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Per-Bast: A Tale of Cats in Ancient Egypt
Ramesses III, Egypt’s last great pharaoh, has saved the empire from countless incursions, but after many wars the kingdom is on the brink of bankruptcy. Labour strife, shifting allegiances, and now a deadly plague threaten to bring a close to Egypt’s Golden Age.Amidst these troubles, a fire takes the life of the high priest of Karnak Temple. Neferure's love, Sahu, also dies in the flames, and she is convinced that their deaths were no accident. With the country divided, and none acknowledging the deaths as mysterious, Neferure alone hunts to uncover answers. What she will find is that a promise can defy death, and that a sinister plot threatens all of Egypt - one that reaches into the realm of the gods.
234 pages, Paperback
First published July 23, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 2, 2014
One of the most popular subjects for historical fiction novels is Ancient Egypt. This is probably because of the pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx along with other monuments which still stand. Through hieroglyphs on the walls of tombs we have learned a lot about Egyptian mythology and what life was like in ancient times. Most historical novels look at life during this period from a human perspective but we know that Egyptians worshiped cats, so it would make sense to have a novel about Ancient Egypt from a cat’s point of view.
Per-Bast A Tale Of Cats In Ancient Egypt by Lara Dawn Stiegler is a a mystery set during the time of Ramesses III from 1100 to 1200BC. Egypt is in turmoil. A plague has been spread from rats to stray cats to to the house cats of Egypt and its only a matter of time before the humans get it. The Egyptian empire has survived many problems but after several years of war and a labor dispute this new plague might destroy Egypt’s golden age.
Things look grim and get even worse when the High Priest of Karnak Temple dies in a fire along with his cat Sahu. A palace cat named Neferure is convinced that the death was no accident. No one believes Neferure’s theory so she searches for answers on her own. What she finds isn’t just a conspiracy against the Egyptian empire but a plot against the gods themselves. Can one cat stop the fall of Egypt?
This story was different from any other story I’ve read. Per-Bast has a good mix of humor, drama and mystery. I liked how the cats are portrayed as being as smart as humans, they can hear and understand people but they can’t communicate with them with the exception of the Pharaoh. I also liked how the cats on a social level we’re similar to humans with the house cats looking down on the stray cats, all of them having different personalities and believing in the same gods as the humans.
My favorite parts of this book was the relationship between Neferure and Sahu, even when one has passed, the other shows a great amount of loyalty. I also loved the stories of the gods that the cats share such as Ra passing through the underworld along with the story of Ahmes’s lineage. While there is a lot of seriousness to this book there are funny parts such as hearing a depressed crocodile complain that he can’t get a meal, a cat that tries to please his human by giving him a dead mouse and a hippo who can’t be moved.
One thing that I need to mention about this book is that if you think that a mystery set in ancient Egypt from a cat’s viewpoint might be corny, you are mistaken. This book is well researched giving detailed descriptions of temples, a history of families in Egypt and it does a good job telling the stories of the gods that the Egyptians believed in. If you want to learn more about ancient Egypt history and their mythology, this book presents it in an entertaining way. Per-Bast A Tale Of Cats In Ancient Egypt is good storytelling presenting history in a way that it hasn’t been looked at before and its a tale that readers of all ages can enjoy.
Per-Bast A Tale Of Cats In Ancient Egypt by Lara Dawn Stiegler is a a mystery set during the time of Ramesses III from 1100 to 1200BC. Egypt is in turmoil. A plague has been spread from rats to stray cats to to the house cats of Egypt and its only a matter of time before the humans get it. The Egyptian empire has survived many problems but after several years of war and a labor dispute this new plague might destroy Egypt’s golden age.
Things look grim and get even worse when the High Priest of Karnak Temple dies in a fire along with his cat Sahu. A palace cat named Neferure is convinced that the death was no accident. No one believes Neferure’s theory so she searches for answers on her own. What she finds isn’t just a conspiracy against the Egyptian empire but a plot against the gods themselves. Can one cat stop the fall of Egypt?
