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3.48 AVERAGE
3.48 AVERAGE
adventurous
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Neferura by Malayna Evans is a captivating historical fiction tale that immerses readers in the world of ancient Egypt. This book provides a glimpse into the life of Neferura, the largely undocumented daughter of the legendary Pharaoh Hatshepsut.
The story revolves around Neferura's struggles and sacrifices as she navigates her unique position at court, compelled to serve her treacherous half-brother Thutmose. As political tensions escalate and Neferura uncovers a plot against her mother's rule, she allies with a mysterious wise woman.
What makes this book stand out is its vivid character development and meticulous attention to historical accuracy. The author's extensive research is evident in the immersive depiction of ancient Egypt, its courtly politics, and religious rituals. The complex relationships between Neferura, Hatshepsut, and Thutmose add depth to the narrative.
It's essential to note that while Neferura's existence is historically acknowledged, there are limited documented details about her life. However, Malayna Evans skillfully weaves a compelling narrative around this enigmatic figure.
One notable feature is the author's inclusion of historical notes at the end, shedding light on the factual basis of the story. This provides an educational layer to the novel, enriching the reader's understanding of ancient Egyptian history.
In summary, Neferural is an engaging and well-researched historical fiction novel that transports readers to ancient Egypt, offering a fascinating glimpse into the life of an unrecorded princess. With its compelling characters and meticulous historical detail, it's a must-read for historical fiction enthusiasts, showcasing the allure of history's hidden figures and to anyone who has an interest in Egyptian culture.
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for providing me with an ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death
Minor: Death, Incest, Physical abuse
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I just loved the book. It took me some time getting into it but once I was past the 50 page mark, I was hooked. The story was fast paced, and kept me intrigued enough that I had to finish it in one sitting. I was not wholly satisfied with the ending and felt it was a bit rushed but I wanted more of this world and to read more about the FMC. I was fascinated by how well the author pulled the Egyptian setting and the way she demonstrated the sense of feminism and female friendships throughout the novel.
Trigger Warnings- death, forced marriage, incest, rape, abuse
Read it if you like-
-Egyptian Mythology and ancient culture
-Female driven stories
-Political intrigue and power dynamics
-Women in powerful role
-very little spice
Synopsis- Neferura, princess and high priestess of Kemet has always put the people first and under the constant critique of her mother, the Pharaoh, she is trying her best to live the life that is laid out for her. Peace, however, never lasts for women who wield power in the open. Especially when they cross a vengeful man. When Neferura overhears her half brother’s plot to end her mother's rule, she knows he must be stopped, no matter the cost. Hence starts the story of betrayal, power dynamics, friendships and womanhood while she figures out how to keep herself and her people safe from the ensuing chaos of the situation.
Things I like- I loved the story. The author has put so much thought and care in this story that it's hard not to. I really like how she introduced a glossary of ancient Egyptian terms to make the transition smoother. The book was fast paced and I loved to see the women in powerful roles and also the solidarity between them. Especially in times when women were treated no better than the broodmare in the family. I loved the story more when I realized that the main characters were actual historical figures and though very little is known about Princess Neferura in real life, the rituals and some scenes are inspired by the actual history. The romance was very little to my liking but I loved the crumbs the author provided more because it seems logical. The female characters in the story were awe-inspiring to say the least. The bravery and strength they showed was just amazing. Also I got to know more about ancient culture which was expected.
Things I didn't like- The starting was a bit slow and felt like an info dump. But given how much the author has to introduce us readers to continue the story it felt logical. There was less mythology than I like in my mythological fiction. I would have loved to read more about some gods and a short version of their stories. Also the ending felt a bit rushed and forced. I would have loved to read a little more between the ending and the epilogue.
Overall I loved it. The small flaws were all manageable considering the justice the author did to the story. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who has an interest in mythological fiction or Egyptian culture.
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for providing me with an ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I am posting this review to my Goodreads and Storygraph accounts immediately and will post it to my Instagram account upon publication on 13 Feb, 2024.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Incest, Physical abuse
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
1.25 stars out of 5
Trigger Warning: incest, graphic descriptions of animal killing (it's a blip but it made me GAG), rape, absue, death (a lot of it), forced marriage, extreme power differences
Have you ever read a book that has just left you sitting there like *what the actual fuck did I just read?* cause that's how I feel right now. I had hope for this book - I love a good history book, I love a good retelling. But I think there's a VERY fine line between retelling history to tell the story of the victims of time versus making up a complete story.
Evans has a PhD in Egyptology and that is definitely noted. However, knowing the history does not a good author make. I can tell you did the research and know what you're talking about. But the way you go about it is just absolutely disgusting. Historically, Neferura is a blip in history. The encore to a Pharoh we all know - Hatshepsut. But there's a vast differnce between her actual history and this. I know that it was supposed to be fiction and that's FINE - but don't market it as a retelling when it's NOT.
I don't even necessarily know where to start with this as I'm just sitting here - left so confused with everything. I finished the book in a day and enjoyed (that's not right but that's the only word I can think of that fits this) the pacing and the history. I was always a bigger fan of Rome but I spent my time researching Egypt too (Forever on the Search for the Sea People - gone but never forgotten and the Library of Alexandria). However, Evans did a huge disservice to the actual legacy of these people.
There was NO need to include some of the stuff that was there about the abuse and the rape and everything. I understand you're trying to be faithful to what happened, like truly I understand, but I did not need to read about how her brother raped her and then she had sex with her lover who then talked about a dog getting it's head sawed off while it was still alive!
For a so called feminist retelling, the women in this book read like they're written by a misogynistic white man from the 50's. There is an extreme power imbalance between Neferura and Satiah. Someone else mentioned it in a review but even though Satiah consented to it; was it really consent? Neferura was a high priestess of the high god, and Satiah was just a troupe leader. That counts as cohesion in my book. And let's not even get on the topic of how Hatshepsut was characterized. She had to fight her way to the top of everything and even for her name to be rewritten into the books of history. She was not some weak Pharaoh who could easily be shoved away by a death she KNEW was fake. She was Egypt's second female Pharaoh and deserves the respect put to her name.
Some people write because they have a story to tell. Some people shouldn't have access to write. Evan's unfortunately fits into the second section - despite the earnest attempt to tell the story of a forgotten princess who got lost within the long history of Egypt. I wanted to like this. I wanted to care. But I feel like I have to shower in bleach and even then I don't think I will be clean of the mental scars that this book gave me. I wish I wasn't literate! Honestly!
Thanks to NetGalley, SOURCEBOOKS and the author for giving me this book in exchange for my fair and honest review.
Trigger Warning: incest, graphic descriptions of animal killing (it's a blip but it made me GAG), rape, absue, death (a lot of it), forced marriage, extreme power differences
Have you ever read a book that has just left you sitting there like *what the actual fuck did I just read?* cause that's how I feel right now. I had hope for this book - I love a good history book, I love a good retelling. But I think there's a VERY fine line between retelling history to tell the story of the victims of time versus making up a complete story.
Evans has a PhD in Egyptology and that is definitely noted. However, knowing the history does not a good author make. I can tell you did the research and know what you're talking about. But the way you go about it is just absolutely disgusting. Historically, Neferura is a blip in history. The encore to a Pharoh we all know - Hatshepsut. But there's a vast differnce between her actual history and this. I know that it was supposed to be fiction and that's FINE - but don't market it as a retelling when it's NOT.
I don't even necessarily know where to start with this as I'm just sitting here - left so confused with everything. I finished the book in a day and enjoyed (that's not right but that's the only word I can think of that fits this) the pacing and the history. I was always a bigger fan of Rome but I spent my time researching Egypt too (Forever on the Search for the Sea People - gone but never forgotten and the Library of Alexandria). However, Evans did a huge disservice to the actual legacy of these people.
There was NO need to include some of the stuff that was there about the abuse and the rape and everything. I understand you're trying to be faithful to what happened, like truly I understand, but I did not need to read about how her brother raped her and then she had sex with her lover who then talked about a dog getting it's head sawed off while it was still alive!
For a so called feminist retelling, the women in this book read like they're written by a misogynistic white man from the 50's. There is an extreme power imbalance between Neferura and Satiah. Someone else mentioned it in a review but even though Satiah consented to it; was it really consent? Neferura was a high priestess of the high god, and Satiah was just a troupe leader. That counts as cohesion in my book. And let's not even get on the topic of how Hatshepsut was characterized. She had to fight her way to the top of everything and even for her name to be rewritten into the books of history. She was not some weak Pharaoh who could easily be shoved away by a death she KNEW was fake. She was Egypt's second female Pharaoh and deserves the respect put to her name.
Some people write because they have a story to tell. Some people shouldn't have access to write. Evan's unfortunately fits into the second section - despite the earnest attempt to tell the story of a forgotten princess who got lost within the long history of Egypt. I wanted to like this. I wanted to care. But I feel like I have to shower in bleach and even then I don't think I will be clean of the mental scars that this book gave me. I wish I wasn't literate! Honestly!
Thanks to NetGalley, SOURCEBOOKS and the author for giving me this book in exchange for my fair and honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Incest, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Pregnancy, Cultural appropriation, Sexual harassment
I was given the opportunity to read Neferura as an ARC, but unfortunately, I found it to be a disappointment. The story revolves around Neferura's struggles as she is caught in the power struggle between her mother and brother, who are co-pharaohs, but both aim to rule alone and are willing to go to great lengths to make that happen. Despite the promising premise, the book fails to deliver in every aspect.
Characters
The characters are one-dimensional and lack development throughout the story. Neferura, in particular, comes off as insufferable due to her naivete and constant whining. Although she faces challenges, much of it is self-inflicted. The "romance" between characters falls short as it is not built upon or shown in any meaningful way.
Story
The story feels rushed and disjointed, with inconsistent time jumps and random scenes that could have been developed in more detail. The lack of detail makes the story confusing and boring.
Worldbuilding
The world-building is disappointing as there is a missed opportunity to dive deeper into the world of the pharaohs. Instead, the story jumps straight into the conflict between the co-pharaohs, with little description of the world around them.
Overall, I found little to enjoy in Neferura, and it is rare for me to not find any redeeming qualities in a book. If I had not been reading this as an ARC, I would have stopped reading early on.
Characters
The characters are one-dimensional and lack development throughout the story. Neferura, in particular, comes off as insufferable due to her naivete and constant whining. Although she faces challenges, much of it is self-inflicted. The "romance" between characters falls short as it is not built upon or shown in any meaningful way.
Story
The story feels rushed and disjointed, with inconsistent time jumps and random scenes that could have been developed in more detail. The lack of detail makes the story confusing and boring.
Worldbuilding
The world-building is disappointing as there is a missed opportunity to dive deeper into the world of the pharaohs. Instead, the story jumps straight into the conflict between the co-pharaohs, with little description of the world around them.
Overall, I found little to enjoy in Neferura, and it is rare for me to not find any redeeming qualities in a book. If I had not been reading this as an ARC, I would have stopped reading early on.
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
"My ignorance, it's practically legendary at this point."
Neferura is at its heart a tale of power, loyalty, and the bonds that are forged with those who are true friends and allies.
Neferura follows the titular character as she navigates court politics and an increasing power struggle between her mother, Hatshepsut, and her half-brother, Thutmose. The initial plot is framed a bit around a mystery that Neferura is trying to solve. This expands to greater court conflict in the second two parts of the book. Neferura is honestly very naive and trusting at the onset of the story. It's hard at times to see the decisions she makes as a result. What this book does well is have real consequences that result from her actions. Neferura is not without her flaws, and she learns and grows across the course of the book. Neferura's character growth is really a focal point which is what lead me to choose the perhaps unexpected quote to lead off this review. Fortunately for Neferura, she did not have to face each threat alone. I loved seeing the expansion of her group of friends and allies and the plans they put into action.
A note about the historical setting, you can absolutely see the author's knowledge of Egyptian history shining through in this book from the use of period accurate place names to the vivid descriptions of the setting. The opening glossary provided helpful context for some of these previously unknown terms.
If you enjoy a book about the bonds of sisterhood with strong female characters and high stakes court politics, this book may just be for you.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for an eARC of this book. All expressed opinions are my own.
Neferura is at its heart a tale of power, loyalty, and the bonds that are forged with those who are true friends and allies.
Neferura follows the titular character as she navigates court politics and an increasing power struggle between her mother, Hatshepsut, and her half-brother, Thutmose. The initial plot is framed a bit around a mystery that Neferura is trying to solve. This expands to greater court conflict in the second two parts of the book. Neferura is honestly very naive and trusting at the onset of the story. It's hard at times to see the decisions she makes as a result. What this book does well is have real consequences that result from her actions. Neferura is not without her flaws, and she learns and grows across the course of the book. Neferura's character growth is really a focal point which is what lead me to choose the perhaps unexpected quote to lead off this review. Fortunately for Neferura, she did not have to face each threat alone. I loved seeing the expansion of her group of friends and allies and the plans they put into action.
A note about the historical setting, you can absolutely see the author's knowledge of Egyptian history shining through in this book from the use of period accurate place names to the vivid descriptions of the setting. The opening glossary provided helpful context for some of these previously unknown terms.
If you enjoy a book about the bonds of sisterhood with strong female characters and high stakes court politics, this book may just be for you.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for an eARC of this book. All expressed opinions are my own.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pregnancy
Minor: Sexual assault
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Content warnings: sexual abuse, spousal abuse, animal cruelty, forced marriage, pregnancy complications/maternal death
Neferura is a fictionalized account of Neferura, the only daughter of Queen Hatshepsut of Egypt. Little is known of her actual life, which leaves author Malayna Evans plenty of room to illustrate what her life may have been like.
Similar to Circe and Kaikeyi, this is a retelling with a definite feminist bent. Neferura was more brutal by far than Kaikeyi and close to Circe in terms of violence against women/generally devastating scenes although Circe was probably a bit more graphic in its depictions of the harsh realities women in these settings face.
What worked for me: There were many relationships that felt very genuine. Neferura shares close relationships with her stepfather and tutor, Senenmut, and her handmaiden Iset. Even her strained relationship with her mother rings true. She grows throughout the book and develops many strong relationships with capable women. Her ongoing crush on her guard from childhood also was very cute.
What didn’t work for me: The extremely black and white villainy of the main antagonist, especially a particular scene that honestly came across as the stereotypical scene where the villain gathers everyone in a room and explains their evil plan while cackling. I also found the modern language to be slightly distracting at times given this takes place in ancient Egypt. Several typos were present (please keep in mind, however, that I was reading an advanced copy).
Overall, I really enjoyed this and found myself thinking about it when I wasn’t reading and looking forward to going back to it. The author doesn’t shy away from difficult plot points (see content warnings above) but still manages to make the book enjoyable to read. Some of the more “fun” and empowering elements likely take the book in a less historical fiction direction and make it a bit less realistic but this is clearly a work of fiction and that is how I choose to view it. 4/5 stars.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Domestic abuse, Pregnancy
I tried so hard to get into this. I typically LOVE Egyptian-based books and devour all the information but there was just something about this that had me going through it like molasses. I didn't find any of the characters overly enjoyable, and it was siding a little too much on the logistics of the Egyptian hierarchy than any major plot.
The one thing I really appreciated with this is the use of historically accurate language, specifically the names of the places as used by the people of the time. It really helped to immerse the reader to the time, and avoid putting the modern day lens on a historic story.
I do wish I could have enjoyed this more, but I can definitely see the allure of it. The cover is also stunning, so that helps!
Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC!
The one thing I really appreciated with this is the use of historically accurate language, specifically the names of the places as used by the people of the time. It really helped to immerse the reader to the time, and avoid putting the modern day lens on a historic story.
I do wish I could have enjoyed this more, but I can definitely see the allure of it. The cover is also stunning, so that helps!
Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC!