In Matthew Bayan's FOUND, Dr. James Fleming's archaeological discovery in Egypt unleashes more than just ancient secrets. Unearthing a powerful artifact, Fleming finds himself pursued by those who would exploit its energy. A desperate attempt to understand the object catapults him 3,300 years into the past, landing him in the midst of King Tut's court. Suddenly, his expertise is a matter of survival as Fleming navigates the treacherous politics and dangers of ancient Egypt. Facing betrayal and the ever-present threat of his pursuers, he must unravel the artifact's mystery and find a way back to the 21st century before he's lost forever to the sands of time.
Review FOUND
Wow, "Found" by Matthew Bayan completely blew me away! It's one of those books that you just can't put down. The premise itself – an archaeologist accidentally time-traveling, not just to ancient Egypt, but into the mind of Tutankhamun – is incredibly inventive. It's a brilliant blend of genres; historical fiction, sci-fi, and even a touch of fantasy all seamlessly woven together. I genuinely felt transported to that era, experiencing the opulence of the royal court alongside the constant threat of betrayal and intrigue.
Bayan’s writing is exceptional. He doesn't just tell you about ancient Egypt; he shows you. The descriptions are vivid and immersive, painting a picture so clear that I could almost feel the heat of the Egyptian sun and smell the spices in the market. His research is clearly meticulous, lending a strong sense of authenticity to the historical elements of the story. You can tell he deeply understands ancient Egyptian culture, religion, and society, and he uses that knowledge to craft a truly believable and fascinating world.
The characters are wonderfully developed too. Dr. Fleming, our protagonist, is far from a flawless hero. He's relatable, flawed, and makes mistakes – which only makes him more compelling. His internal struggle as he navigates this bizarre situation, sharing the consciousness of a young pharaoh, adds a layer of emotional depth that resonated strongly with me. The supporting characters are just as well-crafted, each with their own motivations and complexities. I particularly enjoyed the dynamic between Fleming and Angie – their relationship adds a layer of personal stakes to the high-octane adventure.
The pacing is perfect. There's plenty of action and suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat, but it's balanced with quieter, more introspective moments that allow for character development and world-building. The plot twists are unexpected and genuinely thrilling, and the mystery surrounding the artifact keeps you guessing until the very end. While the sci-fi elements are central to the story, they never overshadow the historical setting; instead, they enhance it, creating a truly unique and captivating reading experience. It's a masterclass in how to blend different genres without sacrificing the integrity of any one of them.
The ending, while satisfying in its own right, left me craving more! The hints at larger conspiracies and future developments, particularly involving the mysterious technology and the potential for more time-travel adventures, have left me desperately anticipating a sequel. Seriously, where is book two?! There's so much more to explore, so many questions left unanswered, and so many more thrilling adventures waiting to unfold. "Found" is not just a great book; it's a phenomenal adventure that deserves all the praise it's received and more. Five stars isn't enough – I'd give it ten if I could!
Information
- Dimensions: 6 x 0.71 x 9 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 282
- Publication date: 2025
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