It was a great book if you like ancient Egypt. It is good even if you don't because the story line will capture you. This is taken from the point of view of Nefertiti's Half sister Mutnodjmet.

I love historical fiction, and I love stories about Ancient Egypt, so when I first heard of Michelle Moran's Nefertiti, I couldn't wait to read it. I'm not sure why it took me over a year, but now I wish I had read it earlier. It really is an amazing book; Moran's meticulous details really make Egypt come to life. It is obvious that she is an accomplished researcher, and that she took her time writing Nefertiti in order to ensure that she had her details and facts straight.

Michelle Moran has a blog in which she writes about recent archaeological discoveries, as well as her research for her third novel set to be released in 2009, Cleopatra's Bones. The site really is fascinating for anyone interested in history or archaeology; it's obvious that Moran is a real history buff! Unfortunately, I can't seem to find the site's RSS feed so I can follow it in Google Reader, which is a real disappointment.

However, historical details alone do not make a good novel. Moran shines through the way she writes her characters as well. She manages to make Nefertiti a character the reader hates, pities, and respects all at the same time. The narrator, Mutny, has a strong voice. The reader really comes to care about what happens to her and the rest of the characters in the novel. The plot is intriguing; I was up late into the night trying to finish the book! You know you've found a talented author when you read a 470 page book in one sitting (especially when you were planning on going to bed early!)

I have Moran's second novel The Heretic Queen sitting on my shelf right now, and after how much I enjoyed Nefertiti, I am incredibly anxious to read it!

Four and a half stars rounded up to 5

I believe that Ms. Moran had a formidable job trying to take the research of the Amarna period (or should I say the lack of available material) and turn it into a gripping novel. While some diehard people will quibble and say parts of the novel are patently untrue, her story came alive and if nothing else made me try to learn more about this interesting woman, her sister, and Akhenaten. It was a remarkable period in Egypt's history, and this talented storyteller made me want to learn even more. I spent hours on the computer researching after I finished the book. Although quite hefty (I took it on a plane to Brazil--wouldn't recommend that to anyone who doesn't want to lug around what eventually felt like a ten pound book), the read was quite fast and entertaining. One of my top picks this year!

This is one of the best historical fictions I have read. Not only is it timely, as the King Tut exhibit makes its way around America, but seeing Egypt from a woman's perspective makes it especially enjoyable.

As an avid reader of historical fiction, I found this book to be very intriguing and addictive. The cover was what caught my attention in the bookstore, and I decided to give it a go. It started a bit slow for me, but picked up very quickly after a few chapters.
The amazing part of this novel was how it really brought history and its characters to life. The characters felt real and believable, and were very animated in my mind as I read through the novel.
Another great thing was that the author didn't spare the reader any angst; this was not a happy book. It had it's moments that made you feel good as the reader, but for the most part it was filled with strife. This was another reason it had a very real feel.
Obviously, this author is very knowledgeable about the era and subjects she wrote about, and this is clear throughout the novel. It takes a skilled writer to put together a book like this.
Overall, it was an amazing read that I couldn't put down after I got into it. I am still thinking about... it is one of those stories you really wish you could experience in life, but this book is almost as good.

Mutnodjmet tells the story of her sister, Nefertiti as she rises to be Queen of Egypt no matter the cost. Mutnodjmet is only 14 years old at the start of the story but she seems to be wise beyond her years. She is the one who actually paid attention to the tutors while Nefertiti was always practicing her charm and feminine power over men.

When Nefertiti is chosen to be the new Chief Wife of the Pharaoh she will do everything in her power to keep him to herself and keep his other wife at bay. She goes along with Amunhotep's ideas of praising the new god Aten and taxing the priests of Amun, he wants to rid Egypt of the priests all together, an idea he has had for quite some time against the wishes of his mother and other high council members.

Beauty and charm are on Nefertiti's side, Mutnodjmet must do something she is really torn over, and what will be the outcome of Amunhotep's plans for the New Egypt? Nefertiti is power hungry, will that be her demise?

