⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Book Review
This was such a gripping and empowering read! Set in 1924, it follows Clara Fairfax—a fiercely determined woman fighting against a world that constantly underestimates her. The mix of archaeology, ancient artifacts, and high-stakes adventure had me hooked from the start.
The tension between Clara and her academic rival Henry adds the perfect slow-burn edge, blending intellect, danger, and undeniable chemistry 🔥
Packed with mystery, history, and a powerful female lead, this is the kind of story that keeps you turning pages late into the night. An exciting start to The Divine Woman Series—I’m already craving the next book!

This is a 7 ⭐️ read from me. This isnt my usual read. But OMG, I am obsessed. I cannot recommend it enough. Give it a go! Thank you to Olive Press Publishing & Liz for the opportunity to ARC read this.

The Olympian Artifact is Book 1 in the series called 'The Devine New Woman Series' by Liz Molloy.
Thanks to Olivepresspublishing & Liz Molloy for this ARC.

First of, I LOVED that this book was set in 1924 London in the UK in the beginning & for some reason this time round i really loved that it was first person! I think sometimes its a better POV! Loved it. So this whole read is first person as the character Clara Fairfax. I loved the depiction of the weather against the house etc at the beginning. It really gave me ran down, burnt out, overwhelming flow vibes.

I absolutely loved that she did not want to live the standard run of the mill life for that time period & wanted to actually live her life & experience her passions on archaeological sites etc & continuing to fight for her belief.

I love Clara's relationship with her grandad!!!I did feel bad for her about the fact she didn't want Henry to go on the expedition! Like why him, when her grandad should know well how much of a fight she has to put in at the University. Hmmm. I adored the whole scene with Evangeline & Lottie. The friendship between Evangeline & Clara seemed super special!! And you could just see from their words, the love they had for each other. I need a friend who makes clothes 👀🤣

Im jealous of her room on the ship. Like yo. I need a luxury trip like that. I also really enjoyed the bond Clara formed with Amina! Two peas in a pod sticking together!! I also had dislike to Henry with hopes for him to grow on me as we got further in.

Liz does not hold back when it comes to vivid descriptions and im totally here for it - every single time. One that will remain my favourite is "The full moon shines above me, its light rippling across the Atlantic Ocean. Stars twinkle in the clear, dark sky as the vast ocean moves in quiet serenity. I sit in a silence so loud, yet I don’t feel alone.I look up at the stars—the universe staring back—and think of all of those who have done the same centuries before. I feel the presence of thousands of years of civilizations that crossed this same ocean. And for a brief moment, I feel infinite." I'm just like damn. Can I see that please and feel that. 👀

I totally absorbed this book, before I knew it, I was 50% in at 1am, and I didn't want to stop reading. The twists and turns totally pulled at my heartstrings and my anxiety was at like a million? But omg. 👀 And Henry finally did start growing on me at around this mark also.

The twist towards the end hurt my soul 😮‍💨😭 omg!! I surprisingly loved this book and I'm hoping for a book 2!!

the sweetest book. an adventure. beautiful writing. I’m obsessed with this story and already want more.
Clara sets out on an expedition with her grandfather to uncover the locations of the seven ancient wonders of the world. She stumbles across three artifacts that change…everything. while trying to avoid the people hunting those artifacts, they’re pulled into another adventure entirely.

it’s a story about staying true to your values, what you’re willing to risk for the people you love, and for humanity as a whole. I loved how Clara’s voice as an activist is woven throughout the story; she’s pushing the boundaries of the limits placed on her and speaking up for women 🫶

the prose is gorgeous. I’ll forever be obsessed.

I loved Henry from the moment I met him. the way he supports Clara and her ambitions, especially as a woman in a deeply patriarchal society, meant everything. he owns his faults, acknowledges his blind spots… Henry the man you are.

Dr. Alarie, Baccar, her grandfather 🥲 the found family in this was so warm and joyful.

I would read another 300 pages of this in a heartbeat

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it covered so many things i enjoy:
Rivals to lovers
Greek mythology
Archaeology
I tend to struggle with historical timelines but this really gripped me, Clara was such a likeable FMC and Henry was such a swoonworthy MMC. I really enjoyed the incorporation of the greek mythology within the story and the journey our two main characters took!

Loved the plot and characters. Get ready to read until the wee hours of the morning because you won't be able to put the book down.

The Olympian Artifacts by Liz Molloy turned out to be such a rewarding read. It began with a cosy, almost gentle tone, but gradually built into a much more exciting and gripping story, culminating in a truly satisfying ending.

One of the highlights for me was the historical fiction setting and the focus on a strong female protagonist navigating the challenges of academia. As a historian with a PhD, I particularly appreciated the portrayal of the difficulties women faced in pursuing university education—especially in male-dominated fields like archaeology and history. That element felt both authentic and compelling.

At first, I wasn’t sure the time period would fully work for me, as I usually gravitate toward eighteenth-century historical fiction. However, less than 20% into the book, I found myself completely drawn in and genuinely invested in the story.

I would highly recommend this to readers of historical fiction, classics, and mystery. It would also make a perfect summer read as it was easy to sink into on the beach while still offering depth and intrigue.

Definitely 5 stars from me. I thank the publisher and author for the advance copy via Netgalley.

Wow! Equal parts riveting adventure and sweet romance.

This historical fantasy is set in postwar 1920's England and follows Oxford graduate Clara Fairfax. Born into high society but a true suffragette, Clara rejects social expectations to pursue academia. She joins her grandfather and three other scholars on an expedition to excavate the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World. A tender romance blooms while a shocking discovery changes the course of their mission.

Romantasy readers accustomed to fae kingdoms and magical courts will be pleasantly surprised to find familiar tropes delivered in a fresh way: enemies-to-lovers slow burn, forced proximity & fake dating with a one-bed situation, and sometimes morally gray characters who are protective (but not possessive)..

The pacing moves quickly and keeps you hooked. There is never a dull moment, with both the romance and adventure making this difficult to put down. The world-building is balanced and atmospheric, capturing the charm of old England, the opulence of high society, and the thrill of archaeological expeditions and maritime voyages without becoming overly dense.

Character development is lighter since the focus leans more toward the romance and plot. Henry’s arrogant and selfish side could have been developed further, making Clara’s hatred toward him feel more convincing. Still, many women will resonate with Clara’s journey as she overcomes insecurity, steps into her power, and learns to trust her own brilliance. The dialogue is often tender and natural, though discussions surrounding women’s issues can occasionally feel unnatural, formal, or clunky.

Despite this, it gets a 10/10 for emotional impact. The romantic tension buds into a sweet and deeply emotional love. While it's not spicy like a common romantasy, it still delivers a satisfying and emotional payoff. The grandfather-granddaughter relationship is also heartwarming throughout. The ending is tragic, emotional, and ultimately empowering, and will absolutely bring tears to your eyes.

The novel also explores themes of womanhood in the 1920s, along with the sisterhood and solidarity of fellow suffragettes. Clara trying on trousers for the first time is particularly poignant and empowering, while other dialogue & narration can feel a bit too on the nose. Themes of grief and longing for what was and what could have been also run throughout the story.

Think Atlantis: The Lost Empire meets National Treasure with a touch of Murder on the Orient Express. Highly recommend for readers who love history and Greek mythology, European travel, women’s history, academia, and archaeological adventures.

Thank you to Olive Press Publishing and Liz Molloy for the advanced copy. It was an absolute pleasure!