THE HERETIC QUEEN by Michelle Moran

Publisher: Random House
Date published: September 2008
ISBN: 978-0307381750
Historical Fiction
Hardback
Reviewed by Gina


Try as she might, the princess Nefertari has never been able to escape the legacy of being the niece of the Heretic Pharaohs, Amunhotep and his Queen Nefertiti. Indeed, Nefertari was named for her infamous aunt and there are those at the Egyptian court who are more than eager to point out how much the younger woman resembles the dead queen. Yet in many ways her life has been sheltered. She has run, hunted and studied with Ramesses and Asha but all this comes to an end when Ramesses becomes co-regent with his father, Pharaoh Seti.

Despite his love for Nefertari, Ramesses enters into marriage with Iset, a woman known for her beauty and charm. Born to a harem girl, Iset has been groomed by Isis’ High Priestess Henuttawy to take her place beside Ramesses side. Despite his love for Nefertari, he follows the law and wishes of his parents and marries Iset. It is not long, however, before petitioners and the court alike realize a less than facile mine resides behind Iset’s pretty face. No matter, she is Henuttawy’s creature.

Nefertari is not without allies and those who love and care for her. The High Priestess of Hathor, Woresit, takes Nefertari under wing and teaches her to become Queen. When after a year of training Nefertari returns to court, Ramesses takes her as his second wife. Despite Ramesses’ desire to make Nefertari Chief Wife, the people call for Iset to rule. With war on the horizon, Ramesses must choose not what his heart most desires, but what is best for Egypt.

THE HERETIC QUEEN is the second book of Michelle Moran’s Egyptian historical fictions and followed NEFERTITI. The stories are stand alone tales and one need not read NEFERTITI before reading THE HERETIC QUEEN. Ms. Moran fills in the backstory between the two so that the reader has no sense of being left out of the story.

I did enjoy NEFERTITI much more because the characters seemed to have much more depth. There was more emotion surrounding their journey and I could relate more easily to Nefertiti. Not that I could not relate to Nefertari and her need to constantly deal with a petulant, spoiled woman who got where she is in life because of her looks. There was just something about Nefertiti as a character that drew me more deeply into her story. I will admit I kept waiting for Iset and Henuttay to get their comeuppance and was thrilled when they did. That said, I don’t think many of us would have been able to take the same high road Nefertari did.

There were a few areas where editing needed to be a bit more careful. For instance, in one scene Nefertari and Ramesses go into her room and then emerge from his. Simple errors that a more careful final edit would have caught.

I enjoyed the portrait of court intrigue and plotting. The final unraveling of the villains plans was well done. You do not have to be interested in Egyptian history to enjoy this book. There is something for everyone, male or female and any age within the pages. I heartily recommend THE HERETIC QUEEN.