Books Like...

'Child of the Morning' by Pauline Gedge is a historical fiction novel that vividly brings to life the story of Queen Pharaoh Hatshepsut, the only woman to ever reign as Pharaoh of Egypt. Set in the 15th century BC, the book portrays Hatshepsut's journey from being trained to rule Egypt by her father to her struggles against her brother's attempts to take the throne from her. The author's writing style immerses the reader in the ancient Egyptian culture, painting a detailed picture of the time period with descriptions that evoke the sights and scents of the era.

The novel combines fiction with historical facts, showcasing Hatshepsut as a strong and tenacious woman who defied societal norms to rule Egypt for twenty years. The plot delves into the power struggles within the royal family, the political maneuvering to maintain control, and the challenges Hatshepsut faced during her reign, including threats from her nephew and the need to balance her personal desires with her responsibilities as Pharaoh. Despite some discrepancies with historical accuracy, the book captivates readers with its portrayal of an enigmatic historical figure and the ancient world she inhabited.

'The Twelfth Transforming' by Pauline Gedge is a dark and compelling historical fiction novel that delves into the reign of Akhenaten, the Pharaoh of Egypt. The story is narrated from the perspective of Queen Tiye, Akhenaten's mother, who is portrayed as a strong and aggressive character. The book follows the rise of Akhenaten to power, his radical beliefs in abolishing traditional Egyptian gods, and the catastrophic consequences of his rule on Egypt.

The author, Pauline Gedge, creates a vivid and immersive portrayal of ancient Egypt, bringing to life the court intrigue, decadence, and power struggles of the time. Through detailed descriptions and well-developed characters, Gedge weaves a story that explores the dark and monstrous aspects of Akhenaten's reign, while also providing insights into the complex relationships within the royal family and the lasting impact of Akhenaten's actions on Egypt.

The Hippopotamus Marsh by Pauline Gedge is a historical fiction novel set in ancient Egypt during the Seventeenth Dynasty. The story follows Sequenenra Tao, a descendant of the last true pharaohs, as he navigates the political intrigues and rebellions against the ruling foreigners, the Hyksos. The book vividly brings to life the passions and conflicts of the time, painting a vibrant picture of everyday life in ancient Egypt. The plot revolves around Sequenenra's actions to confront the Hyksos and the treachery he faces within his own household, setting the stage for a tale of rebellion and awakening in Egypt.

The writing style of Pauline Gedge is praised for its ability to breathe life into the characters, making readers feel the intensity of their convictions. The book is described as entertaining, fast-paced, and immersive, offering a rich and realistic portrayal of ancient Egypt and its noble houses. With vividly drawn characters and a compelling plot that unfolds against the backdrop of historical events, The Hippopotamus Marsh is a gripping read that transports readers to a distant time and place.

'The Eagle and the Raven' by Pauline Gedge is a historical fiction novel set during the Roman conquest of Britain, focusing on the Boudiccan revolt and the betrayal of Caradoc Caractacus. The story follows Caradoc, the chief's son of the Catuvellauni, as he leads the native British tribes in their fight against the Roman invaders. The novel beautifully captures the sense of time and place, immersing the reader in the ancient Britons' desperate struggle for freedom against Roman domination. The battle scenes are vividly described, evoking the sights and sounds of clashes between tribes and Romans, leaving the reader breathless and emotionally invested in the characters' hardships.

'Nefertiti' by Michelle Moran is a historical novel that tells the story of Queen Nefertiti through the perspective of her sister, Mutnodjmet. The plot follows Nefertiti's rise to power as the Queen of Egypt and Pharaoh, co-reigning with her husband Amunhotep IV. The writing style is described as flowing and descriptive, immersing the reader in the ancient Egyptian setting. blends historical facts with fictional elements to bring characters like Nefertiti and Mutnodjmet to life.

'Lady of the Reeds' by Pauline Gedge is a historical novel set in ancient Egypt, focusing on the life of Thu, a peasant girl who rises to become a favorite in the Pharaoh's harem. The story follows Thu's journey from a dusty village to the Pharaoh's court, showcasing her ambition, intelligence, and ruthless nature. The narrative is rich in details of Egyptian life, politics, and the vast divide between social classes, all brought to life through Gedge's vivid and immersive writing style.

Thu's character is portrayed as complex, with a mix of intelligence, ambition, naivety, and impulsiveness. As she navigates through the intrigues of the court and her own desires for power and recognition, readers are taken on a journey filled with twists, turns, and unexpected outcomes. Gedge's fine prose allows the story to unfold naturally, drawing readers into Thu's world and the ancient Egyptian setting with remarkable depth and authenticity.

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.

'The Egyptian' by Mika Waltari is a historical novel set in ancient Egypt, mainly during the reign of the pharaoh Akhenaton. The story follows Sinuhe, a physician who rises to become an advisor and friend to pharaohs and kings. Through Sinuhe's travels from Egypt to various other regions, including Syria, Babylon, Hattusa, and Crete, the novel paints a timeless human story of ideologies, religion, and the brutal reality of human civilization. The narrative delves into the themes of change, decision-making, and the personal and broader implications of historical events, set against a backdrop of ancient Egypt's political and religious turmoil.

The writing style of 'The Egyptian' is described as dark, atmospheric, educational, and livened by humor. The novel is praised for its epic sweep, philosophy, and good writing based on sound research, capturing the essence of life in ancient Egypt. Waltari's intelligent guesses and detailed descriptions provide a rich and immersive reading experience, offering insights into how ideologies and religion shape a nation and its people. The story is narrated in the first person by Sinuhe, providing a unique perspective on the historical events and personal struggles during a pivotal point in Egypt's history.

'River God' by Wilbur Smith is set in ancient Egypt and tells the story through the eyes of a talented slave named Taita. The plot focuses on the forbidden love between a young girl and boy amidst an invasion of Egypt, leading to a tale of true love and the challenges faced to protect it. The writing style is described as accessible and engaging, with a mix of romance, adventure, and action that brings ancient Egypt to life vividly.

'Ancient Evenings' by Norman Mailer is a novel that delves into the magical perspective of the Pharaohs in ancient Egypt. The book follows the story of Menenhetet Two, who meets his great grandfather, Menenhetet One, in the afterlife. Through Menenhetet One's recounting of his previous lives, the readers are taken on a journey through royal charioteering, guarding concubines, and the mystical world of ancient Egypt. The narrative is rich in historical details, complex characters, and a unique outlook on life that sets it apart from typical historical novels.

Norman Mailer's writing style in 'Ancient Evenings' is described as immersive and detailed, providing readers with a rich sensory experience of ancient Egypt. The novel combines historical accuracy with elements of speculative fiction, creating a world that feels both foreign and genuine. Mailer's ability to weave intricate narratives, explore abstract themes, and maintain a sense of mystery throughout the story adds depth and complexity to the novel, making it a compelling read for those interested in ancient Egyptian history and mythology.