This is a historical novel that tells of the rise and fall of Queen Nefertiti, as seen through the eyes of her younger sister, Mutnodjmet. In her first novel, Michelle Moran recreates the glory and splendor of Ancient Egypt, and captures the glamor, scandal, and splendor of the most infamous 18th dynasty pharaoh, Akhenaten, and his beautiful wife Nefertiti, as their revolutionary ideas destroy everything they hold dear.

This is a great book for people who enjoy historical fiction and political intrigue, but are looking for a more casual read.

I liked the accuracy of the details that appear in this novel, such as the incorporation of Egyptian art, daily activities in the court, and even descriptions of certain characters. I also liked how Moran handled the plot of the story, and how she took a chaotic period in history and successfully translated it into novel format.

At times a couple of the characters lacked depth (for example, Nefertiti sometimes came off as being insensitive) but none of their actions within the story felt random or "out of character."

Michelle Moran, as I understand it, has had experience with archaeology and ancient history, which shines through in this work. This is also Moran's first book.

It was an exciting read. At a certain point in the novel, I literally could not put this book down, because even as the lives of the characters began to unravel, I had to know what was going to happen next.

Nefertiti is Moran's first book. Her two later works, The Heretic Queen and Cleopatra's Daughter did not engage me nearly as much.

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Created Oct 27, 2010 at 7:33pm • Submit your own review...