Cleopatra's Moon

Nov 28, 2011 Mara rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-to-avoid, historical-fiction, romance

A beautifully-written tale, Cleopatra's Moon seemed to promise a stirring historical adventure of intrigue, power struggles, and murders in the night. And it had all of that - and more. It is the "more" part which bothered me. Looking on the surface, this book was good. Cleopatra Selene, though inept at practically all that she attempted, was not the worst heroine to have, and her brother Ptolemy absolutely adorable. The descriptions of Alexandria were rich and vivid - so much so that the Reader...more A beautifully-written tale, Cleopatra's Moon seemed to promise a stirring historical adventure of intrigue, power struggles, and murders in the night. And it had all of that - and more. It is the "more" part which bothered me. Looking on the surface, this book was good. Cleopatra Selene, though inept at practically all that she attempted, was not the worst heroine to have, and her brother Ptolemy absolutely adorable. The descriptions of Alexandria were rich and vivid - so much so that the Reader could almost feel the warm, spiced wind and the blessed cool of palm trees.

But then you look deeper - or, rather, you read further into the book. While the Author did a splendid job with research, there is a rather unnecessary scene that seems to only serve the purpose of painting the Jews as, well, idiots who cannot even explain the depth of their beliefs (which is just ridiculous). They do not think like the Jews of the Ancient world, but like modern-day Evangelicals. It's painfully obvious that the Author spent more time looking up the Egyptian religion than Jewish beliefs, and I have to wonder why she even bothered putting the scene in at all.

Finally, there is the fact that the Author actually portrays the Romans too accurately. Yes, I am really voicing this as a complaint, and here is why: as I said, she portrays the Romans for what they were - a disgusting, perverted culture, whose economy was based solely on conquest. She also does a fairly good job of portraying the Egyptians the same way, but still manages to glorify them by picturing Cleopatra, Marc Antony, and Julius Caesar as being "not that bad of people." Where she got that Julius Caesar was kind and merciful to his enemies, I will never know, because any small reading of historical accounts written by Ancient historians will reveal that Julius Caesar was one of the most disgusting individuals that ever lived.

Putting that "minor" flaw aside, let us return to her portrayal of the Romans. This is where the sexual content comes into play. I will say this: the Author never becomes explicit, but she doesn't soften it either. Twice Cleopatra Selene is almost raped, there are numerous references to whores, men liking young boys (or other men), too-close-to-explicit-for-comfort groping and kissing scenes (again, no one wants to read descriptions of French kissing), and then finally, we do have a bedroom scene which I did not fully read, but it looked close enough to explicit to be absolutely inappropriate (ch. 44, pg. 315-316). But surely this is nothing to be irritated over, because it's an "interrupted bedroom scene," so that makes it okay (I am being sarcastic, by the way).

I realize that it is very hard to write a historical story containing Romans without mentioning their pervertedness, but it can be done tastefully, and even ignored to an extent. Rosemary Sutcliff managed to write tons of Roman-based books and never once found it necessary to delve as deeply into their disgusting habits as Vicky Shecter did.

In the end, we are left with a story that could have been excellent - well worth spending $18.00 on, in fact. But it's so populated with sexuality and immoral behavior (which, by the way, isn't necessarily painted as a bad thing; when Cleopatra Selene thinks her twin brother has a male lover, she thinks it's cute) that it makes it uncomfortable and practically impossible to read. I wish I had better things to say, but that is how it is. (less)

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Jun 26, 2011 Anila rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorite-2011-reads

Somehow, I read this title on the galley cart at the library and thought "Oooh, Cleopatra as a shapeshifter? Awesome!" and picked it up without actually reading the description.

Yes, I know. Ridiculous. I am properly ashamed, I assure you.

But I'm also glad, because that mistake led me to a book which was surprisingly intense, enjoyable, and interesting. The only thing missing was a true fantasy element, which I was really rooting for, but there were some interesting almost-fantasy scenes to make...more Somehow, I read this title on the galley cart at the library and thought "Oooh, Cleopatra as a shapeshifter? Awesome!" and picked it up without actually reading the description.

Yes, I know. Ridiculous. I am properly ashamed, I assure you.

But I'm also glad, because that mistake led me to a book which was surprisingly intense, enjoyable, and interesting. The only thing missing was a true fantasy element, which I was really rooting for, but there were some interesting almost-fantasy scenes to make up for it, so that's okay.

