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A review by tessa_talks_books
Temple of Swoon by Jo Segura
4.0
If Indiana Jones were a quirky, sharp-witted woman with a penchant for breaking rules and dodging traps in ancient ruins, she'd be Dr. Miriam Jackson—better known as Miri to those brave enough to keep up with her. Jo Segura's Temple of Swoon delivers a thrilling, laugh-out-loud, action-packed adventure. I couldn't help but get swept away by its irresistible charm.
First, let's talk about Miri. She's the kind of protagonist who jumps off the page, all determination and sass, with just enough vulnerability to make her relatable. I was hooked from the moment she pulled out her stash of snacks when stranded in a remote area, earning her the nickname "Pringles." Miri's wit and determination are the driving forces of the story, making her the perfect mix of brains, determination, and sass.
Then there's Rafe, the journalist/saboteur-turned-love-interest. Their romance? Classic instalove gold. It was a delight to watch Miri and Rafe banter and bicker their way through death traps, cryptic puzzles, and ancient curses. The tension between them builds perfectly, and every stolen glance, snarky remark, and begrudging moment of trust pulls me deeper into their relationship. When they moved from adversaries to fighting for each other, I was swooning along with the title.
The story's pacing is as relentless as the obstacles Miri and Rafe face. Segura keeps the stakes high and the action flowing with ancient legends, dangerous expeditions, and plenty of "oh no, how are they getting out of this?" moments. I barely had time to catch my breath before another twist hurtled the characters into more danger (and often, hilarious chaos).
Why four stars instead of five? While I adored romance and action, I wished more depth in the secondary characters and world-building. The supporting cast and mythology surrounding the "Temple of Swoon" were intriguing. Still, they could've been explored just a bit more. That said, it didn't stop me from devouring this book and grinning the whole way through.
Temple of Swoon is a treasure you'll want to uncover if you love fast-paced adventures, banter-filled romance, and a leading lady who's as clever as she is bold. Miri and Rafe's journey will leave you rooting for them long after the final page—and maybe planning your next (fictional) expedition.
First, let's talk about Miri. She's the kind of protagonist who jumps off the page, all determination and sass, with just enough vulnerability to make her relatable. I was hooked from the moment she pulled out her stash of snacks when stranded in a remote area, earning her the nickname "Pringles." Miri's wit and determination are the driving forces of the story, making her the perfect mix of brains, determination, and sass.
Then there's Rafe, the journalist/saboteur-turned-love-interest. Their romance? Classic instalove gold. It was a delight to watch Miri and Rafe banter and bicker their way through death traps, cryptic puzzles, and ancient curses. The tension between them builds perfectly, and every stolen glance, snarky remark, and begrudging moment of trust pulls me deeper into their relationship. When they moved from adversaries to fighting for each other, I was swooning along with the title.
The story's pacing is as relentless as the obstacles Miri and Rafe face. Segura keeps the stakes high and the action flowing with ancient legends, dangerous expeditions, and plenty of "oh no, how are they getting out of this?" moments. I barely had time to catch my breath before another twist hurtled the characters into more danger (and often, hilarious chaos).
Why four stars instead of five? While I adored romance and action, I wished more depth in the secondary characters and world-building. The supporting cast and mythology surrounding the "Temple of Swoon" were intriguing. Still, they could've been explored just a bit more. That said, it didn't stop me from devouring this book and grinning the whole way through.
Temple of Swoon is a treasure you'll want to uncover if you love fast-paced adventures, banter-filled romance, and a leading lady who's as clever as she is bold. Miri and Rafe's journey will leave you rooting for them long after the final page—and maybe planning your next (fictional) expedition.