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mxsallybend's review against another edition
3.0
Although it certainly has its flaws, The Copper Egg was still an exciting diversion that played into my love for archaeological treasure hunts. There's a great novella at its heart, which would have been a lot more satisfying if Catherine Friend hadn't so obviously tried to pad it out.
What works about it? Well, for one, the Peruvian history, the archaeological details, and the treasure hunt itself are rock-solid. Not only did this introduce me to a new culture, but it added a new destination to my bucket list of places to visit. Second, Claire and Sochi were fantastic leading ladies, more than capable of shepherding the adventure along, and their romance added some much-needed tension. Finally, the narrative itself was strong (even if it did need one more editorial pass), allowing the humor, the adventure, and the romance to shine through.
What didn't work? Like I said, it really needed one more editorial pass to catch the continuity errors (including a key one early one that really confused me), and to wrap up loose ends (including a prominent gap in the climax). As for that padding issue, Friend really does try to do too much here, adding some unnecessary betrayals and double-crosses into the mix, and incorporating a megalomaniac villain who seems like he fell out of a bad James Bond story. Finally, and this is a general complaint about the genre, but far too many discoveries either happen by accident or for supernatural means, all but negating the archaeological skills involved.
All complaints aside, this was a fun read that kept me engaged, and which had me sitting on a rock by the water for a few hours this weekend, anxious to see how it all ended. What's more, The Copper Egg itself made for a nice MacGuffin that helped hold the plot together, but which never overwhelmed the human element of Claire and Sochi.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
What works about it? Well, for one, the Peruvian history, the archaeological details, and the treasure hunt itself are rock-solid. Not only did this introduce me to a new culture, but it added a new destination to my bucket list of places to visit. Second, Claire and Sochi were fantastic leading ladies, more than capable of shepherding the adventure along, and their romance added some much-needed tension. Finally, the narrative itself was strong (even if it did need one more editorial pass), allowing the humor, the adventure, and the romance to shine through.
What didn't work? Like I said, it really needed one more editorial pass to catch the continuity errors (including a key one early one that really confused me), and to wrap up loose ends (including a prominent gap in the climax). As for that padding issue, Friend really does try to do too much here, adding some unnecessary betrayals and double-crosses into the mix, and incorporating a megalomaniac villain who seems like he fell out of a bad James Bond story. Finally, and this is a general complaint about the genre, but far too many discoveries either happen by accident or for supernatural means, all but negating the archaeological skills involved.
All complaints aside, this was a fun read that kept me engaged, and which had me sitting on a rock by the water for a few hours this weekend, anxious to see how it all ended. What's more, The Copper Egg itself made for a nice MacGuffin that helped hold the plot together, but which never overwhelmed the human element of Claire and Sochi.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ARC of this title from the publisher in exchange for review consideration. This does not in any way affect the honesty or sincerity of my review.
sixphanel's review against another edition
4.0
What to say about this book? If you love girls doing Lara Croft stuff (minus the shooting) this is the book for you. And if you thought that Lara and Sam were more than just friends, but were left needing more... yes, pick this up. Gay archeologists! YAY!
On top of that, I've learned a lot about a culture I hadn't heard of before, which is always a plus, considering it happened without feeling forced. It wasn't like "here, read these facts about Chimú culture", nope. It came naturally.
(Got this book thanks to Netgalley! And I'm happy I chose it - it was the cover that did it, really. I mean, good job there)
On top of that, I've learned a lot about a culture I hadn't heard of before, which is always a plus, considering it happened without feeling forced. It wasn't like "here, read these facts about Chimú culture", nope. It came naturally.
(Got this book thanks to Netgalley! And I'm happy I chose it - it was the cover that did it, really. I mean, good job there)
rakhya's review against another edition
3.0
"Dazed and confused, but trying to continue" is a pretty accurate description of my state of mind during this reading experience.
I must admit that I may have approached the book with expectations, having previously read -and liked- another book of Friend's.
The setting and historical background were intriguing, and the adventure made for a pleasant light read despite an over the top supervillain.
Unfortunately I did not connect with the two main characters at all, finding them childish and often irritating.
