable. It’s one thing to start off as a character that’s rude and unbearable, but to never grow and change is another thing. Amelia is headstrong and tough. I liked her at the start and I feel this would have been an amazing book if maybe it was only her, and no one else on this adventure. But because we had to have romance, that’s where everything went up in flames.
Amelia is so independent and does not trust easily. I get that, but then to say you have good instincts, and then trust the wrong person immediately despite those “good instincts”, and then never trust these people who have helped you and protected you for the majority of the book and tell us ALL THE TIME that you don’t trust them, that gets old real fast. Because of this, the romance fell flat. How can you be attracted to someone and want to kiss them and not trust them the entire time? You can’t have it both ways. I wouldn’t want to kiss someone I don’t trust, but I guess that’s me.
She was also petty, and downright mean. Amelia’s actions and choices and how she spoke to someone was always so mean or rude. I was so surprised there seemed to be no growth. And for someone who doesn’t like religion, she uses God and Jesus Christ a lot, which I can see using as just kind of instinctual here and there, but all the time? That seemed odd to me.
And about religion, this book was rather preachy and instead of adventure, it did seem as if the book focused more on “teaching” me things, like religion, or history, and I wanted an escape on an adventure and I didn’t really get as much of that as I wanted or hoped for.
For being set in the past, there’s a lot of modern speech and phrases used that threw me off. I kept forgetting we were in the past and not today. There’s also a lot of repetition that could have been taken out and made the book shorter.
Well, that was a lot. I didn’t enjoy myself at all except for the first couple of chapters and any moment I got with Cecilio. I adored him. Maybe the book should have been about him. Now that would have been an adventure!
April 18, 2026
Okay but this?? An absolute vibe.
I had such a good time with this book. It’s giving The Mummy meets Indiana Jones with just a sprinkle of The Da Vinci Code… and whispers yes, there’s a cult involved. You’re welcome.
We meet Amelia on her very first solo collection job, because her grandmother decided to sit this one out (rude, honestly). Her assignment? Casually travel across the world to Egypt and retrieve an ancient relic for a museum. Easy, right?
Wrong.
Because apparently no one thought to mention that this relic is highly sought after… especially by Germans. And oh, did I forget to say this is set during the Nazi regime? Yeah. Stakes = immediately raised.
Amelia is very much giving Evie from The Mummy, smart, a little chaotic, thrown into danger against her will. Would I have loved just a touch more badassery? Sure. But I was still fully on board.
What starts as a straightforward job spirals fast when we meet Bes and Cec, two cousins tangled up in something way bigger than Amelia ever signed up for. Suddenly she’s deep in a world of secrets, danger, and chaos… and thriving more than she probably should be.
This book really has a bit of everything: action, adventure, a genuinely satisfying slow-burn romance, and villains that made me want to throw hands. And not just one villain, a whole collection of them. Love that for me (hate that for Amelia).
I’m giving this one a solid 4.5⭐. The storyline pulled me in, and even though historical reads aren’t usually my go-to, this one worked. M.K. did such a great job, and honestly? There’s so much potential for more with these characters, I need to see where this goes next.
Thank you so much to the author for allowing me to experience this ARC! 🫶🏻
I had such a good time with this book. It’s giving The Mummy meets Indiana Jones with just a sprinkle of The Da Vinci Code… and whispers yes, there’s a cult involved. You’re welcome.
We meet Amelia on her very first solo collection job, because her grandmother decided to sit this one out (rude, honestly). Her assignment? Casually travel across the world to Egypt and retrieve an ancient relic for a museum. Easy, right?
Wrong.
Because apparently no one thought to mention that this relic is highly sought after… especially by Germans. And oh, did I forget to say this is set during the Nazi regime? Yeah. Stakes = immediately raised.
Amelia is very much giving Evie from The Mummy, smart, a little chaotic, thrown into danger against her will. Would I have loved just a touch more badassery? Sure. But I was still fully on board.
What starts as a straightforward job spirals fast when we meet Bes and Cec, two cousins tangled up in something way bigger than Amelia ever signed up for. Suddenly she’s deep in a world of secrets, danger, and chaos… and thriving more than she probably should be.
This book really has a bit of everything: action, adventure, a genuinely satisfying slow-burn romance, and villains that made me want to throw hands. And not just one villain, a whole collection of them. Love that for me (hate that for Amelia).
I’m giving this one a solid 4.5⭐. The storyline pulled me in, and even though historical reads aren’t usually my go-to, this one worked. M.K. did such a great job, and honestly? There’s so much potential for more with these characters, I need to see where this goes next.
Thank you so much to the author for allowing me to experience this ARC! 🫶🏻
April 20, 2026
Thank you to the author for the gifted eARC!
———
For someone re-indulging in their archaeological adventure era, this story came to me at the perfect time. Set in the historical late 1930s, we are thrown into a world of secret societies, deadly oaths, and magical ancient artifacts. Alliances are questioned, betrayals absolute, and banter gives way to undeniable, unavoidable chemistry between our main character and her brooding companion.
This book was great. The worldbuilding, overarching plot, and characterizations of our main trio were all fantastic. The sensitivity with which some of the horrible aspects of the time period—aka the rise of the Third Reich—was expertly handled. I was hooked ‘til the very end. I think this is a great start to a very promising concept. I’m eager to see what happens next. For fans of Indiana Jones and The Mummy, I would highly recommend this book.
———
For someone re-indulging in their archaeological adventure era, this story came to me at the perfect time. Set in the historical late 1930s, we are thrown into a world of secret societies, deadly oaths, and magical ancient artifacts. Alliances are questioned, betrayals absolute, and banter gives way to undeniable, unavoidable chemistry between our main character and her brooding companion.
This book was great. The worldbuilding, overarching plot, and characterizations of our main trio were all fantastic. The sensitivity with which some of the horrible aspects of the time period—aka the rise of the Third Reich—was expertly handled. I was hooked ‘til the very end. I think this is a great start to a very promising concept. I’m eager to see what happens next. For fans of Indiana Jones and The Mummy, I would highly recommend this book.
April 1, 2026
The combination of Indiana Jones, the Mummy, and Tomb Raider vibes in this book make for a nostalgic but ultimately new and unique experience. Mel the FMC is feisty and headstrong but extremely intelligent and academic lead that allows the story to move forward in the best way possible. She meets up with Bes (drool) who is an academic with a lot of secrets and Cec who is hysterical but kind to deliver this amulet (so cool, no spoilers here) to their Uncle. The historical and religious parallels in this story are so interesting and well incorporated… highly recommend a read! Thanks to the author for trusting me with this ARC!
