Review- The Heretic Queen-ABC Historical Fiction Challenge

My latest book review for the letter H in the ABC Historical Fiction Challenge, is The Heretic Queen by Michelle Moran.

From Historical Tapestry's Blog
Each fortnight you have to write a blog post about an historical fiction book of your choice (it might even be something you already read before), but it MUST be related to the letter of the fortnight.

Yes, I have been absent for a few weeks and I will post something a little later to update everyone. Until then, please read this book if you haven't. I can't wait to read my other two books on the shelf by Michelle Moran. Her writing just transported me to the world of Ancient Egypt with such detail and clarity. Awesome!!!


THE HERETIC QUEEN
MICHELLE MORAN, May 2008, $24.95,HC,400pp, 978-0307381750.

The Heretic Queen, Heiress of Misfortune, Pharaoh’s Beloved, made me fall in love with Egypt with the eager fascination of my childhood all over again. If I could, I would hop on a plane and visit the pyramids, monuments and country that served as this novel’s setting. Instead, I found myself searching the internet for video, artwork, and anything of interest that would enhance my schema about Queen Nefertari and her love, Ramesses II, the King of Egypt.

The Heretic Queen is the story of Nefertari, the beautiful and intelligent niece of Nefertiti. Her gift is her brilliance as a linguist and her ability to translate and speak numerous languages. She loves Ramsesses, but must compete for his time with Iset, his other wife. Fortunately, Woserit, his aunt takes Nefertari under her wing to groom her for a life as Chief Queen. Henuttawy, hs other aunt, is an evil viper with other ideas, and she serves as adviser to Iset plotting to ruin Nefertari. They rely on the public’s long memory of the past and perpetuate the gossip of the masses to ensure she never gains status as Queen. Nefertari is a dramatic presence in court and consistently shows her value to the king with daring courage and nerve. The king’s desire for Nefertari becomes an insatiable need that reeks havoc with Henuttawy’s passionate plans to promote her own power.

The plotting and intrigue will capture your attention as the battle for Ramsesses attention is played out between Nefertari and Iset as they vie for Chief Queen. This is a deadly race with jealous players cautiously planning each maneuver to gain points. For a while you may feel sorry for Iset, but had she not followed the evil path laid forth, her life may have been different. Woserit and Henuttawy serve as advisors, although sisters, they are a conflicting pair, and the juxtaposition in personality, good versus evil is classic.

I couldn’t help feeling a sense of doom as this story unfolds, nervously trying to guess the outcome. This is a mysterious and masterfully told story that will keep you on edge, rooting for Nefertari, hoping all will turn out right. No spoiler here, you will have to read this one to see if it has a happily ever after ending.

Disclosure: This book was sent to me by the publisher.