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Sphinx's Princess #2
Sphinx's Queen
Ancient Egypt springs to life in this enthralling sequel to Sphinx’s Princess . As she did in Nobody’s Princess and Nobody’s Prize , author Esther Friesner offers readers a fresh look at an iconic figure, blending historical fiction and mythology in a heady concoction.
Hunted . . . Overnight, every aspect of Nefertiti’s life has changed. She is no longer living at the royal palace as the intended bride of the crown prince. Instead, she is being chased by the prince and his soldiers for a crime she did not commit.
Hidden . . . Traveling with two of her dearest friends, including the crown prince’s brother, who helped her escape, Nefertiti takes shelter in the wild hills along the Nile’s west bank. She must rely on her own resourcefulness and skills (all those secret archery lessons prove very useful) as the fugitives fight to survive.
Haunted . . . But the need for justice gnaws at Nefertiti. She is determined to plead her case to the Pharaoh and set things right. As she begins to question long-held sacred beliefs—a questioning that could alter the fabric of Egyptian society—her extraordinary journey from commoner to royalty brings adventure, intrigue, and romance.
Hunted . . . Overnight, every aspect of Nefertiti’s life has changed. She is no longer living at the royal palace as the intended bride of the crown prince. Instead, she is being chased by the prince and his soldiers for a crime she did not commit.
Hidden . . . Traveling with two of her dearest friends, including the crown prince’s brother, who helped her escape, Nefertiti takes shelter in the wild hills along the Nile’s west bank. She must rely on her own resourcefulness and skills (all those secret archery lessons prove very useful) as the fugitives fight to survive.
Haunted . . . But the need for justice gnaws at Nefertiti. She is determined to plead her case to the Pharaoh and set things right. As she begins to question long-held sacred beliefs—a questioning that could alter the fabric of Egyptian society—her extraordinary journey from commoner to royalty brings adventure, intrigue, and romance.
354 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
43 people are currently reading
2965 people want to read
About the author
Esther M. Friesner
264 books707 followersEsther M. Friesner was educated at Vassar College, where she completed B.A's in both Spanish and Drama. She went to on to Yale University; within five years she was awarded an M.A. and Ph.D. in Spanish. She taught Spanish at Yale for a number of years before going on to become a full-time author of fantasy and science fiction. She has published twenty-seven novels so far; her most recent titles include Temping Fate from Penguin-Puffin and Nobody's Princess from Random House.
Her short fiction and poetry have appeared in Asimov's, Fantasy & Science Fiction, Aboriginal SF, Pulphouse Magazine, Amazing, and Fantasy Book, as well as in numerous anthologies. Her story, "Love's Eldritch Ichor," was featured in the 1990 World Fantasy Convention book.
Her first stint as an anthology editor was Alien Pregnant By Elvis, a collection of truly gonzo original tabloid SF for DAW books. Wisely, she undertook this project with the able collaboration of Martin H. Greenberg. Not having learned their lesson, they have also co-edited the Chicks In Chainmail Amazon comedy anthology series for Baen Books, as well as Blood Muse, an anthology of vampire stories for Donald I Fine, Inc.
"Ask Auntie Esther" was her regular etiquette and advice column to the SFlorn in Pulphouse Magazine. Being paid for telling other people how to run their lives sounds like a pretty good deal to her.
Ms. Friesner won the Nebula Award for Best Short Story of 1995 for her work, "Death and the Librarian," and the Nebula for Best Short Story of 1996 for "A Birth Day." (A Birth Day" was also a 1996 Hugo Award finalist.) Her novelette, "Jesus at the Bat" was on the final Nebula ballot in the same year that "Death and the Librarian" won the award. In addition, she has won the Romantic Times award for Best New Fantasy Writer in 1986 and the Skylark Award in 1994. Her short story, "All Vows," took second place in the Asimov's SF Magazine Readers' Poll for 1993 and was a finalist for the Nebula in 1994. Her Star Trek: Deep Space Nine novel, Warchild, made the USA TODAY bestseller list.
She lives in Connecticut with her husband, two children, two rambunctious cats, and a fluctuating population of hamsters.
Her short fiction and poetry have appeared in Asimov's, Fantasy & Science Fiction, Aboriginal SF, Pulphouse Magazine, Amazing, and Fantasy Book, as well as in numerous anthologies. Her story, "Love's Eldritch Ichor," was featured in the 1990 World Fantasy Convention book.
Her first stint as an anthology editor was Alien Pregnant By Elvis, a collection of truly gonzo original tabloid SF for DAW books. Wisely, she undertook this project with the able collaboration of Martin H. Greenberg. Not having learned their lesson, they have also co-edited the Chicks In Chainmail Amazon comedy anthology series for Baen Books, as well as Blood Muse, an anthology of vampire stories for Donald I Fine, Inc.
"Ask Auntie Esther" was her regular etiquette and advice column to the SFlorn in Pulphouse Magazine. Being paid for telling other people how to run their lives sounds like a pretty good deal to her.
Ms. Friesner won the Nebula Award for Best Short Story of 1995 for her work, "Death and the Librarian," and the Nebula for Best Short Story of 1996 for "A Birth Day." (A Birth Day" was also a 1996 Hugo Award finalist.) Her novelette, "Jesus at the Bat" was on the final Nebula ballot in the same year that "Death and the Librarian" won the award. In addition, she has won the Romantic Times award for Best New Fantasy Writer in 1986 and the Skylark Award in 1994. Her short story, "All Vows," took second place in the Asimov's SF Magazine Readers' Poll for 1993 and was a finalist for the Nebula in 1994. Her Star Trek: Deep Space Nine novel, Warchild, made the USA TODAY bestseller list.
She lives in Connecticut with her husband, two children, two rambunctious cats, and a fluctuating population of hamsters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
April 23, 2012
This book just annoyed me, a lot, and I resorted to skimming in order to finish the book without throwing my iPod through the wall.
The modern language continued to grate, but at least there wasn't another "fur-covered cheese ball" moment. The plot is more fast moving, but there are subplots that feel like they've been thrown in to pad the story out.
The "Nefertiti is not just a pretty face" angle is drummed into us so much that she comes off as a Mary Sue. The other "good guys" are flat and bland. The relationship between Nefertiti and Amenophis comes off more as friends than lovers. A few characters perform complete 180 degree turnabout just so we can have a happy, non-dramatic ending.
The villainy of Thutmose and Tiye is really over the top and not at all well thought out. For example, Tiye is slightly better but I just wanted to bonk them both on the head.
The historical information that this book uses is so old, inaccurate and fringe theory that I really thought the book wasn't recently published, when it was only 2 years ago. I had really hoped that Friesner wouldn't use the Aten = the God of the Hebrews angle, but she did so *bangs head on desk*
I'm really not the audience this book is intended for, and I'm the exactly the type of person that this book would annoy. Other people have loved the book, so if you're curious, I suggest you read it for yourself.
The modern language continued to grate, but at least there wasn't another "fur-covered cheese ball" moment. The plot is more fast moving, but there are subplots that feel like they've been thrown in to pad the story out.
The "Nefertiti is not just a pretty face" angle is drummed into us so much that she comes off as a Mary Sue. The other "good guys" are flat and bland. The relationship between Nefertiti and Amenophis comes off more as friends than lovers. A few characters perform complete 180 degree turnabout just so we can have a happy, non-dramatic ending.
The villainy of Thutmose and Tiye is really over the top and not at all well thought out. For example, Tiye is slightly better but I just wanted to bonk them both on the head.
The historical information that this book uses is so old, inaccurate and fringe theory that I really thought the book wasn't recently published, when it was only 2 years ago. I had really hoped that Friesner wouldn't use the Aten = the God of the Hebrews angle, but she did so *bangs head on desk*
I'm really not the audience this book is intended for, and I'm the exactly the type of person that this book would annoy. Other people have loved the book, so if you're curious, I suggest you read it for yourself.
August 30, 2025
Well well well. For the first time in I don’t know how long I read a series. No it did not have nine or 10 books in it. It had two but I did it.
I enjoyed both books in the Sphinx series. There are aspects to each book that I like but if I’m being completely honest, I did like part one better than part two.
That’s not to take anything away from part two as this was good. Once again, I stayed up late, impatiently, flipping pages, having to know, deeply desiring to know what in the world happens and how this is all resolved.
Before I even go on further, I just have to recommend this author. I can’t believe I hadn’t read any of her books till now. Now I want to read them all! Her writing is so lush and descriptive as I said, in my review of part one it makes the reading experience that much more enjoyable.
SPOILERS
The cat lives! The cat lives , the cat lives , the cat lives , the cat lives!
I am such a wuss. I said, in my review of part one I could not rest unless I knew that kitty was OK even though I had the feeling that she probably was.
But how lovely to meet up with her again! I write this as my own cat, who looks startlingly like an Egyptian cat gazes at me with her big eyes no doubt, hoping I will stop writing this review and choose to cuddle her instead.
Anyway, yes, so the cat survives. Now why did I like part one better than part two? That is very simple.
I just don’t love books where the characters are on journeys that takes up so much time. This has been an issue with me with other books lots of them.
I just don’t enjoy that kind of plot line. I had a feeling when I finished book one that might be an issue for me in book two because I knew they were about to embark on a journey and it was indeed long and I did indeed have to skim a wee little bit.
