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Imhotep #3
The Forest of Myrrh
As the third novel about the time-travelling ancient Egyptian begins, Imhotep’s beloved wife is dying, his most powerful patron has been murdered and the Third Dynasty is descending into chaos. Desperate, Imhotep recruits an unlikely ally to help him save Meryt and to discover the killer of the Voice of Re. However, his search is interrupted by a revolt that tears the Two Lands in half. Driven to the Temple of Khnum at the southern fringe of the dying empire, Imhotep frantically tries to find a way to help his family escape. His efforts lead him to a new world where he journeys to the fabled Land of Punt and frantically tries to save Pharoah Hatshepsut from a merciless assassin in the forest of myrrh.
"The Forest of Myrrh" is a sequel to "The Buried Pyramid" and to "Imhotep," highly praised time-travel novels set in ancient Egypt.
"The Forest of Myrrh" is a sequel to "The Buried Pyramid" and to "Imhotep," highly praised time-travel novels set in ancient Egypt.
629 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 11, 2014
188 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
Jerry Dubs
13 books57 followersI've always been drawn to science fiction. The seed for "Imhotep," my first novel, was an incident that happened in 1980, when my wife and I were in Egypt.
In the Imhotep series I explore the information divide in modern America. In a new series of books, I'm planning to explore the development of personal identity.
Of course, this is all wrapped in a gripping story with fleshed-out characters.
I'm also starting an exciting experiment on crowd sourcing creativity. For more on that, take a look at my Patreon page
Married since 1980, Deb and I have three children. Back in 2012 we became vagabonds (an experience we wrote about in Vagabond Retirement). So far, its been a blast.
Cheers! Jerry
In the Imhotep series I explore the information divide in modern America. In a new series of books, I'm planning to explore the development of personal identity.
Of course, this is all wrapped in a gripping story with fleshed-out characters.
I'm also starting an exciting experiment on crowd sourcing creativity. For more on that, take a look at my Patreon page
Married since 1980, Deb and I have three children. Back in 2012 we became vagabonds (an experience we wrote about in Vagabond Retirement). So far, its been a blast.
Cheers! Jerry
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 20, 2015
Exciting exotic story of ancient Egypt!
Found the book hard to put down as I was transported to the times places and principles actors of this simple but dangerous time. I feel that I could taste and smell the soul of ancient Egypt. I could feel the God Ra warmth on my back . The love and emotional involvement of the characters was easy to fell on a personal level.
Found the book hard to put down as I was transported to the times places and principles actors of this simple but dangerous time. I feel that I could taste and smell the soul of ancient Egypt. I could feel the God Ra warmth on my back . The love and emotional involvement of the characters was easy to fell on a personal level.
February 4, 2017
Enjoyable.
The Imhotep stories are an enjoyable read. Not just enjoyable but informative and interesting as well. Jerry Dubs does historical fiction well.
He uses the "magic door, time travel" device to set up debate, moral, ethical and political comparisons between the past and present. As a reader it is difficult not to get drawn in. The conclusions are your own.
All way through, this story is an intriguing adventure, right to the thriller ending. It has all the elements of an edge of the seat read.
The Imhotep stories are an enjoyable read. Not just enjoyable but informative and interesting as well. Jerry Dubs does historical fiction well.
He uses the "magic door, time travel" device to set up debate, moral, ethical and political comparisons between the past and present. As a reader it is difficult not to get drawn in. The conclusions are your own.
All way through, this story is an intriguing adventure, right to the thriller ending. It has all the elements of an edge of the seat read.
June 8, 2014
Exciting. Read
Exciting. Read
This is the third in the series of Imhotep. I really enjoyed the fiction fitting the historical facts, conjecture to be sure, but totally fascinating read.
Exciting. Read
This is the third in the series of Imhotep. I really enjoyed the fiction fitting the historical facts, conjecture to be sure, but totally fascinating read.
February 26, 2016
this was not my favourite of these books so far, it didn't read as smoothly as the others did. It was however still a good read and pretty enjoyable.
July 10, 2017
Definitely enjoyed this book much more than the 2nd one. The first part, in the dying days of the Third Dynasty, where Imhotep and his friends are trying to find the killer of Hetephernebti was very weak and didn't add much to the story. Governor Threshen had the makings of a dangerous, deranged and unforgettable villain, yet the author chose to spend more time in the lame love triangle between Imhotep, Meryt and Akila and Imhotep moping about being stuck in ancient Egypt, while being a useless father, husband, lover and friend. Meryt and the adult Maya didn't have a whole lot to do, although Meryt's last few scenes were very poignant- Imhotep knew that he would have to leave her behind in the Third Dynasty Egypt, as she was dying of TB, while he moved on forward in time.
But the quality of the story and the pace picks up once Imhotep and his dwindling band of loved ones travel 1000 years to the future, in the reign of Thutmose I and Hatshepsut. I loved Hatshepsut's
Characterization here and how she nearly loses her life due to the misogyny that men feel about having a female ruler. But Hatshepsut, Akila and another new badass female, Queen Ati, prove to be survivors at great personal cost.
I have given it a 4 stars because of the weak first half
But the quality of the story and the pace picks up once Imhotep and his dwindling band of loved ones travel 1000 years to the future, in the reign of Thutmose I and Hatshepsut. I loved Hatshepsut's
Characterization here and how she nearly loses her life due to the misogyny that men feel about having a female ruler. But Hatshepsut, Akila and another new badass female, Queen Ati, prove to be survivors at great personal cost.
I have given it a 4 stars because of the weak first half
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2020
Imhotep in even-earlier Egypt
A strong female pharoah who wears a fake beard, adventures in the land of Punt which include an encounter with a single-minded giant of a man - Tim Hope and Akila's visit to ancient Egypt takes them even further into the history of this fascinating realm. Recommended
A strong female pharoah who wears a fake beard, adventures in the land of Punt which include an encounter with a single-minded giant of a man - Tim Hope and Akila's visit to ancient Egypt takes them even further into the history of this fascinating realm. Recommended
May 12, 2018
Historical fiction has always been my favorite venue. This set of books is a real page turner, both with the characterization, descriptions of scenery, as well as descriptions of taste, feel, and smells is very well done. I could almost feel myself there in person.
November 7, 2023
Always a good read keeps moving never slow will continue to read the rest of the series
And other books by the author so i recommend this and his other books to people who are interested in Egypt
And other books by the author so i recommend this and his other books to people who are interested in Egypt
June 2, 2017
Very well written. Had to read them all! Author was brilliant in bring ancient Egypt to life. Highly recommend this series.
September 10, 2017
Good but.....
I have trouble describing my feelings about this book. Unlike the previous ones it did not totally hold my interest.
I have trouble describing my feelings about this book. Unlike the previous ones it did not totally hold my interest.
August 11, 2019
Great book
February 9, 2020
The third book of the series and what I think overall was the best one yet. The last third of the book was worth the sight struggles in the first part.
Definitely worth the read.
Definitely worth the read.
November 21, 2023
Great book!
The depth of research needed to write thus book and each one in this series is phenomenal! I love this series.
The depth of research needed to write thus book and each one in this series is phenomenal! I love this series.
May 15, 2025
Enjoyable light read.
July 30, 2017
Jerry Dubs' 'Imhotep' series is one of the best Ancient Egyptian book series I've ever read. Even if some people who are hardcore Egyptologists claim that parts of it are factually incorrect, the way that Dubs writes it makes it very believable and real.
'The Forest of Myrrh' takes off pretty much right where the last book finished. Tim, having summoned a doctor from the modern world to ancient Egypt, is trying to save his injured and ill wife. Meanwhile, the Third Dynasty is coming to an end, and it looks like revolt is brewing.
When an army of rebel soldiers sweeps down the Nile (or the river Iteru, as known by the Egyptians) and everyone is forced to retreat south to the capital, Tim and his family find the capital deserted, the Pharaoh and his army gone -- so they retreat further to the island of Abu where they attempt to open a time portal in one of the temples false doors as a last resort to escape to a safer time period.
The second half of the story takes place a few decades later when Egypt is under the reign of Pharaoh Hatshepsut -- the famous warrior queen -- who is planning a voyage to the Land of Punt. Little does she know, a vengeful Nubian governor is out to assassinate her, and the expedition is his perfect chance.
What do I love about this book? The detailed, complex characters; the gripping storyline; the descriptions of Ancient Egypt that truly bring the fascinating, vibrant world to life.
The only thing I don't like is the sometimes poor editing. There are a few misspellings, and there are points where the backstories of characters are just 'dumped' on you through their memories, rather than being revealed more gradually through actions and subtext. It just feels a little bit lazy.
But the awesome story, world-building and characters, and the overall enjoyment I got from it, more than make up for any bad stuff. I just could not give this book any less than five stars. Go and read this series if you haven't already.
'The Forest of Myrrh' takes off pretty much right where the last book finished. Tim, having summoned a doctor from the modern world to ancient Egypt, is trying to save his injured and ill wife. Meanwhile, the Third Dynasty is coming to an end, and it looks like revolt is brewing.
When an army of rebel soldiers sweeps down the Nile (or the river Iteru, as known by the Egyptians) and everyone is forced to retreat south to the capital, Tim and his family find the capital deserted, the Pharaoh and his army gone -- so they retreat further to the island of Abu where they attempt to open a time portal in one of the temples false doors as a last resort to escape to a safer time period.
The second half of the story takes place a few decades later when Egypt is under the reign of Pharaoh Hatshepsut -- the famous warrior queen -- who is planning a voyage to the Land of Punt. Little does she know, a vengeful Nubian governor is out to assassinate her, and the expedition is his perfect chance.
What do I love about this book? The detailed, complex characters; the gripping storyline; the descriptions of Ancient Egypt that truly bring the fascinating, vibrant world to life.
The only thing I don't like is the sometimes poor editing. There are a few misspellings, and there are points where the backstories of characters are just 'dumped' on you through their memories, rather than being revealed more gradually through actions and subtext. It just feels a little bit lazy.
But the awesome story, world-building and characters, and the overall enjoyment I got from it, more than make up for any bad stuff. I just could not give this book any less than five stars. Go and read this series if you haven't already.
December 13, 2015
The Forest of Myrrh by Jerry Dubs
I'm on the last book of the series, and I'm already feeling sad! This third book brought in a new era with fascinating historical characters. The author keeps the story from becoming stale in this way, yet, the side effect is keeping new characters a bit shallow. Still brilliantly written and fun to read. These are easy books to read, once you adapt to Egyptian names. Even those these are works of fiction, the smallest true detail enriches the story and helps you to really imagine living in this ancient world.
I'm on the last book of the series, and I'm already feeling sad! This third book brought in a new era with fascinating historical characters. The author keeps the story from becoming stale in this way, yet, the side effect is keeping new characters a bit shallow. Still brilliantly written and fun to read. These are easy books to read, once you adapt to Egyptian names. Even those these are works of fiction, the smallest true detail enriches the story and helps you to really imagine living in this ancient world.
April 9, 2016
Excellent Book 3! This almost seems like a conclusion to a wonderful story. It is my understanding that this author plans to add a Book 4. This book adds many new characters since Imhotep time travels several times & ends up finally in a future Egypt than he was in with his wife from Books 1 & 2. Also, he gets a message to a woman from modern Egypt who time travels to him to provide help. This has been a beautiful story & I look forward to Book 4 & discovering what becomes of our main character(s)!!
August 23, 2016
The journey continues
It was quite far into the story that the title of the book becomes clear and it is captivating. While Imhotep still figures strongly in this story, it is more accurately the story of very strong and brave women that he encounters during this period of time. These women are intelligent and forthright in their actions. I found them quite deserving of the major role Dubbs accords them in this story. Sit back and enjoy!
It was quite far into the story that the title of the book becomes clear and it is captivating. While Imhotep still figures strongly in this story, it is more accurately the story of very strong and brave women that he encounters during this period of time. These women are intelligent and forthright in their actions. I found them quite deserving of the major role Dubbs accords them in this story. Sit back and enjoy!
October 8, 2016
Imhotep Meets Hatshepsut
This may be the best of the series thus far. Imhotep arrives, this time, during the reign of Hatshepsut. Pharaoh decides to travel to the fabled land of Punt, but treachery awaits. Can Hatshepsut survive? Can Imhotep and his loved ones? A fast-paced pursuit and clever end await you in Book 3 of Imhotep.
This may be the best of the series thus far. Imhotep arrives, this time, during the reign of Hatshepsut. Pharaoh decides to travel to the fabled land of Punt, but treachery awaits. Can Hatshepsut survive? Can Imhotep and his loved ones? A fast-paced pursuit and clever end await you in Book 3 of Imhotep.
August 25, 2014
A great sequel to Jerry Dubs series on Imhotep, designer of the Egyptian step pyramid. Follows Imhotep (Tim Hope) as he moves thru time in ancient Egypt, and deals with constantly changing conditions and situations. Is there a fourth book in the series--only the author knows.
January 31, 2015
The continuing saga....
I thought that maybe I would be tired of this story by now...but these books have actually kept me fully interested...so therefore I give a pretty high rating...m
I thought that maybe I would be tired of this story by now...but these books have actually kept me fully interested...so therefore I give a pretty high rating...m
April 2, 2015
It was hard to put down. I enjoy historical fiction, ancient Egypt and time travel novels . . . win, win, win. All three of these novels piqued my interest in ancient Egypt and spurred a little research on the dynasties described in the books.
April 24, 2015
Don't pass this series up
I don't normally read books like this but thought I'd give it a try. I started reading and couldn't stop. This is an extremely talented author. If you pass up this series you will be missing out on 20 or more hours of enjoyment.
I don't normally read books like this but thought I'd give it a try. I started reading and couldn't stop. This is an extremely talented author. If you pass up this series you will be missing out on 20 or more hours of enjoyment.
June 17, 2016
Fascinating story
Enjoyed this third In hotel novel and I'm looking forward to reading the fourth book. Good story but the author gets a bit preachy about the ills of the modern world compared to ancient Egypt. Nevertheless I recommend it.
Enjoyed this third In hotel novel and I'm looking forward to reading the fourth book. Good story but the author gets a bit preachy about the ills of the modern world compared to ancient Egypt. Nevertheless I recommend it.
August 2, 2016
Strong story telling
The authors description of life in Egypt was very intense. His description of mummification and Ihotep being burried alive brought on mild claustrophobia attacks. The story telling was thrilling.
The authors description of life in Egypt was very intense. His description of mummification and Ihotep being burried alive brought on mild claustrophobia attacks. The story telling was thrilling.
December 7, 2016
Good fictional history
I enjoyed the clustering of events somewhat similar to a movie we heard back in the 90s. I believe this works as well or better for ancient Egypt and navigating the complex interrelationships.
I enjoyed the clustering of events somewhat similar to a movie we heard back in the 90s. I believe this works as well or better for ancient Egypt and navigating the complex interrelationships.
April 2, 2015
Loved it. The 3rd book in the IMHOTEP series and the adventures in ancient Egypt along with the time travel element were fantastic. Can't wait for "Field of Reeds" to be released.
July 11, 2015
Third in the series and just as good if not better than the first two!
July 19, 2016
Excellent book. I've enjoyed this whole series very much.
August 24, 2016
A good story
A nice continuation of the series. A little slow at times but still worth reading. I enjoy the mixture of fact and fiction
A nice continuation of the series. A little slow at times but still worth reading. I enjoy the mixture of fact and fiction
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews