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House of Scarabs #1
House of Scarabs
THE GODS OF EGYPT HAVE SLUMBERED FOR MILLENNIA - RELEGATED TO OBJECTS OF MYTH. THAT’S ALL ABOUT TO CHANGE...
Grieving the loss of her child and a life shattering betrayal from the love of her life, Ellie hides herself from the world, determined never to be hurt again.
But the long forgotten gods of an ancient land have other plans.
Forced into a magical bond with two strangers, Ellie is given a choice. Succumb to the will of the Gods, or die.
Now this misfit trio must depend on each other to survive.
To earn their freedom from the bond, they must uncover long lost secrets and unlock an ancient prophecy. A prophecy protected by a ruthless and cunning assassins' guild known only as the "Guardians of the Ankh". A prophecy that will change the human world forever.
Hunted across the desert plains of Egypt, the trio must stay one step ahead of these merciless, cold-blooded killers who are determined to ensure the potentially cataclysmic prophecy does not come to pass.
But something inside Ellie tells her that fulfilling this quest is precisely what humanity needs.
Even if it means the trio facing their worst fears, being hunted to the end of the earth, and maybe losing their lives in the process.
After all, some things... some people... are worth dying for.
House of Scarabs is the first book in House of Scarabs urban fantasy series. If you like ancient mythology, paranormal adventures and magical quests, then you’ll love Hazel Longuet’s fast-paced novel!
Buy House of Scarabs to unravel the mystery of the gods today!
House of Scarabs is a surprisingly delightful dip into a genre readers may not know they need to discover – but they definitely do. Equal parts action/thriller, mystery, historical fiction, and modern-day fantasy, this book starts off grippingly fascinating and quickly dives into a thrilling ride you’ll never forget. With quirky, lovable characters, a rich storyline, and lots of infectious humor along the way, this is a story that has a little bit of everything but blends it all together perfectly. In a wonderful display of magic, action, culture, and the many complex facets of human nature, House of Scarabs is a shining treasure and a definite must-read from a promising new author.
Coral Coons, Editor
This book contains subject matter that might be sensitive to some readers. Please refer to the author's website for more details.
Grieving the loss of her child and a life shattering betrayal from the love of her life, Ellie hides herself from the world, determined never to be hurt again.
But the long forgotten gods of an ancient land have other plans.
Forced into a magical bond with two strangers, Ellie is given a choice. Succumb to the will of the Gods, or die.
Now this misfit trio must depend on each other to survive.
To earn their freedom from the bond, they must uncover long lost secrets and unlock an ancient prophecy. A prophecy protected by a ruthless and cunning assassins' guild known only as the "Guardians of the Ankh". A prophecy that will change the human world forever.
Hunted across the desert plains of Egypt, the trio must stay one step ahead of these merciless, cold-blooded killers who are determined to ensure the potentially cataclysmic prophecy does not come to pass.
But something inside Ellie tells her that fulfilling this quest is precisely what humanity needs.
Even if it means the trio facing their worst fears, being hunted to the end of the earth, and maybe losing their lives in the process.
After all, some things... some people... are worth dying for.
House of Scarabs is the first book in House of Scarabs urban fantasy series. If you like ancient mythology, paranormal adventures and magical quests, then you’ll love Hazel Longuet’s fast-paced novel!
Buy House of Scarabs to unravel the mystery of the gods today!
House of Scarabs is a surprisingly delightful dip into a genre readers may not know they need to discover – but they definitely do. Equal parts action/thriller, mystery, historical fiction, and modern-day fantasy, this book starts off grippingly fascinating and quickly dives into a thrilling ride you’ll never forget. With quirky, lovable characters, a rich storyline, and lots of infectious humor along the way, this is a story that has a little bit of everything but blends it all together perfectly. In a wonderful display of magic, action, culture, and the many complex facets of human nature, House of Scarabs is a shining treasure and a definite must-read from a promising new author.
Coral Coons, Editor
This book contains subject matter that might be sensitive to some readers. Please refer to the author's website for more details.
