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Cleopatra
Not yet published
Expected 24 Feb 26Cleopatra tells her own story in this evocative and sensuous historical epic from the bestselling and award-winning author of Faebound and The Final Strife.
YOU KNOW MY NAME, BUT YOU DO NOT KNOW ME.
Your historians call me seductress, but I was ever in love's thrall.
Your playwrights speak of witchcraft, but my talents came from the gods themselves.
Your poets sing of my bloodlust, but I was always protecting my children.
How wilfully they refuse to concede that a woman could be powerful, strategic, and divinely blessed to rule.
Death will silence me no longer.
This is not the story of how I died. But how I lived.
YOU KNOW MY NAME, BUT YOU DO NOT KNOW ME.
Your historians call me seductress, but I was ever in love's thrall.
Your playwrights speak of witchcraft, but my talents came from the gods themselves.
Your poets sing of my bloodlust, but I was always protecting my children.
How wilfully they refuse to concede that a woman could be powerful, strategic, and divinely blessed to rule.
Death will silence me no longer.
This is not the story of how I died. But how I lived.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 24, 2026
38 people are currently reading
28765 people want to read
About the author
Saara El-Arifi
16 books3,199 followersSaara El-Arifi is the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Ending Fire Trilogy
and the Faebound Trilogy.
El-Arifi knew she was a storyteller from the moment she told her first lie. Over the years, she has perfected her tall tales into epic ones. She has lived in many countries, had many jobs, and owned many more cats. After a decade of working in marketing and communications, she returned to academia to complete a master’s degree in African studies alongside her writing career. She currently resides in London as a full-time procrastinator.
and the Faebound Trilogy.
El-Arifi knew she was a storyteller from the moment she told her first lie. Over the years, she has perfected her tall tales into epic ones. She has lived in many countries, had many jobs, and owned many more cats. After a decade of working in marketing and communications, she returned to academia to complete a master’s degree in African studies alongside her writing career. She currently resides in London as a full-time procrastinator.
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August 28, 2025
Cleopatra
by Saara El-Arifi
Here’s the thing: I’ve been an Egypt nerd basically since birth. While other kids were trading Pokémon cards, I was memorizing dynasties. My friends were crushing on boy bands, and I was busy crushing on Hatshepsut. I inhaled documentaries, encyclopedias, and any book with “Pharaoh” in the title like they were candy. So yes—when I saw this Cleopatra novel? My inner thirteen-year-old practically rolled herself up in linen and screamed, “Take my organs and put me in a canopic jar because I NEED THIS.”
And let’s be real, Cleopatra is the ultimate queen. The woman could command armies, negotiate with Rome’s biggest egos, raise children, AND keep her eyeliner sharper than a guillotine. She deserves more than centuries of bad PR, cheap memes, and men writing her down to “seductress with a snake problem.”
So how does Saara El-Arifi’s version hold up? Well, buckle up, because it’s a ride.
First, the writing. It’s lush, decadent, and dripping with atmosphere. I could practically feel the marble under my feet, hear the hiss of snakes in the shadows, and smell the incense burning at temple altars. Every description of Egypt hit my inner nerd right in the solar plexus. Teenage me was squealing, “Yes, give me the Nile, the temples, the gods, ALL OF IT.”
But here’s the thing—this book starts slow. Like, slower-than-a-mummy-unwrapping slow. I had flashbacks to waiting for dial-up internet, watching that little AOL guy run in place. But once El-Arifi gets rolling? Oh, honey, it’s political scheming, personal betrayal, power plays, and every kind of drama you could ask for.
Now, let’s talk Cleopatra herself. El-Arifi doesn’t give us Cleopatra the Hollywood temptress or Cleopatra the tragic victim. This Cleopatra is complicated, strategic, messy, and gloriously human. She’s ruthless when she has to be (because running an empire isn’t exactly a bubble bath), tender with her children, and smart enough to turn Rome’s so-called heroes into pawns. Did I sometimes side-eye her choices? Absolutely. Did I understand them anyway? Every time.
And speaking of those men—Caesar and Antony can sit down. Truly. Caesar struts in like he invented victory, Antony swaggers around like a frat boy who thinks he’s subtle, and meanwhile Cleopatra’s over here doing actual empire maintenance while carrying the weight of the world. The way history reduced her to “lover of powerful men” is laughable when you see her in action here. Sorry boys, but you were supporting characters in HER show.
The climax and ending? Whew. Even though I knew what was coming, El-Arifi still managed to make me tense, emotional, and weirdly proud. Yes, it’s tragic. But also? Cleopatra goes out on her own terms, refusing to be paraded through Rome like a trophy. She chooses defiance, dignity, and legend over submission. Tell me that isn’t queen behavior.
Did this book hit my obsessive teenage love for Egypt? Oh, yes. Did it frustrate me at times with the pacing? Also yes. But overall, El-Arifi delivers a Cleopatra that feels fresh, fierce, and worthy of the crown. She reminds us that history wasn’t ready for a woman this powerful—and maybe, in some ways, it still isn’t.
So if you love political intrigue, morally complex heroines, and stories that make you want to re-binge every Egypt documentary you’ve ever seen, this one’s for you.
