Nefertiti by Michelle Moran

Nefertiti by Michelle Moran 5 of 5 stars.



Nefertiti and her younger sister, Mutnodjmet, have been raised in a powerful family that has provided wives to the rulers of Egypt for centuries. Ambitious, charismatic, and beautiful, Nefertiti is destined to marry Amunhotep, an unstable young pharaoh. It is hoped that her strong personality will temper the young ruler's heretical desire to forsake Egypt's ancient gods.

From the moment of her arrival in Thebes, Nefertiti is beloved by the people but fails to see the powerful priests are plotting against her husband's rule. The only person brave enough to warn the queen is her younger sister, yet remaining loyal to Nefertiti will force Mutnodjmet into a dangerous political game; one that could cost her everything she holds dear.



Nefertiti is historical fiction at its best. Michelle Moran blew me away in Cleopatra's Daughter and she has done the same here. Her great attention to detail, mind frames, and the culture of these people will sweep you away to Ancient Egypt.

At first I was a bit critical about the fact that she chose to write it from Mutnodjmet's point of view rather than Nefertiti's, but in the end I think it worked out for the best. You get a view of the young queen from the people who were closest to her. While infuriating at times, I did enjoy the strength of her character. On the other hand, Amunhotep came across as completely insane. Which, from what I've read in history, is probably true. Michelle Moran did an amazing job with this novel. I think anyone could enjoy it, and perhaps even learn something from it.




For fans of: Michelle Moran, Staton Rabin, Esther Friesner