The Heretic Queen: A Novel

Michelle Moran

Sept 2008 · Egyptian Royals Collection Book 2 · Sold by Crown

About this eBook

In this stunning novel of passion, power, and redemption, a forgotten princess in ancient Egypt must overcome her family’s past and remake history—from the internationally bestselling author of Nefertiti and Cleopatra’s Daughter.

“Moran’s careful attention to detail and her artful storytelling bring these people to vivid life, imbuing ancient history with suspense and urgency.”—The Boston Globe

The winds of change are blowing through Thebes. A devastating palace fire has killed the Eighteenth Dynasty’s royal family—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 names. But this changes when she is taken under the wing of the Pharoah’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 Ramses the Great. Destined to be the most powerful Pharoah in Egypt, he is also the man who must confront the most famous exodus in history.

Ratings and reviews

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 together and turned out to be soul mates. Beginning when Nefertari is six years old, the novel is full of court intrigue and political maneuvering. Lots of people want power and riches — including several high priestesses and high priests. At the book's beginning, Ramses is the son and obvious heir to Pharaoh Seti I. He soon becomes first co-ruler with his father and then lone Pharaoh, after his father’s death. Ramses, who is several years older than Nefertari, first marries Iset — a local beauty with not much else going on for her. But as Nefertari grows up, she benefits from an extensive education and a natural facility with languages and turns out to be both beautiful AND brainy. (It’s a bit of a feminist story.) Ramses obviously becomes captivated by his one time childhood friend. Iset and Nefertari begin as rivals. But circumstances soon show how valuable Nefertari’s knowledge is to the running of the country. And, as was true in history, Ramses and Nefertari turn out to be a true love match, even though he later goes on to add another five wives. If you have an interest in ancient Egyptian history, don’t miss this book. Though a work of fiction, as the author readily admits in the Afterword, it is based on research. And it’s full of the symbols and rituals known to be part of one of the most fascinating civilizations, featuring many of the monuments that can still be seen today.

The action never slows in this beautifully told recapturing of history. Incredibly beautiful descriptions that make the reader feel right at home in ancient Egypt, if not entirely comfortable.

This book is amazing. Lush, descriptive, emotional, romantic, & very well-researched. Ancient Egypt had become one of my favourite historical topics thanks to this author, & Nefertari one of my favourite historical figures. Read it!!

About the author

Michelle Moran is the internationally bestselling author of many historical novels. A California native with a master’s in education, she was inspired to write historical fiction by her experiences on archeological digs. Her novels, translated into more than twenty languages, include Nefertiti, The Heretic Queen, Cleopatra’s Daughter, Madame Tussaud, The Second Empress, Rebel Queen, Mata Hari's Last Dance, and Maria. A frequent traveler, she currently lives with her family in England.