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
ebook
First published December 23, 2018
202 people are currently reading
524 people want to read
About the author
Hazel Longuet
9 books13 followers Hazel Longuet - Biography
Hazel Longuet is the author of the House of Scarabs series, mythological action thrillers that follow a trio thrown together by a heritage passed down their family trees for over 3,000 years. A passionate reader, Hazel’s first love was always writing, and an unexpected illness enabled her to start writing the first book in her series, House of Scarabs. She draws from her varied life experiences to frame much of her writing.
Hazel Longuet’s survived a plane crash, a revolution, and even nearly drowned twice - so, to say she’s accident-prone is an understatement! A gypsy at heart, Hazel loves to travel. She has lived or worked in Bolivia, Colombia, Egypt, Dubai, and Sweden and has travelled to every continent except Australia. She was raised on the grounds of Longleat, an English Elizabethan stately home, where she cleaned out lions’ cages and guided tourists around areas of the house.
As an international business consultant, she was lucky to work with amazing companies and gain friendships with people from around the world. She now splits her time between Egypt and England, where she’s shadowed by her devoted Rottweilers, who are rumoured to be the inspiration for some characters in her novels.
Find out more about Hazel Longuet at www.hazellonguet.com, where you can sign up to join her reader community and get a free book. She can often be found escaping from her characters and hanging out on Facebook; readers can join her at www.facebook.com/HazelLonguetAuthor.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 13, 2020
Needs a PSA
This book needs to come with a massive PSA. Contains a scene of graphic gang r*pe. That is not ok. Not even a little bit. I know the story says it wasn't real, but it reads as real, and the character experiences it as real. REALLY NOT OK.
This book needs to come with a massive PSA. Contains a scene of graphic gang r*pe. That is not ok. Not even a little bit. I know the story says it wasn't real, but it reads as real, and the character experiences it as real. REALLY NOT OK.
May 16, 2019
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I had a lot of trouble deciding my rating for this book. And I mean a lot. I really, really wanted to like it, but the book as a whole fell flat despite its potential.
In the end, I looked at my other ratings, and when it came down to it, my feelings regarding House of Scarabs more closely aligned with other books I had given two-star ratings than those I'd give three.
Here's why (the short version):
The characters felt childish, both in their actions and through their dialogue. I couldn't see them as complex human beings or individuals who had loved, lost, and everything in between. I found Ellie in particular to be annoying and despite the author trying to make her a strong protagonist . . . she simply wasn't.
The relationships between characters didn't seem real, either.
I also simply didn't care. For the life of me, I simply didn't care what happened to Ben, Ellie, or Gerhard for a good portion of the book. Part of it may have been the choppy storytelling. It was hard to follow sometimes and left the reader reeling with strange jumps in the narrative, which did not endear me to the story.
This was a small issue, but one I wanted to mention. I have never heard an American describe an ex-girlfriend as "dippy". Crazy, yes. Dippy, no. Ben also used some phrases that were distinctly British, like "bunk up".
I do want to give the authors props for her setting descriptions and the story idea itself. The descriptions were beautifully done and drew me in completely. And the writing/story did improve towards the end. In the end, it simply wasn't for me.
TLDR: Interesting idea and beautiful settings, but annoying characters and relationships.
I had a lot of trouble deciding my rating for this book. And I mean a lot. I really, really wanted to like it, but the book as a whole fell flat despite its potential.
In the end, I looked at my other ratings, and when it came down to it, my feelings regarding House of Scarabs more closely aligned with other books I had given two-star ratings than those I'd give three.
Here's why (the short version):
• Choppy, somewhat incoherent storytelling.
• Juvenile dialogue.
• Excessive use of honey, sweetie, bud, buddy, etc.
• Is Ben actually American? Nope, don’t be “dippy”.
• Ben and Ellie’s relationship bothers me to the core.
