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Artifact Hunters #4

Moseh's Staff

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This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN: B0137IKZP6

All things must come to an end…

London is in the frozen grip of an unnatural winter and Queen Victoria wants answers. Cara and Nate know who – the Curator. The queen's artifact hunters just don't know what is responsible. Cara is on the trail of an ancient and powerful artifact capable of freezing a city and stirring demons. First she must confront her past and her father's history. Only in learning why her father became a disciple of the Curator can she hope to learn what the old noble seeks and why he is so fascinated by her.

Then tragedy strikes and the bond forged by Nefertiti's Heart is severed. Nate without Cara succumbs to his darkness and he lashes out at those he holds responsible for her loss. Meanwhile, in the shadows, Inspector Fraser waits for his opportunity to pull down the man known as the villainous viscount.

With London entombed in ice and all hope lost, could this be the end…?

280 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 17, 2015

119 people are currently reading
917 people want to read

About the author

A.W. Exley

35 books929 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
Profile Image for Alexandra.
1,309 reviews3 followers
August 16, 2015
It's never easy for me to review a book that's a continuation of a series. I mean, those that haven't read the first book probably would be more interested hearing about that, and those already hooked on the series probably just hope for assurance it's another good installment (and it is!).

Cara and Nate have another problem to solve and villain to defeat in this one, and it's not going to be easy. Their struggle when forcibly separated is heart-wrenching, but so well-drawn for these strong characters who suit each other so well. This story is so romantic, and I appreciate so much this is accomplished without the relationship drama and angst so common these days.

I loved the addition of little Rachael! A child from poverty Cara is drawn to and takes under her wing, and Nate accepts with grace and humor.

And...DRAGONS!

I've heard this might be the end of the series, but it seems while things are satisfactory ended here there is room for more from Cara and Nate, and I sincerely hope there is more. I've grown to love these characters, and enjoy their adventures.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in consideration of an honest review. I purchased the Audible version with my own money, and am glad I did. It was very well done and I enjoyed it immensely.
Profile Image for Dragana.
1,897 reviews154 followers
June 10, 2015
Artifact Hunters by A.W. Exley is steampunk romance series that I have been faithfully following since the beginning. I was eagerly waiting for the sequel – Moseh’s Staff.

LIKES

* Cara never gives up. No matter how bad situation is and how outnumbered or overpowered Cara is, she never throws the towel. She kicks and screams and, if nothing else, gives her enemies an eye twitch. (Those who have read the previous books in Artifact Hunters series will understand the connection between Cara and eye twitches).

* Quirky side characters. This is one of those books where secondary characters are so vivid and fun that you just can’t decide who is your favorite and if, maybe, you like them even more than main characters. I wish they all got their books! And for the last installment of the series, everyone are here:
- Jackson, Cara’s first bodyguard, is back to exchange more barbs with her.
- Brick, her current bodyguard, dazzled me with his extravagant fashion sense and perky personality.
- Helen, still delightfully mad and alive, made me giggle. Reading about a woman who duct-tapes a picture’s mouth because it talks too much can’t never be dull.
- Nessy, Cara’s grandmother best friend, who decides to switch her romantic interest to Jackson, since Loki is not around. I loved watching him squirm on her double entendres.
- Sergei, dragon master and his Russian pragmatism are always a delight. And you know what it means when Sergei is in a book…

* Dragons! After completely missing in Nero’s Fiddle, dragons are back. Just an additional bonus.

* Steampunk-ish goodness is all around. Automaton waiters, mechanical horses, even mechanical pets. A.W. Exley poured steampunk into everyday life of her characters so masterfully, sometimes you don’t even notice how many gears and cogs are all around.

DISLIKES

* Nate was not scary. There is a big emphasis on Nate’s dark side and how Cara is the only thing making him human. I just was not scared of him. Probably because he won me over with his bad boy charm in Nefertiti’s Heart, so I have a soft spot for him.

* Humor needed some fresh puns. Maybe it’s just my memory playing with me, but I think previous books were funnier than Moseh’s Staff. There is an Expiration date for some puns and after that they start feeling stale.

IN THE END..

It’s like A.W. Exley gathered all my favorite things about Artifact Hunters series and made an awesome farewell party. I’m really sad this great series has come to an end and I hope that at least some secondary characters will make an appearance in A.W. Exley’s next books.