May 10, 2026
The Mummy, Tomb Raider, and Indiana Jones coded description had me jumping on the arc team immediately. Those are some of my favorites and I especially love when these kinds of stories engage seriously with the ethics of archaeology and artifact retrieval, which this one does (mostly).
And it is fun. Campy, swoony, fun. The mystery and secret society elements kept things moving. The 1936 setting is one I enjoy and the premise absolutely delivers on its genre promises.
That said, this didn't really feel like it WAS set in 1936. Everything reads as quite modern from the sensibilities of the characters to the modern manner of speaking and that kept pulling me right out of the story. For a book so rooted in a specific historical moment it was a jarring disconnect that I couldn't quite shake. The social commentary and discussions about morality in the field felt a little heavy-handed at times, trying so hard to make its points that it edged into virtue signaling territory.
My bigger issue is Mel herself. The story is thoroughly in love with her and if she doesn't resonate with you, I think you'll struggle. She has flaws, which I love, but the narrative doesn't seem to recognize them as flaws or treats them as strengths instead. I was told so often how remarkable she was that I started to push back against it. And this one has that classic show versus tell problem. Her actions and her supposed qualities didn't always line up.
That said, Cec is perfect and I love him so much. I ADORED the disability and LGBTQIA+ rep in here and think it was incredibly well done and nuanced. I had a fun time overall, but it fell a little flat against my high expectations.
Thank you to the author for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
And it is fun. Campy, swoony, fun. The mystery and secret society elements kept things moving. The 1936 setting is one I enjoy and the premise absolutely delivers on its genre promises.
That said, this didn't really feel like it WAS set in 1936. Everything reads as quite modern from the sensibilities of the characters to the modern manner of speaking and that kept pulling me right out of the story. For a book so rooted in a specific historical moment it was a jarring disconnect that I couldn't quite shake. The social commentary and discussions about morality in the field felt a little heavy-handed at times, trying so hard to make its points that it edged into virtue signaling territory.
My bigger issue is Mel herself. The story is thoroughly in love with her and if she doesn't resonate with you, I think you'll struggle. She has flaws, which I love, but the narrative doesn't seem to recognize them as flaws or treats them as strengths instead. I was told so often how remarkable she was that I started to push back against it. And this one has that classic show versus tell problem. Her actions and her supposed qualities didn't always line up.
That said, Cec is perfect and I love him so much. I ADORED the disability and LGBTQIA+ rep in here and think it was incredibly well done and nuanced. I had a fun time overall, but it fell a little flat against my high expectations.
Thank you to the author for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
May 13, 2026
Fantastic! This book is absolutely fantastic. It’s something that I’ve not ever read before, and I am so happy that I was able to receive an e-ARC of this book!!! Bloodstone is set in the 1930s, so we get historical events with a dash of magic. Punching fascist is definitely a theme in this book, and I loved every second of it. It is very unique and amazingly written, however, there are some repetitive lines and similar thought processes that do occur in the book, that slightly take away from the overall plot.
The FMC is a short-tempered, sassy, and bold character who is just striking out on her first solo expedition as an archaeologist. I mean, she does boxing and jujutsu in 1936. Hell yeah!! We meet Amelia on her way to Cairo to find the Amulet of Amun, and that’s where things really start to go awry for our relatable FMC. After some interesting events take place, we then get to meet Bes and Cecilio. Bes is the more quiet and knowledgeable type of MMC who really challenges Amelia, and it is evident through this book that there is such tension and banter between the two of them that it’s just adorable. There’s going to be moments where you’re going to go “aren’t they going to kiss already???” and you’re going to be waiting for that inevitable moment. Cec is the funny, almost blind sidekick who brings the comedic relief that you just can’t help enjoying to read about.
Overall, I loved everything about this book. It has mystery, banter, intrigue, political significance, I mean the list goes on, it’s absolutely stunning masterpiece! It was different than my normal fare, and I’m still in awe at how wrapped up in this world I’ve become. The ending is almost cinematic in the way that you just can’t wait for book two to come out.
Themes/Tropes:
🗡️ Magic Amulet
🗡️ Secret Society
🗡️ Broody Love Interest
🗡️ Questing
🗡️ Punching Fascists
Some of my favorite Quotes:
📜 No matter how difficult it is to believe, I’m not alone in this.
📜 “Without knowledge, the world falls into chaos. It allows evil to prevail, for true evil preys upon the weak and uneducated.”
📜 “But then who are all of the people I saw earlier if not religious zealots with a lust for morality?”
📜 “Christ, I’ve known you two idiots for less than a week? Time truly is meaningless.”
📜 In the end, it all comes down to power and what someone is willing to do to keep it.
📜 “So, it’s not all about punching Nazis, chartering boats, and dancing in secret night clubs.”
📜 “Did you just compare Bes to a butterfly?” He straightens. “So what if I did. He’s majestic.”
📜 Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing.’”
Overall Ratings:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
.25🌶️
Thank you M.K Deoradhan 😊
The FMC is a short-tempered, sassy, and bold character who is just striking out on her first solo expedition as an archaeologist. I mean, she does boxing and jujutsu in 1936. Hell yeah!! We meet Amelia on her way to Cairo to find the Amulet of Amun, and that’s where things really start to go awry for our relatable FMC. After some interesting events take place, we then get to meet Bes and Cecilio. Bes is the more quiet and knowledgeable type of MMC who really challenges Amelia, and it is evident through this book that there is such tension and banter between the two of them that it’s just adorable. There’s going to be moments where you’re going to go “aren’t they going to kiss already???” and you’re going to be waiting for that inevitable moment. Cec is the funny, almost blind sidekick who brings the comedic relief that you just can’t help enjoying to read about.
Overall, I loved everything about this book. It has mystery, banter, intrigue, political significance, I mean the list goes on, it’s absolutely stunning masterpiece! It was different than my normal fare, and I’m still in awe at how wrapped up in this world I’ve become. The ending is almost cinematic in the way that you just can’t wait for book two to come out.
Themes/Tropes:
🗡️ Magic Amulet
🗡️ Secret Society
🗡️ Broody Love Interest
🗡️ Questing
🗡️ Punching Fascists
Some of my favorite Quotes:
📜 No matter how difficult it is to believe, I’m not alone in this.
📜 “Without knowledge, the world falls into chaos. It allows evil to prevail, for true evil preys upon the weak and uneducated.”
📜 “But then who are all of the people I saw earlier if not religious zealots with a lust for morality?”
📜 “Christ, I’ve known you two idiots for less than a week? Time truly is meaningless.”
📜 In the end, it all comes down to power and what someone is willing to do to keep it.
📜 “So, it’s not all about punching Nazis, chartering boats, and dancing in secret night clubs.”
📜 “Did you just compare Bes to a butterfly?” He straightens. “So what if I did. He’s majestic.”
📜 Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing.’”
Overall Ratings:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
.25🌶️
Thank you M.K Deoradhan 😊
May 7, 2026
4.5⭐️ - This new romantic historical adventure novel by M.K. Deoradhán was exactly what I was missing in my life! It was action packed and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book. And there was so much to love in this one - a hot-head archeologist FMC, a brooding MMC, a chaotic good trio, a delicious slow burn romance complete with all the tension, plenty of banter, found family, a magical amulet, a hidden society, secrets galore, punching fascists 👊🏼, visually impaired rep, and so much more!
We start out with the action literally from the start. Our FMC Mel is in Egypt to locate an artifact, and she immediately clocks that her guide may not be who he says he is. Chaos ensues once they make it to the temple and she discovers his true identity.
But fear not! Our MMC Bes makes his appearance to assist soon after. But does he truly make things better for Mel, or simply help pull her into further danger? You’ll have to read the book to be the judge of that.
Trust doesn’t come easy for either of our main characters, and that definitely created some friction between Mel and Bes. And the banter between these two was great.
The third person to round out our chaotic good trio is Cec, and he must be protected at all costs. Cec was absolutely my favorite character. He doesn’t let being mostly blind hinder him in the slightest, and honestly he saved our group more times than I could count thanks to his heightened hearing. He brought tons of humor to this one, but his character was way more than just comedic relief. If Cec doesn’t make it out of this series alive, I might riot… 😅
I’m not 100% sure how I feel about the Order yet. I kind of agree with Mel that it might be a cult. 😂 but I can’t deny that they do seem to be the lesser of 2 evils compared to the fascists they’re fighting against. Only time will tell if that remains to be the case.
Thank you so much to M.K. Deoradhán for the gifted ARC! I cannot wait to see what happens next in this series! ✨
We start out with the action literally from the start. Our FMC Mel is in Egypt to locate an artifact, and she immediately clocks that her guide may not be who he says he is. Chaos ensues once they make it to the temple and she discovers his true identity.
But fear not! Our MMC Bes makes his appearance to assist soon after. But does he truly make things better for Mel, or simply help pull her into further danger? You’ll have to read the book to be the judge of that.
Trust doesn’t come easy for either of our main characters, and that definitely created some friction between Mel and Bes. And the banter between these two was great.
The third person to round out our chaotic good trio is Cec, and he must be protected at all costs. Cec was absolutely my favorite character. He doesn’t let being mostly blind hinder him in the slightest, and honestly he saved our group more times than I could count thanks to his heightened hearing. He brought tons of humor to this one, but his character was way more than just comedic relief. If Cec doesn’t make it out of this series alive, I might riot… 😅
I’m not 100% sure how I feel about the Order yet. I kind of agree with Mel that it might be a cult. 😂 but I can’t deny that they do seem to be the lesser of 2 evils compared to the fascists they’re fighting against. Only time will tell if that remains to be the case.
Thank you so much to M.K. Deoradhán for the gifted ARC! I cannot wait to see what happens next in this series! ✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
Unfortunately DNF around 47% due to the excessive anti Christianity phrases and blasphemous comments of the characters.
Also the FMC is angry at everyone and everything the entire time which is annoying.
And with too many repetitive sentences used for the same scenarios over and over.
I was looking forward to this book because I loved the idea of exploring Egypt and other places, and also because the first book of this author was amazing. But unfortunately I will not finish this one.
Also the FMC is angry at everyone and everything the entire time which is annoying.
And with too many repetitive sentences used for the same scenarios over and over.
I was looking forward to this book because I loved the idea of exploring Egypt and other places, and also because the first book of this author was amazing. But unfortunately I will not finish this one.
April 26, 2026
this was exactly what I needed it to be
arc rating & review:
5 🌟
this was phenomenal. dare I say her best book yet?? i’ve read all her current published books and this is by far my favorite and her best work yet honestly.
there was so much written into this story. it starts out quick and gets the plot moving fast. we’re thrown right into this quest Mel is sent on and it just takes off from there. from fighting fascists, to finding secret magical amulets, to meeting an unlikely but chaotic duo, and then having to navigate the lies and truth from everyone around her! ugh I just loved this so much.
I loved learning about world war II in school and the way she was able to take parts of real world history and tie it into a very unique and action packed story was nothing short of fantastic. I had so many questions and guesses as to what was happening but I rarely got any of them right (which i’m totally ok with!) I loved how she wove in a bit of magic into a story that’s supposed to highlight past history but also have a unique twist to it. I loved the characters and how Mel truly never trusted a soul for most of this book. It was so refreshing to finally have a character that can stand her ground and question everything going on because of how sketchy it all is.
MK packed a huge story and world into a 500 page book and she did a PHENOMENAL job. I would personally love to be thrown into this story and be part of this trio 😭 I love Cec so much and I will defend him until my last breath. such a sweet and kind soul who was never offered anything soft or loving in his life until he met Mel. Of course he had Bes but it’s just so nice to see a strong platonic friendship between Cec and Mel develop over time.
And the SLOW BURN!!!! If there is anything this woman can do it’s write a torturous slow burn. They barely brush hands or have very longing stares until about 60-70% of this book and I was HERE FOR IT!!! I was screaming everytime they stared at each other or lingers in their physical presence for more than a few seconds. Bes and Mel are destined for great things and I am so glad I got to have a piece of them early 🥹
this is the perfect story for anyone who wants something new and different but has strong themes and feels of our favorite books. this lived up to all my expectations and I can’t wait to see what the rest of this story unfolds!!! book two needs to be released asap or I will die (ok not really but still lol)
thank you so much Mk for the arc & being part of the arc team!!! I was not paid or told to review this book. I gladly read it on my own and am sharing my thoughts!
Release day is 5.5.26!!! SO SOON!!! 🪲🗡️🕯️🤍
arc rating & review:
5 🌟
this was phenomenal. dare I say her best book yet?? i’ve read all her current published books and this is by far my favorite and her best work yet honestly.
there was so much written into this story. it starts out quick and gets the plot moving fast. we’re thrown right into this quest Mel is sent on and it just takes off from there. from fighting fascists, to finding secret magical amulets, to meeting an unlikely but chaotic duo, and then having to navigate the lies and truth from everyone around her! ugh I just loved this so much.
I loved learning about world war II in school and the way she was able to take parts of real world history and tie it into a very unique and action packed story was nothing short of fantastic. I had so many questions and guesses as to what was happening but I rarely got any of them right (which i’m totally ok with!) I loved how she wove in a bit of magic into a story that’s supposed to highlight past history but also have a unique twist to it. I loved the characters and how Mel truly never trusted a soul for most of this book. It was so refreshing to finally have a character that can stand her ground and question everything going on because of how sketchy it all is.
MK packed a huge story and world into a 500 page book and she did a PHENOMENAL job. I would personally love to be thrown into this story and be part of this trio 😭 I love Cec so much and I will defend him until my last breath. such a sweet and kind soul who was never offered anything soft or loving in his life until he met Mel. Of course he had Bes but it’s just so nice to see a strong platonic friendship between Cec and Mel develop over time.
And the SLOW BURN!!!! If there is anything this woman can do it’s write a torturous slow burn. They barely brush hands or have very longing stares until about 60-70% of this book and I was HERE FOR IT!!! I was screaming everytime they stared at each other or lingers in their physical presence for more than a few seconds. Bes and Mel are destined for great things and I am so glad I got to have a piece of them early 🥹
this is the perfect story for anyone who wants something new and different but has strong themes and feels of our favorite books. this lived up to all my expectations and I can’t wait to see what the rest of this story unfolds!!! book two needs to be released asap or I will die (ok not really but still lol)
thank you so much Mk for the arc & being part of the arc team!!! I was not paid or told to review this book. I gladly read it on my own and am sharing my thoughts!
Release day is 5.5.26!!! SO SOON!!! 🪲🗡️🕯️🤍
May 10, 2026
Oh this was fuuuuun!!
This is the perfect story to get lost in and to get yourself out of a slump! It's extremely fun from the very beginning, and there's so much happening throughout the whole book! Mel is a very complex character, and she won't be everyone's cup of tea, but I really liked how impulsive, complicated, and strong headed she was, and I loved her stance on the Church! Her development was done very well, and her actions made complete sense for the way she is. Her relationship with Bes is a proper slow burn and I need mooore! They have a great connection, and Cec is an extremely loveable side character too.
There are twists and turns and proper action, which I LOVE in Deoradhán's books! She doesn't back away from putting her characters in complicated situations and I love that, it's always adventurous and adrenaline-packed! I loved the historical setting too — the year is 1936 — and all the nuances that brought to the story and the overall atmosphere.
If you like Indiana Jones, The Mummy, complex characters that may not be likeable at all times but have a proper development, slow burn romances, and simply extremely fun and adventurous stories — this is for you! I'm very excited to see what else Deoradhán has in store for these characters!
A huge thank you to the author for sending me an ARC of this book!
This is the perfect story to get lost in and to get yourself out of a slump! It's extremely fun from the very beginning, and there's so much happening throughout the whole book! Mel is a very complex character, and she won't be everyone's cup of tea, but I really liked how impulsive, complicated, and strong headed she was, and I loved her stance on the Church! Her development was done very well, and her actions made complete sense for the way she is. Her relationship with Bes is a proper slow burn and I need mooore! They have a great connection, and Cec is an extremely loveable side character too.
There are twists and turns and proper action, which I LOVE in Deoradhán's books! She doesn't back away from putting her characters in complicated situations and I love that, it's always adventurous and adrenaline-packed! I loved the historical setting too — the year is 1936 — and all the nuances that brought to the story and the overall atmosphere.
If you like Indiana Jones, The Mummy, complex characters that may not be likeable at all times but have a proper development, slow burn romances, and simply extremely fun and adventurous stories — this is for you! I'm very excited to see what else Deoradhán has in store for these characters!
A huge thank you to the author for sending me an ARC of this book!
May 12, 2026
Another five star read for me!! This is the second book I’ve read from M.K. Deoradhan and I was once again fully immersed! This was a wonderful action packed adventure! I loved the unique magic system and the slow burn! Anyone who knows me, knows I love me a slow burn! I couldn’t put it down. If you love Indiana Jones and The Mummy(1999) then you’ll love this book! I can’t wait for book 2! Thank you so much to happilybookedpr and M.K. Deoradhan for sending me this eARC! Loved every minute of it!
May 1, 2026
Bloodstone starts off immediately captivating as you start the adventure with our heroine Mel. Without giving too many details the author does a great job with world building and laying threads that will later in the book come together in a giant Aha moment. Great tension between main characters in this enemies to lovers storyline with hilarious moments of third wheel banter. I do have to say as a blonde Italian American I felt very seen by this author, certain small things she’s added in were huge to me that others might not understand. It plays on my nineties nostalgia of Indiana Jones and The Mummy without feeling like a copycat or overdoing it, the author does a great job of fulfilling those wants while creating her own unique story. It was a thrilling adventure that leans heavily into there being a sequel that I 100% will be reading!!
March 25, 2026
Thank you so much to the author for providing me with an eARC in order to read this before the release date!
This is literally one of my favorite books of the year, and probably of all time. I have never finished a book and then immediately wanted to start it all over again (which I would totally do if I had the time, but maybe when it comes out I’ll do a reread🤭) I have no words to describe how much I loved this book. If you like The Mummy or any Lara Croft movie, you are going to fall in love with the story and these characters.
Speaking of characters, I loved our FMC Mel even if she could be a bit hard headed at times. She’s outspoken and doesn’t let society’s rules hold her back. Cec is also a delight. His sarcasm and humor was a joy to see in conjunction with the other characters, and I just want to give him the biggest hug. And Bes (OMG BES MY LOVE), our MMC, is PERFECTION. He’s more of a soft character, unlike many arrogant MMCs we see, but I loved him all the same. Something about him had me squealing whenever he was on the page and he has made his way to the top of my book boyfriend list. I NEED more of this kind, charming man. Even when I wasn’t reading, I was thinking about Bes (like actually daydreaming about him).
The romance was one of my favorite parts in this book and be warned it’s SLOW BURN. The tiniest hints we got of it had me giggling and kicking my feet, and I’m dying to see more in the sequel. The tension between Mel and Bes was immaculate and I ate up every moment when they were together.