The characters felt childish, both in their actions and through their dialogue. I couldn't see them as complex human beings or individuals who had loved, lost, and everything in between. I found Ellie in particular to be annoying and despite the author trying to make her a strong protagonist . . . she simply wasn't.
The relationships between characters didn't seem real, either.
I also simply didn't care. For the life of me, I simply didn't care what happened to Ben, Ellie, or Gerhard for a good portion of the book. Part of it may have been the choppy storytelling. It was hard to follow sometimes and left the reader reeling with strange jumps in the narrative, which did not endear me to the story.
This was a small issue, but one I wanted to mention. I have never heard an American describe an ex-girlfriend as "dippy". Crazy, yes. Dippy, no. Ben also used some phrases that were distinctly British, like "bunk up".
I do want to give the authors props for her setting descriptions and the story idea itself. The descriptions were beautifully done and drew me in completely. And the writing/story did improve towards the end. In the end, it simply wasn't for me.
TLDR: Interesting idea and beautiful settings, but annoying characters and relationships.
August 16, 2022
What I most loved about this novel was the description of ancient sites in Egypt, the countryside now, and the culture (ancient and modern). It transported me there!
Archaeology, mystery, and powerful gods meet British pragmatism and pluck in this twisty adventure. A murderous organisation, millennia-old, has been plotting against Ellie her whole life, and she needs all her wits and bravery to fight and destroy it. You may need tissues at the end but there are subsequent books. I’m looking forward to reading them!
Archaeology, mystery, and powerful gods meet British pragmatism and pluck in this twisty adventure. A murderous organisation, millennia-old, has been plotting against Ellie her whole life, and she needs all her wits and bravery to fight and destroy it. You may need tissues at the end but there are subsequent books. I’m looking forward to reading them!
April 30, 2019
Ben and Ellie have come to an out-of-the-way bookshop in a small town in England. After a pleasant time, as they're walking out of the bookstore, they make accidental contact with a man coming in. Immediately, they seem to be transported far away in a strange sphere. They each receive an ancient Egyptian symbol and are then whisked away back to the present. A shadowy group of whom we know nothing seems to know that this has happened, even before the participants debrief, and mobilize to negate the group. Soon, Ben, Ellie, and Gerhardt are in a fight for their very lives that takes them from England to Egypt, all the while trying to understand what precisely has happened to them and what it means.
I read the prequel to this book first, Genesis. I really enjoyed immersing myself into a different and magical culture made real by descriptions of that very different world. The author pulled me into this book right away as well, even in the more familiar surrounding of a bookshop. She has a way of describing things that is very visual, so I can very plainly see both the usual and the unusual, yet the descriptions don't seem over-wrought. Too often, I see writers who seem to use adjectives and adverbs as a crutch for not being able to find the right word, whereas this writer is able to choose words of all categories that are strong and make the world come alive for the reader with seeming ease. She is even able to make the more magical, otherworldly elements of this book seem wholly real.
This book is fast-paced, and oh, what a ride it is! I became absolutely immersed in its world and was loath to come out. I hope Ms. Longuet has a sequel up her sleeve; I will be one of the first in line to read it.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
I read the prequel to this book first, Genesis. I really enjoyed immersing myself into a different and magical culture made real by descriptions of that very different world. The author pulled me into this book right away as well, even in the more familiar surrounding of a bookshop. She has a way of describing things that is very visual, so I can very plainly see both the usual and the unusual, yet the descriptions don't seem over-wrought. Too often, I see writers who seem to use adjectives and adverbs as a crutch for not being able to find the right word, whereas this writer is able to choose words of all categories that are strong and make the world come alive for the reader with seeming ease. She is even able to make the more magical, otherworldly elements of this book seem wholly real.
This book is fast-paced, and oh, what a ride it is! I became absolutely immersed in its world and was loath to come out. I hope Ms. Longuet has a sequel up her sleeve; I will be one of the first in line to read it.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
October 5, 2021
I really, really, really, wanted to like this book. But at the end I realized I had such little interest in the characters and was so unwilling to exhaust myself trying to get through book two that I was not going to continue with the series. What was really confusing was that the book was written, for me at least, and a style I am used to seeing primarily for young people. It had scenes in it that I would expect to read in a children's fantasy book. Yet it is populated with adults with very serious issues. However the adults don't behave like people that I recognize. Ellie is not a likable person at all. She's so driven by her own issues that she's rude and hateful, to everyone except the people who turn out to be the villains. Ben is not believable as an American. He uses phrases and behaves in ways that are atypical for American men. Ellie's godfather was written like a caricature and would do well in a very different type of book but he was an oddity in this story. There was a graphic, violent and foul gang rape scene and I would have appreciated a trigger warning in the description. Even though it was not real and turned out to be a mental trick, it was so vile it would have traumatized any woman deeply enough to require therapy. Coupled with that was the child level fantasy plot style and which didn't match the events.
A too easy reunion between Ellie and her ex, though she had ruined many lives with her unreasonable temper, all was forgiven and restored in a moment. Second, the afterlife dialog I would characterize as giddy. The behavior of her child in the afterlife was difficult to believe.
I do give credit for a well-spelled and punctuated story. That, sadly, seems to be rare these days and this author has mastered that. I think this book would be dynamite if the writing style were brought into line with adult plot structures and the characters were more realistic. And a warning was offered about the rape scene.
A too easy reunion between Ellie and her ex, though she had ruined many lives with her unreasonable temper, all was forgiven and restored in a moment. Second, the afterlife dialog I would characterize as giddy. The behavior of her child in the afterlife was difficult to believe.
I do give credit for a well-spelled and punctuated story. That, sadly, seems to be rare these days and this author has mastered that. I think this book would be dynamite if the writing style were brought into line with adult plot structures and the characters were more realistic. And a warning was offered about the rape scene.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2023
A whirlwind of a beginning, I'm a sucker for books that open up within a bookshop or a library. You get a real feel of the three MC dynamics within the first few chapters, and it gave me Indiana Jones vibes from the start. I also adore all things ancient Egyptian.
A word of warning to those who need a trigger warning for abuse/sexual abuse/rape. It's only for the chapter named 'Ellie's Fear' (page 79 in the ebook). It doesn't actually happen to her. It's a form of magic that gives her a dream of her worst fear, though it doesn't make the scene any easier. It's a tough one and even tougher when you see how fast she 'recovers' from it. Also a TW for arachnophobia in this book, too.
Overall, it was an easy read, and it didn't take me long to get through it. I enjoyed the visuals of magic. The historical aspects and mythology were fab. The writing was impeccable!
Wonderful to see representation of the Egyptian god Khepri, along side well known favourites of Sobek and Bastet. It was fast-paced, as were the ever evolving relationships and conflicts between the characters.
The ending really picked up, and we had plenty of action along with a few twists!
A word of warning to those who need a trigger warning for abuse/sexual abuse/rape. It's only for the chapter named 'Ellie's Fear' (page 79 in the ebook). It doesn't actually happen to her. It's a form of magic that gives her a dream of her worst fear, though it doesn't make the scene any easier. It's a tough one and even tougher when you see how fast she 'recovers' from it. Also a TW for arachnophobia in this book, too.
Overall, it was an easy read, and it didn't take me long to get through it. I enjoyed the visuals of magic. The historical aspects and mythology were fab. The writing was impeccable!
Wonderful to see representation of the Egyptian god Khepri, along side well known favourites of Sobek and Bastet. It was fast-paced, as were the ever evolving relationships and conflicts between the characters.
The ending really picked up, and we had plenty of action along with a few twists!
January 31, 2019
The continuous suspense as this story rocketed along was just spectacular. I LOVED this story, and the fast paced action. I absolutely cannot wait for another as a sequel to this one. The characters od Ben, Ellie, and Gerhard were all great and felt like old friends by the end of the story. The supporting cast of characters were no less impressive. Well done with no errors along the way to slow you down. Just found a new Author to follow named Hazel Longuet!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 5, 2025
This is a great detailed fantasy into mythology..I found it well described and I could imagine the characters and the world building whilst reading.
It is very interesting to hear a story around Egyptian mythology.
Very raw and emoitonal and scary in parts.
Brilliant read for anyone who likes fantasy and myth.
Hazel is a brilliant writer and you can feel the love she put into this great story.
So if you like shock and horror and myth in one.
This is a great read.
It is very interesting to hear a story around Egyptian mythology.
Very raw and emoitonal and scary in parts.
Brilliant read for anyone who likes fantasy and myth.
Hazel is a brilliant writer and you can feel the love she put into this great story.
So if you like shock and horror and myth in one.
This is a great read.
March 20, 2019
This is magical storytelling. I fell in love with these characters and Hazel's intelligent and cleverly descriptive writing. The concept of three strangers being bound together by an unknown force was told in such a masterful way that I genuinely could not put the book down. Really looking forward to the rest of this series. The suspense is just wonderful!
May 5, 2019
I absolutely loved this book. The characters are fantastic and the idea of three strangers being bound together by something larger than themselves is great! I love the way the author has cleverly woven Egyptian history into the story line, which twists and turns. A secret organisation, assassins and ancient gods will have you furiously reading every page.
January 10, 2019
An immersive and exquisitely descriptive mystery that weaves modern and ancient Egypt in an exciting page turner. Enjoyable for those with a love of Egyptology as well as those with less knowledge but who enjoy an exciting mystery novel.
February 13, 2019
Three strangers are bounded together due to a prophecy. Assassins will try to stop them at any cost. What do they need to do? Will they succeed? Where will their advantage them? Follow them
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 7, 2019
This was a great story. The depth of description transports you into the world fabulously. I've never been to Egypt, but I could see the country clearly in her writing. The story was compelling. The characters interesting. And the plot full of twists and turns.
July 11, 2021
This book was a solid 3.5 stars.
The writing flowed smoothly and the main characters are interesting. Not all of the life choices made sense to me, but the story was very good. I found it to be an enjoyable read!
The writing flowed smoothly and the main characters are interesting. Not all of the life choices made sense to me, but the story was very good. I found it to be an enjoyable read!
July 16, 2021
Good and interesting
I enjoyed the action and myth that wax employed to bring this book to life. Good characters gave it a interesting vibe and had me turning pages to see what was next
I enjoyed the action and myth that wax employed to bring this book to life. Good characters gave it a interesting vibe and had me turning pages to see what was next
January 30, 2019
Definitely great material for a blockbuster!
July 4, 2020
Unusual subject
This is an unusual story, but I found it very interesting and entertaining to read. Give it your time, it is worth it.
This is an unusual story, but I found it very interesting and entertaining to read. Give it your time, it is worth it.
December 9, 2020
Myth and legends
A interesting story, left me with more questions than answers. Good editing, a pleasant change from so many others. Myth , legends and history in a unique story
A interesting story, left me with more questions than answers. Good editing, a pleasant change from so many others. Myth , legends and history in a unique story
May 10, 2021
Not a bad story but really disappointed with the ending, it felt very rushed
Want to read
July 11, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/11/2021)! 🎁
September 24, 2021
Read through kindle unlimited
May 12, 2022
Compellingly Story
I enjoyed this a lot. If you like archaeological stories, Egypt, and lore this book is for you. I’m looking forward to the next one.
I enjoyed this a lot. If you like archaeological stories, Egypt, and lore this book is for you. I’m looking forward to the next one.
October 8, 2023
This is a very interesting book. The plot is different than most of the gods interfere or help the protagonist(s).
The characters are really well-developed and extremely interesting.
It helps to have some knowledge of Egyptian mythology.
REally recommend this.
The characters are really well-developed and extremely interesting.
It helps to have some knowledge of Egyptian mythology.
REally recommend this.
May 4, 2020
Great book, learned a lot about Egyptian mythology. Loved some local (to me) references too! Look forward to more from Ms Longuet.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews