"The most complete woman ever to have existed, the most womanly woman and the most queenly queen, a person to be wondered at . . . whom dreame...
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reviews
May 24, 2011
Mirella
rated it: 
Throughout the centuries, the legend of Cleopatra VII, Queen of Egypt, has fascinated and intrigued. But it has also been clouded by speculation, embellishment, and stormy controversy. Thousands of years after her death, she remains an iconic figure, an enigma; her fascinating life the fodder for numerous novels and movies. Of all the books I’ve read about this notorious heroine, Colin Falconer’s version is perhaps the most plausible and realistic version. He has struck a suitable balance betwee
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Mar 31, 2011
Ana
rated it:
When We Were Gods / 0-609-80889-3
Falconer shows his prowess yet again at bringing history to life, in a vivid landscape, dominated by a powerful (and yet deeply politically vulnerable woman) who is frighteningly compelling. Falconer seems to specialize in strong women who are fundamentally unreliable narrators and sometimes anti-heroes and yet we are drawn to their courage and we admire their drive and ambition, even when we do not agree with their motives.
You see this in "Feathered Serpen More...
Falconer shows his prowess yet again at bringing history to life, in a vivid landscape, dominated by a powerful (and yet deeply politically vulnerable woman) who is frighteningly compelling. Falconer seems to specialize in strong women who are fundamentally unreliable narrators and sometimes anti-heroes and yet we are drawn to their courage and we admire their drive and ambition, even when we do not agree with their motives.
You see this in "Feathered Serpen More...
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Sep 01, 2010
Monique
rated it: 
Finished this monsterous historical romance while I was getting eight hour micro braids and must say I was completely content to read and lose myself in ancient Egypt again with my favorite woman ruler, Cleopatra..I am so intrigued by this beautiful ambitious woman that had not only men at her disposal but gods on earth reincarnated through Julius Caesar and Marc Antony..This book takes us from Cleopatra's childhood to her untimely demise highlighting her quest for power and security for herself
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Feb 21, 2011
Rebecca
rated it: 
I would give this 3 1/2 stars. This is not (as many have asked me) the new non-fiction book on Cleopatra. It's also not (as I had expected) a trashy romance novel about Cleopatra. Much to my delight, it's historical fiction a la Philippa Gregory and I actually got to learn some presumably real things about Cleopatra and her life. To be honest, I really only vaguely new the story of Cleopatra from grade-school stories, and it was interesting to read an account of her as a strong, savvy and st
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Jul 29, 2011
Marichee
rated it:
This was an OK book. It was interesting in that it covered Cleopatra's early life, as much as it could. What her life in the royal house was like with a mousy brother who was supposed to rule. We also got a quick tour of what it was like being with Celius Juser. Um. Sulius Jeezer. Oh, heck. Whatever his name is!
The best part is that we got an idea of what kind of queen she might have been, and why Egypt was so rich. And I do mean RICH. She knew something of national management, More...
The best part is that we got an idea of what kind of queen she might have been, and why Egypt was so rich. And I do mean RICH. She knew something of national management, More...
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Feb 25, 2011
Jon
rated it:
This was a great choice of book to read while travelling through Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Turkey - so many places mentioned in the course of Cleopatra's life that I found myself in, sometimes at just the right spot in the book - for instance ancient Antioch where we were the other day - where Marc Antony sent for Cleopatra. I had no idea exactly how much she travelled in the region. A completely fascinating woman who very nearly managed to combine the Roman Empire with her own as co-regent, firs
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Feb 10, 2012
Allison
rated it:
When We Were Gods tells the story of the queen of the Nile and her life. Chosen to rule by her father, Cleopatra watches and learns. When she ascends to the throne, she heeds her father's advice about the nest of vipers she rules. She navigates the pitfalls of family and Rome to secure her rule. Cleopatra dreams of creating an even bigger empire and forms a political and romantic alliance with Julius Caesar. Convinced he is her Orisis, she urges him to declare himself king of Rome and marry her.
