"The Luxe" meets the ancient world in the extraordinary story of Cleopatra's daughter.Selene has grown up in a palace on the Nile with her parents,...
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Nov 28, 2011
Mara
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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
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Jun 26, 2011
Anila
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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 inte More...
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 inte More...
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Apr 12, 2011
Cleolinda
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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
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(2 people liked it)
Feb 22, 2012
Spark740
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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!
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Dec 19, 2011
Joan
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Oct 03, 2011
Hylary
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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 More...
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 More...
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Sep 07, 2011
Jenny
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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
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Aug 24, 2011
Angie
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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 More...
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 More...
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Aug 16, 2011
Jennifer
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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 More...
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 More...
Jul 02, 2011
Barbara
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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
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May 30, 2011
Reader
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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
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(2 people liked it)
Nov 20, 2011
Gretchen
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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
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Sep 10, 2011
Kris
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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
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Sep 08, 2011
Eirene
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Dec 06, 2011
TheBookSmugglers
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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 More...
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 More...
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Jan 13, 2012
Hannah
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Cleopatra Selene survived the brutal Roman takeover of Egypt that killed her mother (the famous Cleopatra immortalized by Shakespeare), her older brother, and her father, Marcus Antonius. Taken captive by the man who destroyed her family, Cleopatra Selene and her two surviving brothers are sent to live with their father's first wife in Rome. A rich historical setting and conflict between two ancient cultures provide a vibrant background for the novel. Teen readers who enjoyed Esther Friesner's P
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Aug 02, 2011
Adriana
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I read an ARC of this book and although it says that it is similar to The Luxe series by Anna Godbersen, but set in the time of Cleopatra, I completely disagree. I never got engaged with these characters the way I did with The Luxe characters. Actually this book read more like an adult novel (akin to Nefertiti by Michelle Moran). The characters were flat and the YA voice was nowhere to be found. The main character, Cleopatra Selene, daughter of Cleopatra and Mark Antony, begins narrating at
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Feb 13, 2012
Kailia
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I can't believe I waited this long to read this book! Full of mystery, danger, and loads of historical facts, Cleopatra's Moon is an excellent book that tells the story of a young and courageous girl who was overshadowed by her powerful mother.
To say that I knew a lot about Cleopatra Selene, Queen Cleopatra's daughter, is an understatement. Selene (meaning "Moon") has not really been talked about much in any form of history and I was relieved to finally be able to read mo More...
To say that I knew a lot about Cleopatra Selene, Queen Cleopatra's daughter, is an understatement. Selene (meaning "Moon") has not really been talked about much in any form of history and I was relieved to finally be able to read mo More...
Aug 19, 2011
Amy
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I liked this book. The start was a little complicated (for a MG or very young YA reader), but the story smoothed out fast and it quickly became compelling. This is a great book for a savvy YA reader.
I learned a lot about Roman history and author Vicky Alvear Shecter does a great job blending the personal with the historical. It was thrilling to be walking in the footsteps of Cleopatra Selene (Cleopatra's only daughter). This heroine is a great role model for young women facing trou More...
I learned a lot about Roman history and author Vicky Alvear Shecter does a great job blending the personal with the historical. It was thrilling to be walking in the footsteps of Cleopatra Selene (Cleopatra's only daughter). This heroine is a great role model for young women facing trou More...
Sep 09, 2011
Cathy
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If you like your YA smart and deep, then Cleopatra's Moon is perfect. It's the coming-of-age story of Cleopatra Selene (the daughter of Cleopatra VII and Marc Anthony)but it's really so much more. Ripe with details of both the ancient Egyptian and Roman cultures, and full of insights into religious and political manners, Vicky Alvear Shecter's novel follows the course of a young girl who loses not only the family she loves but the home she loves in the bargain. Determined to regain the power her
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Oct 29, 2011
Wendy
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Cleopatra's Moon tells the story of a girl hidden from History, unknown by many. The story of Cleopatra Selene, the famous Cleopatra VII's only daughter with Marc Antony. Cleopatra Selene is left with no parent's and 2 brother's to care for. They are sent to Rome to live with the vicious Octivianus who took their dear land of Egypt away from them. Desperate to follow in her mother's footsteps, Cleopatra Selene will do whatever it takes to reclaim Egypt...
When I purchased this book on More...
When I purchased this book on More...
