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.

Sunday Salon-Review-Jake Ransom and the Skull King's Shadow

Jake Ransom and the Skull King’s Shadow
by James Rollins
Harper Collins
9780061473791
April 28, 2009,416 pages





James Rollins, writer and New York Times best selling author of adult books has written a young adult book of extraordinary excitement on every page. I read it this weekend in one day, a quick read although about 400 pages. It is his pacing and clever combination of writing action to drive the text. You can't stop, he won't let you. Anyway, if you have a 5th grader, middle school student who likes adventure, with some fantasy. Maybe a Macguiver meets Indiana Jones then this book is for him/her.

Review:

Jake Ransom and his older sister Kady receive a mysterious invitation to an opening exhibit of Mayan Treasures at The British Museum in London. Three years ago their parents disappeared on an archeology exhibition. Jake, having a penchant for studies and strong desire to follow in his parent’s footsteps is thrilled. Kady, diva and social butterfly is reluctant to go, but ultimately agrees when she realizes cameras will be everywhere. How could she possibly miss this fashion and social opportunity.

Unfortunately their trip to London takes them farther than they expected as they find themselves in another place. It’s definitely not London as they immediately face a carnivorous dinosaur. Ultimately they meet the inhabitants who are people from multiple ancient civilizations all living together in a place called Calypso.

Rollins has set the scene for the perfect action adventure story for middle grade students. They are lost in a strange place. They are alone are among strangers. They
are immediately faced with their first life or death challenge.

Your heart will beat with the cadence of his poetic prose. Fast moving drama pushes you forward with a driving beat through his use of lyrical text. Rollins is a master of momentum and tension. A barrage of sound effects will come alive as you are compelled to turn each page no just reading but hearing the story.

Students will beg to stay up late to read this book and it will fly off the library shelves. Let’s hope the sequel is not far behind. This well written series will fill the holes in many library collections. Rollins is a natural fit for the young adult fantasy adventure drama.

Wisteria Leigh
New Milford, CT