| Title | : | Daughters of the Nile (Cleopatras Daughter, #3) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 042525836X |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780425258361 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 576 |
| Publication | : | First published December 3, 2013 |
After years of abuse as the emperor’s captive in Rome, Cleopatra Selene has found a safe harbor. No longer the pitiful orphaned daughter of the despised Egyptian Whore, the twenty year old is now the most powerful queen in the empire, ruling over the kingdom of Mauretania—an exotic land of enchanting possibility where she intends to revive her dynasty.
With her husband, King Juba II and the magic of Isis that is her birthright, Selene brings prosperity and peace to a kingdom thirsty for both. But when Augustus Caesar jealously demands that Selene’s children be given over to him to be fostered in Rome, she’s drawn back into the web of imperial plots and intrigues that she vowed to leave behind.
Determined and resourceful, Selene must shield her loved ones from the emperor’s wrath, all while vying with ruthless rivals like King Herod. Can she find a way to overcome the threat to her marriage, her kingdom, her family, and her faith? Or will she be the last of her line?
Daughters of the Nile (Cleopatras Daughter, #3) Reviews
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We know very little about Cleopatra Selene. That she lived and died we can be sure; no matter when or how she died it is certain she has achieved new life in the novels of Stephanie Dray. I believe Selene would be proud of her resurrection.
Dray is a master of her plots, never once letting them get the best of her, always willing to sacrifice, bend or manipulate to achieve an outcome- much like her Cleopatra.
As a proud supporter of the Nile novels I cannot begin to express my deep love for Cleopatra Selene, Stephanie Dray's mind and mastery, or this third installment in the Selene trilogy. It is, without a doubt, the boldest, and most brilliant story arc Dray has penned in Queen Selene's name.
If reading were a public affair, rather than a luxury indulged mostly in private, I would rise to give Daughters of the Nile an ovation. The tears upon the page and my heartfelt review will have to suffice. -
Sigh, they say that all good things have to come to an end and unfortunately, that saying extends to really good book series (oh, but couldn't they go on forever, please???). Unfortunately, "Daughters of the Nile" is the final book in Stephanie Dray's Cleopatra's Daughter trilogy. What I can tell you, is that this is a very fitting and very good ending to this trilogy. While you would be able to "get" this book without reading the first two books, I want you to go back and read the first two books (Lily of the Nile and Song of the Nile) because I love you and want you to be happy. Seriously, if you love historical fiction and magical realism, these books are for you.
As with the previous two books, Dray sweeps us up in the world of Cleopatra Selene. After being able to live a fairly free life in Mauritania, Selene and her family have to go back to Rome, which means that Selene is back in the line of fire of the Emperor and finds some others that would love to take her down along the way. All of the wheeling and dealing between the various rulers of the time take the spotlight in this book and it was absolutely fascinating to me.
One of the things that I'm going to miss most about these books is the characters. The relationships between Selene and so many of the other people in the book felt really real to me, which made the story feel even more real. Yes, Selene is a powerful leader (and I loved reading about her rule) but she still has to continue to be a wife to Juba and a mother to her children. Dray is able to show us all of these different sides of Selene, which really drew me in. I loved reading about her and I'm going to miss her.
This is a very fitting end to this series! I don't want to give anything away but I was very satisfied with this ending even if I'm in a little bit of mourning over the ending of this series. -
A satisfying ending to the trilogy. I loved the character of Cleopatra Selene. Her intense spirit, passion, and tenacity despite the many obstacles in her life were inspiring to read. I loved her relationships with the people in her life, especially her children and husband. But her complicated relationship with the emperor of Rome and his family and the way she tries to outwit them made it a compelling read.
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Daughters of the Nile has to be one of THE most satisfying conclusions to a trilogy I have ever read. I closed the book sighing with contentment as I wiped the remaining tears off my face. Yes, folks it was THAT good! I can’t help but write this review with the previous two novels in my head. The overall reading experience was epic in my opinion. I’ll try not to be a fan girl as I review this one but please excuse the moments when my cup runeth’ over.
Selene has come a long way from the captured prisoner she once was as a child when she first set foot in Rome. She has now lived over two decades, gotten married, become a powerful Queen, had children of her own, and continues to stand up and defy the most powerful man in the empire. One of her biggest desires is to reclaim her rightful place in Egypt and Selene has been fighting non-stop for it. However, when her ambitions become close enough to taste and grab with two hands she hesitates. Although she’s lost so much for her dreams already, can she risk losing her new family, her fragile relationship with her husband, her beloved kingdom, or the new life she has come to embrace? Selene must choose between her past and her future, as she has always had to do, and risk losing it all.