There's the obligatory flash-forward prologue, in which we learn that Cleopatra Selene's family is dead and the Romans all think she's a witch and LIFE SUCKS, GUYZ, which was interesting but not really. Then we backtrack to when she was seven years old, and we get to see her mother's Egypt at its peak. The narrative progresses by skipping from year to year, showing the relationships that connect the royal family and their immediate associates. By the time the reader gets used to this tight-knit community, Cleopatra Selene is eleven and it's time for everything to fall apart. From then on things really pick up, as she and her brothers arrive in Rome and all its politicking.

If this were plain old fiction and not historically based, I might complain about how a child's point of view is really not the best to examine such a complicated situation, but Shecter didn't really have a choice and did quite well with what she was handed. Yes, Selene is more adult than most children would be, but there are enough reasons that it's only slightly odd. She has moments where she really acts her age, too, which cement her characterization quite well.

So since that gets a pass, my complaint is about the way Rome is treated. It's almost unreservedly portrayed as a horrible, cruel, dirty place, contrasted to the shining beautiful Egypt in Selene's memories. By the same token, most of the Roman characters are fairly one-dimensional. This might be okay if one of those so characterized wasn't the Big Bad, Octavianus. He was far too flat and uninteresting to make a decent villain. On the other hand, he often was uninvolved for long stretches of time, so it wasn't a tremendous annoyance or liable to undermine the whole book.

The love triangle isn't really a triangle. Selene's choice between suitors is obvious for a long time, and in fact at one point she starts leading one guy on as a political ploy. That was when I started really enjoying her as a character, not just as a window onto the ancient world and its machinations. Selene herself proved multiple times that she wanted to be a player, to be involved and in control as her mother was, which made her a pleasantly strong main character. And unlike most YA novels, she chooses the good guy, the one who actually cares, over the manslut! Yay!

Uuuuuum this is kind of going nowhere and everywhere, so I'm gonna wrap it up real quick. This is definitely one to look out for come August, though doubtless it won't get the recognition or popularity that it deserves. You don't have to be really interested in Egypt to read it, because it is a good novel for its own sake. Shecter clearly knows her stuff, and she makes the ancient world feel real. It probably won't bring anyone to tears, but it will certainly be engrossing.

(view spoiler)(less)

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Jan 31, 2011 Cleolinda rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult, fiction, history

I was given an advance copy of this one. I really liked what a strong female character Cleopatra Selene is while still seeming historically realistic--as both a princess and a devotee of Isis, of course she's shocked to find out that other cultures look down on women (including, unfortunately, the one she's now captive in). It's feminist without feeling anachronistic. And while we do end up with the This Guy or That Guy choice that's running rife through YA right now, regaining Egypt and her spi...more

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Feb 22, 2013 Rachel rated it 4 of 5 stars

4 1/2 stars

Reviewed for www.compassbookratings.com

Overall Review:
I always thought Queen Cleopatra's story ended after her infamous death. Yet after reading Cleopatra's Moon, I realized how mistaken I was. Author Vicky Alvear Shecter takes readers on a fascinating journey, mixing fact and fiction to create a riveting tale about what happens to Cleopatra's three children after her untimely demise.

Alvear Shecter infuses countless historical figures into the plot, creating an atmosphere rich with...more

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Jan 18, 2013 Savannah Passaretti rated it 4 of 5 stars

Sit back and relax because you wont be able to put this book down. What brought me to start to read this book was the name because the tales of the many Cleopatras are always inspiring and beautiful. Thats exactly what this book turned out to be. This book weaves in and out of actual egyptian history and fictional events that happen to cleopatra Selene. The amazing and rich desciptions of Alexandria places you in the times of ancient Egypt. Cleopatra Selene shows characteristics of a heroine and...more

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Jan 18, 2013 Fiona Murphy rated it 3 of 5 stars

I thought this book was very well written. I really liked how it explained the culture of ancient Egypt before they were taken over. The book made me think how cool ancient Egypt's lifestyle was. Also it made me think about the positives and negatives of being a royal in ancient Egypt. The book's name and cover put out the thought that the book was going to be exciting and andventurous and thats exactly what it was. I thought Cleopatra's moon was a little hard to keep up with when the chapters c...more

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Dec 02, 2012 Sophia rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. SPOILER ALERT:

I don't know what to say. I just finished the book and it was so heartbreaking, so unbelievably amazing, that I am speechless. I am truly happy that Cleopatra Selene finally found a happy ending to her miserable life, which went wrong starting at eleven years of age. But even at the end, there is the sad truth, which will never, in her eyes, make her life complete. She never got to take back her "beloved country" : Egypt. We find out that, despite all her sacrifices for her country...more

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Oct 15, 2012 Annette rated it 5 of 5 stars

The combination of the historical Egyptian/Roman setting and the voice of the narrator made every second of Cleopatra's Moon pure enjoyment.

