Published May 8th, 2025 by Manilla Press
Historical Fiction, Biographical Fiction, Romance Novel
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ABOUT THE BOOK:
From the international bestselling author comes an unmissable new retelling of the life of one of the most captivating and misrepresented female figures in history.
Cleopatra, Egyptian Princess, grows up the favoured daughter of the Pharoah, hiding amongst the scrolls in the great library of Alexandria with her beloved slave Charmian, longing for the chance one day to write her own story.
Then when her father dies, willing that Cleopatra rule with her selfish brother Ptolemy, danger stirs. As the young Egyptian Queen sails the Nile to greet her people, he plots to destroy her and take the throne for himself.
But while Ptolemy has the power of Egypt behind him, Cleopatra has her wits. And when the great Caesar arrives from Rome, she realises he could be the key to her salvation – though courting this powerful man could cost her everything.
Can Cleopatra save her life, her throne, her beloved Egypt and finally command her own history?
A powerful, unmissable new retelling, this is a captivating story of female power and vulnerability, of love and loss, fierce friendship and terrible betrayal.
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MY REVIEW:
We’ve all heard of Cleopatra. But how much of what we know about her is true? It’s time to meet the woman behind the myth in this sensational retelling.
Egyptian Princess and the Pharaoh’s favoured daughter, Cleopatra grows up knowing one day she will rule. As a child she enjoys spending time hiding amongst the scrolls in Alexandria’s great library with her beloved slave Charmain, who had been by her side since they were infants. She vows that one day she will write her own story and be part of history. When her father dies, he wills that Cleopatra co-rule with her selfish brother, Ptolemy, so the two are married. But as the new Queen sails the Nile to greet her people, Ptolemy is plotting to take the throne for himself. The power of Egypt is behind him, but all hope is not lost. When Caesar arrives from Rome, clever Cleopatra realises he could be the key to her salvation. But he could also cost her everything. Will Cleopatra be able to save her life and her throne?
Atmospheric, immersive, enthralling and heart-poundingly tense, this is a mesmerising tale of love, loss, family, danger, betrayal and female empowerment. From the compelling opening lines I was held in Natasha Solomon’s thrall. Expertly written and meticulously researched, she brings one of the most represented women in history back to life in vivid technicolour. The time and love that has gone into this story is evident in every word and it was a joy to read. It’s a story I haven’t stopped thinking about in the months since I’ve read it, lingering long after turning that final page.
The Cleopatra I knew before reading this book was pretty one-dimensional and her story was only told through the lens of the men in her life. When I thought of her I thought of Caesar, beauty and milk baths. But there is so much more to her and I am glad I’ve finally discovered it. She was an intelligent, fierce and complex woman who feels truly alive in this book. Natasha has breathed new life into a fabled character, showcasing her in all her splendour. I adored Natasha’s Cleopatra and feel honoured to have met her on these pages.
Phenomenal, vibrant, sensuous and transportive, this is a must-read for anyone who enjoys stories about strong women who deserve to be remembered. And don’t skip the fascinating author’s note at the end.
Rating: ✮✮✮✮.5
Thank you Manilla Press for sending me a proof copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Natasha Solomons is the New York Times bestselling author of nine novels and her work has been translated into seventeen languages. Natasha lives in Dorset with her children. She also works as a playwright and screenwriter.
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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx
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