Wish List 5: Ancient Lands

Once a month I am planning on sharing with you all 5 of my biggest wish list books broken up by theme. I know that you all need more on your TBR!!! This month I’m featuring those set in ancient lands!

Healer of Carthage by Lynne Gentry

A twenty-first-century doctor. A third-century plague. A love out of time.

First-year resident Dr. Lisbeth Hastings is too busy to take her father’s bizarre summons seriously. But when a tragic mistake puts her career in jeopardy, answering her father’s call seems her only hope of redeeming the devastating failure that her life has become.

While exploring the haunting cave at her father’s archaeological dig, Lisbeth falls through a hidden hole, awakening to find herself the object of a slave auction and the ruins of Roman Carthage inexplicably restored to a thriving metropolis. Is it possible that she’s traveled back in time, and, if so, how can she find her way back home?

Cyprian Thascius believes God called him to rescue the mysterious woman from the slave trader’s cell. What he doesn’t understand is why saving the church of his newfound faith requires him to love a woman whose peculiar ways could get him killed. But who is he to question God?

As their different worlds collide, it sparks an intense attraction that unites Lisbeth and Cyprian in a battle against a deadly epidemic. Even as they confront persecution, uncover buried secrets, and ignite the beginnings of a medical revolution, Roman wrath threatens to separate them forever. Can they find their way to each other through all these obstacles? Or are the eighteen hundred years between them too far of a leap?

The Queen of Sparta by T.S. Chaudhry

Xerxes, the Great King of Persia invades Greece in 480 B.C. at the head of over a million barbarians. 300 Spartan’s led by King Leonidas die heroically blocking the Persian advance at the pass of Thermopylae. The Persians are poised to conquer all of Greece.

The only one standing in their way is a woman – Gorgo, Queen of Sparta. Though history has relegated her role to an interested bystander, what if she played a central part at the heart of the Greek resistance to the Persian invasion. What if she kept her true role a secret in order to play it more effectively? What if she was hiding other secrets too – dark secrets of murder and vengeance? What if the only person who truly appreciated her genius was an enemy prisoner? What if after their victory, the Greeks start to turn on each other? What if, eventually, Gorgo has to choose between the security of Sparta and safety of her son? And what if the only one who could find a way out is the same prisoner whom she has vowed to kill?

The Wedding Shroud by Elizabeth Storrs

In 406 BC, to seal a tenuous truce, the young Roman Caecilia is wedded to Vel Mastarna, an Etruscan nobleman from Veii. Leaving her militaristic homeland, Caecilia is determined to remain true to Roman virtues while living among the sinful Etruscans. But, despite her best intentions, she is seduced by a culture that offers women education, independence, sexual freedom, and an empowering religion.

Enchanted by Veii but terrified of losing ties to Rome, Caecilia performs rites to delay becoming a mother, thereby postponing true entanglement. Yet as she develops an unexpected love for Mastarna, she’s torn between her birthplace and the city in which she now lives. As war looms, Caecilia discovers Fate is not so easy to control, and she must choose where her allegiance lies.

The Wedding Shroud is the first book in the series A Tale of Ancient Rome. Subsequent books in the series include The Golden Dice and Call to Juno.

I Am Livia by Phillis T. Smith

Her life would be marked by scandal and suspicion, worship and adoration…

At the tender age of fourteen, Livia Drusilla overhears her father and fellow aristocrats plotting the assassination of Julius Caesar. Proving herself an astute confidante, she becomes her father’s chief political asset—and reluctantly enters into an advantageous marriage to a prominent military officer. Her mother tells her, “It is possible for a woman to influence public affairs,” reminding Livia that—while she possesses a keen sense for the machinations of the Roman senate—she must also remain patient and practical.

But patience and practicality disappear from Livia’s mind when she meets Caesar’s heir, Octavianus. At only eighteen, he displays both power and modesty. A young wife by that point, Livia finds herself drawn to the golden-haired boy. In time, his fortunes will rise as Livia’s family faces terrible danger. But her sharp intellect—and her heart—will lead Livia to make an unbelievable choice: one that will give her greater sway over Rome than she could have ever foreseen.

So Shines the Night by Tracy L. Higley

Daria's new home in Ephesus with Lucas both beguiles and confounds her, until she meets followers of The Way.

Her past has taught her that evil is real, that it can consume a person. She saw it happen with her husband, before he took his own life. Widowed, with no family, Daria becomes a tutor to Lucas, a rich traveling merchant from Ephesus. There she discovers evil has a strong foothold and that Lucas himself seems drawn to evil and sorcery.

As her relationship with her employer grows, she fears that she will be unable to pull him from demonic influence. Tension in the city is about to erupt, as a new sect called The Way continues to draw followers. A man called Paul leads the movement against the economic and political strength of the city, found in its goddess cult.