Dec 19, 2011
Courtney
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Tells the fascinating tale of Cleopatra's daughter, Cleopatra Selene, who is orphaned at a young age and sent to live in Rome with Ceaser's son and his family. Gorgeously detailed and meticulously researched, this is a gem of a biographical novel. Cleopatra Selene charges herself with attempting to follow in her mother's footsteps and to "save the sons of Egypt", a daunting task for a preteen girl. She is deeply spiritual, never letting go of Isis and Anubis even in her darkest time
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Dec 10, 2011
Alicia
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With a beautiful cover and a provocative story line with Egyptian queen Cleopatra during her reign with Marc Antony, it should be fabulous. I was a little less excited as I got into it, for two reasons, first it was a bit long-winded and chock-full of old Greek, Roman, and Egyptian names, places, and religion that was somewhat convoluted. The second was that Cleopatra Selene, queen Cleopatra's daughter didn't have a strong enough voice for me to relate to, feel for, and encourage to overcome her
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Jul 30, 2011
Brenna
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I've read quite a few Cleopatra books- but none quite like this.
Cleopatra's Moon is about the daughter of Cleopatra VII, Cleopatra Selene. And rather than focusing on the events leading up to the death of Cleopatra VII, Vicky Alvear Shecter focuses largely on the aftermath of her death and the impact it has on her children, particularly her only daughter.
Historical fiction based on the story of Ancient Egypt and their famous Pharoah Queen are some of the best books out t More...
Cleopatra's Moon is about the daughter of Cleopatra VII, Cleopatra Selene. And rather than focusing on the events leading up to the death of Cleopatra VII, Vicky Alvear Shecter focuses largely on the aftermath of her death and the impact it has on her children, particularly her only daughter.
Historical fiction based on the story of Ancient Egypt and their famous Pharoah Queen are some of the best books out t More...
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Jan 03, 2012
Angel
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I felt everything Cleopatra Selene felt: her sadness, jealousy, hatred, joy, and grief. I read this book in a 1 1/2 days flat! I love how it shows what the Romans were like, how Vicky painted the scenes, and how she drew the reader in. I kinda wish she had continued on with the story so I could see how Juba and Selene lived on.
I barely knew anything about Cleopatra Selene and her life before I read this book. I know it's fiction, but most of the facts in the book are true. Heck, I've e More...
I barely knew anything about Cleopatra Selene and her life before I read this book. I know it's fiction, but most of the facts in the book are true. Heck, I've e More...
Nov 02, 2011
Tessa
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I was delighted to find this book about Cleopatra Selene, only daughter of the famous Cleopatra VII. I've always felt that this girl deserved more than a passing mention in stories of her popular mother, and I'm glad that her fascinating tale has been told.
Shecter does a good job expressing the turmoils of a young woman torn away from all she loves. Cleopatra is determined and likable without being cliched. I appreciated that although the book is tragic and we all know what happens to More...
Shecter does a good job expressing the turmoils of a young woman torn away from all she loves. Cleopatra is determined and likable without being cliched. I appreciated that although the book is tragic and we all know what happens to More...
Oct 04, 2011
Laura
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A great YA book about Cleopatra's daughter Cleopatra Selene. I'm reading this because I am hosting a panal on YA historical fiction at the Southern Festival of Books and this is one of the books that we're covering. Interestingly enough, a year or so ago, I read another book on this very same topic. I believe Cleopatra's Daughter was the title. So it is hard not to compare the two. However, this book was particularly well planned out. The author considers the roles of Stocism, fate, and fre
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Dec 20, 2011
Tweller83
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"This novel has romance, drama, heartbreak, and adventure, all rooted in an accurate and descriptive historical setting. Shecter writes about the world of ancient Egypt and Rome with wonderful detail, making it come alive and bringing in the Jewish culture that existed in both Rome and Alexandria. Her characters are skillfully fictionalized, and readers will connect with the hardship suffered by the children, particularly the deaths of Cleopatra Selene's brothers. A fantastic read with some
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Oct 08, 2011
Kim
rated it:
Never before have I found an interest in ancient times. It's a period of time I have largely ignored in the past, thinking that what took place SO long ago could no longer be at all relevant to today's society. How wrong I was!
I picked up the book out of a sudden curiousity I suppose. The title, the front cover...I don't know...something drew me to it.
On the first attempt, I set the book aside. It was a little too slow to start for me. However, several days later, More...
I picked up the book out of a sudden curiousity I suppose. The title, the front cover...I don't know...something drew me to it.
On the first attempt, I set the book aside. It was a little too slow to start for me. However, several days later, More...
Oct 11, 2011
Jodi
rated it:
Enjoyed this YA book on the level it was written. Felt the meshing between the Egyptian mysticism and
writing for present day sensibilities was on shaky ground (the author kept throwing at us how Cleopatra Selena was a daughter of Isis and having her instructed in the mystic abilities of the Goddess Isis). Enjoyed that Schecter gave a synopsis at the end of the book of the true historical figures and what is known about their existence. Always good—especially from a history teacher’s poi More...
writing for present day sensibilities was on shaky ground (the author kept throwing at us how Cleopatra Selena was a daughter of Isis and having her instructed in the mystic abilities of the Goddess Isis). Enjoyed that Schecter gave a synopsis at the end of the book of the true historical figures and what is known about their existence. Always good—especially from a history teacher’s poi More...