This story was different from any other story I’ve read. Per-Bast has a good mix of humor, drama and mystery. I liked how the cats are portrayed as being as smart as humans, they can hear and understand people but they can’t communicate with them with the exception of the Pharaoh. I also liked how the cats on a social level we’re similar to humans with the house cats looking down on the stray cats, all of them having different personalities and believing in the same gods as the humans.
My favorite parts of this book was the relationship between Neferure and Sahu, even when one has passed, the other shows a great amount of loyalty. I also loved the stories of the gods that the cats share such as Ra passing through the underworld along with the story of Ahmes’s lineage. While there is a lot of seriousness to this book there are funny parts such as hearing a depressed crocodile complain that he can’t get a meal, a cat that tries to please his human by giving him a dead mouse and a hippo who can’t be moved.
One thing that I need to mention about this book is that if you think that a mystery set in ancient Egypt from a cat’s viewpoint might be corny, you are mistaken. This book is well researched giving detailed descriptions of temples, a history of families in Egypt and it does a good job telling the stories of the gods that the Egyptians believed in. If you want to learn more about ancient Egypt history and their mythology, this book presents it in an entertaining way. Per-Bast A Tale Of Cats In Ancient Egypt is good storytelling presenting history in a way that it hasn’t been looked at before and its a tale that readers of all ages can enjoy.
July 9, 2013
First thing’s first; WOW is this book expensive to buy nowadays! I picked it up for a cheap and reasonable price when it first came out, but if you look for this book on Amazon, it goes for astronomical prices these days – my guess is because it looks like a self-published book and there was probably a very limited run on it. Per-Bast is a fairly short book, at 200 pages, and this looks like this is Lara-Dawn Stiegler’s only novel, which is a shame, as I enjoyed it a lot, but I guess it didn’t have much success and she gave up trying to make it as an author? There is a smattering of typos within, but to be fair no more than I usually come across in big publishing house productions these days.
Per-Bast is that rarity; historical fiction told from the perspective of an animal. In this case, our furry POV is a Theban cat, and the setting is ancient Egypt during the reign of Ramesses III. As a cat lover and someone who is fascinated by ancient Egypt, I picked this book up a few years ago but only just recently read it. The story moves at a fairly fast pace, and it works well in this novel since the plot is a blend of mystery and action. In such a genre, it’s a good idea to keep the pace moving, and Stiegler makes sure it does that, with every scene contributing to the advancing plot, and no bloated bits. I wouldn’t have actually minded just a little more background and scene setting though, since sometimes the action moves so fast that I wanted more time to soak up what was going on.
I would firmly place this book in the sub-category of historical fantasy. I wasn’t sure at first. The cats of the story possess human levels of sentience, but at first that just seemed like a story-telling device, a delightful conceit to be able to tell the story from a cat’s perspective. Later however, gods actually appear, characters get special powers and so on. I’m not a huge fan of historical fantasy, but as long as it’s upfront about what it is and well-written, I can get on board. As long as it’s not just plain silly. Some historical fantasy can go off the rails a bit, using magic as the deus ex machina to explain actual historical events or cheaply get characters out of or into situations. Per-Bast flirts with that a little, especially with the followers of Apep, who almost become one-dimensional villains, but it avoids it just, and thankfully the protagonists, for all the special powers they gain, go through genuine challenges and have actual flaws. So I would say the story keeps to the right side of that line and avoids becoming caricature.
But if you’re a cat-lover, and you’re interested in ancient Egypt to boot, Per-Bast is delightfully charming tale.
7 out of 10
Per-Bast is that rarity; historical fiction told from the perspective of an animal. In this case, our furry POV is a Theban cat, and the setting is ancient Egypt during the reign of Ramesses III. As a cat lover and someone who is fascinated by ancient Egypt, I picked this book up a few years ago but only just recently read it. The story moves at a fairly fast pace, and it works well in this novel since the plot is a blend of mystery and action. In such a genre, it’s a good idea to keep the pace moving, and Stiegler makes sure it does that, with every scene contributing to the advancing plot, and no bloated bits. I wouldn’t have actually minded just a little more background and scene setting though, since sometimes the action moves so fast that I wanted more time to soak up what was going on.
I would firmly place this book in the sub-category of historical fantasy. I wasn’t sure at first. The cats of the story possess human levels of sentience, but at first that just seemed like a story-telling device, a delightful conceit to be able to tell the story from a cat’s perspective. Later however, gods actually appear, characters get special powers and so on. I’m not a huge fan of historical fantasy, but as long as it’s upfront about what it is and well-written, I can get on board. As long as it’s not just plain silly. Some historical fantasy can go off the rails a bit, using magic as the deus ex machina to explain actual historical events or cheaply get characters out of or into situations. Per-Bast flirts with that a little, especially with the followers of Apep, who almost become one-dimensional villains, but it avoids it just, and thankfully the protagonists, for all the special powers they gain, go through genuine challenges and have actual flaws. So I would say the story keeps to the right side of that line and avoids becoming caricature.
But if you’re a cat-lover, and you’re interested in ancient Egypt to boot, Per-Bast is delightfully charming tale.
7 out of 10
April 21, 2015
A convincing cat-like point of view flows smoothly, through nicely imagined social structures and well-researched Egyptian history and mythology, in Lara-Dawn Stiegler’s Perbast. But plague is approaching Thebes, and plot and deception ensue. The cats, both housecats and strays, will have to choose sides under the shade of Karnak’s beautiful shining walls, where nicely nuanced questions of protection versus cure makes this truly a novel of the past with a message for today. It’s a novel of cats with a message for humans too, and it’s a wonderful read.
“Walking to the border of the city and back,…having a mystical experience, escaping a homicidal dog…” by the end of the day (or it’s start) it must surely be time for Neferure to sleep. Meanwhile human plans are afoot to overthrow Amun-Ra in favor of another god. Battle lines are drawn in the sand, and dogs, crocodiles, cats and more give voice in beautifully nuanced description that will leave reader’s believing the animal world really does have a language we’ve failed to hear.
The plot is intriguing and convincingly Egyptian, from gods, to sacred tombs, to magical powers. Cats and their senses, thoughts and lives, are delightfully portrayed. And an unobtrusive thread of myth and symbolism adds depth and inspiration to a gorgeously well-told tale.
Disclosure: I was given a free ecopy and I offer my honest review
“Walking to the border of the city and back,…having a mystical experience, escaping a homicidal dog…” by the end of the day (or it’s start) it must surely be time for Neferure to sleep. Meanwhile human plans are afoot to overthrow Amun-Ra in favor of another god. Battle lines are drawn in the sand, and dogs, crocodiles, cats and more give voice in beautifully nuanced description that will leave reader’s believing the animal world really does have a language we’ve failed to hear.
The plot is intriguing and convincingly Egyptian, from gods, to sacred tombs, to magical powers. Cats and their senses, thoughts and lives, are delightfully portrayed. And an unobtrusive thread of myth and symbolism adds depth and inspiration to a gorgeously well-told tale.
Disclosure: I was given a free ecopy and I offer my honest review
October 16, 2014
I really loved this book. I as a little dubious at first, not really sure it would work out but as usual cats steal the book and it was perfect.
The action started more or less from the start and you get introduced to characters only when they are brought into the story so no pages of character background that isn't needed.
The characters who are mainly all cats living during the rein of Ramamses III and are facing a plague that starts by killing of the strays while the house cats remain safeish. The book opens with a burial and a former stray turned temple cat going back to been a stray while protecting a scroll, that indicates a ritual to replace the God Ra. Neferur a house cat and Sahu the disgraced temple cat then has to gather friends and foe in an effort to stop the God Apep from raising.
The storyline was well written and worked so well, at times you forget the characters are cats while been reminded just how revered they were in ancient Egypt.
There was one cat that so reminded me of mine. Headstrong and brave.
By the end I did shed a tear or two. It was just such a emotional book and being a cat lover made me love it all the more.
The action started more or less from the start and you get introduced to characters only when they are brought into the story so no pages of character background that isn't needed.
The characters who are mainly all cats living during the rein of Ramamses III and are facing a plague that starts by killing of the strays while the house cats remain safeish. The book opens with a burial and a former stray turned temple cat going back to been a stray while protecting a scroll, that indicates a ritual to replace the God Ra. Neferur a house cat and Sahu the disgraced temple cat then has to gather friends and foe in an effort to stop the God Apep from raising.
The storyline was well written and worked so well, at times you forget the characters are cats while been reminded just how revered they were in ancient Egypt.
There was one cat that so reminded me of mine. Headstrong and brave.
By the end I did shed a tear or two. It was just such a emotional book and being a cat lover made me love it all the more.
August 25, 2014
This book provides a vibrant and unique view of the Ancient Egypt of Ramesses III – for the point of view of a cat. I found this angle absolutely delightful, but the author also knows just how to tell a superb story of adventure, danger and intrigue. The clear research that went to writing this book adds another dimension to the writing, and the story just came alive for me as I was reading it. The writing style is spot-on, and there are some truly moving passages.
As Neferure deals with the death of her love, the Pharaoh is informed of a strange new plague that seems to affect cats the most. The twisty plot unfolds perfectly as Neferure’s investigations lead her deeper into danger and she discovers new allies and unexpected enemies. I enjoyed the way magic was handled in the book, and the importance of ancient names and scrolls! I also loved the relationship between Neferure and Sahu – I felt really invested in the bond they shared.
This book is highly recommended whether you like cats, a great story or the mystery of ancient spells and mythology.
As Neferure deals with the death of her love, the Pharaoh is informed of a strange new plague that seems to affect cats the most. The twisty plot unfolds perfectly as Neferure’s investigations lead her deeper into danger and she discovers new allies and unexpected enemies. I enjoyed the way magic was handled in the book, and the importance of ancient names and scrolls! I also loved the relationship between Neferure and Sahu – I felt really invested in the bond they shared.
This book is highly recommended whether you like cats, a great story or the mystery of ancient spells and mythology.
August 12, 2021
Adventure of the Cats Who Saved Egypt
Dark days lie ahead for all of Egypt. Pharaoh Rameses and all he commands would be wiped out should the evil snake god Apos finds out the secret name of the god Amun-Ra. The name Apos needs to take power from Amun-Ra destroying him forever!
Some, in their evil and greed, rally to the side of Apos. Who is able, courageous, and virtuous enough to protect Pharoh and Egypt from the disaster of Apos. Follow the cats of Egypt to find out!
Dark days lie ahead for all of Egypt. Pharaoh Rameses and all he commands would be wiped out should the evil snake god Apos finds out the secret name of the god Amun-Ra. The name Apos needs to take power from Amun-Ra destroying him forever!
Some, in their evil and greed, rally to the side of Apos. Who is able, courageous, and virtuous enough to protect Pharoh and Egypt from the disaster of Apos. Follow the cats of Egypt to find out!
June 16, 2020
Well written Egyprian tale from a cat's eye view
Nicely done. Well researched fictional tale that draws one in and creates a world that's hard to leave. I look forward to more from this author.
Nicely done. Well researched fictional tale that draws one in and creates a world that's hard to leave. I look forward to more from this author.
February 1, 2025
An incredible book! The author has woven the legends and history Ancient Egypt to form a narrative full of emotion and pure magic. The felines are fully shaped characters who I connected with, with a plot full of tension and moments of joy and wonder.
June 28, 2021
A plausible scenario.
September 1, 2016
I enjoyed this story of cats and magic in ancient Egypt, up until the end. I felt that someone didn't edit the last 4 or 5 chapters, as there were several typos, some annoying punctuation errors, and action scenes that, to me, were not clearly written. Still, I do like a good cat story, and the author seemed to have done her research. She successfully evoked the Egyptian way of life and thought back in the time of Ramses II. I liked the blend of magic and ordinary life that the cats lived in. I would love to see this author write more stories about cat life in ancient Egypt. Recommended for cat and fantasy lovers!
January 11, 2015
Inexpensive (maybe free?) Kindle book that was mildly entertaining, but far from great. Intrigue in the temple and an attempt to restore the evil god of darkness to power is discovered by a cat, who, along with a very few trusted friends, battles the gods and saves the sun. The historical facts seem accurate, and the caste system in the cat kingdom was interesting, as was the reason cats now have nine lives. Definitely a different perspective on the life and times.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews