This novel about the life of Moses is unlike any other. It ends where most stories about him begin--at the burning bush! Born a slave, but destined to rule over Egypt, the Prince of the Nile must face a destiny for which he is unprepared. In these vivid pages, we see the drama and mysteries of Moses' life in a new light--his rescue in infancy and adoption by Princess Hatshepsut, and his transformation in the crucible of the desert. Moses is perhaps the most commanding presence in the Old Testament. The novel also features his adopted mother--Princess Hatshepsut--simply referred to in holy writings as "Pharaoh's daughter." Married to Thutmose II, she begins her rise to power as co-regent with her stepson, Thutmose III. When her husband dies, Hatshepsut declares herself Pharaoh and assumes power. She is determined to remind all Egypt of her ability to rule equal to any man. To make her point, she wears a fake goatee, flattens her chest and names her daughter queen. Hatshepsut guides the young Moses as he learns his responsibilities as Prince and her choice for the succession. Educated at the finest academies in Awen, Egypt (the ancient city of On), he then helps her lead Pharaoh's army into the land of Punt and subvdues the mighty nation rich in gold and spices. The author brings his historical knowledge and keen imagination to one of the most compelling stories of the Bible, and the results are fascinating. A figure of mystery, compassion and contradiction, Moses emerges in the book very much a hero for our time.