I liked it. Not what I expected, but the ending landed heavy.

Atmosphere worked, characters worked. Wish there was a bit more of the mummy actually present, but I get how that was kind of secondary to the actual story. Over all, I liked it. Claustrophobic, bitter nastiness in an incredibly cool setting.

Unearthing Ancient Horrors: A Gripping Review of "The Eater of the Gods" by Dan Franklin

Dan Franklin's debut supernatural thriller, "The Eater of the Gods," plunges readers into the haunting landscapes of eastern Libya, where history, grief, and an ancient fury converge in a tale that is as chilling as it is captivating.

Set in the dying village of Al Tarfuk, the narrative unfolds around Professor Norman Haas, a man grappling with loss and driven by the pursuit of his late wife's life work—the location of the tomb of Kiya, the lost queen of Akhenaten. As the story unfurls amidst war-stained dunes, Haas and his team make a startling discovery: the tomb holds more than the echoes of a rebellious queen's heresies against the Egyptian gods. Trapped inside the ancient burial site, they find themselves ensnared in a malevolent force that transcends the boundaries of time and memory.

The novel's central theme, "Nothing really dies if it's remembered," becomes a haunting refrain as Norman Haas confronts the consequences of unearthing forgotten histories. Franklin weaves a narrative that is as much about grief and loneliness as it is about the unfathomable depths of ancient fury lying dormant beneath the sand.

The atmospheric setting is a character in itself, with war-stained dunes and the dying village providing an evocative backdrop to the unfolding horror. Franklin's prose is both poetic and suspenseful, creating an immersive experience that transports readers into the heart of the supernatural mysteries lurking within the tomb.

Norman Haas emerges as a compelling protagonist, his grief and determination driving the narrative forward. The layers of the story peel back gradually, revealing a tale that skillfully blends elements of horror, archaeology, and the supernatural. As the characters grapple with the consequences of their discoveries, the narrative takes unexpected turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

"The Eater of the Gods" is a testament to Dan Franklin's storytelling prowess, delivering a debut that is rich in atmosphere, steeped in history, and infused with a sense of impending dread. The ageless fury that waits beneath the sand becomes a palpable presence, haunting the pages with tooth and claw, leaving readers with a lingering sense of unease.

For those who appreciate supernatural thrillers that delve into the darker corners of history, "The Eater of the Gods" is a must-read. Dan Franklin has crafted a tale that resonates long after the final page, leaving readers to contemplate the chilling idea that some things are best left forgotten, even as they linger in the shadows of memory.

I was very excited about this novella after Books of Horror hyped it up. Egyptology is a passion of mine so I jump at any opportunity to read about it; however, this one fell a little flat to me. The characters weren’t very well fleshed out which made rooting for them difficult. While some tension was built over the course of their adventure, I wasn’t gripped by it. The story felt like there was something missing but it was entertaining. For a first time author, I think Dan is off to a great start, and I’m looking forward to what’s to come.

4⭐️

I love ancient Egypt and I love horror. So reading this book was a no-brainer for me. After reading Tomb of Gods, I was waiting for another Egyptian horror and this fit the bill perfectly.

This was a quick read but fun. I have read another book about Akhenaten, but that was written as historical fiction. I loved having the horror aspect. There is just something so creepy about going into the tombs. I need more archeological horror. Maybe something from the Aztecs?

Also, when does it go from grave robbing to archeology? I really want to know.

Thank you to Dan Franklin, Cemetery Dance and NetGalley for a copy of the ebook on exchange for an honest review.

Archeologists unearth a terrible secret in an ancient Egyptian tomb.

Norman is a professor continuing his wife’s legacy, searching for a forgotten tomb of the lost queen of Akhenaten in Libya. He confronts horrible dangers and forgoes increasing difficulties in order to honor her memory. He and his team of researchers eventually reach the tomb only to find that there is much more to this tomb than they initially thought. As strange things begin to occur in their expedition, the team starts questioning their sanity, and can't help but wonder if this knowledge is really worth the price.