When she learns more of the ways of the Christians and their ability to defeat evil, she begins to have hope. But then Lucas is arrested and jailed for a brutal crime, and it seems not even the Christians can help.

Tensions escalate in the city until thousands are pouring into the arena to protest the influence of the Christians, and a plot to kill Paul is underway. When Lucas's execution is scheduled, Daria must find a way to prove his innocence, save his life, and help her new friends before everyone she loves is destroyed.
 


Have you read any of these? Any other novels set in ancient lands you would add to this list?


Looking for some books set in ancient lands I have read and reviewed?  Give these a try!

Daughters of Rome              Penelope's Daughter            Written in the Ashes
★★★★★                   ★★★★☆                   ★★★★½☆

Here are some of the wishlists from a few of my friends this month:

• Magdalena @ A Bookaholic Swede - HF based on real historical figures
• Holly @ 2 Kids and Tired Books - Books set in Paris
• Colleen @ A Literary Vacation - Books on real-life artists - writers and painters
• Erin @ Flashlight Commentary - Books featuring photographers on the cover
• Stephanie @ Layered Pages - Thrillers

Copyright © 2016 by The Maiden’s Court

Book Review: The Woman Who Would Be King by Kara Cooney

The Woman Who Would Be King: Hatshepsut's Rise to Power in Ancient Egypt by Kara Cooney
Unabridged, 10 hr. 22 min.
Random House Audio
Kara Cooney (Narrator)
October 14, 2014
★★★☆☆

Genre: Non-Fiction, Biography

Source: Personal purchase via Audible

An engrossing biography of the longest-reigning female pharaoh in Ancient Egypt and the story of her audacious rise to power in a man's world.

Hatshepsut, the daughter of a general who took Egypt's throne without status as a king's son and a mother with ties to the previous dynasty, was born into a privileged position of the royal household. Married to her brother, she was expected to bear the sons who would legitimize the reign of her father's family. Her failure to produce a male heir was ultimately the twist of fate that paved the way for her inconceivable rule as a cross-dressing king. At just twenty, Hatshepsut ascended to the rank of king in an elaborate coronation ceremony that set the tone for her spectacular twenty-two year reign as co-regent with Thutmose III, the infant king whose mother Hatshepsut out-maneuvered for a seat on the throne. Hatshepsut was a master strategist, cloaking her political power plays with the veil of piety and sexual expression. Just as women today face obstacles from a society that equates authority with masculinity, Hatshepsut had to shrewdly operate the levers of a patriarchal system to emerge as Egypt's second female pharaoh.

Hatshepsut had successfully negotiated a path from the royal nursery to the very pinnacle of authority, and her reign saw one of Ancient Egypt's most prolific building periods. Scholars have long speculated as to why her images were destroyed within a few decades of her death, all but erasing evidence of her rule. Constructing a rich narrative history using the artifacts that remain, noted Egyptologist Kara Cooney offers a remarkable interpretation of how Hatshepsut rapidly but methodically consolidated power--and why she fell from public favor just as quickly. "The Woman Who Would Be King" traces the unconventional life of an almost-forgotten pharaoh and explores our complicated reactions to women in power.

Egypt is one of those locales of which I inhale anything that I can find – be in fiction or non-fiction. Non-fiction that focuses on the royal women of Egypt is a rare sight indeed and I was excited to see The Woman Who Would Be King would be taking on the subject of Hatshepsut. She was such a fascinating woman who was one of the most powerful women of her age and I have been fascinated by how after her death it was attempted to erase her from history.

This book addresses both the life of Hatshepsut as well as the time and place around her. The setting was well brought to life and I learned so much about Egypt during the preceding reign as well as her own. However, my struggles came with regards to the discussion of the life of Hatshepsut, the part I was most interested in here. So much of her life is an unknown and that is part of the problem, albeit one that the author acknowledges. In her discussion of Hatshepsut’s life, so much that is presented is done so in the form of a question or in terms of speculation, worded such as “perhaps she did this” or “perhaps she thought that”. If that usage was merely sprinkled occasionally throughout the text I would not take issue with that, as of course there are things that may not be known, however, it is entirely overused here. Coming away from this book I felt that all I learned was even more speculation, and I was hoping for more. It also made for the text to be a little clunky as each “perhaps” stood out to me.

There was certainly great research done here into the time and place, it came to life, and if this was a book about Hatshepsut’s times, I wouldn’t have any issues with the book. It never felt like a book on Hatshepsut though.

★★★★ ½☆

This book is narrated by the author, which always leaves me a little hesitant as I have had good and bad experiences with self-narrated books. I can attest here that this was an occasion where the author did a great job with narrating her work. Based on her experience as an Egyptologist I fully believe her pronunciation of those difficult Egyptian names. Additionally, I thought that she pulled off a perfect pacing and cadence to her narration.

If you would like to preview the story before reading it, why not try out listening to this excerpt of the book?

You can also watch the author speak about the book in the video below:

Reviews of this book by other bloggers:

• Melissa Martin’s Reading List

Buy the Book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | RJ Julia



Find Kara Cooney: Website | Facebook | Twitter

 

 


Copyright © 2016 by The Maiden’s Court

Book Review: Daughter of the Gods by Stephanie Thornton

Daughter of the Gods by Stephanie Thornton
Paperback, 448 pages
NAL
May 6, 2014
★★★★★

Genre: Historical Fiction

Source: Received for review as part of Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tour

“Egypt, 1400s BC. The pharaoh’s pampered second daughter, lively, intelligent Hatshepsut, delights in racing her chariot through the marketplace and testing her archery skills in the Nile’s marshlands. But the death of her elder sister, Neferubity, in a gruesome accident arising from Hatshepsut’s games forces her to confront her guilt...and sets her on a profoundly changed course.

Hatshepsut enters a loveless marriage with her half brother, Thut, to secure his claim to the Horus Throne and produce a male heir. But it is another of Thut’s wives, the commoner Aset, who bears him a son, while Hatshepsut develops a searing attraction for his brilliant adviser Senenmut. And when Thut suddenly dies, Hatshepsut becomes de facto ruler, as regent to her two-year-old nephew.

Once, Hatshepsut anticipated being free to live and love as she chose. Now she must put Egypt first. Ever daring, she will lead a vast army and build great temples, but always she will be torn between the demands of leadership and the desires of her heart. And even as she makes her boldest move of all, her enemies will plot her downfall....”

I was quite excited to read this novel – I have always had a fascinating with Egypt, and especially the women pharaohs and queens. I also very much enjoyed reading The Secret History last year and had high expectations for the author’s treatment of Hatshepsut. I am pleased to say that this book met all my expectations and then some!

Hatshepsut was an interesting character to follow – she certainly wasn’t a woman like her other contemporaries. I feel like it wasn’t just characterization, but that Thornton captured the essence of who this long ago woman truly was. She was frustrating at times – that is for sure – but she was driven to reach an ultimate goal – and she did. The other characters were all great as well – but Hatshepsut was truly the star of the show here. One of the things that I thought was excellently done, was that almost all of the characters were written in shades of grey. There were moments when they questioned everything they did, moments that they came off as the bad guy, and moments where they were pure genius. It made for a complex interplay between the characters that enriched the story.

The plot pacing was excellent – the twists you did not see coming, but after the reveal you could go back and recognize little hints here and there sometimes. There were little twists throughout and I enjoyed each of them. The romance plot thread I loved. I was so committed to the two characters and all the bad things that happened made my heart hurt. I can even say that I shed a few tears. I was a little ambivalent about the epilogue – at first I didn’t really like it, but then it made sense to clear up one last question that history has left to us. I also appreciated that as the reader we were allowed to be intelligent and be given the treatment of the Egyptian religious world. There were enough details to understand it and it didn’t feel dumbed down or overly explained.

I couldn’t put the book down – each page pulled me along and compelled me to read that much further. I can’t wait to see what the author does with the wives of Genghis Kahn in her next novel. I encourage you to pick up any of the works by this author.

Author Stephanie Thornton also has written The Secret History. You can visit Stephanie’s website for additional information about the book.

My reviews of other books by this author:

• The Secret History

Reviews of this book by other bloggers:

• Let Them Read Books
• Unabridged Chick

Here are some choices for purchasing the book: Amazon, B&N, RJ Julia (my fav indie bookstore).

You can follow along with the rest of the blog tour by visiting the HFVBT website or on Twitter with the following hashtag: #DaughteroftheGodsTour.

I also have a giveaway for you all as part of the tour.  It is for one paperback copy and is open to the USA and Canada only.  The giveaway will be open until May 31st and entries can be made through the Rafflecopter below.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Copyright © 2014 by The Maiden’s Court

Book Review: Asenath by Anna Patricio

Asenath by Anna Patricio
ARC, Paperback, 222 pages
Imajin Books
September 24, 2011
★★★½☆☆

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Source: Received from author for review

“Two Destinies...One Journey of Love

In a humble fishing village on the shores of the Nile lives Asenath, a fisherman's daughter who has everything she could want. Until her perfect world is shattered.

When a warring jungle tribe ransacks the village and kidnaps her, separating her from her parents, she is forced to live as a slave. And she begins a journey that will culminate in the meeting of a handsome and kind steward named Joseph.

Like her, Joseph was taken away from his home, and it is in him that Asenath comes to find solace...and love. But just as they are beginning to form a bond, Joseph is betrayed by his master's wife and thrown into prison.