Again, I must comment on how much I love the characters in these books. I’m pleasantly surprised to report that none have been stagnant. Each person has had ample time to develop and not once did I feel overwhelmed by any of their stories. Everyone had their share of high, happy times, and low, heartbreaking times. It was amazing to see everyone treated as if this was their story to tell, not just Selene’s.
Coming in under 600 pages I hardly noticed the heaviness of them. I couldn’t believe how the words were flying off the pages and how I still wanted more after I finished. I have to say that the emotional peaks and low points were so numerous that I was shocked. After each critical, climactic point I felt that the story was probably ending soon and things couldn’t possibly get worse and there was no way there could be more to read in the remaining pages. It has been an emotional journey, through this book especially, that has made the entire trilogy a favorite of mine. I adore this author’s writing and I know I will be revisiting Selene again in the future.
I suppose I can’t give all props to Stephanie for putting my emotional investment to the test time and time again. I suppose I should thank history itself and all the players involved. While Stephanie may have been expanding on true events she did so with a beautiful style and with not too much to go on if you think about it. Although I’m sure her extensive research was time-consuming and exhausting there isn’t much known about Queen Cleopatra Selene, before she was Queen of Mauretania or after. And in each of the Author’s Note provided I felt Stephanie was fair in explaining all, or most, of her reasons for writing the story the way she did with the information she had at hand. Basically this small rant is to give the author her deserved props for surrounding real people from the past in a beautifully brutal world that I quite frankly hated to leave. I highly, highly recommend this book and the entire trilogy as a whole. You may of course read this as a standalone but the true enjoyment and experience will come when read them all, in order and hopefully back to back.
**I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review** -
I love it! I am going to be heading to my local library and then will probably purchase the lot for myself for my own Christmas present. Where do I start with such a fantastic book! I love the writing and I love the story/plot. I love the Ancient Egyptians and was completely even unaware that Cleopatra had a daughter! But if Selene is who Stephanie Dray writes, I would have loved to meet her even more than Cleopatra herself!
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I had the privilege of reviewing a proof of Daughters of the Nile. I must say that Stephanie Dray has another masterpiece on her hands. Daughters of the Nile is the final novel in the Nile series in which Ms. Dray has chronicled the life of Cleopatra VII's daughter Cleopatra Selene. The author has always done her research and it shows again in this well written novel. A picture of the time and all the political ambitions and intrigues of all are masterfully painted by the author. What makes Ms. Dray's novels stand out from other historical fiction out there is the relationships she portrays between the characters.
The relationship between Selene and Augustus is twisted, complex and heart-wrenching and brings things full circle. Whereas Augustus condemned Selene's mother as a harlot and sought to destroy the legacy of Cleopatra and Julius Caesar, what this novel reveals is that Augustus desires the same thing his uncle did. He desires to have his very own Cleopatra and rule the world before leaving it behind to a son of their blood. I enjoyed the symmetry between the relationships. I also particularly enjoyed that although Selene desired very much in the beginning to rule the world as her mother once did, eventually she realized that ambition was a destroyer. Her final words to Augustus were those of a brave woman who decided that she would be tortured and used no more.
The relationship between Selene and Juba was not without turmoil and there were so many obstacles in their path that I thought they would never truly find their way to each other. When they finally did, truly become husband and wife in every since of the word I found myself saddened that they did not have all that much time together to bask in their newfound love.
In Daughters of the Nile, Selene once again experiences tragedy. Death seems to follow her family no matter how hard she tries to prevent it. I found myself weeping for a woman who had only known such unspeakable tragedies during her lifetime. But at the same time, I found myself admiring her faith and her inner strength. Down to the moment, Cleopatra Selene takes her last breath she is a fighter.
Ms. Dray has done a fantastic job of creating a world of complex characters, none of whom can be described as wholely good or evil. Every character has their flaws. One might even argue that Selene had the same fatal flaw that her mother did. Presented with a chance to rule the world, she chose love instead. Just as Cleopatra paid a price for her love, so did Selene but it was a price any mother would've paid.
I find myself shedding a few tears that this is the last Nile novel. I have enjoyed going along this journey as Ms. Dray sheds light on a character many have wondered about but not have known much about. Every novel in this series has been a terrific read and the conclusion will make you happy, make you angry, and make you cry. But most importantly Daughters of the Nile will force you to examine many things we take for granted in life as we remember a woman that suffered much but yet persevered. Ms. Dray has made me a lifelong fan and I can't wait to see what she writes next. -
Daughters of the Nile concludes Stephanie Dray’s trilogy about Selene, the daughter of Cleopatra, who survived the fall of her mother’s kingdom and went on to become a queen herself. I’ve never been quite sure how to categorize this series — is it fantasy? is it historical fiction with magic realism? — but I’ve certainly been enjoying it.
In Lily of the Nile, we saw Selene as a young girl coming of age; in Song of the Nile we saw her dealing with the issues of young womanhood in addition to the precarious political situation in which she lived. In this third volume, we follow Selene as a mature married ruler with children. She and her husband, King Juba, have taken tentative steps toward making their marriage a true partnership as well as a political alliance, but the relationship has been poisoned with old hurts and mistrust for a long time, and ... Read More:
http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi... -
Although the first two novels in Stephanie Dray's series on Cleopatra Selene had been on my reading list for a long time, I ended up reading Daughters of the Nile first. Needless to say, I was hooked and had to go back and read the entire series, which resulted in several nights of lost sleep. Cleopatra Selene is the epitome of a strong, passionate heroine who will do whatever it takes to outwit Augustus and Rome's plans for her. This is the perfect conclusion to an amazing trilogy on one of history's most intriguing women!
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(arc provided by author for an honest review)
This is book #3 in the Cleopatra's Daughter series, competing the series which started with Lily of the Nile and Song of the Nile. You might be able to read this as a stand alone, but I don't recommend it, it is just too wonderful a series to miss any part of it.
How do I begin to review this book? It is hard at times to do a review justice without any spoilers and I don't want to spoil anyone's enjoyment of this wonderful book. It was a fitting conclusion to an awesome series and I am very sad that it is over. This is a part of history that I know very little about, plus (according to the author's notes) there is not a lot of information available. Stephanie Dray filled in the blanks perfectly and wrote a very believable and emotional story.
This was one of those books, that I didn't rush through. I knew it was the end of the series but I just took my time and enjoyed the ride. First introduced to Selene when she is taken to Rome (in Triumph), she is now married and Queen of Mauretania. This book is about relationships, and there are a number of them in here. There is Selene's relationship with Augustus, which is dark and warped. He wants control of her, her children and it was very interesting to see how that situation continued to develop (really I want to say more, but a major spoiler would most likely take place).
Her relationship with King Juba, her husband was not without turmoil. I really enjoyed watching that play out, the author has a way of writing that made the conflicts genuine and one can't help feeling the emotions of certain situations. Yeah I shed a few tears too.
So much more is offered, Selena's relationship with her daughter, Isadora, her friend Julia (Augustus daughter), Livia, the people of Mauretania, even Herod. There is also King Juba and Augustus's relationship, oh I could go on and on. As you can tell there is a lot going on in this book and it is written in such a way that it was not overwhelming with everything flowing together perfectly.
This book has so much to offer and I am very grateful to have received an ARC.
This book will appeal to those that are interested in HF Rome, Egypt, Isis, Cleopatra and Caesar Augustu -
Over the course of this trilogy Stephanie Dray has laid out the life of Cleopatra Selene from captive of Caesar Augustus to wife of Juba II and Queen of Mauretania, daughter of Isis and mother, for readers to appreciate the heart and soul, strength and frailties of this amazing woman and I've loved every minute. Daughters of the Nile is an epic conclusion, fitting for one such as Cleopatra Selene.
I was moved to tears quite a few times, that's no mean feat for an author, after all it's history, being aware of the how and why sometimes lessens the emotional impact. Not so with Daughters of the Nile, as Ms Dray mentions in her author's note, not a lot has been documented of Cleopatra Selene but with meticulous research of the time period, raw emotion and fictional flare she's brought Selene to life with poignant intimacy .
The Roman Empire political machinations continue, as does Augustus' manipulation of Selene (despite her independent stand) and the playing off of key players as they climb and fall from favour. But the focus is really on Selene's relationships and her growing self awareness.
So much to love ... I loved the exploration of Selene's relationships, it took this installment to new heights, the bond between Selene and her mage, Euphronius, Greek freedwoman Chryssa, Berber attendant, Tala and her relationship with daughter, Isadora, Julia (Augustus' daughter) and Octavia (Augustus' sister) to name just a few.
