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Soul Thief: An Ancient Egyptian Novel
“Death will slay with his wings whoever disturbs the peace of the pharaoh.”-Egyptian Curse of the Pharaohs.
1184 BCE.
Raised in a world of privilege and nobility, eighteen-year-old Akl can no longer stand by as poverty and disease ravage the people of Set Ma’at. This village, on the Nile’s West Bank, is home to tomb workers and their families, struggling to survive. Meanwhile, across the river in Thebes, the capital of Upper Egypt, wealth and prosperity abound.
Witnessing the horrific death of a childhood friend from the yellow-skinned disease, Akl is spurred to action, resolute in rectifying the negligence of Pharaoh Ramses III and his unsympathetic court. Risking both family shame and brutal impalement, Akl forms a band of thieves secretly raiding the most lucrative locations in the royal tombs.
Pillaging, beyond the jackal-headed protection of Anubis, Akl’s thieves seize only what is necessary to feed and provide for the families of the very men who dig the burial chambers. But when a prominent cherished jewel surfaces from the underground market, Pharaoh Ramses strikes back with defenses of his own to halt the forbidden crimes.
Despite utmost caution, Akl’s identity is revealed, forcing the thief to seek salvation from a cunning, mysterious, and formidable adversary.
But will this aid bring perils of its own?
Soul Thief interweaves the irresistible, exquisite mysteries of ancient Egyptian life with a captivating Robin Hood tale written by the bestselling historical fiction author of The Berlin Girl series.
1184 BCE.
Raised in a world of privilege and nobility, eighteen-year-old Akl can no longer stand by as poverty and disease ravage the people of Set Ma’at. This village, on the Nile’s West Bank, is home to tomb workers and their families, struggling to survive. Meanwhile, across the river in Thebes, the capital of Upper Egypt, wealth and prosperity abound.
Witnessing the horrific death of a childhood friend from the yellow-skinned disease, Akl is spurred to action, resolute in rectifying the negligence of Pharaoh Ramses III and his unsympathetic court. Risking both family shame and brutal impalement, Akl forms a band of thieves secretly raiding the most lucrative locations in the royal tombs.
Pillaging, beyond the jackal-headed protection of Anubis, Akl’s thieves seize only what is necessary to feed and provide for the families of the very men who dig the burial chambers. But when a prominent cherished jewel surfaces from the underground market, Pharaoh Ramses strikes back with defenses of his own to halt the forbidden crimes.
Despite utmost caution, Akl’s identity is revealed, forcing the thief to seek salvation from a cunning, mysterious, and formidable adversary.
But will this aid bring perils of its own?
Soul Thief interweaves the irresistible, exquisite mysteries of ancient Egyptian life with a captivating Robin Hood tale written by the bestselling historical fiction author of The Berlin Girl series.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2025
8 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Leah Moyes
31 books186 followersLeah Moyes is a wife and a mother, a former teacher and coach with a background in Anthropology and History. Between writing and archaeological digs, the world is her playground.
She loves popcorn and seafood (though not together) and is slowly checking off her very long bucket list.
She loves popcorn and seafood (though not together) and is slowly checking off her very long bucket list.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 16, 2025
Leah Moyes writes a magnificent ancient Egyptian tale
In Soul Thief An Ancient Egyptian Novel, the author puts her knowledge of anthropology, and research into this ancient Egyptian themed novel. I am a big fan of Leah Moyes and want to read whatever this author writes. This author has a grand imagination, and talent for showing the story. Introducing Akila, who is the protagonist, but also a tomb thief. Akila believes that she is doing the right thing, by stealing artifacts from tombs, but she also tries to convince herself that her personal desires may trump any moral discrepancies in her life. The story is about the consequences of her actions, but also her bonds with her parents, and Moises's family. She is one determined character, and it shows in the writing of her story. And it's not just a story of Akila, but the interconnections between culture and history of Egyptians, including traditions, beliefs, and structure of their society. It is indeed an alluring story, which made this reader keep turning the pages. Combine the bonds of loyalty, and moral indications, as well as strength of the human spirit, dead or alive. This story is a definite attention grabber, so much I couldn't put it down. Soul Thief is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that readers of this book, be kind, and also write a review.
In Soul Thief An Ancient Egyptian Novel, the author puts her knowledge of anthropology, and research into this ancient Egyptian themed novel. I am a big fan of Leah Moyes and want to read whatever this author writes. This author has a grand imagination, and talent for showing the story. Introducing Akila, who is the protagonist, but also a tomb thief. Akila believes that she is doing the right thing, by stealing artifacts from tombs, but she also tries to convince herself that her personal desires may trump any moral discrepancies in her life. The story is about the consequences of her actions, but also her bonds with her parents, and Moises's family. She is one determined character, and it shows in the writing of her story. And it's not just a story of Akila, but the interconnections between culture and history of Egyptians, including traditions, beliefs, and structure of their society. It is indeed an alluring story, which made this reader keep turning the pages. Combine the bonds of loyalty, and moral indications, as well as strength of the human spirit, dead or alive. This story is a definite attention grabber, so much I couldn't put it down. Soul Thief is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that readers of this book, be kind, and also write a review.
November 8, 2025
A gripping historical fiction based in ancient Egyptian!
I really enjoyed this story, Akila was a little annoying at times bordering on just making dumb decisions with no thought because she leads purely with her heart, but it wasn’t unbearable. I loved where her heart was at, the unnecessary stubbornness was a little exhausting though.
I absolutely loved Sethos, he comes off as brooding with little to no personality at first, but once we start to see his true self he was completely lovable.
This was refreshing on the romance front tbh. I feel like so many romances in books have become copy pasted and kind of shallow. I like the focus on their emotional connection rather than just the physical attraction.
Overall it was a beautiful read.
I really enjoyed this story, Akila was a little annoying at times bordering on just making dumb decisions with no thought because she leads purely with her heart, but it wasn’t unbearable. I loved where her heart was at, the unnecessary stubbornness was a little exhausting though.
I absolutely loved Sethos, he comes off as brooding with little to no personality at first, but once we start to see his true self he was completely lovable.
This was refreshing on the romance front tbh. I feel like so many romances in books have become copy pasted and kind of shallow. I like the focus on their emotional connection rather than just the physical attraction.
Overall it was a beautiful read.
October 22, 2025
Robin Hood Meets The Mummy
The book had so many great aspects to it. From books and movies like the Prince of Thieves to Robin Hood to The Mummy all inside this historic action drama fiction.
So many great references and descriptions. It helped build a world and picture for me! I am very visual so the more details the better it is for me!
The book had so many great aspects to it. From books and movies like the Prince of Thieves to Robin Hood to The Mummy all inside this historic action drama fiction.
So many great references and descriptions. It helped build a world and picture for me! I am very visual so the more details the better it is for me!
December 9, 2025
I enjoyed this book! Loved the history and architecture 🤓 the characters were great and I feel like we really got to know each of them.
December 30, 2025
Ooo this was fun. 9/10 for me- the plot was engaging and suspenseful, and has me wanting to learn more about Egyptian history and rituals. A very fun read!
January 5, 2026
It held my attention all the way through.
When i had to take a break from reading I was anxious to get back to it again. A very different and fun read.
When i had to take a break from reading I was anxious to get back to it again. A very different and fun read.
January 6, 2026
Excellent written history by Moyes on Upper and Lower Egypt! Characters were very compelling in this twisting tale. Fantastic read and you should pick it up!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews