Pharaoh

by Jackie French

Shortlisted CBC Book of the Year (Older Readers), ACT Book of the Year, and YABBA.

The people call Prince Narmer 'the Golden One' Handsome and talented, he is destined to be King of Thinis, the greatest town in Egypt and, for Narmer, the centre of the world.

Then a devastating accident forces him to give up his right to the throne and sends him journeying across the ancient Middle East with the mysterious trader, the crippled Nitho and a tamed wildcat called Bast. And as he travels he learns that Thinis is actually a very small place indeed.

But can he ever truly forget his homeland? During on last visit to Thinis, he will discover what it really means to be a leader, and will find his destiny being fulfilled beyond his wildest expectations ...

Set in a time before the pyramids and based on real historical events, Pharaoh will sweep readers along on a fascinating journey through a part of the world we hear so much about today.



PRAISE

'French is a master of historical fiction, deftly weaving her knowledge into a story full of fascinating details... Colours, smells, sights and sounds - all combine with real characters to make a wonderful book.' -- Magpies

'French leaves readers with the feeling that there are always fascinating little corners left for students of history to explore.' -- Viewpoint

'...will have kids turning away from the TV and tuning into the amazing world of the past.' -- The Gold Coast Mail

'Jackie French's latest offering is a riveting read on many levels; historically informative, rich in drama and suspense, with well drawn characters. -- The Sunday Age

'Jackie's passion for history is palpable throughout this mesmerising story.' -- The Toowoomba Chronicle

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Young Adult, Fiction, Childrens, Middle Grade, Australia

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2007

About the author

Jackie is an award-winning writer, wombat negotiator and the Australian Children’s Laureate for 2014-2015. She is regarded as one of Australia’s most popular children’s authors, and writes across all genres - from picture books, history, fantasy, ecology and sci-fi to her much loved historical fiction. In her capacity as Australian Children’s Laureate, ‘Share a Story’ will be the primary philosophy behind Jackie’s two-year term.

Reviews

[Parul]

Informative.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Young Adult Fiction. Another work-inspired read, this historical fiction novel gave me good reason to delve back into the world of Jackie French. I do love how she writes accessible novels for young people without diluting opportunities for intellectual growth from her plot lines. The notes at the end of the novel, together with the dual maps of the ancient and modern Middle East, are a welcome accompaniment to the novel's well paced plot. Great for ages 11 and above.

[Mandabplus3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was given 5 stars by my kids. We listened to the audio and I was told every time "don't turn it off" and "don't listen to any until you pick us up again!" They loved it and didn't want to miss any. The number of times we stayed parked in the driveway to finish off a section..... A great historical fiction story about the very first Pharoah. Clearly most of it is fiction but the setting and information is spot on. We know so little about the is time and Jackie has done a fabulous job bringing to is story to life. The last disc contains valuable information about the the truth of the Story and my children even enjoyed listening to Some of the appendix also. Highly recommended whether you are interested in history or not you will enjoy this story.

[emimae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked it.
bit weird at the start, but stick with it, it gets better.
the meaning behind it is one that I still remember 5 years later.

'look at those scars'
'look at - person - with those scars'
'look at - person'
don't judge a book by its cover, we all go through hard times, we all need help sometimes. and hope.

[Sorayya · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was pretty good - Don't be deceived from the cover. I read this book for school when we were learning about ancient Egypt. There were a few parts which did make me question it but otherwise it was pretty good and always made you want to find out what's next.

[Heather Feather · Rating 1 out of 5]

even 12 year old me knew this was ass

[Brit McCarthy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It must be 20 years since I first picked up a Jackie French book, and in all that time I never met one I didn't like. It doesn't matter the subject matter or the target audience, I find myself enjoying all of them. Pharaoh was no exception.

Pharaoh is based so far back in time, it's a world difficult to imagine. 3000 BCE, which is even before what we, in modern-times, consider to be Ancient Egypt. It tells the story of Prince Narmer who loses his royal status and leaves the only home he has ever known to join a trader's party. The world is so much bigger than he ever imagined, he learns on his journey. But he cannot forget where he came from.

I really enjoyed the characterization - particularly of Narmer, the Trader and their companion Nitho - and I loved the rich and colourful descriptions of the setting. I loved the adventure and discovering new places along with Narmer and sharing his wonder of the world. And with all that wonder, was his loyalty to the people he had left behind. Every time he experienced something new, he would think about how this would advance their lives. All he wanted to do was give them the best and his leadership qualities really came to a head by the end of the book.

A solid, captivating read from Jackie French. Of course!

