Song of the Nile (Cleopatra's Daughter, #2)

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Song of the Nile (Cleopatra's Daughter #2)

by Stephanie Dray (Goodreads Author)

3.95 of 5 stars 3.95 · rating details · 550 ratings · 106 reviews

Sorceress. Seductress. Schemer. Cleopatra's daughter is the one woman with the power to destroy an empire...

Having survived her perilous childhood as a royal captive of Rome, Selene pledged her loyalty to Augustus and swore she would become his very own Cleopatra. Now the young queen faces an uncertain destiny in a foreign land.

The magic of Isis flowing through her veins...more

Paperback, 398 pages

Published October 4th 2011 by Berkley Trade

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Historical Fiction 2011

27th out of 115 books — 582 voters

The Memoirs Of Cleopatra by Margaret George

Books about Cleopatra

9th out of 41 books — 79 voters

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May 02, 2011 Gabrielle Carolina rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, to-re-read

I was given the amazing gift of reading a pre-release copy of this book. In fact I read the manuscript off my computer and got to make suggestions to the author! Yes! I nearly died!

If you read my blog, or follow me here on Goodreads, you will know I adored the first book in this series. How? Because I suggested it to all of you. Why? Because it was incredible.

Since then the author and I have grown close and when she offered me the chance to read book two *super* early I couldn't refuse, I need...more

9 likes · like · see review

Aug 28, 2011 Amanda rated it 4 of 5 stars

Selene's fascinating story continues in Stephanie Dray's Song of the Nile, sequel to January's Lily of the Nile.

After being ripped away from her home and taken to Rome at a young age, Selene has found herself as little more than a political pawn of Augustus. Though she has pledged to become Augustus' own Cleopatra, she is married off to an African king to help solidify the kingdom's connection to Rome. Though she finds herself far from the center of the Empire, and from her brother Helios, Sele...more Selene's fascinating story continues in Stephanie Dray's Song of the Nile, sequel to January's Lily of the Nile.

After being ripped away from her home and taken to Rome at a young age, Selene has found herself as little more than a political pawn of Augustus. Though she has pledged to become Augustus' own Cleopatra, she is married off to an African king to help solidify the kingdom's connection to Rome. Though she finds herself far from the center of the Empire, and from her brother Helios, Selene remains entangled in the complex web of politics, lust and religious persecution that could keep her from her beloved Egypt, as well as the goddess Isis.

Basically, everything that was good about Lily of the Nile was even better in Song of the Nile. It seems like all the bit flaws and kinks that still needed to be worked out in the previous novel were completely flawless here. From the very first page, Selene grabs readers and entraps them in her world, refusing to let them go. Selene is a strong, powerful woman who leaps off every page. I became so invested in Selene that I sympathized with her struggles, and took joy in her victories. How she managed to find strength despite everything she went through is amazing, and her political prowess and intelligence is some of the most developed and believable I've ever read in a historical novel.

Selene is almost so strong of a character that she completely overshadows virtually every other character in the novel, though for the most part I really didn't mind this. It would have helped balance the novel better, but I was so enchanted by Selene that I was honestly fine with it.

Aside from the characters, the ancient world really felt like it came alive to me. Filled with luscious detail, Song is obviously thoroughly researched and has strong attention to every word and every detail -then there's all the magical realism. Some readers have trouble with novels that combine history with magic realism, but I usually don't have a problem with it if it's done well. Song of the Nile is one of the those instances where the magical realism adds so much to the overall plot and tone of the novel -as well as define the main character -that it just wouldn't be the same novel without it.

Overall, an excellent read for fans of historical fiction that's even better than the first book.
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Apr 10, 2012 Kelly rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The sequel to Lily of the Nile, Song of the Nile by Stephanie Dray continues the story of Cleopatra Selene, daughter of the more famous Cleopatra. In this installment, Selene marries, becomes queen of Mauretania, and continually longs and schemes for the return of her birthright: the throne of Egypt.

Song of the Nile begins with a prologue that refers to the myth of Persephone’s descent, and so we know from the start that this book will take Selene into some painful emotional territory. There are...more

6 likes · like · see review

Oct 17, 2011 L (Sniffly Kitty) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review, owned, fantasy, read-2011

Release date has been announced ^.^

I love the cover of this book, very powerful.

