[close] High drama and ancient history combine in this spellbinding novel of the early life of Egypts infamous queen, at once a beautiful seductress, brilliant politician, and the most powerful ruler of her time.Even as a child, Kleopatra demonstrates the charisma and intelligence that will ensure her destiny. During an Egyptian coup, she and the King are banished to the worldly capital of Rome, where she accepts the terms of her rightful ascent to power. But the return to Egypt proves less than glorious when her father falls ill and dies, leaving her vulnerable to banishment, once again. This time, however, Kleopatra, who has blossomed into a shrewd politician, is undaunted. With a warriors heart, she charges her handsome kinsman and lover, Archimedes, to gather an army, while she readies herself for her most royal challenge yet: to reclaim her throne by forming an alliance with the renowned Julius Caesar. [close]