Tut has grown into his position as Pharaoh, but he is a wild young man. Naomi fears for him, not only because of his recklessness, but because he has put his trust in Ay—the man determined to destroy Naomi—despite her and Horemheb advising against it.
Meanwhile, death and slavery hang over Naomi and her family. With fear of the booming Hebrew numbers causing talk of enslaving them, conscription is reinstated and Naomi fears for the lives of her other children. Especially since Ay's children are now adults, and just as dangerous as their father. They threaten to take Itani, conspire against Tut, and push for power.
But Tut is in trouble. While Ay's daughter draws Horemheb's attention, and Naomi deals with the struggles of her family, everyone's distraction could spell death for the young Pharaoh.
Born and raised in Australia, Katie's early years of day dreaming in the "bush," and having her father tell her wild bedtime stories, inspired her passion for writing. After graduating High School, she became a foreign exchange student. Now she lives in Idaho with her daughters and their collection of animals. When her debut novel, Kiya: Hope of the Pharaoh, climbed into bestselling status, she believed she was onto something, and now has a slew of novels available, and is published through REUTS Publishing and Soul Mate Publishing. Katie loves to out sing her friends and family, play sports, and be a mother. She now works as a Special Education Paraprofessional to help support her family while she studies Education and English. She loves to write, and takes the few spare moments in her day to work on her novels.
I am devastated ! What will I read next that could keep me so invested ??
I am not even joking when I tell u I lost sleep to read these novels because I couldn’t put them down. I feel like we need a follow on with Rachel and he attempt at following Naomi’s footsteps.
I genuinely was heartbroken when tut was killed and had tears when Malachi died . Such beautiful characters and their story told so perfectly it makes the reader feel they are there every step of the way .
We need more set in ancient Egypt from this author !!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
[Full disclosure: I received a free ebook copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.]
First off this is historical fiction, but it isn’t exactly historically accurate. Yes, the broad strokes are there (Kiya being Akhenaten’s wife, Horemheb ascending the throne, etc) but the things like the Hebrew enslavement have no basis in archaeological fact. There’s some dispute about things like Horemheb’s reign length but I’m willing to overlook things like that because it is still an controversy among Egyptologists. Normally historical inaccuracies would bother me, but this is far from the case in the Kiya trilogy.
The fact is, Kiya: Rise of a New Dynasty is a great story. It’s got everything from tragic unrequited love to political intrigue. Naomi is now in her thirties and Tutankhamun is now a wild young man instead of a shy, frightened boy. I like how Katie Hamstead emphasized Tut’s reputation for being a bit of a wild Pharaoh who loved riding chariots far too fast and hunting. It’s an important part of his characterization but there’s also that sensitive side of him we see with his mother. He’s not a perfect child (sometimes he’s actually rather horrible) but he is essentially a good, if flawed, human being.
I like how Naomi has changed. She’s very much in love with her husband Malachi but Horemheb is still an important part of her life. Katie Hamstead couldn’t have solved the love triangle better than she did at the end of this novel, to be honest. I don’t want to spoil anything but it’s a very satisfying, almost happy ending to what is a pretty sad novel. Naomi must navigate everything from trying to advise her teenage son to influencing the politics of his royal court and it’s interesting to see how she handles things. She’s far from perfect but she’s one of my absolute favourite characters. Of course I still have a special place in my heart for Horemheb because although I’m not much of a romantic, I have a weakness for the tragic unrequited love trope.
Of all the novels in the trilogy I’d have to say that Rise of a New Dynasty is probably the most fast-paced. It covers quite a large span of years and a fascinating time period in history. Some of the dramas are made up but it does make for a good story and this trilogy was never presented as being very meticulously researched and true to the facts.
If you’ve read the previous two books in the trilogy, you’re going to love the conclusion. It’s fast-paced, interesting and the characters are very well fleshed-out. Basically, this was the perfect end to a great trilogy.
If I had to sum this story up in one word, I would use beautiful. The emotions that poured from the pages was a surprise for me. I guess that as I've read on throughout the series, I've managed to become quite attached to Kiya / Naomi. Her story has definitely warmed my heart and I will truly miss her now that it has come to an end. I have to say that Katie Hamstead really did a number on me with this fantastic piece of historical fiction. If I wasn't crying about the loss of life, I was crying about the true love that Naomi and Malachi felt for each other. When I finally finished blubbering, I was shaking my fist at all the baddies wanting to tear them apart with my bare hands.
