Review of Among the Cursed Gods by T.J. Lundin
As a long-time fan of adventure romance—ever since I was swept off my feet by the escapades of The Lost City—I was ecstatic to discover T.J. Lundin’s Among the Cursed Gods. When the opportunity came to be an ARC reader, I jumped at the chance. Who doesn’t love a thrilling mix of ancient mythology, romantic suspense, and, of course, a dash of spicy tension? Spoiler alert: this book delivers on those fronts, even if it stumbles in others.
The story transports us to the vibrant heart of Peru, where Victoria Reynolds, an archeologist with an insatiable curiosity for old relics, embarks on a quest that intertwines ancient lore with a complicated love triangle. From the outset, Lundin’s dedication to Incan mythology shines through, captivating readers with rich storytelling and intricate historical threads woven flawlessly into contemporary dialogue. However, while I appreciated the effort, I found the pacing of the adventure itself lacking. For a book promising action and thrills, the first half felt bogged down by too many intimate moments, leaving a craving for the promised adventure.
Victoria, our fiercely independent protagonist, is a breath of fresh air—a strong female character who takes no nonsense from anyone. Still, I found myself grappling with some inconsistencies in her character development. For instance, while we’re continually told how intelligent she is, her moments of impulsiveness often overshadow her brains, leading to confusion. The backstory with her former love, Derek, appears almost as an afterthought, leaving me wishing it had played a more pivotal role.
When it comes to romance, I found my heart rooting for Grady, the charismatic, brooding soldier whose chemistry with Victoria nearly ignites from the pages. I particularly enjoyed his swoon-worthy lines like, "You are like forbidden treasure…" But the quick transition from flirtation to deep connection felt a bit rushed, creating an "insta-lust" vibe that didn’t quite hit the mark. Marcus, on the other hand—well, let’s just say he oscillated between being a potential love interest and an enigma. His motives, like those of his on-screen counterpart, felt muddled, leading to moments of confusion that detracted from the romantic tension.
However, Lundin knows how to pack a punch when it comes to dialogue, and I adored the playful banter between characters—especially those tantalizing quotes from both Grady and Marcus that left my heart racing. And while I wished for more exploration of the action-adventure plot, the climax of the story ramped up in excitement. The final showdown provided the fast-paced thrills I craved, showcasing Victoria’s knowledge of Incan culture in a way that felt authentic and engaging.
As I turned the last page, I was left with mixed feelings about the resolution. The ending introduced elements of fantasy that felt a bit abrupt after the contemporary build-up, raising more questions than it answered. What happened to the relics? Are the characters poised for another adventure? I wasn’t quite ready to say goodbye to this intriguing world.
In summary, Among the Cursed Gods is an engaging read packed with romance, a hint of adventure, and a strong female lead, making it a delightful choice for fans of romantic suspense. While it may have its quirks, Lundin sets the stage for what could be an exciting series ahead. If you’re on the hunt for a thrilling escapade combined with sizzling tension, this book might just be your next page-turner!
Happy reading! For more reviews and conversations, check out my blog at Shreya Reads, Reviews, and Writes!