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The Maya Papyrus
Gold Medal winner at the Global Ebook Awards 2013
In the Valley of the Kings, a team of archaeologists has unearthed a secret that has lain buried for over 3000 years. Hidden in Nefertiti's tomb is a bundle of papyrus sheaves. Although badly decayed, the documents have survived well enough to tell an epic tale of war, murder and treachery...
Thuya is a woman who craves greatness. Her son, Aye, is a man who will stop at nothing to attain it. Together they will concoct a scheme so monumental in its scope that it will mould the reigns of Egypt's kings and rewrite the future of the known world.
The Maya Papyrus is populated with some of the most extraordinary characters in history: Tutankhamun, the boy king; Akhenaten, the deformed tyrant; Akhenaten's queen, Nefertiti, whose beauty remains legendary three millennia later.
Who among them can stand against a man willing to risk everything to achieve immortality?
In the Valley of the Kings, a team of archaeologists has unearthed a secret that has lain buried for over 3000 years. Hidden in Nefertiti's tomb is a bundle of papyrus sheaves. Although badly decayed, the documents have survived well enough to tell an epic tale of war, murder and treachery...
Thuya is a woman who craves greatness. Her son, Aye, is a man who will stop at nothing to attain it. Together they will concoct a scheme so monumental in its scope that it will mould the reigns of Egypt's kings and rewrite the future of the known world.
The Maya Papyrus is populated with some of the most extraordinary characters in history: Tutankhamun, the boy king; Akhenaten, the deformed tyrant; Akhenaten's queen, Nefertiti, whose beauty remains legendary three millennia later.
Who among them can stand against a man willing to risk everything to achieve immortality?
674 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 30, 2013
Brace yourselves. I am about to commit Egypt Nerd Heresy.
This is the best work of Egyptian historical fiction out there.
Yeah. I said it. The best. I have found a writer who, in my opinion, outclasses Pauline Gedge in bringing ancient Egypt masterfully, near-flawlessly to life. That's not to say I don't still love Pauline Gedge. Of course I do. It is to say that if you are not currently reading The Maya Papyrus, you are not doing yourself any favors. Welcome the raising of the bar, O Fans of Egyptian Fiction. This is a good thing for all of us.
Coady's astounding epic of a debut novel lacks virtually nothing. Expertly plotted with just the right interweaving of courtly intrigue and high-stakes action scenes, built upon a cast of exceedingly well-drawn characters, and furnished with accessible yet vivid prose and flawless dialogue, Coady has established himself for good and all as the writer to contend with in the ancient-history genre.
True fans of Egyptian history -- particularly of the Amarna period -- will delight in seeing literally every known name in the late-18th roster brought to breathtaking, wholly believable life, with the exception of Mutnodjmet, whom we can plausibly assume enters the scene just after the book ends, and the puzzling exclusion of Ankhesenpaaten-Tasherit, whose absence I could not account for given the seamless way the rest of the Amarnan rogue's gallery were threaded into the tight and compelling plot. Even Ta-Miut gets her moment on the page, and if you know who Ta-Miut is, I guarantee you you'll love this book as much as I did.
It is no spoiler to note that early on in the book the wheels of considerable, generations-spanning intrigue are set into motion by a source so unexpected and yet so entertaining that such actions feel like they might become Egypt-fiction canon: Thuyu. Yes, Thuyu, wife of Yuya, the charioteer. She wields a hefty intelligence and a craving for power that would put Petyr Baelish to shame, and Coady makes her grip over her family -- particularly Aye -- believable enough that her ambition and influence outlive the woman in all too plausible a fashion. As the doomed Eighteenth Dynasty careens toward its inevitable end, Thuyu's descendants behave in increasingly more despicable ways. Just when the reader thinks one or the other will not stoop any lower than the last, the next stoop is made.
The text alternates between a very competently written omniscient third narrator and the first-person account of Maya, here depicted as a son of Aye. Maya is physically bumbling but highly intelligent, earnest, and perhaps the only moral character in the entire book -- certainly one of the only moral males, at least. His goodness is a welcome frequent relief to the increasingly demoralized action of the power-hungry men around him.
But even the men who are difficult to like are beautifully written. Akhenaten earns the reader's deepest sympathy at first, slowly and quietly degenerating into a fiend. Tutankhamun, idealistic and kind-hearted, seems too wonderful to be real, and when the stark realities of life finally pile upon him, his downward spiral is painful to watch. I was terribly moved by both images of Tutankhamun in the toy room, before and after his awful wake-up call.
My one quibble with the book -- still not enough of a quibble to prevent my declaring it the best Egyptian novel extant -- is that the female characters did not feel quite as real as the male characters. Here some greater opportunity may have existed for Coady to flex his writer's muscles, especially in the personages of Nefertiti-as-Smenkhare (spoiler alert!) and in Ankhesenamun as she vied to keep the throne out of her enemy's hands. Thuyu was vivid but not as complex as either Nefertiti or Ankhesenamun, and it would have been impressive to see more of the inner workings and inner strength of either woman, or of both.
But this is a small criticism. On the whole, it is a resounding success of a novel, vivid and compelling, as strong as any in the subgenre of Egyptian fiction -- or as any in the genre of historical fiction.
