What do you think?
Rate this book
Artifact Hunters #5
Nessy's Locket
Dragons have taken up residence at Lowestoft and Queen Victoria is not amused.
The queen is on the warpath and to protect the mythical beasts from treasure hunters, Cara needs to find the foundation stone from the Great Wall of China. To add to her problems, there's a strange box hidden deep under the Lowestoft estate that makes her skin crawl and steals the air from her lungs. Nate is trying to find a way to make it reveal its secrets, but Cara would rather drop it in the deepest, darkest part of the ocean.
Quite apart from arguing with the monarch and catching those who hunt her dragons Cara faces a far more terrifying trial--impending motherhood. Childbirth always ends in tragedy for her maternal line and even her bond with Nate might not be strong enough to battle Mother Nature...
The queen is on the warpath and to protect the mythical beasts from treasure hunters, Cara needs to find the foundation stone from the Great Wall of China. To add to her problems, there's a strange box hidden deep under the Lowestoft estate that makes her skin crawl and steals the air from her lungs. Nate is trying to find a way to make it reveal its secrets, but Cara would rather drop it in the deepest, darkest part of the ocean.
Quite apart from arguing with the monarch and catching those who hunt her dragons Cara faces a far more terrifying trial--impending motherhood. Childbirth always ends in tragedy for her maternal line and even her bond with Nate might not be strong enough to battle Mother Nature...
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2018
101 people are currently reading
426 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 30, 2019
I have loved this series from the first page of the first book, and none of them have disappointed. This book was as wonderful as all the others.
Cara is a wonderful character whom it is easy to like and root for. I have loved watching her blossom and become happy with Nate. This book just added to their happiness, and I enjoyed going along for the ride.
There are artifacts - as always - and drama, danger and excitement in Cara and Nate's lives and the extended family of people that are part of their world are just as charming and fun.
There's really nothing to not like about these books. My only complaint is that I've read the last one, at least for now. Hoping there will be more books to come!
Cara is a wonderful character whom it is easy to like and root for. I have loved watching her blossom and become happy with Nate. This book just added to their happiness, and I enjoyed going along for the ride.
There are artifacts - as always - and drama, danger and excitement in Cara and Nate's lives and the extended family of people that are part of their world are just as charming and fun.
There's really nothing to not like about these books. My only complaint is that I've read the last one, at least for now. Hoping there will be more books to come!
February 8, 2021
Where do I begin? Good Lord I was biting my nails! I don't want to spoil anything for anyone but the last half had me reading into the wee hours because I HAD to know what was going to happen. This story wasn't about hunting a dangerous artifact. It was about the family's protection and survival. It still had me turning the pages past bedtime even without the fight scenes and daring adventures. I can't believe the next book is the last! I'm going to have serious book hangover and probably cry.
November 27, 2018
I wasn't impressed with this one. I got so tired of Cara complaining about the baby while she was pregnant. If she didn't want a child don't sleep with Nate. And I didn't like Brick and his "boyfriend". That whole scenario got tiresome after a while. From what I can remember about the rest of the series I enjoyed them but this one was a dud. Sorry not recommended.
January 15, 2019
While I preferred this book to the fourth one in the series, I can’t get it a higher rating than this. The last book had a pacing problem as the characters were practically caught in limbo for most of the storyline until the final climax. This book has better pacing, but not much of a storyline.
Sometimes when authors have finished a series they will publish a novella to tie things up. Mostly these novellas are linked to either a wedding or a birthing. You read these books and are happy that you can see all those characters that you have grown so fond of over the series one last time. The story‘s focus is showing how our characters live happily ever after and therefore normally aren’t all that intricate.
And this book is exactly such a story, only it wasn’t published as a novella. It has about 300 pages and the story could have been told in half of that. It is about Cara getting pregnant and fearing that she will die in childbirth as apparently women in her family tend to do. And also finding a way to protect the dragons that have recently moved onto Nate‘s estate from bounty hunters. The timeline for the book is approximately six month and it skips ahead in small leaps e.g. two weeks forward.
