Expelling the foreign kings of Egypt is proving costly.
1575 BC. Surrounded by her enemies, the future of the rebellion is in the hands of Queen Ahhotep as her husband’s body is laid at her feet.
To unite the divided kingdom, Ahhotep must be the commanding leader to those still loyal to her family, a guiding voice her children require, and meet the impossible expectations of her mother, the Great Wife Tetisheri. Feeling alone and finding no consolation in the palace, Ahhotep seeks counsel with a man she loves but cannot have, inviting conflict into her family and her heart.
With obsolete weaponry, inferior resources, and the royal family’s divided front, their supporters dissent and leave. To keep their borders secure, Ahhotep must find a way to consolidate power, raise a capable army, and mold her son into a Warrior King before death comes for her and her people.
Warrior King is a beautiful ode to the powerful women behind the crown and how their love, determination, leadership, and sacrifice propelled the once-called Kemet into a golden era of ancient Egyptian history.
Grab this gripping historical drama today.
Warrior King is the standalone series starter for Egypt's Golden Age Chronicles, a resurrection of the early 18th Dynasty kings and queens. This series feeds into Lauren Lee Merewether's Amarna period saga, The Lost Pharaoh Chronicles.
LAUREN LEE MEREWETHER writes for readers who love history touched by myth, romance shaped by sacrifice, and stories where hope survives the darkest hours.
Her books blend immersive worlds, deeply flawed characters, and slow-burn, closed-door romance with high emotional stakes. Blood may spill, wounds may scar, but light always breaks.
When she isn't writing, Lauren loves to daydream about times long past while sipping green tea and watching the experts on Discovery unearth our ancestors' civilizations.
Go behind the scenes, say hello, grab a free series starter, explore detailed reading experience profiles, shop to own your ebook file (no content licenses here), and discover Lauren’s latest releases at www.LaurenLeeMerewether.com.
"Merewether’s up-close and empathetic narrative style is combined with the many sensations, family conflicts, and political struggles of an exciting plotline, making for an unstoppable read." - K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Mereweather has blown this out of the park! The emotional roller coaster this story took me on has been intense. It’s more than a story of a family dynasty—it’s a story of duty and sacrifice, along with heartbreaking loss, war, & the need to stand strong in the face of unending adversity. I felt the pain of the characters, lived their sacrifices, and breathed their desire for peace. This is a masterpiece of regaining control & consolidating power, while also believing in the divine and greater good. An unforgettable story you won’t regret reading.
In a word, phenomenal! I give this book a 10 out of 10. The entire book keeps you on the edge of your seat, wondering what will happen next, there is never a lull of dull moment. I absolutely loved the character arc of Ahhotep, and the surprise behind Tetisheri’s character. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves ancient Egypt or just loves to read. I cannot wait for her next book, Warrior Queen!
Lauren Lee Merewether has done it again! I have read all of her books and I anxiously await each new arrival. As with all of her previous books, Merewether keeps the reader on the edge of their seat waiting to see what will happen next. By changing the main voice in each chapter, the reader is able to experience every event though several different viewpoints and is able to experience the whole picture. Merewether develops her characters fully and the reader is able to feel what each character feels, whether it is joy, pain, heartbreak or anything else. The only problem with this book (as with all her others) is that I read it too fast and I did not want it to end. Now I have to wait impatiently for the next installment! If you love any type of history, this is a must read!
Ms. Merewether knows how to tell stories about ancient Egypt. Her characters are remarkable. I love stories about ancient Egypt. I have read all of Ms. Merewether's books and I am looking forward to the next one in this series. Good stuff, Ms. Merewether. I received an advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily writing this review.
I received an advance copy of this book, I couldn’t put it down! Lauren Lee Merewether pulls you into ancient Egypt again and she doesn’t disappoint! The vividness of the story is breathtaking and I CAN NOT wait for the next book in the series!
As a fan of ancient Egypt, I have read many, many books covering the same few people. I was so excited to have fresh historical figures to learn about in Warrior King! I felt like I was discovering Egyptian history all over again. I can’t wait to see what the next books hold for us!
Started reading and couldn't put it down. Love Moran and Merewether. My two favorite authors of Ancient Egypt, but probably Merewether more since she writes more in the genre. Her research is always top-notch and she only puts what is needed in the story and doesn't overdo it on historical details, which I love. I'd rather have more story and just enough historical details to keep it interesting, but not bogged down. Highly recommend for readers of romance, coming of age, family drama, and emotional rollercoasters.
