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berenikeasteria's review
3.0
I’m not quite sure what to make of this book. In parts it reads like a standard historical mystery novel, with all the enjoyment I’ve come to associate with that; the investigator gradually unravelling the clues, the resolution teased for the reader to try and figure it out for themselves, the process of working out the motivations of the suspects in the face of their hostility. A good long section of the book is grounded in this, in Semerket’s lengthy stay with the villagers.
But alongside that, the book is peppered with some really off-the-wall stuff. These range from characters with modern names that clearly do not belong in ancient Egypt, to plot twists that you’d sooner expect to see in a fantasy novel; a King of Beggars with a supervillain Cripple Maker physician and who expects the actual pharaoh to treat him as an equal. Um, okay. The author combines the thefts of Deir el-Medina with the Harem Plot to murder Ramesses III, and I didn’t mind that, as it genuinely makes for a tenser and more exciting story. But the author also takes some of the most lurid and nonsense fairytales about Queen Tausret (she did not murder her husband, and her father was not the usurper Amenmesse but most likely Merenptah, pharaoh and son of Ramesses II the Great). I just felt real dismay at that. It doesn’t seem respectful or right to take the worst slanderous gossip about historic people – real people, let me remind you, who once lived – and repeat it when there’s no actual solid evidence for it whatsoever, just to make your tale juicier and more salacious. In this case it didn’t even have a purpose in the plot – other than, I would guess, to make Queen Tiya seem more evil because she’s descended from someone who we’re told is evil… but that just comes off as terribly cliché. The grasping witch descended from a line of evil women – it’s tired, it’s overdone, it’s over the top. The writing was best described as passable. There were moments when it veered into far too modern and pedestrian, but mostly it manages to stop short of that.
5 out of 10
jlynnelseauthor's review
4.0
The author has a talent in bringing to life the ancient landscape and city life. Its not written as a generic washout of the culture, climate, and beliefs. Instead, these three items are richly detailed. The House of Purification visit was particularly vividly depicted by sights, sounds, and smells as well as the roles of the individuals working there. I enjoyed the strong ancient cultural feel to the story. The characters are also well fleshed out. Geagley pens out emotions well so the reader can also feel them along with his characters. Mid-way through the story, the investigation seemed to stall with little new evidence to entice the reader. But the story again picked up and ended in dramatic fashion. Well-written plotline overall with interesting characters. The main character, Semerket, is deeply flawed and must overcome himself for the good of his country. Its an engaging struggle. I did feel a little cheated by the author as he didn't flesh out the actual rescuing of the Pharaoh. The story built up to that moment, and then it was told in narration after the fact. The ending was well thought out, though, and ended the book so that I was left wanting to read the next storyline with these characters! Overall, it was an exciting and fascinating glimpse into the midset and lifestyle of the Ancient Egyptians, even if it is mostly fiction! I loved visiting all the sites of the ancient city!
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