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Mar 09, 2011
Ana
rated it:
When We Were Gods / 0-609-80889-3
Falconer shows his prowess yet again at bringing history to life, in a vivid landscape, dominated by a powerful (and yet deeply politically vulnerable woman) who is frighteningly compelling. Falconer seems to specialize in strong women who are fundamentally unreliable narrators and sometimes anti-heroes and yet we are drawn to their courage and we admire their drive and ambition, even when we do not agree with their motives.
You see this in "Feathered Serpen More...
Falconer shows his prowess yet again at bringing history to life, in a vivid landscape, dominated by a powerful (and yet deeply politically vulnerable woman) who is frighteningly compelling. Falconer seems to specialize in strong women who are fundamentally unreliable narrators and sometimes anti-heroes and yet we are drawn to their courage and we admire their drive and ambition, even when we do not agree with their motives.
You see this in "Feathered Serpen More...
Jun 14, 2009
Amy
rated it:
This is a great book to read about the real life and times of Cleopatra. The author does a great job describing what Rome and Alexandria must have looked like back then. This book was based on fact and research from scholars instead of the cruel propoganda Rome put out about Cleopatra. I was surprised at the amount of sex in the book, but you know what they say, "when in Rome...". I know I've read a good book when I miss the characters and I miss Cleopatra and Antony.
Oct 01, 2009
Tiffany
rated it:
If you want some historical Alexandrian romance and you like Cleopatra and Antony, then this is the story for you. I did like this book, I borrowed it from the library and read it fairly quickly. It was kind of an insight into day to day life in the tumultuous affairs of Cleopatra, and the actual "affairs" with Antony and Julius Caesar. Gave me a good backdrop on the era and this history of the times and the place, from Rome to Alexandria. Good book.
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Dec 17, 2009
JG (The Introverted Reader)
rated it: 
Okay, so you've got Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, and Marc Antony. Rich material, right? Should be an awesome story, right? Wrong. Way wrong. At least in this book, it's wrong.
None of the characters ever felt remotely real. It felt like the author had a Barbie doll in one hand and a Ken doll in the other hand, and he just moved them around and told a somewhat disjointed story.
Also, there were 127 chapters in a book that is 462 pages long. And within those short littl More...
None of the characters ever felt remotely real. It felt like the author had a Barbie doll in one hand and a Ken doll in the other hand, and he just moved them around and told a somewhat disjointed story.
Also, there were 127 chapters in a book that is 462 pages long. And within those short littl More...
Feb 04, 2008
Suzy
rated it: 
This question has long plagued me about historical novels: why, pray tell, WHY are women always 'cursing their weak hearts' for craving love? In every book where the main character happens to be female (Cleo, Joan of Arc, Queen Elizabeth, JEZEBEL for heaven's sake) this line inevitably appears in some form or another. Can't there be one woman who is utterly ruthless, supremely disciplined and seeks nothing more than gratification and the odd opened jar from men? The stereotype of the eternally l
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Aug 04, 2007
C
rated it:
Marcus Antonius to Cleopatra in her bed chamber: "You are still as beautiful as you ever were." Cleopatra: "I can see that. You have built me my own obelisk." He replies, "I erected it in your honor." This is just one of many sex scenes in the novel. Apparently the author did a lot of research in order to write this historical fiction of Cleopatra. Since I remember virtually nothing about the woman since writing a report on her in 6th grade, I'm just going to tak
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Aug 06, 2009
Al
rated it:
Its a well known story; ceaser + cleopatra = ceaserion - ceaser + marc anthony = more kids - entire cast = tragic story.
Writer took a lot of liberties. Pretty well known that Cleopatra was not an attractive lady... writer gushes on and on about her beauty. It wasn't her looks that captivated men, it was her mind.
It was definitely just OK.
