DAUGHTER OF THE GODS – Stephanie Thornton
A Novel of Ancient Egypt
NAL
ISBN: 978-0-451-41779-4
May 2014
Historical Fiction

Egypt – 1400s B.C.

Although she is Pharaoh's younger daughter, because of the death of her older sister, Hatshepsut is now doomed to play the part she is entirely unprepared for. Being the Great Royal Wife of the next pharaoh, her half-brother, means a life spent in the women's quarters, instead of enjoying the freedom she has enjoyed as the second daughter. When her father dies, Hatshepsut and her brother, Thut, inherit the Horus Throne.

Hatshepsut is completely unsuitable as the Great Royal Wife. She aches for freedom from her responsibilities, especially when it comes to providing Pharaoh with a son. When Thut brings in a concubine who births a son, Hatshepsut knows that her own child, even if it is a son, will not be Pharaoh. Plus she is in love with Thut's advisor, Senenmut, which leads to a shocking event that forces Hatshepsut to face reality.

Thut's sudden death spurs Hatshepsut to take charge of the Throne in the stead of her two year old nephew, Tutmose. Her leadership is paramount to the safety of Egypt and to keep the throne for the young pharaoh. Leadership is something Hatshepsut excels at, although her heart makes some decisions difficult. Senenmut is there to guide her, but others in court would like to sever that relationship.

Nicely researched, DAUGHTER OF THE GODS was entertaining and educational. Although Hatshepsut was known to be the most powerful of the very few female pharaohs, little is actually known about her. Those who succeeded her were more than anxious to lessen her impact in history.

Well written, with details of everyday life in ancient Egypt, DAUGHTER OF THE GODS was an enjoyable read.

Jani Brooks