While the romance was delectable, the plot itself was also fun and intriguing. I loved the adventure aspect to it and all the places we got to go alongside all the characters. My treasure hunting heart was very happy. I really enjoyed the small bits of magic we get and can’t wait to see how it’ll influence the rest of the overall story.
This was such a joy to read and I will treasure this story for many years to come. These characters feel like my friends and I’m devastated that I finished because I have to let them go now. I will be eagerly anticipating the second book when I get to join them on their next adventure. This book feels as though it’s a part of my soul now and I cannot stop thinking about it. More people need to read it so I can talk about it. Truly a fantastic novel that I HIGHLY recommend that you check out🥰
This is literally one of my favorite books of the year, and probably of all time. I have never finished a book and then immediately wanted to start it all over again (which I would totally do if I had the time, but maybe when it comes out I’ll do a reread🤭) I have no words to describe how much I loved this book. If you like The Mummy or any Lara Croft movie, you are going to fall in love with the story and these characters.
Speaking of characters, I loved our FMC Mel even if she could be a bit hard headed at times. She’s outspoken and doesn’t let society’s rules hold her back. Cec is also a delight. His sarcasm and humor was a joy to see in conjunction with the other characters, and I just want to give him the biggest hug. And Bes (OMG BES MY LOVE), our MMC, is PERFECTION. He’s more of a soft character, unlike many arrogant MMCs we see, but I loved him all the same. Something about him had me squealing whenever he was on the page and he has made his way to the top of my book boyfriend list. I NEED more of this kind, charming man. Even when I wasn’t reading, I was thinking about Bes (like actually daydreaming about him).
The romance was one of my favorite parts in this book and be warned it’s SLOW BURN. The tiniest hints we got of it had me giggling and kicking my feet, and I’m dying to see more in the sequel. The tension between Mel and Bes was immaculate and I ate up every moment when they were together.
While the romance was delectable, the plot itself was also fun and intriguing. I loved the adventure aspect to it and all the places we got to go alongside all the characters. My treasure hunting heart was very happy. I really enjoyed the small bits of magic we get and can’t wait to see how it’ll influence the rest of the overall story.
This was such a joy to read and I will treasure this story for many years to come. These characters feel like my friends and I’m devastated that I finished because I have to let them go now. I will be eagerly anticipating the second book when I get to join them on their next adventure. This book feels as though it’s a part of my soul now and I cannot stop thinking about it. More people need to read it so I can talk about it. Truly a fantastic novel that I HIGHLY recommend that you check out🥰
April 24, 2026
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.75)
Indiana Jones vibes with a conspiracy twist… fun, but a little messy.
This was a fast-paced, cinematic adventure that throws you straight into action and does not let up. If you’re looking for something with strong Indiana Jones energy mixed with a bit of The Da Vinci Code–style conspiracy, this definitely delivers on that front. It’s chaotic, plot-heavy, and honestly a pretty fun ride.
What I liked:
The action starts immediately and keeps going, which made this super easy to fly through—especially in the beginning. It has that globe-trotting, treasure-hunting feel with high stakes and constant movement. Cecilio was easily my favorite character; he had the most personality and the best banter, and I found myself way more invested whenever he was on the page.
What didn’t work for me:
Somewhere around the middle, I started to lose the thread of the plot. It felt like the story kept adding new elements—secret societies, codes, magic—without fully grounding them, and by the end I wasn’t always sure what the main goal was anymore. The pacing also started to drag because of how many similar action sequences we got back-to-back.
I also struggled to connect with the characters, especially Amelia and Bes. A lot of their dynamic felt told rather than built, and I never fully bought into their relationship. On top of that, the historical setting felt more like a backdrop than something immersive—there were a few modern-feeling details and sensibilities that pulled me out at times.
Closing thoughts:
Overall, this is a fun, action-packed adventure if you go in for the vibes and don’t overthink the details. I just wish it had been a bit tighter and more grounded in both its characters and plot.
Indiana Jones vibes with a conspiracy twist… fun, but a little messy.
This was a fast-paced, cinematic adventure that throws you straight into action and does not let up. If you’re looking for something with strong Indiana Jones energy mixed with a bit of The Da Vinci Code–style conspiracy, this definitely delivers on that front. It’s chaotic, plot-heavy, and honestly a pretty fun ride.
What I liked:
The action starts immediately and keeps going, which made this super easy to fly through—especially in the beginning. It has that globe-trotting, treasure-hunting feel with high stakes and constant movement. Cecilio was easily my favorite character; he had the most personality and the best banter, and I found myself way more invested whenever he was on the page.
What didn’t work for me:
Somewhere around the middle, I started to lose the thread of the plot. It felt like the story kept adding new elements—secret societies, codes, magic—without fully grounding them, and by the end I wasn’t always sure what the main goal was anymore. The pacing also started to drag because of how many similar action sequences we got back-to-back.
I also struggled to connect with the characters, especially Amelia and Bes. A lot of their dynamic felt told rather than built, and I never fully bought into their relationship. On top of that, the historical setting felt more like a backdrop than something immersive—there were a few modern-feeling details and sensibilities that pulled me out at times.
Closing thoughts:
Overall, this is a fun, action-packed adventure if you go in for the vibes and don’t overthink the details. I just wish it had been a bit tighter and more grounded in both its characters and plot.
April 24, 2026
Indiana Jones meets Tomb Raider meets Uncharted meets The Mummy 🪲🥾🐪
This book was very entertaining and drew me in with its comparison to films I adored as a child and still adore as an adult. I could tell that the author also held the same adoration for these films/games, which added to the experience of reading her book.
To start with some highlights, I really enjoyed the world building and found that there had been a lot of research into what 1930s Egypt and Italy would entail, which was incredible! Often in historical fiction novels I find myself lost in time, but I felt tethered to this book because of the author’s rich understanding of the world and her ability to convey that clearly to her readers. Additionally, I liked the main trio (Mel, Cec, and Bes) as they all interacted well and played off of each other well! The magic and connection to the Egyptian gods was also something I found really interesting, especially as someone who grew up with The Mummy.
Some things that I didn’t feel as connected to was being stuck in Mel’s head during her consistent volatile moods. Don’t get me wrong, Mel has a LOT going on and is on the run from literal Nazis, but often she would flare up, reflect, cool down, and then start the cycle over again. There was little change and growth from her and I was expecting something of the sort towards the end in that regard.
All things considered, I found this novel to be perfect for summer and a very entertaining read with likable characters who fight for the greater good.
Thank you M.K. Deoradhán for the ARC of this book!
This book was very entertaining and drew me in with its comparison to films I adored as a child and still adore as an adult. I could tell that the author also held the same adoration for these films/games, which added to the experience of reading her book.
