Heretic: The Life And Death Of Akhenaten

by Brijit Reed

Based on the true story of the 18th Dynasty Pharaoh, Akhenaten, THE LIFE AND DEATH OF AKHENATEN is about the reviled and neglected second son of Amenhotep III, who rose up to be Pharaoh upon the death of his father-- only to become the controversial Akhenaten, husband of Nefertiti, and father of King Tutankhamun. Akhenaten dreams of an Egypt that has no need for soldiers or war, where the power of the priesthood does not surpass the god it serves, where art is in harmony not only with truth and nature, but with the one true god in existence, Aten. As a revolutionary ahead of his time, Akhenaten struggles to match the dreams in his heart with the reality of his creation. When he finally realizes that his leadership and policies are failing his country, he's faced with his own damaged psyche. In a race against time, he must choose whether or not he will hold onto the hostility and anger in his heart, or let it go in order to rebuild his country?

134 pages, Paperback

First published September 25, 2012

About the author

Although Brijit Reed’s background is in anthropology, she’s wanted to be a writer since learning to read. She’s fascinated by history and the experiences of the people who lived it, driving her to translate these interests into stories that entertain as well as enlighten. Though the bulk of her writing experience so far has been through screenplays, she wanted to express her ideas through a different medium and decided to try her hand at another passion– books.

Brijit’s first book, HERETIC: THE LIFE AND DEATH OF AKHENATEN, is based on one of her screenplays. Her second book, UNBOUND, a historical fiction loosely based on the witch persecutions in Scotland, and was just released in screenplay format.

She loves animals, art, cooking, science, traveling, learning about ancestors, historic homes, and meditation. She has no musical talent whatsoever, but she sure has an ear for good music and is probably a little too opinionated about it.

Reviews

[Dermot Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story that starts off slow, builds up a head of steam and then doesn't let up till right to the end. As well as a fine story-teller, the author is an anthropologist and has researched her material well. Although the main characters are real historical figures, too little provable facts are known about this period of history and speculation abounds among Egyptologists as to who did what to whom and if so, how and why? Although speculative, the story presented, as well as being highly plausible, is engaging and a roller coaster of a ride, complete with intrigue, manipulations, murders, true love and one of the best villains I've seen in any story in quite a long time. I hope the author is working on a sequel.

[Aileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from the author for review.

I had no idea who Akhenaten was before I started this book, despite an interest in ancient Egypt. He became Pharaoh against his father's wishes upon the death of his older brother. Despite an unhappy childhood, he was a gentle child, but reluctantly thrust into the role he bacame selfish, greedy and uncaring towards his people. Amongst his children were the young brother and sister who were to become Ankhesenamun and Tutankhamun. Although a fairly short tale there was a lot of detail packed into it and an interesting storyline which moved along at a good pace. Will be looking for more from this author.

[Harmeet · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mini-book, originally written as a play. This makes the book short, visual and covering a wide time span of events. Religion appears to be have played a prominent role in ancient Egypt. Book is about Akenaten, a king that that is famous for his decision to promote a favourite god(Aten, or Sun) over all others.

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love stories about ancient Egypt, but this one left me hanging. I wanted more of what happened in the end. It was a good story and was very good in detail.

[Marcele · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an okay historical fiction, but the way the author chose to cut the passage of time and edit the text is annoying.