We were first introduced to Ben Walker in ARARAT. He was lucky to survive that experience, only to once again have to face evil when he is sent to Northern Iraq where a jar has been found. A jar with a connection to the myth of Pandora's Box. But, that is what it is, right, just a myth? There can't be anything to the legend that the jar is cursed. Ben hardly has time to settle into his new assignment when they are attacked by enemies that are after the jar. And, now trapped in the subterranean city must they fight against enemies above as well as and something below with them...

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We were first introduced to Ben Walker in ARARAT. He was lucky to survive that experience, only to once again have to face evil when he is sent to Northern Iraq where a jar has been found. A jar with a connection to the myth of Pandora's Box. But, that is what it is, right, just a myth? There can't be anything to the legend that the jar is cursed. Ben hardly has time to settle into his new assignment when they are attacked by enemies that are after the jar. And, now trapped in the subterranean city must they fight against enemies above as well as and something below with them...

READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW OVER AT FRESH FICTION!
( )

An archeologist discovers a suberranean city in Iraq. Inside a secret chamber covered in ancient writings, there is a jar. Pandora's Box. The ancient story tells of two jars....one containing all the blessings of the Gods and the other containing all of the curses. Which jar lies in the secret chamber? Suddenly governments and even ISIS are fighting for control of the jar. Will they unleash ancient curses upon the earth? Some myths are best left buried!

I enjoyed the first book in this series, Ararat. And I definitely enjoyed this sequel. The book wastes no time jumping into action. Archeologist Sophie Durand is followed by The Bad Guys in chapter one and the fight for control of Pandora's Box begins immediately. Ben Walker, admittedly an expert in "Weird Shit,'' joins the team just in time for the S to hit the fan. The book definitely has an Indiana Jones type feel....nefarious evildoers following archaeologists to gain control over a powerful mythological artifact.

The Pandora Room is an action-packed, thrilling read. The temptation to open Pandora's Box (if it were real and ever discovered) would be almost over-whelming. This book jumps right into the myth and proposes what would happen if the legendary vessel were discovered.

I'm definitely going to keep reading this series. I wonder what dangerous situation Ben Walker will find himself in next time? First Noah's Ark....now Pandora's Box. I can't wait to find out what will happen in the next book, Red Hands!!

**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.** ( )

3.5/5 stars

THE PANDORA ROOM is a follow up to Golden's novel from 2017, ARARAT. While I enjoyed that book more than this one, it was still an exciting adventure!

In northern Iraq, a team of archaeologists have discovered a room and in that room, a box, and in that box? The information is right there in the book's title. Is it real, or not? It was once said there was a box full of plagues, disease and malice; it was also said there was a box full of peace and joy to all. If both of these sayings were true, which box is this? You'll have to read THE PANDORA ROOM to find out!

Ben Walker, our protagonist is the ultra-macho hero, dedicated to his job and letting nothing, not even his son Charlie, prevent him from accomplishing his mission. He's wily, not afraid of shooting to kill, and a general all around kick-ass kind of guy. You want him in your corner. Once he joins the team of scientists at the discovery site, the action begins and pretty much doesn't let up for the rest of the book. Since the battle occurs on two fronts, one within the underground labyrinth of the dig, and the other above ground, the story fairly raced along.

What I thought was lacking, though, was the depth of the characters. I was already familiar with Ben, and I did like Sophie and Martin, but I didn't feel like I got to know the other characters enough to really care about them. Without caring, what could be tense moments when the characters were in danger, turned into more... tepid situations in my heart. I was disappointed by that.

Everything wrapped up rather nicely and I enjoyed the final scenes. They did make me wonder if Pandora's Box or something similar could resurface for Ben sometime in the future? Maybe a cursed shroud of Turin? The removal of the sword from the stone? I guess I'll have to wait and see. Even though THE PANDORA ROOM didn't fully knock my socks off? I'll be in line to read Ben Walker #3!

Recommended!

*Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan for the e-ARC of this book for review consideration.*




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I wanted to read the second in the series, I was hoping that it would get better. This story was hard to get through and I struggled to finish it. I did not feel connected to any of the characters and I was just glad when it was over. ( )