Review: Sphinx's Queen

The sequel to Spinx's Princess:

Nefertiti and Amenophis are on the run. They're desperately trying to escape from Prince Thutmose. Together, with an ex-slave, they're floating down the river in an attempt to reach the Pharaoh.

They must reach the Pharaoh in order to clear Nefertiti 's name. After much hardship and a little luck, they reach his side. Only to discover that Prince Thutmose has beaten them there.

Now Nefertiti must stand before the Pharaoh and clear herself from the false charges thrown her way by Prince Thutmose.

It doesn't help that she has fallen in love with Amenophis - the Prince's brother. It doesn't help that the Pharaoh himself is in awe of her beauty. She must prove herself before the gods.

How will Nefertiti prove her innocence and with so many people against her is it possible for her to have a happy ending?

My Thoughts: I'm big fan of Esther Friesner, I love her strong historical female characters and Nefertiti's tale remains the same. For much of the book Nefertiti remains isolated, even heartbroken. Still she manages to gather strength and to instill strength in others. Despite all the hardships she must endure, Friesner imagines character both powerful and yet vulnerable. I loved the historical background of the novel and the opportunity to know a little bit more about Nefertiti.

Cover Thoughts: Pretty - I love the dress

Source: RandomBuzzers

Challenge: YA Historical Fiction Challenge

Teen Read Week Book 3: Sphinx's Princess

Nefertiti is not a princess but her father is the sister of the Royal Wife to the Pharaoh. When Queen Tiye hears about Nefertiti's beauty, she's determined to make her a Princess in order to marry her first born son. She orders Nefertiti's family to her side where she manipulates the family into giving Nefertiti's hand in marriage. There is a catch, Nefertiti will not marry for three years, but in that time she must reside in the royal household. Sadness overwhelms her as she says goodbye to her family, not knowing when she'll ever see them again. She moves into the women's suite where she's given a comfortable room. The other women in the suite are junior wives of the Pharaoh. Due to Queen Tiye's paranoia, she's not allowed to communicate with any of them. Instead, her loneliness threatens her state of mind. Before long, she begins to take secret scribing lessons again. While Nefertiti rarely spends any time with her betrothed, a cold man, she enjoys his brother's company greatly. He teaches her how to drive a chariot and shows her around the city. But when Nefertiti's betrothed learns of this, he threatens his bride to be. When the Pharaoh leaves the palace for an extended period of time and leaves his first born son in charge, the change in him is overwhelming. Nefertiti can't believe the difference and she just might fall in love with him - but when an accusation comes her way, can he save her?

An enchanting beginning tale of the strong feisty character of Nefertiti. The cover intrigues me too and it looks very similar to the Nobody YA novels. This historical fiction makes me want to read a biography of Nefertiti to find out more info. A second book is in the works, which is great because this book ends on a cliff hanger.