I’ll never ever look at hippos in the same way again.
But it picked up again once they arrived at their destination! And I have to say it was a really powerful ending.
The author has a unique talent in making the reader care about characters. Now you remember that Thutmose in the first book was kind of an asshole. Actually, scratch that kind of.
He does make a turnaround in part two not for a long, long time though . His turn around really isn’t explained much, but I interpreted to mean that he was so mentally drained that he really didn’t have much choice.
But I read about him with trepidation as I had a feeling the author would be killing his character off. And when she did, I really really felt bad I mean I was surprised at my own intense reaction, and then I realized how much she redeemed him.
I was initially very annoyed at Nefertiti when she forgave him, and while I can’t say that I did forgive him I did start to care about his character. Such a waste that he finds himself and then dies shortly afterwards. It was very moving.
I thought that the story itself was tremendously involving both part one and part two and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read this two book series. I actually felt sad to say goodbye to the characters. I won’t be forgetting them anytime soon and I look forward to reading more from this author.
I enjoyed both books in the Sphinx series. There are aspects to each book that I like but if I’m being completely honest, I did like part one better than part two.
That’s not to take anything away from part two as this was good. Once again, I stayed up late, impatiently, flipping pages, having to know, deeply desiring to know what in the world happens and how this is all resolved.
Before I even go on further, I just have to recommend this author. I can’t believe I hadn’t read any of her books till now. Now I want to read them all! Her writing is so lush and descriptive as I said, in my review of part one it makes the reading experience that much more enjoyable.
SPOILERS
The cat lives! The cat lives , the cat lives , the cat lives , the cat lives!
I am such a wuss. I said, in my review of part one I could not rest unless I knew that kitty was OK even though I had the feeling that she probably was.
But how lovely to meet up with her again! I write this as my own cat, who looks startlingly like an Egyptian cat gazes at me with her big eyes no doubt, hoping I will stop writing this review and choose to cuddle her instead.
Anyway, yes, so the cat survives. Now why did I like part one better than part two? That is very simple.
I just don’t love books where the characters are on journeys that takes up so much time. This has been an issue with me with other books lots of them.
I just don’t enjoy that kind of plot line. I had a feeling when I finished book one that might be an issue for me in book two because I knew they were about to embark on a journey and it was indeed long and I did indeed have to skim a wee little bit.
I’ll never ever look at hippos in the same way again.
But it picked up again once they arrived at their destination! And I have to say it was a really powerful ending.
The author has a unique talent in making the reader care about characters. Now you remember that Thutmose in the first book was kind of an asshole. Actually, scratch that kind of.
He does make a turnaround in part two not for a long, long time though . His turn around really isn’t explained much, but I interpreted to mean that he was so mentally drained that he really didn’t have much choice.
But I read about him with trepidation as I had a feeling the author would be killing his character off. And when she did, I really really felt bad I mean I was surprised at my own intense reaction, and then I realized how much she redeemed him.
I was initially very annoyed at Nefertiti when she forgave him, and while I can’t say that I did forgive him I did start to care about his character. Such a waste that he finds himself and then dies shortly afterwards. It was very moving.
I thought that the story itself was tremendously involving both part one and part two and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read this two book series. I actually felt sad to say goodbye to the characters. I won’t be forgetting them anytime soon and I look forward to reading more from this author.
December 12, 2011
I must admit, I was slightly wary of this book in the beginning. I don't tend to read many of the books aimed at girls my age because, despite a seemingly intriguing plotline, they usually degenerate into sappy romances, which I deplore. This, however, was different. It was a romance, yes, but it was about so much more than that! It was about Nefertiti and her growth from a girl running away from her life to a woman strong enough to stand her ground and face it.
One of the best aspects of this book, in my opinion, is the characters. There is such a wide cast, and I grew to love all of them in the end, even Thutmose, who began as the most annoying, spoiled brat. There's Nava, the Jewish slave, who often testifies her faith in the One, Amenophis, who is sweet and gentle and wise, Sitamun, who, like her mother, Queen Tiye, is a strong, persistent woman, and of course, Nefertiti herself, a girl who is beautiful, intelligent, and courageous enough to stand up for herself even when Pharaoh, the god-on-earth, is doubtful of her word and her aunt would destroy her at the first opportunity.
Nefertiti's journey throughout the book is one of danger and excitement, love and loneliness, doubt and victory, revenge and forgiveness. She's a remarkable character, and the love of her circle of friends is her greatest source of strength.
Then there was the story...I laughed and I cried, and the author even managed to coax a gasp out of me at parts. I was hooked, and for the most part, didn't put the book down until I had finished it. I loved the history, the setting of ancient Egypt, and the little bit of mythology thrown in there.
It was a great read, and definitely one that I would recommend!
One of the best aspects of this book, in my opinion, is the characters. There is such a wide cast, and I grew to love all of them in the end, even Thutmose, who began as the most annoying, spoiled brat. There's Nava, the Jewish slave, who often testifies her faith in the One, Amenophis, who is sweet and gentle and wise, Sitamun, who, like her mother, Queen Tiye, is a strong, persistent woman, and of course, Nefertiti herself, a girl who is beautiful, intelligent, and courageous enough to stand up for herself even when Pharaoh, the god-on-earth, is doubtful of her word and her aunt would destroy her at the first opportunity.
Nefertiti's journey throughout the book is one of danger and excitement, love and loneliness, doubt and victory, revenge and forgiveness. She's a remarkable character, and the love of her circle of friends is her greatest source of strength.
Then there was the story...I laughed and I cried, and the author even managed to coax a gasp out of me at parts. I was hooked, and for the most part, didn't put the book down until I had finished it. I loved the history, the setting of ancient Egypt, and the little bit of mythology thrown in there.
It was a great read, and definitely one that I would recommend!
February 1, 2011
In some ways an improvement over Sphinx's Princess if only because there's a very limited number of characters for almost half of the book. However, the ending felt forced, overly simplistic and unconvincing. (Several characters undergo dramatic changes without any compelling narrative reason.) And after pretty much running minute-by-minute the plot starts jumping time by days/weeks/years in the last fifth or so of the book.
I guess I'm glad I finished Sphinx's Queen, but it feels more like a complete homework assignment then the satisfaction of finishing a well-told story. I doubt I'll try anything else YA by Friesner, but if you enjoyed Sphinx's Princess you should read Sphinx's Queen.
I guess I'm glad I finished Sphinx's Queen, but it feels more like a complete homework assignment then the satisfaction of finishing a well-told story. I doubt I'll try anything else YA by Friesner, but if you enjoyed Sphinx's Princess you should read Sphinx's Queen.
January 11, 2013
At times I truly wanted to throw this book across the room. The story just seeemed to drag on forever and I really did not like all the little internal conversations Nefertiti was having with herself. The end was the only redeeming qauality in this book but even that fell flat for me. I mean come on after all the manipulating and plotting everyone ends up "happily ever after", I think I am done with this author for quite a while, I just don't like her books very much!
June 21, 2012
**plot spoilers**
This book was very juvenile, definitely for a younger audience than me. The way they talked was childish and exhausting to read. Everyone used way too much emotion when speaking; words were italicized and emphasized that didn’t need to be, and there were exclamation points at the end of nearly every sentence.
“Now see what you’ve done to me, Nefertiti! If you had been a normal girl, you would have jumped at the chance to marry me, not delay and delay and delay. You made me wait--me, the next pharaoh, the god-on-earth! Father would have named me coruler long ago if you’d married me when you were supposed to instead of wasting time with my brother, that ugly, stammering bundle of sticks and stupidity!”
“It’s one thing to get that little boat across the sacred river, but to steer it for days? I don’t know if I can do it, and now I must.
“What good was it to break you out of your prison if Thutmose recaptures you because I wasn’t smart enough or strong enough to keep you out of his hands?”
A lot of the talking and phrases aren’t historically accurate. It just did not sound like they were in ancient Egypt at all.
There was a bold quality to his to hops and flutters that made it seem as if he were swaggering, telling the whole world, “Oh yes, this is a fine crocodile, isn’t it? One of the biggest, the strongest, the best hunters. And he works for me.”
Need I say more?
We’ve got Amenophis stumbling and stuttering over his words all the time.
“Y—yes. I mean I’m not sure about that either.”
“None for me, please. I’m . . . I’m not hungry.”
“I—I guess you’re right. The gods forbits it, but—but it would tangle your legs and drag you down.”
Omg, did you realize how everyone was talking?! They were over-emphasizing everything! Jeeze, read it back and see how annoying that is.
“For all you know, your sister Sitamun has covered our tracks for us. She’s a very smart woman. Think about it: Thutmose discovers that we’re gone and starts raging through the palace, demanding to know who’s responsible for our escape. I wouldn’t put it past Sitamun to act guilty on purpose, just so he’d turn on her and demand a confession. Oh, she would pretend to know nothing about it, but she’d pretend badly, until finally she’d made a great show of breaking down and telling him that we ran away up the river or that we didn’t even sail away at all, but took a chariot and—”
Omg, this girl is so STUPID! That’s the kind of sentences that are in here. Childish, rambling crap that goes on and on and makes you feel stupid just by reading it.
There are a lot of stupid schemes like that in this duet. The characters over-explain things until you feel like they’re speaking to a 5 year old who’s hard of understanding. The plots and schemes they come up with are so lame.
The book was just poorly written, plain and simple. Descriptions, conversations, everything was weak.
There were scenes that tried to be romantic, I’m sure, but failed miserably. It might just be the worst attempts at love I’ve ever witnessed.
“I was afraid,” I said. “Afraid something had happened to you. I couldn’t stand the thought of it, especially so soon after we found one another again.”
He lowered his head. “I’m honored that you care about me so much. I’ve never had such a—such a friend before.”
Is that all we are to one another? I thought. Is that all But I had no answer to my own question, only a strange feeling that danced away from me whenever I tried to give it a name.
“Don’t speak about Amenophis that way!” I snapped back. “He’s your closest kin.”
An ugly smile stole over Thutmose’s face. “And what is he to You?”
I pressed my lips together and gave him a hard look. “He’s my friend,” I said stiffly.
“Really?” The crown prince’s sneer grew ever repulsive by the moment. “Nothing more? Nothing. . . closer than that?”
“My friend,” I maintained. “Maybe if you’d tried to be my friend—my true friend—no one ould have had to force me to marry you.”
“He’s not ugly.” I leaped to Amenophis’s defense so hotly that it made Idu snicker.
“And he’s not just a friend to you, either, is he?”
There’s a very brief suggestion, and then we’re moving on. We don’t get her thoughts or feelings on the matter, just the mention of them being friends and then it’s over.
“Rrrrr?”
The musical rumbling of an inquisitive purr took me by surprise.
A cat with a questioning purr. I don’t even know what to say.
“And I would never abandon him. Never! Alive or dead.”
The momentary glimpse of a kinder, more human Thutmose vanished. “It’s true, then. You love him. You insulted me, cast me side, refused to help secure my path to Father’s throne, and all because you love him.”
I could have denied it. The words he’s only my friend and nothing more were halfway to my lips. I could have spoken them. I’d said them before, so easily, so simply. For the first time, I couldn’t.
I looked Thutmose in his hate-filled, hurt-filled eyes and said, “Yes, I love Amenophis. With all my heart, I do.”
Seriously? All that’s happened is people asking if they’re friends, when there really wasn’t even a reason to ask that question, and there have been no feelings on her end whatsoever, and all of a sudden you’re throwing out the L word?
“You probably would have eaten the honey instead of bringing it to my brother.”
First off, why in the world you italicize the word honey? Second, why would he even say that? This kid just goes off on tangents and I don’t know why he says the stuff he does.
“Ah, a word at last!” Thutmose snickered. “I was afraid that you’d wandered into the savage Red Lands and the vultures ate your tongue. Is that what happened to Amenophis? Is that why you won’t talk about him? He’s dead. The fool risked his life to save yours and lost his own. What an idiot! And now you think you’ll dodge the blame for his death by refusing to talk about it. You’d abandon his unburied body like a mongrel dog’s, starve his souls, deny him his place in the afterlife, just so you can—”
Whoa, whoa, slow down. What the heck is he going on about?
“Thutmose believes there’s nothing he has to do except have his own way in everything,” I countered. “He’ll find some excuse to continue the hunt, and if he has you” I closed my eyes— “He has me.”
“What are you say—”
And then Nava interrupts.
Rrrr. Was that the cat’s way of telling us she agreed with the child?
Murr. Ta-Miu wound her sleek body around my ankles in the dark.
What cat makes noises that like?
“Amenophis . . .” I turned my head so that there was only a fingertip’s breadth between our faces. “Amenophis, I—I feel—” Why couldn’t I tell him the words that had come to my lips so readily when I spoke to Thutmose. I love Amenophis. With all my heart, I do.
He had been the awkward one when we’d first met, but now it was my turn to be gawky, clumsy, tripping over my words the way he used to trip over his own feet.
There’s another moment, and then something happens, usually Nava interrupts. So annoying!
The scene where she sneaks into Thutmose’s tent and threatened him was probably the best scene in the entire book. She showed strength and determination, and I liked when she made him drink the liquid that would put him to sleep. I also liked the part where she finally spilled her feelings.
“Ah, so you’ve uncovered my scheme to distract you. Now I’ll have to eat mice after all. Don’t forget to skin them first. We can use the hides to make you a nice pair of sandals.”
I laughed. “You always know how to cheer me, Amenophis. No wonder I love you.”
“What?” His startled question echoed in the cave.
Oh, gods, how had that slipped out of my mouth? I wasn’t ready to say such things to him, not yet! Not yet!
And then she rambles on and on to distract him. It was a cute scene. I also liked when she came up with the plot to save Samut’s son:
We sat together with our backs pressed against the passageway wall and spoke in whispers when we spoke at all. We were too tense to exchange more than a few words, mostly small, nervous questions: Was I comfortable, was his foot bothering him, was that the sound of rocks falling or just our imaginations? When we actually heard Kawit’s signal, the handful of pebbles she dropped to alert us to Samut’s approach, it sounded as loud as if a monumental temple pillar had toppled to the ground.
He planted a clumsy kiss on my cheek and then made a disgusted sound when he tasted the paint on my face. When we caught up to him again, I was breathing hard and sweat was pouring down my face, my back, and my legs. “Slow down, for the love of Isis, I said, shifting to Ta-Mui’s basket to my other hip. “We almost lost you at least five times.”
Sadly, these slightly funny/enjoyable moments didn’t last long. There was another stupid part where the grave robbers talked on and on very stupidly and their lame scheme worked a little good.
I couldn’t believe that even after she loved him she was calling him homely. How do you love someone you think is homely? And the words bony, gangly, and gawky should not be used for the love interest in a book. Then a few pages after she said he had a homely face she tells him he’s handsome. I’m a little confused.
I always like a book where they don’t get with the handsome, conceited guy, but are more down to earth and like the less handsome, nicer guy. But when you describe someone with the physique of Amenophis, with his long limbs, gangly body, big head and long face with thick lips and small eyes, that makes him sound emaciated and just too ugly and I don’t go for it. Could you have made him any more undesirable? I’m wondering why Nefertiti even likes him at all.
Their romance was so boring. She’d kiss him softly, he’d kiss her, she’d hug him, and that was about the most of it. And he was calling her his beloved and it was just all so cheesy.
Everybody just goes on these long speeches every time they open their mouths, speeches that last like half a page.
She’s so gullible and she always falls into everyone’s traps. She says stuff she shouldn’t and gives people leverage to use against her. Then there’s the race between her and Thutmose and the dilemma with her dress that goes on for almost three pages. Oh. My. God. Someone put me out of my misery already.
“You’re doing better than I expected, little gazelle!” he called out. “Too bad your hooves are tied, or else you might have had a hope of beating me. What luck that hounds are smarter than their prey! Ah well, cheer up. You can teach our sons how to run.”
What? I just don’t get it. The hooves being tied, him saying she can teach their sons how to run…why would he even say that? She isn’t running well at all, so he’s saying she can teach their sons to run badly? And hooves being tied? That reference doesn’t make one ounce of sense.
It’s just all so stupid and I feel as if my IQ has dropped since reading this.
Then was a few conflicts there at the end that were easily and quickly resolved. Thutmose just all of a sudden turned nice, and it was like he did a complete 360 in the matter of a day, and I was like what? Nothing had even happened to make him be nice to them, and yet he was suddenly laughing and having a good time. You don’t introduce a bad character that’s trying to kill people and treating his brother like crap and then just make him nice at the end, I guess so everyone will think kindly of him and have fond memories since she killed him off.
Then Bit-Bit is distant towards her, and that lasts for a little while before it’s suddenly cleared up in time for the wedding.
This book was very juvenile, definitely for a younger audience than me. The way they talked was childish and exhausting to read. Everyone used way too much emotion when speaking; words were italicized and emphasized that didn’t need to be, and there were exclamation points at the end of nearly every sentence.
“Now see what you’ve done to me, Nefertiti! If you had been a normal girl, you would have jumped at the chance to marry me, not delay and delay and delay. You made me wait--me, the next pharaoh, the god-on-earth! Father would have named me coruler long ago if you’d married me when you were supposed to instead of wasting time with my brother, that ugly, stammering bundle of sticks and stupidity!”
“It’s one thing to get that little boat across the sacred river, but to steer it for days? I don’t know if I can do it, and now I must.
“What good was it to break you out of your prison if Thutmose recaptures you because I wasn’t smart enough or strong enough to keep you out of his hands?”
A lot of the talking and phrases aren’t historically accurate. It just did not sound like they were in ancient Egypt at all.
There was a bold quality to his to hops and flutters that made it seem as if he were swaggering, telling the whole world, “Oh yes, this is a fine crocodile, isn’t it? One of the biggest, the strongest, the best hunters. And he works for me.”
Need I say more?
We’ve got Amenophis stumbling and stuttering over his words all the time.
“Y—yes. I mean I’m not sure about that either.”
“None for me, please. I’m . . . I’m not hungry.”
“I—I guess you’re right. The gods forbits it, but—but it would tangle your legs and drag you down.”
Omg, did you realize how everyone was talking?! They were over-emphasizing everything! Jeeze, read it back and see how annoying that is.
“For all you know, your sister Sitamun has covered our tracks for us. She’s a very smart woman. Think about it: Thutmose discovers that we’re gone and starts raging through the palace, demanding to know who’s responsible for our escape. I wouldn’t put it past Sitamun to act guilty on purpose, just so he’d turn on her and demand a confession. Oh, she would pretend to know nothing about it, but she’d pretend badly, until finally she’d made a great show of breaking down and telling him that we ran away up the river or that we didn’t even sail away at all, but took a chariot and—”
Omg, this girl is so STUPID! That’s the kind of sentences that are in here. Childish, rambling crap that goes on and on and makes you feel stupid just by reading it.
There are a lot of stupid schemes like that in this duet. The characters over-explain things until you feel like they’re speaking to a 5 year old who’s hard of understanding. The plots and schemes they come up with are so lame.
The book was just poorly written, plain and simple. Descriptions, conversations, everything was weak.
There were scenes that tried to be romantic, I’m sure, but failed miserably. It might just be the worst attempts at love I’ve ever witnessed.
“I was afraid,” I said. “Afraid something had happened to you. I couldn’t stand the thought of it, especially so soon after we found one another again.”
He lowered his head. “I’m honored that you care about me so much. I’ve never had such a—such a friend before.”
Is that all we are to one another? I thought. Is that all But I had no answer to my own question, only a strange feeling that danced away from me whenever I tried to give it a name.
“Don’t speak about Amenophis that way!” I snapped back. “He’s your closest kin.”
An ugly smile stole over Thutmose’s face. “And what is he to You?”
I pressed my lips together and gave him a hard look. “He’s my friend,” I said stiffly.
“Really?” The crown prince’s sneer grew ever repulsive by the moment. “Nothing more? Nothing. . . closer than that?”
“My friend,” I maintained. “Maybe if you’d tried to be my friend—my true friend—no one ould have had to force me to marry you.”
“He’s not ugly.” I leaped to Amenophis’s defense so hotly that it made Idu snicker.
“And he’s not just a friend to you, either, is he?”
There’s a very brief suggestion, and then we’re moving on. We don’t get her thoughts or feelings on the matter, just the mention of them being friends and then it’s over.
“Rrrrr?”
The musical rumbling of an inquisitive purr took me by surprise.
A cat with a questioning purr. I don’t even know what to say.
“And I would never abandon him. Never! Alive or dead.”
The momentary glimpse of a kinder, more human Thutmose vanished. “It’s true, then. You love him. You insulted me, cast me side, refused to help secure my path to Father’s throne, and all because you love him.”
I could have denied it. The words he’s only my friend and nothing more were halfway to my lips. I could have spoken them. I’d said them before, so easily, so simply. For the first time, I couldn’t.
I looked Thutmose in his hate-filled, hurt-filled eyes and said, “Yes, I love Amenophis. With all my heart, I do.”
Seriously? All that’s happened is people asking if they’re friends, when there really wasn’t even a reason to ask that question, and there have been no feelings on her end whatsoever, and all of a sudden you’re throwing out the L word?
“You probably would have eaten the honey instead of bringing it to my brother.”
First off, why in the world you italicize the word honey? Second, why would he even say that? This kid just goes off on tangents and I don’t know why he says the stuff he does.
“Ah, a word at last!” Thutmose snickered. “I was afraid that you’d wandered into the savage Red Lands and the vultures ate your tongue. Is that what happened to Amenophis? Is that why you won’t talk about him? He’s dead. The fool risked his life to save yours and lost his own. What an idiot! And now you think you’ll dodge the blame for his death by refusing to talk about it. You’d abandon his unburied body like a mongrel dog’s, starve his souls, deny him his place in the afterlife, just so you can—”
Whoa, whoa, slow down. What the heck is he going on about?
“Thutmose believes there’s nothing he has to do except have his own way in everything,” I countered. “He’ll find some excuse to continue the hunt, and if he has you” I closed my eyes— “He has me.”
“What are you say—”
And then Nava interrupts.
Rrrr. Was that the cat’s way of telling us she agreed with the child?
Murr. Ta-Miu wound her sleek body around my ankles in the dark.
What cat makes noises that like?
“Amenophis . . .” I turned my head so that there was only a fingertip’s breadth between our faces. “Amenophis, I—I feel—” Why couldn’t I tell him the words that had come to my lips so readily when I spoke to Thutmose. I love Amenophis. With all my heart, I do.
He had been the awkward one when we’d first met, but now it was my turn to be gawky, clumsy, tripping over my words the way he used to trip over his own feet.
There’s another moment, and then something happens, usually Nava interrupts. So annoying!
The scene where she sneaks into Thutmose’s tent and threatened him was probably the best scene in the entire book. She showed strength and determination, and I liked when she made him drink the liquid that would put him to sleep. I also liked the part where she finally spilled her feelings.
“Ah, so you’ve uncovered my scheme to distract you. Now I’ll have to eat mice after all. Don’t forget to skin them first. We can use the hides to make you a nice pair of sandals.”
I laughed. “You always know how to cheer me, Amenophis. No wonder I love you.”
“What?” His startled question echoed in the cave.
Oh, gods, how had that slipped out of my mouth? I wasn’t ready to say such things to him, not yet! Not yet!
And then she rambles on and on to distract him. It was a cute scene. I also liked when she came up with the plot to save Samut’s son:
We sat together with our backs pressed against the passageway wall and spoke in whispers when we spoke at all. We were too tense to exchange more than a few words, mostly small, nervous questions: Was I comfortable, was his foot bothering him, was that the sound of rocks falling or just our imaginations? When we actually heard Kawit’s signal, the handful of pebbles she dropped to alert us to Samut’s approach, it sounded as loud as if a monumental temple pillar had toppled to the ground.
He planted a clumsy kiss on my cheek and then made a disgusted sound when he tasted the paint on my face. When we caught up to him again, I was breathing hard and sweat was pouring down my face, my back, and my legs. “Slow down, for the love of Isis, I said, shifting to Ta-Mui’s basket to my other hip. “We almost lost you at least five times.”
Sadly, these slightly funny/enjoyable moments didn’t last long. There was another stupid part where the grave robbers talked on and on very stupidly and their lame scheme worked a little good.
I couldn’t believe that even after she loved him she was calling him homely. How do you love someone you think is homely? And the words bony, gangly, and gawky should not be used for the love interest in a book. Then a few pages after she said he had a homely face she tells him he’s handsome. I’m a little confused.
I always like a book where they don’t get with the handsome, conceited guy, but are more down to earth and like the less handsome, nicer guy. But when you describe someone with the physique of Amenophis, with his long limbs, gangly body, big head and long face with thick lips and small eyes, that makes him sound emaciated and just too ugly and I don’t go for it. Could you have made him any more undesirable? I’m wondering why Nefertiti even likes him at all.
Their romance was so boring. She’d kiss him softly, he’d kiss her, she’d hug him, and that was about the most of it. And he was calling her his beloved and it was just all so cheesy.
Everybody just goes on these long speeches every time they open their mouths, speeches that last like half a page.
She’s so gullible and she always falls into everyone’s traps. She says stuff she shouldn’t and gives people leverage to use against her. Then there’s the race between her and Thutmose and the dilemma with her dress that goes on for almost three pages. Oh. My. God. Someone put me out of my misery already.
“You’re doing better than I expected, little gazelle!” he called out. “Too bad your hooves are tied, or else you might have had a hope of beating me. What luck that hounds are smarter than their prey! Ah well, cheer up. You can teach our sons how to run.”
What? I just don’t get it. The hooves being tied, him saying she can teach their sons how to run…why would he even say that? She isn’t running well at all, so he’s saying she can teach their sons to run badly? And hooves being tied? That reference doesn’t make one ounce of sense.
It’s just all so stupid and I feel as if my IQ has dropped since reading this.
Then was a few conflicts there at the end that were easily and quickly resolved. Thutmose just all of a sudden turned nice, and it was like he did a complete 360 in the matter of a day, and I was like what? Nothing had even happened to make him be nice to them, and yet he was suddenly laughing and having a good time. You don’t introduce a bad character that’s trying to kill people and treating his brother like crap and then just make him nice at the end, I guess so everyone will think kindly of him and have fond memories since she killed him off.
Then Bit-Bit is distant towards her, and that lasts for a little while before it’s suddenly cleared up in time for the wedding.
December 18, 2011
Sphinx's Queen is the continuation of the book Sphinx's Princess. Sphinx's Princess is about a girl named Nefertiti. She was supposed to be the bride of the next pharoah, Thutmose, but Thutmose wanted to take revenge on Nefertiti because Thutmose thought that Nefertiti liked his younger brother. Also, their wedding was postponed for three years due to the fact that Nefertiti's too young so Thutmose's spot as pharaoh is not secure. Now, Nefertiti must pay for a crime she did not commit, but before the punishment can be carried out, they need the pharaoh's agreement so she's being held inside a prison. Fortunately, the pharaoh is on a trip in Dendera. In Sphinx's Queen, Nefertiti escaped her prison with the help of her friends and sets off to Dendera with Thutmose's younger brother, Amenophis, and Nava, who once was a slave, but now, she is like a sister to Nefertiti. But before they reach Dendera, they will have to escape Thutmose and his soldiers and survive the whole way there. Even if they do get there in one piece, Nefertiti will still have to convince pharaoh that Thutmose, pharaoh' son, had framed her about commiting a false crime.
The reason I picked this book up is because I liked the Sphinx's Princess. I enjoyed that book a lot so I wanted to give the next book a try as well.I also wanted to find out badly about what will happen to Nefertiti and how she will survive.
I finished this book because it was very intresting. Nefertiti's journey was fun and hilarious and it was hard to stop reading. I was determined to finish this book because I wanted to see what will happen to Nefertiti and Thutmose. It turns out that they became friends, which was really unexpected for me.
I would recommend this book to anybody who likes the book Sphinx's Princess. This is because the author's writing style is similar and this book was as intresting as the first book. Nefertiti's adventure in this book was amusing.
The reason I picked this book up is because I liked the Sphinx's Princess. I enjoyed that book a lot so I wanted to give the next book a try as well.I also wanted to find out badly about what will happen to Nefertiti and how she will survive.
I finished this book because it was very intresting. Nefertiti's journey was fun and hilarious and it was hard to stop reading. I was determined to finish this book because I wanted to see what will happen to Nefertiti and Thutmose. It turns out that they became friends, which was really unexpected for me.
I would recommend this book to anybody who likes the book Sphinx's Princess. This is because the author's writing style is similar and this book was as intresting as the first book. Nefertiti's adventure in this book was amusing.
November 25, 2015
[review written 2013]
actually i liked this book a lot better than sphinx’s princess. there was more suspense in it, and the plot moved quickly enough for me to keep interested and this time i actually cared about the romance subplot between nefertiti and amenophis.
it was good, but it wasn’t great. one thing i both loved and hated was the face heel turn (i am using tv tropes to describe things again) by thutmose and later, queen tiye. on one hand, i was rooting constantly for them to realize that their paranoia was completely unwarranted, but i was dismayed at how quick it seemed to be.
which was why i used the term face heel turn. (or heel face turn?) but no! i liked it and i liked how everything wrapped up neatly in the end and most of all how it was a happy ending.
i’m definitely going to reread her series about helen of troy now (well, i read the first book, so reread that.) i liked nefertiti in this book, i liked nava, and most oddly of all, i liked thutmose, even though he irritated me through most of the book. by the end, i felt sorry for him.
this book is an 8/10 and once again, for people who like history or strong women rulers. (because even if nefertiti isn’t a ruler when the books take place, she is unarguably strong. in regards to femininity and strength, friesner does not do the thing where nefertiti switches between masculine ideals of strength and feminine ideals of beauty. she is feminine and she is strong because she is clever and smart and ready to fight for herself, and she will not let anyone control her, and i loved that.)
actually i liked this book a lot better than sphinx’s princess. there was more suspense in it, and the plot moved quickly enough for me to keep interested and this time i actually cared about the romance subplot between nefertiti and amenophis.
it was good, but it wasn’t great. one thing i both loved and hated was the face heel turn (i am using tv tropes to describe things again) by thutmose and later, queen tiye. on one hand, i was rooting constantly for them to realize that their paranoia was completely unwarranted, but i was dismayed at how quick it seemed to be.
which was why i used the term face heel turn. (or heel face turn?) but no! i liked it and i liked how everything wrapped up neatly in the end and most of all how it was a happy ending.
i’m definitely going to reread her series about helen of troy now (well, i read the first book, so reread that.) i liked nefertiti in this book, i liked nava, and most oddly of all, i liked thutmose, even though he irritated me through most of the book. by the end, i felt sorry for him.
this book is an 8/10 and once again, for people who like history or strong women rulers. (because even if nefertiti isn’t a ruler when the books take place, she is unarguably strong. in regards to femininity and strength, friesner does not do the thing where nefertiti switches between masculine ideals of strength and feminine ideals of beauty. she is feminine and she is strong because she is clever and smart and ready to fight for herself, and she will not let anyone control her, and i loved that.)
May 20, 2013
Nefertiti can be as tantalizing and mysterious as the Mona Lisa, and like her European Cousin, the real Nefertiti is still smiling and holding on to her secrets. Esther Friesner imagines what the young Nefertiti may have been like in this novel. Although a bit unrealistic, it still provides a good trip of imagination into what this imposing personality may have actually been like as a child and young woman.
June 22, 2013
After reading Sphinx's Princess I was very pleased to read this book. The first book was very good, but this one was even better. The story held my attention and I could hardly put it down. I would definitely recommend reading this if you are interested in Ancient Egypt. In addition to being a great story this book also provides a lot of interesting information about life in Ancient Egypt.
February 3, 2011
Esther Frienser doesn't fail too disappoint. She weaves the final book in this series masterfully and creates characters that readers fall in love with.
This finale to the series was definitely a triumph.
A great read for anybody who likes historical fiction.
This finale to the series was definitely a triumph.
A great read for anybody who likes historical fiction.
February 21, 2011
I loved this book. It makes me want to learn more about Nefertiti. It was very entertaining. It was also emotional.
August 9, 2022
Still on of my all time favorites!
November 18, 2011
I give four stars only because I did not enjoy the ending... Actually, I was quite shocked about what happened.
I hope and am sure I'm not the one who feels this way...?
I hope and am sure I'm not the one who feels this way...?
August 19, 2019
Couldn't force myself to finish this.... Was too cringy. Saw nothing good happening. Knew the ending anyway (haha).
March 22, 2023
When we left Nefertiti in Sphinx's Princess she had escaped the cell (and death sentence) she was in for being falsely accused of killing Thutmose's cat. From there the action is episodic, she, Nava and Amenophis face hippos on the river and get separated, her friends presumed dead. There is worry about having enough food. When they get to the Pharaoh and Queen Tiye with living proof she didn't kill the cat she is accused of using her feminine wiles to have maneuvered the situation. That's a stretch, but the Queen knows her first born is perfect.
Quick read, episodic, usually with the chapters ending on a cliffhanger. Good bonding sequence(s) between Nefertiti, Amenophis and Nava. YA, intrigue, melodrama. 4.6 stars.
Quick read, episodic, usually with the chapters ending on a cliffhanger. Good bonding sequence(s) between Nefertiti, Amenophis and Nava. YA, intrigue, melodrama. 4.6 stars.
September 3, 2022
A tidy sequel to Sphinx's Princess. The characters are likable and many-faceted; even the antagonists, Queen/Aunt Tiye and Tutmose, are never painted as villains by a rough hand. Major antagonist Tutmose even undergoes a bit of a transformation, despite how little he ingratiated himself to the reader before, and I always love to see nuanced characters like that, rather than lazy archetypes.
March 27, 2023
Great (and at times really breathtaking) conclusion of Nefertitis story.
January 30, 2013
I am so glad that I finally gave this series a try. Back in December I finally got around to reading and reviewing the first novel and this one turned out to be my second read of 2013 and it really kicked off the year for me.
This book continues exactly where the first book Sphinx's Princess left off, and I mean exactly, the two novels flowed seamlessly from the first book to the second which I really appreciated because it sucks to have to pick a story back up again when the author has lost the flow.
Anyway, in book two we find Nefertiti still running for her life and battling the feelings she has for her fiance's brother as well as the responsibilities to a young slave girl who depends on the two of them for her very survival. Ancient Egypt was no place for a nine year old to be running around lost and alone so Nefertiti and Amenophis try to hide their feelings for each other for her sake.
The journey that they're on proves to be hazardous and fraught with danger, deception, betrayal, love and adventure. I loved that there was so much happening in the book and that the whole novel was a delight to read. I really enjoyed the historical aspect of it since I've always enjoyed Ancient Egyptian history.
Sphinx's Queen was an exotic, entertaining and extremely well developed piece of young adult historical fiction. I thought the characters had a lot more dimension to them than they did in the first book. Nefertiti and Amenophis' relationship evolves dramatically in this book and both of them mature rather quickly in terms of their characters.
What I think I liked most about the book though was the fact that Nefertiti was represented as a strong willed, independent and intelligent young woman who would risk anything for justice to be upheld. I don't see that very often in books but it is wonderful when I come across a book where the author shows that young women can stand on their own two feet.
The characters, plot and writing were fantastic and I loved Sphinx's Queen even more than I loved Sphinx's Princess which I wasn't expecting at all. I really enjoyed how the events in this one turned out and the ending was just perfect for me. It left me feeling the the two books came full circle and left me feeling satisfied with the outcome.
I would highly recommend this novel to those who really enjoy young adult historical fiction but remember this is the second book and you have to read the first book to really follow along the story. I think this author will go on my favourites list and I can't wait to read her other works.
This book continues exactly where the first book Sphinx's Princess left off, and I mean exactly, the two novels flowed seamlessly from the first book to the second which I really appreciated because it sucks to have to pick a story back up again when the author has lost the flow.
Anyway, in book two we find Nefertiti still running for her life and battling the feelings she has for her fiance's brother as well as the responsibilities to a young slave girl who depends on the two of them for her very survival. Ancient Egypt was no place for a nine year old to be running around lost and alone so Nefertiti and Amenophis try to hide their feelings for each other for her sake.
The journey that they're on proves to be hazardous and fraught with danger, deception, betrayal, love and adventure. I loved that there was so much happening in the book and that the whole novel was a delight to read. I really enjoyed the historical aspect of it since I've always enjoyed Ancient Egyptian history.
Sphinx's Queen was an exotic, entertaining and extremely well developed piece of young adult historical fiction. I thought the characters had a lot more dimension to them than they did in the first book. Nefertiti and Amenophis' relationship evolves dramatically in this book and both of them mature rather quickly in terms of their characters.
What I think I liked most about the book though was the fact that Nefertiti was represented as a strong willed, independent and intelligent young woman who would risk anything for justice to be upheld. I don't see that very often in books but it is wonderful when I come across a book where the author shows that young women can stand on their own two feet.
The characters, plot and writing were fantastic and I loved Sphinx's Queen even more than I loved Sphinx's Princess which I wasn't expecting at all. I really enjoyed how the events in this one turned out and the ending was just perfect for me. It left me feeling the the two books came full circle and left me feeling satisfied with the outcome.
I would highly recommend this novel to those who really enjoy young adult historical fiction but remember this is the second book and you have to read the first book to really follow along the story. I think this author will go on my favourites list and I can't wait to read her other works.
April 13, 2020
I thought this book was a perfect finish to the story of Nefertiti! I liked how the author created this fantastic life of this amazing Egyptian queen. There's not much known about her, but I think this book makes Nefertiti even more mysterious! Despite the sad parts of this book, the ending was perfect.
Update 4/13/20 Changed rating from 5 to 4 stars, there will be *spoilers at the end of this review.
I can't help be a little more critical of books that I read ever since college, but I still enjoyed reading the sequel. I think this book was just as entertaining as the first and Nefertiti was still an amazing character. The side characters are great as well. I do think that the plot meandered a bit. Just the trip to get to Dendera felt a little longer than necessary and I think the build-up to the climatic moment wasn't as satisfying as in the first book, and the climax itself in this book felt almost nonexistent. Or at least, it's hard to discern. Everything did have a good conclusion, but I think it felt rushed. Instead of the time spent talking about the troubles getting to Dendera, I wish it was spent developing what happens after the trial in Ma'at's temple. Though it was entertaining, I think the whole conflict with Samut and the tomb robbers was quite unnecessary, if only to prove that Nefertiti is strong and brave (which I don't think that needs to be proved at this point). I wanted to read more conversations between Nefertiti and Thutmose, to feel like they really were resolving the conflict between themselves and becoming friends. Everything felt so rushed to me. I wanted a little more explanation or hints about Amenophis and Thutmose becoming better brothers. And I wanted to feel more devastated at Thumose's death, I wanted to feel the grief was deserved. And again, I wanted a little more time with resolving Nefertiti's relationship with Aunt Tiye. It felt rushed again. And so did Nefertiti's reunion with her family. Just very, very rushed. To be fair, this book series is meant more for middle grade readers so maybe it's not meant to be as complex, but I think that's a tired excuse. No matter the age group or genre, going in-depth with the feelings of characters is always more rewarding, in my opinion.
Overall, I was still satisfied with this book, but I felt like the writing and plotting could have been a little bit better.
Update 4/13/20 Changed rating from 5 to 4 stars, there will be *spoilers at the end of this review.
I can't help be a little more critical of books that I read ever since college, but I still enjoyed reading the sequel. I think this book was just as entertaining as the first and Nefertiti was still an amazing character. The side characters are great as well. I do think that the plot meandered a bit. Just the trip to get to Dendera felt a little longer than necessary and I think the build-up to the climatic moment wasn't as satisfying as in the first book, and the climax itself in this book felt almost nonexistent. Or at least, it's hard to discern. Everything did have a good conclusion, but I think it felt rushed. Instead of the time spent talking about the troubles getting to Dendera, I wish it was spent developing what happens after the trial in Ma'at's temple. Though it was entertaining, I think the whole conflict with Samut and the tomb robbers was quite unnecessary, if only to prove that Nefertiti is strong and brave (which I don't think that needs to be proved at this point). I wanted to read more conversations between Nefertiti and Thutmose, to feel like they really were resolving the conflict between themselves and becoming friends. Everything felt so rushed to me. I wanted a little more explanation or hints about Amenophis and Thutmose becoming better brothers. And I wanted to feel more devastated at Thumose's death, I wanted to feel the grief was deserved. And again, I wanted a little more time with resolving Nefertiti's relationship with Aunt Tiye. It felt rushed again. And so did Nefertiti's reunion with her family. Just very, very rushed. To be fair, this book series is meant more for middle grade readers so maybe it's not meant to be as complex, but I think that's a tired excuse. No matter the age group or genre, going in-depth with the feelings of characters is always more rewarding, in my opinion.
Overall, I was still satisfied with this book, but I felt like the writing and plotting could have been a little bit better.
September 17, 2013
Frivolous but important details first: The cover. I love Nefertiti's dress and jewelry. She looks stunning...except what happened to her left arm? Just sayin' that kinda gives me a weird impression about the book.
But on to the book! Yes, I really liked this one. It was a wonderful follow-up to Sphinx's Princess, which was a great story but lacked drama and action. Sphinx's Queen makes up for the first book's shortfall as Nefertiti guides the reader on an adventure through the treacherous Nile and land of ancient Egypt. This book has a clearer purpose and more defined characters than the first; Nefertiti's perilous journey transforms her from an imploring young girl into a smart, headstrong young woman.
The gripes I do have about this book are mostly due to editing errors. I downloaded the iBooks version and towards the end, the book gets a little funny. There seems to be some gaps that appear, like a few pages here and there are missing. For example, in one paragraph Nefertiti is with her Aunt Tiye in her room, then the next paragraph it is suddenly a few weeks' time later with no flow through. In another chapter there is a passage indicating there is a conversation between Nefertiti and Thutmose taking place, but the writing is not organized so we know it's being spoken in the present or if Nefertiti is dreaming it up. A few pages are completely italicized and it's not clear when that part of the story is happening, so it threw me off a bit.
Fortunately, the book is still enthralling despite its errors. Although the solution to most of the character's problems seem blindingly obvious (Tiye, just let Nefertiti marry Amenophis! Let it go already!), the path that is taken is appropriate to what the true Nefertiti ultimately accomplishes. After reading up on some basic Egyptian mythology and history, Friesner's recreation fits quite nicely with what little is known about Nefertiti. It is colorful and imaginative and I'm looking forward to reading more of her historical fiction.
http://emeraldsandempresses.blogspot....
But on to the book! Yes, I really liked this one. It was a wonderful follow-up to Sphinx's Princess, which was a great story but lacked drama and action. Sphinx's Queen makes up for the first book's shortfall as Nefertiti guides the reader on an adventure through the treacherous Nile and land of ancient Egypt. This book has a clearer purpose and more defined characters than the first; Nefertiti's perilous journey transforms her from an imploring young girl into a smart, headstrong young woman.
The gripes I do have about this book are mostly due to editing errors. I downloaded the iBooks version and towards the end, the book gets a little funny. There seems to be some gaps that appear, like a few pages here and there are missing. For example, in one paragraph Nefertiti is with her Aunt Tiye in her room, then the next paragraph it is suddenly a few weeks' time later with no flow through. In another chapter there is a passage indicating there is a conversation between Nefertiti and Thutmose taking place, but the writing is not organized so we know it's being spoken in the present or if Nefertiti is dreaming it up. A few pages are completely italicized and it's not clear when that part of the story is happening, so it threw me off a bit.
Fortunately, the book is still enthralling despite its errors. Although the solution to most of the character's problems seem blindingly obvious (Tiye, just let Nefertiti marry Amenophis! Let it go already!), the path that is taken is appropriate to what the true Nefertiti ultimately accomplishes. After reading up on some basic Egyptian mythology and history, Friesner's recreation fits quite nicely with what little is known about Nefertiti. It is colorful and imaginative and I'm looking forward to reading more of her historical fiction.
http://emeraldsandempresses.blogspot....
February 6, 2011
I read this a few weeks after reading the first book in this 2-book series. (You can see my review of the first book, The Sphinx's Princess right HERE. Unfortunately, I didn't like this book nearly as much as the first.
This book picks up where The Sphinx's Princess left off. Nefertiti has escaped Thutmose with Amenophis and Nava and is traveling along the Nile. Throughout the first half of the book they travel from place to place, receiving help and helping others. They run into Thutmose. They travel to the Pharaoh. The second half of the book seems almost like a separate story, although one much closer to that of the Sphinx's Princess. This half of the story is filled with the plotting and politics of court life.
The plot and story lines of this novel were great, but problems lay in the characters. Nefertiti is much the same character as she was in the Sphinx's Princess, however in this novel she seems a little too perfect and flawless. At one point she gets mistaken her a goddess. In another scene she escapes Thutmose's camp a by herself. She makes few, if any mistakes. On top of being incredibly beautiful, she is kind, good, and smart. She's pretty much a Mary Sue.
The other characters lack depth. The villains lack true motivation for their villainous deeds, and
Despite this, it was an OK book. I liked the historical aspects of it. The settings were well described and vibrant. It was enjoyable. Also, it wrapped up the series pretty well. For these reasons, I plan on reading any other books this author comes out with.
Rating: 8/10
Characters: 4/10
Premise: 9/10
Enjoyment: 8/10
Plot: 10/10
Writing: 9/10
This book picks up where The Sphinx's Princess left off. Nefertiti has escaped Thutmose with Amenophis and Nava and is traveling along the Nile. Throughout the first half of the book they travel from place to place, receiving help and helping others. They run into Thutmose. They travel to the Pharaoh. The second half of the book seems almost like a separate story, although one much closer to that of the Sphinx's Princess. This half of the story is filled with the plotting and politics of court life.
The plot and story lines of this novel were great, but problems lay in the characters. Nefertiti is much the same character as she was in the Sphinx's Princess, however in this novel she seems a little too perfect and flawless. At one point she gets mistaken her a goddess. In another scene she escapes Thutmose's camp a by herself. She makes few, if any mistakes. On top of being incredibly beautiful, she is kind, good, and smart. She's pretty much a Mary Sue.
The other characters lack depth. The villains lack true motivation for their villainous deeds, and
Despite this, it was an OK book. I liked the historical aspects of it. The settings were well described and vibrant. It was enjoyable. Also, it wrapped up the series pretty well. For these reasons, I plan on reading any other books this author comes out with.
Rating: 8/10
Characters: 4/10
Premise: 9/10
Enjoyment: 8/10
Plot: 10/10
Writing: 9/10
October 21, 2014
If you have read my review for Sphinx's Princess - this book's prequel - then you know that I enjoyed it, and looked forward to a similar experience while reading it's sequel - Sphinx's Queen. For the most part, I was not disappointed. The characters - Nefertiti especially - are vibrant and full of life. Some of the dialogue was too modern for my taste - especially for an Egyptian-based story -, but it didn't detract from the story too much.
However, while the majority of Sphinx's Queen is every bit as intriguing and suspenseful as Sphinx's Princess, I was pretty disappointed with the ending. I will try to write this without giving anything away, but if you fear spoilers, read no further. I hate - absolutely hate it when characters reconcile with enemies. When a person is out for your blood and does everything he/she possibly can to ensure your death, the likelihood of that person to have a change of heart due to kind treatment is not high. I am not saying that it doesn't ever happen, but it is a rare occurrence - and in the case of Nefertiti and the two who do everything they can to destroy her and Amenophis have been doing similar things like that to have so full a reconciliation as they do. They start out as a full-fledged blood-feud - with the two setting Nefertiti up so they can kill her - and end up the best of buddies. Nefertiti's worst enemies suffer a complete attitude and personality-change. Sorry, but it doesn't work out that way, and when it does. no one wants a book to end like that.
So aside from the disappointing occurrence between Nefertiti and her enemies in the end, Sphinx's Queen is almost every bit as good as Sphinx's Princess, and if you are curious to see how things turn out (and if you have read Sphinx's Princess, I have little doubt that you are), you won't be too disappointed.
However, while the majority of Sphinx's Queen is every bit as intriguing and suspenseful as Sphinx's Princess, I was pretty disappointed with the ending. I will try to write this without giving anything away, but if you fear spoilers, read no further. I hate - absolutely hate it when characters reconcile with enemies. When a person is out for your blood and does everything he/she possibly can to ensure your death, the likelihood of that person to have a change of heart due to kind treatment is not high. I am not saying that it doesn't ever happen, but it is a rare occurrence - and in the case of Nefertiti and the two who do everything they can to destroy her and Amenophis have been doing similar things like that to have so full a reconciliation as they do. They start out as a full-fledged blood-feud - with the two setting Nefertiti up so they can kill her - and end up the best of buddies. Nefertiti's worst enemies suffer a complete attitude and personality-change. Sorry, but it doesn't work out that way, and when it does. no one wants a book to end like that.
So aside from the disappointing occurrence between Nefertiti and her enemies in the end, Sphinx's Queen is almost every bit as good as Sphinx's Princess, and if you are curious to see how things turn out (and if you have read Sphinx's Princess, I have little doubt that you are), you won't be too disappointed.
December 13, 2010
Sphinx's Queen: I read the first book several months ago, highly enjoyed it, and then went and bought this one without hesitation. However, it sat on a shelf in my bedroom in clear sight, where I saw it everyday. Why? I guess I just wasnt feeling it. I finally picked it up, and I am so very glad I did. ~~SPOILERS AHEAD~~ This book opens with Nefertiti, Nava, and Amenhopis fleeing Nefertiti's fiancee, crown Prince Thutmose. While rather slow to begin, soon this novel picked up with action and adventure, just like the first. Many new minor charactors were introduced, each with their own story. These subplots where short and intertaining, and were directly linked to the main story, so I didnt mind them one bit. Anyways, skipping ahead, Nefertiti makes it to Dendra, where her soon-to-be inlaws are at a festival for the goddess Hathor. She pleads her case with them, who agree to let her go to the palace of Ma'at, the goddess of truth,to test her innocence. Long story short, she is found guiltless by the goddess, and in a hysterical rage, Thutmose tried to kill her. He then loses his fathers favor, though for a rather unspecified reason, Nefertiti helps him gain him it back, only for him to get ill and die. Oh, did I forget to mention Amenophis and Nefertiti admit their love for each other early on, and are now informally 'coarting'?(The only part that rather annoyed me in this book was how cheesy thier romance could be on occasion) Did I? Major apologies. Moving on, its a happy ending for everyone. Nefertiti marries the love of her life, Amenophis, who is made crown prince, she is reunited with her family, and makes peace with her manipulating aunt Tiye. A great and realistic story, with wonderful historical details, you will not be disappointed with this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2012
Nefertiti is on the run for her life in this thrilling sequel to Esther Friesner's "Sphinx's Princess".
Nefertiti, "The Beautiful Woman has Come", was supposed to marry her cousin, the Crown Prince Thutmose. But after he proves to be too manipulative and spiteful, and after being convicted for a crime she didn't commit, Nefertiti is running to see the pharaoh himself to profess her innocence. But danger awaits her at every turn in the king's city, and even more so outside it. All she has for companions are the young slave girl, Nava, and Amenophis, Thutmose's brother whom Nefertiti finds herself falling in love with. Unfortunately, once Nefertiti gets to her destination, Thutmose has already beaten her to it. He claims she's making the whole story up, but Nefertiti keeps professing her innocence.
After Thutmose has burned the name of Ma'at, the goddess of the sacred truth, and learning that the gods are in some way a means to control the people, Nefertiti isn't sure anymore what is truth, and questioning it could challenge Egyptian society itself. One thing is certain though, by the end of her journey, she transforms into a beautiful, intelligent, and confident young woman.
Esther Friesner is truly a master writer. She transports people not only into the society and history of the day, but also into the minds of the characters. Every decision Nefertiti makes, I understand. And I think it really challenges YA literature in general to read that she doesn't want the handsome but abusive boy, she wants the not-so-handsome boy whom she loves because of his personality. Loved this book, highly recommend it!
These are the ratings I'll give for the following.
Story: 10/10
Heroine: 10/10
Hero: 10/10
Nefertiti, "The Beautiful Woman has Come", was supposed to marry her cousin, the Crown Prince Thutmose. But after he proves to be too manipulative and spiteful, and after being convicted for a crime she didn't commit, Nefertiti is running to see the pharaoh himself to profess her innocence. But danger awaits her at every turn in the king's city, and even more so outside it. All she has for companions are the young slave girl, Nava, and Amenophis, Thutmose's brother whom Nefertiti finds herself falling in love with. Unfortunately, once Nefertiti gets to her destination, Thutmose has already beaten her to it. He claims she's making the whole story up, but Nefertiti keeps professing her innocence.
After Thutmose has burned the name of Ma'at, the goddess of the sacred truth, and learning that the gods are in some way a means to control the people, Nefertiti isn't sure anymore what is truth, and questioning it could challenge Egyptian society itself. One thing is certain though, by the end of her journey, she transforms into a beautiful, intelligent, and confident young woman.
Esther Friesner is truly a master writer. She transports people not only into the society and history of the day, but also into the minds of the characters. Every decision Nefertiti makes, I understand. And I think it really challenges YA literature in general to read that she doesn't want the handsome but abusive boy, she wants the not-so-handsome boy whom she loves because of his personality. Loved this book, highly recommend it!
These are the ratings I'll give for the following.
Story: 10/10
Heroine: 10/10
Hero: 10/10
August 27, 2013
Nefertiti is on the run for a crime she did not commit, convicted by Egypt’s crown prince, the very man she was intended to marry. Her only help is a young ex-slave girl and the crown prince’s brother; her only hope is to reach the Pharaoh first, to explain her case. Time is short, and there is nowhere to hide, not if Nefertiti is to fight for both justice and love. But the crown prince and his mother always seem to be one step ahead of her. Can Nefertiti uncover the corruptions of ancient Egypt without losing her beliefs and her very life? Love may not be enough.
I enjoyed this book almost as much as the first. It has a great sense of tension, humor, and adventure. Nefertiti is such a likable character, as are her companions. The Egyptian/Hebrew culture is written well, transporting me to that place and time period.
I have two complaints.
The first deals with both books and the character of Nava. Her exact age is not known, but there are times she acts really young, while she acts wise beyond her years at other times. This second point is commented on at one point during the story, but I’m not quite sure that justifies it. I kind of feel like her age was purposely excluded, to try to hide how old she acts at times. Not that I still don’t love her, but there was a time or two it pulled me out of the story.
My second complaint comes with Thutmose. This may be A LITTLE SPOILERY, but his character arc felt off in the end. It needed to happen to satisfy the story, but the initial change was a little abrupt. Mostly because nothing else had worked, so I fail to see what was so different about this time.
Other than that, I loved this book. My complaints are small in proportion to my enjoyment. I do plan on purchasing this series when I get the chance.
I enjoyed this book almost as much as the first. It has a great sense of tension, humor, and adventure. Nefertiti is such a likable character, as are her companions. The Egyptian/Hebrew culture is written well, transporting me to that place and time period.
I have two complaints.
The first deals with both books and the character of Nava. Her exact age is not known, but there are times she acts really young, while she acts wise beyond her years at other times. This second point is commented on at one point during the story, but I’m not quite sure that justifies it. I kind of feel like her age was purposely excluded, to try to hide how old she acts at times. Not that I still don’t love her, but there was a time or two it pulled me out of the story.
My second complaint comes with Thutmose. This may be A LITTLE SPOILERY, but his character arc felt off in the end. It needed to happen to satisfy the story, but the initial change was a little abrupt. Mostly because nothing else had worked, so I fail to see what was so different about this time.
Other than that, I loved this book. My complaints are small in proportion to my enjoyment. I do plan on purchasing this series when I get the chance.
November 29, 2011
I just started reading the first book so basicaly I read the series backwards. Even though I didn't read Sphinx's Princess I got into the story of Sphinx's Queen quickly! The book introduced the characters really well and did a great job of explaining what happend to cause their situation in the begining. The chapters where Netfertiti, Nava, and Amenophis were traveling in the sea and desert were very vivid and it felt like I wasn't reading, but seeing a movie played out in my head. Which is a very good thing!
I also really liked her escape from the old fisherman and her boldness when she travelled to the very camp she and the others were trying to escape to save Amenophis. Her intellgence really surprised me, she was able to thinks things through very quickly and the author made it easy to fallow along Nefertiti's train of thought.
By the end where Nefertiti befriends Thutmose. It really shocked me, but then grew to love Thutmose where as before I really dislike the character completely. Thutmose's personal growth really got to me and it got to a point where I really wanted him and Netfertiti to marry! I thought that was were the story was going when Amenophis became involved doing his mothers every whim. I didn't see enough of Amenophis to keep him in mind at the end. He really wasn't there much and exspected more of him.
Anyways the ending was sad, beauitful, and great. I highly recommend this book to history geeks and fantasy lovers! It had both without any conflcition! I definitally going to check more of Esther Friesner's writing! I can't wait to read her third historical princess series Spirit's Princess!
I also really liked her escape from the old fisherman and her boldness when she travelled to the very camp she and the others were trying to escape to save Amenophis. Her intellgence really surprised me, she was able to thinks things through very quickly and the author made it easy to fallow along Nefertiti's train of thought.
By the end where Nefertiti befriends Thutmose. It really shocked me, but then grew to love Thutmose where as before I really dislike the character completely. Thutmose's personal growth really got to me and it got to a point where I really wanted him and Netfertiti to marry! I thought that was were the story was going when Amenophis became involved doing his mothers every whim. I didn't see enough of Amenophis to keep him in mind at the end. He really wasn't there much and exspected more of him.
Anyways the ending was sad, beauitful, and great. I highly recommend this book to history geeks and fantasy lovers! It had both without any conflcition! I definitally going to check more of Esther Friesner's writing! I can't wait to read her third historical princess series Spirit's Princess!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2011
Why, oh why, can't we have more female protaganists like Nefertiti in YA lit? Too often I find myself thinking, "It's not IMPOSSIBLE for a girl to be in love and STILL be strong-willed and independent. So why do YA authors have such a hard time creating characters like that?" And then, like a ray of sunshine, Friesner comes along and makes such a challenge seem like a cakewalk.
Nefertiti is a kick-ass, honest, fearless girl with a heart of gold. Here's a girl who says to her man, "Yeah, I love you. But that doesn't mean you get to make all the decisions." Here's a girl who refuses to bend to anyone's will. Here's a girl who makes the plans AND executes them. Here's a girl who, when danger comes along, is out on the frontlines, sword raised, vanquishing the enemy. And NOT cowering and waiting for her boyfriend to take care of it.
Here is the kind of lovable, respectable, amazing, and intriguing female character all other YA authors need to take notes from! Are you reading this? TAKE NOTES!
The plot: AMAZING
Action, deceit, and intrique around every corner with just the right amount of romance. The plot picks up at the very beginning and doesn't stop until the very end. There are so many twists and turns it's impossible to put the book down.
The writing: GORGEOUS
The flow is perfect. The writing style is commendable. The characters are perfectly hashed out and voiced in a way that gives each of them a distinct personality.
I repeat: YA authors, TAKE NOTES!
Mrs. Friesner, keep doing what you're doing. :)
Nefertiti is a kick-ass, honest, fearless girl with a heart of gold. Here's a girl who says to her man, "Yeah, I love you. But that doesn't mean you get to make all the decisions." Here's a girl who refuses to bend to anyone's will. Here's a girl who makes the plans AND executes them. Here's a girl who, when danger comes along, is out on the frontlines, sword raised, vanquishing the enemy. And NOT cowering and waiting for her boyfriend to take care of it.
Here is the kind of lovable, respectable, amazing, and intriguing female character all other YA authors need to take notes from! Are you reading this? TAKE NOTES!
The plot: AMAZING
Action, deceit, and intrique around every corner with just the right amount of romance. The plot picks up at the very beginning and doesn't stop until the very end. There are so many twists and turns it's impossible to put the book down.
The writing: GORGEOUS
The flow is perfect. The writing style is commendable. The characters are perfectly hashed out and voiced in a way that gives each of them a distinct personality.
I repeat: YA authors, TAKE NOTES!
Mrs. Friesner, keep doing what you're doing. :)
January 19, 2011
Once again Friesner does a fantastic job of taking a historical personage and breathing enough life into them to interest the average teen! Sphinx's Queen was just as well done as it's prequel, Sphinx's Princess, and the Helen of Troy books (Nobody's Princess and Nobody's Prize). For the astute (a.k.a. those who know the history surrounding the Armarna period of Eygptian history) reader Friesner has also left all the clues to what likely happens after this novel ends.
I also have to commend the way the 'romance' between Nefertiti and the younger son builds. It feels very realistic and not forced to make it match up with history. A great sequel!
The series as a whole is well done and will easily appeal to fans of historical fiction, whether an adult or a teen (or even a mature kid), and should prove to be a fairly quick read.
I also have to commend the way the 'romance' between Nefertiti and the younger son builds. It feels very realistic and not forced to make it match up with history. A great sequel!
The series as a whole is well done and will easily appeal to fans of historical fiction, whether an adult or a teen (or even a mature kid), and should prove to be a fairly quick read.
May 4, 2014
More ratings and reviews on PriyankaReads.com
==
Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Recommended: 13 and up (7th grade+)
Sphinx's Queen was an amazing sequel to Sphinx's Princess. The fast-paced book enthralled me and had me reading under my desk in class. (shhhh!)
-------------------------------------
A new plot has risen.
Nefertiti has found out that her aunt wishes her to marry Thutmose, the Pharaoh's son. Thutmose's first impression on Nefertiti is bad and Nefertiti now realizes how evil Queen Tiye and her son are.
Nefertiti is only getting accustomed to life in the royal palace when she is accused of murdering Thumatose's dearest pet, a cat. Even worse, this cat is supposed to be a daughter of a sacred Egyptian goddess.
Nefertiti learns that Thutmose means to bribe the priest in the sacred temple to announce that she is guilty. This means that Nefertiti must flee the kingdom to avoid persecution.
Along the way, she gets help from Thumatose's younger brother, Amenophis, and her old friend, Nava. Amenophis and Nefertiti soon fall in love but they must push their feelings aside until they are far away from the kingdom.
While the threesome are on their journey, Amenophis gets bitten by a deadly scorpion and they almost get captured by Thutmose's men.
Will they survive?
==
Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Recommended: 13 and up (7th grade+)
Sphinx's Queen was an amazing sequel to Sphinx's Princess. The fast-paced book enthralled me and had me reading under my desk in class. (shhhh!)
-------------------------------------
A new plot has risen.
Nefertiti has found out that her aunt wishes her to marry Thutmose, the Pharaoh's son. Thutmose's first impression on Nefertiti is bad and Nefertiti now realizes how evil Queen Tiye and her son are.
Nefertiti is only getting accustomed to life in the royal palace when she is accused of murdering Thumatose's dearest pet, a cat. Even worse, this cat is supposed to be a daughter of a sacred Egyptian goddess.
Nefertiti learns that Thutmose means to bribe the priest in the sacred temple to announce that she is guilty. This means that Nefertiti must flee the kingdom to avoid persecution.
Along the way, she gets help from Thumatose's younger brother, Amenophis, and her old friend, Nava. Amenophis and Nefertiti soon fall in love but they must push their feelings aside until they are far away from the kingdom.
While the threesome are on their journey, Amenophis gets bitten by a deadly scorpion and they almost get captured by Thutmose's men.
Will they survive?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews