Reviews

The Copper Scroll: A Lesbian Adventure Novel by Robyn Nyx

mxsallybend's review

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4.0

The Golden Trinity was one of those perfect books that delivered exactly what I'd expected, in exactly the manner I'd hoped. It was well-written, with engaging characters, action-packed adventure, and sexual chemistry that was off the charts, leaving me desperately needing more.

With The Copper Scroll, Robyn Nyx has indeed given us more, and the way in which she explores the consequences and conflicts of a tomb-raider (Rayne Marcellus) in love with a serious archaeologist (Chase Stinsen) is fabulous. The first book was built around a friends-to-enemies-to-lovers romantic arc, full of mistrust and anger, longing and desire, and those lingering issues aren't magically resolved just because they're now a couple. It never becomes overwhelming or tedious, never overshadows the romance or the adventure, but the reality of how to mesh or cross their worlds is an important part of the story. I loved them as a romantic couple even more than I loved their romantic tension, and it's adorable how they still manage to sneak in passionate kisses and caresses at the most dangerous, inopportune moments.

I really like what Nyx did with Gin and Tonyck here as well, fleshing out the characters and personalities of Rayne's kickass mercenary sidekicks. She makes us question their motives and wonder about their loyalties, viewing them in the mirror of the mercenary men who art part of this adventure, even as she reinforces those same loyalties, forcing a confrontation (and moment of revelation) with Chase. It's a small part of the story, but I loved the feel of a family on the edge, working to figure out how they all fit together with a new member.

Where this second book faltered just a bit for me was in the adventure. I said three things of the first book that have sort of come back to haunt me here. The first is that feminist mythology that was far more fascinating than the typical overdone Biblical nonsense that dominates the genre . . . and here we find Rayne and Chase in pursuit of nothing less than the Ark of the Covenant and the Ten Commandments. The second was that the story didn't just pay lip service to the adventure, it was almost entirely an off-the-grid, in-the-wild, underground adventure . . . and here we have a laid back quest that's more about the puzzles of Robert Langdon than the frantic excitement of Indiana Jones. The last was that the backdrop of terrorism, war, deforestation, and other crimes against humanity and nature added real consequence to the story . . . and here there's really no larger social context to the story, other than some soft commentary on wealthy tycoons who make a hobby of legitimate science, with everything happening a little too easily.

Those complaints aside, I still enjoyed The Copper Scroll immensely, and am absolutely up for more adventures with Rayne and Chase. Nyx writes a story that effortlessly pulls you in and happily carries you along, making it a tough book to put down. Even if it lacks some of the substance of the first book, it still has all the flash and fun, and (more importantly) the romance we all crave.


https://sallybend.wordpress.com/2021/06/17/book-review-the-copper-scroll-by-robyn-nyx-adventure/

misthios_pat's review

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5.0

I just finished this and i don't think i even have the clothes for this event

wow, this was AWESOME!!!!

I love watching established couples working through hardships even if they just got together. No miscommunication here, thank goodness. But things were still a bit touch and go for them especially with what happens in the first few chapters which made the push and pull even more delightful. And again we got to enjoy their journey with that undercurrent of tension until it blew up on everyone's face. IMHO, a page-turner, amazing reading.

About the characters, I loved all their excitement over archaeology and each other and how they talked to each other most of the time, even when things were "shaky". What I expect of most mature adults. Their chemistry! My, my, it was, AGAIN, on point, very palpable. I could feel it through the pages. Unlike book #1 though, I didn't need time to click with Rayne, she was marvellous and Chase was just her perfect self, with all her cheesiness and chivalry. Loved them again. The twins, even though were less "present" here, were great too, I learnt to love them. I'd love to read about them more, ngl.

These two books were my first by Robyn, but if everything she writes are this good, with such quality and attention to detail, I'll be a lifelong fan.


queerlitloft's review

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5.0

Yet another literary triumph from author Robyn Nyx.

The Copper Scroll showcases one of my favourite qualities of Nyx's writing - the ability to wholeheartedly immerse a reader into the story. Whether it's the expansive plains of dusty Middle Eastern countries, the depths of ancient sea caves or the very real possibility of being blown to smithereens - there is nowhere that Nyx doesn't take you in pursuit of solving the mystery of The Copper Scroll.

You'll finish this book swearing you've been right there alongside Chase and Rayne for the whole adventure, because you'll certainly feel like you've felt and lived it all. The thrills and wonder, the danger and desire is all there for the taking in another epic Chase and Rayne story.

As this is the second book in the series, you can expect the plot to delve deeper in to whether Chase and Rayne will be able to make their fledgling relationship work now that they are back in the States.

Can they find common ground and compromise when they still operate at opposites ends of the archaelogical world? Can love and desire solve the issues which seem unsolvable? And ultimately can both Chase and Rayne share their vulnerabilities with each other and learn to trust in the other, in order to deepen and solidify what they have together.

What will it take to succeed, both professionally and personally, and what will each be willing to sacrifice in the process.
The journey to discover the secret of The Copper Scroll proves to be high stakes in more ways than just one for Chase and Rayne. Danger lurks at every turn, fuelled by the burning fires of ambition and moral righteousness.

In amongst all the soul searching, city hopping and danger dodging, there is of course still the trademark witty banter between all of the characters, but none more so than out of the mouths of Ginn and Tonyck.
They have to be two of my favourite side characters ever in a book. I really enjoyed that we get to learn a bit more about their backstory and evaluate/test the twins' loyalty to Rayne - a great little side story to wrap your head around.

The sexual tension between Chase and Rayne, picks up where they left off in The Golden Trinity (Book 1). Whilst they are now officially a couple, Nyx keeps the characters' chemistry at bonfire level throughout the course of this story. It ranges from outright lust and barely contained desire to suggestive comments, tender words, touches and looks. The sexual and emotional chemistry is well suited to the overall flow of the story, and this paired with the more indepth character development of Chase and Rayne makes for an engaging read.

The epilogue leaves you wondering whether we will see another book in the series - i could certainly see some potential openings for a plot. And I'd be lying if i said i wasn't 100% clamouring for another awesome installment of this series!
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