To start with some highlights, I really enjoyed the world building and found that there had been a lot of research into what 1930s Egypt and Italy would entail, which was incredible! Often in historical fiction novels I find myself lost in time, but I felt tethered to this book because of the author’s rich understanding of the world and her ability to convey that clearly to her readers. Additionally, I liked the main trio (Mel, Cec, and Bes) as they all interacted well and played off of each other well! The magic and connection to the Egyptian gods was also something I found really interesting, especially as someone who grew up with The Mummy.
Some things that I didn’t feel as connected to was being stuck in Mel’s head during her consistent volatile moods. Don’t get me wrong, Mel has a LOT going on and is on the run from literal Nazis, but often she would flare up, reflect, cool down, and then start the cycle over again. There was little change and growth from her and I was expecting something of the sort towards the end in that regard.
All things considered, I found this novel to be perfect for summer and a very entertaining read with likable characters who fight for the greater good.
Thank you M.K. Deoradhán for the ARC of this book!
May 14, 2026
I had so much fun reading this and I'm officially obsessed with Bes Belzoni 🔥
Nostalgic period adventure with a supernatural twist, featuring a high stakes plot, a chaotic good trio and a scorching slow burn romance.
Mel Hawkins is an archeologist sent to retrieve the the Amulet of Amun from the Temple of Seti I which is rumoured to have magical powers. However, a group of f&çists known as the God Men are also after the Amulet and she ends up having to flee Egypt in the company of museum employee Bes Belzoni and his cousin Cecilio. But there is more to Bes and Cec than they are letting on, and what follows is a breathless cat and mouse adventure across Europe, taking in underground nightclubs, secret societies and ancient magic.
I really enjoyed the period setting - it felt like a throwback to vintage Hollywood but with a modern twist.
Although it's a light-hearted read overall, it dealt with some dark themes which gave it emotional weight. The portrayal of Cec's visual impairment was also sensitively handled.The writing was so vivid that I was able to lose myself in the story and it was full of set pieces that made it feel like watching an action film - the scene at the underground speakeasy was a particular highlight!
Mel was a sassy and relatable heroine and Cec was just adorable, and I enjoyed the way their friendship developed. The standout character for me though was Bes, one of the most captivating and (I'm saying it) hottest leading men I think I've ever read. The slow burn romance between him and Mel was so beautifully written and I was completely invested in their relationship.
Bloodstone is a love letter to classic action adventure films like Indiana Jones and it also reminded me of puzzle adventure books I loved as a child.
At the heart of the story is the friendship between the central trio and it has so much potential for the rest of the series.
I can't wait to see what's next in store!
Thank you to the author and Happily Booked for the ARC.
Nostalgic period adventure with a supernatural twist, featuring a high stakes plot, a chaotic good trio and a scorching slow burn romance.
Mel Hawkins is an archeologist sent to retrieve the the Amulet of Amun from the Temple of Seti I which is rumoured to have magical powers. However, a group of f&çists known as the God Men are also after the Amulet and she ends up having to flee Egypt in the company of museum employee Bes Belzoni and his cousin Cecilio. But there is more to Bes and Cec than they are letting on, and what follows is a breathless cat and mouse adventure across Europe, taking in underground nightclubs, secret societies and ancient magic.
I really enjoyed the period setting - it felt like a throwback to vintage Hollywood but with a modern twist.
Although it's a light-hearted read overall, it dealt with some dark themes which gave it emotional weight. The portrayal of Cec's visual impairment was also sensitively handled.The writing was so vivid that I was able to lose myself in the story and it was full of set pieces that made it feel like watching an action film - the scene at the underground speakeasy was a particular highlight!
Mel was a sassy and relatable heroine and Cec was just adorable, and I enjoyed the way their friendship developed. The standout character for me though was Bes, one of the most captivating and (I'm saying it) hottest leading men I think I've ever read. The slow burn romance between him and Mel was so beautifully written and I was completely invested in their relationship.
Bloodstone is a love letter to classic action adventure films like Indiana Jones and it also reminded me of puzzle adventure books I loved as a child.
At the heart of the story is the friendship between the central trio and it has so much potential for the rest of the series.
I can't wait to see what's next in store!
Thank you to the author and Happily Booked for the ARC.
April 21, 2026
This was a solid adventure!
I always enjoy a good historical fiction with fantasy elements thrown in and this was a solid one.
The story was well paced and engaging. I couldn’t stand the FMC but I think that shows the talent of the authors writing in building characters that elicit emotion out of the reader:) I did however, love the two mmcs:)
I liked the romancing the stone-Indiana jones vibes. I’m also looking forward to seeing how the characters grow in the future as it definitely is open for a sequel;)
Thank you to the author for the arc. This review is freely given and the words are my own:)
I always enjoy a good historical fiction with fantasy elements thrown in and this was a solid one.
The story was well paced and engaging. I couldn’t stand the FMC but I think that shows the talent of the authors writing in building characters that elicit emotion out of the reader:) I did however, love the two mmcs:)
I liked the romancing the stone-Indiana jones vibes. I’m also looking forward to seeing how the characters grow in the future as it definitely is open for a sequel;)
Thank you to the author for the arc. This review is freely given and the words are my own:)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2026
Turns Out Artifact Hunting Is Complicated
This was a really fun start to a series with a great blend of historical adventure and light fantasy. The 1930s setting adds a cool backdrop, especially with the mix of archaeology, secret societies, and rising political tension. Mel is an easy protagonist to root for—capable, curious, and just impulsive enough to keep things interesting without feeling over the top.
I especially liked the dynamic between Mel, Bes, and Cecilio. Their interactions feel natural, and there’s just enough mystery around each of them to keep you engaged. The story does a nice job weaving in hints of something bigger going on, both with Mel’s family and the magical elements tied to the artifact.
The action and intrigue kept me turning pages, and I appreciated how the stakes felt personal as well as larger than the characters themselves. Overall, it’s an entertaining, atmospheric read that sets up plenty of potential for what comes next.
Thank you to MK for the advanced copy, this is my honest review.
This was a really fun start to a series with a great blend of historical adventure and light fantasy. The 1930s setting adds a cool backdrop, especially with the mix of archaeology, secret societies, and rising political tension. Mel is an easy protagonist to root for—capable, curious, and just impulsive enough to keep things interesting without feeling over the top.