I truly loved this book! I love reading about ancient Egypt so this was a good pick for me! I love how the author wrote a believable story based on history and made the characters real to me. There were tragic parts that made me cry and I felt I was with the characters in the time period. This entertaining story is a real page turner and a must read.I received an advanced copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Egypt (Kemet) 1575 BC. is a divided land. Foreign entities control the great delta, the lower region. Various rebellious princes vie for control of the upper region.
Years of struggles and war have forced the men to leave their lives behind in their quest to regain control, especially of the delta, the food basket, the richest environment segment in Kemet. Left behind to procure warriors, financing, allies, etc. are the women. Sister wives. Mothers.
Though the story is written about an obscure line of kings most readers are unfamiliar with, the struggles they encounter are those that people now adays can relate to. Political intrigue, death, love, family connections. Women, left alone for years at a time, must survive, and thrive.
This is as much a women’s story as it is the story of a country’s reunification attempts.
Ms. Merewether has a unique grasp on Egypt. Her books are packed with information her research uncovers. We have detailed pages that include Time/Places, Gods, Cast, etc.
A map and a family tree introduce the story. Parents and grandparents of those we know from history (or movies) Amenhotep Ramses, Tutmoses, etc. are the main characters. A substantial plot twist, that stems from this genetic line, further propels the novel.
“A Look into the Past” at the back of the book, goes into further historical content, as does the extensive bibliography provided. The author’s love for both the story and its characters are obvious.
Ms. Merewether also provides a historical review at the end of the book. Here we are informed what is accurate history and what facts the author has taken liberties with.
Ms. Merewether’s stories are rich in visuals as well as action. Example: “...the burning flame at the back of her throat incinerated the yell of agony she held there. She swallowed its ashes and blinked back hot tears.” or “Hate boiled in his eyes.” Her dialogue befits the characters, their interactions, and the time period the novel details.
The only issue I have with this book is the author’s use of pronouns. Instead of using people’s names she uses designated pronouns, a lot. But, this does not affect the overall read.
This author offers free short stories, prequels, and a host of other material on her website. www.LaurenLeeMerewether.com
I have read and followed Ms. Merewether for several years now and have not been disappointed with her books. Some time periods I enjoy more than others. Her delving into Pre-Christian Egyptian history is my favorite.
I would recommend this author with no reservations.
Susan Piazza, a Navy veteran, is an author, columnist, and blogger.
Written as an ode to the women behind the throne and set during Egypt’s 2nd Intermediate Period, Warrior King is about a family who sacrifice all they have to reunite Kemet. In 1575 BCE, the native people of Kemet have an uphill battle if they hope to reunite the upper and lower lands. Their weapons are inferior, their resources are scarce, and loyalty from the Upper Kemet princes is divided. With her husband slain, Queen Ahhotep is forced into difficult choices, some of which will come at great personal cost, for the crown. Do the gods agree that her lineage is truly the divinely appointed ruling family, or will they see her weaknesses and make her pay the ultimate price: eternal death?
Merewether takes a deep dive into the hard choices the mothers of kings are forced to make. This is a tightly woven political and family drama. The plot doesn’t need a lot of battle scenes in order to feel the emotional impact and tension of war. The prose is magnetic and visceral. The characters are well-developed, and their trials entrancing. This is a beautifully researched story. Only a few things felt out of place. First, eye-rolling was not a convention of annoyance until the 1980s. Second, while karkade (hibiscus) tea is mentioned in the Ebers Papyrus (1550 BCE) for its medicinal properties, the tea cup and saucer (origins: ancient China), as far as I know, wasn’t an item in ancient Egypt/Kemet at this time. Otherwise, this is one of the most vivid and authentic-feeling books about ancient Egypt/Kemet that I’ve read in a long time. Highly recommended!
If you enjoy the history of Ancient Egypt, you will enjoy "Warrior King". Following the loss of both his father, and his elder brother within a few years of each other, Ahmose comes to the throne as a young boy. The title of the book is 'Warrior King', but the story is about the women behind King Ahmose, his mother Ahhotep and his elder sister-chief wife Ahmose-Nefertari. These two women--both stronger than they believe themselves to be--guide and advise the young boy-king until he becomes old enough, and wise enough to go to war, then they rule in his stead as he takes to the battlefields to squash rebellions, subdue unrest, drive out foreign rulers and usurpers in order to unite the divided kingdom of Kemet under one authority...His. It is a story of devastating, heartbreaking loss that brought tears to my eyes more than once, and a story of resolute determination to overcome every setback, and to defy all odds so that the losses will not have been in vain. As usual, the author has meticulously researched the historical background and studied what is currently known about the main characters. She then takes that knowledge and embellishes it, fleshing out her characters, bringing them to life, imbuing them with real emotions, real personalities, real strengths and weaknesses. When I read one of Ms. Merewether's books, I am transported back in time, and I feel as if I am right there, living the events and watching them unfold.
Warrior King brings Egypt to 18th Dynasty New Kingdom
I just finished reading the Warrior King.
Any new book on 2nd Intermediate Period and beginning of New Kingdom will be judged by the below:
“The Hippopotamus Marsh”, “The Oasis”, “The Horus Road”, the trilogy by Pauline Gedge
The seven book series by Max Overton (too detailed)
I read both these authors before and enjoyed the story of Sequenera Tao, Kamos and Ahmose, beautifully written by Gedge. Reading three books take time and your Warrior King is a concise version of these three books together.
But if I talk of this book, it is quite nicely written, I can see you Lauren doing much more research than I saw in her previous books ( I read all of them), main characters and the main story is same as that of Gedge, these are historical facts. But in details there are differences. After Tao’s death Hyksos king comes to their palace to celebrate victory and takes the sister of Kamos as a guarantee of peace with him, in this book it’s different. The rebellion of Princes is different , etc, etc. Hedge’s hero was unsung Kamos, Lauren's is just Ahmose. Overall a nicely written book which will be interesting to those who love Pharaonic Egypt.
I enjoyed reading the book, again I must say well written.
This is a good book in its own right and I absolutely love seeing new novels with new directions in the world of fantasy Egypt and giving a new perspective of the burgeoning golden age of the empires of Egypt and I have to say that I absolutely love the Queen Regent Ahhotep and her ups and downs with her husband getting killed by the Invaders of lower Egypt and the people that make up the principalities of the Upper. Ahhotep is a queen that is not well known from what i have seen so there is a lot that can be given to creative license with her life and this book did it wonderfully. Sadly I worry about the story coming up and the birth and life for queen Hatsheput and hers is a little more well documented. One of the things that I think that this author can really go for is the queens long before the upper and lower were ever combined to begin with like the queen Sobekneferu or the queens that helped rule when the first pyramids were built (before Giza). Give me some context with a life they could have had that history was unable to write about in any way shape or form. Hatshepsut,Nefertiti and Cleopatra have been done over and over give me a taste of the unexplored.
This book is an amazing story of an ancient family who endures much pain and heartache in order to provide divine leadership for a divided people. The story covers four generations, telling how they had to fight and sacrifice to provide for their people. There are many tales of battles and brutal killings. Palace intrigue rules the day. Maintaining the royal dynasty is a major challenge as so many sons born into the family die before reaching the age when they can become king.
There are also some touching moments of true love and caring, most often shown by one of the queens. She provides love, support and guidance to her husband during his brief tenure as king and most importantly to her son who leads his people during the most trying times. She also provides leadership during the extended absences of the kings when they are away in battle for many months, even years!
This book is a very long one, so I suggest reading it when you will have the needed hours to stay with it. It was a challenge for me, but I did it!
As this latest enthralling book set in Ancient Egypt opens, half the kingdom is occupied by a foreign invader and its ruler has just been hideously slain in battle.
What follows is a skillfully written account of the struggle to reunite Egypt, called Kemet by its inhabitants. The tale of war, intrigue, and betrayal is told through the eyes of the dead Pharaoh's wife, Ahhotep.
I always enjoy author Merewether's well-researched books, which make me feel like I'm back there amid the heat, dust, and fury of Ancient Egypt. Ahhotep is a strong woman facing an uncertain, perilous future. Egypt's armies are under-equipped and its wealth greatly diminished. Worse yet, there's a risk of treachery from within. Can she help her son, the new king, prevail or is the country doomed?
Anyone who likes a well-written historical drama told in convincing, powerful prose will appreciate this fascinating book. I'm looking forward to the next in the series!
Warrior King takes place in the 1500's B.C. What is left of the Egyptian royal family fights to take back their country from the invading Hyksos. Behind them, their old frenemies the Kush decide to take advantage of the moment and strike as well. Not to mention reining in several rebellious princes from within. That's a lot of fighting... that happens off-screen. Except for one or two skirmishes which lasts about a page, all the reader gets is second hand reports of what has happened elsewhere. The majority of the novel has us hanging out at the palace where they have lots of feasts and clear their throats. (Seriously, there was a lot of throat clearing. I wanted to give this book a lozenge.)
I'm not saying this is a bad read, I just wish there had been more to it besides Queen Ahhotep's mommy issues.
Even though Historical Fiction is my preferred genre to read rarely do I ventured so far back in time as to Ancient Egypt, big mistake on my part and thanks of this book now I know more about that period than what I knew before reading it. This book is not only highly addictive, you can stop reading it once you start the first pages, but also informative, you learn so much! The writing is superb, the amount of research done by the author is mind boggling making this book a one to not be missed. Even though the story is about the King of Egypt the main focus si in the women surrounding him and the power that they have changing the history of ancient Egypt. I can't wait to read the following book Warrior Queen and continue losing myself in the history of Egypt.
A spellbinding book! Starting out with the death of King Seqenenre Tao and subsequently, the death of the 2nd intermediate period, the ascension of Ahmose begins the 18th dynasty in Egypt. As if beginning the 70 day ritual of mourning and preparing the body for the “journey west”, Merewether starts with pieces of each character and slowly puts them together to develop into complex individuals. She has certainly given life to The Great King, Given Life! A fascinating and riveting detail of Egyptian Life BCE! (Submitted by The Northern Lights Tea Company via RKel)
It is a well written and quite entertaining story of how the past may well have unfolded. I really enjoy a book that brings history to life in this manner. I will definitely look at reading more books written by this author.
I received a free ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I began reading at a relatively young age…my Dad used to tell people that pictures of the Egyptian pyramids in his National Geographic got me started. Into reading as well as ancient civilizations’ architecture, comparative religion, and folk tales. Nothing’s changed in the last 50+ years…
Since the author mentioned that ‘Ancient Legends’ series is the precursor to this, I began with its prequel (‘The Curse of Revenge’).
If you want more details, the author provides "A Look into the Past" section at the back of the book as well as a glossary with definitions for locations, names, concepts, gods, military ranks, etc.
I have other books by this author: Blood of Toma A Readers Guide to Salvation in the Sun (Lost Pharaoh) and the prequel ‘King’s Jubilee’ As well as: Daughters of the Past (A Historical Fiction Anthology)
Want more? I certainly do! ‘Woman King’ is next in this series and I’ve already added it to my follow-up list….
Set aside at least two days and have a tissue handy for this PG ancient historic epic set in Egypt from 1575 BCE to 1548 BCE covering almost thirty years of the war to unify the upper and lower kingdoms. I had an ARC from Bookfunnel and this is my voluntary review.
I enjoyed this story very much. My favorite part being a blending of fact and fiction. I love reading about history and Ms. Merewether makes it even more enjoyable. I now need to go and find more of her stories.
You are involved with the family. By the time you get to the last 6 Chapters, you can't put it down until you finish it because you MUST know what happens!
I’ve read many of Lauren Lee Merewether’s books and this one didn’t disappoint! She transports you right back to this era . The only thing is there are so many characters I found myself getting confused but it could just be me 🥴 she sure does her homework and it shows in her writing ❣️
This book is about a period of Egyptian history I have always been curious about. I love reading about Ancient Egypt, learning about the pharaohs and their queens, and about what life was like during that time. Brilliantly researched, I could vividly picture every scene in my mind. So much so that, by the end of the book, I felt like I KNEW the characters. Come for the history, but stay for the story and you'll not be sorry! Ms. Merewether is right up there with Michelle Moran as my favorite writer of Ancient Egypt. I cannot wait to see what she writes next. Five stars are not nearly enough!
This is the first time I have read any of Merewether's books and I can guarantee that this will not be the last. Absolutely amazing, she manages to transport you right back to the ancient time of the pharaohs but adds the flesh, blood, pain and heartaches to the characters as well, so much so that you cannot help but think and live their lives alongside them. Great read, more please!