The marriage of Marc Antony and Cleopatra is one of the greatest love stories of all time, a tale of unbridled passion with earth-shaking political consequences. Feared and hunted by the powers in Rome, the lovers choose to die by their own hands as the triumphant armies of Antony’s revengeful rival, Octavian, sweep into Egypt. Their three orphaned children are taken in chains to Rome; only two — … two — the ten-year-old twins Selene and Alexander — survive the journey. Delivered to the household of Octavian’s sister, the siblings cling to each other and to the hope that they will return one day to their rightful place on the throne of Egypt. As they come of age, they are buffeted by the personal ambitions of Octavian’s family and court, by the ever-present threat of slave rebellion, and by the longings and desires deep within their own hearts.
The fateful tale of Selene and Alexander is brought brilliantly to life in Cleopatra’s Daughter. Recounted in Selene’s youthful and engaging voice, it introduces a compelling cast of historical characters: Octavia, the emperor Octavian’s kind and compassionate sister, abandoned by Marc Antony for Cleopatra; Livia, Octavian’s bitter and jealous wife; Marcellus, Octavian’s handsome, flirtatious nephew and heir apparent; Tiberius, Livia’s sardonic son and Marcellus’s great rival for power; and Juba, Octavian’s watchful aide, whose honored position at court has far-reaching effects on the lives of the young Egyptian royals.
Selene’s narrative is animated by the concerns of a young girl in any time and place — the possibility of finding love, the pull of friendship and family, and the pursuit of her unique interests and talents. While coping with the loss of both her family and her ancestral kingdom, Selene must find a path around the dangers of a foreign land. Her accounts of life in Rome are filled with historical details that vividly capture both the glories and horrors of the times. She dines with the empire’s most illustrious poets and politicians, witnesses the creation of the Pantheon, and navigates the colorful, crowded marketplaces of the city where Roman-style justice is meted out with merciless authority.
Based on meticulous research, Cleopatra’s Daughter is a fascinating portrait of imperial Rome and of the people and events of this glorious and most tumultuous period in human history. Emerging from the shadows of the past, Selene, a young woman of irresistible charm and preternatural intelligence, will capture your heart.
more
I couldn’t be more excited about today’s Featured Deal on Cleopatra’s Daughter by Michelle Moran! Ancient Egypt calls to us, fascinates us, enchants us across the ages, and in Moran’s words, comes alive in an accessible, vibrant way. I’ve read Nefertiti and adored it. I can’t wait to devour this one.
Fun fact: the ancient Egyptians’ culture …
Cleopatra’s Daughter is historical fiction at its finest. With her exquisite attention to detail and her beautifully crafted characters, Michelle Moran does not just visit the past–she resurrects it.
The story I always wanted to read! If you love I, Claudius, you’ll love this book!
Michelle Moran has already made Ancient Egypt her own fictional domain. With this compelling novel of the legendary Cleopatra’s daughter, she now stakes a claim to Ancient Rome, too.
As always, Michelle Moran doesn’t disappoint. This book was a little slower than most for me, but it was worth the wait! <3 I loved the ending of this and all the rich history and wonderful characters we learn about along the way.
A very interesting historical novel of
Egypt and Rome very readable it caught me from the beginning and kept me reading it until i had finished it without putting it down I really remend it
Interesting insight into some lesser known historical figures.
Very well written book. The history is great, along with the characters who jump into life with immediacy. Very easy to follow the historical timeline of this fascinating and important period of time.
Helps to understand the times and history. Worth the read.
Love, loved this book. I’ve read several of Michelle Moran’s books and I’m never disappointed.
This is the way world history should be taught
Historical Egyptology that was educational, fascinating and an engrossing glimpse of the drama of life for these amazing people.
Ok. Could not suspend my belief
Good research! This is a real look at this historical tie period.
Very much enjoyed Cleopatra’s Daughter. In addition to learning history, much that I had learned in school was refreshed. When I finished the book I was inspired to research and read more about the characters, their predecessors and successors, as well as the historical locations represented in the book.
This is the 2nd book I have read in this series. Enjoyed it immensely and would recommend it. Had the history, a little romance and a well told story too. All the component needed for an excellent read.
Meticulous historical detail without losing the fictional enjoyment. Lively characters and incredibly for a historical fiction, ends in happy ending! This is a must read for historical fiction lovers.
I loved learning about this period of history. The twists & turns of politics are relevent today.
Interesting
I didn’t know that Cleopatra had twins and still am not sure. The history of this book and the architecture was really interesting.