The Secret of the Lost Pharaoh – a Book Review

Title: The Secret of the Lost Pharaoh (Matthew Connor Adventure series-Book 2)

Genre: Currently #1342 on Amazon Best Sellers Rank in Kindle eBooks, Literature & Fiction, Action & Adventure, Men’s Adventure

Publisher: Hibbert & Stiles Publishing Inc.

Publication Date: To be released April 17, 2018

Source: Request from Senior Book Publicist, Hibbert & Stiles Publishing Inc.

Title and Cover: The Secret of the Lost Pharaoh – Beautiful cover holds promise

“In Egypt’s Western Desert lies the tomb of an unnamed pharaoh that hides a secret so powerful, it could destroy the world as we know it.”

This is the second in the new series with protagonist archaeologist and adventurer Matthew Connor. He’s very successful at finding legends long thought forgotten or lost. Flirting with a power from the Emerald Tablets that promises knowledge of the universe, he MUST accept a former colleague’s invitation in the search. She has stumbled upon an Egyptian hieroglyphic map that is sure to lead them to a pharaoh’s tomb and the Emerald Tablets. Matthew’s only demand for acceptance is that his best friends (romantic interest) Robyn Garcia and Cal Myers accompany the team. Of course, it isn’t long before they realize that recovering the tablets won’t be easy and they are no longer the only ones looking for the tablets.

Myth says that they possess the knowledge of the universe, allowing humankind to traverse Heaven and Earth, and have the power to bestow wealth and wisdom upon whomever possesses them.

The tale is interwoven with characters that have the means to spend life globe-trotting in search of treasure. Matthew appears to be an adrenaline junkie. Pushing himself beyond reasonable bounds is not new for him and he shortly discovers himself in the leadership role, although he’d prefer not at times. Robyn is the curator of the Toronto Egyptian Museum and had longed for such an opportunity all her life. Moreover, she is in love with Matthew and shortly finds herself in direct conflict with Alex, curator and originator of the dig for the Egyptians. Matthew and Alex share a history and it’s not long before the jealousy monster rises and creates tension within the group. Cal, Matthew’s sidekick and comic relief is a married man whose wife chose to stay home given her previous experience with one of Matthew’s adventures. He loves his expensive camera and takes tons of pictures chronicling the expedition.

The narrative is well plotted, moves, and carries a storyline. Descriptions of locations are done well and evoke visions of the desert and the heat, but it doesn’t take long before antagonist Sonja pops up–second only to Reda, the Minister of Egyptian antiquities. He would dearly love to successfully line his pockets and retire wealthy by Egypt’s treasures. He has hired Jasper to help secure findings.

Although it was an enjoyable read, I found the plot progression too predictable and therefore the end result became apparent. Some features in the narrative including long undiscovered underground aquifers in the Egyptian desert were a bit difficult to swallow and stretched the realm of reality. Also, the idea that large numbers of asps and cobras were living in deep, dark subterranean recesses with no apparent food source required some suspension of disbelief. (Why would any self- respecting snake remain there?)

Finally, I was disturbed by the climax and left feeling irate by their decision. I suspect I may be one of the few that would disagree with the ending and would love to hear more thoughts on the subject. Does the protection of the world come at too great a cost? Perhaps the author is more practically pragmatic than I.

Many times, the book read like a fast-moving and entertaining middle school thriller. The pacing might have been more suitable for a movie script than a book, reaching Indiana Jones proportions of aggressive, fast-paced male-driven adventure. Recommended for those who enjoy travel, action and adventure, and men’s adventures. We were allowed to download this eBook for the author through the publisher, Hibbert & Stiles Publishing Inc. We greatly appreciated the opportunity to read and no monies were exchanged for the review.

Rosepoint Publishing: Three point five of Five Stars 

The Author: (From Amazon Author page) CAROLYN ARNOLD is an international bestselling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has four continuing fiction series—Detective Madison Knight, Brandon Fisher FBI, McKinley Mysteries, and Matthew Connor Adventures—and has written nearly thirty books. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from cozy to hard-boiled mysteries, and thrillers to action adventures.

Both her female detective and FBI profiler series have been praised by those in law enforcement as being accurate and entertaining, leading her to adopt the trademark: POLICE PROCEDURALS RESPECTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT™.

Carolyn was born in a small town and enjoys spending time outdoors, but she also loves the lights of a big city. Grounded by her roots and lifted by her dreams, her overactive imagination insists that she tell her stories. Her intention is to touch the hearts of millions with her books, to entertain, inspire, and empower. ©2018 C E Williams 

Author: Rosepoint Publishing

I am the granddaughter of Patrick John "Stanley McShane" Rose whose books including "Cocos Island Treasure" I've recently published. My time is now spent in reading, reviewing, and writing bookish articles. I'm looking forward to sharing this social media odyssey with you! View all posts by Rosepoint Publishing