Mithra: Stone Sorceress, Hidden Pharaoh

by John Rattenbury

A family secret, a powerful talisman, and an ancient Rome's emperor believed he possessed Egypt after Queen Cleopatra died, but Egypt had always been possessed by its past. After the Roman Augustus wrested Egypt from Cleopatra in 31 BC, people up and down the Nile believed a savior possessing a magical device would return to Memphis to topple the "place being built" and rid Egypt of its brutal occupiers. Mithra, a teenage scholar in Alexandria, Egypt in 10 AD, is unaware that her father, Lord Weni, is Cleopatra's surviving son. When the secret is exposed, Mithra becomes a worshiped figure along the Nile and the greatest threat the Roman Empire has ever faced. Emperor Augustus must deal with Mithra's supernatural, religious, and political power lest he lose control of the vital Egyptian grain harvests that feed Rome.

255 pages, Paperback

Published October 13, 2023

About the author

John Rattenbury is the author of Mithra: Stone Sorceress, Hidden Pharaoh, a speculative fiction novel blending Roman-Egyptian history with elemental magic and mythology - the origin story of the Mithra character. The Rattenbury name traces back to a family linked to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin Studio co-founder, John Francis Rattenbury, and his father, Francis Mawson Rattenbury, a noted architect known for British Columbia’s landmark buildings in western Canada. John is a licensed architectural engineer working in the Boston, Massachusetts area, while pursuing his passion for novel writing. He writes stories that explore loyalty, betrayal, and the heavy burden of destiny. When not writing or designing piping systems, Rattenbury enjoys watching movies excessively and studying astronomy.

Reviews

[Bow Lakasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mithra: Stone Sorceresses, Hidden Pharaoh

I must admit, I'm still unsure how to categorize "Mithra: Stone Sorceresses, Hidden Pharoah" - is it a work of historical fiction or a conspiracy theory? The lines are blurred, and that's what makes this book both fascinating and frustrating at the same time.

The author presents a narrative that is both logical and plausible, yet lacks concrete evidence to verify the claims made. This ambiguity will likely appeal to readers who enjoy speculative history and alternative theories, but may frustrate those seeking a more traditional, fact-based approach.

One of the notable aspects of the book is its unconventional structure. The chapters lack introductions, which can make it difficult to follow the story at times. Additionally, the book's ending feels abrupt, with no clear resolution or conclusion. It's as if the story simply stops, leaving the reader wondering what happened next.

Despite these criticisms, I must confess that I was engaged throughout my read. The author's writing is captivating, and the storyline is intriguing enough to keep you turning the pages. The characters are well-developed, and the plot twists are expertly woven together to create a sense of anticipation that, unfortunately, is never fully satisfied.

Ultimately, "Mithra: Stone Sorceresses, Hidden Pharoah" is a book that will appeal to readers who enjoy a good mystery and are willing to suspend their disbelief. While it may not provide the answers or closure that some readers crave, it's a thought-provoking and entertaining read that will linger in your mind long after you finish the book.