Excavating Fate: A Novel

by Andrea Franco-Cook

Nineteen-year-old Amara's dreams come true when she lands an archaeological internship in Tunisia. But her triumph turns to chaos when a historical artifact hurls her into an alternate version of ancient Carthage, where magic reigns. Stranded in a world of warring factions and mythical beings, Amara's only way home is through a cunning Phoenician god. His price? Complete a perilous mission that could rewrite history itself. As Amara uncovers the god's true agenda, she realizes that altering one world's past could shatter the fabric of all realities - including her own. Now she faces an impossible choice: secure her return home or protect the balance of every dimension. The clock is ticking...

Genres: Fantasy, Time Travel

352 pages, Paperback

Published October 28, 2025

About the author

Andrea's literary journey began in a home where plot twists were as common as bedtime stories. Raised by a mother with an ever-evolving novel, Andrea inherited a passion for storytelling that now influences her daily life.

Andrea's storytelling is also enriched by a tapestry of real-world experiences. Her background as a U.S. Army veteran and Airborne School graduate, brings a unique perspective to her writing. Her current role as a Clinical Social Worker and therapist also provides profound insights into human nature that add depth and authenticity to her narratives.

When not crafting worlds or healing minds, Andrea can be found lost in a good book, cherishing family moments, or weaving herself into her community's fabric through volunteer work. She currently divides her time between Georgetown, Kentucky and Gillette, Wyoming. Andrea is a proud member of The Authors Guild..

Reviews

[Emily Vobornik · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of Excavating Fate in exchanged for an honest review. I was really intrigued by the idea of archeology, time travel, and ancient history; and was excited to see how the author fused the three.
The plot and storyline were really unique and I enjoyed reading something very new to me. I spent the entire book wanting to know what was going to happen next and looking forward to the next chapter!
It was great to see a strong main character that really stayed true to herself throughout the entire story.
I did feel there were times where the story felt a little disjointed… either missing information that would have helped to make the story smoother, or events and situations that seemed out of place; resulting in me having to fill some gaps.
I feel like it ended a little abruptly, I would have liked to have a “bigger picture” ending (don’t want to give anything away ☺️)… but the ending could also leave the door open for a sequel?!?

Overall, this is a great YA novel and I had a fun time reading! If you enjoy history, mythology, ancient worlds, and some science fiction… then I would definitely recommend giving this a read!!!
Official rating of 3.5 stars.

[Sarah Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!

Nineteen-year-old Amara is a true lover of history. Daughter of an archaeologist, she is passionate about the work, and is thrilled when she earns an archaeological internship in Tunisia. When a historical artifact sends Amara back to an alternate version of ancient Carthage, magic and chaos take control of her life. Not only that, but she discovers that the choices she makes in this new reality, may have lasting ramifications on her own.

This book was amazing! As a lover of books with time travel and mythology, this book definitely did not disappoint me. The way the scifi elements of time travel and alternate universes, were blended so well with those of magic and gods, left me wishing there were more books out there with this unique feel.

Amara makes a compelling protagonist as she battles not only problems of other-worldly proportions, but also problems a bit closer to home. As if all of that isn't great enough, we get just enough romantic undertones to make our hearts soar a little higher.

If you like adventure and magic with just a touch of romance, I would highly recommend this book to you!

[Madi Angeles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excavating Fate was a captivating blend of ancient history, time travel, and fantasy that made me feel like I was thrown back in time to Ancient Carthage myself!

I had the wonderful opportunity to read this story as an ARC. It was a perfect balance between life in an ancient civilization (Carthage), time travel, and fantasy. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in those genres.

The detail of each chapter fully immersed me in the story and really set the scene for life in Ancient Carthage. Each character was deeply developed, with their relationships evolving in meaningful and sometimes surprising ways. Time travel can be tricky, yet this story handled it clearly and creatively without an overload of information or ruining the pace of the plot. The pace was just right, keeping me interested for the entirety of the story, even taking me by surprise with a juicy plot twist! The end of the book leaves so much opportunity for more, and I truly hope to we can revisit this world again!

[Jada Schaffer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as an early reader for a review.

Time travel and archeology go hand in hand so this was a great read! The main character felt a little flat to me at times, but I did enjoy her character arc as she grows and becomes more emotionally available to those around her. I do wish there has been more of a dive into the romance, but I also liked the idea that it was more about helping people and less about falling in love. Overall, I feel like this could have been a little longer to fit in those pieces. It felt like it ended far too quickly.

3.5 stars rounded down for me, but this is a story I’d recommend to my high schoolers!

[Simplymetaramarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great YA read! History, archeology, time travel, romance, family dynamics, sci-fi all wrapped up in one adventure. Amara is a smart, strong-willed young woman who is accidentally drawn into the adventure of a lifetime. I enjoyed seeing her growth throughout the novel. I appreciate, as a YA novel for 7th-9th graders, the romance was presented as it is. The ending wrapped up the story while leaving an opening for further adventures with Amara.

[Rhyan Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was super intrigued to read this to see how the author merged elements of ancient history, mythology, and sci-fi. I was not disappointed and the story delivered in all 3 aspects. Specifically, I really loved the attention to detail about the ancient civilization and learning about it! The unique setting helped this book set itself apart from others in similar genres. The story itself had good pacing and kept the reader intrigued, and I appreciated the themes of valuing what’s around you. The story definitely read as a YA, which is neither a good or bad thing, just important to know if you’re looking to read. The ending left a bit to be desired but this could easily be satisfied with a sequel. I would highly recommend for readers, especially those looking for a quick paced historical read with some mythology!

[Elise Vaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amara’s dad is head archeologist on the dig site in Tunisia.
Amara, her brother, and his girlfriend are there as interns helping when they uncover a tomb when they are “zapped” back in time to ancient Carthage.

They fight to get back to their time, encounter mythical creatures, magic, and try to figure out who they can trust.

I loved the plot so much written beautifully, in detail and depth. I see this as being a new adult book, there is some cursing.

I’m really hoping the author makes this a series because I want more!

I’m giving Excavating Fate six stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I never do that.
Thank you Lodestone Books for sending me this book 📖 for my honest opinion and review. Also thank you to the author ✍️ Andrea Franco-Cook for writing this lovely book.

[Iris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excavating Fate” by Andrea Franco
This book was such a refreshing and captivating read! With Amara at its heart, Excavating Fate beautifully blends history, fiction, and the invisible threads of destiny. I felt truly transported—drawn deep into the rich, ancient world of Carthage and swept up in a story that’s both gripping and unforgettable. I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for this incredible debut, and I can’t recommend it enough to those who love historical fiction with soul and substance.

[Angela Gutierrez · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

I love a good time travel fantasy. Amara ends up in ancient Carthage, which, for me, is a new and interesting choice. The world ends up a bit more magical with gods, Djinn, and other mythological creatures. Amara sets out to find herself way back to her time but ends up in a lot of trouble. Amara has good character growth. She is smart and adapts to her situation quickly. The plot was engaging and kept me interested. Adones, Bear, and Moqerhe were great characters for Amara to interact with. I wanted more to happen between Amara and Moqerhe. Some of the dialogue/dictionary drew me out of the story because I couldn't imagine the character saying it. I also wanted more from the ending.

[Zachary White · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who enjoys fantasy novels, I was pleasantly surprised at the opportunity to read a novel that explores the underrepresented setting of Carthage. I think this setting and the descriptions within help separate it from other novels in the same genre. The interconnection of history and the present, along with genuine respect and awe for this ancient civilization, makes this book an enjoyable read from start to finish.

[Sonia Trujillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excavating Fate was “magically mysterious”. It catches your attention from the beginning and it makes you feel as if you’re part of the story. I loved having the opportunity to read this as an ARC reader. This was my first book ever by Andrea Franco and I’m sure it will not be the last. She has a way of developing her characters that is very captivating. This historical novel is a must read even if this is not your go to genre. You won’t be disappointed!!!

[Angela Costa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. it was a rwal page turner. The characters we easy to like. Even those with, what appeared to be flaws. They all had valid beliefs and reasons and in the end whose to say the wrong side won? Amara fought hard and didnt really waiver from her own set of morals. She was a superb heroine. I would definitely read a sequel.

[Carol Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an arc copy to read in exchange for my honest opinion.
Excavating Fate by Andrea Franco-Cook is a fast paced adventure. A tale of Amara’s adventures through other times lines with mythical creatures and some boy drama will keep you hooked start to finish.
I highly recommend this novel.

[Saphyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

A piece of mythological history that I'm not familiar with, but have falling in love with! Great story, with plenty of action to keep q person interested. I already want more and it's not even fully released yet! Very excited to be able to share the joy soon!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Time Travel to Ancient Carthage

Excavating Fate by Andrea Franco-Cook is a teen or young adult time travel fantasy that I like especially for the historical elements of Carthage and Hannibal. I also like the mythical creatures and glimpse of archaeology. I wasn’t sure about the romances, though. It had good pacing, but there were places I would have liked more information.

I wouldn’t give it a full 4 stars (only 3.5), but I boosted it because of all the elements I did like and the idea that it was aimed for teens, who like some different features than I do. I received this book for free via Goodreads.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so thankful to get a chance to read this book since it combines my two favorite genres in historical fiction and fantasy. I found Excavating Fate to be a quite intriguing and had me wanting to continue to find out what was going to happen. It was an interesting plot with some twists throughout and tension but no spice.

There was good character development for the most part too with a strong emphasis on not taking for granted the time you have with the people you love. This was a key theme for Amara and how she developed throughout the story. She is closed off and has a strong personality and moral sense, which contributes to her struggle with the roles and realities of historical Carthage. As for Adones, had so many differing feelings throughout that I definitely hadn’t expected. I would’ve liked a little more development of Moqerhe but I can see how it’s set up for more if there is a book 2.

Overall, I really enjoyed Excavating Fate and would recommend for anyone who enjoys these genres. As nondescript as this is, I felt like I wanted more in some way, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying the story. I would definitely look forward to reading a second book in the future.

[Connie Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. I was hooked from the beginning and didn't want it to end. Great character development, the descriptions were done so well, I had a great vision as I read. The twist at the end...brilliant!

[Elisabeth Warner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from the author. This is my honest review.

I had different expectations of this book going into it. I thought it was time travel/historical fiction. That part in and of itself was OK, but the fantasy element was something I didn’t expect. I truthfully DNF’d it because it didn’t hold my attention.

[Cheri Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars

I am so thankful to the author for sharing this ARC with me and am excited for others to read this book!

This book was not what I was initially expecting. I really enjoyed the time travel and alternate history aspect and was not expecting the turn from magical realism/time travel to more of a fantasy plot and characters, but I enjoyed that too. There were parts that were a bit of a wild ride! Lots of interesting characters, surprising twists, and exciting moments.

Overall, this was fun and well-written. It is YA, so the relationships and feelings stay fairly surface level, as you would expect, but these were still well done for the most part. There are parts where the connections, found family, and alliances seem to bounce back and forth. Some of that is part of the plot, but at times it felt confusing. There were also some lingering unanswered questions at the end and minor plot holes, but nothing that took away my enjoyment of the story.

I was a little disappointed in the ending - I wanted a little more and more information/explanation - and wonder if this is supposed to be the first in a series?

Summary - a fun book worth reading if you like YA time travel/fantasy/alternate history!

[Maureen Madray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of reading an ARC copy of Excavating Fate! This was a fun adventure into a unique setting that combined magic and historical figures. The story was fast paced and kept me interested from start to finish.

My one complaint is that the plot felt a little rushed. The amount of initial text devoted to describing the FMC and the setting where the story began felt cut short, and subsequently I as the reader felt a bit rushed into the turmoil of the driving storyline without enough time to get to know our main character. This made it a little hard to connect with her and understand her motivations.

If you like historical fiction, fantasy, or ancient myths this will be a fun summer read that you won’t regret picking up!

I received an advance review copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Steve]

Hi!
Can we please update the cover for Excavating Fate 9781803418964

Here is a link to the correct one on Amazon and our Collective Ink site.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1...

https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com/lo...

If you need me to send you the file, just ask (but there's no way to attach one here).

Steve
Sales & Distribution
Collective Ink

[Meg Gilman · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a super interesting concept. On an archeology dig, Amara stumbles upon a portal that transports her to Carthage, a place she thinks she knows. But she quickly finds out that not everything is how it appears. I enjoyed the dive into the ancient world, the touches of magic, and the world building. There’s a nice twist at the end! Overall, it was a fun read, with some great characters and a good plot.

[Brooklyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Excavating Fate" is an interesting and absorbing young adult novel, plunging readers into a blend of archaeology, history, time travel, and personal discovery. The story centers on nineteen-year-old Amara, whose opportunity of a lifetime—an archaeological internship in Tunisia—takes a turn into mystery and self-exploration as her present intersects with secrets buried in the ancient past.

Strengths:

- deep themes and real emotions
The author is amazing at weaving together themes like memory, trauma, fate, and the power of discovery, always anchoring the story in Amara’s personal growth. Amara emerges as a genuine, relatable narrator—her flaws, anxieties, and determination making her journey thoroughly believable. Relationships in the book, especially between Amara and her father, are portrayed with honesty and emotional complexity, reflecting the love and tension often present in real-life family bonds.