If you love steampunk or urban fantasy with a healthy dose of romance and a lot of quirky side characters, you should give Artifact Hunters series a try.

Disclaimer: I received this ebook from publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. This text is also posted on my blog Bookworm Dreams in a little bit more styled edition.
Profile Image for Elaina.
Author 136 books77 followers
May 24, 2018
So, it's the final book, and I dragged it out a bit ... because I didn't want it to end. Brilliant series, each tale filled with imagination, and this one was no different. I will be reading this series again, and I'll certainly be reading more from this author. Well done!
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,166 reviews87 followers
August 13, 2016
4.5 Stars

AH! NO! It’s over! I really hate ending a series I’m enjoying, but I’m really happy to see this series get the ending it deserves.

Moseh’s Staff starts a little bit after the third book, and London is still in the icy grip of winter despite it being well into Spring. All thanks to a main known as the Curator, a collector of artifact, and it’s up to Cara and Nate to figure out how to end it before the eternal winter takes it’s toll on the city. Top that off with the issues going on with Inspector Fraser, and you have a book full of tension and clashes. We get to see new artifacts at work and learn their lore, which remains to be one of my favorite portions of this series. I really liked the final showdown for Cara and Nate, because it really pulled on all of the strength and the allies they have gained over the course of the other three books. The Curator is one creepy guy, and will stop at nothing to get what he desires most. I loved his misplaced sense of self-honor and polite courtesies, especially since most of the time he’s talking about kidnapping and murdering people.

We also get to see Cara and Nate fend for themselves, alone, after depending on the other’s support and differences for so long. I really appreciated their time apart, because while I do adore them together I really like seeing who they are without the other around. Nate really struggles with his inner turmoil, and struggles to stay on the path of least resistance. He’s so use to doing what needs to be done in order to maintain peace for his people, that he has a bit of an issue noticing the line he crossed ages ago. Cara also deals with a lot of demons this time around, her nightmares are back and she is forced to face them by herself. I really missed my favorite character though, as he is not in the country at the time of the events in this one and his banter with Cara & Nate was sorely missed. But Exley makes up for it with the re-appearance of Nan and Nessy, and a little dragon from the snowy forests of Russia.

This book was incredibly bittersweet. I’m really happy with the way the story played out, and the way it ended (which was totally squee-worthy) but I hate that this is the last book. I want MORE! I can only hold out hope that Exley will give us another novella somewhere down the line. If you haven’t started the series but enjoy books like Soulless by Gail Carriger, then I urge you to go check this series out!
Profile Image for Malorie  (Firereader).
286 reviews60 followers
February 4, 2021
Just as with the first several books in the series, I was excited and intrigued throughout this book as well. Exley makes every book in the series unique while carrying on with the development of the characters. I've found myself really invested in the characters and the ending of this book a big surprise happened that had me saying "yes!" out loud and confusing my husband thoroughly. I'm really glad I don't have to wait for the next book and will be starting it immediately! If you like witty humor, historical fantasy, steampunk, mystery, artifact hunting, and a bit of romance you'll love this series. Oh and there's dragons! 😁
Profile Image for A Voracious Reader (a.k.a. Carol).
2,157 reviews1 follower
May 23, 2018
*Book source ~ ARC. My review is voluntary and honest.

Cara and Nate need to stop the Curator. He is beyond evil and they suspect he’s the one who has London held tight in an icy grip even though Spring has sprung for the rest of the country. Queen Victoria is pushing them to fix the problem, but the Curator isn’t just evil, he’s powerful and a slippery bastard. Things come to a head when Cara disappears in a wall of water from the Thames. Even though Nate can no longer feel their bond in Nefertiti’s Heart he knows she’s not dead, no matter what the officials of London have dictated with their spurious Death Certificate. Questions abound that need answers! Will Cara make it back to Nate before he surrenders to his dark side, forever lost to her? How are they going to beat the Curator? Will Inspector Fraser finally get the evidence he needs to convict Nate as a murderer? Inquiring minds want to know!