Selene is a doting and protective mother, I loved that the love and safety of her children and niece came first, above all, even deep-seated ambitions. I loved that Selene finally opened her heart to love with Juba, with so much tragedy and heartache in her life, it was heartwarming to read she found a safe harbour in Juba's arms. I adored the mysticism and dark magic, I guess it sounds like I'm mentioning it in passing but it's deftly woven into the story with both intricacy and a delicate touch.
Recommend: Highly ... Stephanie Dray's writing is richly atmospheric, exquisitely detailed and emotionally wrenching. Big and lush, it's a story to savour. -
An admission: I'm a dyed in the wool Egypt-o-phile and my interest in Augustan Rome isn't all that far behind. I read a lot of novels about those cultures/time periods. (I also read a lot of non-fiction in the same area.) Most of the novels aren't very good. They either totally blow the history, or they nail the history at the expense of the writing. There are a wretched few that blow the history and the writing.
Stephanie Dray's final volume in the trilogy about Cleopatra Selene, the daughter of Mark Antony and Cleopatra, is the happy exception. Even though the actual historical facts about Cleopatra Selene are somewhat sketchy, Dray beautifully brings to life a woman who stood in the shadows of some of history's greatest legends.
If you want a love story that encompasses a heroine's journey against the vivid background of Imperial Rome (and an exotic Roman vassal state) and a heroine who wields heka (magic) with the skill of Hermione Granger with sometimes tragic consequences, this is the book (and trilogy) for you.
Unlike many trilogies with only have enough material for one book but stretched to three to satisfy some market niche, I found myself alternately not wanting this trilogy to end and being completely satisfied with how it did end.
This third book can probably stand alone. Having read the previous two books and knowing the bones of the historical story, however, I can't say that for certain. And really, why cheat yourself out of the experience of reading all three?
If I have any complaints, and I have very few, my main one was that at times Cleopatra Selene seemed a bit strident. Of course, that made for a nice character flaw. -
Since Lily of the Nile, Selene's voice has grown stronger, more scheming, increasingly supsicious of everyone and exhausted psychologically, emotionally and physically. Wondering if this was how her mom Cleopatra relented to before her infamous death. Selene's character changes were evident when she become a mother to Dora and even more so when Ptolemy I came into play. In the beginning, her tactics were geared towards in preserving her and her brothers survivals and then with the death of her brothers eventually her own survival at the hands of Augustus. When time came to protect her children, you can definitely see the desperate need to keep them away from Roman influence as much as possible.
I was most moved when Selene was able to finally separate herself from Augustus' manipulation and revert back to a more cheerful and youthful disposition. It was also fulfilling to see how Selene and Juba were able to reconcile, see past their wrongdoings onto each other and finally find true love. Call me a romantic but I have to admit that I absolutely adored the last hundred so pages depicting Selene and Juba's relatively happy ending.
Overall, the book was entertaining and a joy to read although slow paced at first. One reading this series can easily conjure elaborately colorful images to go along with the historically adapted drama illustrated through the eyes of Cleopatra's daughter. -
Reviewer: Vivi
Review Source: Author
I hate to admit that this is the first book in this series I've had the pleasure of reading. I've read others from the author and I happy to say she once again amazed me. First, I'm a love of history, especially Egyptian history with their rich culture and blending of beliefs. Daughters of the Nile swept me up and dropped me into a world I absolutely loved. Ms. Drays vivid descriptions and beautiful prose paints the backdrop of a time period filled with political intrigue and magic can co-exist. I was sucked into the "pages" and drawn into this world Ms. Dray so skillfully built.
Cleopatra Selene was a strong, smart, and caring woman. She wore her struggles and the wounds of her past graciously. Her characterization ran so deep I felt I knew her, walked with her in her journey. I liked that she wasn't perfect and struggled with her choices. Her relationships with the people in her life each revealed different aspect of her character, yet helped me understand who she was as a woman.
This book was beautifully written. The characters have depth and an energy that draws you to them. I loved everything about this book and will definitely go back to read the others. An absolute must read for anyone who love Egyptian culture or just a lovely historical journey with brilliant characters. -
This was just amazing! Every time I put this book down I felt the need to read just a few more pages....I couldn't get enough! This last chapter in the amazing life of Cleopatra Selene is the deepest, most enthralling by far. Deep emotional characters, amazing attention to places, descriptions, and details, this book had me at page one! Ms. Dray has a way of bringing her wonderful stories to life, and sucking you in page by page until the end! I loved the magic, the history, the characters, the romance, and the heartbreak. This truly was the greatest of her three book series. Thank you Stephanie Dray for the opportunity to read and review this amazing piece of historical fiction! I have thoroughly enjoyed the ride! You have reminded me why you are one of my most favorite authors, and I cannot wait to see what you come out with next! .... I have received this pre release in exchange for an honest review, and I am honestly amazed!!!
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I finished reading this novel several days ago and I'm still at a loss of (review) words! All I can say is that this series is beyond incredible. The first two books were powerful on their own, but with this third one concluding Selene's life...my mind is blown! Stephanie, if you're reading this, please never stop writing. Tell us Dora's story, or maybe Arsinoe's...it doesn't matter who, just write another one!!!
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I've always been fascinated with the ancient world so this series was a treat to finish. I've read the prologues and epilogues that the author was awesome to include to give the story its historical legs. The amount of research that went into writing these books was really impressive to the point of reading about Cleopatra Selene in the wiki feels like reading a scholarly version. Good job, author!
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I have never cried harder in a book...
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Loved this book- I fell completely in love with this series. It followed Selene Cleopatra and her brothers from their capture as children to adulthood. Based on historical events the story took me to Selene’s world full of intrigue, magic, mythology, hate, and love. This book- the last of the series- could not have ended any other way. I loved it- so much so that I am booksick over it!! Definitely a top shelf, reread/revisit series.
Booksick- a condition that happens after a great book. Symptoms include feeling lost, heart pain, confusion on what to read next bc nothing compares to book u read. -
The final book in the Cleopatra's Daughter series, Daughters of the Nile is written by Stephanie Dray. This series has spanned the greater part of the life of Cleopatra Selene the daughter of Cleopatra and Marc Anthony. The scope of this series has been immense and Dray was certainly up to the task. She is a master storyteller with the ability to transport the reader back in time so completely, that they can hear the sounds and see the streets of Rome. Dray brings her series to a satisfying close that will bring a tear to eye and sense of loss at the ending of such a great story. A must read for historical fiction fans!
What I liked:
There are some books that are difficult to review and Daughters of the Nile is one of them. It's not because I didn't like it or because there isn't much to talk about, it's because I don't think I can do it justice. Readers who love historical fiction will absolutely fall in love with this book, as with the two previous books in the series. The characters are so strong and so life like that it is hard not to get drawn into the drama surrounding them. The setting is rich and vibrant and so full of all the things one expects from Rome and it's majesty. Dray is a born storyteller, a spinner of yarns and a teller of tales. She makes the reader not only want to read about the time period but to be part of it and experience it. This is one of the books that you just have to read to understand. This book can be read as a stand alone but I think I would probably cry if you didn't read them all. One of my favorite series of all time!
Cleopatra Selene is a brilliant woman and leader that is both fierce and protective. Throughout the series we have seen her a child, a young ruler and now a leader and mother. She exemplifies what readers would expect from a queen, yet she is human and real, her relationships are poignant and full of raw emotion. I thought Dray would have a hard time bringing this series to an end, but I was wrong. She brought Cleopatra Selene full circle and ended it how it should have ended. I couldn't have imagined it any better.
This book and series thrives on relationships. It may be a book based on a historical character, but it is so much more than that. Little is known about this time period in history, but Dray makes you think every single word of this story is true and real. She makes her readers invest in the characters and feel something for them. Cleopatra Selene is known to many but she has close ties with King Juba, her husband, her children and even a very tragic and unhealthy relationship with Augustus. Even the villain is this book has a soul. He is human and is both loved and hated. I thought that element of relationship was really what drove these novels and compelled me to love them as much as I do.
What I didn't like:
Not one darn thing. Every single thing that happened in Daughters of the Nile from beginning to end was leading up to ending of this series, and though there were moments when I wanted to cry and moments when I felt proud and moments that made me happy, I never thought one thing was out of place or one word misused. That rarely happens in my experience as a reader and reviewer. I tend to look for those little things that don't quite ring true. I suppose that makes me a bit of a jaded reader, but a book like this reminds me that there are those few books that are truly five star novels and this is one of them.
Bottom Line:
If you don't read this series and you are a fan of historical fiction, you are doing yourself a disservice. It is an incredible read and you would kick yourself for missing it. It's just that simple. And I can't imagine what Dray will come up with next. That is a very joyful thought. -
Daughters of the Nile concludes Stephanie Dray’s trilogy about Selene, the daughter of Cleopatra, who survived the fall of her mother’s kingdom and went on to become a queen herself. I’ve never been quite sure how to categorize this series — is it fantasy? is it historical fiction with magic realism? — but I’ve certainly been enjoying it.
In Lily of the Nile, we saw Selene as a young girl coming of age; in Song of the Nile we saw her dealing with the issues of young womanhood in addition to the precarious political situation in which she lived. In this third volume, we follow Selene as a mature married ruler with children. She and her husband, King Juba, have taken tentative steps toward making their marriage a true partnership as well as a political alliance, but the relationship has been poisoned with old hurts and mistrust for a long time, and each of them thinks the other is more loyal to the emperor than to him-or-herself (and given the politics of the day, it might even sometimes be true). Selene is also concerned with securing a future for her children and niece, and is torn between ambition on their behalf and a desire to keep them safe from the schemes of Rome. Both of these plotlines are fraught with emotional tension, and Dray will have you worrying, crying, and sometimes rejoicing right along with Selene.
The subtle presence of magic continues to weave its way through the narrative, especially when young Princess Isidora begins to show talents of her own. Then, later in the novel, it seems that the magic level is suddenly amped up much higher than it’s ever been — but then one realizes that it’s not sudden or new at all, given what almost certainly really happened at Eleusis in book two.
The ending of Daughters of the Nile is poignant and beautiful, including a scene that almost makes me think Dray read my old, old review of Margaret George’s The Memoirs of Cleopatra way back when, because it’s exactly the kind of scene I wished for at the end of that tale. It’s wonderful. And dang it, Stephanie Dray, you made me cry on the bus.
As in Song of the Nile, Dray includes a truly meaty section of author’s notes at the end. In it, she describes what was real and what was her own poetic license, and why she made those choices. I recall Sharon Kay Penman writing about how no novelist would dare to invent Anne Neville dying during an eclipse if it hadn’t actually happened, and there’s a lot of the same phenomenon here — some of the wildest parts of the story are the true ones!
Daughters of the Nile is a longish book — the print edition is 576 pages — but I whipped through it at a frenetic pace. Stephanie Dray brought this somewhat obscure figure to life in my mind, and made me relate to her even though she doesn’t always think like us. She felt like an old friend and I rooted for her all the way. If you’ve read the other two books, don’t even think about missing this one. If you haven’t read them but like big lush historical fiction with a bit of magic, go get Lily of the Nile and start there; you’re in for an adventure. -
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for an honest review at
SMI Book Club.
Daughters of the Nile is the third and final book in Stephanie Dray’s trilogy about Cleopatra Selene, the daughter of Cleopatra (yes, *that* one), that continues to fill in the missing pieces of her life that could only be imagined based on the few major details available in historical texts. In this book, we see Selene sent back to the husband she didn’t ask for, to be queen of a country that isn’t her beloved Egypt, and trying to establish her own dynasty away from the man who continues to threaten her happiness with his own twisted desires.
I haven’t read the previous two books in the series, but I’m a big fan of the author’s romance books under her Stephanie Draven pen name, so I jumped at the opportunity to bury myself in a lovely long book of historical fiction by an author I already loved. Dray provided just enough recaps where needed so that I wasn’t lost as a new reader to the series, and I felt like I’d actually learned something about the actual history without forgetting that Daughters of the Nile, is still fiction, however laboriously researched for historical fact where possible.
Cleopatra Selene is a remarkable woman who managed to survive in a time where any day could bring exile or death from multiple directions, most notably from Caesar Augustus, who never stopped obsessing over her the way he had over her late mother. She has to temper her desire to make her mark in history with the knowledge of the incredible danger she faces whenever she fails to do whatever Caesar and her husband expect from her. And yet she does survive and even thrives in a climate that would crush a less determined man, let alone a mere woman with such infamous parents as Marc Antony and Cleopatra.
But what really made Daughters of the Nile such a wonderful read for me was the improbable romance between Selene and her husband. Juba had aided Caesar Augustus in hastening the death of Selene’s parents, so her distrust of him was certainly understandable. The marriage had been forced upon them both as a convenience for Augustus in his quest to make Selene his mistress, but they were never intended to be a couple in truth. Seeing Selene and her husband Juba slowly learn to trust and love each other over the years in spite of all the terrible past between them was what made me cry when Selene’s life and the book both came to their inevitable end. Daughters of the Nile isn’t a fast or easy read, but it’s a great one, and definitely worth your while if you love historical fiction with a touch of genuine romance. -
Daughters of the Nile wraps up the trilogy on Cleopatra Selene, the daughter of the legendary Cleopatra of Egypt and Marc Antony of Rome that started with Lily of the Nile and continued with Song of the Nile. You do have to have read the first two books to enjoy the third but they do add to the richness of all of the characters' back stories. Such is the power and brilliance of Ms. Dray's writing skills.
I must admit to a partiality to books that take place in Ancient Rome. It's a time period that fascinates me and this book is no exception. I had a very hard time putting it down and I suspect had I not been reading it around the holidays I would have finished it within two days but the obligations and general busyness kept me from reading as much as I would have liked. It's not a short book at just under 600 pages but it read like a novella. I simply did not want it to end but like all good things, end it did. This book covers the period of Selene's life where she truly comes into her own as queen of Mauretania, mother to her children and goddess of Isis. While Ms. Dray adheres to history she does add a fair bit of magic and mysticism into the tale but it fits both the times and the character. You never feel as if you've fallen down some rabbit hole never to return.
Selene and her husband, Juba were historically good rulers of their country. They brought a period of peace that hadn't been seen before or sadly after they died. In the novel Selene is always trying to do what is best for her family, her dynasty and herself while trying to keep Augustus at bay. There isn't a single character that is simple or one-note; they are all that complex mixture of good and bad that makes us all human. They grow and learn and the reader shares their triumphs and failures because you become so invested in their stories because of the writing. You enter their worlds and you don't want to come out. Which makes the ending of the series all the more devastating. I'm not giving anything away or posting any spoilers by telling you that Selene dies and it's never easy to lose a beloved character when you have been reading through her life for three books.
I highly recommend this series if you are looking for a trip through history with a fascinating woman and a very complicated, calculated and at times downright evil man. As much as this is Selene's story it would not be what it was without Augustus and Ms. Dray wrote him I believe, as the damaged human he was. Read the books - you won't be disappointed. -
Based on the true story of Cleopatra's daughter… — After years of abuse as the emperor's captive in Rome, Cleopatra Selene has found a safe harbor. No longer the pitiful orphaned daughter of the despised Egyptian Whore, the twenty year old is now the most powerful queen in the empire, ruling over the kingdom of Mauretania—an exotic land of enchanting possibility where she intends to revive her dynasty.
With her husband, King Juba II and the magic of Isis that is her birthright, Selene brings prosperity and peace to a kingdom thirsty for both. But when Augustus Caesar jealously demands that Selene's children be given over to him to be fostered in Rome, she's drawn back into the web of imperial plots and intrigues that she vowed to leave behind.
Determined and resourceful, Selene must shield her loved ones from the emperor's wrath, all while vying with ruthless rivals like King Herod. Can she find a way to overcome the threat to her marriage, her kingdom, her family, and her faith? Or will she be the last of her line?
I would have given this book 12 stars, if they let us! The authors notes should be placed in FRONT of the book, not the last pages. But other than that I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It's really fun living through a part of history (and thanks to the author a lot of this is really true) in a great fiction story instead of just dates and facts! Putting feelings into the characters help to explain some of the religious beliefs and just how people might have really felt! The book has war, murder, mystery, history, and romance with true love throughout the whole story! I would recommend this book to anyone who has the time to read it! Well worth the effort, and it's still making me smile! --- I'm off to find the other books in this series! GREAT, enjoyable read! -
DotN was a marked improvement from the last book. Selene really comes into herself as the Queen of Mauretania. She and Juba have two children together (a daughter which isn’t his and a son that is) but Augustus Caesar demands that they are given to him to foster in Rome. Selene is determined in this book to keep her children away from Augustus Caesar, but ultimately the family goes to Rome. While there they endure some pretty terrible hardships that threaten to tear apart the peace and happiness she has found with Juba.
There was still tension between Augustus Caesar and Selene but it was finally more evenly matched and felt less tiring than the previous book. Selene is happy with being just queen of Mauretania and that is what I attribute to her and Juba finally finding some happiness together. Her political aspirations were set aside when she became a mother and it made me relieved for both her and her king. I felt pretty invested in them both, and Dray takes you through some pretty insane ups and downs in the familial department.
Selene’s daughter Isadora is also a great presence in the book, as she is her mother’s opposite when it comes to aspirations. Isadora is able to see the future and is particularly skilled as a healer. She also has a connection to animals. She was just a really well developed secondary character that didn’t want to become a queen and the dialogue between mother and daughter felt honest.
Overall, DotN had less magic (neither + or -), less brother squick (+), less back-and-forth Augustus Caesar drama (+), and more heartfelt goodness between Selene and Juba (+). It was a solid conclusion to a well imagined and exciting series.