- immersive setting
The descriptions of the dig site and Tunisian setting are vivid and atmospheric, giving the archaeological adventure an authentic feel. It's clear the author did her research. Details of the historical mysteries, coupled with the speculative, time-bending elements, create a perfectly balanced blend that never overwhelms the narrative.

- engaging, fast-paced plot
Twists and turns keep the pace snappy and the suspense high. It’s easy to get swept up in both the external mysteries and Amara’s internal journey.

Areas for Improvement:

- grammar and flow
The writing occasionally suffers from mild grammar mistakes, and at times the flow can be awkward or choppy, disrupting the otherwise engaging narrative.

- transitions
shifts between different timelines or plot lines weren’t always seamless, and there were moments when I had to reread sections to get my bearings. These minor issues sometimes interrupted my reading experience.

Final Thoughts
"Excavating Fate" is a compelling and thought-provoking YA novel—especially appealing to readers who love historical mysteries, self-discovery, and a touch of the fantastical. While the plot is excellent, there were areas where the execution could have been stronger. Nevertheless, the characters lingered with me hours after finishing, and the fresh take on archaeological adventure makes this book a standout despite a few imperfections. Amara’s journey will especially resonate with anyone drawn to solving puzzles and those who appreciate rich, emotionally authentic storytelling.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Sandra Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Andrea Franco-Cook’s Excavating Fate is a vivid blend of historical fiction, mythology, and coming-of-age adventure. Amara is a compelling heroine—driven, ambitious, and fiercely loyal to her family. Her dream internship quickly becomes a high-stakes journey of survival and self-discovery.

Franco-Cook’s vision of Carthage is richly imagined—alive with political intrigue, magical realism, and cultural depth. Told in first-person through Amara’s eyes, the story explores power, fate, and identity, as she forges uneasy alliances and confronts ancient gods."

🗝️✨ What if uncovering the past meant rewriting the future?

Nineteen-year-old Amara thought her archaeology internship in Carthage would shape her career—not her destiny. When a mysterious artifact flings her into a magical version of ancient Carthage, survival depends on a cunning god and a mission that could change history forever.

#BookReview #HistoricalFantasy #TimeSlipFiction #ExcavatingFate #Gifted

If you like stories about ancient history, mythical creatures, and strong female characters, checks this one out. Release date is November 1, 2025.

Pre-order now!

Read the full review of Excavating Fate by Andrea Franco-Cook—a thrilling mix of myth, magic, and self-discovery. 📚🌍

My Review

[Maja Bozic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to read this through ARC and was fascinated by this story. I very much liked the characters and how they were developed and all tied together. The storyline was well established and it captured my interest from early on throughout the book. I did not want to put it down until I finished it. The historic value was also well established and tied in with the fiction. I won’t disclose anything that can spoil it, but if you like historic Carthage and that area and fictional time travel to today’s times this is the book for you. I would highly recommend this book. Oh, and the twist at the end was so well written I didn’t see it coming at all.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lodestone Books and Collective Ink Books has shared an advance reader copy in exchange for my review! Thank you so much.

This was such a fun read! It reminded me of some of my favorite movies The Mummy and Indiana Jones with its mix of history, magic, and adventure. The storytelling was incredibly immersive, and I even learned a few new things about ancient Carthage along the way.

I loved following Amara through all the wild adventures she was thrown into. There were definitely moments that made me want to pull my hair out because of her choices, but they felt true to her character and to how someone might realistically react in her situation.

[Christopher Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excavating Fate really caught me off guard in the best way. It’s deep without trying too hard, and it makes you think about how the past and present overlap in ways we usually ignore. Andrea Franko Cook has a way of writing that feels personal, like she’s talking straight to you but still painting a big picture at the same time. Some parts hit harder than I expected, and by the end, I felt like I had actually gone through something with the characters. Definitely a 4.5/5 for me! Only a 4.5 because I want to give her room to grow with the next one!

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excavating Fate made me want to read more YA. I especially enjoyed the time travel and surprising characters. Amara's compassion and wittiness made the journey, along with her friends, fun even in distressing times. The settings, archaeological site and Carthage, proved to be well thought out. I also see possibilities for a sequel.

[Jenelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excavating Fate by Andrea Franco is a refreshing blend of time travel, ancient history, and magic. I loved the unique Carthage setting and the mix of mythological elements. Amara’s character growth was great. It’s a captivating and imaginative read that I’d recommend to fans of historical fantasy.

3.75 Star rating ****

[Christi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excavating Fate, ARC Review
Historical Fiction that captivates you from the get go. A thrilling ride that is fast-paced and worth every moment.
Even if this isn't your normal genre to read, give it a try - you will not be disappointed.