I especially liked the dynamic between Mel, Bes, and Cecilio. Their interactions feel natural, and there’s just enough mystery around each of them to keep you engaged. The story does a nice job weaving in hints of something bigger going on, both with Mel’s family and the magical elements tied to the artifact.
The action and intrigue kept me turning pages, and I appreciated how the stakes felt personal as well as larger than the characters themselves. Overall, it’s an entertaining, atmospheric read that sets up plenty of potential for what comes next.
Thank you to MK for the advanced copy, this is my honest review.
February 23, 2026
Firstly, thank you so much to M.K. Deoradhán for allowing me to beta read!! Had so much fun with this one!
BloodStone is the perfect pick for anyone craving a classic adventure rush with strong The Mummy and National Treasure vibes. Set in 1936, it follows a sharp, history-savvy heroine diving into a hunt for ancient artifacts, complete with shadowy organizations, globe-trotting danger, and a dash of romance amidst the chaos.
The FMC, Mel, is an absolute standout—witty, sassy, and unapologetically bold. She delivers snappy dialogue and handles high-stakes situations with a clever edge that keeps the pages turning. If you love a protagonist who can outsmart villains while throwing shade, she’s definitely an FMC to watch for.
The plot moves at a steady pace and stays easy to follow despite some dense historical and mythological details packed in. At times, it felt like a bit of information overload with lots of lore about artifacts, ancient secrets, and the era’s politics, but it never derailed the momentum. The action sequences are packed with thrills: chases, close calls, and tense confrontations that give it that cinematic, pulse-pounding energy, making it an overall fun, escapist read with some classic old school adventure!
BloodStone is the perfect pick for anyone craving a classic adventure rush with strong The Mummy and National Treasure vibes. Set in 1936, it follows a sharp, history-savvy heroine diving into a hunt for ancient artifacts, complete with shadowy organizations, globe-trotting danger, and a dash of romance amidst the chaos.
The FMC, Mel, is an absolute standout—witty, sassy, and unapologetically bold. She delivers snappy dialogue and handles high-stakes situations with a clever edge that keeps the pages turning. If you love a protagonist who can outsmart villains while throwing shade, she’s definitely an FMC to watch for.
The plot moves at a steady pace and stays easy to follow despite some dense historical and mythological details packed in. At times, it felt like a bit of information overload with lots of lore about artifacts, ancient secrets, and the era’s politics, but it never derailed the momentum. The action sequences are packed with thrills: chases, close calls, and tense confrontations that give it that cinematic, pulse-pounding energy, making it an overall fun, escapist read with some classic old school adventure!
April 11, 2026
⚔️ Tomb Raider, but make it WWII, magic, and a little bit unhinged 👀
First off, huge thank you to M.K. Doeradhán for the eARC! This one had me from the concept alone and did NOT let go.
Think: dangerous artifact hunts, secret societies, Nazi era intrigue, and just enough mystical chaos to keep you flipping pages way past bedtime. I absolutely devoured this. The blend of historical fiction with magical archaeology = Obsessed.
Mel & Bes??? The tension. The yearning. The chef’s kiss of it all.
And Cec, truly the MVP for keeping things light when the stakes got REAL.
I also loved the unique angle on WWII history, especially the focus on Germany’s obsession with collecting powerful art and artifacts. It added such a rich, eerie layer to the story.
💎 Fast paced
📜 Atmospheric
🤠 Nerdy in the best way
💀 Just enough romance to make your heart ache
Needless to say I am already feral waiting for book two (there WILL be one, right?! 😅)
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
First off, huge thank you to M.K. Doeradhán for the eARC! This one had me from the concept alone and did NOT let go.
Think: dangerous artifact hunts, secret societies, Nazi era intrigue, and just enough mystical chaos to keep you flipping pages way past bedtime. I absolutely devoured this. The blend of historical fiction with magical archaeology = Obsessed.
Mel & Bes??? The tension. The yearning. The chef’s kiss of it all.
And Cec, truly the MVP for keeping things light when the stakes got REAL.
I also loved the unique angle on WWII history, especially the focus on Germany’s obsession with collecting powerful art and artifacts. It added such a rich, eerie layer to the story.
💎 Fast paced
📜 Atmospheric
🤠 Nerdy in the best way
💀 Just enough romance to make your heart ache
Needless to say I am already feral waiting for book two (there WILL be one, right?! 😅)
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
May 12, 2026
Book: Bloodstone (The mythical artifacts #1) Rate: 4.5⭐
I received this ARC in order to give an honest review so here I am
Instead of blurb:
The year is 1936, and ambitious 22 years old archeologist Amelia Mel Hawkings embarks on a quest given to her to retrieve the Amulet of Amun from the tembple of Seti I. Her nonna is an well world known archeologist with the same passion. Mel's fist journey, though, takes perilous turn when she is hunted by members of the Thule Society who will not stop at anything until they take from her the amulet she managed to retrieve. There, she meets Bes Belzoni (MMC #1) and his visually impaired cousin, Cecilio Giudice (MMC #2), and she needs to rely on them for protection. More truths emerge as Mel continues her adventure, truths that have to do with her companions, with magic but also with her. What will happen?
I laughed and got angry at the same time on this book. I loved the dynamic and the whole adventure. If Indiana Jones had a baby with Lara Croft, I bet their kid would be Amelia Mel Hawkings. The trio met in difficult times, but they really tried to trust each other. I enjoyed the relationship built between Bes and Mel so much, but her friendship with Cec is also one of my favorite parts of the book! I can't wait for book 2.
Tropes:
Stubborn FMC
Serious MMC (#3)
Must protect at all cost MMC (#2)
Banter
Slow Burn
Chaotic good trio
Magical artifacts
Punching and being hunted fascists
Hidden society
Secrets
Romance subplot
I received this ARC in order to give an honest review so here I am
Instead of blurb:
The year is 1936, and ambitious 22 years old archeologist Amelia Mel Hawkings embarks on a quest given to her to retrieve the Amulet of Amun from the tembple of Seti I. Her nonna is an well world known archeologist with the same passion. Mel's fist journey, though, takes perilous turn when she is hunted by members of the Thule Society who will not stop at anything until they take from her the amulet she managed to retrieve. There, she meets Bes Belzoni (MMC #1) and his visually impaired cousin, Cecilio Giudice (MMC #2), and she needs to rely on them for protection. More truths emerge as Mel continues her adventure, truths that have to do with her companions, with magic but also with her. What will happen?