O.M.Gee! It’s been about 3 years since I read Nero’s Fiddle and even though I’ve loved this series SO MUCH I was worried I would have a hard time getting into this story because I tend to forget things and 3 years is a really long time for me. lol However, I shouldn’t have worried at all. I fell headlong into Cara and Nate’s life like I had never even left. There is nothing to hate or even dislike about Moseh’s Staff. Nothing! It’s got everything a reader could want: romance, danger, love, steaminess (not too much-not that there’s anything wrong with that), a creepy evil villain, mystery, cute stuff, humor, spunkiness, sci-fi (specifically steampunk), and more! There’s even a secondary villain! Ok, villain is a bit harsh to label Inspector Fraser, but he’s definitely not a friend of Nate’s. It’s a hard-to-put-down book that will leave you wanting more. But there is no more. Waaaaaahhhh!!! Whoa, whoa, WHOA! Hold on! I just checked the author’s website and there may be a book 5?! *faints from excitement*
Profile Image for Diane Lang.
69 reviews4 followers
May 4, 2015
This book was provided in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this one!!It is the latest in A. W. Exley's series, The Artifact Hunters. Cara and Nate are back and in excellent form, battling it out with The Curator who is a particularly nasty sort. The story is told alternating between Nate's point of view, then Cara's. We find out why these two balance each other out so well and why it is so devastating for both of them when The Curator silences their connection through Nefertiti's heart. They need to figure out why London is still in the deep freeze in April and what part The Curator has in all of this. Very exciting from start to finish.

Inspector Hamish Frazer also has a part to play in all of this and he is not faring well. Too much laudanum is his downfall. He is hanging on to his sanity by his fingertips.

While this book works fine as a standalone, it is far better read as part of the series as a whole. There are characters from and references to the previous books. Hey, they are so good reading them is a real treat! The steampunk elements are very well done in this series.

Profile Image for Amy.
598 reviews4 followers
November 18, 2015
I would really like to give this book a much higher review, and honestly would have, if I hadn't felt that this last book was completely overshadowed/overwhelmed by Fraser's story. The man has his head up his ass, he seems to be rather well aware that his head is up his ass, and spends most of the book trying to get it even further up there. I just found it incredibly tiring and that it quite detracted from what else was happening.

Also...no Loki.
Profile Image for Bonnie Dale Keck.
4,677 reviews58 followers
December 5, 2017
not kindle unlimited, don't think any of them are, but talking about looking at various Artifact Hunter books; bought at reduced price a while back, but turns out the 'collection' while says 1-4 is actually 1, 2, 3, and 4, because there is 2.5 and 3.f NOT there. See the very bottom for the list of all the books, in total, for these/ WARNING: written in BAD 'British English', typos and syntax and weirdly formed sentences that don't even make sense unless re-ordered or semi-colon used instead and then re-ordered, sexual situations, past abuse mental and physical and sexual plus present situations, sappy chick lit crap or 'erotica' crap that not only jars what little flow the books have but also is a bad ripoff os such things as Warehouse 13, Friday the 13th the Series, etc. shoved in to what would otherwise have been quite interesting steampunk type story, overlooking the almost alternative universe type thing with inventions and animals etc, but in the end making the books 3/4 full of things can't even quote without using words etc that break the TOS, so smut and worse and then some weird crap. AND REALLY, going over a rape, AGAIN, for what the 2nd or 3rd time in 4 books, jeezus learn to WRITE. BTW, being on a sled in a tunnel then bam for no reason all the sudden in a carriage, as usual the continuity in these books are ridiculously bad. Only the very very last bits were good, and had guessed it all ages before.

All things must come to an end…London is in the frozen grip of an unnatural winter and Queen Victoria wants answers. Cara and Nate know who – the Curator. The queen's artifact hunters just don't know what is responsible. Cara is on the trail of an ancient and powerful artifact capable of freezing a city and stirring demons. First she must confront her past and her father's history. Only in learning why her father became a disciple of the Curator can she hope to learn what the old noble seeks and why he is so fascinated by her.

Then tragedy strikes and the bond forged by Nefertiti's Heart is severed. Nate without Cara succumbs to his darkness and he lashes out at those he holds responsible for her loss. Meanwhile, in the shadows, Inspector Fraser waits for his opportunity to pull down the man known as the villainous viscount. With London entombed in ice and all hope lost, could this be the end…?

