Kiya: Hope of the Pharaoh

Author: Katie Hamstead

Genre: Historical Fiction

Published: 2013

Pages: 257

Told in: First Person

Series: Kiya Trilogy

In a nutshell:

Kiya, raised Hebrew, is taken as one of the many wives of Pharaoh Akhenaten. She is expected to bare a son, heir to the throne; however, she faces the jealousy of Nefertiti, the First Wife, along with the challenges of a new religion and a forbidden love.

What you may enjoy:

This is a quick and easy read. Hamstead illustrates an intriguing view of how Hebrews and Egyptians may have viewed each other without delving too much into history. So, if you want a light, dramatic historical fiction, complete with romance, intrigue, and a strong female protagonist, than this is a book for you. The story moves along quickly, with Kiya staying consistent to her character. There are many fun, endearing characters to enjoy in this story.

What you may NOT enjoy:

A year after its publication, evidence arose that discredit’s Kiya as Tutankhamen’s mother (Wikipedia Kiya). So, if you’re looking for a historically accurate and in-depth book, this is NOT for you. The book is more drama and romance than history. The feud between Nefertiti and Kiya stems more from jealousy than an actual control of power, which comes across as petty.    

Warnings:

·               -Violence: man and woman are beheaded, mentions sound of their falling bodies; multiple characters are cut with knives; woman hit by a man multiple times; women fighting; murder attempt mentioned; multiple children poisoned; mentions men being whipped; woman dies bleeding in a pool of water; woman bit by snake and killed; woman threatened; children attacked by a lion; man kills lions; women go through childbirth. mentioned and mildly graphic.

·             - Sex and Nudity: man has sex with multiple women at once, mentioned; man has sex with many women separately, mentioned and mildly graphic; woman describes pain of sex; nudity mentioned; nudity described; man kisses many women; man and woman kiss passionately, graphic; man tears woman’s clothes off; man forces himself on a woman; woman commits emotional infidelity; married woman kisses another man; woman examined to determine virginity; incest, mentioned. 

·              -Language: No foul or profane language 

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Descendent

By: Douglas Sharp

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Published: 2015

Told in: Third Person

Series: The Soul Link Chronicles

In a nutshell:

In this modern fantasy, humans can no longer see or use magic. A magical race, the Aldri, decide to take over earth, sending assassins to kill any potential magic users that could threaten their plans. Llyr is assigned to assassinate Rebecca, but the two become “soul-linked” instead. Now Rebecca must face a magical world she never knew existed while learning how to control her new magical abilities. Meanwhile, Llyr struggles to decide what is right and true.

What you may enjoy:

Full of fun new magical creatures, this book spins a unique story. The book creatively combines the modern age with the fantastical world of dragons, goblins, and magic. If you enjoy a story of adventure with a strong heroine then you will like this book. While there is budding romance, it takes a backseat to the action and adventure. With a smooth, consistent development, Sharp leaves readers wanting to know how the story continues.

What you may NOT enjoy:

As a self-published book, the text is riddled with errors, typos, and inconsistencies; for instance, a sentimental necklace is later referred to as a ring, etc. So, if you are a reader that can’t look past grammatical errors, this book is not for you. Also, there are elements that seem too contrived. There are instances of “deus ex machina” or “God from a machine”: characters that happen to have the exact object that would be needed, etc.

Warnings:

Violence: (All the following are non-graphic or mentioned) Creature bursts into flame; many creatures stabbed with daggers; man stabbed with spear; stone creature explodes; creature decapitated; person’s throat slit; person dies in a car accident; two people disintegrated; multiple described battles; person shot with an arrow, multiple instances; creatures stabbed; person burned; person lit on fire; creatures lit on fire; creature scratched; man stabbed; men decapitated; creature thrashed; woman knocked unconscious; thousands of humans instantly killed with magic; creatures smashed by cave in; creatures smashed by boulders and rocks.

Sex and Nudity: man and woman hold hands

Language and profanity: None

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Nefertiti

Author: Michelle Moran

Genre: Historical Fiction

Published: 2007

Pages: 463

Told in: First Person

In a nutshell:

Nefertiti is the beautiful wife of Pharaoh Akhenaten and the story is told by her sister Mutnodjmet. The book follows from the time they marry until Nefertiti’s death. Full of palace intrigue, fight for power, and the struggle of a changing nation.

What you may enjoy:

The character development in this is strong. The book focuses on the characters and their relationships. So if you want a book more on the bond between sisters and not so heavily historical, you’ll enjoy this. You may hate some of the characters, but in the lovingly hated kind of way. It’s longer than it appears, but as Diana Gabaldon said, “Compulsively readable.”

What you may NOT enjoy:

The historical information in this book was correct for its publication date. In 2014 more information was learned about Akhenaten’s family that discredits a lot of this book (Wikipedia Kiya). Also, this book is DENSE. And I mean that in the way that you read, and read, and read, and so much has happened, but then you realize how little of the book you’ve actually gotten through.

Warnings:
    -Violence: Severed head with blood, non-descriptive; mentions of war; mentions of plague; mentions a cut off arm; women give birth, non-descriptive; woman killed with an arrow.

    -Sex: Man has multiple wives; man lays with a woman; married couples mention having sex; woman mentions having sex with her husband several times in one night; kissing; nudity mentioned.

    -Language: No foul language

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