2 likes · like · see review

Aug 26, 2011 Kate Quinn rated it 4 of 5 stars

Stephanie Dray continues the story of Cleopatra's daughter Selene as she travels into adulthood, marriage, motherhood - and queenship? Certainly Selene is hoping so: a timely political marriage has made her queen of Mauretania, but she won't rest until she has her mother's kingdom of Egypt back. The creepy and complicated Emperor Augustus is Selene's ticket to that fate, but as his obsession with her deepens, Selene has to ask if the price of becoming Pharoah is more than she is really willing t...more

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Nov 03, 2011 Ana rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: cleopatra-selene, historical-fiction

Every once in a while there comes a writer whose books grab you and don't let go, and after you've finished reading them you are never the same person, and you look at the world around you with new light. Stephanie Dray is one of those writers, and "Song of the Nile", her second book about Cleopatra's daughter, is one of those books.

"Song of the Nile" picks up at Selene's wedding to Juba, where Selene's choice of dressing like her mother instead of wearing the traditional Roman bride clothes tr...more Every once in a while there comes a writer whose books grab you and don't let go, and after you've finished reading them you are never the same person, and you look at the world around you with new light. Stephanie Dray is one of those writers, and "Song of the Nile", her second book about Cleopatra's daughter, is one of those books.

"Song of the Nile" picks up at Selene's wedding to Juba, where Selene's choice of dressing like her mother instead of wearing the traditional Roman bride clothes triggers a chain of events that will take you on a whirlwind ride, with consequences that you'll never imagine.

The book is darker than the first one, full of intrigue, scheming and mind games that exhaust you and leave you begging for more at the same time.

One of the things that I enjoyed about this book was how Dray presented us the customs and traditions of the different cultures, making rich contrast between them, like how the Berber widows weaved some sort of clothing to remember their husbands and shun the company of other men, or how Roman women used to wear white instead of black while in mourning.

I also enjoyed the symbolisms throughout the story, like how the Mauritanian royal house was in ruins at the beginning was a reflection of how Selene felt at the time, how Octavian was like Aeneas and Selene was like Dido (now I have to read Virgil's Aeneid!), how the scepter falling from her hand meant she'd lost Egypt, or even Helios power over fire and Selene's ability to control the winds.

Another thing that I enjoyed was Dray's description of Selene's outfits. As a fashion history buff, I reveled in the details of the clothing. It reminded me a bit of Kate Quinn's Mistress of Rome, which come to no surprise, since Dray is a fan and friend of Quinn.

Contrary to what Dray might fear (of this book becoming a slump – check her blog posts!), "Song of the Nile" shows how much the author and her work have developed and grown. She's taken major risks with the story, no doubt pushing herself, and the readers along with her, to the edge. And the end result is a brilliant work. May be controversial for some, but it's the choices she made what give this book its power.
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Oct 31, 2011 Audra (Unabridged Chick) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: heroine-amazing, historical-figure-fictionalized, historicals, mood-dark-and-twisted, pagan, place-ancient-places, teenage-heroine-but-not-ya

Earlier this year I read and thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series, Lily of the Nile and I've been wiggling with anticipation for this book. I'm thrilled to say that everything I loved in the first book -- Selene, the historical setting, the magical elements, the compelling detail -- is in this one as well, only amped up more.

This is a darker novel that doesn't shy away from the grim reality of ancient Roman life (around 25BC-ish or so). Selene, Cleopatra's daughter, has been marrie...more Earlier this year I read and thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series, Lily of the Nile and I've been wiggling with anticipation for this book. I'm thrilled to say that everything I loved in the first book -- Selene, the historical setting, the magical elements, the compelling detail -- is in this one as well, only amped up more.

This is a darker novel that doesn't shy away from the grim reality of ancient Roman life (around 25BC-ish or so). Selene, Cleopatra's daughter, has been married and sent to Mauritania, but from the start of this book, our heroine isn't a passive pawn. As with the first novel, Dray mixes history with magic, but the fantastical elements don't dampen or soften the historical aspects, which I so appreciate. Dray doesn't age up Selene, for example, who is 14 at the start of this novel, nor does she whitewash what imperial life was like.

As with the first novel, this book features a teenaged heroine but isn't a YA story; it is decidedly mature and probably not something all readers will like. I hesitate to say I enjoyed it, because some of what transpired made me feel ill, but Dray makes all the characters quite human and quite real, to the point that I loved, hated, empathized with and dismissed everyone at some point, even Selene. It's a maddening, wonderful feeling, and for me, it felt like an accurate representation of what life would have been like for Cleopatra's daughter. You want royal intrigue, this is your book!

I was sad when the book ended -- I could have used another 300 pages -- and I'm not sure if there's another book coming or not, but I'm desperate for more of Selene and her world. I loved Mists of Avalon but found rest of Bradley's series to be very thin. In this case, Dray's books get better and better; her world-building and character-development is nuanced and compelling. This is tawdry hist fic with a little more steel in the spine, and I mean that in the best way. Get Lily of the Nile first then grab this one!(less)

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Sep 01, 2011 Linda rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: undercover-book-group

The second installment of Stephanie Dray's Nile trilogy continues the story of Selene, Cleopatra's daughter. I am now anxiously awaiting the third book! As in the first book, Lily of the Nile, the story is fast-paced, well-researched and well-written. There is something for everyone--romance, intrigue, a tour of the ancient world, an updated historical perspective and characters the reader learns to care about.

I recently had the privilege of hearing Ms. Dray's presentation "Bad Girls of the Anci...more

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Feb 05, 2012 Jennifer rated it 2 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I was extremely disappointed in this second book in the Cleopatra's Daughter series. I read Dray's first novel, Lily of the Nile and was excited for the follow-up. I enjoy reading about Cleopatra and Augustus, and this novel infuriated me. The first book focused on Cleopatra and Marc Antony's children: Alexander Helios, Cleopatra Selene, and Philadelphus as they were taken to Rome after their parents suicide. This series includes a magical aspect, and Selene is portrayed as very haughty albeit r...more I was extremely disappointed in this second book in the Cleopatra's Daughter series. I read Dray's first novel, Lily of the Nile and was excited for the follow-up. I enjoy reading about Cleopatra and Augustus, and this novel infuriated me. The first book focused on Cleopatra and Marc Antony's children: Alexander Helios, Cleopatra Selene, and Philadelphus as they were taken to Rome after their parents suicide. This series includes a magical aspect, and Selene is portrayed as very haughty albeit royal girl with mysterious wind powers. In Song of the Nile, Selene is married to her tutor, Juba, and they are awarded Mauretania as a kingdom. On her wedding day, Selene dresses proactively and most of Rome is up in arms since it signifies that she is Augustus' whore. After this event, the book goes completely bonkers!

First of all, Selene has a prior yet interesting relationship with Emperor Augustus. In this novel, Dray turns on the creepy factor and has Augustus RAPE Selene and possibly impregnate her. Yes, this is fiction, but there are some liberties that I just can't accept. I have read many books about Augustus, and even though he was somewhat evil and manipulative, he was still responsible for bringing the Golden Age of Rome. It has been written that he would condemn people who would not be of pure Roman value and virtue, so I cannot think he would find it acceptable to rape his own ward. (Especially the children of two of his greatest enemies). So in the story, Selene consents to Augustus since she wants to reclaim her mother's kingdom of Egypt. This bothered me since it somewhat propagates the stereotypical Cleopatra myth that she would sleep with anything just to keep her kingdom. Cleopatra Selene was only 10 when her parents died. Is that enough time to teach a girl on how sex is a weapon? Perhaps. Perhaps not.

If that wasn't enough drama, Selene decides it would be an awesome idea to sleep with her brother. Oh excuse me, not just her brother but her TWIN brother. Yeah they shared womb time. (Apparently inside and outside which is just gross). Sure, Egyptian pharaohs "married" their siblings and what not, but having sex with your twin is a little too Flowers in the Attic for me (at least those two weren't TWINS! TWINS! Same womb! Ok, enough, I'm sorry.)

I hate that this book didn't focus on the love between Selene and Juba since they really were a love match.(less)

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Oct 04, 2011 Krystal rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc

This was easily one of the best historical books I have ever had the pleasure of picking up and reading. The author writes so vividly and fluidly, the characters will appear "alive", and the events are fascinating.

Selene is a mini-Cleopatra in many ways, she always puts Egypt first. She would do anything to aid and restore herself and twin as rulers...but how far is she willing to go?

When Selene is married off to Juba, she isn't exactly pleased, but knows that this event is not the end of her wo...more

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Oct 15, 2011 Iyana rated it 4 of 5 stars

In Song of the Nile Cleopatra Selene has to face a lot of struggles.

Even though she promised to become Augustus' Cleopatra she ends up far away Rome and the family she left there.

At first her new life as a Queen of Mauretania leaves little to be desired as Selene aspires to take her rightful place on the throne of Egypt. She is willing to do anything to regain the land that her mother once lost even if its submitting to the emperor completely.

Selene knows that she must remain vital to Rome and...more

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Oct 23, 2011 Angela rated it 4 of 5 stars

Song of the Nile is the second Novel of Cleopatra's Daughter written by Stephanie Dray. The first book, Lily of the Nile, was wonderful and reminded me how much I enjoy historical fiction. When reading a series, I always wonder if the current book will hold up to the story told in the previous book (or books). I am thrilled to say that Song of the Nile retained the strengths of Lily of the Nile while allowing the characters to grow with their circumstances.

Cleopatra Selene is no longer the frigh...more Song of the Nile is the second Novel of Cleopatra's Daughter written by Stephanie Dray. The first book, Lily of the Nile, was wonderful and reminded me how much I enjoy historical fiction. When reading a series, I always wonder if the current book will hold up to the story told in the previous book (or books). I am thrilled to say that Song of the Nile retained the strengths of Lily of the Nile while allowing the characters to grow with their circumstances.

Cleopatra Selene is no longer the frightened, young girl who was dragged into Rome as a captive. She has enchanted Octavian and convinced him to make her a queen. Although her ultimate goal is to return to Egypt as queen, she is determined to take part in ruling the country given to her husband, Juba II. Their marriage stands on ceremony alone and for much of the book, the two are apart. When Juba travels, Cleopatra Selene reigns and when she is absent the country's leadership falls to the council.

Each time Octavian summons her Selene's hopes for being named Queen of Egypt rise and she positions herself for power. While her womanly innocence was stripped from her, she now uses her feminine appeal to manipulate circumstances to her advantage. All the while she longs to see her twin, Helios, again.

Song of the Nile is much more adult in content than the first book of the series but this fits the story as Cleopatra Selene grows into her role as female leader and mother. Dray again gives readers a compelling story with strong characters and fantastic writing. While she also provides a very realistic historic setting, readers must remember that this is a novel, a work of fiction, and as such Dray has taken significant liberties with the factual story of Cleopatra Selene as recorded by historians. In her Author's Note at the end of the novel, Dray acknowledges these changes and also where she has filled information into periods of time in Selene's life which have been lost to us.

I was excited to hear that the final novel of the trilogy has been picked up by Berkley Books although I am unsure if a release date has been announced.(less)

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Oct 10, 2011 piratesswoop rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fic, royalty

Excellent sequel to an excellent first book!

[SPOILERS!!]

Selene is a strong character who has cunning and determination, but she is very focused on only one thing--maybe TOO focused. Despite how badly I knew Selene was to return to Egypt, I found myself wanting to scream at her for most of the novel: "Go back to Juba! Don't let that creepy old man touch you, not even for a kingdom."

I couldn't decide whether I disliked Livia or Augustus more, and I wanted Selene and her little girl to escape the i...more

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Nov 21, 2011 Natasha (Intertwined Blog) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed-for-intertwined-blog, own-in-book-format

For More Book News & Reviews. Visit www.http://paranormal-goddess.blogspo... and sign up by email or google friend connect

◆Book Review◆
Song Of The Nile By Stephanie Dray is a breathtaking book. I absolutely love Stephanie's writing. I felt like I wasn't in my bedroom any more while I was reading but instead with Selene in Rome or Mauretania watching as her story/life unfolded before me.

Stephanie's words bought my imagination to life many times is a understatement (Not many authors can take...more

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Dec 13, 2011 Nancye rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is the follow up to Lilly of the Nile. I enjoyed the story. I always enjoy reading historical fiction and then looking at the end to see how much they based on known fact and how much they added. So much more fun to learn history this way sometimes.

Kind of excited that Stephanie liked my review. So I have to add this, Stephanie, I really hope you have more books coming soon. :)

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Jan 02, 2012 Felicia rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-read

Received for Review
Overall Rating 2.75
Character Rating 2.75
Story Rating 2.75

NOTE: This book was extremely well written and researched. I believe those more interested in this period of history (and historical fiction readers) will love Song of the Nile! I had to write this review based on my personal reading experience but wanted to point out how much I think others will like the story.

What I Loved: Stephanie Dray has a wonderful way of making you feel like you are located right there with the c...more

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Jun 24, 2012 Laura Jennings rated it 5 of 5 stars

I was pleasantly surprised by this read. The imagery and pacing were excellently done. I was fully expecting the route that YA historical fiction takes: modern-day melodrama injected into the narrative to make history more "interesting". But it's clear that Dray whole-heartedly knows that history by itself is captivating, and she enthusiastically invites the reader in to everything that the Roman empire was. I'm very familiar with the time of Julius Caesar and Octavian's rise to power, so this w...more

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Oct 26, 2011 Patty rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book in a trilogy on the life of Cleopatra's daughter, Cleopatra Selene from the very talented pen of Stephanie Dray. My review of the first book, Lily of the Nile left me enthralled and wanting more. And now more I have been given. In this part of Selene's life we find her a Queen and married to Juba, another of Augustus' hostages. They are sent back to Juba's homeland to rule on behalf of and quite beholden to Rome.

Juba and Selene are well developed characters and I especial...more

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Oct 23, 2011 Rita Webb rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, read-in-2011

Dark and beautiful. From the moment this story began, I was gripped by Selene's pain and ambition, terrified the cost of earning the title of Queen of Egypt would cost her soul.

Cleopatra has grown up at the age of 15. Married to Juba, an African king, she must prove her worth to the emperor, securing grain, building a new port and city, civilizing a "barbarous" people, promoting the emperor's agendas... But what the emperor wants most is a Cleopatra like Julius Caesar and Mark Anthony had before...more

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Oct 18, 2011 Deborah Sloan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Stephanie Dray has a talent for drawing the reader into the story as if you are there observing all that takes place. I for one would love to have seen all that took place during the Roman/Egypt conquering and then come back to this time to record all I saw and witnessed. How fantastic that would be!

Cleopatra Selene when taken captive of Augstus is a political pawn and married off to the Western land of Mauretania. With hopes of recovering her title and lands of Egypt Selene must decide what is...more

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Oct 11, 2011 Bookaholics rated it 4 of 5 stars

Song of the Nile by Stephanie Dray
Historical Romance -Oct. 4th, 2011
4 stars

Song of the Nile is the sequel to Lily of the Nile. The story focuses on Selene, daughter of Cleopatra after the death of Cleopatra and the collapse of the Ptolemy dynasty in Egypt.

In Song of the Nile, we continue to follow Selene’s adventure/life. She is married off to Juba, the King of Mauritania and shipped off to North Africa as the Queen of Mauritania. Despite the change in her status, Selene continues her plot to re...more Song of the Nile by Stephanie Dray
Historical Romance -Oct. 4th, 2011
4 stars

Song of the Nile is the sequel to Lily of the Nile. The story focuses on Selene, daughter of Cleopatra after the death of Cleopatra and the collapse of the Ptolemy dynasty in Egypt.

In Song of the Nile, we continue to follow Selene’s adventure/life. She is married off to Juba, the King of Mauritania and shipped off to North Africa as the Queen of Mauritania. Despite the change in her status, Selene continues her plot to regain the throne of Egypt and her search for Helios, her missing twin. In her own nation, she has had to learn to stand up against her husband, who expects little of her, and the Roman advisers. Selene also has to earn the trusts of the Berbers, the native people of the Mauritania. Throughout all this, can Selene bring herself to seduce the Ceasar in the hope that he might grant her the throne of Egypt?

Song of the Nile is a lushly written, detailed novel about Selene. I enjoyed reading about Mauritania and the political climate of that time, but I really can’t bring myself to like Selene very much. Her constant need to assert her status as the rightful Queen of Egypt and her non-stop obstinacy and butting heads with Juba and Caesar makes her seem childish and needlessly antagonistic. I ended up wanting to yell at her by the first half of the book. For someone so learned and educated, doesn’t she know that you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar?! I felt bad for her when she raped and constantly humiliated, but I still cannot bring myself to like her very much.

This is a strong historical novel stuffed with amazingly written details about life in Roman times. Unfortunately, I found it difficult to related to Selene due to her temperament. Be warned that this story includes an incestuous relationship between Selene and Helios. However, in the past, Egyptian rulers did marry their own siblings to keep the power within the family, so in light of that, incest was not really a taboo then.

Reviewed by Pauline from the Bookaholics Romance Club
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Oct 04, 2011 Sam rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: africa, egypt, fiction, historical-fiction, kindle, owned, review-copies

Song of the Nile is part two in Stephanie Dray's historical fiction series about Selene, Cleopatra's daughter. I read part one, Lily of the Nile, recently (review) and Song of the Nile picks up the story with Selene's marriage to Juba, which leads to her becoming Queen of Mauritania. But her ultimate ambition is still to become Queen of Egypt and Selene must plot harder than ever if she is to have any chance of achieving it.

Having Lily of the Nile fresh in my mind meant that it was easy for me t...more

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Sep 18, 2011 Amy Lignor rated it 5 of 5 stars

I was absolutely thrilled to receive this book in my mailbox, because the first story written by Stephanie Dray - Lily of the Nile - was absolutely fantastic. So, it is not a huge surprise that this beautiful book was just as good as the first one.

We have been following Cleopatra’s children since Cleopatra killed herself within her tomb, and Octavian took the children back with him to Rome. I won’t go through all of it with you because, readers, you HAVE to read this series for yourself. This st...more I was absolutely thrilled to receive this book in my mailbox, because the first story written by Stephanie Dray - Lily of the Nile - was absolutely fantastic. So, it is not a huge surprise that this beautiful book was just as good as the first one.

We have been following Cleopatra’s children since Cleopatra killed herself within her tomb, and Octavian took the children back with him to Rome. I won’t go through all of it with you because, readers, you HAVE to read this series for yourself. This story follows Selene, Cleopatra’s much beloved daughter, who was the last of the Ptolemaic queens (Cleo VII). Now, Selene will do anything to get back her beloved Egypt, and that includes marrying a man she likes but doesn’t exactly love, in order to make the Roman Emperor happy enough to return her birthright to her. Selene has always had the reputation of being a sorceress - that the gifts and magic of Isis flow through her veins. She is also in love with her twin brother, who escaped from Rome and is now leading an army in order to take back Egypt, so that he and Selene can rule together.

Selene must do her part by convincing Octavian that she is on his side. In doing this, she must marry Caesar’s hand-picked groom - a young man named Juba who has been given the title of royalty and is being sent back to Africa to rule his people.

Selene goes with Juba, dutifully, and begins to create in Africa the same type of beauty and monuments that the lovely Egypt always had. She makes friends with the people there, and becomes a woman who all of the Africans believe is a good, honest, and decent ruler. She calms the natives and builds her empire, as Juba stays away from Cleo because he knows that she does not love him. She is in love with Helios, her missing brother, and has also been manhandled by Octavian.
Although Selene was dragged into Rome as a child in chains, she leaves Rome as a bride - a scion - who will be Queen over all she surveys, and take charge of the new, untamed world. However, her beloved Egypt is still what calls to Selene every minute of every day. And she must find a way to get the throne of Egypt back before it’s too late.

The Nile books have been outstanding. The story of Selene is intriguing, adventurous, and powerful, and every reader will be enthralled by what Stephanie Dray has accomplished!(less)

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Sep 18, 2011 Crystal rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebook-kindle, for-review, read-sep-2011

After reading an earlier book about Cleopatra Selene, I have been fascinated by her life so when I was asked to review Song of the Nile by Stephanie Dray, I was thrilled.

Song of the Nile is actually the second book in the Cleopatra's Daughter series by Stephanie Dray. The first book is Lily of the Nile, which I also have, but have not had a chance to read yet. I do want to read it, but I think Song of the Nile stands on it's own just fine. Song of the Nile picks up Cleopatra Selene's story on he...more After reading an earlier book about Cleopatra Selene, I have been fascinated by her life so when I was asked to review Song of the Nile by Stephanie Dray, I was thrilled.

Song of the Nile is actually the second book in the Cleopatra's Daughter series by Stephanie Dray. The first book is Lily of the Nile, which I also have, but have not had a chance to read yet. I do want to read it, but I think Song of the Nile stands on it's own just fine. Song of the Nile picks up Cleopatra Selene's story on her wedding day when she's 14 years old. Yes 14. At times I had to remind myself that she is that young and at times she very much acts her age and then I had to remind myself again that she is young, not in her 20s as we often think of married women. Of course all is not simple for Selene, nor does she make it simple. There is political intrigue throughout the book. She is always thinking, always plotting and always trying to get ahead. But not in a ruthless, hurt others at all cost way. Selene is actually very caring and she comes to care for those in her new country more than she ever thought she would.

I really enjoyed watching the development of Selene through this book. It's written through her eyes, but you can see the development through the ways others interact with her as well. I liked how she began to assert herself but she watched others enough to know how to do things right. She still made mistakes from time-to-time, but she spent a lot of time just watching when she was younger to see how to rule others and you can tell she really learned from it. Selene has many layers. There is the political layer, the Queen. The religious layer, or the one that worships and is a conduit to Isis. I found the sorceress in her to be a fascinating storyline to watch develop. There is also the Mother, which she tries hard to do right because she feels like she never had a childhood. I love that she's multifaceted and feel that Ms. Dray did a wonderful job with characterization of Selene along with the other characters in the book.

After the characterization comes the plot. The plot was a major driving force and kept me enraptured through the entire book. I kept wondering what intrigue would happen next. What would the emperor want? Would Selene see Helios? Would she and Juba become close? What would happen in their kingdom of Mauretania? There was so much going on in the book but not too much that made it confusing, it was just enough to keep the plot moving at a great pace.

With great characterization and a fast-moving plot, Song of the Nile is a great read. Between the political intrigues of Rome to the personal intrigues between the characters, there is enough to keep you guessing in Song of the Nile and have you eagerly anticipating the next installment, as I am.
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Feb 08, 2013 Karen rated it 5 of 5 stars

I seriously could NOT put this down. It's really that good! Much to my delight, the plot unraveled quickly at the beginning of the story. This book is much more intense in this installment than in the one before it, and it rapidly engulfs the reader's attention. The tension is thick and so intricately woven that I have to go back to the first novel and reread the beginning, to connect the dots. Then, I sit back to admire all the treachery that is taking place.

Princess Cleopatra Selene's life has...more

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Dec 24, 2011 Sasha Summers rated it 4 of 5 stars

I LOVE Stephanie Dray. You should too. This woman can write and her books can consume my days (with four children that's saying A LOT!) and I don't want them to end. It's not just the characters and their fierce loyalty to country, faith, or one another (though Selene and Juba/Selene and Helios break my heart!) - it's that you're THERE! Right there, you feel the heat, smell the spices and the breeze off the water, feel the newly built Macedonian palace beneath your feet... It's a rousing vacatio...more

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Dec 12, 2011 Erin rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book was just as enchanting as the first book, Lily of the Nile. Selene is driven and committed to getting Egypt back, and will go to any length to get it back, including giving the Emperor a son. You can't fault her for that, I feel, is that she was following the legend of her mother, whether it was true or not.
She is married to Juba in this novel, although she dislikes him greatly for the role he played in her parent's downfall, especially her father's. She has a daughter by the emperor...more

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Nov 27, 2011 Doreen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

This one actually rates 3 and a half stars for me, but I thought I'd bump it up to 4, as it deals well with a topic that few books in recent memory have covered, in my opinion anyway. Not merely the subject of Cleopatra's daughter, fascinating as that is in itself, but also with the concept of parental legacies and to what lengths children will go in order to fulfill their parents' dreams.

When I started the book, I'd been under the impression that Cleopatra Selene, the heroine, had died as a ch...more This one actually rates 3 and a half stars for me, but I thought I'd bump it up to 4, as it deals well with a topic that few books in recent memory have covered, in my opinion anyway. Not merely the subject of Cleopatra's daughter, fascinating as that is in itself, but also with the concept of parental legacies and to what lengths children will go in order to fulfill their parents' dreams.

When I started the book, I'd been under the impression that Cleopatra Selene, the heroine, had died as a child. I was swiftly disabused: despite the (likely) deaths of her brothers, Selene grew up and was married to the client king of Mauretania. As its queen, she managed to carve out a remarkable position in relation to Rome and Augustus Caesar. Those are the facts we know for a certainty. Ms Dray proceeds to embroider upon them, introducing alternate theories, fictional events and, yes, magic, to what is basically a tale of a young girl desperately trying to carry on her mother's legacy, and earn what she believes to be her birthright. The novel provides an elegant and not entirely unrealistic version of events. When Selene makes her final choices as to who she is and who she must be, I was cheering her on.

However, I don't think the book was long enough. This had nothing to do with the period covered: I think Ms Dray chose wisely. But it felt very much like a sequel instead of a stand-alone book, with the constant references to events that occurred in Lily Of The Nile. More problematically, I felt like not enough time was spent on Selene's thoughts. The only scene that I felt was given the treatment it deserved was when Selene went into seclusion in the temple of Tanit. Everything else felt a little too rushed, as if Ms Dray was trying to get everything in before she lost our interest (which I doubt she would have!) I would have preferred it if she'd gone into more detail, as Margaret George did with her novelization of Selene's mother's life. Though Song Of The Nile was written in the first person, I don't really feel like we were privy to the thoughts of a queen. To the thoughts of an ambitious young girl, yes, but I felt like more interior reflection would have helped us experience her maturation better.

Overall, quality historical fiction, and the cover art is certainly gorgeous.

I received this book gratis via Goodreads' First Reads program.(less)

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Oct 12, 2011 Jeannie Lin rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction

I could not put this book down. This story reads as part historical fiction, part fantasy with the infusion of Isis mythology and I was constantly reminded of the richness of Marion Zimmer Bradley's epic fantasies such as Mists of Avalon and Firebrand. There's more of a mystical element in this one than in Lily of the Nile, which I could see developing from the end of the first book. The attention to detail is amazing and I could imagine being in Mauritania and the various ports of the Roman emp...more

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Oct 05, 2011 Diana Leigh rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction

SONG OF THE NILE is an intriguing fictional story inspired by the life of Queen Cleopatra Selene. Selene was the only daughter of Mark Antony and "the" Cleopatra, the one made famous by her suicide-by-snakebite. Knowing that the Romans took over Egypt after Cleopatra's death, I never gave much thought to what became of her children. Stephanie Dray has done an outstanding job of bring this lesser known, yet fascinating queen to life.

This is actually the second book in Dray's Cleopatra's Daughter...more SONG OF THE NILE is an intriguing fictional story inspired by the life of Queen Cleopatra Selene. Selene was the only daughter of Mark Antony and "the" Cleopatra, the one made famous by her suicide-by-snakebite. Knowing that the Romans took over Egypt after Cleopatra's death, I never gave much thought to what became of her children. Stephanie Dray has done an outstanding job of bring this lesser known, yet fascinating queen to life.

This is actually the second book in Dray's Cleopatra's Daughter series. In the first book, LILY OF THE NILE, Selene and her two brothers are taken to Rome as war prizes by Emperor Augustus Caesar after their parents' deaths. They are given to the emperor's sister Octavia to be raised. Augustus wanted to keep Selene close. He had an unhealthy obsession with Selene, wanting her to be his Cleopatra, like Julius Caesar had had her mother.

SONG OF THE NILE begins with the marriage of 14-year old Selene to Juba, King of Mauretania. Juba was once her tutor, and though they are friendly, she doesn't want to marry him. Her ultimate goal is to be crowned Queen of Egypt, and rule side by side with her twin brother, Helios. Helios escaped from Rome and is thought to be raising a rebellion against Augustus. Selene believes her best option is to play along with the emperor, marry who he's chosen for her, and hope that one day she can strike a bargain with him to regain control of Egypt.

SONG OF THE NILE is a well written and well researched piece of historical fiction. The author combines political intrigue, ancient history and magic to create an unforgettable story. The cast of characters was amazing. From the strong and determined survivor, Selene, to Livia, the conniving, spiteful wife of Augustus, the characters really brought the story to life. Her twin brother Helios was a mysterious character. Selene's relationship with him was certainly...interesting. The ending made me eager to learn more about these people. I give SONG OF THE NILE 4 out of 5 stars!

I received my copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.(less)

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About Stephanie Dray

Stephanie Dray writes historical fiction and fantasy. Using the transformative power of magic realism, she illuminates the stories of women in history so as to inspire the young women of today. She remains fascinated by all things Egyptian and has–to the consternation of her devoted husband–collected a house full of cats and ancient artifacts.

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Books by Stephanie Dray

Lily of the Nile (Cleopatra's Daughter, #1)

Daughters of the Nile (Cleopatra's Daughter, # 3)

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Song of the Nile (Cleopatra's Daughter #2)

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