The Heretic Queen by Michelle Moran is a historical fiction novel set in ancient Egypt, focusing on the life of Princess Nefertari, the niece of the heretic Queen Nefertiti. The story follows Nefertari's journey as she navigates the complexities of Pharaoh's court, trying to overcome her family's tainted past and win the approval of the Egyptian people. Through court intrigue, rivalries, and love, Nefertari strives to become the chief wife of Ramses the Great, facing challenges and political plotting along the way. The novel is praised for its detailed portrayal of ancient Egyptian life, weaving together a captivating narrative of love, betrayal, and ambition.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, with Nefertari as a strong, intelligent protagonist and Ramesses II as a passionate leader. The supporting cast adds depth with diverse motivations.

Writing/Prose:

The author's writing style is immersive and descriptive, effectively capturing the essence of ancient Egypt while keeping the narrative engaging and relatable.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around Nefertari's struggle to rise as a respected queen despite her family's heretic legacy and the political intrigues that challenge her along the way.

Setting:

The setting is vividly portrayed as ancient Egypt, emphasizing its culture, rituals, and the royal court's dynamics, providing a rich backdrop for the narrative.

Pacing:

The pacing is moderate, with a mix of tension and deeper explorations of character and context, sometimes leading to slower sections.

“Yes,” Paser said distractedly. He took my arm and pushed our way through the sea of bodies. “Make way for the princess Nefertari! Make way!” Women with children stepped aside until we were standing a...

Notes:

The Heretic Queen is a sequel to Nefertiti, but it can be read on its own.

The novel is set in ancient Egypt, focusing on Nefertari, the niece of the infamous Queen Nefertiti.

Nefertari's family was considered heretical due to their past actions, which affects her status as a princess.

She grows up in the royal court alongside her childhood friend, Ramesses, who later becomes Pharaoh.

The story portrays Nefertari's journey from being an overlooked princess to a powerful queen known as the 'Warrior Queen.'

Nefertari is depicted as intelligent, mastering many languages and even participating in battles.

The romance between Nefertari and Ramesses plays a central role in the narrative, highlighting their deep love and partnership.

Moran includes rich descriptions of ancient Egyptian life, such as clothing, customs, and temples.

The book features a calendar of ancient Egyptian festivals and a glossary of terms to help readers understand historical context.

Moran emphasizes themes of resilience, intelligence, and overcoming prejudice in Nefertari's quest for acceptance and love.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes related to familial loss, personal and political betrayal, and historical violence.

Has Romance?

There is a high level of romance present in The Heretic Queen, particularly between Nefertari and Ramesses II.

From The Publisher:

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 Eighteenth Dynasty's royal family-all with the exception of Nefertari, the 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 this changes when she is taken under the wing of the Pharaoh' s aunt, then 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.

Sweeping in scope and meticulous in detail, The Heretic Queen is a novel of passion and power, heartbreak and redemption.

Ratings (7)

Incredible (2)
Loved It (1)
Liked It (3)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (12):

Read It (9)
Want To Read (3)

What can you read after
The Heretic Queen?

See the list (76 books)

About the Author:

Michelle Moran is the author of the bestselling Nefertiti and The Heretic Queen. Her experiences at archaeological sites around the world motivated her to write historical fiction and continue to provide inspiration for her novels. Visit her online at michellemoran.com.

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.

The Heretic Queen

Michelle Moran