Ferrasium.

Murder, mystery, and magic in a land reminiscent of ancient Egypt.
For centuries, guided by the Destiny's Oracle, the Bera-Bera tribe have guarded the secret of the windflowers and kept alive the memory of the banished Cat Goddesses. The High Priest Seraphis covets Pharaoh's throne and his minions scour the desert sands, seeking two ancient artefacts of unrivalled power. If the Raia priesthood acquire the Golden Scarab and the Pyramidion first, then the land of Keymett will be plunged into a regime of terror and persecution, condemning the goddesses into exile forever. The race is on, but how can a small band of pygmies, a tomb robber, and a magically untrained girl on the run from the Ferrasium’s killing arena compete against the might of the Priesthood?
First reader review - "I read a lot of fantasy! I'm rating this new author up there with one of my other favourites Juliet Marillier. I love the fast pace, it has you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. I couldn't put it down (sorry family). Can't wait for book 2!!!"
NB: Contains adult themes.