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tieflingmom's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Child death, Death, Miscarriage, Toxic relationship, Abortion, and War
Moderate: Violence and Blood
merlinandrose's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Death, Miscarriage, and Violence
fandom4ever's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Even today much is a mystery or cannot be agreed on, with many hotly debated theories the more they search Egypt. Akhenaten’s first wife’s name is lost to time, though a tomb gives the possibility of 'Kiya'. No one truly knows if Ay and Nefertiti were related or even where Mutnodjmet fits amongst them. There's even an intro, afterword, and Q&A in the novel (the audiobook just has the afterword) that discusses this. With all that in mind, I think Moran did a fabulous job trying to fill in the blanks and fit pieces together to make a cohesive history for the end of the Eighteenth Dynasty.
This story is told over 16 years, through the eyes of Nefertiti’s younger sister, Mutnodjmet. It starts with them as 15 and 13 year old girls, just as the Crown Prince Tuthmosis has died. All that remains is his younger brother Amenhotep IV, who has far reaching dreams that could destroy Egypt itself.
I absolutely loved this story. In fact, it was my second time reading it. Moran really was able to bring these historical figures back to life, showing how difficult and demanding life at court was; with political machinations and court intrigue aplenty. It was fascinating to see the life of the great Queen Nefertiti and the fine line she walked between what was best for Egypt and Pharaoh Akhenaten’s wishes; she held tremendous power.
I definitely recommend this book. No one will ever truly know exactly what happened back then but I think this is a wonderful historical interpretation based on what has been uncovered. You will learn so much about an important time in Egypt’s history, about how important it was to be remembered, along with gaining a greater knowledge of their gods and culture.
Moderate: Child death, Death, and Miscarriage
kyadawn's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Miscarriage, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, War, and Pandemic/Epidemic
Moderate: Child death, Death, Genocide, Infertility, Toxic relationship, Grief, Death of parent, and War
Minor: Child death, Emotional abuse, Incest, Toxic relationship, Blood, Medical content, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Toxic friendship
klor's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Moderate: Child death, Death, Miscarriage, and War
lizbuono's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Minor: Death, Miscarriage, Abortion, and Death of parent
jhbandcats's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Akhenaten, are both horrible people. Because of the narration, there's too much distance between the two
sisters.
The story opens when Nefertiti is 15 and Mutnodjmet is 13, and ends about sixteen years later at the end of Nefertiti’s reign. During that time we learn a lot about Egyptian architecture, art, clothing, food, and transportation, so the book is a wealth of information. The setting is absolutely fascinating and I loved reading about this culture that was a lot like our own. I just wish it'd been more enjoyable to read about the main characters.
I plan to read Moran's next two books, Heretic Queen, about Mutnodjmet's daughter Nefertari, and Cleopatra's Daughter, about what happened to Antony and Cleopatra's children after their parents committed suicide and they were taken to Rome.
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Slavery, Toxic relationship, Murder, and Classism
laurajeangrace's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Child death, Death, Incest, Miscarriage, Murder, and Pregnancy
Minor: Domestic abuse and Abortion