Huge thanks to NetGalley, Ballantine Books, and Saara El-Arifi for the ARC in exchange for my honest (and overly Egypt-obsessed) review.
by Saara El-Arifi
Here’s the thing: I’ve been an Egypt nerd basically since birth. While other kids were trading Pokémon cards, I was memorizing dynasties. My friends were crushing on boy bands, and I was busy crushing on Hatshepsut. I inhaled documentaries, encyclopedias, and any book with “Pharaoh” in the title like they were candy. So yes—when I saw this Cleopatra novel? My inner thirteen-year-old practically rolled herself up in linen and screamed, “Take my organs and put me in a canopic jar because I NEED THIS.”
And let’s be real, Cleopatra is the ultimate queen. The woman could command armies, negotiate with Rome’s biggest egos, raise children, AND keep her eyeliner sharper than a guillotine. She deserves more than centuries of bad PR, cheap memes, and men writing her down to “seductress with a snake problem.”
So how does Saara El-Arifi’s version hold up? Well, buckle up, because it’s a ride.
First, the writing. It’s lush, decadent, and dripping with atmosphere. I could practically feel the marble under my feet, hear the hiss of snakes in the shadows, and smell the incense burning at temple altars. Every description of Egypt hit my inner nerd right in the solar plexus. Teenage me was squealing, “Yes, give me the Nile, the temples, the gods, ALL OF IT.”
But here’s the thing—this book starts slow. Like, slower-than-a-mummy-unwrapping slow. I had flashbacks to waiting for dial-up internet, watching that little AOL guy run in place. But once El-Arifi gets rolling? Oh, honey, it’s political scheming, personal betrayal, power plays, and every kind of drama you could ask for.
Now, let’s talk Cleopatra herself. El-Arifi doesn’t give us Cleopatra the Hollywood temptress or Cleopatra the tragic victim. This Cleopatra is complicated, strategic, messy, and gloriously human. She’s ruthless when she has to be (because running an empire isn’t exactly a bubble bath), tender with her children, and smart enough to turn Rome’s so-called heroes into pawns. Did I sometimes side-eye her choices? Absolutely. Did I understand them anyway? Every time.
And speaking of those men—Caesar and Antony can sit down. Truly. Caesar struts in like he invented victory, Antony swaggers around like a frat boy who thinks he’s subtle, and meanwhile Cleopatra’s over here doing actual empire maintenance while carrying the weight of the world. The way history reduced her to “lover of powerful men” is laughable when you see her in action here. Sorry boys, but you were supporting characters in HER show.
The climax and ending? Whew. Even though I knew what was coming, El-Arifi still managed to make me tense, emotional, and weirdly proud. Yes, it’s tragic. But also? Cleopatra goes out on her own terms, refusing to be paraded through Rome like a trophy. She chooses defiance, dignity, and legend over submission. Tell me that isn’t queen behavior.
Did this book hit my obsessive teenage love for Egypt? Oh, yes. Did it frustrate me at times with the pacing? Also yes. But overall, El-Arifi delivers a Cleopatra that feels fresh, fierce, and worthy of the crown. She reminds us that history wasn’t ready for a woman this powerful—and maybe, in some ways, it still isn’t.
So if you love political intrigue, morally complex heroines, and stories that make you want to re-binge every Egypt documentary you’ve ever seen, this one’s for you.
Huge thanks to NetGalley, Ballantine Books, and Saara El-Arifi for the ARC in exchange for my honest (and overly Egypt-obsessed) review.
October 29, 2025
Huge thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the ARC!
🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
"That's the thing with stories: you must always know the story of the storyteller."
In 'Cleopatra', Saara el-Arifi peels away layers of propaganda and mythmaking in an attempt to humanize one of the most famous historical figures of all time. I'm fascinated with the life of Cleopatra and this just fed my obsession.
Here's everything I loved:
● The author's note was fantastic. Cleopatra's tale, like those of other women who dared to be ambitious, has been warped and twisted by male historians. In the author's note, Saara el-Arifi explains why her rendition is no less true than any of the others. Her approach really resonated with me and I'm glad the author's not was printed at the start of the book itself, since that really shaped my perspective.
● Cleopatra has assumed serval roles in her lifetime: the Pharaoh and the not-quite-goddess, the mother and the wife, the lover and the friend. el-Arifi reconciled these wonderfully. She isn't one-dimensional in any way, she isn't just an ambitious seductress or a ruthless villain: she's a woman who made mistakes, a woman who wanted more than what the world offered her and was willing to go to any lengths for it, but also a woman who loved deeply.
● The use of the setting and the time period was fabulous! I was utterly transported. el-Arifi brought the Alexandria's multicultural environment, customs of the ancient world, and so much more to life.
● I loved the way el-Arifi spun a tapestry of Cleopatra's life. Everything came together towards the end in a very satisfying way, despite the bit-too-rushed ending. I felt like I KNEW Cleopatra as I followed her through her triumphs and misfortunes.
What didn't quite work for me:
● In the book, Cleopatra directly addresses the reader and makes references to her own future or to her contemporaries' take on her tale. For instance, she'd say "I should have known...." or "Your poets say...". This narrative style didn't completely click with me.
● There is often a tension or a tautness to the narrative when a story heads towards its tragic ending. It plays a pretty big role in how hard-hitting the story ends up being. The ending was a bit too rushed for me to feel that.
I'm not quite sure how I feel about the epilogue. It made perfect sense but at the same time, none at all. But overall, I'd say that this is a book worth reading, especially if you've ever wondered how Cleopatra would tell her tale on her own terms or just...been obsessed with ancient Egypt! Although I was disappointed by 'Faebound', Saara el-Arifi's romantasy series starter, Cleopatra was a hit. I will eagerly anticipate whatever works of historical fiction she has in store! Off I go to read Stacy Schiff's biography of Cleopatra!
🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
"That's the thing with stories: you must always know the story of the storyteller."
In 'Cleopatra', Saara el-Arifi peels away layers of propaganda and mythmaking in an attempt to humanize one of the most famous historical figures of all time. I'm fascinated with the life of Cleopatra and this just fed my obsession.
Here's everything I loved:
● The author's note was fantastic. Cleopatra's tale, like those of other women who dared to be ambitious, has been warped and twisted by male historians. In the author's note, Saara el-Arifi explains why her rendition is no less true than any of the others. Her approach really resonated with me and I'm glad the author's not was printed at the start of the book itself, since that really shaped my perspective.
● Cleopatra has assumed serval roles in her lifetime: the Pharaoh and the not-quite-goddess, the mother and the wife, the lover and the friend. el-Arifi reconciled these wonderfully. She isn't one-dimensional in any way, she isn't just an ambitious seductress or a ruthless villain: she's a woman who made mistakes, a woman who wanted more than what the world offered her and was willing to go to any lengths for it, but also a woman who loved deeply.
● The use of the setting and the time period was fabulous! I was utterly transported. el-Arifi brought the Alexandria's multicultural environment, customs of the ancient world, and so much more to life.
● I loved the way el-Arifi spun a tapestry of Cleopatra's life. Everything came together towards the end in a very satisfying way, despite the bit-too-rushed ending. I felt like I KNEW Cleopatra as I followed her through her triumphs and misfortunes.
What didn't quite work for me:
● In the book, Cleopatra directly addresses the reader and makes references to her own future or to her contemporaries' take on her tale. For instance, she'd say "I should have known...." or "Your poets say...". This narrative style didn't completely click with me.
● There is often a tension or a tautness to the narrative when a story heads towards its tragic ending. It plays a pretty big role in how hard-hitting the story ends up being. The ending was a bit too rushed for me to feel that.
I'm not quite sure how I feel about the epilogue. It made perfect sense but at the same time, none at all. But overall, I'd say that this is a book worth reading, especially if you've ever wondered how Cleopatra would tell her tale on her own terms or just...been obsessed with ancient Egypt! Although I was disappointed by 'Faebound', Saara el-Arifi's romantasy series starter, Cleopatra was a hit. I will eagerly anticipate whatever works of historical fiction she has in store! Off I go to read Stacy Schiff's biography of Cleopatra!
Currently reading
November 24, 2025She was a woman of surpassing beauty and the first woman to rule Egypt in her own right. That kind of power in a world dominated by men…no wonder she was called the “golden mouth”
I am so excited to get into this!
Thank you to NetGalley, Ballantine Books and the author Saara El-Arifi for sending me this eARC!
Publication date: February 24th, 2026
I am so excited to get into this!
Thank you to NetGalley, Ballantine Books and the author Saara El-Arifi for sending me this eARC!
Publication date: February 24th, 2026
November 10, 2025
This was heart-wrenchingly beautiful?!
Cleopatra is always depicted as a temptress. An Empress, but also a poisoner, a snake - rather than a wife, a mother, a caring princess.
Cleopatra’s myth has permeated collective memory. Her story lives in the minds of many, far beyond what history has provided.
El-Arifi recounts a compassionate tale of a girl, a woman despised and used as propaganda. Instead of her political exploits, we read a story of love, sympathy, and internal strife.
You have tried to parse the tones of my skin and sift through the crimson rubies of my blood, upon which you weighed my worth.
This is truly a story told by Cleopatra. There are asides told to us as if from the beyond. Depending on your personal taste, this might grate on you: ‘as you will know’, footnotes, etc. However, this breaking of the fourth wall made it feel more intimate.
I was still very aware it was written by someone else as an interpretation, but I felt wrapped up in the Pharaoh’s story as Cleo.
She is humanised by her friendships and kindness. Her cruelty is put into context and her love is presented not as a spectacle, but something meaningful and hurtful.
But women have ever been defined by their affiliation with men.
Arc gifted by Harper Collins.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
Cleopatra is always depicted as a temptress. An Empress, but also a poisoner, a snake - rather than a wife, a mother, a caring princess.
Cleopatra’s myth has permeated collective memory. Her story lives in the minds of many, far beyond what history has provided.
El-Arifi recounts a compassionate tale of a girl, a woman despised and used as propaganda. Instead of her political exploits, we read a story of love, sympathy, and internal strife.
You have tried to parse the tones of my skin and sift through the crimson rubies of my blood, upon which you weighed my worth.
This is truly a story told by Cleopatra. There are asides told to us as if from the beyond. Depending on your personal taste, this might grate on you: ‘as you will know’, footnotes, etc. However, this breaking of the fourth wall made it feel more intimate.
I was still very aware it was written by someone else as an interpretation, but I felt wrapped up in the Pharaoh’s story as Cleo.
She is humanised by her friendships and kindness. Her cruelty is put into context and her love is presented not as a spectacle, but something meaningful and hurtful.
But women have ever been defined by their affiliation with men.
Arc gifted by Harper Collins.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
December 7, 2025
I am every woman scorned,
and every girl wronged.
I am the wrath of vengeance and the heat of desire.
I am everything carnal and your darkest sins.
I am all that is innocent and pure.
── .★ 4 stars
I really enjoyed this retelling of Cleopatra’s story. Seeing everything through her eyes makes her feel deeply human—more than a queen, she’s a mother, sister, friend, and lover. The story is told from Cleopatra’s POV, but every so often she breaks the fourth wall to speak directly to the reader. This style might not work for everyone, but I felt it added a personal touch (and it makes sense with the ending). My one complaint is that this sometimes leads to foreshadowing and telling, which occasionally lessens the impact of certain moments. Overall, I would recommend to anyone who likes fast-paced historical fiction, especially those who like seeing well-known figures portrayed with depth and humanity.
Want to read
September 30, 2025Can’t wait to start this, I know it’s gonna be a banger✨#arc
Want to read
January 13, 2024What is this omg
September 20, 2025
This was a Netgalley ARC
I can't say too much of this book right now. The publishers are asking to post reviews after the publishing date. But just as a heads up, if I were y'all I would really keep my eye out for this one. I never wanted it to end it was absolutely amazing. This is really one of those books that is for just anyone who loves to read. If you like history or Cleopatra that's honestly just an added bonus.
This was told as if we were getting a memoir of her life as told by her. And it really is such a captivating and alluring experience. This is definitely worth the read. And at some point after the publishing date, my squirrel brain will randomly be coming back to give a more in depth review!
I can't say too much of this book right now. The publishers are asking to post reviews after the publishing date. But just as a heads up, if I were y'all I would really keep my eye out for this one. I never wanted it to end it was absolutely amazing. This is really one of those books that is for just anyone who loves to read. If you like history or Cleopatra that's honestly just an added bonus.
This was told as if we were getting a memoir of her life as told by her. And it really is such a captivating and alluring experience. This is definitely worth the read. And at some point after the publishing date, my squirrel brain will randomly be coming back to give a more in depth review!
Want to read
April 12, 2024a cleopatra retelling, you say? I NEED IT SO BAD
October 7, 2025
RTC closer to publication 💜
Thanks so much to Ballantine & NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
**Jan 23, 2025**
Pardon me, what is this? 👀 Color me stoked
Thanks so much to Ballantine & NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
**Jan 23, 2025**
Pardon me, what is this? 👀 Color me stoked
October 24, 2025
I was admittedly expecting the usual royal soap opera: snakes, seductions, and enough eyeliner to launch a thousand ships... but this thing hits like a Nile crocodile in stilettos (the Nile has crocs, right??). Cleopatra isn't just some tragic beauty queen we all have heard of time and time again, she’s a strategist. .
El-Arifi weaves in this tale about power as a family heirloom that's been cursed since the beginning, and the way she dissects those sibling rivalries is like Succession crashed a pyramid scheme with all the backstabbing and the addition of "eternal legacy" eye-rolls. Sometimes I did wish to throttle her because she was so easily trusting of people she shouldn't be. Family can be a b*tch, and hers especially.
I was about 20 pages from the finale, preparing to wax poetic about inconsistencies, when Cleo looked me dead in through the Kindle, and was basically like "b-tch you thought." It was such an unexpected move and it absolutely tied the entire emotionally exhausting novel together in a way that made the sheer audacity of the whole project feel justified. Genuinely don't see that coming, even though I should've from all the fourth wall breaking and footnotes.
Overall, it pokes fun at destiny while making you ponder if we'd all be better off with fewer relatives and more asp/hairpin options.
El-Arifi weaves in this tale about power as a family heirloom that's been cursed since the beginning, and the way she dissects those sibling rivalries is like Succession crashed a pyramid scheme with all the backstabbing and the addition of "eternal legacy" eye-rolls. Sometimes I did wish to throttle her because she was so easily trusting of people she shouldn't be. Family can be a b*tch, and hers especially.
I was about 20 pages from the finale, preparing to wax poetic about inconsistencies, when Cleo looked me dead in through the Kindle, and was basically like "b-tch you thought." It was such an unexpected move and it absolutely tied the entire emotionally exhausting novel together in a way that made the sheer audacity of the whole project feel justified. Genuinely don't see that coming, even though I should've from all the fourth wall breaking and footnotes.
Overall, it pokes fun at destiny while making you ponder if we'd all be better off with fewer relatives and more asp/hairpin options.
December 22, 2025
Sobbing
This might be the best book ive ever read
Review to come
Thank you for this ARC ❤️
This might be the best book ive ever read
Review to come
Thank you for this ARC ❤️
October 7, 2025
My quote:
‘Few historical figures have been as maligned, romanticised or exoticised as Cleopatra. With this unflinching take on her life and legacy, El-Arifi raises Cleopatra from the sands of time, greets her with profound compassion, and liberates her from the judgement of men, granting her dignity and humanity. An extraordinary achievement.’
‘Few historical figures have been as maligned, romanticised or exoticised as Cleopatra. With this unflinching take on her life and legacy, El-Arifi raises Cleopatra from the sands of time, greets her with profound compassion, and liberates her from the judgement of men, granting her dignity and humanity. An extraordinary achievement.’
September 22, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review. This book was soooooo good. I’m a huge history gal so books like this are right up my alley. I am a bit unfamiliar with the actual story of cleopatra so I can’t speak on this for accuracy but this retelling of her story was certainly interesting. The only thing I wasn’t a huge fan of was how cleopatra addressed the audience and rumors about her life because that took me out of the story a bit. Without that this book would honestly be a 5 star or atleast a 4.75. Brb i have to research everything I can about cleopatra to feed the growing fixation this book caused. This is a must have for your 2026 tbrs.
Currently reading
October 27, 2025Delighted to have been approved for an ARC of this one. Such a stunning cover 💙
November 16, 2025
2.5 ⭐️ rounded up
This book was largely a disappointment to me, which is so sad. I had been obsessed with ancient Egyptian folklore and history my whole life, so I was hopeful that this one would work for me. I will say that the book does an excellent job of really embodying the ancient Egyptian beliefs in their gods, and how they manifested in every day events. That being said, there was far too much tell and not enough show with Cleopatra herself. The number of times she would tell the reader she was ruthless and more than her romances just to spend 75% of the book wallowing about men was exhausting. That combined with the reveal towards the end just made this book a miss for me.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me a copy to review via NetGalley.
This book was largely a disappointment to me, which is so sad. I had been obsessed with ancient Egyptian folklore and history my whole life, so I was hopeful that this one would work for me. I will say that the book does an excellent job of really embodying the ancient Egyptian beliefs in their gods, and how they manifested in every day events. That being said, there was far too much tell and not enough show with Cleopatra herself. The number of times she would tell the reader she was ruthless and more than her romances just to spend 75% of the book wallowing about men was exhausting. That combined with the reveal towards the end just made this book a miss for me.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me a copy to review via NetGalley.
October 11, 2025
How I wished to love this book more. It had all the ingredients to be extraordinary — a talented author with a track record of strong female leads, one of history’s most fascinating women at its centre, and a period brimming with intrigue and drama. Alas, it was not to be.
This novel offers a fictionalised account of the life and death of Cleopatra. It’s well-researched and occasionally engaging, blending elements of magic and romance into the mix. As a narrative summary of Cleopatra’s life, it succeeds: the author captures much of the allure and tragedy of this legendary figure, staying (mostly) true to known history.
But that’s where the praise ends. The book is, frankly, a mess — and I’m still surprised I managed to finish it. The greatest flaw lies in the portrayal of Cleopatra herself, which is inconsistent, shallow, and often unintentionally insulting. While we’ll never know the true nature of the real Cleopatra, it’s hard to imagine she was as foolish or incompetent as depicted here. I don’t believe the author intended to make her seem dim-witted, yet the result suggests poor judgment, zero leadership ability, and a blind hunger for power. It’s simply not a credible portrayal of a woman who ruled Egypt for years and captivated two of Rome’s most formidable leaders.
The writing doesn’t help. It veers between lazy and overwrought, with dialogue so clumsy it borders on parody. The author’s attempts at sounding profound only make things worse — the pompous sentences are almost painful (“for I know how it feels to have your life reduced to actions and assumptions”). Coming from a writer capable of much better, this is baffling.
Then there’s the romance — and it’s downright offensive. I understand that romantasy sells, but it still needs to be written well. The endless scenes of love-talk and love-making between Cleopatra and her lovers feel contrived, forced, and entirely devoid of authenticity or emotional truth.
I also personally really disliked the constant foreshadowing - with Cleopatra talking again and again to the reader telling them what's coming in a few pages. At a certain point it became infuriating.
Ultimately, the novel suffers from a lack of focus. It can’t decide whether it wants to be historical fiction, romance, or fantasy — and ends up failing on all counts.
I can’t recommend it to anyone, not even long-time fans of the author. A huge missed opportunity.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This novel offers a fictionalised account of the life and death of Cleopatra. It’s well-researched and occasionally engaging, blending elements of magic and romance into the mix. As a narrative summary of Cleopatra’s life, it succeeds: the author captures much of the allure and tragedy of this legendary figure, staying (mostly) true to known history.
But that’s where the praise ends. The book is, frankly, a mess — and I’m still surprised I managed to finish it. The greatest flaw lies in the portrayal of Cleopatra herself, which is inconsistent, shallow, and often unintentionally insulting. While we’ll never know the true nature of the real Cleopatra, it’s hard to imagine she was as foolish or incompetent as depicted here. I don’t believe the author intended to make her seem dim-witted, yet the result suggests poor judgment, zero leadership ability, and a blind hunger for power. It’s simply not a credible portrayal of a woman who ruled Egypt for years and captivated two of Rome’s most formidable leaders.
The writing doesn’t help. It veers between lazy and overwrought, with dialogue so clumsy it borders on parody. The author’s attempts at sounding profound only make things worse — the pompous sentences are almost painful (“for I know how it feels to have your life reduced to actions and assumptions”). Coming from a writer capable of much better, this is baffling.
Then there’s the romance — and it’s downright offensive. I understand that romantasy sells, but it still needs to be written well. The endless scenes of love-talk and love-making between Cleopatra and her lovers feel contrived, forced, and entirely devoid of authenticity or emotional truth.
I also personally really disliked the constant foreshadowing - with Cleopatra talking again and again to the reader telling them what's coming in a few pages. At a certain point it became infuriating.
Ultimately, the novel suffers from a lack of focus. It can’t decide whether it wants to be historical fiction, romance, or fantasy — and ends up failing on all counts.
I can’t recommend it to anyone, not even long-time fans of the author. A huge missed opportunity.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 16, 2025
Here's my advice to anyone who decides they want to write a new, narrative take on a historical figure's biography: DO NOT WRITE ABOUT THEIR ENTIRE LIFE. Other reviews have said that this book is slow, but I actually feel like it was the opposite. It was far too fast. It covers too much of Cleopatra's life, which makes the pacing just feel so so off. This book would have packed a much bigger punch if it focused on, for example, just Cleopatra's relationship with Caesar. Or just on the conflict between her and her siblings. As it's written now, events fly by far too quickly. And because they fly by so quickly, I didn't get invested in them, and ended up just feeling kind of bored.
I honestly did not even realize that this book was meant to toe the line between historical fiction and historical fantasy because the magical components were like barely there for the first 95% of the book. But the magic really ramps up in the last 5%, and it just took me totally off guard. I wasn't a fan of the ending at all, even if I enjoyed some of the history that came before it.
Now, that's not to say that there weren't any positives. I liked how the author wrote Cleopatra's POV: she's telling her story from the future, and she makes all sorts of asides about what is to come, as well as little sassy remarks about how historians have told her story over the years, in a way that isn't always accurate. I learned a lot about Cleopatra, and I was really surprised to realize how little I knew about her life.
If you want a super high level overview of Cleopatra's life in a more digestible fashion than a nonfiction book, then I think that's exactly the niche that this book fills. But I didn't come away from it feeling particularly attached to Cleopatra, which is what I was really hoping for!
I honestly did not even realize that this book was meant to toe the line between historical fiction and historical fantasy because the magical components were like barely there for the first 95% of the book. But the magic really ramps up in the last 5%, and it just took me totally off guard. I wasn't a fan of the ending at all, even if I enjoyed some of the history that came before it.
Now, that's not to say that there weren't any positives. I liked how the author wrote Cleopatra's POV: she's telling her story from the future, and she makes all sorts of asides about what is to come, as well as little sassy remarks about how historians have told her story over the years, in a way that isn't always accurate. I learned a lot about Cleopatra, and I was really surprised to realize how little I knew about her life.
If you want a super high level overview of Cleopatra's life in a more digestible fashion than a nonfiction book, then I think that's exactly the niche that this book fills. But I didn't come away from it feeling particularly attached to Cleopatra, which is what I was really hoping for!
arc-tbr
November 6, 2025
September 5, 2025
This book is a wonder!
Saara depicted Cleopatra so brilliantly!
The way she inserted the pieces of fiction within the facts is seamless, I could not see where the facts ended and the fiction started. She brought such a twist and a life to an already iconic historical figure.
I could have read more!!!
I cannot wait for this book to be out so I can talk about it to everyone!!
Saara depicted Cleopatra so brilliantly!
The way she inserted the pieces of fiction within the facts is seamless, I could not see where the facts ended and the fiction started. She brought such a twist and a life to an already iconic historical figure.
I could have read more!!!
I cannot wait for this book to be out so I can talk about it to everyone!!
September 22, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins for this eArc in exchange for an honest review!
So, I only requested this because I loved El-Arifi's writing in her Faebound series, and I thought I'd watched enough Horrible Histories to understand Cleopatra enough to enjoy this story. Now, I really didn't know everything that Cleopatra went through and I'm so glad that I was able to read this retelling! Saara really did an incredible job of bringing her story to life.
The writing is lush, Cleopatra is actually a *person* and is complicated and messy and HUMAN and I respected her choices involving her children and her family and even though of course we know how this will end, my heart ended up in my throat multiple times. We follow Cleopatra from the young girl who really doesn't want to be Pharaoh, to the woman who stands powerfully independent, knowing who she is.
I do think the ending is interesting, but I understand why it was done and I can appreciate it, but I can see it being quite dividing with audiences. I can also see people not vibing with the magical realism of it all, but I loved it so much and it really added another emotional layer to the story.
So, I only requested this because I loved El-Arifi's writing in her Faebound series, and I thought I'd watched enough Horrible Histories to understand Cleopatra enough to enjoy this story. Now, I really didn't know everything that Cleopatra went through and I'm so glad that I was able to read this retelling! Saara really did an incredible job of bringing her story to life.
The writing is lush, Cleopatra is actually a *person* and is complicated and messy and HUMAN and I respected her choices involving her children and her family and even though of course we know how this will end, my heart ended up in my throat multiple times. We follow Cleopatra from the young girl who really doesn't want to be Pharaoh, to the woman who stands powerfully independent, knowing who she is.
I do think the ending is interesting, but I understand why it was done and I can appreciate it, but I can see it being quite dividing with audiences. I can also see people not vibing with the magical realism of it all, but I loved it so much and it really added another emotional layer to the story.
March 20, 2025
Who are these idiots giving 2 stars?? It’s not even out yet!!
A CLEOPATRA RETELLING I AM SO READY!!
A CLEOPATRA RETELLING I AM SO READY!!
October 29, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, Saara El-Arifi, and Ballatine for the eARC in exchange for an honest review! This book will be published on February 24th, 2026
Saara El-Arifi’s Cleopatra offers a rich and reimagined portrait of one of history’s most misrepresented women. Rather than retelling the familiar tale of seduction and spectacle, the author gives voice to a figure long silenced by Roman propaganda and later romanticized by Western art. Cleopatra is not just a queen defined by her lovers or her downfall, but a woman reclaiming her narrative in a world determined to write it for her.
The novel’s tripartite structure, The Witch, The Whore, and The Villain , serves as both a commentary and a framework. These titles echo the ways ancient and patriarchal histories sought to confine Cleopatra within convenient archetypes. The author uses them not as descriptors, but as points of resistance. Through Cleopatra’s own narration, the author dismantles those labels and exposes the biases that shaped her legacy. This thematic structure invites readers to question how women in power are remembered, or deliberately misremembered, by history.
The prose strikes a balance between lyrical and grounded. The author's use of historically informed detail creates a vivid sense of setting without losing emotional immediacy. It is clear that the novel draws heavily from Roman sources such as Plutarch and Cassius Dio, writers who often portrayed Cleopatra as manipulative or immoral. By reimagining their narratives through Cleopatra’s internal voice, El-Arifi reframes those same historical fragments into something intimate and humane. The result is a Cleopatra who is politically astute, emotionally complex, and painfully aware of her own mythology.
The portrayals of Caesar and Marc Antony add further dimension to the novel. Both men are rendered as more than political counterparts; they are emotional mirrors that reveal Cleopatra’s own contradictions, her longing for connection amid the burden of power. I especially appreciated that the romance is handled with restraint and nuance. It is not defined by passion or possession, but by tension, intellect, and mutual recognition. Even readers who typically avoid romantic subplots, myself included, will find it refreshingly subtle and character-driven.
Where the novel falters slightly is in its pacing. The middle section slows under the weight of introspection, and a few modern expressions occasionally disrupt the otherwise immersive tone. Still, these moments are minor within an otherwise compelling narrative that prioritizes reflection over spectacle.
Ultimately, the author invites readers to look beyond the gold and the myths to find the woman beneath, flawed, brilliant, and entirely human. In doing so, she does not simply retell Cleopatra’s story; she reclaims it. This novel values empathy over embellishment and character over conquest, a story that lingers long after the final page.
Saara El-Arifi’s Cleopatra offers a rich and reimagined portrait of one of history’s most misrepresented women. Rather than retelling the familiar tale of seduction and spectacle, the author gives voice to a figure long silenced by Roman propaganda and later romanticized by Western art. Cleopatra is not just a queen defined by her lovers or her downfall, but a woman reclaiming her narrative in a world determined to write it for her.
The novel’s tripartite structure, The Witch, The Whore, and The Villain , serves as both a commentary and a framework. These titles echo the ways ancient and patriarchal histories sought to confine Cleopatra within convenient archetypes. The author uses them not as descriptors, but as points of resistance. Through Cleopatra’s own narration, the author dismantles those labels and exposes the biases that shaped her legacy. This thematic structure invites readers to question how women in power are remembered, or deliberately misremembered, by history.
The prose strikes a balance between lyrical and grounded. The author's use of historically informed detail creates a vivid sense of setting without losing emotional immediacy. It is clear that the novel draws heavily from Roman sources such as Plutarch and Cassius Dio, writers who often portrayed Cleopatra as manipulative or immoral. By reimagining their narratives through Cleopatra’s internal voice, El-Arifi reframes those same historical fragments into something intimate and humane. The result is a Cleopatra who is politically astute, emotionally complex, and painfully aware of her own mythology.
The portrayals of Caesar and Marc Antony add further dimension to the novel. Both men are rendered as more than political counterparts; they are emotional mirrors that reveal Cleopatra’s own contradictions, her longing for connection amid the burden of power. I especially appreciated that the romance is handled with restraint and nuance. It is not defined by passion or possession, but by tension, intellect, and mutual recognition. Even readers who typically avoid romantic subplots, myself included, will find it refreshingly subtle and character-driven.
Where the novel falters slightly is in its pacing. The middle section slows under the weight of introspection, and a few modern expressions occasionally disrupt the otherwise immersive tone. Still, these moments are minor within an otherwise compelling narrative that prioritizes reflection over spectacle.
Ultimately, the author invites readers to look beyond the gold and the myths to find the woman beneath, flawed, brilliant, and entirely human. In doing so, she does not simply retell Cleopatra’s story; she reclaims it. This novel values empathy over embellishment and character over conquest, a story that lingers long after the final page.
September 1, 2025
My interest for Egyptian history and mythology started with a little book called The Magic Tree House: Mummies in the Morning. A bright-eyed 7 year old finished that book filled with awe; and thus a little history nerd was born. Finishing Cleopatra by Saara El-Arifi gave me that same awestruck feeling.
How interesting is it, that the Roman propaganda of Cleopatra being a seductive temptress still infiltrates our society today? How is it that she is still so often reduced to nothing more than her beauty, when she was so much more? Saara El-Arifi showcases Cleopatra beyond her beauty: complex. She is not perfect, and that’s what makes her real. Cleopatra was an intellectual, a mother, a Queen, a lover. She made errors, yet she was also one of the most influential people in history. This book was a reminder that women are so often reduced down to their sex, their beauty, when there is so much more to us than that.
I found myself deeply moved by the writing in this. Saara El-Arifi has such a way of creating a tangible atmosphere: you can feel the ocean breeze, you can visualize the jewels around Cleopatra’s neck, you can hear the lions grumble at her feet. It’s been awhile since I felt so immersed in a story like this. I so deeply appreciated how Cleopatra was a romantic, yet her empire was the most important to her of all.
Overall, I think this is a wonderful retelling of Cleopatra, maintaining a lot of historical accuracy while having the whimsy of magical realism. I knew what was coming at the conclusion, and yet I still found myself moved to tears by the end. This proved to be a stark reminder of why I love historical fiction so much.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for a review. All words are my own.
How interesting is it, that the Roman propaganda of Cleopatra being a seductive temptress still infiltrates our society today? How is it that she is still so often reduced to nothing more than her beauty, when she was so much more? Saara El-Arifi showcases Cleopatra beyond her beauty: complex. She is not perfect, and that’s what makes her real. Cleopatra was an intellectual, a mother, a Queen, a lover. She made errors, yet she was also one of the most influential people in history. This book was a reminder that women are so often reduced down to their sex, their beauty, when there is so much more to us than that.
I found myself deeply moved by the writing in this. Saara El-Arifi has such a way of creating a tangible atmosphere: you can feel the ocean breeze, you can visualize the jewels around Cleopatra’s neck, you can hear the lions grumble at her feet. It’s been awhile since I felt so immersed in a story like this. I so deeply appreciated how Cleopatra was a romantic, yet her empire was the most important to her of all.
Overall, I think this is a wonderful retelling of Cleopatra, maintaining a lot of historical accuracy while having the whimsy of magical realism. I knew what was coming at the conclusion, and yet I still found myself moved to tears by the end. This proved to be a stark reminder of why I love historical fiction so much.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for a review. All words are my own.
November 7, 2025
Reviewed for Library Journal, full review appears there.
December 11, 2025
Actual rating 3.5.
September 6, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for an eARC of Saara El-Arifi’s novel “Cleopatra."
This book is Cleopatra's story in her own words. Readers are thrown in at the very moment she learned she has become Pharaoh and continue along with her throughout her life as we know it (and as we don't). She is fierce, alive, and openly human.
Cleopatra navigates grief in many forms throughout this novel, the most visceral being her grief for herself and her own story and the way people (men, specifically) have portrayed her over time. Saara El-Arifi’s writing is powerful and engaging. Cleopatra is one of the many female historical figures who deserve to tell her story in her own words and El-Arifi has provided her with that ability.
If you are a fan of biographical style historical fiction novels, strong and complex female characters, and beautiful writing, this is right up your alley. Great for fans of Circe and The Song of Achilles.
And this cover?! WOW. I cannot wait to recommend this.
All opinions are my own.
This book is Cleopatra's story in her own words. Readers are thrown in at the very moment she learned she has become Pharaoh and continue along with her throughout her life as we know it (and as we don't). She is fierce, alive, and openly human.
Cleopatra navigates grief in many forms throughout this novel, the most visceral being her grief for herself and her own story and the way people (men, specifically) have portrayed her over time. Saara El-Arifi’s writing is powerful and engaging. Cleopatra is one of the many female historical figures who deserve to tell her story in her own words and El-Arifi has provided her with that ability.
If you are a fan of biographical style historical fiction novels, strong and complex female characters, and beautiful writing, this is right up your alley. Great for fans of Circe and The Song of Achilles.
And this cover?! WOW. I cannot wait to recommend this.
All opinions are my own.
September 9, 2025
I loved this book SO much.
I am not usually a fan of historical fiction but I was an Ancient Egpyt obsessed kid, Cleopatra has always fascinated me and it's Saara El-Arifii, of course I'm going to read it. This book exceeded my expectations. Saara's writing is so lush and descriptive, I felt like I was there. I love when a book lets you immerse into the story completely. The elements of magic blended seamlessly into the history, it made sense, it added to it and didn't overshadow it. I really loved the pacing of this book, it moved along quickly without skipping over too many details. This was a brilliant and engaging depiction of an iconic figure, I loved hearing her story from her own point of view. I knew how it was going to end but I still wished I could reach throgh history and stop it. Thank you to Negalley and Ballantine books for the e-arc of this amazing book! I will absolutely be picking up a hard copy for my library on release day.
I am not usually a fan of historical fiction but I was an Ancient Egpyt obsessed kid, Cleopatra has always fascinated me and it's Saara El-Arifii, of course I'm going to read it. This book exceeded my expectations. Saara's writing is so lush and descriptive, I felt like I was there. I love when a book lets you immerse into the story completely. The elements of magic blended seamlessly into the history, it made sense, it added to it and didn't overshadow it. I really loved the pacing of this book, it moved along quickly without skipping over too many details. This was a brilliant and engaging depiction of an iconic figure, I loved hearing her story from her own point of view. I knew how it was going to end but I still wished I could reach throgh history and stop it. Thank you to Negalley and Ballantine books for the e-arc of this amazing book! I will absolutely be picking up a hard copy for my library on release day.
September 4, 2025
The history and Saara El-Arifi’s take on this larger-than-life figure were intriguing, and I was excited to dig in. However, the story didn’t quite hold my attention throughout,I found myself putting it down several times before finishing.
That said, I appreciated the reimagining of the myths and history surrounding Cleopatra. The choice to let Cleopatra tell us her own story gave the book a fresh, engaging perspective. Her two great loves were written with care and nuance, and I especially liked how this retelling stripped away the patriarchal identity so often imposed on her, instead highlighting her complexity, power, and humanity.
Overall, this was an interesting and creative retelling, though it wasn’t as immersive for me as I had hoped.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books, an imprint of Random House, for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
That said, I appreciated the reimagining of the myths and history surrounding Cleopatra. The choice to let Cleopatra tell us her own story gave the book a fresh, engaging perspective. Her two great loves were written with care and nuance, and I especially liked how this retelling stripped away the patriarchal identity so often imposed on her, instead highlighting her complexity, power, and humanity.
Overall, this was an interesting and creative retelling, though it wasn’t as immersive for me as I had hoped.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books, an imprint of Random House, for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 3, 2025
I enjoyed this book. The story of Cleopatra is known worldwide, but often overshadowed by titles. I liked the writing, although, the parts that broke the fourth wall are not my particular preference. However, this makes sense towards the end of the book. I read this as an ARC, thanks to netgalley.
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