[Rahel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book again after 4 years brought back memories of how this book was actually good. I love any desert setting l don’t know why but when l read a book set in a place like the Middle East it just hooks me. Narmer and Nitho’s relationship is soo cute 🥰 l just feel warm when l think about them. I seriously got ready when Nammus wish to have children came true and he clammed Nitho and Narmer. The ending was amazing, there were some beautiful quotes. “I don’t know yet, but l promise this: by the next flood our people will be free” “Stupid... of course ... always loved you” 😆😍”I will be the pharaoh and you my queen.” ”Now for the first time he realised just how beautiful she was. Even the scar was beautiful, as much a part of her as the calluses from travelling or the dimples from her laughter.”
“None of these men inspecting the girls would see Nitho’s true beauty.”

[Hardy Herrmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Spoiler Alert) This book was interesting. It started off with no problems except for Hawk and the crocodile attack. But when I was reading it, I didn’t know that everything was key to the problem later in the book. The canals and the spears, all of that. And when the good forces joined up together, everything was clear as glass. That’s why they had an adventure.

[Ruby Red · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, it was one of my year 7 books chosen by my teachers and I read it before school started and it was great! Some of the topics will spark... interesting... discussions in class, but overall a great read, looking forward to having more in-depth discussions with my classmates! ♡

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a book that I remembered reading as a child with a lot of fondness, I'm relieved that it stands up to a re-read as an adult. Fantastic stuff!

[Louishannb · Rating 5 out of 5]

👍🏼

[Marissa]

For school- no review

[Janey Wilksch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this!
Quick, easy read but packed with super interesting facts about Egypt pre pharoahs, pyramids, etc...

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read a while ago, liked it

[Pieter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't remember much as I read it a long time ago, but I do remember enjoying it.

[Kimberley Croft · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my all time favourites, I read this book at least once a year.

[Ella · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.5)

[Ryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far I'm enjoying reading Pharaoh, it has kept me engaged and entertained. I will be looking for more historical fiction reads! Full review coming soon.

[Asiuol K · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pleasant book. It is based on the unification of Egypt and even though a lot of it may be wrong, it gives students an interesting starting point. Nammer does develop throughout the book as he teaches the readers an important lesson about how to view their lives in relation to the world. A lot of the characters are relatable and even though I found Hawk a bit too obvious at the start, he eventually came around. Nitho is also a great female role model. However, there were one or two scenes that felt pointless and the relationship at the end could have been created a better way. 7.7/10.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pharaoh has been one of my favorite books since year 7, i keep on reading it over and over again. The story is just so beautifully written and inspiring, while reading the author makes you feel like you're in another world where everything is just so different. It is a very interesting book, one of the most greatest historical fictions. It is a great story about overcoming hardship and the importance of loyalty, generosity and intelligence. THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ!!!

[Kerryn Lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have had a long held fascination with ancient history, particularly ancient Egyptian history, so I was looking forward to reading another fabulous jackie French book. However I found myself struggling to pick it up at first. But there was a point in the book that I went "ohhhhhhhh" and from that moment I couldn't put it down. A fascinating story set in a fascinating period in history. Fabulous!

[Asha · Rating 5 out of 5]

MADE ME CRY!!! I had to share the story with my friends as i couldn't keep in all the emotion this book gave me. Though i will read many books after this one i will always remember Pharaoh it is just a beautiful, true story that makes you remember about all the people who didn't get what they wanted or rightfully owned.

[Lou · Rating 2 out of 5]

I never truly got into the book, it just seemed to drag on without much purpose or even a heartfelt moral. Even with the epic battle at the end, I would've been so excited, but I gave up on all my care factor on getting to the end battle.

However it still sort-off enjoyed it, but it isnt the exactly the book I'd read again. I still love Jackie French (Had to say something nice).

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book I ever read by Jackie French. This book was the first to spark my love for reading. It was the first book that I read which moved me and actually got me finish the entire book. I made me fall in love with reading even when I gave up reading after the first few pages of Harry Potter when I was younger.

[Sue Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this to my middle schooler - it is part of his English curriculum. A great story by the "Diary of a Wombat" author. The characters, especially Narmer, Nitho and Hawk are great, it is the classic growing-up journey story, with local detail and a bit of Egyptian history. Also has a cute animal character that features strongly in the novel, and some brilliant reveals.

[Jemimah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting and informative on life back then, thouigh I didn't get the whole part about Hawk getting his revenge on Narmer with the crocodile, or the Trader's grandfather's story, but it was still interesting.

[Chantal · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Sweet story of the life of the first pharaoh. Great examples of overcoming hardships, disability and the importance of kindness and intelligence.

Suitable for 9+
and great supportive text for the study of Ancient Egypt.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first got introduced to this book last year, it was an inspiring read. Being in year 8 now this year, I'm thrilled it was introduced to me by my English teacher. I am so pleased I read this book and can't wait to read it again!

[Leonie Macdonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took a little while for me to get into the book. I read the first pages and wasn't hooked. But then read a few more pages and suddenly couldn't put it down. Fantastic blend of history and fiction. I loved it!