Daughter of the Gods: A Novel of Ancient Egypt

Hatshepsut was never meant to be queen. After the death of her sister, Neferubity, Hatshepsut suddenly finds herself in line to become the next Great Royal Wife. It does not take her long to realize that she wants more than being a pharaoh's consort. She gradually grows a desire to take the throne of Egypt for herself. Daughter of the Gods tells the triumphs and tragedies of Egypt’s most successful female pharaoh. This novel shows a unique side to Hatshepsut. At first, she is reluctant and unwilling to be queen. She is unprepared for the role that was suddenly thrust upon her. She is able to gain the confidence of her abilities through the help of her advisor, Sennemut. The novel does not display how Hatshepsut ruled as pharaoh. Many of her accomplishments are glossed over. Instead, it focuses on her family, loves, and sorrows. I really like this personal aspect because it shows how her reign may have been an unhappy time for her. Overall, this novel details the sacrifices a woman made for power. Hatshesput may have gotten the throne, but not without many costs. I thought the author did a superb job in reimaging Hatshepsut’s story. The novel was very meticulously researched and it had the aura of transporting me to ancient Egypt. However, there were a few flaws to this novel. The writing was stilted and choppy at times. There were some ludicrous scenes, like Sennemut’s death, that seemed very off-putting. Despite the novel’s weaknesses, it was a very emotional tale. I recommend this novel for fans of C. W. Gortner, Michelle Moran, and Kate Quinn.

Ah Stephanie Thornton, another gem has come from your pen... I adored the historical jewels that she's given us in this engrossing work. The reader breathes and experiences the words, just doesn't read them. I could feel the heat of the Egyptian son, see the glare of the waters of the Nile, and hear the chants to the ancient Egyptian Gods.I especially liked this look into ancient Egyptian religion, the role it played in society, and the society in general. It seems that the Gods had an almost physical presence in the story with how closely they were incorporated into the narrative, a fact that was very true in ancient Egypt from what I've read. The look into the ancient Egyptian royal court and the life of the royal family was also fascinating. I had never heard of certain facts like the Hall of Women and how limited the true position of women were in this society, at least those in the royal lineage. The author does a fantastic job of incorporating historical and cultural details throughout the story that brings this all to life without detracting in any way from the engrossing story. A true skill of a top writer...And oh that story! Seeing the rise of Hatshepsut, in all its different stages and all the different players in that rise, made for a very gripping story. She's a woman who has a will of iron and a courage as big as the pyramids. With intelligence to match these other virtues, Hatshepsut rises to a position to help her nation through what could have been a chaotic time, all the while overcoming prejudice due to her sex, intimate enemies close to her, and a curse that seems to doom her loved ones as she grows great. With such sensual surroundings provided by the author, this engrossing story just grows and grows until the climatic resolution that provides some good postulations about why the archeological record is the way it is.This is another win by Stephanie Thornton. She is one of those historical writers that makes her readers literally experience the past through details that appeal to all the senses. She tells a gripping story about a woman who was large in history and whose name still lives today, thousands of years later. Yet, the reader gets to know this woman intimately, feeling her emotions and thinking her thoughts with her. All through the superb skill of Stephanie Thornton. I so can't wait for her next book in Nov 2014!

4.5 stars.This book was absolutely engrossing from the very beginning! I love how Thornton takes these women and elevates their story far above an average biography. While her novels are ‘fiction’ many of the events and people are real and did actually happen.She makes a perfect story by blending real life and taking liberties with some portions of the story to make it fiction. It makes for entertaining and educational reading at the same time.Hatshepsut’s story was moving and memorable. I didn’t know much about her or her rule when I read this book but now I feel as though I got to know her and she was truly a strong, independent woman who suffered and continued to rise after the tragedies that she endured.The love story between Hatshepsut and Senenmut was believable and romantic. I found it easy to relate to both of them and I found joy in their love and devotion.The only thing that I didn’t care for with this novel was some of the language. I realize for readability and appeal, some of the language had to be updated and modernized. But for me, there were a lot of colloquial and modern phrases that just didn’t work.For example when Aset tells Hatshepsut at the chariot races “don’t kill your self” and basically says show the boys how it’s done. It just seemed forced and out of place in ancient Egypt.I also wanted to praise yet another glorious cover. Thornton has really found a wonderful artist to do her covers. This cover is eye catching and I love the bright colors. It really played up to the ‘Egyptian gold’ visuals that I imagine when I think of Egypt. I LOVE this cover.This novel had a lot of things to love. Strong characters, intriguing story, rich history, forbidden romance, tragedy, and conspiracy. If you haven’t read Thornton before, she is a marvelous story teller and you will learn a little history while enjoying a truly engaging story!See my full review here: [...]

There aren't enough books set in ancient Egypt. This read like a Feminist game of thrones in the best way. It was very unpredictable and realistic. I enjoyed it very much and i would recommend

I picked up Daughter of the Gods after hearing all the buzz about it, and when I began reading I fell in love with Thornton’s descriptions. She really knows how to create evocative imagery and engage the senses. Her descriptions are replete with these quirky little details that just bring the scenes to life. This quickly secured my interest in the story and indeed in Thornton’s other novels. The inventive descriptions and vivid imagery is very reminiscent of Pauline Gedge’s writing style in the way the details add the stamp of authenticity to the tale and the fascinating way Thornton turns a phrase. Even the opening line has this attention-grabbing quality. I love this style of writing, it really brings ancient Egypt to life in my mind's eye. In addition to the writing style I greatly appreciated the complex characters, the layered portrayal of Hatshepsut, the author’s attention to detail and accuracy, and the thoughtful construction of the story and its pacing. In the whole book only a couple of slight things didn't sit well with me - there are a couple of characters inconsistencies which I just didn't buy, and the pacing of the plot towards the end felt ever so slightly unbalanced. Also, whilst I enjoyed so many interesting characters, not least Hatshepsut herself, I would have loved them to have been even more complex and sophisticated. However, these were small points and I thoroughly enjoyed Daughter of the Gods and would definitely recommend it.

This book has fast become one of my favourite books of all time.The book is about a brother and sister who become Pharoah's of Egypt and are forced to marry. However their marriage is loveless and the Pharoah falls in love with a commoner, pushing Hatshepshut aside. The story shows how the two women come to befriend eachother and build a strong bond despite the difficulties that face them in the palace. However the Pharaoh dies suddenly, and Hatshepsut is forced to take control of Egypt in place of her friend's son. The tale has a twist and turn on every page. The book is brilliantly written and brings all of the characters alive. It shows how a friendship can be truly tested and where people can be forced to do things they would never ordinarily do.It is a fantastic book that should be read.

It was one of the books where you asked yourself why you read it, there wasn't anything new, the characters seemed one dimensional...

Brilliant and difficult to put down. Love the fact/fiction story. Easy to read and easy get transported to straight into the heart of Egypt.

Well written and well researched. Some errors were made in the editing process, however. This is potentially a good choice for a book club as questions for discussion are included.