Michelle Moran's debut novel, Nefertiti was actually a pretty good read. It has drama, family disputes, and romance. The dialect was not how I see ancient Egyptians speaking, and I think there was not enough "ancient flair," it seemed like someone in present day telling the story most of the time. Nefertiti was interesting to read, and I didn't find it boring, a little slow at times but still a nice history lesson written by Ms. Moran. I can't say I loved the story, but it may be the best story someone else has ever read. 3 Hearts

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In my opinion, if you are a lover of fiction set in Ancient Egypt - and especially involving the famous Pharoahs and their courts - then a novel can deemed to have succeeded when its quality is such that you feel you have been transported to that time, walking among the people it describes and experiencing the events with them. In that respect, Michelle Morans splendid debut novel qualifies.

I rarely have found a novel written from the perspective of a protagonist who is not the central focus of the story - in this case the world is seen through Nefertiti's more balanced sister "Mutnodgmet" - to flow as well as this one. But MM has cleverly used this characters charming, sensible, caring and down to earth qualities to carry the story in a manner that keeps the reader onside: no easy feat when her petulant, spoilt sister, equally power drunk husband Pharoah Akhenaton and the rest of the power mad family and unabashed hanger ons and their excesses have you preferring the ground would open up and swallow them all.

Outside Mutnodjmet there are some likeable characters one can identify with such as her secret admirer General Naktmin, the court sculptor Thutmose (the sculptor of that famous bust in Berlin), Horemheb, and the body servants Ipu and Merit, to name a few. But its the cunning and manipulative title character Nefertiti who dominates as you'd expect and her self indulgent and unrestrained vanity sets the tone for the behaviour of many of the characters around her. The authoress has made her someone you can totally loathe but still love to follow and thats no mean skill.

Michelle Morans writing style has a lucid quality to it that allows the story to flow. Her use of dialogue frames her characters nicely and breathes life into their persona making them feel alive. Its also quite biting and witty at times but never boring. I dont like to compare authors but no one out does Pauline Gedge for bringing the characters and imagery of Ancient Egypt to life in fiction (though Memoirs of Cleopatra by Margaret George is close) but they are far more experienced writers and without doubt Michelle Morans work certainly has exhibited her great potential with this debut novel. Her work has elements of both and makes a quality addition to anyones collection of top Ancient Egyptian fiction. Highly recommended. 4.5 but rounded up given its a debut novel and an extraordinarily difficult subject to tackle being Nefertiti.

Incredibly well written. I am not fond of the character or the way she is portrayed but have no doubt she was really this way. Very self absorbed. Reminded me of Marie Anoinette always having her picture painted in Abundance. The whole world around can be crumbling down but as long as her bust is being done, she could care less. I was absolutely charmed but Mutny, the sister, whom tells the story. That alone, is enough to make me read the next book, The Herectic Queen. I felt her pain and misery and grew angry at the injustices she suffered. Therefore, I must say the book was very engrossing. If you want to read a book making Nefertiti a wonderful queen and person, this is not for you. If you want the story as it probably was, this is a wonderful read. I will never wear my Nefertiti halloween costume again. LOL. I think I will declare I am Mutny.

I have always been fascinated with Ancient Egypt and especially Nefertiti. This book is a work of fiction; however, it is fiction that is so steeped in known history as to make a very believable tale. I cannot wait for the next book to come out. I highly recommend, it's a great read and wonderful characters. Makes you understand the "heretic pharoah" much more than Hollywood ever could. Read and enjoy.

(Review is for 2007 Hardcover.)

I found this book difficult - if not, at times, outright impossible - to put down once I'd started it. Michelle Moran did a wonderful job of evoking Nefertiti, fleshing her out from a pretty bust in Berlin to a proud woman who was a talented seductress and schemer, and above all else ambitious.

Her story is told through the eyes of her sister, Mutnodjmet. Mutnodjmet is a quiet girl who just wants to live a "normal" domestic life, but is drawn into the world of royalty and intrigue by her family's ambition. The love and affection of the two sisters is strong, but Nefertiti is extremely jealous and wants all of the attention of her sister focused toward her. Mutnodjmet's father is one of the highest-ranking men in Egypt and rarely shows affection for his second daughter; her mother is a well-married commoner and often seems oblivious to the affairs of the palace. However, stray comments here and there show that she often knows far more than Mutnodjmet expects.

Egypt really comes to life in this novel. Moran's words are evocative without becoming tedious; she uses just enough description to build up images of temples and palaces in your mind without weighing down the narrative with lengthly, complex descriptions. Her words conjure up the blue of the sky and the breeze on the Nile as the royal barge floats down the river, and the relationships of the characters are a joy to read.

I don't know a lot about the history of Egypt at this time, but I definitely would like to learn more now. But I probably have picked up a bit more than the average American in my day so a few things did leave me curious:


- Horemheb eventually becomes Pharaoh, and history records that he had a wife named Mutnodjmet. Did Moran marry Mutnodjmet to the wrong army general?

- From what I've seen of his portraits, Amunhotep was not an attractive guy. Everyone talks about how handsome he is. I wonder if the perception was that skewed (one sees what they want to see) or if this is just some "dressing" for the historical fiction.

The moment I finished this book, I read it again. And again. And again. Nefertiti is just as real as her sister Mutny is throughout the book.
If you have any interest in ancient Egypt READ THIS BOOK! You will enjoy it!
I cannot wait to get my hands on Moran's next book!

Nefertiti: A Novel

In the eighteenth dynasty of ancient Egypt (1351 to 1331 B.C.) one woman, Nefertiti, rises to power and infamy in the annals of history. The story of Nefertiti's life unfolds through the voice of her younger sister, Mutnodjmet.

Nefertiti is beautiful, ruthless and narcissistic who seeks affluence and supremacy. Mutnodjmet, the younger sister, is pretty, level-headed, and pragmatic and she has no desire other than to live a simple life surrounded by a loving family.

At an early age, Nefertiti marries Prince Akhenaten who becomes heir to the throne after the mysterious death of his more capable older brother. Mutnodjmet is assigned to be Nefertiti's companion, eyes and ears, and voice of reason. Akhenaten is a youth bent on forcing his own religious views onto the people. It is his mother's hope that Nefertiti be the sound of reason and restrain his impulsive, reckless actions and thoughts. Instead, his ego, and that of his new wife, Nefertiti, knows no bounds as together, they raise their status, create a new god named Aten for all to worship, and build an entire city to glorify.

Nefertiti's obsessive dependence on Mutnodjmet is so extreme, that it threatens her own future happiness. While Nefertiti becomes more and more involved in building her and her husband's fame, Mutnodjmet seeks to escape her sister's clutches. Conspiracy and treachery abound throughout this novel.

Michelle Moran brings to life multi-dimensional characters through rich dialogue and intricate historical detail. Highly credible, the story captivated from start to finish. The level of research into this period and Nefertiti's life is impressive. For all aficionados of ancient Egypt, this is a must have book that will not disappoint. It has my highest rating and I will be eagerly anticipating future books by Michelle Moran.


Bloodstone Castle
Heinrich the Fowler: Father of the Ottonian Empire

Accept this book as a novel, a work of fiction, and simply enjoy it. I couldn't put it down. Well-written and thoroughly researched, Nefertiti is actually the story of the famous Queen's sister, Mutney. Through her eyes we watch Nefertiti make a Faustian bargain for a life of power and privilege. The author's attention to detail made me feel as if I was actually visiting ancient Egypt. I especially enjoyed the characterization of the mysterious heretic king, Ankhenaten. He was portrayed not as a misunderstood prophet, but as simply crazy. Which he probably was!

The was a great book from start to the end i could not but it down

Who can resist the intrigue and mystique surrounding ancient Egypt? In her historical fiction, Nefertiti, author Michelle Moran takes us beyond the pyramids and the myriad of other Egyptian wonders and focuses on one of the better known queens of Egypt. Told from the perspective of Nefertiti's sister, the book describes the outrageous behavior of the characters - behavior that includes jealousy, greed, murder and the politics of the time period. Our civilization holds no patent on crime and corruption!
While this is a work of fiction, the research that went into writing this book is phenomenal! This is a real page turner but be careful...the author is highly skilled at transporting the reader from reading to traveling down the Nile on a barge.
Too bad I'm only allowed a maximum rating of 5 Stars - it deserves all that and more. I can hardly wait for the sequel and I hope Ms Moran is hard at work on yet another installment.