Their constant melodrama and unwillingness to communicate were too much for me, and made me want to throw the in towel (and out the book).
I will definitely read other books by this author, but it's highly unlikely that I'll revisit this one.
I must admit that I may have approached the book with expectations, having previously read -and liked- another book of Friend's.
The setting and historical background were intriguing, and the adventure made for a pleasant light read despite an over the top supervillain.
Unfortunately I did not connect with the two main characters at all, finding them childish and often irritating.
Their constant melodrama and unwillingness to communicate were too much for me, and made me want to throw the in towel (and out the book).
I will definitely read other books by this author, but it's highly unlikely that I'll revisit this one.
pandon's review against another edition
4.0
It took a while for this story to grab me but it did and what a thrilling finish.
ekalmusla's review against another edition
5.0
Note: This ARC was provided by NetGalley & Bold Strokes Books in exchange for an honest review.
Find the following review posted on my blog - FarNerdy.
~~~
It seems that there are a good number of authors in the Les Fic genre that you can always count on for a good read. In my arsenal, these include [a:Melissa Brayden|4789680|Melissa Brayden|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1332018247p2/4789680.jpg], [a:Gerri Hill|129676|Gerri Hill|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1361831938p2/129676.jpg], [a:Jae|2749820|Jae|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1508401653p2/2749820.jpg], [a:Lisa Moreau|14157766|Lisa Moreau|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1492563266p2/14157766.jpg], and...the one and only [a:Catherine Friend|141922|Catherine Friend|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1272999634p2/141922.jpg].
With [b:The Copper Egg|27217830|The Copper Egg|Catherine Friend|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1445052599s/27217830.jpg|47260656], Friend has once again delivered a rip-roaring adventure tale set against an amazing backdrop with that beautiful touch of lesbianism to boot. Escaping to Peru to follow looters, historians, archaeologists, government officials, and dangerous mad men, The Copper Egg is a great ride, and just as enjoyable as Friend's other adventure tales. With main character Claire Adams coming off as a cross between Indiana Jones and a lesbian Lara Croft, and her counterpart, ex Sochi Castillo, reminding me of a female version of Brendan Frasier's character in "The Mummy," each page turn brought about a new and exciting spin to the adventure unfolding.
Tomb raiding and dig diving, Claire has loved archaeology, tombs, culture, and history as she lives the life as a director of a preserver of Peru's antiquities. She fulfills every aspect of her calling serving as the operator for such endeavors, made most especially wonderful with the love of her life by her side throughout it all. But when a horrible unveiling in the news flies across Peru, Claire is left jobless, ridiculed, and heartbroken. She retreats to the United States, alone and unmotivated, for three years. When Claire receives a mysterious package from Peru at her current settled (and rather boring) life in the United States, she is whisked back to the land where her archaeologist heart never left. What she discovers, both in the dirt - and in her heart - is nothing short of a fantastic venture.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I have read other reviews, and have heard the complaints surrounding some pieces of this novel, especially compared to others written by the author. And I respect and, admittedly, see and experienced what those reviews were discussing. But the book was still so enjoyable. I had a fun time reading it, I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know each and every character (because even the minor characters played major roles and were fascinating to get to know), and I looked forward to getting a chance to sit down with the book every day that I was reading it. It was well written, it was a great adventure, it was touching and sweet and mysterious all at the same time - overall, it was a great story, and a novel in which I will come back to in my life.
Bravo, Catherine Friend - you've done it again :).
Find the following review posted on my blog - FarNerdy.
~~~
It seems that there are a good number of authors in the Les Fic genre that you can always count on for a good read. In my arsenal, these include [a:Melissa Brayden|4789680|Melissa Brayden|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1332018247p2/4789680.jpg], [a:Gerri Hill|129676|Gerri Hill|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1361831938p2/129676.jpg], [a:Jae|2749820|Jae|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1508401653p2/2749820.jpg], [a:Lisa Moreau|14157766|Lisa Moreau|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1492563266p2/14157766.jpg], and...the one and only [a:Catherine Friend|141922|Catherine Friend|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1272999634p2/141922.jpg].