Is Asenath doomed to a lifetime of losing everything and everyone she loves?”

I picked up this book because it is set in Ancient Egypt, a setting that I absolutely adore. I didn’t have any idea that it was based on the Biblical story of Asenath and Joseph (of the Coat of Many Colors fame). So I not only got a story set in Egypt, but also a little more Biblical knowledge to boot (because of course I then went and looked up the Biblical passages). I always find it so interesting to see how an author takes what is typically just a few short sentences from the Bible and can turn it into an entire novel.

One of the strengths of the author was creating a vivid world in which her characters existed. It was very palpable and visible. It was almost its own complete character. One of the areas I found to be a little weak was in characterization; they seemed to belong to either pole – pure or evil. With this tendency, I became quite frustrated with some of the characters from time to time.

The pacing of the book also could use some improvement. It was difficult to get into the book, even though there was action right from the first sentence. I think the issue was that we didn’t know any of the characters yet to get the emotional punch that the scenes intended. That was a real missed opportunity. While the beginning moved too quickly, there were other parts that were much too slow. Asenath was frequently too introspective and this was a common cause of the drag.

Overall, the story was an entertaining, short, quick read.

This is Anna Patricio’s debut novel. You can visit Anna’s blog for additional information about the book.

You can also watch the book trailer below.

Reviews of this book by other bloggers:

• Reading to Penguins
• Romancing the Book

Here are some choices for purchasing the book: Amazon, B&N, RJ Julia (my fav indie bookstore).

 

Copyright © 2013 by The Maiden’s Court

Book Review: Written in the Ashes by K. Hollan van Zandt

Written in the Ashes by K. Hollan van Zandt
Kindle E-Book, 448 pages
Balboa Press
July 6, 2011
★★★★½☆

Genre: Historical fiction

Source: Received from author for review as part of Premier Virtual Author Book Tours

“Written in the Ashes, my debut novel about the events that led up to the burning of the Great Library of Alexandria, circa 415 AD. It focuses on the life and death of the first female mathematician/philosopher/scientist in history, Hypatia of Alexandria. As the headmistress of the Great Library, she held tremendous power, and was brutally murdered by a Christian mob led by Bishop Cyril. Her death marked the beginning of the Dark Ages as Christianity rose in power throughout the empire. It has been optioned by Academy Award-winning producer Mark Harris, and Agape Media International.”

While this book initially started out a little bit slow for me, it quickly picked up and I became instantly attached to the characters and the events that transpired. The characters were wonderfully written and I LOVED Hypatia. I had a vision of her in my head from the film Agora staring Rachel Weisz and I think my biggest issue was that I couldn’t match the Hypatia in the book with the one in the movie. But as far as looks go, that is my least concern. For someone who we don’t really know all that much about I loved getting to know her. She was a very learned woman and it was entirely unfair that people didn’t understand the difference between science and witch craft and the world lost her much too soon. In terms of the leading men, I found myself intermittently in love with Gideon and Julian – both very good and brave men.

I enjoyed all of the drama brought about by the quest given to Hannah to find the Emerald Tablet. The exchanges between the characters in these scenes were some of my favorites. The scenes at the height of the novel were so action packed that I couldn’t put it down; I felt like somehow I would miss things unfolding while the cover was closed.

I have to give high praise to the author for the atmospheric world of Alexandria and beyond that she brought to the page. For a lighthouse and library that no longer stand – and which I have never seen any images of – I could certainly picture them in my mind. We also travel to two oracles – one at Delphi and one in Egypt, whose name escapes me right now. I had not ever read about oracles before and really didn’t know what to expect, however I enjoyed how van Zandt presented them. When they left Delphi I felt sad. After the fall of the Great Library I felt like I too was standing on the shore watching as the ash fell everywhere and again I felt the sadness that I am sure engulfed many at the time.

There were two small complaints that I have about this novel. The first I am not sure was an e-book issue or actually part of the novel – this is my first e-book on my Kindle. Sections were periodically divided with “So”. Sometimes it felt like this was appropriate as in, “and then this happened” while at other times is felt like some sort of glitch in the e-book process. If anyone has read the paper copy please let me know! The other issue I had was where periodically referenced was an angel. I’m not really sure of the angel’s purpose but it was distracting to me and I didn’t feel like it was a necessary addition.

Overall I thought that this was a wonderful read that I would highly recommend. Not only do we get treated to a beautiful view of Alexandria but the story is one that deserves to be told. I can’t wait for this to be brought to the screen!

If you would like to preview the story before reading it, why not try out this excerpt of the book? Also, if you have a copy of the book, be sure to check out the special extras for book owners!

You can also watch the book trailer below.

Reviews of this book by other bloggers:

• Unabridged Chick
• A Bookish Affair

Buy the Book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | RJ Julia

Find K. Hollan van Zandt: Goodreads | Facebook

Follow the Tour!

You can follow the rest of the book tour by stopping by the Premier Author Virtual Book Tour.

 

Copyright © 2012 by The Maiden’s Court

Movie Review: Cleopatra

Cleopatra

Twentieth Century Fox

192 mins.

June 12, 1963

This is a classic movie that I am surprised it took me so long to see. I was given the collector edition for Christmas a couple years ago but just got to it recently. I think the length kind of kept me away from it for awhile.

This is a SUPER long movie – it took me 4 sittings to watch the whole thing because I couldn’t do it all at once. I saw the first half all at once, but the second half required more sittings. In terms of content, I found the part before the intermission (I told you it was long, it had a placard saying “intermission”!) to be the most interesting. The first half is mostly about Cleopatra’s interaction/romance with Caesar while the second half is focused on her relationship with Marc Antony. I think my issue with the second half was with the acting – which I will get into a little later. My favorite scene had to be when Cleopatra comes into Rome – there was so much fanfare and it was beautiful. Everything in this film looked great!

I thought that Elizabeth Taylor did a good job as Cleopatra. Her style was great. She was basically everything that I expected from her in this role. I have always been a Rex Harrison fan (watched the original Doctor Doolittle over and over again as a child and loved him in My Fair Lady). I thought that Harrison was wonderful as Caesar – even if the British accent was a little out of place. I honestly did not care of Richard Burton as Marc Antony or Roddy McDowall as Octavian. I felt like all that these two did was whine and Antony had no spine. This is exactly the opposite of how I envision Antony and therefore did not fit for me. Basically once the plot of the story turned to Antony I became disinterested.

Overall this was a beautiful film and very evocative of the period despite my dissatisfaction with some of the acting. Well worth the watch.

Since I posted the trailer yesterday during Caught on Tape: Cleopatra, I thought I would post a clip from my favorite scene, Cleopatra’s entrance into Rome.

Copyright © 2011 by The Maiden’s Court

Caught on Tape: Cleopatra

Cleopatra is one of THE figures in history that everyone knows something about. Her story is epic – she loved and was loved by two great men in history. She ruled Egypt and lost Egypt and gave her life in the process. As she is this epic character, there have of course been some great movies made about her. All of the films I included below are classic films. Each film features a superb cast of amazing classic actors. Almost all the films have some award nominations and look simply stunning. The only one I have seen is the Elizabeth Taylor film (which I will be reviewing tomorrow), but I can tell you that I certainly want to see more of the rest!

Cleopatra (1963)

“The winner of four Oscars, this epic saga of love, greed and betrayal stars Elizabeth Taylor as the passionate and ambitious Egyptian queen who's determined to hold on to the throne and seduces the Roman emperor Julius Caesar (Rex Harrison). When Caesar is murdered, she redirects her attentions to his general, Marc Antony (Richard Burton), who vows to take power -- but Caesar's successor (Roddy McDowall) has other plans.”

This is one of those classic films that you just HAVE to see. Certainly a movie to watch in a couple parts as it is so long but worth the time. Cleopatra is played by the great Elizabeth Taylor and also stars two other acting heavy weights as her lovers, Rex Harrison (who I love!) and Richard Burton. While the film has many historical inaccuracies (regarding characters and time) and some of the acting is a little over the top, I still find it to be an enjoyable movie from the golden age. And Elizabeth Taylor certainly had some amazing costumes in this movie.  You can find my review here.

Cleopatra (1934)

“Legendary director Cecil B. DeMille helms this spectacle about ancient Egypt, with Claudette Colbert as the queen of the Nile and Warren William and Henry Wilcoxon in the roles of Julius Caesar and Marc Antony, respectively. The sumptuous sets and thrilling battle scenes helped make the film an event, and Cleopatra's seduction of Marc Antony on her lavish barge ranks as a must-see moment in the world of cinema. The film won an Oscar for editing.”

Another go around by the same name but filmed by the well known Cecil B DeMille. Filmed in black and white there is even more of a sense of the classic nature of the film than the 1963 version. Claudette Colbert plays Cleopatra and I think that she might be a better fit than Taylor (sacrilege, I know). Not that I think either woman plays a very convincing looking or sounding Cleopatra. The costuming is gorgeous. There is some risqué imagery (for the time period just prior to the Hays Code) but nothing near what we would see if this movie were made today. I have heard/read that the seduction scene between Cleopatra and Marc Antony makes the entire film. I eagerly look to get my hands on a copy of this film.

Caesar and Cleopatra (1945)

“In this Oscar-nominated film adaptation of George Bernard Shaw's play, the aging Caesar (Claude Rains) comes to Alexandria to tutor young Cleopatra (Vivien Leigh) in the ways of rule, allowing her to wrestle the throne away from her brother, Ptolemy. But as time progresses, Caesar's feelings for Cleopatra turn romantic and he vows to marry her. Stewart Granger co-stars in this epic drama directed by Gabriel Pascal.”

As the previous two films featured Cleopatra’s relationships with both Marc Anthony and Julius Caesar, this film focuses on her relationship with Caesar. Based on the play by George Bernard Shaw this is another one of those beautifully filmed epic movies that you have to just see. Vivien Leigh (from Gone with the Wind fame) is Cleopatra. I have read that Claude Rains plays the best Julius Caesar on film. A theatrical box office failure but a great movie to see.

Antony and Cleopatra (1972)

“Screen legends Charlton Heston and Hildegard Neil inhabit the title roles in this adaptation of William Shakespeare's timeless tragedy. The epic tale follows Cleopatra and Marc Antony's doomed romance, from the Parthian War through intrigues that span continents and empires. Written and directed by Heston himself, the film also features performances by Eric Porter, Fernando Rey, John Castle, Carmen Sevilla, Douglas Wilmer and Freddie Jones.”

This film is an adaptation of the play by Shakespeare and as we all know, Shakespeare was not well known for his historical accuracy. Charlton Heston stars as Marc Antony and Hildegard Neil stars as Cleopatra. As the title suggests, the focus of this film is the tragedy of the love of Antony and Cleopatra. As written in the play, Cleopatra is one of Shakespeare’s most complex characters. Despite this film having two great leading actors – it was a commercial failure in the USA and received poor reviews. I haven’t seen this film so I can’t judge it – have any of you seen it?

The only clip that I could find of this was the opening credits scene – which shows the beautiful imagery but not much of the characters.

Who is your favorite portrayal of the Queen of the Nile? Which of these films have you seen or have earned a place in your movie hall of fame?

Stay tuned tomorrow for my review of Cleopatra (1963).





Copyright © 2011 by The Maiden’s Court

Movie Review - Agora

Agora (2009)

Production: Mod Producciones

Agora, starring Rachel Weisz as the main character Hypatia, is a movie about many things. It is a sweeping tale of the battle between pagans and Christians in 4th Century Alexandria; it is a story of the evolution of certain scientific findings and beliefs; it is the story of Hypatia, a female mathematician, astronomer and atheist. You get all of the above and more in this complex 127 minute film.

The overarching theme behind this movie is the religious upheaval in Alexandria – at different times there were battles between Christians and Pagans and then later it was the Christians and Jews. Interwoven through this setting is Hypatia. Here is where Rachel Weisz certainly stole the show. She is a scientist and teacher during this chaotic and uncertain time – and she is atheistic. All of these characteristics ultimately lead to her downfall once the new regime takes over the city – despite the attempts of her former pupils to save her. Also intertwined in these religious changes is an ex slave, who is in love with Hypatia. All of these story strings came together nicely, although I was left a little confused by the ending and did have to look up what it meant.

The first surprise for me was that even though this film is a Spanish made film – it is in English! I was expecting to have to focus on subtitles and kept putting off watching this one for awhile because of it. This revelation allowed me to spend more time looking at the beautiful world that was created on the screen, rather than having to read words. And what a world it was that was presented to us. I could really picture being in 4th Century Egypt. The costuming was also very appealing and well done.

The biggest drawback for me did have to do with words on the screen – despite there not being subtitles. Periodically there would be a screen full of words to try and set the setting or explain what was happening – that in and of itself wasn’t the issue – it was the colors that they chose. The words were in white and were usually displayed over a tan desert scene – it made it very difficult to read and I did lose some of the context because of this.

I would recommend this movie to any of my historical fiction fans! It really was a surprising movie with a lot of depth of story and exploration of the events of the time.

4.5 out of 5 stars






Copyright © 2010 by The Maiden’s Court

And the Winner of Cleopatra's Daughter is...

Good Afternoon everyone! I just wanted to announce the winner of Cleopatra's Daughter and the Roman Coin that Michelle Moran has graciously offered up for a giveaway. The winner is...


Janetfaye!


I am sending out an email now. Congratulations! You will really enjoy the book.




Copyright © 2009-2011 by The Maiden’s Court

Author Event - Esther Friesner

Today I went to another author event - this time with young adult author Esther Friesner and her new book Sphinx's Princess (released September 22, 2009). The book is the first book of a two part series about Nefertiti - as a young girl in this one and as a queen in the sequel Sphinx's Queen (due out Fall 2010).

This was a small event - there were about a dozen people there, and Esther was the sweetest lady. We talked all about Egypt, the culture, her research, past and future works. She had a door prize raffle for a scarab beetle bead and my boyfriend won! Pretty cool since I brought him along for company. It being a small setting we got to ask all kinds of questions and it was nice compared to the huge one I was at for Audrey Niffenegger.

You may be familiar with Esther's previous works, Nobody's Princess and Nobody's Prize - about Helen of Troy. She also has another book coming out at the end of 2010 about the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory tragedy, tentitively titled Threads and Flames - if you don't know anything about this, check out the Wikipedia entry. I was very excited when she mentioned this, because I had to write a paper on this incident in my women's history/sociology class a year ago - so I will be looking forward to that one.




Copyright © 2009-2011 by The Maiden’s Court

Book Review: Cleopatra’s Daughter by Michelle Moran

Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran

Hardcover, 431 pages

Crown Publishing

September 15, 2009
★★★★★

Genre: Historical Fiction, Young Adult

Source: Received from author for review

"The death of Cleopatra was only the beginning... 

Follows 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!"

The story of Cleopatra is a story that almost everyone knows – the story of what happened to her children after her death is one few know. Michelle Moran tells an instantly engrossing story that sucks you in to the world of Rome during the reign of Octavian. As Selene and Alexander try to navigate their way through this new world, full of intrigue and fear, the reader is treated to an experience of a lifetime.

Selene and Alexander are taken to Rome to live with Octavian’s sister after Cleopatra and Mark Antony commit suicide. Here they are treated as members of the royal family but are always questioning what will happen to them. The twins are immersed into a completely different culture, and despite being very well educated, this world is very different from the life they left behind in Egypt. The nice thing about this, as a reader, is that coming into this book not knowing too much about daily life in Rome you get to explore it though their eyes and learn about the culture just as the kids would.

Knowing from the day they were taken to Rome that their 15th birthday would be an important life changing event, the age when marriages would be arranged for them, the children look toward this day with apprehension. Would they marry well, or would Octavian take out his conquest on them by arranging a terrible marriage? Would any harm come to them – as it could be a hazard to have children of Cleopatra and Mark Antony that could become a rallying point for those opposed to Octavian? Would they ever get to go back home and take the place they rightfully deserve? They would just have to wait and see…

Michelle Moran again creates a wonderful world that you cannot remove yourself from once you start reading – it will engrain itself in your mind and you will think about it even when you are not reading. The characters are very true to the historical way they are thought to be. Reading the descriptions of events that really took place it is so unbelievable that it really happened this way and is not just a creation of the author. These are some of the best stories! I really loved the character of Selene – she is just the right amount of trusting and reserved – she stays true to who she is, even in a very different culture. I also really loved the use of Latin and period appropriate vocabulary used. I have never studied Latin – but I have a good enough handle on Latin root words that I could easily discern what they were talking about (and if not, there is a glossary at the back of the book). It made the story that much more realistic – people were talking more of the way they would.

I can tell you that I really never saw the ending coming – and interestingly I had done some of my own research and never put the pieces together within the story. The ending has quite a full circle feel to it and is definitely worth the wait.

Michelle Moran receives my highest praise for this one and I can’t wait for the next.

Check out the book trailer - very dramatic music!



Reviews of this book by other bloggers:

• Caribousmom
• Medieval Bookworm

 

Buy the Book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | RJ Julia

Also by Michelle Moran:

Nefertiti
[My Review]

 

The Heretic Queen
[My Review]

 

Madame Tussaud
[My Review]

 

The Second Empress

 

Rebel Queen

 

Find Michelle Moran: Website | Blog | Facebook | Pinterest

 

You can enter my current giveaway for a copy of the book and an authentic roman coin here. The winner will be posted October 18th. This Giveaway Is Closed!

 

 

 

Copyright © 2009 by The Maiden’s Court

GIVEAWAY - Cleopatra's Daughter and Roman Coin

I just finished reading Cleopatra’s Daughter a few days ago, and will have a review posted here in a day or two. It was a fabulous book, just as I have come to expect from Michelle Moran. An instant favorite! She has so generously offered to giveaway 1 hardcover copy of Cleopatra’s Daughter as well as an authentic Roman coin! Thanks Michelle. Here are the details:

Giveaway is open to everyone worldwide and a winner will be chosen October 17, 2009. The winner will receive both the book and the coin.

To enter:
• Post a comment with your email address (this is required)
• Tweet [@dolleygurl] about this giveaway for +1 entry
• Post on you blog sidebar for +1 entry
• Become a follower (or already be a follower) for +1 entry

Good luck everyone!




Copyright © 2009-2011 by The Maiden’s Court

Historical Spotlight: The Children of Cleopatra

Cleopatra’s Daughter (by Michelle Moran) digs into the lives of the twin children of Cleopatra: Alexander Helios and Cleopatra Selene. Her two other children are mentioned as well: Caesarion and Ptolemy. Let’s look at what is known of their lives.

Caesarion – “Ptolemy XV Philopator Philometor Caesar”
Caesarion “Little Caesar” was the eldest son of Cleopatra and her liaison with Julius Caesar. He was born in 47 BC in Alexandria, Egypt. Cleopatra wanted Caesarion to become Caesar’s heir and the next leader of Rome; after Caesar’s death they returned to Egypt. In 44 BC Caesarion was name co-ruler of Egypt with Cleopatra. When Mark Antony became Cleopatra’s husband – he gave Caesarion the title of “King of Kings”. When Octavian invaded Alexandria, Caesarion was seen as the biggest threat to his quest to become the sole leader of Rome because he was Caesar’s son. Caesarion was executed at the age of 17 in 30 BC upon the order of Octavian – he had been planning on fleeing, possibly to India. He was the last Ptolemiac King of Egypt.

Alexander Helios
Alexander was born in 40 BC in Alexandria, the older sibling in the set of twins. They were the children of Mark Antony and Cleopatra. He was named after Cleopatra’s grandfather, Alexander the Great, and the ancient Greek word for sun. Mark Antony gave him the titles of King of Armenia, Media, Parthia and any countries yet to be discovered between the Euphrates and Indus Rivers. In 33 BC he was engaged to Iotapa of Media. After Cleopatra and Mark Antony committed suicide, Alexander was taken with his sister and younger brother to Rome for Octavian’s triumph. He lived with Octavian’s sister. It is believed that he was ultimately killed or died from illness, but there is no record of when.

Cleopatra Selene II – “Cleopatra VIII of Egypt”
Selene was born in 40 BC with her twin Alexander; she was named after her mother and the ancient Greek word for moon – her brother’s counterpart. She was given the titles of Queen of Cyrenaica and Libya. Along with her brothers she was brought to Rome and lived with Octavia – she outlived her brothers. She was married to King Juba II of Numidia around 20 BC. They ruled over Mauretania for Rome and had an influence on politics. They had 2 children, Ptolemy of Mauretania and Drusillia of Mauretania. She died sometime around year 6.

Ptolemy – “Ptolemy Philadelphus”
Ptolemy was the youngest child of Cleopatra and Mark Antony; he was born in 36 BC in Syria. He was named after Ptolemy II Philadelphus. When his siblings were given titles he received King of Syria, Phoenicia, and Cilicia. He made the trip with Alexander and Selene to Rome and also like his brother it is not known how or when he died.




Copyright © 2009-2011 by The Maiden’s Court

Book Review: The Heretic Queen by Michelle Moran

The Heretic Queen by Michelle Moran

UK Paperback, 512 pages

Quercus Publishing Plc

December 26, 2008

★★★★★

Genre: Historical Fiction

Source: Personal Collection

"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."

I want to say right from the start that this book is the BEST book that I have read to date. I don’t know what was wrong with me, but for some reason I didn’t want to get started with this one. I put it off for three days after finishing Eve for some unknown reason but as soon as I started reading it, I was like “What was wrong with you!”

The Heretic Queen sort of picks up where her previous book Nefertiti leaves off. Nefertari is a princess in the royal court of Seti I. Her mother was Queen Mutnudjamet, the sister of Queen Nefertiti. Nefertari is the only remaining link to this family. With these family connections, Nefertari is constantly harassed by her school mates and others about being from the Heretic family. Her two closest friends, the only ones who really don’t consider her the Heretic, are Asha and Ramesses. Ramesses is the son of Seti I and he is declared co-reagent of Egypt along with his father. Along with his title, Ramesses must select a wife; a role that Nefertari would love to fill. Except there are some major roadblocks in the way…politics, greed, pride.

This story never felt like it was dragging. The sentences never felt clumsy, out of place, or just used as filler. Every sentence was important and helped move the story along in major ways. Moran is well versed in her Egyptian vocabulary and ways of living during the 19th dynasty. Her writing really makes you feel like you are right there or watching a movie play out right in front of you. About halfway through the book I realized that this book would only get through a fraction of the life/story of Nefertari. I was slightly depressed knowing this because this is a great love story for the ages; one that has stood the test of time. When it ended I wanted to read more, more, more! This has quickly moved its way to the top of my favorite book list.

I cannot wait to read Moran’s third book, Cleopatra’s Daughter. I have thoroughly enjoyed her first two.

 

If you would like to preview the story before reading it, why not try out this excerpt of the book?  There is also a great Q&A with the author about the book.

Other blogger's reviews of this book:

• The Lit Witch
• Jules' Book Reviews

 

Where to Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | RJ Julia

Also by Michelle Moran:

Nefertiti [My Review]

 

Cleopatra's Daughter [My Review]

 

Madame Tussaud [My Review]

 

The Second Empress

 

Rebel Queen

 

Find Michelle Moran: Website | Blog | Facebook | Pinterest

 

 

Copyright © 2009 by The Maiden’s Court