Imagine being on an archeological dig in Carthage and suddenly being transported two thousand years in the past with mythical creatures. It's an interesting read and well worth the time.

"Excavating Fate" is an interesting and absorbing young adult novel, plunging readers into a blend of archaeology, history, time travel, and personal discovery. The story centers on nineteen-year-old Amara, whose opportunity of a lifetime—an archaeological internship in Tunisia—takes a turn into mystery and self-exploration as her present intersects with secrets buried in the ancient past.

Strengths:

- deep themes and real emotions
The author is amazing at weaving together themes like memory, trauma, fate, and the power of discovery, always anchoring the story in Amara’s personal growth. Amara emerges as a genuine, relatable narrator—her flaws, anxieties, and determination making her journey thoroughly believable. Relationships in the book, especially between Amara and her father, are portrayed with honesty and emotional complexity, reflecting the love and tension often present in real-life family bonds.

- immersive setting
The descriptions of the dig site and Tunisian setting are vivid and atmospheric, giving the archaeological adventure an authentic feel. It's clear the author did her research. Details of the historical mysteries, coupled with the speculative, time-bending elements, create a perfectly balanced blend that never overwhelms the narrative.

- engaging, fast-paced plot
Twists and turns keep the pace snappy and the suspense high. It’s easy to get swept up in both the external mysteries and Amara’s internal journey.

Areas for Improvement:

- grammar and flow
The writing occasionally suffers from mild grammar mistakes, and at times the flow can be awkward or choppy, disrupting the otherwise engaging narrative.

- transitions
shifts between different timelines or plot lines weren’t always seamless, and there were moments when I had to reread sections to get my bearings. These minor issues sometimes interrupted my reading experience.

Final Thoughts
"Excavating Fate" is a compelling and thought-provoking YA novel—especially appealing to readers who love historical mysteries, self-discovery, and a touch of the fantastical. While the plot is excellent, there were areas where the execution could have been stronger. Nevertheless, the characters lingered with me hours after finishing, and the fresh take on archaeological adventure makes this book a standout despite a few imperfections. Amara’s journey will especially resonate with anyone drawn to solving puzzles and those who appreciate rich, emotionally authentic storytelling.

"Excavating Fate" is a captivating young adult adventure that swept me up in a whirlwind of archaeology, history, and personal growth. The story follows nineteen-year-old Amara as she embarks on a dream internship in Tunisia, only to stumble into a mystery that connects ancient history and her own unpredictable future.

The author's ability to blend big themes—memory, trauma, fate, and discovery—without losing sight of the main character’s emotional journey is truly one of the best aspects of the story. Amara’s voice is believable and relatable, and I appreciated how her flaws, fears, and hopes shaped the story, making her feel like a real person. The relationships between characters are nuanced, and their dialogue often reveals more than what’s on the surface. The relationship between Amara and her dad in particular seemed extremely realistic, and I admire the author's ability to incorporate occasional strain typical of a parent-child dynamic throughout the book, as it adds emotional depth to the book.

The archaeological adventure and the archaeological-based felt especially vivid and well-researched, with details that transported me right to the dig site. I liked how the historical elements and the time-twisting speculation were woven into the plot without overwhelming the narrative. The book is fast-paced, and the suspense kept me turning pages to see how both the personal and historical mysteries would resolve.

That said, while the plot is excellent and full of twists, I did feel the execution could have been a little stronger. I noticed a few mild grammar mistakes, and occasionally the writing felt awkward or choppy, disrupting the otherwise engaging flow. Sometimes the transitions between different timelines or plot threads weren't as smooth as they could have been, and I occasionally had to reread a section to orient myself. These are minor issues, but they did pull me out of the narrative at times.

Overall, "Excavating Fate" stands out as a thought-provoking, imaginative YA novel that’s perfect for readers who love history, self-discovery, and a bit of mystery. Even with its imperfections, the relatable characters and engaging plot had me thinking about this book for hours after I read it.