The story did have a few predictable moments, and I'm not talking about Tut's death, but the author managed to write these scenes so they were believable and flowed properly, in my opinion, with the story line. The characters in this story are very well developed and I think that I loved every single one of them. Although I do think that Horemheb is still a complete asshat, I enjoyed him more so in this novel than in any of the previous ones. The other thing that made this story so great was the world building. I felt that it represented an accurate description of what life would have been like for the Hebrew people and all of the dangers of living in this era.
In closing, I would like to add that this was my favourite book from the trilogy. Not only did it give me some extreme feels, but it also left me with the perfect book hangover. The ending couldn't have been more perfect then what it was. I finished it feeling completely satisfied.
Where to begin....I was instantly engrossed with this series! Katie Hamstead did a magnificent job making the KIYA trilogy....but the third and final book was my most favorite of all. I found myself crying at parts and shaking my fists in anger!!!! I picked up the first book from my amazon kindle app recommendation & I'm so glad that I did =] I hated Nefertiti she was such an awful woman who let jealousy consume her life such a pity and I fell in love with Naomi's character I found myself rooting for her the whole time I also loved Tutankhamun,Malachi && Horemheb....I couldn't chose between the two men because the love they had for Naomi was so remarkable..... I found myself torn between the two. Mrs. Hamstead did an amazing job weaving this story this series is my favorite and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an exciting good read. I'm very sad that it is now over =\ hopefully she creates another egyptian trilogy...I could go on and on but I will let you experience these wonderful books yourselves just as I have.
I liked the book, it was suspenseful and emotional and full of meaningful relationships. The book was so sad most of the time, and I disliked the abrupt ending, I would have liked to see how she dealt with the fallout of another marriage, and how she settled into her new life and became happy again. However the characters were so well written and it was so easy to feel a connection to them. Even though I have never, and will never go through the traumatic events Naomi went through, She still felt very relate-able, she suffered with weighing her own happiness with the happiness of others. I loved the book and would recommend it to anyone.
If a wonderful and extremely entertaining read is what you want then this trilogy will fill the bill. I postponed writing a review until I read the entire group and I can honestly say that I completely enjoyed these books. There were parts where I felt my heart would also break and even brought tears. This author and her writing is truly outstanding and pulls the reader into the story where you feel a part of the story. Truly outstanding writing. I personally look forward to reading further works of this author. Excellent reading and thoroughly enjoyable. Enjoy!
Having read all 3 books within 5 days, I am sorry to see them conclude. I highly recommend this series for anyone that enjoys Egyptian history. Although I figured out and knew some of the story that was historically correct, I am not as well versed in Egyptian history to be able to confirm or dispute everything is correct; and, I don't care because I enjoyed all 3 books! If you choose to read this series, i hope you like them as much as I did.
WOW. I was blown away buy this book. There were a lot of twist in the story that I wasn't expecting. The main character was a strong and brave women. And did what was best for her family.There was a lot of times I was shocked a what I read. Then had to reread the paragraph again. This book was a perfect ending to a really good series. I highly recommend that book lovers read this series.
By this book I was super irritated with Malachai and his jealousy. But, I found him to be whiny and clingy from the get-go, so maybe I'm biased. I was so glad when Kiya finally ended up with Horemheb, but I wish that there was more about that relationship and where it went...maybe a book #4??
I have read the three books of the Kiya series and loved them all. The setting, the history and the romance. But I have to confess that this one is my favorite. I really love how the story, action and romance develops ending this series with a delicious after taste. You'll never regret reading it.
This was a really good series, particularly as I'd only ever read about this period from history or books or through a narrative that was sympathetic to Nefertiti. Really interesting, and a particularly fascinating look at the (imagined) lives of Jewish men and women under Egyptian rule.
Franchement j'ai été transporter dans ce roman. Il y a eu beaucoup de passages que la femme moderne en moi à trouvé malaisant, mais le contexte historique était là. Bref, très bonne histoire pour un dépaysement dans l'Égypte antique.
Okay so these books sure take you on a long and emotional journey. First thing is first, these books are loosely based on real life people. I would consider it historical fiction and doing a bit of a Google search on Kiya, Horemheb, Nefertiti, and Akhenaten before you read. The first book really grabbed me. It was cunning, and exciting and kept me on my toes. I realized half way through the second book I didn't really like Naomi as much as I liked Kiya.. "but they are the same person" you say. Yes but I found Kiya to be a stronger person likely because it was life or death and she had to be on the top of her game. I got a little bored by the end of the second book, but forced my self to keep on. Boy was I glad I kept going.!! This third book had my emotions all over the place. I was rooting for Horemheb the whole series and as much as Malachi was an amazing man, to me Horemheb was the ultimate for waiting over 20 years for Naomi and caring for her children as his own. I was happy, then very sad, then happy again then heart broken a few times, but in the end Horemheb stole the show and I couldn't be happier.
