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A review by earlgrey_hot
Neferura by Malayna Evans
3.0
Neferura by Malayna Evans is a historical fiction novel that tells the story of the daughter of the famous Egyptian pharaoh Hatshepsut, who faces danger and betrayal from her half-brother Thutmose. The novel is based on extensive research and historical accuracy, and it portrays the culture and politics of ancient Egypt in a vivid and engaging way. Evans is an Egyptologist and her passion and knowledge are evident. The novel also celebrates the power and friendship of women, as Neferura forms alliances with a mysterious tattooed wise woman and other female characters who help her navigate the complex court intrigues.
However, the novel also suffers from some flaws that may disappoint some readers. The pacing of the novel is uneven, with a slow and dragging first half that does not capture the reader’s attention or curiosity. After starting and reading the first third, it took me two months to pick it up again to finish. The writing style is almost too juvenile to capture the teen and adult audience (which many YA books are able to do quite successfully) and it fails to convey the depth and emotion of the characters and the plot. The characterization of Neferura, and others, is weak and inconsistent, and they often act in ways that are not consistent. The novel also lacks a satisfying climax and resolution, and it leaves many questions unanswered.
Overall, it is a novel that has a lot of potential. It may appeal to readers who are interested in ancient Egypt and female empowerment, but it may also frustrate readers who are looking for a more mature and compelling historical fiction. It also has no "fantasy" elements despite being tagged by the publisher with that element.
However, the novel also suffers from some flaws that may disappoint some readers. The pacing of the novel is uneven, with a slow and dragging first half that does not capture the reader’s attention or curiosity. After starting and reading the first third, it took me two months to pick it up again to finish. The writing style is almost too juvenile to capture the teen and adult audience (which many YA books are able to do quite successfully) and it fails to convey the depth and emotion of the characters and the plot. The characterization of Neferura, and others, is weak and inconsistent, and they often act in ways that are not consistent. The novel also lacks a satisfying climax and resolution, and it leaves many questions unanswered.
Overall, it is a novel that has a lot of potential. It may appeal to readers who are interested in ancient Egypt and female empowerment, but it may also frustrate readers who are looking for a more mature and compelling historical fiction. It also has no "fantasy" elements despite being tagged by the publisher with that element.