It took a bit to get into but then I was hooked. Such a smart, engaging, well-told story. I did think the FMC was a bit overly-stilted/“rational”, even towards the end of the book. I liked her well enough but didn’t love her. That said, there were moments she would soften that I hope hint at some dynamic emotional/character growth in future books. I hope for more romance and fun banter while also keeping a lot of the interesting historical content in future books as well. Can’t wait to read the next in the series!

A friend and I both read this around the same time. She loved the prologue and wanted more like it, and I didn't like the prologue at all. 
I found the characters fun. It reads a little like the Mummy movie  ('99) and Romancing the Stone ('84) had a delightful book baby. A well educated woman must work with a rugged man to find the answers to an ancient mystery. Slow burn romance, ridiculous situations and a touch of magic. A fun romp. Liked it enough I put book two on hold and am currently reading it. Interesting info on South American history. 

If you crave a 90’s Mummy, Jungle Cruise, Jumanji, Lara Croft, or Indiana Jones type of vibes, this book has it. Fun adventure but does a great job at pointing out the major flaws of YT people “discovering” any BiPOC history and using it to turn a profit or putting it in a museum. It would be a 5 star read if it wasn’t for one thing, the LMC calling the LFC “princess” constantly (she was a feminist so I’m certain this was meant to be a cutesy joke, but it just came off as uncomfortable and towards the end of the book, it just made me cringe every single time I heard it.)

What an absolutely delightful adventure romance. I'm trying to figure out how these characters could be more fun and charming, and I'm not coming up with anything. Looking forward to catching up with Ellie and Adam in future shenanigans. Also, fantastic on audio.

The Mummy is one of my all-time favorite movies. The Uncharted series is my all-time favorite video game. So, a book that has the same energy as both of those. I'm sold! I could have given it 5 stars just off the premise.  

However, this book earns its 5 stars. Not only is it well written, but it's also well-researched. The fact that Benson has experience in anthropology shines through. Dreaming over a midden heap is exactly what an anthropologist does. As is frustration over stolen artifacts and destroyed sites by looters. The writing feels so realistic. It's like you're there in the jungle with the characters. 

Adam was the perfect main male character. Just like Nathan Drake and Rick O'Connell, he got sexier, the dirtier and rougher he got. I loved how fierce and strong Ellie was. Her perspective on female rights was not only historically accurate but also
Prevalent in 2024.  She knew what she wanted, and she had a strong voice. However, sometimes, she straddled the line between stubborn and stupid a little too much. Her mistrust in Adam and her stubbornness led to mistakes, but it showed a lot of growth, the trust she gains with Adam as a human, not as a man.

My only complaint is there wasn't more romance in the book. I have high hopes for book two.

If you combined The Mummy (1999) and Indiana Jones into a book, you'd get Empire of Shadows. It's really perfect. Lovable main characters, action, danger, humor, some romance, and real stakes. The plot moves at a medium pace where I couldn't wait to find out what happened next. This is one of my new favorites and I can't wait for the sequel!

Empire of Shadows by Jacquelyn Benson is an exhilarating adventure story that transported me to a world of mystery and ancient ruins. The author's skillful portrayal of dreams and visions added an otherworldly touch to the narrative, while still maintaining clarity and understanding. I was truly amazed by Benson's ability to convey the confusion and clarity of these experiences.

This book reminded me of Indiana Jones and Tomb Raider, taking me on a thrilling journey filled with action and suspense. The pacing was perfectly suited for an adventure story, keeping me on the edge of my seat until the very end. The build-up of tension as the story reached its climax was nail-biting and left me eager to discover what would happen next.

The relationship between the main characters, Ellie and Adam, was captivating. Ellie initially insisted on independence, but as their bond grew, she realized the value of Adam's assistance in her quest. Their banter was adorable, and their chemistry was palpable. I loved Ellie's intelligence and humor shining through, while Adam's charm and bravery made him an irresistible character.

Benson's vivid and descriptive writing style brought the story to life, making it easy for me to imagine every scene as if it were playing out on a movie screen. The author's ability to create such vivid imagery was commendable and added to my overall enjoyment of the book.

As a reader, I am eagerly anticipating the continuation of Ellie and Adam's adventures in the next book. Benson has crafted a world full of intrigue and excitement, and I can't wait to see where their journey takes them. The only downside is the wait, as I'll have to patiently wait a whole year for the next installment.

In conclusion, Empire of Shadows is a well-written and captivating historical fantasy adventure that thoroughly entertained me. Jacquelyn Benson's storytelling skills, dynamic characters, and immersive world-building make this book a must-read for fans of romance, history, and fantasy genres.