You can search through my blog and you will probably not find these words in any review I've ever written: I want to read this again. That's right. I've said it. Cleopatra's Moon was so good that I could actually read it again. (Even with 100s of books in my TBR!)

Cleopatra Selene is the daughter of "the" Queen Cleopatra of Egypt and Mark Antony. We are told...more The combination of the historical Egyptian/Roman setting and the voice of the narrator made every second of Cleopatra's Moon pure enjoyment.

You can search through my blog and you will probably not find these words in any review I've ever written: I want to read this again. That's right. I've said it. Cleopatra's Moon was so good that I could actually read it again. (Even with 100s of books in my TBR!)

Cleopatra Selene is the daughter of "the" Queen Cleopatra of Egypt and Mark Antony. We are told the story from Selene's perspective, as she watches her mother and father lose Egypt to Octavianus, the brother of Mark Antony's first wife and Caesar's heir.

Cleopatra's Moon is a tragedy. Selene literally loses everything and everyone and lives in fear throughout most of the story. But I found her character captivating. It is very interesting to watch Selene grow from a spoiled little princess who doesn't understand anything about the real world to a strong teenage woman fighting for survival, as well as her heritage. The Egyptian customs were fascinating, and I especially enjoyed Selene's impressions of Rome after having lived in Alexandria. She wasn't impressed, to say the least. She also starts out thinking "everything will work out, and I will be rescued," but eventually realizes, "I'm going to have to do something myself if I'm going to change my destiny."

Selene is very clever, and although not all her plotting works out, she definitely pursues what she wants with a vengeance.

Cleopatra's Moon is very historically accurate. The notes at the end of the book are excellent and really helped complete the story. The audio book is read by Kirsten Potter, and her voices are perfect for this story. Cleopatra's Moon is now on my "favorite audio book" list.

I can't really imagine anyone not liking this book -- but I'm a historical fiction NUT, so I will say: If you like historical fiction or are at all interested in ancient Egypt and Rome, then you must read Cleopatra's Moon.(less)

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Oct 01, 2012 Lucy rated it 4 of 5 stars

This splendidly written story revolves around the life of Cleopatra Selene-Queen Cleopatra of Egypt’s daughter. It is an absolutely dreamy historical ride into the ancient world. The retelling of the history behind what happened to Cleopatra Selene after the death of her mother and father (Mark Anthony), is meticulously detailed to the point of bringing the whole story back to life.

Cleopatra’s Moon, is not only a great story about a historical gutsy Egyptian princess with clever survival insti...more This splendidly written story revolves around the life of Cleopatra Selene-Queen Cleopatra of Egypt’s daughter. It is an absolutely dreamy historical ride into the ancient world. The retelling of the history behind what happened to Cleopatra Selene after the death of her mother and father (Mark Anthony), is meticulously detailed to the point of bringing the whole story back to life.

Cleopatra’s Moon, is not only a great story about a historical gutsy Egyptian princess with clever survival instincts, determination and strength -there is also so much to learn about ancient Rome, Egypt, Greece, and the Ptolemies. Customs, religions, superstitions, gods, and all that’s exotic combined make this book such a satisfying read.

There are also mystic elements, such as Cleopatra Selene’s devotion to the goddess Isis (tabooed by Romans). Her dedication to the goddess helped young Selene stay focused and true to her goal, and to never forget where she came from. This whole religious aspect helped carry the story along in terms of ancient beliefs and possibilities.

I especially enjoyed reading about Cleopatra Selene’s attachment and devotion to her little brother Ptolly (who was the spitting image of their dad, Mark Anthony), and of her twin brother Alexandros as well. Stripped from Egypt, and thrown into this completely different and new family within the house of the man who destroyed her parents, Octavianus, was interesting and diverse, to say the least. And then there is a love story as well…Juba, the orphaned prince of Numidia, Africa… As for its heroine; Cleopatra Selene is sharp, witty and intelligent with the heart and soul of a true queen; encompassing all that is strength and beauty. She is timeless.

Listed as a YA novel, I was expecting a simple, straight-to the point read; Instead, I was blown away by the depth, accuracy and elegance of the contents! Delightful, and exquisitely historical, Cleopatra’s Moon offers the ancient world at its best.

If you are passionate about ancient Egypt and Rome, I urge you to read Vicky Alvear Schecter’s: Cleopatra’s Moon- you won’t be disappointed. I loved it!(less)

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Sep 06, 2012 Greta rated it 1 of 5 stars

Sigh. This book.

I am an advent hater of love stories, but bear with me, I try hard not to let it be a bias.

Cleopatra Selene is a princess whom everything and everyone is taken away from her, there are many "OF COURSE THAT HAPPENED" moments and "Phew, I'm glad I'm awesome like that" moments.

The main character, let's call her Cleo, is a detached omniscient little girl throughout most of the book. When she is seven she used words that I had never head of before, in English, and I am majoring in E...more

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Jul 22, 2012 Alexis rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: princesses, historical-fiction

This book was wonderful. I did not read it, I got it as an audio book from audiobooksync.com and I'm so glad that I listened to it. I now plan on actually picking up a copy and rereading it. The main character Cleopatra Selene, is the daughter of the Cleopatra we all know. We follow her story of losing Egypt and everyone she loves and going to live with her enemy's family. This was so well told that I was captured from the moment I started to listen to it. All I kept finding myself doing was wis...more

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Jun 18, 2012 Angie rated it 3 of 5 stars

In this heart racing novel, you get a look at the life of the great queen through the eyes of her only daughter, Selene. Selene loves her lavish life but makes sure not to take it for granted. She does whatever she can to please her mother so that one day she will follow in her mothers footsteps. All seems well till her father, Marcus Antonious, goes to war with Octavianus, over a divorce between Marcus and Octavia, Octavianus' sister. When Antonius looses the war, she is sent to live with Octa...more

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Feb 22, 2012 Spark740 rated it 1 of 5 stars

I didn't actually read this book. Why? Well, we sail on in a few chapters and we bump into this giant roadblock of Shecter dissing Hebrews. And I'm not saying, one hidden insinuation, I'm saying her female characters go visit Jewish scholars, when they are under 10 years old, and immediately begin to outsmart and attack the Jewish scholars on the premise of God not being a woman and the Messiah not being a woman and Eve getting all the blame. And it's for a good 5 minutes worth of reading time!...more

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Dec 19, 2011 Joan rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Ancient Egypt lovers

Shelves: female-characters, historical-fiction, ya-books, herstories-history-of-women, ancient-egypt

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This was just too sad for my mood. I suppose teens would love the tear jerker type story. The end was too sudden. I also didn't like the twist that the author introduced. From my reading, Livia makes a much more likely baddie than Octavia does. Having said all this, I felt that in many ways the personality of Cleopatra Selene is likely pretty much correct, as far as we can know. She must have assumed that she was to always be obeyed in her situation. It also makes sense that she'd have worshippe...more

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Oct 03, 2011 Hylary Locsin rated it 3 of 5 stars

Originally posted on my blog: http://libraryladyhylary.blogspot.com ! Check it out for more reviews!

The romance of Anthony and Cleopatra has been known throughout history as one of the most passionate and tragic love stories of all time. The story not as commonly known, however, is what became of the children of Anthony and Cleopatra, particularly their only daughter, Cleopatra Selene, after their deaths. As intelligent, strong-willed and beautiful as her mother, Cleopatra Selene is just a girl...more Originally posted on my blog: http://libraryladyhylary.blogspot.com ! Check it out for more reviews!

The romance of Anthony and Cleopatra has been known throughout history as one of the most passionate and tragic love stories of all time. The story not as commonly known, however, is what became of the children of Anthony and Cleopatra, particularly their only daughter, Cleopatra Selene, after their deaths. As intelligent, strong-willed and beautiful as her mother, Cleopatra Selene is just a girl when Octavianus of Rome, commonly known as Augustus Caesar, conquers Egypt, murders her older brother, and pushes her parents into committing suicide. Soon after, Cleopatra Selene, her twin brother, Alexandros, and their younger brother, Ptolemy, are sent to Rome to be raised in Octavianus' own household. Cleopatra Selene and her brothers must fight for their lives in Rome, never certain of whom they can trust and always aware that Caesar will take any opportunity to end their lives. As Cleopatra Selene grows older, she begins to realize that, like her mother, she has the power to seduce men with her beauty and intellect. Determined to restore her family to their beloved Egypt, Cleopatra Selene must devise a plan that will keep her and her brothers safe and ensure that their fates are different from their parents'.