Writer took a lot of liberties. Pretty well known that Cleopatra was not an attractive lady... writer gushes on and on about her beauty. It wasn't her looks that captivated men, it was her mind.
It was definitely just OK.
Apr 23, 2009
Christina
rated it:
I'm a little biased, since I really love historical fictions, but this one does not disappoint. Not done reading, yet, but so far, it's hooked me, and when a book hooks me, I usually love it.
DONE. Yup. I enjoyed the book. I had forgotten the historical facts concerning Cleopatra (aside from her dying via snake bite), so it kept me interested until the end.
DONE. Yup. I enjoyed the book. I had forgotten the historical facts concerning Cleopatra (aside from her dying via snake bite), so it kept me interested until the end.
May 14, 2011
Laurie
rated it:
I loved this book. He made her seem so human and not just a piece of history. I almost didn't want to finish reading it because I loved the character he made so much that I didn't want to read about her death.
Jan 20, 2009
Lauren
rated it:
I offically really like historical fiction even more. I love learning more about history through these type of books that really tell a great story while weaving in all the historical facts. It makes me grasp and remember things.
I read this in prep for my trip, wanted to get some more insight and background on places and people before I head over there. And.. the story was a great account of Cleopatra and her relationships with Ceasar and Marc Antony (granted a lot of it is fiction) and More...
I read this in prep for my trip, wanted to get some more insight and background on places and people before I head over there. And.. the story was a great account of Cleopatra and her relationships with Ceasar and Marc Antony (granted a lot of it is fiction) and More...
Sep 11, 2009
Sheila
rated it:
ok...not as good as margaret george's novel. with george you can feel the character. this one is just a good story.
Apr 19, 2009
Kathy
rated it:
I am learning a great deal about the relationship of Cleopatra to both Julius Caesar and Marc Antony and that has been interesting to me.
Oct 05, 2008
Tulsi
rated it:
Ooooh, I love this book! I love historical fiction, particularly when it's political, sexual and detailed. This book is all of those things. Cleopatra is a passionate, ambitious, intelligent woman, and the story that Falconer tells about her is fascinating. Ancient Egypt has always been interesting to me, so I guess that's why I realy enjoyed it. But aside from the historical aspect, it's very well writen, fantastic character development and examination of the movitations of the characters. And
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Aug 03, 2011
Erika
rated it:
If you have an affinity for Egyptian history around the Roman empire like I do, you will love this book. It is a fictional book about the life of Cleopatra, but, it's set in historically accurate settings and events. It's basically the author's personal veiw on how Cleopatra came to be what she was. It's very adult like so, kiddies stay away, but, it's very real in it's aspect and hides nothing. A good read, but, you need to make time for it because its a big book and filled with so much det
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Jul 23, 2009
Wen
rated it:
This book is about the life of Cleopatra. It spans from just before her father dies to the end of her life. I found it very well written and for me a page turner. I tend to read many books at once and was constantly picking this one up over some of the others. A very good telling of a story that most people have heard before. Very good read.
Nov 10, 2011
Chris
rated it:
This one was pretty good actually. I was pleasantly surprised. Admittedly, I read it because I wanted brain candy to get me through midterms, but the historical part of the historical fiction wasn't super far off. I'd recommend it, though reader beware if you are looking for anything super deep and meaningful. There is a surprise twist at the end, so don't give up until the very last page.
Jan 04, 2010
Yasaman
rated it:
many things to teach!i suggest it to anyone with a little interest in history.that was one of the best books i have ever read...
Feb 21, 2010
Sara
rated it:
this is like the 48 BC Egyptian version of the Other Bolyn Girl - love and politics in the royal palace.
Mar 27, 2008
Katie
rated it:
I loved it , I loved it, I loved it. Wonderfully written. Falconer's knowledge of what Cleopatra's Egypt looked like is grand, he did do his research, which can be found at the back of his novel. The language that he uses is colorfull and clever, making his creation of the people very well rounded.