See my full series review on my blog
Lovely Literature. -
Sigh. I finish this book and realize that no matter how attached/emotional I get over characters and story lines and deaths and births in my favorite books, I have never actually CRIED while reading a book. (I'm not sure which is worse to admit, that I've never cried before, or that I cried during this book) My eyes were full of tears with that swollen feeling in my throat the entire second half of this book. And I felt like I was holding my breath the entire time as well.
AMAZING. Just amazing. Selene is now my favorite historical figure of any time (and I read A LOT of historical fiction)...Dray put the sometimes few or sometimes many facts of Selene's life and the lives of the people woven in and out of her life together so beautifully and tragically, I don't know if I'll ever get over it.
And I have never read a character that I loved so much or got so exasperated with than Selene. Ms. Dray grew this figure so perfectly, always standing fast with what she envisioned for her personality. The grief and fear in the first book, the anger and stubbornness in the second book, and the worry and love in the third book...the love. As sappy as I'm usually not, the amount of love that the author was able to portray in the second half of this book brought tears to my eyes, as well as the way she describes grief.
Truly EPIC. This final book to Selene's life brought it to such a fantastic close, and I am already dying to read more books from Dray! -
DAUGHTERS OF THE NILE by Stephanie Dray is an exciting Historical Fiction based on the true story of Cleopatra's daughter. Book # 3 in the "Cleopatra's Daughter" trilogy, but can be read as a stand alone. Although, I would recommend reading the others in this Trilogy. However, with this said, I have not read the others but do intend to go back and do so. See, "Lily of the Nile" and " Song of the Nile". Written in first person. Oh my what an intriguing and interesting tale of Cleopatra's daughter, Cleopatra Selene, orphan, and despised daughter of Cleopatra and Mark Antony, and Rome's emperor's captive who suffers years of abuse. Now wife to King Juba II, and out to revive a dynasty in Mauretania. But her peace is once again threatened when Augustus Caesar demands her children be fostered in Rome.
Empowering as well as gut wrenching tale of love, ruthless rivals, intrigue, unfailing courage, determination and destiny. Ms. Dray has weaved a story of a lesser-known historical character into a tale of magic, intrigue and used an exotic setting. History buffs are sure to enjoy "Daughter of the Nile" as well as romance readers, and historical fiction readers. An intriguing tale in which Ms. Dray brought the characters to life on the pages of "Daughters of the Nile". A great read! Received for an honest review from the publisher.
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More -
Thanks to Miss Stephanie Dray, I had the grand opportunity of reviewing get new book of Daughter's of the Nile. This novel has everything you could desire. Tears, laughter, and love from the characters and you grow a deep love for the characters.
The final installment in the Cleopatra's Daughter series, it brings to life the culture and completes the final ending of the stage set before hand. Fulfilling its calling to finish the tale set before, it does its duty with beauty,elegance, and the ultimate of all an adventure of a lifetime. As Cleopatra Selene goes through her new life as Queen of Maurantainia she is haunted by her fear of Caesar Augustus and his ever intense desire to make her his Cleopatra. When a summons comes from Rome, her fears meet reality and she embarks on the greatest journey of her life.
Miss Dray had created a final masterpiece in her trilogy far better than that if most I have read. A work of literature that will ring on in the hearts of men when the name Cleopatra Selene is brought up even though it is a fiction novel. She has executed her duty in the greatest manner of all, perfection.
While age appropriate for readers over 15 however some content is hard to read. It is however definitely worth the time and effort. -
Stephanie Dray...You outdid yourself.
I highly anticipated the release of Daughters of the Nile in December 2013, and it was most definitely worth the wait. Having read the first two books of this trilogy earlier in 2013 (back to back!), I just knew this 3rd and final installment in the series would not disappoint. I had no idea how far Daughters of the Nile would exceed my expectations.
Without giving away spoilers, Dray's portrayal of Kleopatra Selene's journey into womanhood, motherhood, marriage, politics and monarchy was perfectly woven with delicate reminders of past events in prior novels. I thought I would be able foretell the events and conclusions throughout the novel, but I was wrong! Wow, Stephanie, you took me on an unexpected and emotional journey!
I laughed, I cried, I fell in love, I swooned, I highlighted passages and re-read them later...you really made the characters and events come to life (and after-life). I also appreciate how you tied up "loose ends" regarding Selene's past relationships (won't spoil it here). In short, it was perfection. Like many of your novels, I was devastated to put it down at its conclusion.
