Book of the Week: The Heritic Queen

5 Stars

Alright, my ducks. This is the beginning of  the book of the week. I chose a book that I like, and it becomes the book of the week. It is usually a very good novel that I think deserves to be put on a special shelf. In this case, it is another Michelle Moran novel. This time, it the the sequel to Nefertiti. I have to say that I like this book even more than this one, because this one is so deeply rooted in intrigue and is just so good! Thus, earning it a position on the Book of the Week shelf.

I think the reason I like this book so much it because of it’s idea, and because of the setting itself. Egypt is/was a very sophisticated place, and their dynasties and legacies are remarkable. Let alone the fact that Michelle was able to take history and turn it into a magical work of fiction. I also love the characters, and the way that the story is presented. And, I loved the motivation to win what she wanted in the court.

What I did not like was the ending…I tend to be very picky with how author’s end their novels, and have, well, standards for how they should end. The ending of this fell just short. Sure, it was a great ending, just not what I was expecting…and not the way that I wanted the sequel to end. But other than that, I have very little to nit-pick.

Nefertari is the forgotten princess. Wild, pretty, and very clever, she seems to be quite the catch for any man. But there is one condemning factor to her; her name, and her relatives.

Nefertari is the niece of the heretic queen…the one who almost brought Egypt into ruins. And now she has something she wants more than anything else; her best friend and the prince’s love.

With a plan and a hidden agenda, the Priestess of Hathor  swoops in to help the princess. But winning the prince’s heart is not the only obstacle.

In a novel that is just as compelling as the one before, The Heretic Queen is sure to keep you turning pages.

Author:  Michelle Moran

Published:  September 16th 2008 by Crown

Page Count: 383

ISBN:  0307381757    (isbn13: 9780307381750)

Quick Review: Nefertiti

4 3/4 Stars

Nefertiti by MICHELLE MORAN  is one of my favorite books; I loved it when I first read it, and I still continue to love it each time I read it.

This is a novel that I first picked up with the promise of hot deserts and polished palaces in the midst of our lovely Canadian winters. I was rewarded with a rich plot, deep characters, and a piece of work that taught me so much about Egypt and their desert. Considering that this was the author’s first book, I was impressed with it.  The book is great in that a lot of it seems historically accurate.

I also liked the first person view looking at another person. I liked that they were able to take a character that everybody sort-of forgot about in the shock and shadow of her sister and her sister’s husband; the people who left a gaping scar on the histories of the realm.

The only thing that I think I did not enjoy was the ending; it seemed too open, but, considering she wrote another novel to follow it, (which is just as good if not better; ‘The Heritic Queen’) it is okay.

Nefertiti is the most beautiful woman alive; her body is smooth and womanly, her face compelling. Her family has always known she was destined to rule by a Pharaoh’s side. Even if it was only to sturdy the Pharaoh who just might have killed his own brother. At once the people love the beautiful and ambitious Nefertiti.  But Nefertiti does the unthinkable; she supports the Pharaoh even when he banishes the gods for one god and throws all of Egypt into Chaos.

Soon only Mutnodjmet is the only person to see past her sister’s farce, and is the only one to try and convince her that plans are a foot to kill her and her husband. Soon she turns away from the royal family…forever. Only until more horror occurs, and she must rush to her sister’s side.

In a novel that is raw and a refreshing look at Egypt, told through the eyes of the sister everybody forgot, Mutnodjmet brings life to Nefertiti.

Author:  Michelle Moran

Published:  July 10th 2007

Page Count:  480

ISBN:  0307381463 (isbn13: 9780307381460)

http://michellemoran.com/books/index.html

From the moment of her arrival in Thebes, Nefertiti is beloved by the people but fails to see that powerful priests are plotting against her husband’s rule.