This book takes two of my recent interests and mixes them together. First, it has an Indiana Jones plot that shouldn't be possible in real life due to common sense, self-preservation, and a bunch of other real-life factors. But it's Raiders of the Lost Ark type of zany so I accept it. My second interest is that it has an Egyptian version of the Greek Labyrinth that will undoubtedly lead to every character's doom. I honestly found this idea interesting, but I feel that it could have been more than what we were given. Even so, this was a short and interesting horror story that I wouldn't mind returning to.

Thank you to NetGalley and Cemetery Dance Publications for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

4 stars out of 5.

They said that there is no perfect book. Well, this one comes pretty close to perfection. Short, thrilling, and just with enough scares, I was thoroughly entertained by this book. I loved it and will be looking forward to more of this author's work.

The book itself was honestly pretty propelling, and it had me hooked, but the story just sort of ... happens. It doesn't have a reason why it's happening. It's like reading only the rising action and climax of an action movie with no backstory.

I loved this book so much! I felt so many emotions. It was creepy and quite sad at times. I wish the book was longer because it was so great! I can't wait to see what Dan Franklin writes next!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

“She had called it paradise, but Norman knew the word that he would have chosen. Lost.”

It’s no secret that I find history and mythology extremely captivating. Blend that with elements of horror and you’ve created a story I’m certain to read. This novel transports us to eastern Libya, a land of lost queens and forgotten gods. The author perfectly wove together the expanse of a sun scorched desert and the endless twists of an ancient tomb. The atmosphere was well set and decently descriptive. I enjoyed the use of a lesser known historical figure and the references to other icons. However, I felt that more information on ancient Egypt and Kiya herself should’ve been included. This didn’t completely lack an origin story, but added history, specifically sooner in the novel would’ve added to the experience. Upon finishing, I was also a bit confused on Kiya’s intent and why she had become what she was. The explanation of how she acquired her powers was interesting, but I would’ve liked to see that elaborated upon. That being said, the overall writing and dialogue was simplistic, and easy to read. It was neither astonishing nor underwhelming. I felt the dialogue could’ve been expanded as the reader only receives vague details on the tone and mannerisms of the characters.

This book would’ve benefited from deeper characterization. While the characters were appropriately fleshed out for a 150 page novel, I couldn’t help but feel slightly disconnected from them. A bit more history on Norman’s team is something I would’ve appreciated. Nonetheless, the author did succeed in making me instantly dislike Cal. I enjoyed how the point of view transitioned from Norman to him and we were able to experience the plot through his eyes. I do wish this was done for the other characters though. I was also a bit underwhelmed by Kiya. I dove into this book believing her to be something far beyond what she actually was. I don’t find fault with the manner in which she was portrayed, I just expected more. The final scene was not a “happy ending”, but it was bittersweet, and poetic in a way. The symbolism was certainly prominent, and it was the opposite of what I expected. Overall, I did like this book. It’s a fast paced, action packed, claustrophobic thriller. It was a great introduction to archaeological horror and I’ve definitely discovered a love for the genre. My rating is not a reflection of what I disliked, but what I feel could’ve been added to improve the story. This is the author's debut novel, and I’m eager to find out where we’ll be journeying to for his next work.

I appreciate Dan Franklin for sending me a physical copy of his novel.

Norman is a professor who is continuing his wife’s legacy, searching for a forgotten tomb of a lost queen of Akhenaten in Libya. Despite the difficulties and possible dangers, he wants to honor her memory. He and his team of researchers make their way there but are surprised to find that there is much more to this tomb than initially thought. As strange things begin to occur, the team questions their sanity and if this knowledge is really worth the price it’s demanding.

This was written in a way that felt like a classic, old-timey adventure, but that wasn’t necessarily a good thing. It’s set in modern times, but unfortunately relies on some old-fashioned mindsets/thoughts that shouldn’t have been included. Especially as the main characters were associated with a university and should have known better. Outdated ways of thinking and antiquated terms were used that made me question the legitimacy of these folks who were supposed to be much more knowledgeable (e.g., using the word “treasure” instead of “artifacts,” using the term “caveman” to describe something lacking complexity, etc.). That was disappointing. There was also no commentary included on the subtle racism included and the problematic thinking surrounding westerners casually pillaging other cultures’ sacred or honored sites. I understand that the entire work relied on these plot points, but I wish the author had included some sort of commentary or criticism on it. Or at least set this work in the early to mid-twentieth century, when these thoughts and approaches were cultural norms for the west.

The characters also left me wanting more. There was some development to the protagonist, but the rest were stereotypes that could be found in any adventure book of this type. It was impossible to feel emotionally invested in their stories, which was frustrating and detracted from any tension this book should have had. The atmosphere also just wasn’t there, and I’m not sure if it’s because the setting wasn’t incorporated as well as it could have been or if it was largely due to the bland characters.

Overall, this read had some promise but fell short in many important aspects. My thanks to NetGalley and Cemetery Dance Publications for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

We follow our protagonist, Norman Haas, and team to the tomb of Kiya-Aktun, "Eater of Gods." Norman feels drawn to the mysterious site and must conquer what his late wife could not for both her memory and his lasting grief.

This highly atmospheric Thriller takes the reader for a wild turn when Norman Haas and team become trapped within the very tomb they've sought out!

This book is highly different from other supernatural thrillers as it brings in two primary elements:
1. Grief
2. Setting- Egyptian expedition

The first half of the novel was most certainly a slow burn for me, but what it may have lacked in pacing it most certainly made up for in atmosphere and thrilling action in the latter. At times the story telling was hauntingly beautiful and at others vividly imaginative, both appreciated the same.

Overall a skillfully written Supernatural Thriller from from a Debut Author that I will not soon forget!

While this book didn't really do it for me, I think this would be a good book for someone into slasher type stories. I might recommend it for someone obsessed with ancient cultures and ancient Egypt specifically, but there wasn't a lot of history. Definitely don't think this qualifies as a historical fiction, which is what drew me to the book.

True rating would be 3.5, rounded up since Goodread doesn't allow half-stars. Part of the reason I rounded up instead of down is because Ancient Egypt is a topic so little used in horror, especially horror novels. So props for uniqueness there!

The story itself is decent, reads a bit like a pulpy, low-budget horror movie. I don't mean that as an insult, either- it's a fun and quick read, with a surprisingly heartfelt ending. However, you don't have much time to get to know or get attached to any of the characters, save maybe the main one. Still, this was a decent enough story that didn't disappoint, as long as you're not looking for anything too deep.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

I was attracted to this title because of the focus on Egyptian archaeology. It's set in the deserts of Libya in modern day, when a man attempts to fulfill his dead wife's dream of discovering the tomb of Kiya, a queen of Akhenaten. Accompanied by an interpreter, a young female archaeologist and a security expert, they are guided to the supposed site of the tomb by a local man. When they enter the tomb, strange things begin to happen that threaten their very existence.
While this story has some "Indiana Jones" type of adventure included, it also has a supernatural element that seems to justify some of these events. I could have done without the latter. The characters seemed awfully naive and easily persuaded to follow the guidance of complete strangers. I was not very satisfied with the conclusion of the book, either. I'm not sure I'd recommend this unless you are interested in a more fantasy-based story.

Thank you NetGalley and Cemetery Dance Publications for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Don’t we all love a big dumb idiot who doesn’t listen to locals when they warn him about exploring an old tomb because bad things will happen? It’s so fun yet irritating. I felt the same way when I watch “The Mummy” for the first time. The two have a different tones and relatively different plot as well, but still similar vibes. I’m not saying if you like one, you’ll like the other because they are different.

This was an incredibly quick read. It delivers everything it has promised in just 150 pages. I usually struggle with short stories because it’s hard to connect with the characters. however, I didn’t necessarily feel that way with this one. I didn’t absolutely care about the people we were reading about, I never connected to them the way I feel I usually do or can with a longer novel. This was so fun and interesting that I didn’t really care, though. I got what I came for : a spooky story about people digging around where they shouldn’t.

I'll be honest here - this book is short and that's about its only saving grace. The characters aren't particularly likable and with the exception of Norman, aren't very well developed. The ending was bland and lacked any excitement whatsoever. It seemed to me that the book was just kind of thrown together and thrown out there without any true rhyme or reason to it.

It was interesting, I’ll give it that. This gave me “The Mummy” vibes but I’d much rather watch that movie than read this book again. Something about the writing style just didn’t click with me. The search for the tomb and the lost queen being a metaphor for Clara’s death was compelling but not enough to pull me in to the story.

I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book.

The Eater of Gods is a story that is set with grief and dense with yearning for things that could have been, and should never be. I found this book on NetGalley and instantly requested a copy. This book reminded me how much I love Egypt and archeology and then when you combine in supernatural horror I couldn’t ask for anything else.

In the town of Al Tarfuk, Professor Norman finds the location of a tomb that his wife had spent her life hunting for. Believed to be the final resting place of Kiya, the queen of Akhenaten his wife also believed that there was still something alive inside the tomb. The locals have warned Professor Haas about exploring the tomb as it's believed to be cursed but, determined to fulfil his wife's dying wish he decides to explore anyway.

The Eaters of Gods is a short novel with constant action once the story gets going, there's a lot of descriptive gore and lore which keeps you interested and on the edge of you seat with the suspense and mystery surrounding the curse. The only downside to this was I was confused towards the end surrounding the history of Kiya and why she was in the tomb, maybe I read it wrong or had to know more about Egyptian history. However I enjoyed the rest of the book it was so fast paced and the writing was amazing.

4 Stars!

Sometimes a book comes along that is mostly just a leap of faith when you open the cover. This was the case with The Eater of Gods by Dan Franklin. The title of the book just called out to me, so I checked out the blurb and decided to give it a read as it sounded interesting.



Libya had been ravaged by war but there were still treasures to be found. In the town of Al Tarfuk, Professor Norman Haas finds the location of a tomb that his wife had spent her life hunting for. While he did not share her beliefs about the tomb, the fact that it was reputed to be the final resting place of Kiya, the queen of Akhenaten, was enough to pique his interest. His wife had believed that there was still something alive inside the tomb. Professor Haas thought such sentiment was nonsense. He was about to be proven wrong.



The locals have warned Professor Haas about exploring the tomb but he is a man of science and will not be swayed by superstition. That, and the fact that he is striving to fulfill his wife’s dream, leads him and group of explorers into the tomb. Superstition quickly turns into reality when the group find themselves trapped inside. It becomes clear that there is something in the tomb with them and that it is not happy by their presence. As members of the group begin to die, Haas must come to accept that there is an ancient evil in the tomb and that it is stalking its human prey. Science must yield to the supernatural as the explorers struggle for their lives against an ancient evil that does not want any of them to escape with their lives.



The Eaters of Gods is a short novel/long novella that takes just a little time to set up the story and then it is all-out action. Franklin knows how to write an action sequence and the hits come fast and hard once the explorers enter the tomb and they never let up. The reader is rocketed from one deadly trap to another without any time to breathe in between. The story starts out by laying a little background and the evil entity manifests itself in whispers first, but once it goes on the attack, it never stops. This is a very good story of action/horror and Franklin keeps it tight and moving along briskly throughout the story. It is easy to read this book in one sitting.



The biggest drawback of The Eaters of Gods, though, comes in its brevity. The book left me feeling as if there was much more that could have been explored in the story. It is action-packed and a quick read, but the premise is deep and a lot more could have been done with it. I did not want the story to end and would like to see it expanded upon in the future. Franklin does a good job of finding the story and keeping the reader intrigued from the first page to the last, but it is a little unsatisfying in the end. With its strong premise and unrelenting action, The Eater of Gods is an entertaining book but one that falls short of its potential.



I would like to thank Cemetery Dance and NetGalley for this review copy. The Eater of Gods is scheduled to be released on March 1, 2023.