I loved this book! I adored Ellie (love me a highly educated suffragette/feminist) and Adam (swoon worthy adventurer), and I found their adventure to be very well written. It did drag a tiny little bit, but I found the Mayan/Aztec ruins/mythology to be fascinating, and that kept it interesting.

The whole part in the caves was so well done- I loved the combo of them having to use their wits and also Ellie's knowledge of the culture to get through the various death traps, as well as them finally kissing *swoon* Very much Indiana Jones vibes.

I thought the slow burn romance was very well done, and the character development was great.

The only frustration I had with the book, other than parts of the journey dragging a smidge, was that the whole magical/mythical objects was not dwelt on enough. However, with another book in the series, I hope that is further discussed.

Overall, fantastic book! Cannot wait for book 2!

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.)

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.

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.

Eleanora “Ellie” Mallory is a suffragette in 1898, breaking the feminine traditions of her time and working towards a world of equality. When her protesting gets her fired from her hard earned job at the Public Record Office, her world turns upside down and plunges into a fast-paced journey full of lost cities, torn maps, danger, and just a sprinkle of romance.

Whilst I’m typically a slow reader, this novel had me hooked from the prologue. Each character had depth and purpose, creating a rich plotline that flowed and kept me wanting more. I can’t wait to see how Ellie and Adam take on their next adventure.