Title: The Heretic Queen
Author: Michelle Moran
First published August 7, 2008
383 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780307381750 (ISBN10: 0307381757)
Rating: 4.21
Overview
In the midst of ancient Egypt’s revolution, a forgotten princess must fight to rewrite history. After a devastating fire kills the royal family, Nefertari is the only surviving member of her lineage, branded as heretical and left to run wild in the palace.
But when the Pharaoh’s aunt takes her under her wing, Nefertari is brought to the Temple of Hathor and groomed to be a queen. Despite her family’s past, Nefertari catches the eye of the Crown Prince, and they fall deeply in love.
However, the union between the rising star of a new dynasty and the fading star of an old, heretical one is met with opposition from all of Egypt. In the face of political turmoil, Nefertari becomes the wife of Ramesses the Great, the most powerful Pharaoh in Egypt’s history.
But as he confronts the most famous exodus in history, Nefertari must confront her own past and fight to shape her own destiny. Michelle Moran’s novel is a sweeping tale of passion and power, heartbreak and redemption.
About the Author
Meet Michelle Moran, a celebrated author known for her historical novels. She has authored six books so far, including the widely popular Madame Tussaud, which was even optioned for a mini-series in 2011.
Her books have been translated into over 20 languages, making her an international bestseller.
Michelle grew up in Southern California and attended Pomona College. She later pursued a Master’s degree from Claremont Graduate University.
During her six-year stint as a public high school teacher, she spent her summers traveling to various parts of the world. Her experiences as a volunteer on archaeological digs sparked her interest in writing historical fiction.
Michelle’s love for traveling led her to India, where she got married in 2012. This experience became the inspiration for her seventh book, Rebel Queen, which is based in the East.
When she’s not writing, Michelle enjoys hiking, traveling, and exploring archaeology. She’s particularly interested in archaeogenetics, as her children have mixed heritages.
However, above all, Michelle is passionate about reading. You’ll often find her with her nose buried in a good book.
She’s a frequent traveler and currently lives in the US with her husband, son, and daughter.
Editoral Review
In “The Heretic Queen,” Michelle Moran transports readers to ancient Egypt, offering a fresh perspective on the country’s history, myths, and legends. First published on August 7, 2008, this historical novel explores the life of Nefertari, a princess of the First Dynasty, who goes from being a nobody to becoming one of the most influential queens in the land.
Michelle Moran, an accomplished writer and Egyptologist, brings her expertise and passion to the page, creating a vivid, immersive world that readers can easily lose themselves in. Despite being set in a vastly different time and place, “The Heretic Queen” touches on universal themes such as power, love, betrayal, and self-discovery.
Readers will follow Nefertari’s journey from her humble beginnings as a palace servant to her marriage to Ramesses II, one of the most formidable pharaohs in Egypt’s history. Along the way, she faces numerous challenges and obstacles, from rivalries with her family members to power struggles among the court and clashing religious beliefs.
Through it all, Nefertari remains determined to do what is best for her kingdom and her people. One of the strengths of “The Heretic Queen” is its portrayal of Nefertari as a complex, multifaceted character.
Moran beautifully captures her strengths and weaknesses, showing her as a visionary leader and a devoted wife and mother, but also as a vulnerable person struggling to find her place in a world dominated by men. The other characters are equally well-drawn, from the cunning and manipulative Pharaoh Ay to the loyal and wise Maya, a wise woman who serves as Nefertari’s confidante and advisor.
By the end of the novel, readers will feel a deep connection with these characters and their fates, making the emotional payoff all the more satisfying. Moran’s prose is evocative and descriptive, painting a picture of ancient Egypt that is both historically accurate and enchanting.
She seamlessly weaves in details about customs, rituals, and beliefs, making the world of “The Heretic Queen” feel authentic and fully realized. Her pacing is also commendable, as she keeps the plot moving forward with well-timed twists and turns that keep readers engaged and invested.
The historical and cultural significance of “The Heretic Queen” cannot be understated. It offers a window into a world that is often overlooked in mainstream media, shedding light on the lives and struggles of people who lived thousands of years ago.
At the same time, the novel also tackles themes and issues that feel just as relevant today, such as the tension between tradition and innovation, gender inequality, and the intersection of religion and politics. While “The Heretic Queen” is a fantastic book, it is not without its flaws.
Some readers might find the ending a bit rushed or unsatisfying, as it wraps up certain plot threads quickly and leaves others unresolved. Additionally, the novel could have benefited from more exploration of certain characters, such as Ramesses II, who is mostly seen through Nefertari’s eyes.
However, these are minor criticisms that do not detract from the overall excellence of the book. In conclusion, “The Heretic Queen” is a must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction, ancient Egypt, or strong female characters.
It is a beautifully written, engaging, and thought-provoking novel that will transport readers to another time and place while also inviting them to reflect on their own lives and beliefs. I highly recommend it, and would give it a solid 4.5 stars out of 5.