My one regret upon finishing it is that it will undoubtedly take Coady a very long time to write another. This one was massive, spanning from the end of Thutmose IV's reign to the beginning of Horemheb's -- that's seven Pharaohs, for those of you keeping count. It's long, but difficult to put down, and worth the read. If only Coady could crank out more just like this one at a rapid pace. Fans of Egyptian fiction would never want for entertainment again.
This one gets the highest recommendation from me. If you enjoyed my own Egyptian novels at all, you will go nuts for The Maya Papyrus. Buy it now, in droves, and make Coady the full-time writer we all need him to be, or there may never be another like it.
This is the best work of Egyptian historical fiction out there.
Yeah. I said it. The best. I have found a writer who, in my opinion, outclasses Pauline Gedge in bringing ancient Egypt masterfully, near-flawlessly to life. That's not to say I don't still love Pauline Gedge. Of course I do. It is to say that if you are not currently reading The Maya Papyrus, you are not doing yourself any favors. Welcome the raising of the bar, O Fans of Egyptian Fiction. This is a good thing for all of us.
Coady's astounding epic of a debut novel lacks virtually nothing. Expertly plotted with just the right interweaving of courtly intrigue and high-stakes action scenes, built upon a cast of exceedingly well-drawn characters, and furnished with accessible yet vivid prose and flawless dialogue, Coady has established himself for good and all as the writer to contend with in the ancient-history genre.
True fans of Egyptian history -- particularly of the Amarna period -- will delight in seeing literally every known name in the late-18th roster brought to breathtaking, wholly believable life, with the exception of Mutnodjmet, whom we can plausibly assume enters the scene just after the book ends, and the puzzling exclusion of Ankhesenpaaten-Tasherit, whose absence I could not account for given the seamless way the rest of the Amarnan rogue's gallery were threaded into the tight and compelling plot. Even Ta-Miut gets her moment on the page, and if you know who Ta-Miut is, I guarantee you you'll love this book as much as I did.
It is no spoiler to note that early on in the book the wheels of considerable, generations-spanning intrigue are set into motion by a source so unexpected and yet so entertaining that such actions feel like they might become Egypt-fiction canon: Thuyu. Yes, Thuyu, wife of Yuya, the charioteer. She wields a hefty intelligence and a craving for power that would put Petyr Baelish to shame, and Coady makes her grip over her family -- particularly Aye -- believable enough that her ambition and influence outlive the woman in all too plausible a fashion. As the doomed Eighteenth Dynasty careens toward its inevitable end, Thuyu's descendants behave in increasingly more despicable ways. Just when the reader thinks one or the other will not stoop any lower than the last, the next stoop is made.
The text alternates between a very competently written omniscient third narrator and the first-person account of Maya, here depicted as a son of Aye. Maya is physically bumbling but highly intelligent, earnest, and perhaps the only moral character in the entire book -- certainly one of the only moral males, at least. His goodness is a welcome frequent relief to the increasingly demoralized action of the power-hungry men around him.
But even the men who are difficult to like are beautifully written. Akhenaten earns the reader's deepest sympathy at first, slowly and quietly degenerating into a fiend. Tutankhamun, idealistic and kind-hearted, seems too wonderful to be real, and when the stark realities of life finally pile upon him, his downward spiral is painful to watch. I was terribly moved by both images of Tutankhamun in the toy room, before and after his awful wake-up call.
My one quibble with the book -- still not enough of a quibble to prevent my declaring it the best Egyptian novel extant -- is that the female characters did not feel quite as real as the male characters. Here some greater opportunity may have existed for Coady to flex his writer's muscles, especially in the personages of Nefertiti-as-Smenkhare (spoiler alert!) and in Ankhesenamun as she vied to keep the throne out of her enemy's hands. Thuyu was vivid but not as complex as either Nefertiti or Ankhesenamun, and it would have been impressive to see more of the inner workings and inner strength of either woman, or of both.
But this is a small criticism. On the whole, it is a resounding success of a novel, vivid and compelling, as strong as any in the subgenre of Egyptian fiction -- or as any in the genre of historical fiction.
My one regret upon finishing it is that it will undoubtedly take Coady a very long time to write another. This one was massive, spanning from the end of Thutmose IV's reign to the beginning of Horemheb's -- that's seven Pharaohs, for those of you keeping count. It's long, but difficult to put down, and worth the read. If only Coady could crank out more just like this one at a rapid pace. Fans of Egyptian fiction would never want for entertainment again.
This one gets the highest recommendation from me. If you enjoyed my own Egyptian novels at all, you will go nuts for The Maya Papyrus. Buy it now, in droves, and make Coady the full-time writer we all need him to be, or there may never be another like it.
March 1, 2017
This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:
'The writing style is easy to read even with this being a very big book at 668 pages. Even if you have little interest in Ancient Egypt, I recommend reading this incredible book.'
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
'The writing style is easy to read even with this being a very big book at 668 pages. Even if you have little interest in Ancient Egypt, I recommend reading this incredible book.'
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
November 18, 2018
Although this book is rather obscure, it is reviewed overwhelmingly favourably. There is no doubt that The Maya Papyrus has its strengths: the 12 years of work that went into it, the detailed research, the sheer meaty length of the book. I won’t for a second deny that The Maya Papyrus is a much better book than many others I’ve read. But I’m here to provide a different perspective:
This is NOT the best work of Egyptian historical fiction out there.
