In ancient Egypt, a forgotten princess must overcome her family’s past and remake history.
The winds of change are blowing through Thebes. A devastating palace fire has killed the Eighteenth Dynasty’s royal family — all with the exception of Nefertari, the niece of the reviled former queen, Nefertiti. The girl’s deceased family has been branded as heretical, and no one in Egypt will speak their … speak their names. A relic of a previous reign, Nefertari is pushed aside, an unimportant princess left to run wild in the palace. But this changes when she is taken under the wing of the Pharaoh’s aunt, then brought to the Temple of Hathor, where she is educated in a manner befitting a future queen.
Soon Nefertari catches the eye of the Crown Prince, and despite her family’s history, they fall in love and wish to marry. Yet all of Egypt opposes this union between the rising star of a new dynasty and the fading star of an old, heretical one. While political adversity sets the country on edge, Nefertari becomes the wife of Ramesses the Great. Destined to be the most powerful Pharaoh in Egypt, he is also the man who must confront the most famous exodus in history.
Sweeping in scope and meticulous in detail, The Heretic Queen is a novel of passion and power, heartbreak and redemption.
From the Hardcover edition.
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This was only Michelle’s second novel, but it took me back to ancient Egypt like no other novel I’d ever read (or have since). Brilliant!
I just finished listening to the audiobook of The Heretic Queen. Narrated by Cassandra Campbell, this is a great option if you’re interested in historical fiction set in ancient Egypt but don’t love the idea of reading names like Mutnodjmet and Henuttawy.
Michelle Moran expertly bridges fascinating fact with richly imagined fiction to make …
One thing Michelle Moran is wonderful at doing – presenting people in history in a way that is relatable and entertaining, while still bringing history to life. Her writing is beautiful and rich, and her character development and world building are what sucked me into Historical Fiction. This one has always been my favorite, and everyone loves a …
I had read a previous novel by this author that I enjoyed and this novel didn’t disappoint! Interesting hearing this story from Nefertari’s point of view. Compared it to the Biblically inspired version in “The Ten Commandments.” I enjoyed this very much and learned a lot about ancient Egypt in the process.
Well… I’ve read a lot of historical fiction on Rameses and Egypt in general, but this one brings freshness to the well told story. It is known Rameses and Nefertari were in love but the chemistry, interactions…are wonderfully vivid in this book. That is not to say other parts of the story is any lacking. There’s lots of intrigue and action as …
A very satisfying historical novel focused on Egyptian Pharoah Ramses II and his wife Nefertari. Yes, the same couple from the movie, THE TEN COMMANDMENTS.
But this story is not about Nefertari’s hatred of her husband/brother and hidden passion for Moses. That was, after all, a Hollywood fabrication. Instead, it’s about two people who grew up …
I read this some years ago. Really recommend Michelle Moran.
I have read every one of Michelle’s books and love them all. The Heritic Queen is no exception. Wonderful characters, great story.
Brings history to life.
The Heretic Queen is the story of Nefertari, niece of the infamous Pharaoh Nefertiti who ruled Egypt with Akenaten, the pharaoh who abandoned the traditional gods of the country. Because of her aunt and uncle’s actions, Nefertari’s entire family has been erased from the history of Egypt. As an orphan princess, Nefertari is raised in the court of …
Based on historical figures.
Books like this are why I enjoy good historical fiction. It’s not only well written and eye-opening, but also true to the wealth of research on which it’s based.
Loved the story the author wove to tell the tale of Nefertiti and insight into life in ancient Egypt.
Loved it.
Great characters, based on historical fact with a little fiction fun. Enjoyed this book more than anything I have read in last 6 months.
I will read anything Michelle Moran writes. She makes you feel like you are right there in the story.
Absolutely the best Michelle Moran novel I’ve ever read! I’ve read it at least 3 times so far and I always love it just as much as the first, well done!
I loved Michelle Moran’s style of writing. Her world-building and history suck you right into the story.
Love love love.