Sphinx's Princess by Esther Friesner

GENRE

Y.A. Historical Fiction (365 pgs.)

SYNOPSIS

Although Nefertiti is the dutiful daughter of a commoner, her inquisitive mind often gets her into situations that are far from ordinary, like recieving secret lessons from a scribe. And her striking beauty garners attention that she'd just as soon avoid, especially when it comes to her aunt, the manipulative Queen Tiye, who has set her sights on Nefertiti. The queen wants to use her niece as a pawn in her quest for power, and Nefertiti must leave her beloved family and enter a life filled with courtly intrigue and danger. But her spirit and mind will not rest as she continues to challenge herself and the boundaries of ancient Egyptian society. With control of a kingdom at stake and threats at every turn, Nefertiti is forced to make choices and stand up for her beliefs in ways she never imagined.

MY REVIEW

Esther Friesner has slowly but surely become one of my favorite YA Historical Fiction authors. And once again, she delivers the goods in this story of yet another famous female historical figure.

I was really enchanted by Nefertiti's character in this novel. She's not just another cookie-cutter YA Historical Fiction female protagonist... she has flaws, which make her extremely believeable and likeable as a person. Esther Friesner gives a soul, a voice to the famous historical name, and I love how she does that. Now, when I read another boring passage about Nefertiti in a history book, I can think of Esther Friesner's Nefertiti, and a whole new person comes to life on the pages in front of me.

Ms. Friesner also succeeds in writing a killer plot! Wow! There are twists and turns, lots of court intrigue, and deceptions that literally had my jaw dropping. I really enjoyed having an exciting plot... I mean come on, what reader doesn't?

All of Friesner's characters are extremely well-written, as usual. She gives a unique voice to each of them. From Nefertiti's manipulative Aunt Tiye, to the deceitful Prince Thutmose, to the kind and loving Amenophis, each character has a voice, and an important role to play in the story. Esther Friesner does not cut corners here.

But the one thing I love most about Esther Friesner's writing is the historical accuracy. My goodness, it doesn't get any better than this. By far one of the best novels I've read from a historical stand point. The settings are lush and beautiful. I am in ancient Egypt. Esther Friesner also does a great job at helping the reader to understand the complicated Ancient Egyptian religious system. I actually didn't fully understand it up until I read this book. But wow, the descriptions and history are spot on.

Ancient Egypt has always fascinated me from when I was a small child. This is the ultimate historical fiction novel for Ancient Egypt lovers. The history is truly amazing. Once again, Esther Friesner delivers a powerful historical fiction novel jamp packed with a great female protagonist, believeable characters, dramatic plot twists, and amazing setting. A truly great read!

MY RATING

4.5****/*

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (15)

Happy Monday everyone! Sorry for the lack of posting... someone seemed to have pushed the overload button on my schoolwork. Anywho, hope you all have a great week!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Book Journey in which we bloggers share what we have read in the past week, and what we're currently tearing through this week.

Last Week I Read:

Sphinx's Princess by Esther Friesner

Currently I'm Reading:

The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson

Book Haul: Borders

Hello all! I apologize for not posting anything recently... I'm hoping this new haul I picked up today will quickly make amends. I've decided to go on somewhat of a hardcover fast, the reason being that 1. They take up too much space that I just don't have anymore, and 2. They're just more expensive. I was delighted today to find paperback selections in 3 of my favorite genres: YA Historical Fiction, Fairytale Retelling, and Adult Historical Fiction. So here is today's paperback haul, and a sneak peak of each. Enjoy!

The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson (Fairytale Retelling)

Set in the fictional medieval German town of Hagenheim, this historical romance covers the eight-month period before Lord Hamlin, the duke's eldest son, weds his betrothed, Lady Salomea, who's being kept in hiding from the evil Moncore, a conjurer determined to control her with demonic possession. But Hamlin's first meeting with the young beauty, Rose (the woodcutter's daughter, training with the castle healer), reveals that they are a match made in heaven; their shared moral rectitude and devotion to duty place many obstacles in their path before Rose's true identity can be revealed.

Sphinx's Princess by Esther Friesner (YA Historical Fiction)

Although Nefertiti is the dutiful daughter of a commoner, her inquisitive mind often gets her into situations that are far from ordinary, like receiving secret lessons from a scribe. And her striking beauty garners attention that she'd just as soon avoid, especially when it's her aunt, the manipulative Queen Tiye, who has set her sights on Nefertiti. The queen wants to use her niece as a pawn in her quest for power, so Nefertiti must leave her beloved family and enter a life filled with courtly intrigue and danger. But her spirit and mind will not rest as she continues to challenge herself and the boundaries of ancient Egyptian society. With control of a kingdom at stake and threats at every turn, Nefertiti is forced to make choices and stand up for her beliefs in ways she never imagined.

The Forever Queen by Helen Hollick (Historical Fiction)

Married to a king incompetent both on the throne and in bed, Emma does not love her husband. But she does love England. Even as her husband fails, Emma vows to protect her people-no matter what. For five decades, through love and loss, prosperity and exile, Emma fights for England, becoming the only woman to have been anointed, crowned, and reigning queen to two different kings, the mother of two more, and the great aunt of William the Conqueror.