Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for the advanced copy of this book.

It's been awhile since I've read historical fiction and I'm so glad I read this one! If you love The Mummy (1999) and Indiana Jones, you will enjoy this book. Set in the early 1900s and from the POV of two sisters, you get to join them on adventure to find the Serpent's Crown before the bad guys get their hands on it. The Crown is said to allow the wearer to control other people, thus is being sought by men with not so pure motivations. Lila is the older sister raised in New York society who is a wonder with puzzles, and Tess is the explorer daughter who has spent a lot of time with their dad on his excavations. They must solve the clues in the ancient scrolls to find the Crown while fighting for their lives. And of course there is some romance found along the way. This was one of the most fun books I've read in a long time. I hope we get more adventures with Tess and Lila.

I received an ARC of THE ANTIQUITY AFFAIR from NetGalley and Harper Muse in exchange for my honest opinion.

Genre: Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Historical Romance
Spice Level: med (open door but without gritty details)

Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne authored this book, and I was hooked from the first chapter. Each chapter's ending drew me forward, wanting to know more. Some moments had me giggling and laughing aloud.

Lila and Tess, sisters separated by one year but miles apart through personality, are in continual conflict. The tension between these siblings felt perfect!

Then there are the gents: Alex (the partly Egyptian assistant to the girls' father) and William (the son of a wealthy family who's never allowed to make his own choices). And you can bet these two add even more conflict, conflicting emotions, and some love.

I thought it was a little weird that there was sex on the page because it didn't seem necessary for the plot. *Shrug*. Maybe this detail was trying to make it fit current social norms.

I was absolutely delighted with the mystery, the twists, the treasure hunt. There are Indiana Jones moments along with Elizabeth Peters' mysteries that take place in Egypt. Even though I like the cover, I'm not sure it fits the story because it didn't have historical vibes for me.

Yes! I recommend this book for adults. It's so much fun to go on an adventure.

Happy reading!

Book Name: The Antiquity Affair
Author: Lee Kelly; Jennifer Thorne

ARC
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for ARC of ****Lee Kelly; Jennifer Thorne’s The Antiquity Affair****

Stars: 4
Spice: 2 (flowery language)

Start of a new series
Set Up/ Open-Ended Ending
Fast Paced
Dual FMC POV
Historical Adventure With a Touch of Romance

- Topics
- Antiquity Ownership and Cultural Ownership
- Anti-Colonial.
- Ethical Archeology
- Sisters and Familial Sacrifice
- Power and Freedom
- Tropes
- Forbidden Romance
- Kidnapped
- Forced Proximity
- Slight Grumpy Sunshine Vibes
- One Bed
- She Starts IT
- Thoughts.
- Both story arcs are equally engaging
- Modern phrases occasionally appeared (offputting).
- I'm annoyed by these historical characters being portrayed as immediately more self-aware of the colonial aspects of archeology than they would have been rather than have them grapple with the ideals (also offputting).
- Feminist Indiana Jones Meets Brendan Frasiers the Mummy. (FANTASTIC)
- Adventure Aspect Was Top Notch
- Great Summer Adventure Story (Throw it your pool bag if you get the chance)

** “I’m on tenterhooks, facing the likely prospect of either sudden, terrifying or slow, agonizing death, but Tess is with me, finally, truly with me, and I feel such relief, such life rushing through me, that I cannot see how anything will top this moment for me ever again.” **

Authors Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne join forces to deliver “The Antiquity Affair,” a sisterly adventure story.

When sisters Lila and Tess Ford both get separately kidnapped, they’re quickly drawn into an historic mystery with huge impact — a quest to find the Serpent’s Crown, a legendary object thought to hold immense power for its wearer.

As they work together to find the crown before the evil Brotherhood of the Knot, which will use the crown to take control of the world, they must learn to overcome their past issues with one another and use each of their unique skills to solve the clues to the crown’s location.

The authors put together an action-packed storyline filled with history, adventure and sometimes misadventure. They develop two quirky yet plucky characters in Lila and Tess (each chapter alternates between their points of view). And they also challenge the readers not only in the suspense of will they solve and survive their mission, but they throw in some good themes like having faith in oneself, the importance of teamwork, and putting aside differences and working together.

Fans of historical fiction, authors like Clive Cussler and adventure stories will love this Enola Holmes meets Indiana Jones meets TV’s Josh Gates from “Expedition Unknown” tale.

“The Antiquity Affair,” which is due out June 6, does contain some mild language as well as scenes hinting at intimacy.

Five stars out of five.

Harper Muse provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.

Gave me Indiana Jones/the Mummy vibes. It was fun to read an adventure like this where the MCs were female. We need more books like this in circulation! The only issue I found with it, was that the voice and some of the phrases spoken by the characters seemed out of place for a novel set in 1907.

Really fun! I’m always looking for a book that evokes the mummy and Indiana jones, and this certainly scratched that itch. I found Tess a little annoying at times (don’t get me started on William), and the plot was sometimes on the predictable side. I enjoyed it though and would happily read another installment.

Thank you to Net Galley and Harper Muse for a copy of this e-book. And to Harper Muse for the audiobook.

1907 New York City - Lila on the eve of her debut as a Manhattan socialite and well groomed by her well-to-do grandmother. Her younger sister Tess is a non-conformist longing to follow in her father's footsteps as an Egyptologist. When a legendary lost relic is missing, a secret organization kidnaps Tess thinking it is Lila and Lila's father shows up in secret to take Lila away with him. All are now on the run to escape this organization and capture the Serpent's Crown, the relic that is desperately being sought by Dr. Ford as well as this secret organization. An Indiana Jones type story with two very different sisters using their skills of solving puzzles to try and figure this out.

This did not feel very historical or a big mystery but it was an entertaining fictional story that takes place from NYC to Paris to Cairo. It was more of a light storytelling like Indiana Jones more that historical fiction.

The found the premise of the novel to be intriguing and I’m so glad I request this novel. I loved the Indiana Jones- esque aspect of this novel, plus it being mainly women-led was super exciting! I enjoyed the writing style, the plot, and the character development. Loved that the authors explained a little bit more of the history behind the novel at the end and acknowledged the various aspects of colonization that impacted archeology and the plundering of artifacts from different countries during that time.

Twin sister Lila and Tess alternately tell their story of adventure in Egypt in 1907 in this novel that will. no doubt remind you of Indiana Jones. Their father, an archeologist is hunting for the Serpent's Crown but so are others. There are good guys, bad guys (not too bad), mysteries, and a bit of romance. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. It's a very easy read that might well be most enjoyed by the YA audience.

I think I had my hopes set too high for this book. I heard “female version of Indiana Jones” and let my imagination run wild. I really liked the beginning of the book. We are introduced to these two strong female main characters, Tess and Lila. The action kicks off right away. I liked the writing. It was descriptive but didn’t feel bogged down.

I think what didn’t work so well for me was the plot and the pacing. I thought it definitely slowed down in spots which is not something I tend to enjoy in an action novel. I also found the plot to be a bit all over the place. I like some of the choices but other left me feeling unsatisfied. Overall, this is an entertaining read but I would not broadly recommend it.

This book has a great premise - two sisters star in a feminist Indiana Jones-type historical thriller. Unfortunately, the story never really took off for me. The characters were flat, the romances insipid, and there were some historical inaccuracies that just felt sloppy. Lila and Tess are the daughters of a renowned archaeologist. The sisters used to be close but are now estranged. Lila is trying to save the family's finances by marrying for money, while Tess chases after her father's attention and affection on his Egyptian digs. The chapters alternate between the two sisters. Both are given formulaic, predictable romances with no actual relationship development, the father is frustratingly awful, the sisters themselves just don't come to life as characters, and the villains are cartoonishly evil. However, I do appear to be an outlier with my feelings on this book, so if the synopsis is appealing to you, give it a try. Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for a digital review copy.

I love the idea of the plot and setting, I have a big interest in Ancient Egypt and Egyptian mythology so it sounded perfect for me! I did also appreciate the effort in acknowledging the archaeology field's privilege and exploitative opportunity that came from colonization and imperialism.

The dialogue was a bit cringe with constant fighting and melodrama in the beginning, I warmed up to the dialogue but it could still be cringey and forced at times. I eventually learned to ignore it and focus on the overall plot. I’ll be happy to leave the use of “oh gods” to fantasy novels (or historical novels where the characters actually believe in many gods, not when it’s coming from two white New York WASPs), I also got tired of the constant gads/egads.

The sisters are immature and meh, they seriously speak in a secret childhood language, which also got old very quickly. I couldn’t help but laugh at how ridiculous it was!

I kept getting the girls confused through switching POVs, I’d be reading and think “wait who’s chapter is this again.” The girls kind of blend together and don’t stand out very much as their own people. Although on the positive, that’s a good sign for the two authors because it’s rare where you can’t tell the difference when the shift in writing occurs.

I didn’t love or hate any of the characters, they just fell flat. Tess, however, was more annoying than the rest because of her constant whining and “pick me” comments. There’s also some romance involved, I liked parts of it but other parts felt insta lovey and almost forced.

The Antiquity Affair was a fast paced adventure and the mystery/setting is the reason I continued, blocking out the other parts.

Some things don’t feel plausible like you have to suspend logic to believe it. Plus minute details just don’t match up with the characters and contradict their already established background. A non-spoiling example, the society sister Lila who went to “finishing school” and learned to be a proper socialite, being presented AT A BALL, and somehow she has two left feet and can’t dance? Yet miss rebellious, goes to university, aspiring archaeologist, Tess can waltz with ease and zero training? No, makes absolutely no sense.

Finally, for being an adult historical mystery, it reads very YA (which doesn’t mean it’s bad, I adore YA novels, it’s just different than expected). If I pick up an adult book, I don’t want YA writing and characters that are whiny and childish.

Overall a quick and exciting adventure story but the dialogue and characters fell flat. I finished it quickly so that’s something. I’d recommend if you’re a fan of Indiana Jones, heist novels, and/or Ancient Egypt!

Rating: 3.5 rounded to 3

<b>3.25✨</b> A rollicking, fast paced archaeology adventure where Indiana Jones inspo meets The Gilded Age echelon set, this book packs a lot in a smallish package. Egyptology, secret societies, reluctant socialites / brainy sister duo, transatlantic capers, and a whole lot more (in good ways and not so good ways).
I found this on the lighter side of historical fiction, which could be a pro or con depending on what you’re in the mood for. While the first few chapters are mostly horrid 😬 this was overall a fun time despite its shortcomings. The sister dynamic was both very sweet at times and obnoxious when their differences / infighting was incessantly harped on. The big wig enemies, while wealthy, privileged, and resourceful enough to be a real threat to the Ford family still read as largely clownish, tough to take all the way seriously for the reader. Some respective scenarios and foils that almost always succeed in annoying me vs. establishing a pattern or whatever nonsense they’re supposed to be accomplishing.
But. There were plenty of funny, sweet, and exciting moments throughout as well. Shipped both romances right off that bat and enjoyed all of the home team players and was genuinely rooting for them. And! The open-ended nudge at another adventure on the horizon at the end had my Outlander loving heart hoping for another installment. 😏🪨

<i>Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for an e-ARC of this book.</i>

The Antiquity Affair by Lee Kelly; Jennifer Thorne

This was a fun book! I enjoyed the setup and the alternating POV chapters. The story of two sisters and their archeologist father up against a group of men with nefarious intentions for a certain antiquity, the tale takes the reader around the world with plenty of action and intrigue.

Overall the book was a bit longer than necessary. Despite the length, I felt that there were some pieces of the plot and characters that were undeveloped. The pacing just wasn't quite right, with some parts dragging and others wrapping up way too quickly.

I listened to the book on audio and thought the narrator did a good job with the characters.

Thank you to #NetGalley and Harper Muse for a free copy of #TheAntiquityAffair by Lee Kelly; Jennifer Thorne. All opinions are my own.

‘The Antiquity Affair' begins in 1900s New York, with Lila and Tess Ford, at Lilas debutante ball. Lila and Tess were once very close, attending their fathers lectures, creating a new language for just the two of them and weaving vast adventurous tales of the future Fearless Fords. But when their mother passes and their father, Warren Ford, consumes himself with his work as an Egyptologist, the two become distant following separate paths. As the ball is set to begin, the girls' world turns upside down as their father suddenly appears to whisk them away without warning. Unfortunately he only encounters Lila as simultaneously, Tess is being led away by Lilas intended, William, who thinks she's Lila. Lila quickly learns that her father was hired by a group called the Fraternitas (lead by Mr Hendricks, Williams father) to find and excavate an ancient artifact called the Serpents Crown that would grant the wearer all consuming power over the people. When he fails to find the artifact, the Fraternitas attempt to kidnap Lila, who can decode almost any puzzle, to help them find it. Unfortunately, they've nabbed the wrong daughter. Lila and her father, along with his handsome assistant Alex, must now rescue Tess while also attempting to decode the clues that lead to the resting place of the serpent's crown in order to get to it before the Fraternitas. What ensues is a journey more thrilling, and dangerous, than the stories & adventures the girls once wished for as children.
This book was so exciting! In my youth I was very much into the history of Egypt and this story brought back all those feelings of wonder and amazement. I loved the Indiana Jones vibe but with women main characters as well as the details about Lila and Tess’s separate abilities and how they were able to overcome their differences and work together. The romance twists were also well done, even if a little predictable. I will say it was hard to keep track of how much time had passed at first as they don't really mention it much. What you think is just a few hours time that has passed, ends up being a few days or even weeks when they do finally touch on the subject. Other than that, I believe the story is a great read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction, action, adventure and a wee bit of romance. I rate this one 4 stars, Lee and Jennifer did an amazing job. I look forward to future adventures with the Fearless Fords!
<!> An enormous Thank You to NetGalley, Harper Muse, Lee Kelly & Jennifer Thorne for allowing me the opportunity to read this title in exchange for my honest review. <!>

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for the ARC!

I really enjoyed this Indiana Jones meets Sense and Sensibility story. On the night of Lila's debutante ball in New York, where she is expected to become engaged to William Hendricks, her sister, Tess, is abducted. Lila and Tess's father, Dr. Ford, who Lila had given up hope that he would be there for her big day, jumps out of the bushes and he, Lila, and his research assistant, Alex, take off on a worldwide adventure to get her back. Dr. Ford is an esteemed archaeologist who has recently made a big discovery. Tess longs to join him on his digs in Egypt when on break from boarding school in England while he barely seems to notice her presence there. Lila has spent the last several years becoming a socialite in New York under the tutelage of her grandmother and in Lila's mind she has been the one financially upholding the family while her father wastes their money in Egypt. Lila has been ignoring her sister's letters and both sisters feel a large amount of animosity towards the other.

This is a dual point of view novel set in 1907.

This book was a lot of fun. I did get a bit sick of the sister's constant squabbling and melodrama but the exciting storyline makes up for those bits.

Really loved this. Probably a 4.5 star read. At times the way the characters spoke felt a little cheesy and unrealistic (“egads” made me cringe a bit), so I’d dock half a point for that. But great world building, character development and plot. It’s left with so many loose ends (not a cliff hanger, but many possibilities left) that I am hoping it is the start of a series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Antiquity Affair is a story of two daughters, who are knowingly and unknowingly archaeologists in training and their category is an archaeologist. Though the book starts at what is to be a debutant ball type occasion, the action starts right away with two sisters, Lila and Tests Ford start their adventures with different people, one ends up with her father and one is kidnapped, and they initially land in two different countries, but after each going through various ordeals, they finally both land in Egypt, then find each other. While en-route to Egypt, each finds out what their father, Dr. Warren Ford, has been working on and both, in different ways, are put to work to solve the mystery at hand. As the story goes, we find out more about the sisters, their father, and what truly matters. And when specifically the sisters find out what truly matters....the possibilities are endless!

I really liked this book. Though a bit difficult to get into, the story flowed and I couldn't put it down. There were some parts of the storyline that I felt could have been edited out, but those parts don't detract from the story.

Female Indiana Jones? Sign me the heck up! This has it all: sibling dynamics, adventure, romance and some wonderfully pacing and humour. I really liked the way Kelly and Thorne melded their voices toward a singular reading experience in a genre and with tropes I want to see more of! For fans of the Mummy and Elizabeth Peters, this is a duo to watch!

This book starts out so fast and I was swept along for the ride. I loved the two sisters, even though they didn't always like each other. Each sister was unique but still empathetic. It felt a bit like Indian Jones and I really enjoyed the adventure.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.