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A review by breabooks
Empire of Shadows by Jacquelyn Benson
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
I raced to purchase this book when the blurb mentioned it’s similar to the movie The Mummy. It did not disappoint!
Ellie is the main character. She is a suffragette, a scholar, and breaks all the molds of what a woman should be in late 1800’s England. She stumbles upon a priceless historical artifact immediately after being fired from her government job. To keep it safe from the wrong people, she travels to British Honduras in search of the fabled city in which it originated. Through a series of unfortunate events, Ellie procures the help of the brute of man (according to her) named Adam Bates to navigate the wilds. Ellie and Adam soon discover what the accepted reality of the world may not be exactly true.
But it’s SO much more than that!! This book navigates what it means to be a woman in a patriarchal society, which is still relevant today. Ellie is always self-assured, never questioning what she wants out of life… But Ellie embarks on a journey of self-discovery in which she is challenged to question her true desires and goals in life. The book is humorous- I cackled throughout the first half. Romance is sprinkled throughout this epic historical fantasy. The almost constant action keeps you on the edge of your seat.
I will say that you need to have a dictionary on hand. It’s a fun read, not an easy read.
Ellie is the main character. She is a suffragette, a scholar, and breaks all the molds of what a woman should be in late 1800’s England. She stumbles upon a priceless historical artifact immediately after being fired from her government job. To keep it safe from the wrong people, she travels to British Honduras in search of the fabled city in which it originated. Through a series of unfortunate events, Ellie procures the help of the brute of man (according to her) named Adam Bates to navigate the wilds. Ellie and Adam soon discover what the accepted reality of the world may not be exactly true.
But it’s SO much more than that!! This book navigates what it means to be a woman in a patriarchal society, which is still relevant today. Ellie is always self-assured, never questioning what she wants out of life… But Ellie embarks on a journey of self-discovery in which she is challenged to question her true desires and goals in life. The book is humorous- I cackled throughout the first half. Romance is sprinkled throughout this epic historical fantasy. The almost constant action keeps you on the edge of your seat.
I will say that you need to have a dictionary on hand. It’s a fun read, not an easy read.