Based on the true story of Anthony and Cleopatra's only daughter, Cleopatra's Moon is an entertaining and informative novel that holds a great deal of appeal for any reader with an interest in ancient Egypt. Shecter does an excellent job of presenting the history of Cleopatra Selene and the other royal children of Egypt. A character list at the start of the book helps to prevent any confusion about the various people involved in the life of Cleopatra Selene as she experiences the destruction of her family and her exile to Rome. Cleopatra Selene is a very likable heroine, particularly because she actually lived and, based on her life, most likely had as much intelligence, determination and loyalty as Shecter portrays in the novel. In fact, the entire story is very interesting in its depictions of some very famous historical figures. Readers who are not as familiar with the history will, undoubtedly, be prompted to research the actual events and characters in the book, making Cleopatra's Moon the grounds for a very interesting educational experience.

As a fan of historical fiction and Ancient Egypt, this novel was pretty easy for me to enjoy. Despite these personal prejudices, however, I did find the book to be well-written and a really excellent way to make someone who lived thousands of years ago relatable to modern-day readers, especially teen girls. Anthony and Cleopatra are almost a household name, and the thought of Cleopatra's daughter being just as intelligent and beautiful as her mother makes for an intriguing story. Overall, an excellent book for fans of historical fiction, Egyptian history, or strong women in history.

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Sep 07, 2011 Jenny rated it 4 of 5 stars

Cleopatra's Moon is a fascinating trip back in time to ancient Egypt and Rome, delighting our imaginations as fiction and historical fact blend beautifully to present a tale of a young girl with a famous name but hardly a famous story. Though we know certain elements are exaggerated or invented for the sake of the narrative flow, understanding that these people lived and endured tragedy after tragedy when all-conquering Rome absorbed Egypt into its ever-expanding empire keeps us turning the page...more Cleopatra's Moon is a fascinating trip back in time to ancient Egypt and Rome, delighting our imaginations as fiction and historical fact blend beautifully to present a tale of a young girl with a famous name but hardly a famous story. Though we know certain elements are exaggerated or invented for the sake of the narrative flow, understanding that these people lived and endured tragedy after tragedy when all-conquering Rome absorbed Egypt into its ever-expanding empire keeps us turning the pages to learn more as legendary events unfold before us. Reading of the destruction of the House of Ptolemy through the eyes of Cleopatra's daughter makes the past leapfrog through time to come to vibrant life in the present–the pain so very real, the politicians so very devious, and the betrayal so very heartbreaking.

We meet Cleopatra Selene at the youthful age of seven, follow her through her mother's death at age eleven and then finally accompany her through her time in Rome where she stays until age sixteen. We can easily relate to her desire to be the type of woman her mother was, but we realize long before she does that she is merely going through the motions, trying to live up to a revered icon and symbol of Egypt's strength instead of actually living herself. She walks in the intimidating shadow of her mother long after her death, and we can't help but sigh in both sympathy and exasperation as she weighs every decision and every action against the thoughts and actions of her remarkable mother. Eventually though, as she spends more time alone in the house of her enemy, we finally begin to see her take a few hesitant steps into the light of independence, shaking off some of the weight of her mother's memory and beginning to think in terms of how she herself is going to deal with her situation instead of how Cleopatra would.

Cleopatra Selene, her twin Alexandros, and her youngest brother Ptolly are all a pleasure to read about, the overwhelming nature of the pressure on them to survive in the house of the man who robbed them of their parents, their home, and their crown weighing on us as much as them, making us wish history could magically be rewritten in a way where the fates aren't quite as cruel to their family. Included in the back of the book are several facts about all of the players in this story, details that fill us on on their lives after our brief sojourn with them ends, causing us to be all the more interested in learning as much as we can about their unfathomable existence.

Cleopatra's Moon does start out a bit slow, the build up to the epic demise of Marcus Antonius and Cleopatra VII a bit tedious at times as it's almost 100 pages in the making. Additionally, though we are introduced to Cleopatra Selene when she's seven and continue with her to sixteen, the tone of her voice never really changes to reflect her aging, so we start out reading about a very mature young girl and then continue on reading about the exact same young woman. Despite those minor flaws, Cleopatra's Moon is an enjoyable read, one that keeps us thinking, wondering, and craving more time in Egypt with perhaps the most memorable of its royal families.