The problem is more than just a handful of silly mistaken homophones (one should marshal one’s thoughts, not martial them, and one should loosen the reins and give free rein, not reign), though those were slightly annoying. The book covers a whopping seven pharaohs, something which I have seen it garner a lot of praise for, and while the book is certainly long and complex, for me this ended up as a detriment. I can understand that the author probably wanted to explain Akhenaten’s policies by delving back into his childhood and upbringing, and that that in turn can in part be explained by the idiosyncrasies of his parents – their relations and upbringing. That’s just how history works – one thing builds upon another, although when telling a clearly defined story one has to demarcate some boundaries. My friends both added the caveat to their reviews that The Maya Papyrus starts slow, but I had the opposite experience: it felt rushed. Both are true. From the perspective of the main plot of the book being about Akhenaten and the aftermath of his disastrous policies, the book is slow to get going, delving as it does back into the reigns of Amunhotep III and Djehutymes IV. But from the perspective of properly fleshing out Djehutymes IV and Amunhotep III and giving their reigns due justice, this first third of the book does feel rushed, with the bare minimum of what’s necessary to set up Akhenaten plopped down without really exploring this time or these early characters. Later in the book, once we’re into Akhenaten’s reign, the text is so dense with hitting up historically known political events that it felt like there was no time to just take a moment and develop the characters. It was all peaks without the troughs, and it seemed to be missing the moments of quiet reflection for the characters between the challenges, to grow their personalities and relationships with one another.
This had two effects on characterisations which bothered me the more I read. In the early part of the book I had a sense of stock stereotypes from the characters: in particular, Thuya, whose greedy ambition came across as one-note. Later in the book, it gave me the impression that the characters were a bit uncanny valley: they did not feel like real human beings. I would struggle to describe their personalities beyond one or two words, let alone postulate what their motivations were. And by writing Thuya’s family as so relentlessly grasping, I had trouble identifying with or empathising with anyone. Maya wasn’t enough. The end result was that I felt disconnected and distant from the story, with little investment in what happened. For me that’s quite a barrier to enjoyment.
For those comparing the writing style to Pauline Gedge, I have to say that it isn’t nearly as good. Gedge’s character development is near-flawless – Coady’s, as outlined above, is assuredly not. In addition, I would say that Gedge vividly brings to life the world in which her characters move, but with Coady I had little sense of the environment, and so did not feel transported back to ancient Egypt in the same way.
The Maya Papyrus is as ambitious as the central family it writes about, but like them, it doesn’t quite pull off its attempted coup to seize the throne of ancient Egyptian fiction.
6 out of 10
This is NOT the best work of Egyptian historical fiction out there.
The problem is more than just a handful of silly mistaken homophones (one should marshal one’s thoughts, not martial them, and one should loosen the reins and give free rein, not reign), though those were slightly annoying. The book covers a whopping seven pharaohs, something which I have seen it garner a lot of praise for, and while the book is certainly long and complex, for me this ended up as a detriment. I can understand that the author probably wanted to explain Akhenaten’s policies by delving back into his childhood and upbringing, and that that in turn can in part be explained by the idiosyncrasies of his parents – their relations and upbringing. That’s just how history works – one thing builds upon another, although when telling a clearly defined story one has to demarcate some boundaries. My friends both added the caveat to their reviews that The Maya Papyrus starts slow, but I had the opposite experience: it felt rushed. Both are true. From the perspective of the main plot of the book being about Akhenaten and the aftermath of his disastrous policies, the book is slow to get going, delving as it does back into the reigns of Amunhotep III and Djehutymes IV. But from the perspective of properly fleshing out Djehutymes IV and Amunhotep III and giving their reigns due justice, this first third of the book does feel rushed, with the bare minimum of what’s necessary to set up Akhenaten plopped down without really exploring this time or these early characters. Later in the book, once we’re into Akhenaten’s reign, the text is so dense with hitting up historically known political events that it felt like there was no time to just take a moment and develop the characters. It was all peaks without the troughs, and it seemed to be missing the moments of quiet reflection for the characters between the challenges, to grow their personalities and relationships with one another.
This had two effects on characterisations which bothered me the more I read. In the early part of the book I had a sense of stock stereotypes from the characters: in particular, Thuya, whose greedy ambition came across as one-note. Later in the book, it gave me the impression that the characters were a bit uncanny valley: they did not feel like real human beings. I would struggle to describe their personalities beyond one or two words, let alone postulate what their motivations were. And by writing Thuya’s family as so relentlessly grasping, I had trouble identifying with or empathising with anyone. Maya wasn’t enough. The end result was that I felt disconnected and distant from the story, with little investment in what happened. For me that’s quite a barrier to enjoyment.
For those comparing the writing style to Pauline Gedge, I have to say that it isn’t nearly as good. Gedge’s character development is near-flawless – Coady’s, as outlined above, is assuredly not. In addition, I would say that Gedge vividly brings to life the world in which her characters move, but with Coady I had little sense of the environment, and so did not feel transported back to ancient Egypt in the same way.
The Maya Papyrus is as ambitious as the central family it writes about, but like them, it doesn’t quite pull off its attempted coup to seize the throne of ancient Egyptian fiction.
