Shiri

by D.S. Taylor

Shiri blocks her ears to her mother's screams and sees the arrows strike her father's chest. With their murderers bearing down on her she turns to obey his final command. "RUN!" Amenhotep, Prince of Egypt, burns her village, enslaves her people, and destroys all she loves. Only Shiri escapes. With tears in her eyes and vengeance in her heart, she races to warn the Shepherd King. If she doesn't reach him in time, all Palestine will burn. It's a race that takes her from the fields of Armageddon, to the sands of Ancient Egypt and the very heart of Pharaoh's court. It's a struggle that brings the deaths of kings and the birth of a god. It's a quest that sees her fall in love.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Egypt, Historical, Romance, Fiction, Adult, Cultural

366 pages, Paperback

First published July 13, 2013

About the author

D.S. Taylor was born in a quiet seaside town in Ireland.

Sources indicate he is addicted to coffee.

Creator of TheWriteReads

Reviews

[TheBookDude · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could sum up this one with a tag line it would be ‘dodgy history, FANTASTIC story’. I have rarely read a historical novel that is as emotionally engaging as Shiri. The characters and their struggles all feel real however my one issue is Shiri is not quite as historically accurate as I would like. Now I understand that knowledge of the era we are dealing with is hazy at best but Shiri tends to follow the more controversial line of thought as opposed to the perhaps more sedentary but probably more factual real life history. It’s only a small niggle and other excellent novels set in the far past (cough Rivergod) suffer from the same thing. It certainly doesn’t detract from the fact that D.S Taylor has produced a truly excellent novel here that I found very hard to put down. So basically I’d say if you’re looking for a history lesson this may not be for you, but if you’re looking for a really fantastic and emotional roller-coaster of a read then this is a must. I can safely say that as it stands it is my new favorite Ancient Egyptian novel.

[Rosie Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shiri is a historical romance set in Ancient Egypt. It tells the tale of a humble man whose wife was stolen by the Pharaoh, driven by his love for his wife he was determined to rise up against the Noble House and free her. They called him the Shepherd King and long after the loss of his wife he sought freedom for the people from the Gyptos.

We meet his grown son Josef in a small rural village where he is seeking support for a rebellion, he rallies the men to go with him to support the Shepherd King and he leaves the village unprotected and vulnerable. Prince Amenhotep and his warriors sweep through the village maiming, killing, raping and taking slaves on their way to destroy The Shepherd King. A young girl out checking the sheep escapes, but not before she sees her parents violated and murdered. She stumbles ahead of the war party to warn the rebels, but they have little time to gather their forces.

With the battle lost Josef makes a drastic decision to save his life and in doing so he plays a role where he can save others too. He disguises himself as Yuya of Heliopolis and vows he killed the Shepherd Prince himself. He rescues Shiri before she is bought in the slave market and together they travel to Heliopolis. Here Josef discoveries he is heir to the high sun priest and is betrothed to his daughter. This presents an opportunity to gain access to enough wealth to buy his people who have been sold as slaves and treat them well. It's a daring move under the noses of the Pharaoh's and the warring nobles and one which needs clever details to keep the secrets safe.

This Ancient Egypt setting was very well done. The details of the setting and the characters were very believable. The level of violence, and sexual scenes are no more than you would expect from a time of warring factions, slavery, sacrifice, multiple wives and fear of the Gods. These were ruthless times with power, corruption, disloyalty and death going hand in hand with love and devotion as they still do today.

[Divya Mahajan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Historical fiction deserves more than 5 stars. The book with an unusual name (is also the name of of the main character) with an unusual plot is a emotional captivating tale of love, betrayal, revenge, sacrifice. The characters are well developed; though there are many characters in the story but they do not overcrowd but take the story forward.

This is the story of Shiri from her childhood to the mother of a young daughter. Her story starts when she loses her parents to tyranny at a very young age and swears revenge . Her quest for revenge leads her to meet the prince of her dreams - a real prince but circumstances lead her to be near him but cannot be with him and forces him to marry another woman and she has to become a slave to the prince, his wife and ultimately her daughter who she is forced to give up. How she overcomes her destiny whether she unites with the prince and her daughter and if her quest for revenge is fulfilled forms the crux of the story

This story of love, betrayal, sacrifice binds the reader from the word go. It is a must read Thank you @booktasters and D S Taylor for this awesome story

[Jennifer-Eve Workman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this through Goodreads First Reads Giveaway.

Shiri, a simple Shepard girl, who witnesses her village burned, her people slaughtered, her mother raped and killed along side of her father, must rush to warn the Shepard King of the ambush that is coming. She reaches and warns the King as the Pharaoh swoops in and annihilates the entire army and executes the Shepard King thus enslaving thousands of her people. We follow along as she and the Shepard Prince, who is posing as a high born Egyptian, is forced to persevere through such devastation and tragedy. Together they must survive and find a way to free their people from torment and slavery.

This is a fantastic story from beginning to end. Romance, lost love, betrayal, revenge, new beginnings, death and victory...it's all in there! My only dislike is the transition from parts one and two. Too abruptly it skips ahead in time and is hard to get your bearings for a couple of chapters.

Overall, this journey is amazing and you will be very happy that you took it!

[Diana Coyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was immediately pulled into this action packed novel and I just couldn't put it down. The writing was fantastic, the storyline was extremely engrossing and the characters were totally believable. I was so drawn into the story that I felt I was another character in it seeing everything firsthand. There were tons of varying emotions packed throughout these pages and I found myself bracing for what would happen next. Mr. Taylor is one author you need to keep an eye on because he's going places. I highly recommend this story...

Full review can be found online at: Night Owl Reviews.

Diana Coyle
Book Reviewer, Night Owl Reviews

[Nada Sobhi · Rating 4 out of 5]

SHIRI by D.S. Taylor begins unlike any other novel, especially the way it opens; “She was born a woman, and her father had yet to forgive her for that.” (p. 6).
The protagonist Shiri is a 15 year-old girl who lives with her parents in the small town of Yaham, in Palestine. The Shepherd King sends his soldiers to recruit men from towns and villages to fight the Pharoah Tuthmosis.

We see Shiri’s character develop and age through the troublesome experiences she undergoes. She is wise beyond her years and gains more wisdom as the novel unfolds and as she moves from orphaned shepherd girl to slave to mother. She progresses, handling every stage in her life and every hurdle thrown at her all the while bearing a specific cause in mind. She is strongly contrasted to Joseph, the Shepherd Prince.

The novel contains a lot of abuse both verbal and physical, while some of it bothered me a bit, and only because I wasn’t expecting it, I would still recommend that the novel be read by adults over 18 or better over 21.

The novel moves at a quick and enjoyable pace. When I finished it, I couldn’t imagine waking up the following morning and not seeing what Shiri will do next!

[M. C. (MagsTheBookWorm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shiri is a romantic historical fiction story taking place in Palestine and Egypt during biblical times. The main character, Shiri, stands by helpless as the pharaoh's son, Amenhotep, invades her village and slaughters everyone she loves. While injured, she manages to make it to the Shepherd King, Jacobaam, to warn him of the army's advance. Unfortunately, it is too late. As the pharaoh defeats the king and his forces, Shiri is captured and made a slave. She is taken in by Josef - the son of the fallen king in disguise. They travel to Heliopolis to try and eventually free the Habiru people taken as slaves. But as time passes, the two grow further apart and destiny cannot be thwarted. Will either Shiri or Josef ever truly be free of their past?

I would first like to state that I received this through NetGalley for an honest review. It's a rare story that moves me enough that I am at a complete loss for words. As I sit here writing this review, I am struggling to do both the book and the author justice. This was such a deep and powerful story with many parallels to the tale of Joseph in the book of Genesis. Though there were such similarities, they were more vague references and this was a wholly unique read. There was quite a bit of violence and mature topics as this depicts the atrocities of war and its aftermath so I would not recommend to younger readers or those bothered by such descriptions. And while the story is heart-wrenching, it is definitely a keeper. Read this one with a box of tissues close at hand.

[Lcdk · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Shiri, the author has found that perfect blend between of not being over-descriptive while also not being bland or ambiguous. What I mean by this is that he knows exactly when to include vivid descriptions when the book requires, yet also how to execute a more suspenseful feeling when the it's most beneficial to the scene. This blend is proof to me that D.S. Taylor has the skill of a seasoned writer and that he's mastered a lot of literary elements that define an exceptional book and separate it from an 'good' one.

There's really nothing bad that I can point out about Shiri; I love the plot, the characters, the environment and most of all, the well-refined writing style that is used to express everything. I also have always been a big fan of everything related to Egypt and for the author to incorporate such a strong Egyptian influence into the book, and with such accuracy; well, that's a huge bonus for me and a big part of what kept me so intrigued from the very beginning. For these reasons, I can't possibly give this book any less than the 5 stars that it deserves. I'll be keeping an eager eye out for future releases

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

took this book on holiday after getting it in a Good Reads giveaway - couldn't put it down !

It's a book of mystery, history, love and romance and it delves into the Egyptian life of those who were born into a life of freedom and wealth and those who have to overcome the hardships of slavery.

For all those into things Egyptian give this a read - you won't be disappointed - as for the authors next book - bring it on - I will be first in line to buy a copy :)

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend brought me this book and insisted I read it on the weekend. After reading the first page, I knew why, I was hooked. Shiri is an emotionally engaging story of war, love, power, loyalty, treachery, sacrifice... You name it, Shiri has it.

[E Sheridan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ancient Egypt engrossing encounter

'Shiri' by D Taylor offers an epic story based in Ancient Egypt.
The characters are well defined and the settings just jump off the page.
There are so many twists and turns that you will be just exhausted reading this story
You will buy into there character relationships and all there complexities.

This is not just a Love story, there's war and all that that brings.

If you want a believable novel with depth then i would strongly recommend this one to you.

[E Smyth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding Work


I enjoyed this book from the beginning, which is unusual for me as I have to fully understand the characters before i can really enjoy a read. I fell in love with Shiri's character from the beginning. The story appears so natural and believable. You are transferred to Ancient Egypt in this Epic novel.
The story is so well written and delivered very easily.

Much respect to the Author !!

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so pleased to have won this book in the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway.

I have never read books based around Ancient Egypt, so this novel made a welcome change. I rarely write a blurb as to what the story is about, for fear of spoiling for others. This book certainly had me hooked and unusually, I didn't put this book down until I had finished it. I hope to read more books by D S Taylor. Recommended.

[Prapti Panda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a long time since I've been this satisfied after finishing a book. Although I realized halfway through the book that 'Shiri' was meant only for mature audiences, by that time I was so hooked on the storyline that I couldn't possibly abandon it. Although I wouldn't recommend teenagers like me to read it. Not just because of its explicit graphic torture scenes, but because of the dark, dark mood that runs through the veins of the plot the whole time. Being a student of Egyptology for several years, there were facts that stung the wrong way, but overall, it didn't distract.
In my opinion, there are two types of Historical Fiction books- One, the books that have a crapload of exhaustive historical facts and scanty imagination; and two, the books that are all just a fantasy of the author's, and not historically founded at all. 'Shiri' was a heady combination of both!
The pros of reading 'Shiri'-

1. You'll get a vague idea of what it was like to be a slave in ancient Egypt. You'll live and breathe through the character, feel her pain, her anguish and see her rise above it all.
2. It will stake out its position on your 'Fastest consumed' book list.
3. You'll realize what truly compelling literary narrative reads like.
4. You'll end up researching about the Egyptian deities, the Pharaohs and the places mentioned in the book. A little by-addition to your general knowledge!
5. You'll begin believing in hope and honour again. And also, you'll begin to feel the love of your family.

