Review: Origins (The Talisman Ring of Amenhotep #2) by Zev de Velera

Determined to find answers to the mysteries surrounding the ancient electrum ring he inherited from his late lover, Egyptologist Theo Barojas, Julian Wingate and his new partner, Dinesh, seek out the help of Theo's aging mentor. When the lively centenarian reveals secret knowledge that ties him to Julian's nemesis, the Directrix, the trio unit to seek out the truth. But not all the secrets that will be revealed are ancient ones. Dinesh must deal with demons from his past, Julian will struggle with his attraction to the seductive Hiroshi Sato, and Dinesh's daughter, Rachna, will be torn between loyalty to her father and the demands of her charismatic new employer. And then there are the questions that nag at Julian. What strange bond does he share with the Directrix, who possesses the mate of his talisman ring? Why can only they wear the relics with impunity? To find the answer to these and other questions, Julian must return to the point of origin; the tomb of Amenhotep Son of Hapu.

I’ve always been fascinated by Egyptology and the lore and legend that goes along with it. This series is so unique and speaks to my fascination in a big way. There’s history, romance, a mystery or two and the edge of paranormal that you need to have to make a story like this complete. I was hooked after the first book and the second one continues the story of the characters I thoroughly enjoyed in The Talisman Ring. Dinesh and Julian are back and their relationship is moving on to the next level of commitment. It’s obvious they are totally in love with one another and reading about them nesting together have the mystery and the drama of the story it’s balance of sweetness.

What is fun about their characters is their uniqueness. You know that feeling you get when you watch a great classic movie on TCM? Everyone in the movie is classier, fancier and prettier than your average schmoe. That’s how it is reading these characters. And it’s not like reading snobbery or anything like that, they are just naturally in a different world and it’s so pretty to read. At the same time, they are accessible and relatable on an emotional level so you can appreciate all the fancy and still connect with the story.

In Origins there are some new characters introduced, including a double agent of sorts that I’m dying to know more about. You have to read it, but this could end up going so wrong or so right depending on this character and I really want to know! Hiroshi is back and I’m still up in the air about how I feel about that slutty little number. I don’t trust him at all, but he’s totally piqued my interest. He better not keeping messing with Julian too much though, Dinesh is way more understanding than I am. The connection between Julian and the Directrix is revealed. Sort of. There’s a lot more to that story and I’m going to anxiously await the next installment.

This is one of those series that is written in a way that makes me want to see it as a movie. The visuals the author paints are so vivid and I’ve already mentioned the pretty so you can get where I’m coming from there. I’d highly recommend this series to anyone with a fascination for history in general and Egyptology in particular. It’s a great old-fashioned mystery with memorable characters and a couple I’ve come to love reading about. Their banter is endearing and their sexy times are quite sexy. Highly recommended.

For more information on Origins, check it out on Goodreads.

**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**