Rating: 4/5 (less)

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Aug 24, 2011 Angie rated it 5 of 5 stars

First, I would like to point out that, so far, the book reviews I've written have been fairly positive. It just so happens I've been on a good luck streak of great books recently and Cleopatra's Moon by Vicky Alvear Shecter has not ruined my luck. This book is fantastic.

I've always been fascinated by ancient history and originally majored in it at college...until I realized I would eventually have to do my own research and write my own papers (can you believe that? shocking). I figured out I pre...more

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Aug 16, 2011 Jennifer Rayment rated it 4 of 5 stars

The Good Stuff

Thoroughly researched
Wonderfully written so that history comes alive and you learn some fascinating information about Cleopatra and her ancestors, but done in a lovely fictional way as to entice YA readers into wanting to learn more
Author mentions where she has taken creative license with the history so you won't mistake fact for fiction
Gives a brief Facts within the fiction section, which is nice
Fast paced story with some angst for the YA reader to appreciate, but not too muc...more

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Jul 02, 2011 Barbara rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ncbla

This interesting perspective on Cleopatra and Marc Anthony comes courtesy of their daughter, Cleopatra Selene. The story begins with the burial at sea of the royal princess's twin brother Alexandros and shows her determination to follow the traditions of her forebears despite any discomfort that might cause those around her. The story then shifts to 34 BCE when Cleopatra Selene is seven, and all is right in her world. From there, the story moves chronologically until she is sixteen, showing the...more

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May 30, 2011 Reader rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-read-may-2011

Thoguh Cleopatra, Marcus Anthony, and Alexandria have fallen, the Ptolemy dynasty has hope - in Alexandros, Philadelphos, and Cleopatra Selene as they are taken to Rome to be be Octavius' Triupm procession. Selene is working to return her family to their throne in Egypt, but her brothers are adapting to life in Rome, even under the thumb of their captors. When Selene finds herself torn between a fellow hostage, Jubai of Numidia, and Marcellus, the stepson of her father, Marcus Anthony, she must...more

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Nov 20, 2011 Gretchen Hohmeyer rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, reviewed, on-amazon

As a historical fiction enthusiast, I’m always excited to see historical fiction on the shelves. More and more lately, I’ve been excited to see some of this coming to young adult shelves, especially since it’s some of my favorite stuff. I’m a huge fan of Egyptian history, specifically the Michelle Moran books for example. When I saw Cleopatra’s Moon on the shelves of the Teen section, I was instantly curious. Michelle Moran had already covered the topic of Cleopatra’s daughter Cleopatra Selene v...more As a historical fiction enthusiast, I’m always excited to see historical fiction on the shelves. More and more lately, I’ve been excited to see some of this coming to young adult shelves, especially since it’s some of my favorite stuff. I’m a huge fan of Egyptian history, specifically the Michelle Moran books for example. When I saw Cleopatra’s Moon on the shelves of the Teen section, I was instantly curious. Michelle Moran had already covered the topic of Cleopatra’s daughter Cleopatra Selene very well, but I was interested to see what the young adult take on her would be. The results were actually quite interesting.

The beginning of the book was very similar to Moran’s, to the point that I was almost bored. Honestly, this isn’t Shecter’s fault: historical fiction is historical fiction. My interest began to rise, however, as Shecter began to make the different decisions, like letting both of Selene’s brothers live when they were at Rome. A few other plot twists and differences developed, and I was ecstatic. It really morphed into a different take on who Selene was, while keeping her likeable and relatable.

Perhaps the most amusing difference between Moran and Shecter’s books is dictated by the shelves I found them on, adult and teen respectively. Though Cleopatra’s Moon was on the teen shelf, Shecter’s Selene actually makes more adult-ish decisions than Moran’s. Whether its witnessing her father’s death or planning to seduce a Roman man just like her mother did, this Selene is far more headstrong. Here is how Shecter gets Selene to transcend time and fit in on the teen shelf. She doesn’t hold back. Selene becomes a fighter, a girl determined to retake her homeland at any cost while asserting her pride in her female identity.