The first half of the book just shows scenes from their everyday life in the aftermath of their conflict with the curator. And after an attack on the dragons about midway through, the second half shows them implementing a plan to get an artifact protecting the estate. The rest of the book is basically Cara worrying about the upcoming birth.
As I said the book isn’t bad. I think every character that ever featured shows up at least once. I love the interactions between the characters and above all the dragons. The plan to get said artifact to protect the dragons is quite fun. It’s just that the series was always about someone using a particular artifact, our heroes finding out what that artifact is and then fighting the villain. In this book, however, there isn’t an antagonist, there isn’t much artifact research (the title giving one basically falls in Cara‘s lap). As a final farewell to the series, it is okay.
And I do think that it is a farewell to the series. There is an epilogue told from the point of view of Rachel. If I‘m not mistaking then this will kick off a new series with Rachel as the heroine that will build upon the events of this epilogue.
Sometimes when authors have finished a series they will publish a novella to tie things up. Mostly these novellas are linked to either a wedding or a birthing. You read these books and are happy that you can see all those characters that you have grown so fond of over the series one last time. The story‘s focus is showing how our characters live happily ever after and therefore normally aren’t all that intricate.
And this book is exactly such a story, only it wasn’t published as a novella. It has about 300 pages and the story could have been told in half of that. It is about Cara getting pregnant and fearing that she will die in childbirth as apparently women in her family tend to do. And also finding a way to protect the dragons that have recently moved onto Nate‘s estate from bounty hunters. The timeline for the book is approximately six month and it skips ahead in small leaps e.g. two weeks forward.
The first half of the book just shows scenes from their everyday life in the aftermath of their conflict with the curator. And after an attack on the dragons about midway through, the second half shows them implementing a plan to get an artifact protecting the estate. The rest of the book is basically Cara worrying about the upcoming birth.
As I said the book isn’t bad. I think every character that ever featured shows up at least once. I love the interactions between the characters and above all the dragons. The plan to get said artifact to protect the dragons is quite fun. It’s just that the series was always about someone using a particular artifact, our heroes finding out what that artifact is and then fighting the villain. In this book, however, there isn’t an antagonist, there isn’t much artifact research (the title giving one basically falls in Cara‘s lap). As a final farewell to the series, it is okay.
And I do think that it is a farewell to the series. There is an epilogue told from the point of view of Rachel. If I‘m not mistaking then this will kick off a new series with Rachel as the heroine that will build upon the events of this epilogue.
September 28, 2018
These books, the Artifact Hunters, are one of my absolute favorite series ever. I was thrilled when AW Exley decided to continue the series and delivered a new installment.
Everything we love about Cara and Nate Lyons and the marvelous characters which surround them are here and it felt like a family reunion. Even the intervening years between the last installment and this new one didn’t slow me down at all. They’re all so memorable and unique you can’t forget them.
Exley has two more books she wants to write in the series and I know that I, for one, will be thrilled to see them.
The story:
Cara finds herself facing something for which she in utterly unprepared and is terrified she won’t survive it. We are also again treated to Cara’s dear friend Helene, and her madness mixed with wisdom, as her connection to the dead allows her to impart her strangely riddled bits of knowledge. Helene is one of my favorite characters in the series next to the central pair of Cara and Nate. She set Cara on a path of helping other women in the ton that have problems that only Cara’s unique set of skills can help them resolve without ruining their lives. With her best friend Amy, her husband’s loyal men, and the addition of Rachel, a bright girl Cara has taken into her family and off the streets of St. Giles.
Oh did I mention the dragons? Yes! There are dragons! They play at center stage in this book and I love the free spirited intelligence the author gives them .
There’s a beautifully written understanding here of pregnancy and childbirth, along with the all the feelings of an expectant mother. There is the exploration of same sex lovers, and the need for absolute discretion as society frowns heavily upon its existence.
Add in the newest threats to the Lyons family and friends and you get a rollicking adventure mixed with Dragons, politics, a dashing villainous viscount, and magic of course.
Everything we love about Cara and Nate Lyons and the marvelous characters which surround them are here and it felt like a family reunion. Even the intervening years between the last installment and this new one didn’t slow me down at all. They’re all so memorable and unique you can’t forget them.
