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hjdong's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
shhchar's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely loved this book. I haven't been this glued to a book in a while. I just spent almost a little over an hour finishing it, and while I did get up once, it was to go sit down somewhere else. (Now I'm behind on my homework schedule, but as they say, YOLO.)
I've never been that interested in Cleopatra. Sure, I thought she was cool and progressive for her time period. But I never actually had any basis for that belief, we never even spoke about her in history class. The point of view (1st person) really allowed the reader to get to know her personally, be angry when she's angry, hopeful when she's hopeful, and sad when she's sad. One of my favorite things about the book is the fact that we were with her from a young age, to the last moments of her life.
That being said, the end was a little rushed in my opinion. I think there was enough material for there to have been a second companion book. The war talk/strategy was a little confusing in the later part of the second half. But the story wasn't too focused on the logistics, it was all on Cleopatra. The little romance that occurred happened later on in the novel, and it wasn't a center-plot. That's not a bad thing at all, I prefer it that way in historical novels. The spotlight was always on Cleopatra, and that benefited the book very well.
Even if you're not a big fan of historical fiction, I hope you consider reading this. I really, really loved it and it's inspired me to learn more about the historical figure.
Spoiler
I really hope that came across as ironic otherwise that's embarrassing.I've never been that interested in Cleopatra. Sure, I thought she was cool and progressive for her time period. But I never actually had any basis for that belief, we never even spoke about her in history class. The point of view (1st person) really allowed the reader to get to know her personally, be angry when she's angry, hopeful when she's hopeful, and sad when she's sad. One of my favorite things about the book is the fact that we were with her from a young age, to the last moments of her life.
That being said, the end was a little rushed in my opinion. I think there was enough material for there to have been a second companion book.
Spoiler
We got Caesar, but barely any Marcus. That was surprising to me when I closed the book and all that was supplied was an epilogue briefly mentioning him!Even if you're not a big fan of historical fiction, I hope you consider reading this. I really, really loved it and it's inspired me to learn more about the historical figure.
kaitib's review against another edition
2.0
It was kind of boring, though it was cool to learn a little bit about Cleopatra. Whatever. I really don't care about her history.
banrions's review against another edition
2.0
This was bad, but it wasn't all that interesting either. It took forever for Cleo to get to around 16ish and even being to rule. I just lost interest really quickly and skimmed the rest of the novel. I find Cleopatra interesting, but this novel just didn't connect with me.
colorfulleo92's review against another edition
2.0
Saw this and got excited for some fun YA retelling about Kleopatra but in the end it was just meh. Wasn't as fun as I hoped but might read more from this future
apopenhagen's review against another edition
3.0
While I did enjoy this book, it was a bit of a letdown from Meyer's other books. I loved all of her Young Royals books, but this one just didn't grab me as much. Still a good but, just a little less than I was expecting.
triggerkat's review against another edition
4.0
The descriptions, history, and suspense were great. The only reason it's not five stars is that the dialogue was stilted and awkward. Otherwise, brava! I'd love to read more by this author (and about Cleopatra).
brearose's review against another edition
2.0
I love learning history, and I've been obsessed with Ancient Egypt since 5th grade. I definitely learned a lot from this book. It's historically accurate for the most part. However, it was insanely boring. First of all, it is written way too formally. I assume the author thought that it would make it sound more historically accurate to have everything written formally, but it was just annoying. It made the writing bland. They didn't speak English in Ancient Egypt anyways, so it's not like she was making the language accurate anyways. Also, she wrote everything in a very matter-of-fact way. I love the idea, and it could have been a great book. it was just written by the wrong author.
buuboobaby's review against another edition
Though dry at times, I enjoyed this fictional account of Cleopatra's life. The first half of the book is my favorite, recounting Cleopatra's life when she is a young girl. Her later years felt rushed, and the ending was too abrupt for my liking. Full review to follow at www.mangamaniaccafe.com