Scarab

by Christina Evers

486 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication August 4, 2026

Reviews

[spellsofthepage · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scarab was such a unique romantasy and unlike anything else I’ve read in the genre. I loved the subtle magic inspired by Egyptian mythology and the desert setting, which gave me major The Mummy vibes. The story follows a mother determined to get her son back, and I especially connected with that because her son is seven years old, just like my oldest son.
The MMC was a wonderful, steady presence, and I really appreciated the small romantic moments that somehow felt huge and meaningful. Those quiet, impactful moments are some of my favorite things to read.
The only reason this wasn’t a five-star read for me is that I personally prefer more magic woven into the plot, but that’s purely a preference and not a criticism of the story itself. Overall, this was such a strong and impressive debut, and I’m excited to see what this author writes next!

[Roxypeanut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me just say, I was absolutely crushed that this story didn’t go on for another 40 chapters and there is going to be a wait for the next book.
Scarab, for me, conjures up bits of The Mummy, Indiana Jones and epic movies like Lawrence of Arabia while also having a modern twist and dystopian flares of Max Max and packaging it all up in a militaristic, romantasy adventure.
I don’t normally reach for military leaning stories, but I’m so glad I did because I’m still thinking about this days after finishing my read.
What also took me by surprise about this story was the themes of motherhood running through this book. Obviously Celeste is a mother and it’s a fictional story, but you could feel her tension. You could feel her protectiveness. You could feel her overstimulation as a mother, and the drive that she has to protect her son. I have two boys, and it just sat with me her need to do everything and her power to protect him. You could feel the weight of Celeste choices with how she was balancing her protectiveness of Eagan and the need for survival reading it felt like a physical thing.
I enjoyed following the dance between Celeste and Aemory personalities, I think they’re were well written and with the ending, I can’t wait to see how Aemory’s plans and motives move forward with the story and what is in store for them both.
I think Merrick is a fantastic villain. He doesn’t take up a lot of pages in this part of the story, but he’s so well written that you know when he is around it’s going to be bad and I can’t wait to see what his insidious plans are in the next book.

[Keeley Ribchester · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Scarab to be an absolutely gripping read and a fantastic introduction to Christina Evers’ writing. From the very first chapter, I was pulled into a brutal, dangerous world filled with tension, secrets, and characters I couldn’t stop thinking about even after I’d ended the book.
Celeste was a brilliant protagonist shes fierce, determined, and willing to do whatever it takes to protect her son. Her journey across a harsh and unforgiving landscape kept me fully invested, and I loved watching her strength shine through even in the darkest moments.
The dynamic between Celeste and the Captain was easily one of my favourite parts of the book. The reluctant alliance, simmering tension, and growing trust between two people who should have been enemies created the perfect slow burn romance. Every interaction had me desperate for more.
The world building was immersive, the pacing kept me turning pages, and the blend of action, danger, mystery, and romance worked beautifully. I especially enjoyed uncovering the ancient secrets hidden beneath the wider conflict and seeing how they shaped the story.
This was one of those books that completely captured my attention and left me eager for more. Christina Evers is a new to me author, but after this, I’ll definitely be looking out for her future releases. This book has imprinted on me and I will be shouting about it to everyone📚✨

[Rodney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the chance to read an advance copy of this book, and it completely hit the spot for me.
I am a sucker for thoughtful world building, and as someone who wanted to be an Egyptologist growing up, I was immediately drawn into the rich setting and the Egypt inspired mythology. The world feels carefully crafted and immersive without ever overwhelming the story.

I also appreciated having a protagonist who is more nuanced than the typical "chosen one" archetype. Her strengths, flaws, and choices made her feel human and relatable and kept me invested from beginning to end.

And can we talk about that cover? It is absolutely stunning and perfectly captures the atmosphere of the story. I would love to have a finished copy on my shelf just to admire it. A captivating read that I would happily recommend to fans of Romantasy, true enemy to lover with deep world building and layered characters.

[Nik Nak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This book was not at all what i expected. It was even better! The complexity of the characters, the action, the detailed world building and fight scenes - absolutely spectacular.

It's really hard for me to review this without spoilers but what I can say is that I was hooked from the start, I'm completely invested in this story and the characters, and will be reading the next book the moment it's published.

Christina has poured her heart and soul into this book and it shows. I can tell she has spent so much time and energy into giving this story the attention and honour it deserves.

5/5 ⭐️
No notes
An incredible debut novel, and I'm sure the first of many

[Escapades In Prose · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW: This book is SOOO GOOD! Christina Evers knocked this one out of the park. And now I am DYING for book 2!

I can feel how hot the desert is and the sand on my skin. I felt everything our FMC was going through as a mother. I felt her fear, her trepidation, and her locking away her humanity to save her son. I felt the Captain’s battle between duty and keeping her safe.

This is not a book where the magic is obvious and everyone is wielding it at each other. This is a book about discovery, where the stories of old may not be as we know them, and the people we most fear are the ones we need to trust the most.

Release Date: August 4th, 2026!

Character Development: 5/5 ⭐️
Plot: 5/5 ⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Clifffhanger 10/💀 are you absolutely F**king kidding me?! But I love you anyway ❤️‍🩹

[Malissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, Celeste is a badass. You don’t need to be a mom to read this at all but being a mom myself and reading the love she has for Egan and how she would do ANYTHING to keep him safe is amazing. Christina did amazing writing this book with the story line and side characters. And the MMC, LOVE him. Definitely a true enemies to lovers story but I enjoyed everything about their relationship and watching it build. The plot twist at the end, you’ll never see it coming, I didn’t for sure. My jaw dropped! I’ll be impatiently waiting for book 2!

[Amy Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

I absolutely loved this story!!! ♥️ As a debut novel and introduction into Christina’s writing, I found this book to be well written and gripping from the very first page. You can feel the danger from the very first page. This books has it all- enemies to lovers, slow burn, danger, ancient secrets, amazing world building, and a plot twist I never saw coming at the end. The romance… The Captain and Celeste … swoon! This book is living rent free in my head now.

[J.C. Bourne · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC READER REVIEW FROM NETGALLEY

This book truly blew me AWAY! I read it in one sitting at the beach, Celeste is one of the strongest FMCs Ive read in a long time. A devout mother, a MMC who stole my heart. I cannot WAIT to get a hard copy and put this on my shelf. Definitely have intentions to reread this one.

Aemory really stole my heart over the course of time, and then the final FINAL PAGE MADE MY HEART DROP OH MY GOD!

[Stephanie Murano · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been waiting for a book like this… morally grey female lead, dominant captain determined to find her, that slow burn that makes your toes curl in anticipation…a book where you don’t have it all figured out. At all. Twists and turns that make your eyes fly across the pages. This is a reread for me. And I’m joyously waiting for book 2!!

[Waka · Rating 5 out of 5]

No Spoilers here**

AHHHH! I absolutely loved this book. Devoured it once I got to sit down and read it. As an avid fantasy reader it was nice to have something different. The romance is perfection but doesn't take away from the plot. My only complaint is I didnt have more.

[Thomas Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Pace flows very well. Very intriguing world building. Can't wait for the sequel.

[Kyle E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, exciting and a very intense story. With a lot of characters this tale blooms into a wonderful romance and family grit!