Exley has two more books she wants to write in the series and I know that I, for one, will be thrilled to see them.
The story:
Cara finds herself facing something for which she in utterly unprepared and is terrified she won’t survive it. We are also again treated to Cara’s dear friend Helene, and her madness mixed with wisdom, as her connection to the dead allows her to impart her strangely riddled bits of knowledge. Helene is one of my favorite characters in the series next to the central pair of Cara and Nate. She set Cara on a path of helping other women in the ton that have problems that only Cara’s unique set of skills can help them resolve without ruining their lives. With her best friend Amy, her husband’s loyal men, and the addition of Rachel, a bright girl Cara has taken into her family and off the streets of St. Giles.
Oh did I mention the dragons? Yes! There are dragons! They play at center stage in this book and I love the free spirited intelligence the author gives them .
There’s a beautifully written understanding here of pregnancy and childbirth, along with the all the feelings of an expectant mother. There is the exploration of same sex lovers, and the need for absolute discretion as society frowns heavily upon its existence.
Add in the newest threats to the Lyons family and friends and you get a rollicking adventure mixed with Dragons, politics, a dashing villainous viscount, and magic of course.
January 1, 2021
I did really enjoy this book however not as exciting as the ones previous in the series. It was much more mundane than one would’ve hoped for in a fantasy novel. This book unfolds the story of Caras pregnancy mainly with small chapters of action where Pavlin the dragon is attacked and they have to save her wing. The other action being the charity event where Nate boxes with Clarence to try and get a Spanish count to gamble away an artefact.
Cara claiming this artefact from the Great Wall of China seemed way to easy there wasn’t much calculation to it and wasn’t a large role in the story. Once she retrieved it, it protected all of their estate with a magical dome and that was it?
As I said Caras pregnancy was the main feature of this book and you just see everyone Molly coddling her until the end of the book where she gives birth. The whole pregnancy she is scared because all but her nan have died in child birth in her family, so Helene and Amy come up with the solution for her to give birth in her old haunted home which will protect her and Helene gave her life instead.
The only thing I was really shocked about in this book was the fact they had twin boys which means their family had grown a lot. I can see this being the ending to the Cara focussed plots as her family has grown and most of the characters are now married and settling down, where as in the last chapter their adoptive daughter Rachel is called to by an artefact Cara Hates so it will be interesting to see where that leads in the next book.
Cara claiming this artefact from the Great Wall of China seemed way to easy there wasn’t much calculation to it and wasn’t a large role in the story. Once she retrieved it, it protected all of their estate with a magical dome and that was it?
As I said Caras pregnancy was the main feature of this book and you just see everyone Molly coddling her until the end of the book where she gives birth. The whole pregnancy she is scared because all but her nan have died in child birth in her family, so Helene and Amy come up with the solution for her to give birth in her old haunted home which will protect her and Helene gave her life instead.
The only thing I was really shocked about in this book was the fact they had twin boys which means their family had grown a lot. I can see this being the ending to the Cara focussed plots as her family has grown and most of the characters are now married and settling down, where as in the last chapter their adoptive daughter Rachel is called to by an artefact Cara Hates so it will be interesting to see where that leads in the next book.
January 23, 2019
I absolutely loved this book! It was worth the wait that's for sure. I was excited to see how Cara's pregnancy would go for her. I really liked all the aspects of this book. I thought Cara's idea of the fight was very clever. It was a good way to get the Count to come, in order to retrieve the artifact that she sought out. We also got to see more of the dragons and how they now play a part in their family's lives. The ending was very interesting to me. I was glad that Cara's birth had a bit of a twist to it. I expected her to survive but I did not see her having issues with the second baby being the twist. I liked how the author went into how Cara in a way died and came back to life. She was able to portray Cara seeing her mother and Helene in the after life. However it wasn't until Cara said that Helene sacrificed herself to save Cara and the babies that I realized she died. I don't think I liked that they named one of her babies after her father only because of how cruel he was to her. I do understand that in the end of this book she does forgive her father for is actions but I still would not have named the baby after him.
At first I thought that this would be the last book since the end was able to wrap around back to the first book. I thought it was a clever way to put things together but after the last chapter of Rachel finding the artifact in the locked room I think there could be another book....please let there be another book!
