Tag: Fantasy action adventures

When Time Splinters: Magic, Myth, and Mystery in ‘Excavating Fate’

‘Excavating Fate’ is the exciting new action adventure novel by Andrea Franco-Cook. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Excavating Fate: A Novel by Andrea Franco-Cook

Where archaeology meets destiny, and one young woman must choose between home and the fate of the multiverse.

The story begins with nineteen-year-old Amara Kalogridas working among the ruins of Carthage in North Africa. Under the supervision of her father, Dr. Andras Kalogridas, a renowned archaeologist, Amara works alongside her brother Greg and fellow intern Sophie. During an excavation, she uncovers a gravestone belonging to Adones Barca—a soldier lost in battle and the adopted son of Hannibal Barca.

Together with Dr. Jasim Hamad, curator of the Credo Museum, the team ventures into a burial chamber to explore further. It begins as a promising discovery but quickly descends into chaos. A mysterious artifact transports Amara into an alternate, magical version of ancient Carthage.

A World of Magic and Myth

In this ancient realm of warring factions and mythical beings, Amara’s only hope of returning home lies with Jan-Ib-Jann, the king of the djinn. He offers her a chance to return—if she completes a dangerous mission that could rewrite history. But he warns: the timeline she returns to might not be the one she left.

As Amara uncovers Jan’s true motives, she must grapple with an impossible choice—protect her loved ones or risk everything to preserve the fragile balance of all realities.

“Adones had been the only constant since I arrived here, the life raft that kept me from drowning in a sea of fear and uncertainty.”

A Spellbinding Fusion of History and Fantasy

Andrea Franco-Cook’s Excavating Fate is a vivid blend of historical fiction, mythology, and coming-of-age adventure. Amara is a compelling heroine—driven, ambitious, and fiercely loyal to her family. Her dream internship quickly becomes a high-stakes journey of survival and self-discovery.

Franco-Cook’s vision of Carthage is richly imagined—alive with political intrigue, magical realism, and cultural depth. Told in first-person through Amara’s eyes, the story explores power, fate, and identity, as she forges uneasy alliances and confronts ancient gods.

“My shallow breaths were the only sounds cutting the silence as I considered who I should trust. I had become a pawn in an imperial war between father and son.”

Final Thoughts

Excavating Fate is ultimately a story of transformation—of people, timelines, and self. With lyrical prose, immersive world-building, and a fast-paced plot layered with mystery, romance, and meaning, Franco-Cook delivers a captivating read.

Perfect for fans of time-slip fantasies, myth-infused history, and courageous heroines who fight not just for survival—but for the truth.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

*Thank you to the author for the gifted ARC for review consideration. I have not been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

“Excavating Fate” will be released on November 1, 2025 and is available for pre-order.

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New book release: ‘Turquoise Pearl: Eyes of Ember’ by Reaver Seishin

‘Turquoise Pearl: Eyes of Ember’ is the new fantasy novel by Reaver Seishin. Photo: Reaver Seishin, used with permission.

Today’s new book release is “Turquoise Pearl: Eyes of Ember” by Reaver Seishin. It is a young adult novel about mythical creatures, sorcery, and wizards. If you are a fan of the genre, here is some more information about this new novel. After reading the first four chapters, this looks to be an interesting read. The setting has Lucy, a mermaiden who is over 3,000 years old with a dark purple tail, dark purple eyes and light purple pupils. She carries a lance and has powers that allow her to manipulate water: “Lucy raised her hand with an open palm as water began to swirl around it like magic…” Despite being an ocean god, she mingles with the populace and they have no problem interacting with her during the town’s festival. Right from the start, she bumps heads with Reaver, so it will be intriguing to find out how their relationship will handle them needing to work together. The language is descriptive and easy to understand and the action is mostly dialogue driven. Sounds like a novel you might enjoy reading? Pick up a copy today.

“Turquoise Pearl: Eyes of Ember” is available on Amazon:
Kindle
Hardcover
Paperback

Reaver Seishin has been writing for several years now and has plans for 11 other books in this series. He enjoys physical activities as well as writing screenplays, so he is always busy working at his craft. His new book “Turquois Pearl: Eyes of Ember” is a young adult fantasy action and adventure novel about a Reaver Seishin, a mutant hunter, who must help Lucy Solace, a mermaiden, find her treasured Turquoise Pearl while aiming to join the elite group known as Auraelixer. (Reaver Seishin, 2023)

“Turquoise Pearl: Eyes of Ember” – In the continent Raintres that houses gods on Aura Island, a mutant hunter named Reaver Seishin works for the gods by scouring the land. He is a lore buff with more than a chip on his shoulder, but needs to protect the entire West coast from being destroyed. 

In order to do so, he needs to earn the approval of a stubborn ocean god named Lucy Solace, a mermaiden. Her people are members of an elite group known as Auraelixer and Reaver must join them to achieve his goal – one he must keep secret. While on this difficult mission, he is sidetracked by Lucy’s obsession to find the Turquois Pearl that holds the unique power necessary to save the West coast of the new continent of Raintres from destruction.

Fueled by secrets they keep from each other, there is tension in the air. Regardless, they need each other as they embark on a wild ride through the cities of Atlantis encountering abyss creatures of the deep, wild railcar rides, and the fantasy world of Aura Island and its monsters and members. All the while, a dark force looms over Lucy urging her to give up the fight.

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Photo: Reaver Seishin, used with permission.