The Cons-
1. Okay, DS Taylor isn't Wilbur Smith. His facts are sketchy, the brings up torture scenes one too many times, and nearing the end, his writing wavers a bit.
2. You'll be convinced that all the Pharaohs were gruesome, sadistic people who got away with committing heinous moral crimes.
3. The ending won't be found satisfactory by many people,
4. You have to finish this book in one sitting, two max. Not really a con, but really, this book is seriously enthralling!
5. Not really my first choice for making the subject of a discussion.

The long and short of it is this- I found this book amazing! There was depth in the characters, their feelings were as raw and real as if I were feeling them myself; it switched POVs seamlessly and managed to keep me on my toes until the very end. I was given this book by the author in exchange for an honest review, and I'm so glad I took it!

[Diana Wilder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Writing and A Story of Love

There are many stories to read nowadays. Whatever you like, you can find, told with greater or lesser skill. SHIRI is a story told by a skilled storyteller who can bring scenes, emotions, people to life, whose words are worth reading whether or not they tell a story.

But I get ahead of myself. Shiri is a love story, set in Egypt of the Pharaohs. As the author says, it is a work of fiction, with characters, names, places and events that are the product of the author's imagination or else used fictitiously. The sense, the flavor of Eighteenth Dynasty Egypt at its height are there. The characters have names that are familiar, that raise echoes. I say all this at the outset because I have read some reviews that complain that the story is not historical. This story is what it is claimed to be. Those who want to read textbooks can certainly find plenty.

The story concerns Shiri, the daughter of a chieftain, who is carried away by the forces of Pharaoh when they overrun the land of the Shepherd King. She becomes a slave in the royal palace, and moves among people whose names are familiar. And she learns to love a man...

I am not going to tell the story. You will have to read it yourself. If you enjoy intrigue, splendor, terrible villains, valiant heroes and heroines that are full of courage and resolve, this story is for you. If you savor luscious settings and thoughts that touch the heart and illuminate the mind, this is a good story for you. Be aware that there are some scenes involving a specific character that some readers will find upsetting. Because of that I would not give this book to children to read. All is resolved most satisfactorily, even splendidly.

If you enjoy the Egyptian books of Wilbur Smith, you will enjoy Shiri, though I personally find it more refined than Smith's work. Shiri presents you with a love story set in an intriguing period peopled by fascinating characters and crafted with beauty and emotion. Well done, Mr. Taylor.

[Lori Shafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shiri has led a quiet life in a small village. Her father is a respected former soldier who has accepted peace. Her quiet life is shattered when the Shepherd King comes to her village asking the men and boys of her village to join him in a war with the Pharoah. This visit leads to the destruction of all Shiri holds dear.

Soon Shiri is forces to look within herself for strength she never knew she had.

From the cruel battlefields of the desert to the majestic cities of ancient Egypt, Shiri's tale will take you on trip through time.

The story is captivating. The characters so strange and of their own time. How the characters see themselves and others was fascinating. To realize how little a life could be worth if they were of a certain race or background. Worse to see the lack of choices people have had. The unfairness and tragedy was haunting at times.

I am looking forward to Taylor's next novel. I hope this story continues.

This review was based on a free eBook version provided through Netgalley.

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely blew me away, from the first page to the last, I was riveted. It has romance, it has war, it has intrigue, loyalty, treachery and all at a pace that barely lets you catch your breath. The characters are great, I love the way they develop. But Shiri herself is the one that steals the show. She’s such a special and tenderly written character that you just want things to work out for her.Even calling her a 'character' seems unfair, she feels like a real person, all of them do in fact, even the 'bad' guys are sympathetic in some ways and in most cases you can at least understand their viewpoint which is something that so many other books lack. Sheesh I normally don’t gush quite so much about a book, but sometimes a little gushing is in order. This is one brilliant read, probably the best novel set in Ancient Egypt I’ve EVER read and definitely the best work I’ve read in the last year. – 5 stars.

