Scarab in the Storm

The Lost Pharaoh Chronicles #3

by Lauren Lee Merewether

Egypt is divided and conspiracy runs deep--the boy King Tut inherits a nation of chaos, and his wife, Queen Ankhesenamun, is desperate to earn his trust.

Pharaoh Tutankhamun must decide Egypt's path amid political turmoil and corruption while Queen Ankhesenamun struggles to convince Pharaoh that their lives are at stake.

With truth shrouded in mystery, doubt attacks the royalty as a power mercilessly pursues the crown. Egypt's fate is determined by Pharaoh's and Queen Ankhesenamun's success or failure in the coming storm.

Scarab in the Storm is the third volume of Lauren Lee Merewether's debut series, The Lost Pharaoh Chronicles, a resurrection of an erased time that follows the five kings of Egypt who were lost to history for over three millennia. The story continues in the final book: Silence in the Stone.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Egypt

382 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 24, 2020

About the author

LAUREN LEE MEREWETHER writes multi-genre romantic sagas inspired by ancient places, legends, and myths. She loves to delve into the shadows of the past, spinning slow-burn, closed door romantic narratives that merge the timeless passions of history with the mysteries of ancient mythologies. Her award-winning novels invite readers to explore the thrilling depths of legends, emotions, and humanity, spanning high-seas adventures to the splendors of ancient empires.

In her free time, Lauren loves to daydream about times long past while sipping green tea and watching the experts on Discovery unearth our ancestors' civilizations.

Go behind the scenes, say hello, and stay current with Lauren’s latest releases at www.LaurenLeeMerewether.com.

Follow and connect with Lauren on:
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"Merewether’s up-close and empathetic narrative style is combined with the many sensations, family conflicts, and political struggles of an exciting plotline, making for an unstoppable read."
- K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is really getting to me and me being a real Ancient Egypt buff I have to say I kind of appreciate the fact that Lauren Lee is actually putting her little flairs into history espically how Nefertiti passed because we have absolutely no idea how she she died and where in the valley of the kings or the valley of the queen's and where some of her children went and how they might have died the possibilities are endless and I appreciate all of it. I plan to read every single book to see where she takes some of the key figures of history and I have to say she gave Tut a wonderful send off so the five stars are well deserved

[Subrata Chakraborty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book of four book in “The Lost Pharaoh Chronicles” series authored by Lauren Lee Merewether. This is by the way my reading of the first book by Lauren. In this series she talks about a period in New Kingdom of Pharaonic Egypt where Dynasty 18 rulers Amenhotep-III, Akhenaten, Smenkhare, Nefertiti, Tutankhamen, Ay, Horemheb ruled the unified Egypt. This is somewhere about BC 1390 – 1295. Once Horemheb became Pharaoh he decided to erase from Egyptian history the records of Akhenaten to Aye, so a lot of details were lost from the temple engravings and statues except the magnificent discovery of Tutankhamen’s untouched tomb by Haward Carter in 1922.

A lot of people have written about this period with fictionized stories about death of boy king Tutankhamun and the related people and passing of throne to non-blood people like Aye and Horemheb, Lauren is one among them.

Powerful Pharaoh Amenhotep-III is concerned about the growing power of priests of Amun, the state God of Egypt. He plans with his wife Tey a change of State God to Aten and deprive the priest clan of their power and then transition back to Amun after some time, but things do not go as planned. His elder son Tuthmose is killed in a conspiracy. In this 1st book of the series she talks about the last days of Amenhotep-III and transition of power to his second sickly child who becomes king Akhenaten and moves kingdom to Tell el Amarna (Akhetaton), marries the legendary beautiful queen Nefertiti and becomes hardcore Aten worshipper in his 17 year rule during which Egypt goes down as a country, allies desert it. Nefertiti gets attracted to General Horemheb as Akhenaten betrays her in marital relationship. Conspiracy is evolved all around this story in the corridors of power as powerful God Amun is banished and Aten is popularized. Lauren picks up Pawah the key conspirator who is a bit naïve in this 1st book and becomes more crooked and hardened villain in subsequent books of the series.

The book is pretty well written, though a bit boring after first half. I would have loved if she had called Egypt as Kemet as she was calling Luxor as Waset. I still like the fictionalized series written by Max Overton over this one by Lauren on the same period. I will still recommend this book to the readers as another version of interesting story of this period of Egyptian history. Lauren has tried to stick to history while building his story throughout.

[Joy RS · Rating 5 out of 5]

A third great read! Scarab in the Storm is the third in the series, and I enjoyed it every bit as much as the previous two. The writer is both passionate and knowledgeable about her subject, and both shine through in the vivid descriptions and the compassion with which she writes. According to an Egyptology buff of my acquaintance, they are also well-researched, which, to me, makes them even more compelling. I find the subject fascinating, and initially, it was books like these that sparked my interest. I would consider reading the previous two books if you haven’t already, and I promise that you’re in for a treat.

