| published | September 16th 2008 by Crown |
|---|---|
| binding | Hardcover |
| isbn | 0307381757 (isbn13: 9780307381750) |
| url | http://www.michellemoran.com/b... |
| pages | 464 |
Coming September 16, 2008
In ancient Egypt, a forgotten princess must overcome her family’s past, and remake history.
The winds of change are blowing through Thebes. A devastating palace fire has killed the 18th dynasty’s royal family—all with the exception of Nefertari, niece of the reviled former queen Nefertiti. The girl’s deceased family has been branded as heretical, and no one in Egypt will speak their names. A relic of a previous reign, Nefertari is pushed aside, an unimportant princess left to run wild in the palace. But all of this changes when she is taken under the wing of pharaoh’s aunt, and brought to the Temple of Hathor where she is educated in a manner befitting a future queen.
Soon Nefertari catches the eye of the crown prince, and despite her family’s history, they fall in love and wish to marry. Yet all of Egypt opposes this union between the rising star of a new dynasty and the fading star of an old, heretical one. While political adversity sets the country on edge, Nefertari becomes the wife of Ramesses the Great. Destined to be the most powerful pharaoh in Egypt, he is also the man who must confront the most famous exodus in history.
Oh, excitement! I just received my copy of The Heretic Queen this morning, and I'm already a good ways in and loving it! Months ago, I read Nefertiti by this fabulous author Michelle Moran and had to say: This was a really good read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The title is misleading because the book really is about the sister of Nefertiti and not herself, but she does have a good place in it. I remember learning things about Egypt and Mummies in elementary school, but not much since then and this book was a good little history lesson as well as a good novel. Mutny, the main character and narrator goes through so much and the way that this novel is written you (the reader) go right with her. You feel her pain, her anger, and her ignorance at times right with her. This is an incredible accomplishment for a first time author. I strongly suggest the read as worthwhile.
Now, I can tell you that I really did enjoy Nefertiti, and the story of Mutny. She found a special place in my heart and now in The Heretic Queen, Mutny's daughter Nefertari has taken over that place. I really enjoyed Mutny and was pretty sure that there could not be someone I could care for more through Michelle's writing, but I was so wrong. I just adore Nefertari and I cannot wait to see what happens to her in the upcoming chapters.
Check back soon for a full review!
Nefertiti and her younger sister, Mutnodjmet, have been raised in a powerful family that has provided wives to the rulers of Egypt for centuries. Ambitious, charismatic, and beautiful, Nefertiti is destined to marry Amunhotep, an unstable young pharaoh. It is hoped by all that her strong personality will temper the young Amunhotep’s heretical desire to forsake Egypt’s ancient gods, overthrow the priests of Amun, and introduce a new sun god for all to worship.
From the moment of her arrival in Thebes, Nefertiti is beloved by the people. Her charisma is matched only by her husband’s perceived generosity: Amunhotep showers his subjects with lofty promises. The love of the commoners will not be enough, however, if the royal couple is not able to conceive an heir, and as Nefertiti turns her attention to producing a son, she fails to see that the powerful priests, along with the military, are plotting against her husband’s rule. The only person wise enough to recognize the shift in political winds—and brave enough to tell the queen—is her younger sister, Mutnodjmet.
Observant and contemplative, Mutnodjmet has never shared her sister’s desire for power. She yearns for a quiet existence away from family duty and the intrigues of court. Her greatest hope is to share her life with the general who has won her heart. But as Nefertiti learns of the precariousness of her reign, she declares that her sister must remain at court and marry for political gain, not love. To achieve her independence, Mutnodjmet must defy her sister, the most powerful woman in Egypt—while also remaining loyal to the needs of her family.
Love, betrayal, political unrest, plague, and religious conflict—Nefertiti brings ancient Egypt to life in vivid detail. Fast-paced and historically accurate, it is the dramatic story of two unforgettable women living through a remarkable period in history.
Click here to see a really neat interactive family tree. (Really helps me keep things straight!)
Coming September 15, 2009
I am really looking forward to the publication of this novel! Cleopatra's Daughter will follow the incredible life of Cleopatra's surviving children with Marc Antony -- twins, named Alexander Helios and Cleopatra Selene, and a younger son named Ptolemy. All three were taken to Rome and paraded through the streets, then sent off to be raised by Octavia (the wife whom Marc Antony left for Cleopatra). Raised in one of the most fascinating courts of all time, Cleopatra's children would have met Ovid, Seneca, Vitruvius (who inspired the Vitruvian man), Agrippa (who built the Pantheon), Herod, his sister Salome, the poets Virgil, Horace, Maecenas and so many others!
5 comments and creative thoughts:
My good friend read Nefertiti and posted a review on my blog. Unfortunately, I haven't gotten around to it yet, but it's definitely a priority in my TBR.
You make the Nefertiti book sound so interesting! I have been reading great things about these books, and want to read them soon.
Nefertiti sounds amazing and after reading some some of the reviews it makes me want to read it also.
Aren't these covers pretty? These just sound so interesting. From what I hear she's the Philippa Gregory for Egypt.
I love these covers. I've seen some of the new Nefertiti for trade paperback and it's pretty too... Green. :)
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