I laughed and got angry at the same time on this book. I loved the dynamic and the whole adventure. If Indiana Jones had a baby with Lara Croft, I bet their kid would be Amelia Mel Hawkings. The trio met in difficult times, but they really tried to trust each other. I enjoyed the relationship built between Bes and Mel so much, but her friendship with Cec is also one of my favorite parts of the book! I can't wait for book 2.
Tropes:
Stubborn FMC
Serious MMC (#3)
Must protect at all cost MMC (#2)
Banter
Slow Burn
Chaotic good trio
Magical artifacts
Punching and being hunted fascists
Hidden society
Secrets
Romance subplot
May 12, 2026
This was a fun read and full of surprises, where you can never guess what is going to happen. The plot just surprises you in very unexpected ways.
The story is set during the events of WWII which plays an interesting role in the development of the plot. The politics of that time is woven naturally in the main plot, it’s not forced, and the politics is key element in the main plot.
I like how the story takes places over different countries, it’s starts with Egypt where Mel, the FMC is trying to locate an Ancient Egyptian artifact where she meets Bes and Cec, MMC and his cousin, and things start to take twists and turns.
The banter between the FMC and MMC was enjoyable, and Cec brought lots of humor with his comedic relief. Which was quite enjoyable given the tension that was rising. Through the development of the main characters’ relationship we can see that trust doesn’t come easily, and there is build up to their romance and tension.
This was a fun read and full of surprises, where you can never guess what is going to happen. The plot just surprises you in very unexpected ways.
The story is set during the events of WWII which plays an interesting role in the development of the plot. The politics of that time is woven naturally in the main plot, it’s not forced, and the politics is key element in the main plot.
I like how the story takes places over different countries, it’s starts with Egypt where Mel, the FMC is trying to locate an Ancient Egyptian artifact where she meets Bes and Cec, MMC and his cousin, and things start to take twists and turns.
The banter between the FMC and MMC was enjoyable, and Cec brought lots of humor with his comedic relief. Which was quite enjoyable given the tension that was rising. Through the development of the main characters’ relationship we can see that trust doesn’t come easily, and there is build up to their romance and tension.
This was a fun read and full of surprises, where you can never guess what is going to happen. The plot just surprises you in very unexpected ways.
May 13, 2026
STONG FEMALE CHARACTER!!
That ending! I need the next part Now!!
There will be a next part right????
BloodStone is an adventure mystery novel that gives The Librarian vibes from chapter 1.
I love a story that wastes no time in hooking the reader. Im all for world builds but thrust me in the world and make me want to know What Happens Next!
And BloodStone does just like. This story follows archeologist Mel on her first solo mission and the immediate and thrilling ride it takes her on. She team's up with the MMC, Bes and the screen stealer Cel, to find the answers to secrets and hidden magic.
This was a page turner. It was like watching a good TV series that will have you up way past your bedtime!
Highly recommend!
That ending! I need the next part Now!!
There will be a next part right????
BloodStone is an adventure mystery novel that gives The Librarian vibes from chapter 1.
I love a story that wastes no time in hooking the reader. Im all for world builds but thrust me in the world and make me want to know What Happens Next!
And BloodStone does just like. This story follows archeologist Mel on her first solo mission and the immediate and thrilling ride it takes her on. She team's up with the MMC, Bes and the screen stealer Cel, to find the answers to secrets and hidden magic.
This was a page turner. It was like watching a good TV series that will have you up way past your bedtime!
Highly recommend!
May 5, 2026
ARC Review
"Michigan summers did not prepare me for the sweltering Egyptian sun or the adrenaline of a three-hour car ride with a switchblade in my pocket."
If you grew up wanting to be Indiana Jones or Lara Croft, I found your new obsession. 10/10 🔥
It’s August 1936. American archaeologist Amelia Hawkins arrives in Egypt for her first solo expedition, tasked with retrieving the legendary Amulet of Amun. What should have been a standard archaeological dig turns into a high-stakes race for survival.
The 1930s atmosphere is so vivid..one moment you're in a booby-trapped flooded temple in Egypt, and the next you're navigating the moonlit backstreets of fascist Italy.
The character dynamics are the absolute highlight. Amelia is brilliant and uses her wit as a weapon. Then there’s Bes. He is guarded, devastating, and aggressively bad at feelings. The tension between them is the slowest burn I’ve ever read, and it’s perfect.
The magic system is unlike anything I’ve read..blood oaths that physically bind your tongue, a living Tree of Life that enforces loyalty in your very blood, and an ancient amulet that grants invisibility while revealing people’s auras. It’s grounded, cinematic, and left me desperate for the next book.
If you love The Mummy, Indiana Jones, or Tomb Raider, add this to your TBR immediately!! 📚✨
"Michigan summers did not prepare me for the sweltering Egyptian sun or the adrenaline of a three-hour car ride with a switchblade in my pocket."
If you grew up wanting to be Indiana Jones or Lara Croft, I found your new obsession. 10/10 🔥
It’s August 1936. American archaeologist Amelia Hawkins arrives in Egypt for her first solo expedition, tasked with retrieving the legendary Amulet of Amun. What should have been a standard archaeological dig turns into a high-stakes race for survival.
The 1930s atmosphere is so vivid..one moment you're in a booby-trapped flooded temple in Egypt, and the next you're navigating the moonlit backstreets of fascist Italy.
The character dynamics are the absolute highlight. Amelia is brilliant and uses her wit as a weapon. Then there’s Bes. He is guarded, devastating, and aggressively bad at feelings. The tension between them is the slowest burn I’ve ever read, and it’s perfect.
The magic system is unlike anything I’ve read..blood oaths that physically bind your tongue, a living Tree of Life that enforces loyalty in your very blood, and an ancient amulet that grants invisibility while revealing people’s auras. It’s grounded, cinematic, and left me desperate for the next book.
If you love The Mummy, Indiana Jones, or Tomb Raider, add this to your TBR immediately!! 📚✨
May 15, 2026
Magic, wittiness, banter, forced proximity, and anything else that you would find in an Indiana Jones meets Mummy story. I absolutely loved this so much. A few plot twists I was not expecting and that cliffhanger has me on the edge of my seat waiting for what happens next!
May 12, 2026
Absolutely Fantastic!
This was such a captivating and well written story from start to finish. I really appreciated the historical details and the accuracy. The characters were well developed and meshed so well together. I enjoyed the story overall and will definitely go back and reread it again. The author is very good.
This was such a captivating and well written story from start to finish. I really appreciated the historical details and the accuracy. The characters were well developed and meshed so well together. I enjoyed the story overall and will definitely go back and reread it again. The author is very good.
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