Nefertiti's Heart (Artifact Hunters, #1)
Hatshepsut's Collar (Artifact Hunters, #2)
The Unicorn's Tail (Artifact Hunters #2.5) {NOT in '4 pack'}
Nero's Fiddle (Artifact Hunters #3)
Paniha's Taniwha (Artifact Hunters, #3.5) {NOT in '4 pack'}
Nero's Fiddle (Artifact Hunters #3)
Moseh's Staff (Artifact Hunters #4)
The Artifact Hunters Bundle (Artifact Hunters, #1-4) {2.5 nor 3.5 in this}
Profile Image for Kristen.
2,608 reviews88 followers
August 28, 2017
Finishing this book was bittersweet. I loved every book in this series, and this one as well. But knowing this is the final book and there won't be any more coming makes me sad.

I loved the way the author combined really exciting suspense, action, and mystical artifacts with wonderful characters and relationships that felt real and were romantic without being sappy.

Cara is is exactly the kind of strong female character I adore. She is smart and independent and kind and caring about others. But she has some issues that keep her from being annoyingly perfect. She has flaws, but she works to overcome them and I loved her.

Cara's relationship with Nate is based on mutual respect and humour as well as love, and they are one of the most romantic couples I've come across in a while. I was ridiculously jealous of their relationship, even as I loved reading about them. The fact that both of them are kick-ass relic hunters as well is so much fun!

The adventure in this book was very personal and at times really suspenseful. I had a hard time stopping once I started wondering how things were going turn out. I won't spoil, but this IS the last book in this series, so a savvy reader will probably be able to anticipate the eventual ending.

I loved every book in this series. It was clever, funny, creative, fast-paced and exciting. I'm sorry it's finished, but it was a great ride while it lasted. Definitely one of my favourite series ever.
Profile Image for Hayley Winter.
181 reviews
December 29, 2020
Wow this book was a much needed story in the series as I was starting to dislike them. However this book brings back all the excitement and surprises that made up the first, so I really enjoyed it.

Having London completely frozen by a mysterious artifact was delightful because it allowed for great descriptions of scenery and the frozen Thames. Cara being kidnapped again came as a small shock but I knew she would escape and that the Curator wasn’t trying to kill her this time.

I loved having the dragons back in the book because it adds another dimension to the tale, which keeps the pace up of the story. I’m so glad Cara was returned and she could take down the curator with Nate and his men. I also loved this novel because there was quite a few artifacts at play not just one which made it more interesting. Learning about how Cara was conceived through an artifact was a nice addition as well.

Fraser took a dark turn in this book with arresting Nate and loosing his court case. To then threaten him in the park. I am glad Cara used the Phoenix feather to bring back Faith and hopefully Fraser becomes a good enforcer again.

I’m looking forward to the next book now to find out what is in the box they got from the curator, how they’re going to protect the dragons In Lowestoft, does Rachel settle in as their adopted daughter and Caras pregnant??!!
Profile Image for Books Lucy King.
390 reviews105 followers
March 20, 2018
I will seriously miss Cara, why there is no more stories? So much space to write more :( but well, that is it. The END to a serie I very much enjoyed, not all the books were 5 star ones and I really did not like the two short stories but I grow fond of the characters so much during the serie and I enjoyed the main books, especially this last one was very good. I loved the hunting of mysterious historic artifacts. I loved (even though I am not a reader who normally enjoy this) the romantic, passionate part of Cara´s and Nate´s love and their bond was so special. Light and dark. Loved that....and just when Cara acquieres the most amazing pet, it has to end? Seriously? Kirrill? I am with Rachel, why to have a dog when Kirrill is an option :D ... I liked the end, I would like a bit bigger closing scence though and maybe a tiny bit more of action towards the end but it was still amazing and I enjoyed the whole thing, could not stop reading.
760 reviews5 followers
October 28, 2019
I liked the first two, and the third one I guess isn't on my library's Overdrive system (I only saw a 3.5 prequel type thing available), but I figured I knew enough about the world to just dive into 4. Now, I would never have said the first two were "literature," but certainly fun romps. This fourth one is just a drag. I am maybe 1/3 into it and I don't think I'll be finishing it. It's been largely a rehash and callbacks and is inserting a LGBT deal in seemingly just to do so rather than it having any relevance to the plot. And it's kind of a weird one, implying that all gay guys would be super into fashion, which is a little pigeonholey and yikes for 2019. Just not really doing it for me. High on the drama low on the action, the ratio is not matching previous novels and not lining up with my reading preferences for junk reads.
Profile Image for Erin.
1,922 reviews64 followers
July 17, 2022
Whoops. I completely forgot to do my review, and it's now been nearly three months since I listened to this. This review will not do it justice at all.