[Maria Rivas-mc · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The sleepy village of Yaham was a very simple place. A daub and wattle hamlet, lost in the mountains, a dozen leagues from the famed Horus Way –the main thoroughfare between the great Empire of Pharaoh to the south and his vassals of northern Palestine. As such, it had ever remained forgotten and undisturbed by the troubles of the outside world."

And so we begin our journey into another time and place, where discrimination is not only the norm but a god-given right; where conquered peoples are enslaved 'cattle' without gender or identity. The author recreates the time of Pharaohs in unnerving detail. No one is exempt from danger and you need wits, courage, and luck to survive. We see it all through Shiri primarily but also through the viewpoint of her love, Josef, and others. It is a multi-generational story of love, heartbreak, honour, and triumph - a haunting experience.

[Rachel Tetley · Rating 5 out of 5]

If only more stories like this made their way to the screen!

I'm not sure if I am the only one, but I really feel there has been a lack of good films with well-written stories for some time, which when you come across a skilled writer like Taylor, one wonders why this seems to be such a big problem. This story is definitely worthy of a wider audience. It is well researched, beautifully written and composed of so many winning aspects to make up what is a compelling and thoroughly enjoyable story. The characterisations are strong and the descriptions vivid without being over stated. The pace is free-flowing and the story-lines are neatly knitted together.

I highly recommend this book, it will whisk you away on an adventure.

[Wendy Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always been enamoured with Ancient Egypt and early civilizations so this story appealed to me. Recently I’ve watched all of the Spartacus series and the plights of slaves were fresh in my mind when I read Shiri. This well written story thrusts the main characters into harsh situations with dire consequences where personal wishes must be set aside for loftier ideals. Gritty, lusty, violent, and suspenseful. A Pharaonic tapestry of blood and deception weaved into an underlying love story.

[Heather Mellars · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shiri is a beautifully written, vivacious love story set against the pyramids and pharaohs. It's a story with familiar echoes, which makes it very believable. There is violence here, so not suitable for children, but Ancient Egypt was a rough place and the scenes are well written and not over the top. I found this book unputdownable! Full of surprises, intrigue and suspense. Highly recommended!

I received this book in return for an honest review.

[Rachael Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just wow!!

When rampaging Egyptian forces raid her village and burn her home a young shepherd girl decides to fight back! Set against the rise of the new and mysterious ‘Jealous God’ this book has everything. Love, war, intrigue and a bit of controversy thrown in! It’s just one of those reads that's guaranteed to keep you up all night.

[Julie Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spoilers: Shiri is a book that begins dark and violent and pretty much stays that way. When early on the protagonist's family and the entire village is wiped out except her, you know that you won't be in for a fun jolly time. Also considering the majority of the book involves slavery, regicide, child rape, forced prostitution, abuse, and characters having to assume false identities for decades, you are in for a disturbing but unforgettable time.



One thing that keeps the narrative from being oversaturated in violence and dark images are the protagonists. They are both strong figures that use their wits and persistence to fight against these circumstances which they are forced in. They are both survivors and fighters to the end.



The first of our main characters is Shiri, who lives in a Habiru village in the desert. (There is no specific time set but the plot suggests that it is pre-Biblical days since the people around Shiri worship Ba’al and they fight one of the Amenhoteps though no number is given).



Shiri is shown to be close to her loving family particularly her father, a former warrior turned diplomatic village leader. The Egyptian Army massacres the entire village at the orders of their Prince Amenhotep. There are many graphic moments but one of the hardest to read is when Shiri is an eyewitness to some Egyptians cutting her father down with a sword then raping and murdering her mother.



Shiri manages to escape and runs to the dwelling of the so-called Shepherd King, the ruler of the various desert tribes. His wife, called The Beautiful One, was abducted and possibly murdered by the Egyptians so he has been at war with them ever since. Shiri arrives to warn the Shepherd King of the approaching army.



In other novels, this may lead to a decisive battle in which the protagonists come out if not the winners then at least ahead. But in this novel, all her actions do is lead the Egyptians right to them and we are witness to another violent battle in which the villagers are captured or killed including the Shepherd King leaving behind his son, Joseph, our second protagonist.



Joseph has to face some quick decisions after his servant, Yuya turns traitor on him. Joseph kills Yuya and assumes his identity. The Egyptians “reward” him with a new slave, of course, Shiri. When the two are alone, they quickly realize that they are on the same side but must play the roles of Yuya, the Egyptian Master and Shiri, his new Habiru slave, while in Egypt.



So begins a masquerade that lasts over 20 years as Joseph assumes Yuya’s identity, his place in his family home, and his arranged marriage with Tjuya, the High Priest's daughter. When Tjuya threatens Shiri with revealing that she knows that the man claiming to be Yuya is a fraud, Shiri willingly submits herself to the abuse given by her vain mistress and Tjuya’s sadistic handmaiden, Meira.



D.S. Taylor puts brilliant lead characters in this dark setting. The antagonists are terrible but they are supposed to be. Amenhotep is written as a spoiled Prince committing foul deeds for his father's attention. Tjuya is a manipulative jealous bitch who delights in abusing Shiri. Meira gleefully humiliates Shiri on her mistress's behalf. They are a ghastly bunch which makes Shiri and Joseph more likable.



In Shiri and Joseph's struggles with their enemies, we see how they differ in gender and social structure and how those differences play into their conflicts. Shiri is forced to endure the worst treatment that a slave woman has to overcome. She is raped by male masters and abused by Tjuya. She is forced to allow her daughter, Tiye, to be raised in Tjuya's household, but she stoically holds her ground and bonds with the girl in secret.



Shiri is maternal and loving towards Tiye and she continues to love Joseph even under his false identity. While their romance begins rather quickly, it makes sense considering that Shiri lost her family and only has Joseph to hold onto.



Shiri fights as well as she can by showing kindness when none is given to her, strength when her body is weakened, and courage when her masters try to break her. She is able to endure the long years of suffering.



Joseph has a different path facing his antagonists. Acting as a wealthy Egyptian male, he has to play the role of stern overseer on the outside while being the Shepherd King on the inside. He shows kindness to slaves so he can gain their loyalty and they act as his army in an eventual rebellion. He is a consummate politician negotiating and strategizing between allies that aid him in facing his Egyptian enemies. He also is able to see the big picture and plan far ahead for the future of his people while Shiri has to live day to day, moment by moment for herself, her daughter, and the man she loves.



However, Joseph has to keep up the lie of being Yuya for years. He is forced to compromise his beliefs and religion, hide his allegiances with his former people, and his love for Shiri all under the guise of being a wealthy Egyptian. This makes Shiri a stronger character than Joseph. She may be in horrible circumstances, but at least she is honest about who she is, who she loves, and what she believes.

Fortunately, as dark as the book is, there are some great hopeful moments towards the end as secrets are revealed and unions are made. Even when some characters die, their legacies live on.



In one juicy moment, the tables are turned as a master becomes a slave and vice versa. This moment shows the real heroism in Shiri and Joseph and how they are able to use their strength, leadership, and endurance to visualize a better world than the one they entered.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not read a book in a very long time that I became so attached to as this one. I could not stop reading it, and I was trying to find time to read every chance I had.
I find writing style in general to be a huge factor in whether or not I like a book, and this author's writing was wonderful. However, the characters of the book were the main reason I enjoyed it so much. Their lives and stories both as individuals and when they interacted made it all that much more interesting. Some characters complimented one another perfectly, while others clashed perfectly and created an intense and memorable story.
Shiri's strength in this book was incredible, and it was nice to see a strong woman depicted the way she was. Although she was incredibly strong and independent, her emotions and tragedy made her even more admirable.
I would highly recommend this book; although there were some moments that were very intense and could make some uncomfortable, I found it to be a very important story and look forward to reading more from this author.

[Vedika Pandey · Rating 5 out of 5]

* No spoilers *

Fantastic story!


“She was born a woman, and her father had yet to forgive her for that.” With this being the opening sentence, the book successfully intrigues the reader right from the start.

Shiri is an action packed, historical romance, set in Ancient Egypt and filled with lots of twists and turns throughout the book. We see Shiri’s character development as the book proceeds. Losing her parents at the young age of 15 and enduring gruesome violence turn Shiri into a woman of wisdom. She is seen progressing and handling every hurdle thrown towards her with great determination.

I was immediately drawn into the story due to the author’s beautiful writing style and the gripping storyline. It has a perfect mix of suspense and description which kept me guessing and intrigued till the end. This book is so well written it made me feel as if the characters and their pain and emotions were real. It was one hell of a ride for me!

This book is a must read for everyone.

[H.M. Christi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shiri by D.S. Taylor is a beautiful piece of literary art! Action, love, suspense, thrills, what else could you ask for in a novel? It will have you crying, smiling, worrying, even has your heart beating fast at times, but above all else, it will have you feverishly turning the pages longing for more! I was unable to put this book down! The writer knows how to convey love and emotion so well; this is one talented writer! The writer’s ability to draw you into each and every character with sheer passion shows just how talented they are. The details of each character and the events that take place in this love and suspense filled book will have your imagination going strong as you easily visualize and feel the words, you’ll find yourself escaping into Shiri’s world and connecting with her and all the other characters good and bad! I highly recommend this well written story of love and life!

[Nikki Bywater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shiri is a young shepherd girl when her small village in Palestine is set a light and invaded by Amenhotep, Prince of Egypt, the village is destroyed, Shiri’s people killed or enslaved. Shiri manages to flee and escape. Shiri must warn the Shepherd king and soon finds herself on a quest to the heart of Egypt and a journey of destruction, power, and love.

One of the things I really enjoy about doing my job is that often I will now be given a chance to read books that I would never ever have chosen to read myself, so I am often introduced to new genres and fantastic books that before I would never have thought to try to see if I like them, and this is the case with Shiri. Shiri is one of those books which clever wording draws you in from the very first sentence it is a book you will find hard to put down. I found it intellectual and intriguing.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not sure if I would call this a romance or not. There is a really strong romance story in there but defining Shiri as simply a ‘romance’ feels inadequate as it is so much more than that. It’s a story that really hits you hard in that place that so few novels reach - your heart. You really feel for the characters and their struggles. I adore the way characters like Josef have their goals, their lofty supreme aims, but simple real life hurdles and emotions get in the way. Characters and emotions aside the plot is epic, fast paced and twists in ways you’d never expect. There were a few moments and one in particular which I won’t mention for fear of spoilers that literally knocked me for six. I just didn’t see it coming and it was a pleasure to be surprised in such a way.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

"She was born a woman and her father had yet to forgive her for that."
What an opening line! It's one of those lines that you can imagine people quoting in 'best opening line lists' I was hooked.

This is one of my favorite books set in ancient Egypt. This and river god are just a level above the rest in my opinion. I've noticed asome reviews of both books complain about historical accuracy but really whats that about? You read these books for entertainment not to learn facts. If you want to learn facts read a history book not a fiction.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extremely captivating blend of action and romance. A few people have commented the story isn't historically accurate (hence the fiction category), I believe Shiri gives the reader a fairly good look into a past culture without sugarcoating. I received my copy through goodreads first reads, but I will be looking to buy additional books from this author.