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.

NEFERTITI by Michelle Moran

Publisher: Random House
Date published: May 2007
ISBN: 978-0-307-38174-3
Historical Fiction
Paperback
Reviewed by Gina


When chosen as a wife by the newly ascended Pharaoh Amunhotep, Nefertiti determines she will settle for nothing less than to be Chief Wife, his Queen. No matter his first wife, Kiya, is already several months pregnant and appears to hold his heart. Nefertiti seeks greater status for herself and her family. With her father Vizier Ay and her grandmother, Queen Tiye to guide her, the young queen walks forward to meet her destiny. Despite the affinity between Amunhotep and Kiya, Nefertiti quickly takes center stage. She captures her husband’s heart and mind so much so he all but forgets his first wife. Vizier Ay, his eye on becoming the power behind the throne, brings his entire family, including younger daughter, Mutnodjmet (“Mutny”) to Thebes.

The family is not long in the capital city of Thebes when they are moved to Memphis where Amunhotep will rule Lower Egypt while his father Amunhotep the elder rules upper. When his father dies, the younger will rule a unified Egypt. Intrigue swirls at all levels from the machinations of the Pharaoh and his wives, their power hungry fathers, through sycophantic courtiers down to the household servants with their cornucopia of gossip. In his quest for immortality Amunhotep abandons the old gods in favor of the new deity, Aten. His people must either worship Aten or face the consequences. In a mad bid for power, rather than fight the invading Hittites, Amunhotep orders the army to build the city of Amarna, a city devoted to the glory of Aten. In the meanwhile Nefertiti tries again and again for a son yet only gives birth to princesses. Six in her time. Kiya gives their husband a son and before she can birth a second one, she becomes mysteriously ill. Strife from within and without chips away at the crumbling walls of the once bright and shiny city of Amarna and the reign of Amunhotep and Nefertiti.

Told through Mutny’s eyes, NEFERTITI is a fast moving, compelling and utterly memorable story. At first I felt sad for Nefertiti when, as a young woman, she is essentially scarified into a marriage meant to glorify her family. In no short order I began to see her as a selfish, self-centered, egotistical women who cared for nothing but her own glory. As Mutny reveals her older sister to readers, it is clear Nefertiti is a master at manipulation and twisting things to get her own way. It’s all about her. The Queen sits by while her sister’s child is murdered before it can draw breath. Again, when Mutny conceives, Nefertiti puts her wants and needs before her sister and as Queen, can order the younger woman where and when she pleases. Demanding total devotion at all times no one, including her husband Pharaoh, dares to question her. She is someone you love to hate.
NEFERTITI captures the world of ancient Egypt in breathtaking detail. From the blue waters of the Nile to the splendor of Amarna there is a sense of being part of the story. While I have long been enthralled by ancient Egypt, the pageantry, practices and mostly the beliefs, you do not have to be a fan of the times or country to enjoy this story. There is something for everyone within the pages and not just adult men and women, but teens will find the story interesting and enjoyable. Ms. Moran’s passion for the period is evidenced in the detail she reveals in the pages, down to the minutest details of make-up, sandals and beliefs.

There were a number of places where the timing was off, however. For instance, on one page Mutny is fourteen, then fifteen and then a few pages later fourteen again. When she becomes pregnant the second time, first she is seven months pregnant, then five. At one time when they are referring to Amarna a different city is cited. While these do not take away from a well told story, a more careful edit would have caught them.

I have already picked up a copy of the second book in this series, THE HERETIC QUEEN and placed an order at my local library for CLEOPATRA'S DAUGHTER from my local library. Become part of Nefertiti’s family and pick up your copy today.