The powerful and exciting end to an amazing series! After reading the first two books in this series in a matter of days, I couldn't wait to plunge into the final story! Somehow with all of the emotional ups and downs, trials and triumphs, of the first two books, Hamstead managed to pull on our heartstrings even more with this riveting finale! Naomi still wants nothing more than to live a quiet life with her people. But when Tut takes his place as pharaoh, and his life is threatened, Naomi must become Kiya once again in a fight to protect him and save the throne from the evil Ay.
Again, Hamstead weaves a beautiful story, filled with action, intrigue, romance, and an ending that doesn't disappoint! I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves historical fiction and romance!
First let me assure you that although this is the final book in a trilogy, it is also,like books one and two, an exceptional stand alone read as well. This author is very talented. The main character is someone I've come to know as if it were a member of my families story being told. I love all the characters-well, I do heartily dislike the bad guys...the point being that the author has brought all of her characters to life. Each book has been so good that I couldn't put it down. This story has become part of me and that's the best kind of writing. When I am so involved in a book that I continue to think about it long after I've finished it is the absolutely best. I want a book to take me away and to make me feel good. This book, indeed all 3 of this theologies books did this. I hope everyone one reads this book and all of this author's work. HIGHLY RECOMMEND! :)
I only recommend this book if you’re someone who likes to finish a trilogy out; otherwise skip it. While Kiya/Naomi was somewhat unbearable in the first two books due to being portrayed as practically with little flaws, in this book she is insufferable. Kiya/Naomi is worshiped by all those around her, but their worship of her doesn’t feel genuine. It feels that the author is forcing the other characters to love Kiya/Naomi instead of it being organic. When characters do get mad at Kiya/Naomi it doesn’t sit right; especially her sister getting angry with her. Overall, this book felt more forced than the other two and was repetitive.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Thank you to everyone who read and loved this trilogy! The day I wrote THE END on this book I felt lost. It took me a while to get back on the horse and write again. But, you will be pleased to know I have a planned sequel in the works. It will follow Naomi's great-granddaughter down Zakkai's line during the time of the plagues and exodus. So I hope to see you back for more!
So now I have officially read all three of the books in this series and I loved them all. I overlooked a few historical inaccuracies because to be honest not much is known about that period so it's good to let imagination run wild. The characters engaged me except for adina who I just wanted to throttle for being a complete and utter idiot. Good books and interesting to read
I really loved reading this book as I did the other two books in the trilogy. I couldn't put it down, the history of ancient Egypt and the Hebrews has mesmerized me, Kiya is a very brave and honourable woman who stayed with her believes, I am glad she was loved and that she also loved. I would recommend this trilogy of books to anyone to read.
What a fantastic conclusion. I found myself missing these characters when I was done. A fun adventure and some good life lessons about love, faith and integrity. Though we now know more about Tut's lineage, it was still a lot of fun.
I enjoyed the book after reading the first two. I felt sad but excited about the ending. It has made me want to delve into Egyptian history for facts that the book supported
Strong characters with a talent for highlighting each individual well. Since the story encompassed many people this was a much appreciated style. Thanks, Katie for hours of enjoyment
A great followup and finish to the trilogy, my ONLY qualm was that I wish there were more details of Horemheb and Naomi's life together :) VERY sad that there aren't anymore :(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I finished the whole trilogy and loved every bit of it. It has been a very long time since I have enjoyed a story this much. Tears and thrills of Egypt.
I enjoyed this series and liked the concept of basing it on genuine historical figures.
SPOILERS:
What I found most frustrating with this book was the development of Naomi and Horenheb's relationship and Naomi's development as a character. Naomi started the series as a strong female protagonist, but as this series went on that strength dissipated and the only reason we continue to believe she is 'strong' is because of the constant reminders of her actions back in book 1. In book 3 with Malachai's passing (because he was like her very judgy conscience throughout the series) there was plenty of opportunity for a resurgence of the brave and bold character we had in book 1, but it didn't happen. It was also annoying that after waiting 3 books for Naomi and Horenheb to marry (as I suspected they always would) this story got stretched out to the last couple of pages of the book and then... boom ... they are married and lived happily ever after, the end. While I enjoyed the series overall, I feel this book let it down.