Title: Daughter of the Gods: A Novel of Ancient Egypt
Author: Stephanie Marie Thornton
First published May 6, 2014
442 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780451417794 (ISBN10: 0451417798)
Rating: 4.13
Overview
In ancient Egypt, Hatshepsut, the second daughter of the pharaoh, seeks adventure and excitement, racing her chariot through the marketplace and honing her archery skills in the Nile’s marshlands. But tragedy strikes when her elder sister dies in a gruesome accident that leaves Hatshepsut riddled with guilt.
Forced to confront her emotions, Hatshepsut enters a loveless marriage with her half brother to secure his claim to the throne and produce an heir. However, when another wife bears a son, Hatshepsut finds herself drawn to the pharaoh’s adviser Senenmut.
After her brother’s sudden death, Hatshepsut becomes the de facto ruler, serving as regent to her young nephew. She faces the daunting task of leading a vast army and building great temples, all while struggling to balance the demands of leadership and the desires of her heart.
Her enemies plot against her, but Hatshepsut remains undaunted, daring to make her boldest move yet.
Daughter of the Gods is a gripping tale of a courageous woman who puts her country above all else, navigating the treacherous waters of power and passion in ancient Egypt.
About the Author
Meet Stephanie Marie Thornton – a multi-talented individual who wears many hats as a writer, librarian, and history teacher. Since the age of twelve, Stephanie has been captivated by the incredible stories of women from history.
Her passion for this subject has led her to become a USA Today bestselling author, with titles such as Her Lost Words, And They Called It Camelot, and American Princess under her belt. When she’s not busy writing, Stephanie enjoys spending time with her family in Alaska where she indulges in activities like running, baking, and beekeeping.
Editoral Review
Daughter of the Gods: A Novel of Ancient Egypt by Stephanie Marie Thornton is an intriguing work that captures the essence of Ancient Egypt in all its grandeur and complexity. Thornton has woven a captivating tale with stunning detail and breathtaking prose that will leave readers spellbound.
The novel revolves around the life of Hatshepsut, one of the most fascinating pharaohs of Ancient Egypt. Daughter of the Gods tells the story of her early life, her rise to power, and the challenges she faced to maintain her position as the first female pharaoh.
The book explores her fierce determination to succeed, her political maneuvering, and her struggle to balance her personal desires with the demands of her subjects. Thornton has crafted a richly imagined world that is both historically accurate and emotionally engrossing.
Her meticulous research shines through in the vivid descriptions of the landscape, the customs and traditions of Ancient Egypt, and the religious and political institutions of the time. The author’s writing style is compelling, and she brings an authenticity to the characters that makes them feel real and relatable.
The strength of this novel lies in its character development. Hatshepsut is a multifaceted figure who is both ambitious and compassionate, and Thornton has done an excellent job of portraying her as such.
The supporting characters are equally well-drawn, with nuanced personalities and motivations that drive the plot forward. The pacing of the book is also finely tuned.
Thornton expertly balances the exposition with action, and the narrative flows smoothly from one scene to another. She has captured the political intrigue of the time and used it to great effect in creating a compelling story.
There are very few flaws in this novel, but one of the criticisms that could be made is that the book is heavily steeped in history, which may be overwhelming for readers unfamiliar with the period. However, Thornton has done an excellent job of making the history accessible, and her writing will engage readers regardless of their prior knowledge of the subject matter.
Daughter of the Gods is a must-read for anyone interested in ancient history, women’s studies, or simply a good story. The book is an expertly crafted, riveting account of one of the most iconic figures of ancient Egypt.
It is a powerful commentary on power, leadership, and gender in Ancient Egypt, making it as relevant today as it was then. Overall, Daughter of the Gods is a masterpiece of historical fiction, and Stephanie Marie Thornton is a master storyteller who has created a book that will stay with readers long after they have finished reading it.
On a scale of one to five stars, this work of art deserves a four out of five stars. The Washington Post calls Thornton’s novel “a gripping and nuanced portrayal of one of history’s most compelling figures.” And couldn’t agree more.
