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Cover of Ruins of Knowledge

Ruins of Knowledge

by Laura Greenwood

🌶️fade to black·The Egyptian Empire #6
4.6 on Goodreads (27)

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Ending

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Why Read This?The one-sentence sell. What do you get for showing up to this book, even when it's hard?

A cozy alternate-history romance where a determined Priestess of Thoth teams up with a charming builder priest on an archaeological dig. Low-stakes, high-charm, with Egyptian mythology woven throughout.

Synopsis

Tali is determined to gain the attention of the gods. As a Priestess of Thoth, Tali is determined to prove her worth and gain the highest honour she can get from the temple as a result, but that involves working harder than she ever has before. When an opportunity arises for her to head to some ancient ruins, she seizes her chance of making a difference and gaining the approval of the god of wisdom. Little does she know that history isn't going to be the only thing she finds there, and she soon finds herself drawn to a handsome builder priest with an appreciation for the history she's teaching him. Does Tali have what it takes to unravel the secrets of the ruins around her? - Ruins of Knowledge is a standalone set in the Egyptian Empire series. It is an urban fantasy set in an alternative world where the Egyptian Empire never fell. It includes an archaeological dig, a history nerd, and a m/f romance. If you love Egyptian mythology, alternative worlds, temple politics, and workplace romances, you should start The Egyptian Empire world books today!

book details below may contain spoilers. some hidden

At a Glance

The Egyptian Empire #6. Tali, a Priestess of Thoth, sets out to prove herself through an archaeological dig in an alternate world where Egypt never fell. Laura Greenwood writes consent-positive healthy relationships at medium heat (on-page but non-explicit per her own guide). Quick cozy read for mythology lovers. Series is standalone-friendly — each book features a different couple and deity.

trope onetrope twotrope threetrope four

Book Details

spoiler protected·tap tags to reveal

Goodreads RatingThe crowd's verdict. Take it with salt, though. Some masterpieces are polarizing.

4.56 ★ (27)

Page CountHow long the commitment is.

97 pages

PublishedWhen this hit shelves. Helpful for tracking vibes by era.

2025

Primary GenreWhat type of book this is. Romance? Fantasy? A 400-page therapy session disguised as a thriller?

Cozy Fantasy

PairingWho's falling in love? The gender makeup of your main romance. Helps you find your specific flavor of love story.

M/F

POVWhose head are you in? First person = deep in the feels. Third = watching from above. Dual = emotional whiplash (affectionate).

Dual POV

Romance PacingHow long until they kiss? Slow burn = 300 pages of tension. Insta-love = page 12 and it's already chaos.

Medium Burn

AudiobookCan you experience this book while driving? Washing dishes? Working out while emotionally destroyed? Check here.

AvailableCan you experience this book while driving? Washing dishes? Working out while emotionally destroyed? Check here.

Yes

FormatHow fancy is the audio? Standard = one narrator. Full cast = theater kids went off. GraphicAudio = a MoViE iN yOuR mInD.

N/A

TropesPlot devices and story situations that drive the romance. These are the circumstances that throw characters together or create conflict, not how they personally relate.

spoiler protected·tap tags to reveal
workplace romanceforced proximityadventure romance
RomanceMagicActionAngstWorld
Theme Constellation

Mood & Vibe

MoodWhat you felt reading this. Swoony? Gutted? Deliciously unhinged? The emotional fingerprint.

romanticadventurousmysteriouscozy

Writing StyleHow the author writes - prose style, dialogue approach, and narrative voice. This is about craft and delivery, not emotional effect.

conversationalearnestwarm

Story PacingDoes the story sprint or saunter? Fast = you'll miss sleep. Slow = you'll savor every word. Medium = balanced chaos.

medium

Emotional WeightHow much are you gonna cry? Light = fun feels. Moderate = real stakes. Heavy = bring tissues. Devastating = call your therapist.

moderate

Energy RequiredCan you read this on a Tuesday after work, or do you need a full Saturday and three cups of coffee? Low/Medium/High.

medium

VibesOne perfect sentence that captures the essence. Like: 'Fae politics meets forbidden romance with zero chill.'

comfort read vibes

Characters

spoiler protected·tap tags to reveal

FMC ArchetypeWho is she? The female main character's core identity/role. Assassin? Healer? General Badass?

bookworm/scholarambitious schemer

MMC ArchetypeWho is he? The male main character's core identity/role. Your exact flavor of book boyfriend.

cinnamon rollscholar/intellectual

Relationship DynamicsThe interpersonal dynamic between the main characters. How do they relate to each other? This is about character energy and connection style, not plot situations.

grumpy sunshinemutual piningintellectual connection

Spice Details 🌶️

spoiler protected·tap tags to reveal
🌶️
🌶️
🌶️
🌶️
🌶️
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Spice Level 1

Spice StyleNot just how much spice, but what kind. Emotional intimacy? Explicit but vanilla? Plot-driven heat? Know your flavor.

fade to black — implied intimacy, non-explicit language per Laura Greenwood medium heat

Getting SteamyGentle kinks. Fun but nothing too crazy. The appetizer, so to speak.

None

Bringing the HeatFor those who know exactly what they came for. This is where you find your exact brand of chaos. The good stuff.

None
Browse more books by spice level →

⚠️ Content WarningsThis stuff might hit different. No shame in needing to know what's coming. (0)

No content warnings flagged for this book.

World & Setting

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World TypeWhat kind of world are you stepping into? High fantasy = full secondary world. Urban fantasy = magic in modern cities. Portal = starts here, goes there.

alternate historymythological

Primary SettingWhere does the story physically take place? Court intrigue = palace. Dark academia = campus. Cozy witch vibes = small town. This is about location, not world rules.

temple / church / monastery

Fantasy CreaturesWhat supernatural beings populate this world? Fae courts, vampire covens, dragon riders, or just regular humans doing their best.

gods/deities

Reading Context

spoiler protected·tap tags to reveal

Emotional PayoffWhat you get for showing up. The catharsis, the growth, the 'I'm a different person now' moment. This is why the hard books are worth it.

feel-goodcomfort rereadintellectual satisfaction

Best Time of YearSeasonal mood rings for books. Summer romance reads different than winter gothic.

anytime

When & Where to ReadContext matters. Some books are Beach Trip energy, others are 3am Bedtime spiral-reads. Trust.

cozy eveningvacationlazy Sunday

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Quick Facts

Spice LevelThe heat scale. 0=wholesome, 1=kisses, 2=fade-to-black, 3=tasteful spice, 4=explicit, 5=you need a cold shower. Know thyself.🌶️fade to black
PagesHow long the commitment is.97
PublishedWhen this hit shelves. Helpful for tracking vibes by era.2025
GoodreadsThe crowd's verdict. Take it with salt, though. Some masterpieces are polarizing.4.56 ★ (27)
EndingEnding type: HEA = forever happy (you'll cry happy). HFN = happy for now (open to interpretation). Bittersweet = complicated feelings. Know what you're signing up for.reveal ending

SeriesThe series this book belongs to and where it falls in the reading order.

The Egyptian Empire #6
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