6 out of 10
June 8, 2013
This was the first time I have read any Egyptian historical fiction and was unsure if I would enjoy it. The book was recommended to me by an author friend who really loved it.
I really enjoyed this book a lot. It took me to a world I had never really thought about spending time in and did a great job of making me feel as though I was actually there. The characters were so well-developed that they came fully to life and seemed real. As I don't know much about Egyptian history, I can't vouch for how accurate this book is, but the whole setting and everything that happened was very believable and the pace never dragged.
I loved the drama and deceit, the plotting and the agonizing that various characters went through. I also enjoyed how they reasoned with themselves that what they did was right when their deeds were less than pious. :) I do enjoy books that show that life is many times not black and white...and the decisions we make in regard to the shade of grey we choose are often hard and would be unacceptable to others.
I loved so many of the people in the book: Maya, of course, Nerfetiti, Tutankhamun, Horemheb...the list goes on. Even the characters I disliked I enjoyed disliking immensely!
There is nothing about this book that is a weakness. I would strongly recommend this not only to lovers of historical fiction but to readers who like dark drama with plenty of deceit and plotting. You won't be disappointed.
NOTE: Although I am also an author I do not know the author of this work at all. I was not asked to read this book or review it by the author, it was recommended (as I said) by someone else. I'm so glad I took the chance on a book I would not have picked on my own. Now I will be eventually reading more Eygptian HF!
I really enjoyed this book a lot. It took me to a world I had never really thought about spending time in and did a great job of making me feel as though I was actually there. The characters were so well-developed that they came fully to life and seemed real. As I don't know much about Egyptian history, I can't vouch for how accurate this book is, but the whole setting and everything that happened was very believable and the pace never dragged.
I loved the drama and deceit, the plotting and the agonizing that various characters went through. I also enjoyed how they reasoned with themselves that what they did was right when their deeds were less than pious. :) I do enjoy books that show that life is many times not black and white...and the decisions we make in regard to the shade of grey we choose are often hard and would be unacceptable to others.
I loved so many of the people in the book: Maya, of course, Nerfetiti, Tutankhamun, Horemheb...the list goes on. Even the characters I disliked I enjoyed disliking immensely!
There is nothing about this book that is a weakness. I would strongly recommend this not only to lovers of historical fiction but to readers who like dark drama with plenty of deceit and plotting. You won't be disappointed.
NOTE: Although I am also an author I do not know the author of this work at all. I was not asked to read this book or review it by the author, it was recommended (as I said) by someone else. I'm so glad I took the chance on a book I would not have picked on my own. Now I will be eventually reading more Eygptian HF!
April 27, 2014
A Long Sweeping Drama. I read up more for enjoyment so I will leave the accuracy of historical fiction to those more knowledgeable on Egyptian history. But what I can say is this is a well-crafted story with characters right out of the past. Tutankhamun, the boy King, Nefertiti, the legendary beauty, Akhenaten and many others are filled out in a believable way that keeps you engaged. Murder, political infighting and intrigue as well as ambition and treachery make for a great story that keeps you reading page after page. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this to anyone who is looking for a long, sweeping tale with an easy-to-follow story line.
March 15, 2013
The Maya Papyrus is a book on an epic scale, traversing the reigns of Thutmose IV through to Horemheb, taking the reader right through the Amarna period, from its development to its final end. It's a truly gripping read, filled with intrigue – and one of the best fictional depictions of the Amarna period I've read, right up there with Pauline Gedge's The Twelfth Transforming.
Intercut within the third-person narrative are fragments from Maya's (historically, a high-ranked courtier in the court of Tutankhamun) memoirs of life and courtly intrigue in the Amarna period. It's a fascinating plot device, one I haven't seen too often in Egyptian fiction, and I loved the interplay of getting to see Maya's interpretations of the events against a more neutral reading of events.
The story can feel a little slow at the start, but only because we're watching things unfold and develop at a natural pace. When I started to get to the meat of the book, I really appreciated the slow-burn beginning as it really establishes character traits and plot points – it's particularly notable in the development of Akhenaten's character.
Since Amenhotep III is (probably) one of my Top Three Favourite Pharaohs, I really enjoyed getting to see a lot more of him, his father Thutmose IV and his firstborn son, Thutmose. Even though Crown Prince Thutmose was only ever briefly glimpsed, I really did love see him and felt it when he died.
The characterisations I had a bit of a niggle with – at times I felt figures such as Thuya and Yuya were painted with broad brush strokes that verged into caricatures, while other figures felt a bit distant, near-inscrutable, so that I didn't really get to know them. That said, even with this distance, I did appreciate the complexities of the characters, particularly Horemheb (another one of my probable Top Three Pharaohs), and in a way I liked that I couldn't predict their actions as it heightened the tension.
On historical accuracy, I felt the research was very solid, though I found a few decisions jarring, in terms of the most recent discoveries, research and theories into the Amarna Period. But the book is so good I'm willing to forgive it – it does make good fiction after all.
So, in short, this book is amazing.
Intercut within the third-person narrative are fragments from Maya's (historically, a high-ranked courtier in the court of Tutankhamun) memoirs of life and courtly intrigue in the Amarna period. It's a fascinating plot device, one I haven't seen too often in Egyptian fiction, and I loved the interplay of getting to see Maya's interpretations of the events against a more neutral reading of events.
The story can feel a little slow at the start, but only because we're watching things unfold and develop at a natural pace. When I started to get to the meat of the book, I really appreciated the slow-burn beginning as it really establishes character traits and plot points – it's particularly notable in the development of Akhenaten's character.
Since Amenhotep III is (probably) one of my Top Three Favourite Pharaohs, I really enjoyed getting to see a lot more of him, his father Thutmose IV and his firstborn son, Thutmose. Even though Crown Prince Thutmose was only ever briefly glimpsed, I really did love see him and felt it when he died.
The characterisations I had a bit of a niggle with – at times I felt figures such as Thuya and Yuya were painted with broad brush strokes that verged into caricatures, while other figures felt a bit distant, near-inscrutable, so that I didn't really get to know them. That said, even with this distance, I did appreciate the complexities of the characters, particularly Horemheb (another one of my probable Top Three Pharaohs), and in a way I liked that I couldn't predict their actions as it heightened the tension.
On historical accuracy, I felt the research was very solid, though I found a few decisions jarring, in terms of the most recent discoveries, research and theories into the Amarna Period. But the book is so good I'm willing to forgive it – it does make good fiction after all.
So, in short, this book is amazing.
October 3, 2020
An Egyptian "Game of Thrones"
This novel benefits from the perfect combination of excellent research and an epic adventure story. The reader is taken on a breath taking journey through generations of Egyptian rulers surrounded by a perpetual circle of poisonous political players who will stop at nothing to achieve power. There are scandalous consequences for all concerned. This book has everything and you will be hooked after the first 60 pages.
This novel benefits from the perfect combination of excellent research and an epic adventure story. The reader is taken on a breath taking journey through generations of Egyptian rulers surrounded by a perpetual circle of poisonous political players who will stop at nothing to achieve power. There are scandalous consequences for all concerned. This book has everything and you will be hooked after the first 60 pages.
June 21, 2017
A very spellbinding book which other readers like me will find hard to put down. The most authentic novel for that period of time. The kind of book you would read again.
A very spellbinding book which other readers like me will find hard to put down. I would certainly read other books by this author.
A very spellbinding book which other readers like me will find hard to put down. I would certainly read other books by this author.
September 18, 2013
The Maya Papyrus
By: Richard Coady
I thoroughly enjoyed this historical fiction book by Richard Coady. From the synopsis, I was expecting something a little different, but after reading it, I learned many things about the kings of Egypt. This book is a detailed account of their lives involving war, murder, and treachery that survived by Maya writing down the accounts on papyrus.
Archaeologists have unearthed documents in Nefertiti’s tomb that detail the generations before King Tutankhamun. All the wars, murders committed, and treachery played out are detailed in this account. I fell in love with the characters in this book, especially Nefertiti, Maya, and Ankhesenamun. Even the conniving characters are so well developed you’ll feel like you know them well. The story just keeps moving; the feelings just keep getting stronger.
Amenophis is seen by a doctor due to his unusual proportions. He is a co-regent with his father King Amenhotep and when he dies, becomes King. He then marries the one person who didn’t make fun of him Nefertiti. Changes his name to Akhetaten and decrees that his wife Nefertiti will rule the Two Lands alongside him as his equal and co-regent.
Gods play an important role in history. Aten supersedes Amun, Ptah, and Osiris, who are declared false gods by Amenophis. He declares they cannot leave the city ever again. They must be eternal congregants. Tutankhamun goes back to serving Amun, but when his daughter is stillborn, decides Aten was watching over them until he switched back. He decides to serve Aten again, but will that change future outcomes?
On Thuya’s deathbed, she admonishes the rest of the family to not let him destroy what she had orchestrated. The remaining years, deaths, and treacheries have been in play for many years. Even if you know and love Egyptian history, you will love the book. All culminates with the reign of King Tutankhaten. You realize what was set into motion many years before by Thuya comes to pass during his years. Who has the most to gain from all the murders? You’ll have to read the book to find out!
By: Richard Coady
I thoroughly enjoyed this historical fiction book by Richard Coady. From the synopsis, I was expecting something a little different, but after reading it, I learned many things about the kings of Egypt. This book is a detailed account of their lives involving war, murder, and treachery that survived by Maya writing down the accounts on papyrus.
Archaeologists have unearthed documents in Nefertiti’s tomb that detail the generations before King Tutankhamun. All the wars, murders committed, and treachery played out are detailed in this account. I fell in love with the characters in this book, especially Nefertiti, Maya, and Ankhesenamun. Even the conniving characters are so well developed you’ll feel like you know them well. The story just keeps moving; the feelings just keep getting stronger.
Amenophis is seen by a doctor due to his unusual proportions. He is a co-regent with his father King Amenhotep and when he dies, becomes King. He then marries the one person who didn’t make fun of him Nefertiti. Changes his name to Akhetaten and decrees that his wife Nefertiti will rule the Two Lands alongside him as his equal and co-regent.
Gods play an important role in history. Aten supersedes Amun, Ptah, and Osiris, who are declared false gods by Amenophis. He declares they cannot leave the city ever again. They must be eternal congregants. Tutankhamun goes back to serving Amun, but when his daughter is stillborn, decides Aten was watching over them until he switched back. He decides to serve Aten again, but will that change future outcomes?
On Thuya’s deathbed, she admonishes the rest of the family to not let him destroy what she had orchestrated. The remaining years, deaths, and treacheries have been in play for many years. Even if you know and love Egyptian history, you will love the book. All culminates with the reign of King Tutankhaten. You realize what was set into motion many years before by Thuya comes to pass during his years. Who has the most to gain from all the murders? You’ll have to read the book to find out!
March 10, 2019
... a colourful rendition of the history of the late 18th dynasty of ancient Egypt.
Richard Coady brings us a stark, gritty and informative novelisation of the Amarna period of ancient Egyptian history in The Maya Papyrus, one that details the lives of some of the most famous Pharaohs ever, such as Amenhotep III, Akhenaten and Tutankhamun.
The fragments of first-person narration from Maya – Tutankhamun's treasurer – gives the insight of direct thoughts and feelings from a person who existed at the time, as well as a main protagonist to follow throughout the whole story, a bridge connecting the multiple historic events and rulers of the period. The broader, third-person omniscient narration that makes up the bulk of the story is also well-executed; not clunky or confusing, but smooth in its transitions between each character spotlight, perfect for talking us through the details of all the palace intrigue, battlefield action and religious plotting. It is done in such a way that one can almost imagine being in the shoes (or sandals) of any one of the well-envisioned main characters.
There are virtually no criticisms – at least none significant – to be made of this epic debut of Coady's. All the factors for great historical fiction are there. The scope and authenticity of this novel can even be compared to fantasy author George R.R. Martin's bestseller A Game of Thrones. Readers looking for a colourful rendition of the history of the late 18th dynasty of ancient Egypt, something to advance their understanding of this specific period whilst entertaining them and always holding their attention, will pick up The Maya Papyrus and struggle to put it down.
Richard Coady brings us a stark, gritty and informative novelisation of the Amarna period of ancient Egyptian history in The Maya Papyrus, one that details the lives of some of the most famous Pharaohs ever, such as Amenhotep III, Akhenaten and Tutankhamun.
The fragments of first-person narration from Maya – Tutankhamun's treasurer – gives the insight of direct thoughts and feelings from a person who existed at the time, as well as a main protagonist to follow throughout the whole story, a bridge connecting the multiple historic events and rulers of the period. The broader, third-person omniscient narration that makes up the bulk of the story is also well-executed; not clunky or confusing, but smooth in its transitions between each character spotlight, perfect for talking us through the details of all the palace intrigue, battlefield action and religious plotting. It is done in such a way that one can almost imagine being in the shoes (or sandals) of any one of the well-envisioned main characters.
There are virtually no criticisms – at least none significant – to be made of this epic debut of Coady's. All the factors for great historical fiction are there. The scope and authenticity of this novel can even be compared to fantasy author George R.R. Martin's bestseller A Game of Thrones. Readers looking for a colourful rendition of the history of the late 18th dynasty of ancient Egypt, something to advance their understanding of this specific period whilst entertaining them and always holding their attention, will pick up The Maya Papyrus and struggle to put it down.
September 21, 2013
Always curious how a story starts, when the first thing you see is a list of the cast of characters alphabetically, it gives you warning how many characters are involved, and how it might be confusing, needing a reference point. As such, you can only imagine how involved the story is with a list like this.
Set in Egypt, this is the story of the continuing struggle for the reign of King, and their heirs. The story is told by Maya, the royal courtier and historian, and what he has written. In addition, Maya’s story is interspersed with what is happening at the same time. Sometimes making it a bit confusing, sometimes leading you to believe what you think is coming next.
While the story begins with one king taking his young son into his first battle. After that battle, the child does not want to be king, but being heir to the throne, the boy who did not want to be king became king. Continuing tradition for generations, the first born son is to become heir, and when you add in an intervening mother-in-law, it is amazing how the turn the events can change things. Murder for the good of the people and the kingdom, beliefs in one God instead of another, the story goes through numerous generations and people.
While it is a very interesting read in Egyptian history, a bit too much time is spent on one king. The story is written in great detail and is very in depth, but while each of the kings needs to have their glory and to show their strengths, weaknesses and beliefs, and no piece of history should be ignored, even if it has a few fillers for the parts that may never be knows, it could have had a bit less on Amenophis.
Set in Egypt, this is the story of the continuing struggle for the reign of King, and their heirs. The story is told by Maya, the royal courtier and historian, and what he has written. In addition, Maya’s story is interspersed with what is happening at the same time. Sometimes making it a bit confusing, sometimes leading you to believe what you think is coming next.
While the story begins with one king taking his young son into his first battle. After that battle, the child does not want to be king, but being heir to the throne, the boy who did not want to be king became king. Continuing tradition for generations, the first born son is to become heir, and when you add in an intervening mother-in-law, it is amazing how the turn the events can change things. Murder for the good of the people and the kingdom, beliefs in one God instead of another, the story goes through numerous generations and people.
While it is a very interesting read in Egyptian history, a bit too much time is spent on one king. The story is written in great detail and is very in depth, but while each of the kings needs to have their glory and to show their strengths, weaknesses and beliefs, and no piece of history should be ignored, even if it has a few fillers for the parts that may never be knows, it could have had a bit less on Amenophis.
February 4, 2013
3.8 stars
Compelling Historical Fiction
Mr. Coady spent 12 years researching and writing this titillating Historical Fiction novel of ancient Egypt. In doing so, he has produced a novel that no history fan can put down, though the dishes go unwashed, and sleep is elusive for several days.
As I know very little of Egyptian history, I was constantly looking up Mr. Coady's names to see where the known is separated from the guessing. The author, unlike many historical fiction writers, has taken known ancients and created a possibility for many of the unknown factors. As many authors of historical fiction take minor characters around a broadly known era with casual mention of major characters; this book using those major characters instead, leaves the reader with a sense that Coady has developed a logical answer to the mysteries surrounding the life and death of a real King Tut.
When I read this genre, I usually have some sense of the history that is the framework, but with this book, I frequently checked for accuracy of known facts. The book is, however, a fascinating read for anyone who enjoys reading about another era who may not be interested in checking out the facts, but just enjoys the reading. It is a very enjoyable book, and extremely hard to put down. I look forward to reading more of Mr. Coady's writing.
Dawn Edwards, The Kindle Book Review
The KBR received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. We are not connected with the author, publisher, or Amazon in any way.
Compelling Historical Fiction
Mr. Coady spent 12 years researching and writing this titillating Historical Fiction novel of ancient Egypt. In doing so, he has produced a novel that no history fan can put down, though the dishes go unwashed, and sleep is elusive for several days.
As I know very little of Egyptian history, I was constantly looking up Mr. Coady's names to see where the known is separated from the guessing. The author, unlike many historical fiction writers, has taken known ancients and created a possibility for many of the unknown factors. As many authors of historical fiction take minor characters around a broadly known era with casual mention of major characters; this book using those major characters instead, leaves the reader with a sense that Coady has developed a logical answer to the mysteries surrounding the life and death of a real King Tut.
When I read this genre, I usually have some sense of the history that is the framework, but with this book, I frequently checked for accuracy of known facts. The book is, however, a fascinating read for anyone who enjoys reading about another era who may not be interested in checking out the facts, but just enjoys the reading. It is a very enjoyable book, and extremely hard to put down. I look forward to reading more of Mr. Coady's writing.
Dawn Edwards, The Kindle Book Review
The KBR received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. We are not connected with the author, publisher, or Amazon in any way.
August 9, 2015
Thuya is the wife from Hell. She has ambitions far beyond her station and even her husband dare not go against her despite the dangers. She engineers the marriage between her daughter, Tiye, and the Pharaoh Amenhotep. Not content, however, with achieving a new and very high status, she ensures, by her flagrant manipulation of her daughter, that the dynasty she has founded will continue. Her sons, Aye and Nakhtmin, are placed close to the Pharaoh and it is Maya, son of Aye, who is our narrator.
His tale is one of four Pharoahs – one a madman – wars, incest, skulduggery, power struggles and murder. Included among the cast of characters are Tutankhamen and his renowned beauty of a mother, Nefertiti.
Not only has Richard Coady created a wonderful character in the matriarchal Thuya and a masterful villain in Aye, but also a wonderful study of the godlike persona of the mad Pharaoh Amunophis. We are also shown the absolute power of kings – and how absolute power corrupts absolutely. And throughout all this is the increasing threat of the warlike Hittites lurking in the background.
The writing style is thorough and easy to read through all of the 668 pages, whilst the cover is simple but effective. The only downside would be the price, a little expensive for a paperback – worth every penny though!
Whether or not you have an interest in Ancient Egypt, I recommend this magnificent book.
(For the historical Novel Society)
His tale is one of four Pharoahs – one a madman – wars, incest, skulduggery, power struggles and murder. Included among the cast of characters are Tutankhamen and his renowned beauty of a mother, Nefertiti.
Not only has Richard Coady created a wonderful character in the matriarchal Thuya and a masterful villain in Aye, but also a wonderful study of the godlike persona of the mad Pharaoh Amunophis. We are also shown the absolute power of kings – and how absolute power corrupts absolutely. And throughout all this is the increasing threat of the warlike Hittites lurking in the background.
The writing style is thorough and easy to read through all of the 668 pages, whilst the cover is simple but effective. The only downside would be the price, a little expensive for a paperback – worth every penny though!
Whether or not you have an interest in Ancient Egypt, I recommend this magnificent book.
(For the historical Novel Society)
September 9, 2013
The Maya Papyrus by Richard Coady is a 676 page historical fiction book, written in past tense, first person, from the perspective of Maya. I commend Coady on his extensive research of not only the people but of the living conditions and Egypt itself. I love when a writer can bring the past alive and not have it sound like a boring retread. I was completely sucked into the story from the first few pages. Coady keeps the plot moving at a great pace and the descriptions transported me straight to Egypt.
The story takes place during the late eighteenth dynasty in Ancient Egypt and uses prominent people from that era as characters and well-known events. The story is read from Papyrus scrolls found in Tutankhamun's tomb. Each scroll is written by Maya and tells a part of the story. I loved this premise. As most of us know, ancient Egypt's history is chocked full of drama, deceit and murder, and this book does not disappoint. The only negative comment I can make is that I did not like the book cover. I would have loved to have seen a pyramid or statue. I would highly recommend the book.
The story takes place during the late eighteenth dynasty in Ancient Egypt and uses prominent people from that era as characters and well-known events. The story is read from Papyrus scrolls found in Tutankhamun's tomb. Each scroll is written by Maya and tells a part of the story. I loved this premise. As most of us know, ancient Egypt's history is chocked full of drama, deceit and murder, and this book does not disappoint. The only negative comment I can make is that I did not like the book cover. I would have loved to have seen a pyramid or statue. I would highly recommend the book.
August 6, 2014
Cody on Maya
The Maya Papyrus is a book on an epic scale, 676 pages of historical fiction. The book, traverse the reigns of Thutmose IV through to Horemheb, taking the reader right through the Amarna period, from its development to its final end. This story is told by the Papyrus scrolls found in Tutankhamun’s tomb with Nefertiti. It is an historical event and each scroll tells what the scripted Maya wrote and then the author made the story of how life was in Egypt. I found this book to be extremely interesting and the author did a great job of telling how life was in the time of the great Kings of Egypt.
It's a truly gripping read, filled with intrigue – and one of the best fictional depictions of the period I've read, right up there with Pauline Gedge's The Twelfth Transforming. The only thing that bothered me a little is the words or the names of places that did not coincide with the era back then, but beside that it was a long fantastic read. I received this book for free for my honest review. So there you have it. My you enjoy reading it as much as I did.
The Maya Papyrus is a book on an epic scale, 676 pages of historical fiction. The book, traverse the reigns of Thutmose IV through to Horemheb, taking the reader right through the Amarna period, from its development to its final end. This story is told by the Papyrus scrolls found in Tutankhamun’s tomb with Nefertiti. It is an historical event and each scroll tells what the scripted Maya wrote and then the author made the story of how life was in Egypt. I found this book to be extremely interesting and the author did a great job of telling how life was in the time of the great Kings of Egypt.
It's a truly gripping read, filled with intrigue – and one of the best fictional depictions of the period I've read, right up there with Pauline Gedge's The Twelfth Transforming. The only thing that bothered me a little is the words or the names of places that did not coincide with the era back then, but beside that it was a long fantastic read. I received this book for free for my honest review. So there you have it. My you enjoy reading it as much as I did.
August 12, 2013
This story is told by the Papyrus scrolls found in Tutankhamun’s tomb with Nefertiti.It is an historical event and Each scroll tells what the scripted Maya wrote and then the author made the story of how life was in Egypt.through events told. There is alot of treachery, murders for control over Egypt. It shows the life they lead and the stories of some of the most famous Pharaohs, Kings and one calling himself A God. Life in Egypt went through good times and terrible times as one king changed from worshiping one God King of all Gods to Amun to a single God Aten. Crazy insane Pharaohs and two men that try to right all the wrongs done my a family set out to make Egypt there's legacy by any means. Killing anymore who would stand in there way even Kings and wife's of Pharaohs. I found this book to be extremely interesting and the Author did a great job of telling how life was in the time of the great Kings of Egypt
November 19, 2015
4.5 stars.
Fascinating book about a dynasty 5000 years ago. Part of the story is seen through the eyes of a man close to the throne. The other part of the story describes all the interesting and sometimes terrible things that happen to the pharaohs and those around them.
Well written. At the beginning I had a little trouble with all the names of the many characters. After about 400 pages and about 5 pharaohs, it got a little boring and it was a bit of a struggle to keep reading. But I'm glad I did, because everything that happens later is interesting as well. Maya seems at first just an outsider, an observer, but at the end he takes an important part in the events.
For awhile, Nefertiti, Amenhotep, Tutankhamun and the others were alive again!
Thank you, Richard Coady, for giving me a chance to read this and relive those ancient times!
Fascinating book about a dynasty 5000 years ago. Part of the story is seen through the eyes of a man close to the throne. The other part of the story describes all the interesting and sometimes terrible things that happen to the pharaohs and those around them.
Well written. At the beginning I had a little trouble with all the names of the many characters. After about 400 pages and about 5 pharaohs, it got a little boring and it was a bit of a struggle to keep reading. But I'm glad I did, because everything that happens later is interesting as well. Maya seems at first just an outsider, an observer, but at the end he takes an important part in the events.
For awhile, Nefertiti, Amenhotep, Tutankhamun and the others were alive again!
Thank you, Richard Coady, for giving me a chance to read this and relive those ancient times!
April 19, 2020
Ancient Egypt fans will love it
It's long but interesting; almost a murder mystery take on historical figures. Tut included but the period before and after him are some of the most interesting. There are a few points where the dialogue seems odd - had a hard time imagining them speaking this way - but that's the only nit I can pick.
It's long but interesting; almost a murder mystery take on historical figures. Tut included but the period before and after him are some of the most interesting. There are a few points where the dialogue seems odd - had a hard time imagining them speaking this way - but that's the only nit I can pick.
July 16, 2014
Excellent!! Extremely thorough yet never boring story of this very intriguing period of Egyptian history. Loved the take on some of the storyline versus some of the others I have read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
April 20, 2015
Really enjoyed this book! What a fantastic writer to weave this all together!
November 7, 2013
That was amazing. I felt like I was actually there. If you read this review - When will you write some more!!!!!
May 2, 2016
Fabulous
I haven't read a book this well written in a long time. Thoroughly engrossing in the scope of history. I couldn't put it down.
I haven't read a book this well written in a long time. Thoroughly engrossing in the scope of history. I couldn't put it down.
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