Don’t get me wrong, I adore both books. Cleopatra’s Moon is going to go into a slot right next to my Michelle Moran books. This is what I so enjoy about historical fiction, these different views on the life of one person, and how they interacted with the other historical figures of their time. I certainly recommend Cleopatra’s Moon for all lovers of Egyptian historical fiction, teen or adult. Unlike Moran’s books, however, which were much more steeped in fact and historical story, I also recommend this book to readers curious but perhaps not entirely into historical fiction. (Moran’s books can also be read by non-history lovers, but I believe they’re more enjoyable when you have the background.) Whether you like history or not, the Selene of Cleopatra’s Moon is a feisty female heroine that every teen girl can relate to and take courage from(less)

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Mar 12, 2013 Megan rated it 5 of 5 stars

I’m not sure if there has ever been a book that left me as emotional and/or completely fascinated by history as Cleopatra’s Moon. I have to admit I knew nothing about Cleopatra other then her skimpy Halloween costume. After reading this story about her daughter I find myself wanting to learn even more about their lives and the society they lived in.
This book has a good mix of reality with fantasy. I really appreciated the list facts at the end of the book where the author let us know her story...more

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Apr 22, 2012 Rain Misoa rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: People with an interest in Egypt & Cleopatra Selene and who love historical fiction!

Recommended to Rain by: Library

Shelves: education, must-own

This book was simply amazing! I loved it! The story, the characters, the intensity, the historical value, and the writing! Everything about this book was great. Vicky Alvear Shecter did an amazing job in studying her subject first before writing this novel. I was seriously impressed with how accurate her fictional story was to the true facts. The characters were incredible! Especially Cleopatra Selene. She wasn't your typical girl pining for love. She had a goal: To Rule. To have Power. To bring...more

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Sep 10, 2011 Kris rated it 4 of 5 stars

Vicky Alvear Shecter wrote Cleopatra Rules! The Amazing Life of the Original Teen Queen. Now she writes a fictional story about her daughter, Cleopatra VIII Selene . Cleopatra and her three brothers are the royal children of the Great Cleopatra VII. Cleopatra Selene and her twin brother Alexandros Helios and their baby brother Ptolemy Philadelphos are the children of Cleopatra and Marcus Antonius. Egypt is about to be invaded by the Romans. After both of her parents commit suicide, Cleopatra Sel...more

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Sep 08, 2011 Eirene rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Historical Fiction lovers, particularly those who love things regarding the Roman Empire

Shelves: historical-fiction, list-for-2013

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Vicky Alvear Shecter's first foray into historical fiction is a magnificent success. Having read Michelle Moran's novel, Cleopatra's Daughter- which I absolutely loved and heartily recommend- I approached this novel with something akin to trepidation. I did not want to judge it unfairly in the light of Moran's much loved offering. However, though comparisons of a trivial nature will be made, this book stands proudly on its own.

The prologue establishes the reader toward the end of the time line...more Vicky Alvear Shecter's first foray into historical fiction is a magnificent success. Having read Michelle Moran's novel, Cleopatra's Daughter- which I absolutely loved and heartily recommend- I approached this novel with something akin to trepidation. I did not want to judge it unfairly in the light of Moran's much loved offering. However, though comparisons of a trivial nature will be made, this book stands proudly on its own.

The prologue establishes the reader toward the end of the time line of the story. The novel is presented as a sort of journal from Cleopatra's perspective, chronicling the history of her life from before the Roman invasion of Egypt to her marriage. The attention to detail and accuracy is evident. I had a basic knowledge of Egyptian mythology, but this further enlightened me to the nuances of ceremonies and belief systems of the people. Cleopatra Selene along with her more famous contemporaries- Octavianus, Cleopatra, Mark Antony, etc- were brought to light in very real ways. The molding of a young girl's character- her thoughts, beliefs, desires- was excellent; I understood her reasoning perfectly, and empathized with her.

Certain parts of the book seemed to plod along as they were repetitions of ills and angers, but that is mainly because those parts dwelt on the difficulties of facing being enslaved and orphaned. The hardships that Cleopatra Selene went through in five years are stupendous. It would be impossible to write a book about her thoughts and desires and not get a little morbid in places. Furthermore, Cleopatra Selene was eleven years of age when her mother and father killed themselves and her entire world changed for the worse. It is in keeping with the character of a child growing into adulthood to have moments of brooding and irrational thought. (If I am honest, these are really not characteristics solely belonging to children. It's remarkable how often adults engage in them.)

This books is geared for young adult readers, but I believe that adults with an appreciation for craftsmanship and storytelling will love this book as well. (less)

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Mar 09, 2012 faeriemyst rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult-historical-fiction, young-adult-fiction, read-like-an-egyptian, library-loan, egypt, africa

Cleopatra's Moon tells the childhood story of Cleopatra Selene, daughter of Marc Antony (Marcus Antonius) and the most famous Cleopatra (VII) in history. The story covers her life from ages six to sixteen, from her parents' fall from power to the capture of Cleopatra Selene and her brothers to their lives living in Rome.

Catered to the young adult market, Cleopatra's Moon has a lot to offer older readers as well. While there may not be as much meat on the bones as many adult historical fiction no...more Cleopatra's Moon tells the childhood story of Cleopatra Selene, daughter of Marc Antony (Marcus Antonius) and the most famous Cleopatra (VII) in history. The story covers her life from ages six to sixteen, from her parents' fall from power to the capture of Cleopatra Selene and her brothers to their lives living in Rome.

Catered to the young adult market, Cleopatra's Moon has a lot to offer older readers as well. While there may not be as much meat on the bones as many adult historical fiction novels have, the history is plentiful and smoothly incorporated into the story. Aside from a few, minor instances, not much Cleopatra Selene said or did stood out as odd and the history seemed sound (though I am far from an expert). The author's writing style is easy to read, has a nice flow, and the descriptions are well-done; I could easily picture the surroundings, so the scenes came alive for me. She doesn't shy away from suggestive scenes, making the story feel more realistic, though nothing is described explicitly either. The author is up front about what is and is not fact in the six-page section at the end of book entitled "The Facts Within the Fiction," which gives the reader more information about the people mentioned within the book. If anyone goes into this book expecting more love story than historical fiction, they will be sadly disappointed. Any love story takes a back seat to Cleopatra Selene's struggle with both herself and her circumstances in life.

If I had one quibble with the book, it was the children's and Cleopatra Selene's voices. The children sounded a bit too mature at times, including Cleopatra Selene when young. Although in her case, it was more her voice didn't change much throughout the ten years the book covered and it was too familiar. I've come across other young adult protagonists that sounded very similar to her, both historical and contemporary, so I was hoping hers would be a bit more distinctive from the rest. Still, it's a very small thing and I did like Cleo Selene; she wasn't passive, but she wasn't aggressive either, she fell somewhere in between the two, which worked well for the book.

After all has been said, Cleopatra's Moon does what any (good) historical fiction novel should aspire to, it made me want to know more about the time, people, and places.(less)

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Dec 06, 2011 TheBookSmugglers rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-favorites

Originally reviewed on The Book Smugglers

Dear readers. Let me formally start off this review by confessing that I am currently in panic mode, trying to finish all of the potentially fabulous 2011 releases in time to formulate the most fair and informed Best of 2011 list as possible. There are a number of books I have let slip through the cracks and, unfortunately, Cleopatra's Moon was one of them.

Thanks be to The Great Goddess Isis, I did read this book before the end of the year because oh my f...more

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Dec 14, 2012 Gpoukey rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: quarter-2

Cleopatra's Moon by Vicky Alvear Shecter is the inspiring story of Cleopatra's daughter, Cleopatra Selene. Cleopatra Selene had always lived a life of lavish food, jewels, parties, and riches. When her father, Marcus Anthonius, divorces his second wife Octavia, war breaks out between Egypt and Rome. Octavianus is out to capture all of Egypt and destroy the royal family. This book is told in first person from her point of view on growing up in Ancient Egypt. I couldn't really relate to this book...more

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Oct 03, 2012 Sophia711 rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 7th-grade, deserves-more-than-a-measly-5-stars

This book was really good. Cleopatra Selene is a great character, with a lot of her mother's traits (charming, smart, courageous, forceful, flattering, bold, ...). I think my favorite characters (apart from Cleopatra Selene herself) are Selene's twin brother Alexandros and their friend Juba. Alexandros loves his sister and is protective of her, but he often seems edgy and annoyed at her and he's just given up all hope of returning to Egypt after they are taken to Rome by Octavianus, the general...more

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Dec 10, 2012 Corinne rated it 4 of 5 stars

**THERE ARE MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD; LIKE SECOND CHAPTER SPOILERS**
To tell the truth, I was wary when I began reading this book. There were quite a few reviews that labelled this book as not only graphic, but also offensive. Some even questioned if it should be in the young adult category at all. In my opinion, this book was appropriate for teenagers, and it wasn't overly graphic or offensive. The scene that involves Cleopatra Selene's interactions with a rabbi are pretty much what you would expect...more

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