At first I thought that this would be the last book since the end was able to wrap around back to the first book. I thought it was a clever way to put things together but after the last chapter of Rachel finding the artifact in the locked room I think there could be another book....please let there be another book!
September 28, 2018
It's time for yet another adventure.
Cara, Nate, Nan, Nessy, Rachel, Jackson, Amy, Brick, Loki and so many more come together for another adventure.
An adventure that might change the whole axis of Cara and Nate's life. Cara is pregnant and might not survive childbirth. Her little Dragon Kirril has attracted to of his siblings to Cara's home and there are bounty hunters after them.
Meanwhile the curators house is still being dismantled and new artifacts are still being found.
Will Cara and Nate be able to protect the dragons? Will they find an artifact that will make sure that their dragons keep safe in haven of their home.
What role will the locket given by the queen to Cara play in their lives? Will Cara survive giving birth to her children? Or will Nate loose everything once again.
Fall in love with these characters, feel their Love, hope, determination, thrill and pain as you enter their world.
I can't wait for the next one.
Cara, Nate, Nan, Nessy, Rachel, Jackson, Amy, Brick, Loki and so many more come together for another adventure.
An adventure that might change the whole axis of Cara and Nate's life. Cara is pregnant and might not survive childbirth. Her little Dragon Kirril has attracted to of his siblings to Cara's home and there are bounty hunters after them.
Meanwhile the curators house is still being dismantled and new artifacts are still being found.
Will Cara and Nate be able to protect the dragons? Will they find an artifact that will make sure that their dragons keep safe in haven of their home.
What role will the locket given by the queen to Cara play in their lives? Will Cara survive giving birth to her children? Or will Nate loose everything once again.
Fall in love with these characters, feel their Love, hope, determination, thrill and pain as you enter their world.
I can't wait for the next one.
October 15, 2018
Brava!
I found Nefertiti's Heart a long time ago, on a free book site. I have followed A. W. Exley since that time. Every book written has swept me away from life mundane to a fascinating world of Victorian Steam Punk London. I've ridden on airships, been carried along the streets of London by steam horses, and played with dragons. I have watched the love between Nate & Cara grow deeper and seen what Nefertiti's Heart has created between the two. With a ferocious love for both family and friends, Nate & Cara have created a new world of their own.
Welcome to the adventure. I hope you will join me in reading all of the Artifact Hunters books. I recommend that you read them in order to get the best experience. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys adventure and fantasy. For those who have not read this genre before, I encourage you to take the adventure, break out of your comfort zone, and learn about a different world, one that truly is amazing!
I found Nefertiti's Heart a long time ago, on a free book site. I have followed A. W. Exley since that time. Every book written has swept me away from life mundane to a fascinating world of Victorian Steam Punk London. I've ridden on airships, been carried along the streets of London by steam horses, and played with dragons. I have watched the love between Nate & Cara grow deeper and seen what Nefertiti's Heart has created between the two. With a ferocious love for both family and friends, Nate & Cara have created a new world of their own.
Welcome to the adventure. I hope you will join me in reading all of the Artifact Hunters books. I recommend that you read them in order to get the best experience. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys adventure and fantasy. For those who have not read this genre before, I encourage you to take the adventure, break out of your comfort zone, and learn about a different world, one that truly is amazing!
October 15, 2018
I, like many others, found A.W. Exley and The Artifact Hunters Series through a free book site a long time ago. Nefertiti's Heart started it all for me. I have been addicted to Exley's strong heroine, Indiana Jones meets Laura Croft type of adventure ever since. Nessy's Locket gathers the gang up for the most important adventure yet. But, will Cara survive it. Cara and Nate are in fight-mode to protect their family from all that would destroy it - dragon hunters, crazy artifacts, and members of the royal family. The one fight Cara doesn't see coming and she can't win comes from within. Cara finds herself pregnant. Cara has always been told she too will die during child birth (as her mother before her). As Cara and Nate seek an artifact that can help her survive child birth, Cara and her family come together. Will Cara survive. . . Will there be more of the Artifact Hunters. . . A.W. Exley leaves us a major cliff hanger!
October 19, 2018
Good addition to the series
I've always been a fan of The Artifact Hunters series and was excited Exley was continuing the adventures. It was a lovely revisit to all of the past cast (although it's been long enough since the last book, I had forgotten about a few things/characters). I liked this book more than loved it, but felt it was a good addition to the series. Maybe it was the pacing - sometimes it felt rushed, but I did appreciate that Exley didn't shy away from 'the joys of pregnancy'. While I don't love cliffhanger type endings, I do look forward to how Rachel's story plays out. All in all an enjoyable read.
I've always been a fan of The Artifact Hunters series and was excited Exley was continuing the adventures. It was a lovely revisit to all of the past cast (although it's been long enough since the last book, I had forgotten about a few things/characters). I liked this book more than loved it, but felt it was a good addition to the series. Maybe it was the pacing - sometimes it felt rushed, but I did appreciate that Exley didn't shy away from 'the joys of pregnancy'. While I don't love cliffhanger type endings, I do look forward to how Rachel's story plays out. All in all an enjoyable read.
July 6, 2019
I am still reeling from the numerous events that unfolded in this last episode of the "Artifact Hunters". Cara was constantly trying to minimize the anxiety from her extended family and replace the tension with a peaceful calm. The number of people she claimed as part of her family continued to grow with no end in sight. I found this amazing story with its spectacular characters and astonishing settings hard to put down and look forward to more escapades with Cara, Nate and all the people Cara holds close to her. Her curiosity and clever mind will always lead her to pursue the world's mysteries and I want to be there to share those adventures! GREAT STORY! VERY MEMORABLE!!!!!
May 5, 2020
It's a pity such a promising worldbuilding was left to go adrift.
This last book in the series is an example of lazy writing.
Most of the story consists of Cara whining about her pregnancy and foreshadowing her own - obviously not going to happen - demise.
The little action we have is predictable and overdone, and happening just because there a lot of serious inconsistencies - comprehensive of character ubiquity - and omissions, too convenient, too forced to be overlooked.
(take a look on my reading progress notes to have a better idea)
The cheat epilogue is the cherry on top of this disappointing finale.
This last book in the series is an example of lazy writing.
Most of the story consists of Cara whining about her pregnancy and foreshadowing her own - obviously not going to happen - demise.
The little action we have is predictable and overdone, and happening just because there a lot of serious inconsistencies - comprehensive of character ubiquity - and omissions, too convenient, too forced to be overlooked.
(take a look on my reading progress notes to have a better idea)
The cheat epilogue is the cherry on top of this disappointing finale.
September 25, 2018
This book was provided as an ARC from the author.
This book is just as good as the rest of the series, but it isn't quite the same in the type of storyline it offers. There is really only one major plot point in this book. It doesn't have the same driving force of trying to figure out a mystery as the rest of the series. The subplots are good. I did miss the adventure and intrigue of the past books a bit. But the ending does leave the series open for more so who knows where the characters will end up.
This book is just as good as the rest of the series, but it isn't quite the same in the type of storyline it offers. There is really only one major plot point in this book. It doesn't have the same driving force of trying to figure out a mystery as the rest of the series. The subplots are good. I did miss the adventure and intrigue of the past books a bit. But the ending does leave the series open for more so who knows where the characters will end up.
October 25, 2018
It has to be hard for authors to keep coming up with great stories in the same series. I don't know how they do it, but this author continually does it. This book is an incredible example of quality storytelling and plot development as well as masterful character development. I half expected these characters to walk through my front door. They felt THAT real. I believe you could read this book out of sequence, but you would rob yourself of the full experience. So just read the series in order.
October 31, 2018
This fifth instalment in the Artifacts Hunters series was an excellent read, full of adventure, action, fun, fighting, a dash of romance, loss and new life. I absolutely loved it, and would thoroughly recommend it to all Artifact Hunters fans. And if you've not already discovered the series, give it a go (starting from the beginning so it makes sense!) - it's an awesome combination of steampunk, adventure, a dash of magic and a twist of romance. Love it!
October 1, 2018
While the pace struggled at first, the story gathered steam and delivered the twisting intrigue I appreciate from A. W. Exley. Enjoyed several turns of phrase along with the glowing praise she showers on her homelands. Great read and another stepping stone in Cara’s saga. You’ll be glad that you picked this up!
October 27, 2018
I’m in seventh heaven
Oh how I’ve missed Nate and Cara’s adventures, what adventures they are. This one might be their toughest one yet, Parenthood. I love the style of this authors writing her characters are fully rounded and the world building mixes real life with fiction seamlessly. Highly recommend.
Oh how I’ve missed Nate and Cara’s adventures, what adventures they are. This one might be their toughest one yet, Parenthood. I love the style of this authors writing her characters are fully rounded and the world building mixes real life with fiction seamlessly. Highly recommend.
October 29, 2018
A wonder filled ride!
So much intertwined and yet a sweet view into growing a family. Surprises, love, grief, rage, wonder. Loved this installment of Cara's life and friends as well as the artifacts and dragons! The next book will be awaited with pleasure!
So much intertwined and yet a sweet view into growing a family. Surprises, love, grief, rage, wonder. Loved this installment of Cara's life and friends as well as the artifacts and dragons! The next book will be awaited with pleasure!
October 31, 2018
This is the fifth (I think) installment in the Artifact Hunter series and while I liked it something felt off.. it felt disjointed a little bit but the cliffie...awesome and obviously this won't be the last book in the series. 4 stars.
October 12, 2020
Cara's story continues
Gave 5 stars as this book kept me reading into the night. Felt the story took a while to get going as it seemed to be a catch up on the characters from the other books.
Still loved it though the search for artefacts was not as prominent.
Gave 5 stars as this book kept me reading into the night. Felt the story took a while to get going as it seemed to be a catch up on the characters from the other books.
Still loved it though the search for artefacts was not as prominent.
April 4, 2021
Great story
I really enjoyed this book. Parts of it were a bit predictable, but there were still a few surprises along the way. All in all, it was a lot of fun. I think it was one of the better ones in this series.
I really enjoyed this book. Parts of it were a bit predictable, but there were still a few surprises along the way. All in all, it was a lot of fun. I think it was one of the better ones in this series.
June 8, 2022
I'm rather miffed about the title since Nessy's locket isn't a prominent part of the book. I enjoyed the story immensely even though we knew how it would all end (or did we--at the very end?). Still a good book and now I get to hear about Rachel's story in the next installment!
June 14, 2025
I love this series
This book was a little different as the focus was Cara's pregnancy. We saw the family grow and come together. Not much action or adventure but I do could not put the book down.
This book was a little different as the focus was Cara's pregnancy. We saw the family grow and come together. Not much action or adventure but I do could not put the book down.
November 4, 2018
Brilliant read
I have been waiting for this book forever and it was certainly worth the wait. Love this series, I can’t wait for more.
I have been waiting for this book forever and it was certainly worth the wait. Love this series, I can’t wait for more.
November 12, 2018
It was not as intense as the first few but it did answer alot of questions.
I am sorry when authors pump out new books JUST to satisfy readers as oppose to sticking to their original visions.
I am sorry when authors pump out new books JUST to satisfy readers as oppose to sticking to their original visions.
November 12, 2018
Superb
Had me gripped all the way through and what an ending. Bring on the next instalment as soon as poss
Had me gripped all the way through and what an ending. Bring on the next instalment as soon as poss
April 2, 2019
Another very entertaining and tension-filled story in the Artifact Hunters series. Cara's life is in danger for a very different reason and a number of story threads are tied up. Highly recommended.
May 9, 2019
Wonderful world
Cara's family grows and changes, this book has a more sedate pace which was fitting for this particular occasion. Loved it!
Cara's family grows and changes, this book has a more sedate pace which was fitting for this particular occasion. Loved it!
August 11, 2019
The ABSOLUTE best
The Artifact Hunters is the best of the best. I saved this one as a birthday present for me from myself and was happily enthralled as I read each word.
The Artifact Hunters is the best of the best. I saved this one as a birthday present for me from myself and was happily enthralled as I read each word.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews