“AnaRose and Pharaoh’s Gold” by Mary Ann Bernal

AnaRose and Pharaoh’s Gold

Mary Ann Bernal
Whispering Legends Press (2024)
ISBN: 979-8873151691
Reviewed by Rachel Dehning for Reader Views (05/2024)

“AnaRose and Pharaoh’s Gold” by Mary Ann Bernal is the anticipated sequel to the award-winning novella “AnaRose and the Templar’s Quest,” and part of the AnaRose Action and Adventure Novellas series.  In this latest action-packed thriller, AnaRose showcases her specialty and skills by saving further artifacts from the sly and cunning grasp of espionage, murder, and suspense.

With familiar and familial characters, AnaRose travels to Egypt with a joint purpose: to recover an ancient golden ushabti from the black market, and to keep it from members of a secret undercover religious sect. This troubling sect seeks to utilize it to bring life to the ancient Egyptian deity Apophis and his agenda of darkness, disorder, and chaos throughout the world. Along the way, questions, answers, kidnappings, and potential human sacrifices are in store as AnaRose, Jo, and Adam watch their backs at every turn and face off against members of an international conspiracy.

Despite its novella length, the reader can expect action, adventure, and suspense packed between the covers. Each page and chapter holds its own against larger books with more room for fluff. Inner dialogue is a writing style that advances the storyline with character development continuing from the first story. This clean novella is great for all ages, from teen readers to adults.

A positive for readers and parents is that no negative language is found in this story, making it a safer reading option without compromising content; also, besides situations with the “bad guys,” the situations and relationships among the main characters present as positive, setting an example for the teen reader. The characters’ relationships allude to possible “interests,” but the storyline is innocent in this category. While it has its major and minor roles, the reader will learn about Egyptian history, deities, and the selfish act of stealing and selling antiquities – serving a dual purpose of being educational and enjoyable.

“AnaRose and Pharaoh’s Gold” by Mary Ann Bernal is a standalone story but is complemented by the inclusion of its predecessor, book one in the series. AnaRose is a positive role model for females of all ages. Realistically, the story has the potential to be devoured in a day/shortened period or savored for several days. Here’s to hoping there’s another adventure for AnaRose soon!