Review and Giveaway: Masks of the Lost Kings

Rating: 4.5 Stars
Genre: Mystery/ Historical Thriller
Author: Tom Bane
Publication Date: March 3, 2012
Buy: Amazon :: B&N

Blurb: Following the sudden disappearance of treasure hunter Ben Sanders in Mexico, beautiful archaeologist Suzy da Silva is snatched from the cloistered environs of Oxford University and thrust into a deadly maelstrom of intrigue and discovery. 

Joining forces with astrophysicist Tom Brooking she crosses four continents, to unlock the dark secrets of Tutankhamun's tomb, the Holy Sepulchre and the mysterious Mayan Temple of Inscriptions to reveal a mysterious truth. 

Together they risk their lives, pursued by martial assassins and renegade special forces, fighting the forces of evil to discover hidden knowledge so precious that it has lain dormant for over a thousand years...

First, I'd like to say that this book is not a typical read for me. I really wanted something new and challenging from an author that I'd heard great things about and when Worthy Marketing Group contacted me - I was thrilled to read MotLK.

Now, on to the review. The blurb does a great job of summarizing the book so I'm going to skip that this time and really focus on the reasons why you should most definitely purchase (or enter to win!) a copy for your bookshelf.

Suzy, our heroine, is a bad ass. I LOVE her intelligence, wit, humor, and even her back story. I enjoyed all that she taught me about Egyptian culture and although some may find this book to be information overload, I never once felt lost or overwhelmed by the history. In fact, I found it fascinating and extremely well written - enough to keep me interested page after page.

If anything overwhelmed me, it was how much depth was in this novel. There was so very much to uncover about our characters - what was happening, who it was happening to, who is connected - it was an absolutely stunning plot filled with wonderous twists and turns.

I have a love for Egyptian culture and although I wouldn't say that I'm well-versed in their practices, religion, or history in general, I would say that I have an above-average understanding of their practices. This really helped me get involved with Suzy's almost obsession with uncovering the past and learning about this culture. But there was SO MUCH MORE than just Egyptian culture - I just can't tell you what it is because it will ruin the magic of the story. *sigh*

So, why not 5 full stars? My missing half star came from the lack of romance between Suzy and Tom. There was a tension missing and I really was just expecting there to be MORE. I was just a bit disappointed by the lack of personal relationship development there.

Overall, MotLK had me guessing until the end - and then I guessed again - to still be thrown for a loop! I love the way Bane writes - how much knowledge, passion, research and just plain AMAZINGNESS went into this book astounds me. THANK YOU for keeping me on the edge of my seat - MotLK is an intelligent, fun read and I can't wait to see what Bane writes next!

YAY! A GIVEAWAY!

Worthy Marketing Group and Tom Bane are giving away ONE SIGNED PAPERBACK COPY of Masks of the Lost Kings (US ONLY). Please enter via the rafflecopter below. :)

xo,

Jenna Lynne

a Rafflecopter giveaway