hello_meggielou's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
3.0
melv2052's review against another edition
5.0
After having read this book, I am very much looking forward to reading her other novels. I love how in telling the story of Hatshepsut she folds in not only facts but what her day to day life could have been. The personal struggles with decisions made and consequences of them. I could not put this book down and finished it in no time.
katherinemcbooksalot's review against another edition
3.0
I found the story predictable. It turns out that the prophecy told at the beginning of the story would be fulfilled! And I wasn’t that into the writing. The romance scenes were especially cringe-worthy. But I loved the setting and all the research and care that went into creating it. That was enough for me to want to read the whole thing.
cj_mo_2222's review against another edition
4.0
As the second daughter of the Egyptian pharaoh, Hatshepsut has the freedom to live life the way she wants it. Everything changes when her older sister Neferubity dies in a tragic accident. Now, Hatshepsut must do her duty for her country, marry her half-brother Thutmosis to become the Royal Wife. She goes through with the marriage, but refuses to live out the rest of her days in the Hall of Women. She gets involved in the ruling of Egypt as much as her husband will allow. Her intelligence, drive, and love for her country results in Hatshepsut eventually becoming the first peacetime female Pharaoh. Her rise to power does not come without personal sacrifices and Hatshepsut gives up much in her life for the good of her country.
Daughter of the Gods has a storyline that would make a soap opera fan blush. An upper class teenager is responsible for her older sister’s death. She then dumps her lover to marry her half-brother and forces her way into his high-powered job and takes a lover from a much lower class. She then takes the most powerful job in the country away from her stepson, infuriating supporters of the young man.
This is a well-written historical fiction novel telling the story of Hatshepsut, her life and rise to power as pharaoh. She takes the main facts from history and breathes life into a woman from another place and time. I was surprised that the author was able to tell a story taking place in ancient Egypt and make it so compelling and the heroine so relatable. Hatshepsut’s life has as much tragedy as triumph, but she has taken her place in history and it’s wonderful that Thornton is making her story known to a wider audience through this very readable novel. It was hard to reconcile the tough warrior who showed know fear to enemies of Egypt with the woman with a weakness for underestimating her enemies in her personal life.
Although the depiction of Hatshepsut is vivid, making her someone the reader won’t be able to forget, some of the other minor characters blur together. I spent a significant amount of time flipping back in the book to try to figure out who was who. This obviously slows the pacing of the book. There are a few sluggish parts of the book when descriptions are too long and confusing, and don’t move the story forward. However, I’m impressed that the author is able to make ancient history so thrilling, while still staying true to historical facts and the times in which the story is set. The story is sad in many ways, but Hatshepsut led a fascinating, exciting life and Thornton portrays her as a well-rounded person with strengths and flaws.
The author’s notes and Question and Answer at the back are invaluable. I think notes are an important part of any good historical novel and the notes are thorough and very well-done. It’s interesting to see the parts of the story that are real and those that are imagined by the author, since I was unfamiliar with Hatshepsut before reading this book. Egypt may have tried to erase her memory, but Thornton has assured that she take her rightful place in history. Readers who enjoy historical fiction, especially those interested in ancient Egypt, will not want to miss this book.
This review was originally written for The Season EZine. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
Daughter of the Gods has a storyline that would make a soap opera fan blush. An upper class teenager is responsible for her older sister’s death. She then dumps her lover to marry her half-brother and forces her way into his high-powered job and takes a lover from a much lower class. She then takes the most powerful job in the country away from her stepson, infuriating supporters of the young man.
This is a well-written historical fiction novel telling the story of Hatshepsut, her life and rise to power as pharaoh. She takes the main facts from history and breathes life into a woman from another place and time. I was surprised that the author was able to tell a story taking place in ancient Egypt and make it so compelling and the heroine so relatable. Hatshepsut’s life has as much tragedy as triumph, but she has taken her place in history and it’s wonderful that Thornton is making her story known to a wider audience through this very readable novel. It was hard to reconcile the tough warrior who showed know fear to enemies of Egypt with the woman with a weakness for underestimating her enemies in her personal life.
Although the depiction of Hatshepsut is vivid, making her someone the reader won’t be able to forget, some of the other minor characters blur together. I spent a significant amount of time flipping back in the book to try to figure out who was who. This obviously slows the pacing of the book. There are a few sluggish parts of the book when descriptions are too long and confusing, and don’t move the story forward. However, I’m impressed that the author is able to make ancient history so thrilling, while still staying true to historical facts and the times in which the story is set. The story is sad in many ways, but Hatshepsut led a fascinating, exciting life and Thornton portrays her as a well-rounded person with strengths and flaws.
The author’s notes and Question and Answer at the back are invaluable. I think notes are an important part of any good historical novel and the notes are thorough and very well-done. It’s interesting to see the parts of the story that are real and those that are imagined by the author, since I was unfamiliar with Hatshepsut before reading this book. Egypt may have tried to erase her memory, but Thornton has assured that she take her rightful place in history. Readers who enjoy historical fiction, especially those interested in ancient Egypt, will not want to miss this book.
This review was originally written for The Season EZine. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
manta707's review against another edition
4.0
Loved. I adore Hatshepsut and this was a great read hitting all the high points. :)
rowan21's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- 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
3.5
wellington299's review against another edition
3.0
This is Stephanie's second book about mostly forgotten historical women who made history. Her first work, which I loved, followed the captivating Theodora. This book follows the equally captivating Hatshepsut, a princess who became Pharaoh.
Theodora left me thirsting for more and researching .... did this really happen? Hatshepsut left me wondering what she actually accomplished. The book mentioned many times how the people loved her and the granaries were full. What were actually her big accomplishments? I'm wondering that her biggest accomplishment was building monuments that expounded her many accomplishments.
I did love the little details (e.g. food) throughout the book and I'm entertaining the idea of growing myrrh trees myself (I live in a place apparently weather wise similar to the legendary Punt)
Stephanie raised the bar with Theodora so much that this second novel just had too many expectations. I look forward to her next adventure when we ride with Genghis Khan.
krisis86's review against another edition
4.0
This book didn't fascinate me quite as much as Thornton's [b:The Secret History: A Novel of Empress Theodora|15808671|The Secret History A Novel of Empress Theodora|Stephanie Thornton|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1356294816s/15808671.jpg|21533311] but it was still very interesting. The ending was great.
sierrareads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Death
Moderate: Rape and Suicide