With [b:The Copper Egg|27217830|The Copper Egg|Catherine Friend|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1445052599s/27217830.jpg|47260656], Friend has once again delivered a rip-roaring adventure tale set against an amazing backdrop with that beautiful touch of lesbianism to boot. Escaping to Peru to follow looters, historians, archaeologists, government officials, and dangerous mad men, The Copper Egg is a great ride, and just as enjoyable as Friend's other adventure tales. With main character Claire Adams coming off as a cross between Indiana Jones and a lesbian Lara Croft, and her counterpart, ex Sochi Castillo, reminding me of a female version of Brendan Frasier's character in "The Mummy," each page turn brought about a new and exciting spin to the adventure unfolding.
Tomb raiding and dig diving, Claire has loved archaeology, tombs, culture, and history as she lives the life as a director of a preserver of Peru's antiquities. She fulfills every aspect of her calling serving as the operator for such endeavors, made most especially wonderful with the love of her life by her side throughout it all. But when a horrible unveiling in the news flies across Peru, Claire is left jobless, ridiculed, and heartbroken. She retreats to the United States, alone and unmotivated, for three years. When Claire receives a mysterious package from Peru at her current settled (and rather boring) life in the United States, she is whisked back to the land where her archaeologist heart never left. What she discovers, both in the dirt - and in her heart - is nothing short of a fantastic venture.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I have read other reviews, and have heard the complaints surrounding some pieces of this novel, especially compared to others written by the author. And I respect and, admittedly, see and experienced what those reviews were discussing. But the book was still so enjoyable. I had a fun time reading it, I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know each and every character (because even the minor characters played major roles and were fascinating to get to know), and I looked forward to getting a chance to sit down with the book every day that I was reading it. It was well written, it was a great adventure, it was touching and sweet and mysterious all at the same time - overall, it was a great story, and a novel in which I will come back to in my life.
Bravo, Catherine Friend - you've done it again :).
munleigh's review against another edition
3.0
Claire Adams, an archaeologist, receives something that brings her back to Peru. She receives help from old friends and eventually runs into her ex, Sochi Castillo. Sochi has two jobs, one which abides by the law and the other one doesn't.
Both Claire and Sochi are interesting characters as individuals but the rekindling of their romance was lacking. Their reunion felt a bit forced.
Perhaps the best part of the book was reading about the stories and history about Peru. I liked the story behind the copper egg and how it all turned out.
Review also posted here: http://wp.me/p4Pp9O-uc
I was given a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Both Claire and Sochi are interesting characters as individuals but the rekindling of their romance was lacking. Their reunion felt a bit forced.
Perhaps the best part of the book was reading about the stories and history about Peru. I liked the story behind the copper egg and how it all turned out.
Review also posted here: http://wp.me/p4Pp9O-uc
I was given a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
librarycatnip's review against another edition
3.0
Eh. Points for a book that is basically a mainstream adventure, but with lesbians. other than that, it wasn't really get interesting for me
ekalmusla's review
5.0
Note: This ARC was provided by NetGalley & Bold Strokes Books in exchange for an honest review.
Find the following review posted on my blog - FarNerdy.
~~~
It seems that there are a good number of authors in the Les Fic genre that you can always count on for a good read. In my arsenal, these include [a:Melissa Brayden|4789680|Melissa Brayden|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1332018247p2/4789680.jpg], [a:Gerri Hill|129676|Gerri Hill|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1361831938p2/129676.jpg], [a:Jae|2749820|Jae|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1508401653p2/2749820.jpg], [a:Lisa Moreau|14157766|Lisa Moreau|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1492563266p2/14157766.jpg], and...the one and only [a:Catherine Friend|141922|Catherine Friend|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1272999634p2/141922.jpg].
With [b:The Copper Egg|27217830|The Copper Egg|Catherine Friend|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1445052599s/27217830.jpg|47260656], Friend has once again delivered a rip-roaring adventure tale set against an amazing backdrop with that beautiful touch of lesbianism to boot. Escaping to Peru to follow looters, historians, archaeologists, government officials, and dangerous mad men, The Copper Egg is a great ride, and just as enjoyable as Friend's other adventure tales. With main character Claire Adams coming off as a cross between Indiana Jones and a lesbian Lara Croft, and her counterpart, ex Sochi Castillo, reminding me of a female version of Brendan Frasier's character in "The Mummy," each page turn brought about a new and exciting spin to the adventure unfolding.
Tomb raiding and dig diving, Claire has loved archaeology, tombs, culture, and history as she lives the life as a director of a preserver of Peru's antiquities. She fulfills every aspect of her calling serving as the operator for such endeavors, made most especially wonderful with the love of her life by her side throughout it all. But when a horrible unveiling in the news flies across Peru, Claire is left jobless, ridiculed, and heartbroken. She retreats to the United States, alone and unmotivated, for three years. When Claire receives a mysterious package from Peru at her current settled (and rather boring) life in the United States, she is whisked back to the land where her archaeologist heart never left. What she discovers, both in the dirt - and in her heart - is nothing short of a fantastic venture.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I have read other reviews, and have heard the complaints surrounding some pieces of this novel, especially compared to others written by the author. And I respect and, admittedly, see and experienced what those reviews were discussing. But the book was still so enjoyable. I had a fun time reading it, I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know each and every character (because even the minor characters played major roles and were fascinating to get to know), and I looked forward to getting a chance to sit down with the book every day that I was reading it. It was well written, it was a great adventure, it was touching and sweet and mysterious all at the same time - overall, it was a great story, and a novel in which I will come back to in my life.
Bravo, Catherine Friend - you've done it again :).
Find the following review posted on my blog - FarNerdy.
~~~
It seems that there are a good number of authors in the Les Fic genre that you can always count on for a good read. In my arsenal, these include [a:Melissa Brayden|4789680|Melissa Brayden|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1332018247p2/4789680.jpg], [a:Gerri Hill|129676|Gerri Hill|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1361831938p2/129676.jpg], [a:Jae|2749820|Jae|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1508401653p2/2749820.jpg], [a:Lisa Moreau|14157766|Lisa Moreau|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1492563266p2/14157766.jpg], and...the one and only [a:Catherine Friend|141922|Catherine Friend|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1272999634p2/141922.jpg].
With [b:The Copper Egg|27217830|The Copper Egg|Catherine Friend|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1445052599s/27217830.jpg|47260656], Friend has once again delivered a rip-roaring adventure tale set against an amazing backdrop with that beautiful touch of lesbianism to boot. Escaping to Peru to follow looters, historians, archaeologists, government officials, and dangerous mad men, The Copper Egg is a great ride, and just as enjoyable as Friend's other adventure tales. With main character Claire Adams coming off as a cross between Indiana Jones and a lesbian Lara Croft, and her counterpart, ex Sochi Castillo, reminding me of a female version of Brendan Frasier's character in "The Mummy," each page turn brought about a new and exciting spin to the adventure unfolding.
Tomb raiding and dig diving, Claire has loved archaeology, tombs, culture, and history as she lives the life as a director of a preserver of Peru's antiquities. She fulfills every aspect of her calling serving as the operator for such endeavors, made most especially wonderful with the love of her life by her side throughout it all. But when a horrible unveiling in the news flies across Peru, Claire is left jobless, ridiculed, and heartbroken. She retreats to the United States, alone and unmotivated, for three years. When Claire receives a mysterious package from Peru at her current settled (and rather boring) life in the United States, she is whisked back to the land where her archaeologist heart never left. What she discovers, both in the dirt - and in her heart - is nothing short of a fantastic venture.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I have read other reviews, and have heard the complaints surrounding some pieces of this novel, especially compared to others written by the author. And I respect and, admittedly, see and experienced what those reviews were discussing. But the book was still so enjoyable. I had a fun time reading it, I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know each and every character (because even the minor characters played major roles and were fascinating to get to know), and I looked forward to getting a chance to sit down with the book every day that I was reading it. It was well written, it was a great adventure, it was touching and sweet and mysterious all at the same time - overall, it was a great story, and a novel in which I will come back to in my life.
Bravo, Catherine Friend - you've done it again :).
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