The Heretic Queen: A Novel

There are historical time periods that fascinate me. Egypt is one and Michelle Moran covered some of these times well! This is the third of her Egyptian themed stories I've enjoyed. My first find was Cleopatra's Daughter. I loved the history as she made the character come alive in our imaginations. I enjoyed her writing so much, I followed up with Nefertiti and, this, The Heretic Queen. 

I had to get it after this summary by the publisher:

In ancient Egypt, a forgotten princess must overcome her family's past and remake history.

The winds of change are blowing through Thebes. A devastating palace fire has killed the 18th Dynasty's royal family, all with the exception of Nefertari, the niece of the reviled former queen, Nefertiti. The girl's deceased family has been branded as heretical, and no one in Egypt will speak their names. A relic of a previous reign, Nefertari is pushed aside, an unimportant princess left to run wild in the palace.

But this changes when she is taken under the wing of the Pharaoh's aunt, then brought to the Temple of Hathor, where she is educated in a manner befitting a future queen.

Soon Nefertari catches the eye of the Crown Prince, and despite her family's history, they fall in love and wish to marry. Yet all of Egypt opposes this union between the rising star of a new dynasty and the fading star of an old, heretical one.

While political adversity sets the country on edge, Nefertari becomes the wife of Ramesses the Great. Destined to be the most powerful Pharaoh in Egypt, he is also the man who must confront the most famous exodus in history.

Sweeping in scope and meticulous in detail, The Heretic Queen is a novel of passion and power, heartbreak and redemption.

It's a 'spot on' description! Nefertari goes from girl to woman; from childhood friend to loving wife, mother, and queen of Egypt; from smart, well educate student, to wise, strong woman. All of this in the midst palace intrigue and history!

All this is well voiced for by Cassandra Campbell! (She also voiced Nefertiti)

Now I have to give you fair warning, if listening to this while driving, you may find yourself driving a bit longer than intended because you want caught up in the story! Or finding your knitting needles have stopped moving at a story high point.

By the by, next up, Ms. Moran is taking us to France with Madame Tussaud: A novel of the French Revolution (release date April 12, 2011). Check out this cover:

I do so love using my credits at Audible.com! I must also thank Amazon.com for needed links!

Beyond the Highland Mist

I could not help but think of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream as fairies became involved in the lives to men.

We have Hawk, known as the King's Whore, of  Scotland. As befits a hero, he is tall, dark, and handsome. He's excells in battle and bedrooms but no woman has captured his heart.

We have the beautiful Adrienne, a woman of our time; outspoken, independent, and strong willed. Her heart was freely given to a handsome, irresistible man whose abuse so scared her heart that she has swore off handsome, smooth talking, irresistibly men forever.

This pairing is made possible by jealous, angry fairy as Adrienne is transported back to 16th century.

Now we all know fairies must be defeated (it's in the fairy vs mankind rule book). The question is how much mischief will they concoct and how will our hero capture the elusive heart of the fair maiden?

This unabridged fun by Karen Marie Moning was well read by Phil Gigante as I did my mundane duties. (O, and it much easier to understand the Mr. Shakespeare she giggles as she exits stage right.)