[Dorcia Beland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Merewether's storytelling is extraordinary. Her characters come to life on the page. A story of deceitful, greedy advisors; lover's angst; a boy child thrust into ruling a divided nation. A story that the reader is compelled to turn the page to read what happens next. This is a fictional account of how history has been erased and /or rewritten. Readers who enjoy historical fiction should get this series. Book four and the final episode will be out soon.

[Sylvia Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author actually brings Egyptian history to life. There must have been a lot of research involved.
You feel as if you are right alongside the characters. I find myself making motions, facial movements, etc as I read (smile)! If Egyptian history is your liking, then, this is the book for you!

[Kimberly C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fascinating and superbly written fictional account of the reign of the ancient Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamen. It is filled with action and suspense, the characters are well written, and it is obvious the author has thoroughly researched her subject matter. This novel is the third in a series—I have read and enjoyed all three so far! I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys good historical fiction.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lauren Lee Merewether continues her intriguing series with book three: Scarab in the Storm. This historical novel draws the reader into ancient Egyptian culture through Lauren's masterful development of characters and plot. Her careful research and skillful presentation make this book another that is hard to put down. Eagerly awaiting the next book of The Lost Pharaoh Chronicles!

[Deanna Vaughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

Different and interesting take on the pharaohs life and family life in ancient Egypt I. cannot wait for the final book!

[Donna LoCastro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book and series!!

I really enjoyed reading the third book of this series, and now I just read a fourth book is being written !! Ms. Mayweather made me feel that I was in ancient Egypt. Although it's historical fiction, the plot and characters seemed real. I may reread the first 3 books again they were THAT good 👍👍👍!!! Also if you go to her website there are prequels and reading guides. More reading to enjoy!! I love all things ancient Egyptian!!

[Read M Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading about the young (and famous) King Tut. Now that's a name I actually knew! (Um, non-history buff here). Thanks to the author for making history so entertaining, educational, and enjoyable for me! I love the strong characters and getting to peek into the lives these people must have lived... like a trip back in time.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good storyline continues where book 2 left off.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all 3 of the books in this series ! They were all incredible! Lauren’s writing takes you right back into ancient Egyptian times !

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good

Really good book. I haven’t read the ones before and was still able to follow. Will be reading all her books

[_sassy_39 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scarab in the Storm penned by the author Lauren Lee Merewether is the third installment in The Lost Pharaoh Chronicles. This book will take readers to ancient Egypt. Tutankhamun is a king of the nation that is being divided and conspiracy runs in it. There is political tension too. Tutankhamun is determined to put his nation back but since people are betraying, he doesn't know whom he could trust. Meanwhile, his wife Ankhesenamun felt that their lives were in danger. There is a dangerous storm from which the King and the Queen have to come out victorious. But will they be successful?

Glossary at the beginning of the book is helpful for sure. The world building is interesting. Descriptions are written well and that makes the reading pace smooth. I appreciate the author's vast historical knowledge in writing this book. The story is full of drama, history and action. Historical lovers would enjoy it. Length of the book is more so I took some time to finish it. Writing style of Lauren is unique and impressive.

True Historical fiction fans couldn't afford to miss reading this novel.

[Avis Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read the second book in this series, I had to read the third and I wasn’t disappointed.
While Egypt is divided and conspiracy runs deep —the boy King Tut inherits a nation of chaos and his wife, Queen Ankhesenamun, is desperate to earn his trust.
While the Queen struggles to convince Pharaoh that their lives are at stake, the truth is shrouded in mystery. As doubt attacks the royalty, a power mercilessly pursues the crown and Egypt’s fate is determined by Pharaoh and his Queen’s success or failure in the coming storm.

[Moriah Burnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. My favorite in the series so far. I loved the story plot having mor tension. How Tut need to figure out truth and his desires to be loved. With his decision it would change the outcome of the whole country.

In all it was a great book. I can’t wait to read the last one and the secondary books that support the main story arch. I do think it’s awesome that after readying this book I really want to watch Egypt documentaries!

[Tina Chandler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The time of Tut

There's just so much going on about this fascinating young king and the 18 - 20th dynasties. Well written with so much intrigue that you could cut with aknife

[Ambita Chenai · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just awful writing...

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of the scenes get repetitive as King Tut has the same arguments over and over with those around him, but its still a fascinating dramas of the fight for power behind the throne.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

great series!

Really enjoying the bringing to life of this era of history. All of the books are well written as well - not always the case with Kindle Unlimited!