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.
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I didn’t expect to like this book as much as I did! It actually stuck with me most out of all Moran’s novels.
I will be completely honest: I had never given much thought to this time period when I have selected books to read in the past. When I reach for historical fiction (which I love), it tends to be medieval England, Revolutionary War America, pioneers in the American West, and World War II, more than anything else. I am so glad I deviated off my …
Love this book! Highly recommend it!
This book about a historical figure was very interesting and informative regarding the Roman life during the First Century. It was realistic in its portrayal historic figures and of the lives that they led. I enjoyed it very much and recommend it to anyone who has an interest in historical novels.
I have a giant crush on Michelle Moran’s brain. She’s just phanomanal. Treat yourself to all of her books, find a comfortable quite place and enjoy. I garentee you won’t move until you’ve read every last word she’s written.
An excellent book. Couldn’t put it down. I didn’t want it to finish. The characters are still with me in my mind a week later. I want a Part II
A well written book about a largely unknown character.
Did not finish-boring!
I found this very thought provoking and curious about that era.
Not impressed. Like her other books much better!
Excellent historical fiction
well researched book
Takes you back to the era of pyramids a pharaohs.
Historical fiction about the life of Cleopatra’s daughter Selene and her twin brother after Evgypt was defeated by the Roamans
Great reading and enjoyed the historical drama.
Great read for historical fiction from this time period.
Just ok
Very good. And I was happy it wasn’t a series!
Who knew? I certainly didn’t. An entertaining historical novel that covers a subject I’ve never seen before – the children of Kleopatra and Mark Anthony and what happened to them after the deaths of their parents. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Good read