I adore this series. I think I held off reading this one, as I remember the author wasn’t going to continue it, but it looks like she has since continued. WHICH MAKES ME SO HAPPY!!!

This one was enjoyable, though I remember I am not overly fond of the child Rachel. She just seems… I don’t remember actually, as it’s been so long. I just remember not liking her very much. (Though I think I generally get annoyed with young children as main side characters, as they tend to be written to old. I’m not saying that’s what happened here, but it’s what happens often)

Yeah, that’s all I’ve got for now, which is a travesty because this series is so good and deserves proper reviews.
Profile Image for Elenariel.
406 reviews53 followers
May 1, 2020
Another letdown.
The first part is slow going: cozy couple life, city wandering, self-absorbed monologizing and foreboding thinking.
Once again, the steampunk element is left to just a parade of mythical animal contraptions: fascinating but too little, while the search for artifacts is rather more scholarly and in the magical.
What's really frustrating and disappointing is that omissions and both plot and characters inconsistencies abound to stretch out the drama.
The last third of the book is slightly better, speeding up in pace and action, even if it closes with predictable - and debatable - outcomes.
Add in the usual amount of misspellings, typos and the sort.

Let's hope the next (and last?) book will wrap up things in a good way.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
1,117 reviews
August 7, 2018
Such an awesome story! Cara and Nate will undergo a few trials in this story. Amy is now with Jackson, Nan and Nessy have revealed some of their secrets but more is to occur. Plot twists in this book are awesome! I love the dragons and Rachael will play a part in their appearance. The Curator is not open and Helena is still providing such interesting facts! Read this excellent book which has plenty of mystery, action, romance and lots of humor! I will give the story 10 stars and can’t wait for the next in the series!
Profile Image for Alayne.
2,468 reviews7 followers
March 29, 2019
Another tension-filled steam-punk story from AW Exley. This was very good, but I gave it 4 stars because it badly needs editing. Wrong words used, sentences obviously changed but some of the original still in there which makes them make little sense. Occasionally the story doesn't flow naturally as if she went away for a few weeks then came back to it and didn't read back to see what she was up to!
1,219 reviews
July 4, 2019
I am completely addicted to these stories. Once again, it's impossible to explain all of the wonder and excitement this tale presents to the reader. It draws you in and holds you spellbound until the final scene. I can't wait to read the next episode of the "Artifact Hunters" as Nate and Carra go up against the next diabolical villain wielding the powers of another strange artifact with phenomenal powers- looking forward to the thrill of getting involved in their adventure. Great Read!!!!!
Profile Image for Cary.
Author 10 books20 followers
February 8, 2017
All things must come to an end... But I feel there are many more stories inside this writer that need to be told!!! I hope she decides to come back to writing and tell me more about this lot of awesome characters! Come back please!!!!
Profile Image for Sarah Austin.
1,259 reviews3 followers
September 10, 2017
I have loved loved loved all of the Artifact Hunter books including the novellas (Loki was my favorite) and this was a great finale to the series (although I'm in the trader group and she dis say something about maybe possibly continuing). 5 stars!
460 reviews4 followers
July 15, 2018
Please don't let this be the end! I want so much more of these characters and their exploits. Once again Cara and Nate are needed to save London. Of course they also have to save each other, their friends and new pet.
Profile Image for Becky.
92 reviews
April 23, 2019
Exciting installment, bit too fantastical

I really liked this book. The curator is terrifying, but I think they could have used his presence more. I live Cara and Nate's bond and deepening relationship. Plus, her family and friends are hilarious.
18 reviews32 followers
September 14, 2018
Great read, i have thoroughly enjoyed the series!
Profile Image for Tammy Kenney.
235 reviews11 followers
June 17, 2020
Excellent read although I did miss Loki in this book.
Profile Image for Charity.
254 reviews16 followers
January 1, 2021
I love this series, and the way artifacts are used in this one, yay, so much more then the previous books, besides that the dragon makes another appearance!
13 reviews
March 11, 2021
Here there be dragons

Having had a literary love affair with Steampunk and Victorian era novels for the past 2 years I find this series one of the best and most engaging!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews

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