Kamun-Ra: The first book in The Mya of Thebes Chronicles

by M.A. McAlpine

324 pages, Hardcover

Published January 3, 2024

Reviews

[Βίκυ Χ. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kamun-Ra is first installment in the high fantasy series The Mya of Thebes Chronicles by M. A. McAlpine that takes the readers on an exciting journey across a mythical world like no other.
Mya, the protagonist, is an eighteen-year-old girl with one big dream, to attend the academy of Kamun-Ra and join the Protectorate to serve and protect the defenseless. This has always fueled all her actions and given her the strength and stamina to stay true to the pursuit of her aspiration, against all odds, never ceasing to surprise friends, foes, and readers alike.
The author's narrative voice is fresh and graceful. I can tell he put a lot of heart and effort into crafting this compelling introduction to his series and it paid off beautifully. The world-building unfolds gradually, allowing the readers to immerse themselves without feeling overwhelmed. The plot is engaging with constant twists and turns. I was intrigued by all the characters introduced, but I found myself wanting to know more about them and their backstories. However, I'm certain that the author will explore the characters' depths even further in the next books of the series, adding even more richness to his already intriguing saga. Last but not least, the variety of tropes and the intense adventure and magical academia vibes contribute to the charm and appeal of this absorbing fantasy tale.
All in all, Kamun-Ra swept me away to an enchanting world. With the second book of this captivating series now gracing shelves, I continue to celebrate its originality—a gem that remains luminous amidst its minor imperfections. For those who have yet to delve into this world, both installments come highly recommended as essential reads for any fantasy lover.

[Alexandra A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A unique and inventive, YA, high fantasy adventure story by Canadian author @mamcalpineauthor, which is just the kick-off to a new multi-book series, It reminds me a bit of Harry Potter, but takes place in an ancient Egypt-like world with mythological creatures from a variety of places, as well as from the inventive mind of the author himself. There are manticores, goblins, and hydra, and whatever the heck cute little thing Sox is! I want one! There is also an enchanted academy, which is where the Harry Potter vibes come in; interesting student and teacher dynamics, and plenty of moral decision-making to be done. This is good for young readers, as they begin to imagine themselves in tough situations.

Mya of Thebes is an 18 year old girl who just wants to join the Protectorate, which is the guardian entity for all the kingdoms. We learn, through the many obstacles to fulfilling her dream, and several heroics of protection and survival at home, that Mya is an earnest, determined, and morally good protagonist (as opposed to morally gray). But when she finally arrives at Kamun-Ra, the academy for new recruits, it’s a bit of a false victory and many more trials await. Mya’s myriad predicaments (some external, some internal [she is impulsive and headstrong and complicates things for herself]) will invite young readers to start thinking about and tangling with big ideas of right and wrong, inclusion and exclusion, justice, friendship, allyship, and where they stand on these things, which are some of the more timely themes in the book. Definitely recommend for lovers of YA, Harry Potter, and Ancient Egyptian vibes.

[K.R. Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a fresh surprise! I love the uniqueness, as yes, its a fantasy novel, but it takes place in ancient Egypt, and the beasts are mythical -- either Greek mythology based, or the authors imaginative own creation. I love how the setting was a character of its own, richly detailed.

The books main character Mya is a girl after my own heart! She is strong and fearless but she thinks with her heart before her head and it gets her into all kinds of sticky situations. Mya wants nothing more but to be a member of the protectorate, a hero of the lands and the people, to serve and protect and save lives. Her journey to get to Kamun-Ra, is laden with challenges, but when she finally arrives? It's still not smooth sailing.

I love how the first part of the book was epic travel adventure and the second half is her at the school, training in Kamun-Ra. It holds great academia themes, bordering on a Harry Potter feel with houses. I love the professors, the other students, Mya's found family -- and her new enemies!

The book leaves on a bit of a cliff hanger that will merge seamlessly into book two which comes out soon. I need to nab a copy!

This is a read for those who love a fresh take on the fantasy genre, fans of Egyptology, Mythology, and strong female characters. I highly recommend it.

[Robin.Bookish.Escape · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a fan of The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter, this book was an immediate yes for me. This epic YA fantasy with coming-of-age adventure, enchanted cities, magic objects, academy vibes, monsters, all the lore you can handle and a sprinkle of plot twists that will rock you. If you need a feel-good story or a pallet cleanser, this one is for you!!

This story follows Mya, an eighteen-year-old girl who sets out from home and wants nothing more than to heed the calling she feels, to protect those who are the most vulnerable. She joins the Protectorate at the academy of Kamun-Ra to fulfill her destiny. With her enemies hiding in the shadows and her friends by her side, she is faced with a decision, stay true to herself or let the shadows take over.

It was easy to get lost in the characters and I want to know more of them, perhaps the more I read of Mya and her adventures, the more I will get more backstories. I absolutely couldn’t get enough of the mythical creatures from some of history’s most affluent cultures along some new ones that I am just in love with. I need a Sox in my life!!

[Alison Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Kamun-Ra: The first book in the Mya of Thebes Chronicles, M. A. McAlpine has crafted a unique world of adventure and magic. Young Mya almost loses her chance to attend Kamun-Ra, enchanted academy where recruits for the Protectorate are trained. Luckily, she survives the attack of a manticore and so begins her thrilling quest to become a true guardian of the kingdoms that are all part of the Protectorate. However, danger and challenges face her at every turn and mysterious forces are at work behind the scenes threatening to upend all her plans.
This book is a great launch for the Mya of Thebes Chronicles revealing a wonderful and unique new world for readers to explore. With shades of Harry Potter and a sense of Avatar: The Last Airbender overlaid with a flavouring of Egyptian myth, M. A. McAlpine has created something unique and thoroughly entertaining in this YA story.

[Jax · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kamun-Ra follows Mya of Thebes on a tale of how she became a member of the Protectorate—an elite team of individuals that fight evil and protect innocents (for a price). It’s full of interesting characters, magic, adventure, danger, action, and more.

I’m a sucker for anything like this. It’s definitely reminiscent of stories like the Egyptian mythology trilogy by Rick Riordan that I devoured as a kid. But I like this storytelling form actually a lot better, there’s a lot of authentic ties to Egyptian myths and legends as well as an undercurrent of “common” magic and plenty of gore and action. It’s believable and a wonderful read.

[Andynystrom83 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kamun-Ra is a solid coming of age story appropriate for all ages. But what is even better is the story is set in an Egyptian inspired world that is both different and refreshing to the typical medieval fantasy setting. I enjoyed the characters, the world, I felt like a tourist and before I knew it I was invested in Mya's journey, her set backs felt real, the tension wanted me to know more. Simply put the books is great and I 'm looking forward to continuing the series.

[Parker Steeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an intro to a brand new fantasy world!! I had so much fun following Mya and her friends on the first book of this series. It’s a monster-slaying, family-finding, adventure-chasing tale with a magic academy unlike any I’ve read before! So much fun. Can’t wait for book 2!

[Alinar Den · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story reminded me how fascinated I was with mythology years ago... It's a fast-paced adventure filled with diverse characters and unexpected challenges. It keeps you on your toes in a fascinating way 😏

[Jonathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

While i enjoyed the world the author created. Having a new bully in every city got to be a bit much for me.