Title: The Jackal’s House
Series: Lancaster’s Luck 02
Author: Anna Butler
Genre: Steampunk
Length: Novel (310 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (October 30, 2017)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4 1/2 Hearts
Blurb: Something is stalking the Aegyptian night and endangering the archaeologists excavating the mysterious temple ruins in Abydos. But is it a vengeful ancient spirit or a very modern conspiracy….
Rafe Lancaster’s relationship with Gallowglass First Heir, Ned Winter, flourishes over the summer of 1900, and when Rafe’s House encourages him to join Ned’s next archaeological expedition, he sees a chance for it to deepen further. Since all the Houses of the Britannic Imperium, Rafe’s included, view assassination as a convenient solution to most problems, he packs his aether pistol—just in case.
Trouble finds them in Abydos. Rafe and Ned begin to wonder if they’re facing opposition to the Temple of Seti being disturbed. What begins as tricks and pranks escalates to attacks and death, while the figure of the Dog—the jackal-headed god, Anubis, ruler of death—casts a long shadow over the desert sands. Destruction follows in his wake as he returns to reclaim his place in Abydos. Can Rafe and Ned stand against both the god and House plots when the life of Ned’s son is on the line?
ISBN-13: 978-1-63533-944-4
Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/the-jackals-house-by-anna-butler-8998-b
Reviewer: Shorty
Review: The beginning of this story wraps up things left unanswered in the first book and is somewhat slow. Afterwards we find Ned is going to Aegypt for his archaeological dig. Rafe is less than thrilled and even Harry, Ned’s son, is somewhat displeased.
Once at the site things become strange and start picking up. There were many twists and turns that added a mysterious element to the story. While some I figured out others surprised me. I truly like the characters in this story as they seem well blended and rounded.
My only gripe with the series is that is seems slow at times to the point where I would like to stop reading for a while. I liked both books but this one is better paced than the first one.
All in all a great read and continuation of the series.