Neferura: A Novel

by Malayna Evans

Overview

For readers of The Wolf Den and Kaikeyi comes the thrilling tale of the forgotten daughter of a legendary Egyptian pharaoh and the path she must take to escape her own dangerous fate.

There are many paths to power.

They all come with a price.

Neferura, princess and high priestess of Kemet, knows her duty is to her people. When your mother is the great Pharaoh, it is hard to forget. But Neferura's unique position at court comes with high stakes for her country, especially when she's forced to serve her vile half-brother, a man determined to stop Neferura's potential rise.

Peace, it seems, never lasts for women who wield power in the open. Especially when they cross a vengeful man.

When Neferura overhears Thutmose's plot to end her mother's rule, she knows he must be stopped, no matter the cost. The discovery of a mysterious tattooed wisewoman and her shadowy network of spies offers an uneasy alliance. But the wisewoman wields more power than Neferura knew possible — power with the potential to rival her own. Neferura must decide where her loyalties lie and how much she's willing to sacrifice to protect the people she loves before everything crumbles at the hands of a tyrant.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781728278728
Publisher:	Sourcebooks
Publication date:	02/13/2024
Pages:	368
Sales rank:	176,404
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.20(h) x 1.20(d)

Editorial Reviews

10/30/2023

Historian Evans (the Egyptified Joneses middle grade series) channels her knowledge of Egyptology into a gripping political drama of Egypt’s 18th Dynasty. Neferura, the daughter of female pharaoh Hatshepsut, has settled into her prescribed role carrying out duties typically performed by a male pharaoh’s royal spouse, including serving as the country’s most powerful priestess. But threats come from within the royal family; Neferura’s half brother, Thutmose, a formerly shy boy who joined her in pretending to be a ruler when they were very young, has unexpectedly appeared at court, where he spreads the rumor that Hatshepsut poisoned their father to claim the throne. Neferura fears her brother will make a public accusation, which could plunge the kingdom into chaos—and lead to her death. She schemes to thwart Thutmose and debunk his claim, even as she worries that it might have a basis in fact, and that she’s underestimated her mother’s own ruthlessness. Evans seamlessly integrates vivid period details into the clever and tense plot, including the practice of ingesting crocodile dung to terminate a pregnancy. Admirers of Nick Drake’s Rai Rahotep trilogy will be pleased. (Feb.)

Publishers Weekly

"A tale of court intrigue and women’s empowerment...refreshing." — Historical Novel Society

"Historian Evans channels her knowledge of Egyptology into a gripping political drama of Egypt’s 18th Dynasty…[and] seamlessly integrates vivid period details into the clever and tense plot." — Publishers Weekly

"Part coming-of-age story, part political period drama...Hatshepsut’s personal journey is compelling [with its] combination of court intrigue, a light romance, and a feminist focus...historical-fiction fans who miss the heyday of royal novels full of court intrigue will be glad to see this book." — Library Journal

"The narrative is filled with murder, intrigue, and scandal, presenting Neferura with the dilemma of choosing between familial loyalty or carving out her own path, mirroring the the strength and power her mother showed to become pharaoh. Evans infuses the novel with rich and historically accurate details that will transport readers to ancient Egypt." — Booklist

"Neferura by Malayna Evans explores the tense political landscape of Ancient Egypt through the eyes of Neferura, princess and high priestess of Kemet. Neferura’s story is excellently researched and I especially enjoyed Evans' close attention to detail, demonstrating her impressive knowledge and background in Egyptology." — Rosie Hewlett, author of Medusa and The Witch of Colchis

"An insightful and timely tale of female power…Evans’ deft and illuminating book shows us little has changed in three and a half thousand years. How do women wield power? In the shadows, like scorpions. With cunning and guile and through alliance and solidarity. She shows us true power is not found in dominating others but in the simple freedom to live and love as you choose." — Nikki Marmery, author Lilith

"Set in ancient Egypt, Neferura plunges the reader into a fascinating world of unfamiliar beliefs, traditions, and social mores. At the same time, its focus on the trifecta of power, ambition, and desire feels very modern indeed. As Neferura surrounds herself with potential allies, she must struggle to decide whom she can trust — with her kingdom, her love, and in the highest stakes of all, her life. A compelling and intriguing read." — Liz Michalski, author of Darling Girl

"This fast-paced novel takes us through the illustrious 18th Dynasty of Egypt's New Kingdom when a woman pharaoh sought to have her daughter succeed her on the throne! This tale, both murder mystery and love story, shares a coming-of-age story in which the power of women's friendships, women's wisdom, and women's autonomy combine in the surprising conclusion." — Solange Ashby, Ph.D., Egyptologist and Nubiologist

"A lively reimagining of one of the most intriguing women of ancient history, all set in the context of the author’s deep knowledge of Egyptian history, culture, and religion." —  Peter F. Dorman, Egyptologist, University of Chicago

From the Publisher

11/01/2023

In her adult fiction debut, Evans, author of middle-grade series "The Egyptified Joneses," uses her Egyptology background to tell the almost-unknown fictionalized story of Hatshepsut's daughter at the height of ancient Egyptian civilization. A split between the famous woman pharaoh Hatshepsut and her stepson/co-pharaoh Thutmose leads to court intrigue, politics, and espionage, which Hatshepsut's daughter Neferura gets involved in as she tries to make her own path between the two powerful figures. Part coming-of-age story, part political period drama, the novel bear accurate and interesting politics and historical details, while Hatshepsut's personal journey is compelling enough to draw in readers who may be leery about such a long-ago time period. VERDICT The combination of court intrigue, a light romance, and a feminist focus means that YA readers looking to jump up to adult novels will find this an accessible read, while historical-fiction fans who miss the heyday of royal novels full of court intrigue will be glad to see this book amid the sea of World War II—set fiction.—Mary McNulty

Library Journal